Largest Banks in United States
The bankinglandscape in the United States is dominated by several major financial institutions, including widely recognized names such as Bank of America and Wells Fargo. Alongside these giants, the list of top banks also features regional and specialized institutions like Truist, TD Bank, and State Street, which may not be as familiar to the general public.
Each year, the rankings shift as emerging banks with strong digital capabilities, competitive savings rates, and innovative services attract customers away from traditional players. As a result, the market continues to evolve, highlighting the growing importance of technology and customer experience in modern banking.
Below is the updated list of the 20 largest U.S. banks ranked by total assets.
Each bank on the list is accompanied by key details that help readers understand its background and structure:
Headquarters:
Many major U.S. banks maintain two headquarters—one for their official charter and another for executive operations. Charter locations are often based in states with more favorable regulatory or tax policies, such as South Dakota, while executive offices are typically located in major financial hubs like New York City.
Domestic Asset Percentage:
This figure represents how much of a bank’s total assets are held within the United States. For every institution included in this list, U.S. assets make up the majority of their overall holdings.
Branch Count:
This refers to how many physical branches a bank operates nationwide. Banks that focus heavily on consumer and small-business services tend to have extensive branch networks, sometimes numbering in the thousands. On the other hand, institutions that primarily serve large corporations or investmentclients often operate with far fewer branches.
Founding Date:
Some banks have roots going back to the 1700s or 1800s, while others emerged more recently. In certain cases—such as JPMorgan Chase and Truist—the institution’s current form is the result of mergers, even though the original entities have much older histories.
Current CEO:
This identifies the executive responsible for overseeing the bank’s daily operations. All the banks listed are governed by boards of directors, and many are publicly traded companies, adding layers of oversight and accountability.
20 Largest Banks in the U.S. by Total Assets
1. JPMorgan Chase
JPMorgan Chase is the largest bank in the United States and one of the most influential financial institutions in the world. Although the current company was officially formed in 2000, its origins trace back to 1799, when The Manhattan Company—its earliest predecessor—was established. Over the centuries, a series of mergers helped shape the modern bank that is now a key part of America’s financial landscape.
Assets: $3.38 trillion
Total Asset Value: $3.38 trillion
Headquarters: Columbus, Ohio (charter) & New York, New York (executive)
Domestic Asset Percentage: 76%
Branch Count: 4,828 branches
Founded: December 31, 2000 (modern structure)
CEO: Jamie Dimon
A Brief History
Although the bank carries the name of legendary financier J.P. Morgan, the institution’s earliest roots began long before Morgan’s lifetime. The Manhattan Company, founded in 1799, eventually became part of what would later evolve into JPMorgan Chase.
The modern version of the bank was created when J.P. Morgan & Co. merged with The Chase Manhattan Company in 2000. In the years that followed, JPMorgan Chase expanded rapidly through major acquisitions. It purchased Bank One in 2004, and during the 2008 financial crisis, it took over Bear Stearns and Washington Mutual, strengthening its national presence. The company also gained significant financial momentum from General Motors’ $23 billion IPO in 2010.
JPMorgan Chase Today
Now one of the most prominent financial institutions in the U.S., JPMorgan Chase operates nearly 5,000 branches nationwide. The bank is well known for its broad suite of consumer and small-business services, including popular cash-back and travel credit cards. Its continued growth reflects both strategic acquisitions and a strong emphasis on digital banking and customer experience.
2. Bank of America
Bank of America stands as one of the largest and most recognizable banks in the United States. While it was already a major financial institution before the late-2000s financial crisis, a series of major acquisitions during that turbulent period transformed it into a nationwide powerhouse. Today, it’s hard to find a U.S. city that doesn’t have at least one Bank of America branch.
Assets: $2.44 trillion
Total Asset Value: $2.44 trillion
Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina
Domestic Asset Percentage: 95%
Branch Count: 3,895 branches
Founded: September 30, 1998 (modern structure)
CEO: Brian Moynihan
A Brief History
Bank of America’s roots trace back to an unexpected place — the early 20th-century Bank of Italy in San Francisco. Founded to support Italian immigrants who faced challenges accessing financial services, Bank of Italy quickly grew and expanded its services. In 1922, it merged to form Bank of America and Italy, eventually evolving into the more streamlined BankAmerica as it expanded across the country.
The present-day Bank of America was created in 1998, when NationsBank, a major Charlotte-based institution, acquired BankAmerica in what became the largest bank merger in U.S. history at that time.
Growth in the 2000s
During the financial turbulence of the late 2000s, Bank of America made several major acquisitions that reshaped its presence in the banking and investment landscape. In 2007, it purchased Countrywide Financial, a major mortgage lender, and in 2008 it acquired Merrill Lynch, giving the bank one of the nation’s largest investment advisory and brokerage networks.
Bank of America Today
Now known for its vast nationwide presence and wide range of financial products, Bank of America serves millions of customers across consumer banking, mortgages, credit cards, and investment services. Even if you don’t personally bank with them, there’s a strong chance that someone in your circle does—reflecting the company’s massive footprint in the American financial ecosystem.
3. Citibank
Citibankstands out among the largest U.S. banks for its strong global presence and emphasis on corporate finance. Compared with many of its peers, it operates on a more international scale and has a significant focus on investment banking and large-scale lending. It is also the only bank on this list currently led by a woman CEO.
Assets: $1.72 trillion
Total Asset Value: $1.72 trillion
Headquarters: Sioux Falls, South Dakota (charter) & New York, New York (executive)
Domestic Asset Percentage: 60%
Branch Count: 666 branches
Founded: June 16, 1812
CEO: Jane Fraser
Historical Background
Citibank’s origins date back to 1812, when it was founded as City Bank in New York City. Its early years coincided with the War of 1812, during which the young United States faced severe financial strain. City Bank played a crucial role by providing a $700,000 capital infusion—an enormous sum for that era—that helped the federal government stabilize.
The bank’s leadership and founders were deeply connected to the political and business networks of the time, ensuring its continued growth and influence. Over the 19th and early 20th centuries, City Bank invested heavily in projects that shaped the modern economy, including major infrastructure developments such as electrical systems and transatlantic communication cables.
Citibank Today
Now operating as a key division of Citigroup, Citibank is recognized worldwide for its strength in investment banking, corporate services, and consumer financial products. With a footprint that spans numerous countries, it remains one of the most globalized American banks. Citibank is also notable for being one of the only major banks led by a woman CEO, Jane Fraser, and for offering attractive account bonuses that consistently draw new customers.
4. Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo began in the 1850s as a frontier bank serving the rapidly expanding American West. Founded by Henry Wells and William G. Fargo, the company provided essential financial services to growing Western cities and remote communities. Today, it has grown into one of the most recognizable financial institutions in the United States.
Assets: $1.71 trillion
Total Asset Value: $1.71 trillion
Headquarters: Sioux Falls, South Dakota (charter) & San Francisco, California (executive)
Domestic Asset Percentage: 99%
Branch Count: 4,739 branches
Founded: March 18, 1852
CEO: Charles Scharf
Historical Background
Wells Fargo is the smallest—though only slightly—of the four major U.S.-based megabanks. Its history stretches back over 170 years, and its founders played a crucial role in connecting a growing nation. As the United States expanded westward, Wells and Fargo helped strengthen the young country’s financial infrastructure by offering reliable banking and express services.
The bank later helped solidify San Francisco’s role as a major financial center, especially as trade opportunities expanded across the Pacific. After the devastating 1906 earthquake, Wells Fargo played a significant part in helping rebuild the city. Decades later, the bank also supported the nation during World War II by contributing to the financing of U.S. war bond programs.
Wells Fargo Today
Wells Fargo serves millions of customers across consumer banking, small-business banking, mortgages, and other financial services. While the bank has a strong nationwide presence, it has also faced notable controversies in recent years. In 2012, it paid over $175 million to settle allegations of discriminatory lending brought by the U.S. Department of Justice. It later paid more than $3 billion to resolve civil and criminal cases tied to unauthorized account openings—a scandal that significantly impacted its public image.
Despite these challenges, Wells Fargo remains one of the largest and most influential banks in the United States, with a wide branch network and a long-standing presence in American finance.
5. U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank has deep roots in American financial history, with its earliest predecessor institutions—the First National Bank of Cincinnati and the First National Bank of Minneapolis—dating back to the 1860s. Over time, the company expanded by acquiring numerous regional banks, eventually becoming a nationwide financial institution with a strong coast-to-coast presence.
Assets: $582 billion
Total Asset Value: $582 billion
Headquarters: Cincinnati, Ohio (charter) & Minneapolis, Minnesota (executive)
Domestic Asset Percentage: 98%
Branch Count: 2,251 branches
Founded: July 13, 1863
CEO: Andrew Cecere
Historical Background
U.S. Bank’s story began during the Civil War era. The First National Bank of Cincinnati opened in 1863, followed soon after by the First National Bank of Minneapolis. Though the modern institution operates under a single brand today, it continues to maintain a strong presence in both cities that shaped its early identity.
Over the decades, U.S. Bank grew steadily by acquiring regional banks across the country. This strategic expansion helped it evolve into a major national player while maintaining solid ties to local communities.
U.S. Bank Today
Compared with many other large financial institutions, U.S. Bank maintains a strong domestic focus. Unlike banks with a large international footprint—such as Citibank—U.S. Bank primarily serves customers within the United States. Its core strengths lie in consumer banking, small-business services, and a competitive suite of credit cardsand deposit accounts.
With more than 2,200 branches across the country, U.S. Bank continues to be a trusted financial partner for millions of Americans.
6. PNC Bank
PNC Bank was created in 1983 through the merger of two major Pennsylvania financial institutions—Pittsburgh National Corporation and Provident National Corporation. The two companies not only shared a similar mission but also the same initials, making the PNC brand a natural fit. Today, PNC operates extensively across the eastern and central regions of the United States, serving millions of consumers and businesses.
Assets: $533 billion
Total Asset Value: $533 billion
Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware (charter) & Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (executive)
Domestic Asset Percentage: 100%
Branch Count: 2,639 branches
Founded: April 10, 1845
CEO: Bill Demchak
Historical Background
Though PNC Bank’s modern structure dates to 1983, both predecessor institutions have histories stretching back well over a century. Provident National Corporation played a significant role in serving communities throughout the Mid-Atlantic—especially the greater Philadelphia region. Pittsburgh National Corporation, meanwhile, helped fuel economic growth in Pittsburgh and the broader industrial areas of the Appalachian and Midwest regions.
Their merger created a stronger, more diversified financial institution with deep roots across Pennsylvania and surrounding states.
PNC Bank Today
PNC has grown into one of the largest consumer and commercial banks in the country. The bank offers a broad range of services, including personal banking, small-business banking, corporate lending, and treasury management. Unlike some major competitors with extensive international operations, PNC is entirely focused on the U.S. market—its assets, deposits, and lending activities are all domestic.
With more than 2,600 branches and a strong presence across multiple states, PNC continues to be a leading choice for individuals and businesses seeking dependable financial services.
7. Truist Bank
Truist Bank is the newest major financial institution on this list, formed through the 2019 merger of two long-established Southern banks—BB&T and SunTrust. Although Truist itself is relatively young, its predecessor institutions have histories dating back more than a century, each having grown steadily through regional expansion and strategic acquisitions.
Assets: $532 billion
Total Asset Value: $532 billion
Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina (charter) & Atlanta, Georgia (executive)
Domestic Asset Percentage: 100%
Branch Count: 2,117 branches
Founded: December 6, 2019
CEO: Bill Rogers
Historical Background
BB&T, originally based in North Carolina, was a major force in commercial and consumer banking across the Southeast. The company expanded significantly during the 1990s and 2000s, especially after its 1997 “merger of equals” with Southern National Bank. Over the years, BB&T absorbed a variety of institutions, including One Valley Bancorp, MidAmerica Bancorp, and Main Street Banks.
SunTrust Banks, headquartered in Georgia and Florida, built its presence through a series of acquisitions as well. While it grew its consumer banking footprint, many of its largest deals involved investment and asset-management firms rather than traditional deposit banks.
Truist Bank Today
The combination of BB&T and SunTrust created one of the largest banks in the southeastern United States. Truist now offers a broad suite of services spanning personal banking, commercial lending, wealth management, and digital financial tools. With a fully domestic asset base and more than 2,000 branches, the bank continues to strengthen its presence across the region.
8. Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs began its journey in 1869, building its reputation by specializing in “commercial paper,” a form of short-term lending for businesses that needed quick access to capital. Over the decades, the company expanded far beyond its early niche, transforming into one of the world’s leading investmentbanks with a strong global presence.
Assets: $502 billion
Total Asset Value: $502 billion
Headquarters: New York, New York
Domestic Asset Percentage: 87%
Branch Count: 2 branches
Founded: 1869
CEO: David M. Solomon
Historical Background
Unlike many traditional U.S. banks, Goldman Sachs evolved with a sharper focus on corporate finance and capital markets. Founder Marcus Goldman introduced commercial paper financing, a groundbreaking solution at the time, helping companies secure short-term loans more efficiently. By 1896, Goldman Sachs had gone public and began expanding into other major U.S. cities, earning a strong reputation within the business community.
Goldman Sachs Today
Although the bank has diversified its services, Goldman Sachs remains heavily oriented toward institutional and high-finance clients. Its core business lines include investment banking, securities trading, asset management, and corporate advisory services.
The company’s consumer footprint is intentionally limited, reflected by its small number of physical branches. Under the Marcus brand, Goldman Sachs has entered the retail banking space with products like savings accounts and personal loans—but consumer banking remains only a small part of its overall strategy.
9. TD Bank
TD Bank is one of the largest banks in the eastern United States, though its roots trace back to Canada. The bank expanded aggressively into the U.S. market during the mid-2000s by acquiring Banknorth and Commerce Bank, giving it a strong regional footprint with more than 1,000 branch locations and one of the largest ATM networks in the region.
Assets: $405 billion
Total Asset Value: $405 billion
Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware
Domestic Asset Percentage: 100%
Branch Count: 1,159 branches
Founded: February 1, 1955
CEO: Leo Salom
Historical Background
The name TD stands for Toronto-Dominion, reflecting the bank’s origins as one of Canada’s largest and most influential financial institutions. For decades, the company played a major role in commercial lending, wealth management, and brokerage services across Canada.
TD Bank’s U.S. presence grew significantly in 1996 when it acquired Waterhouse Investor Services, a move that later positioned the company as a dominant force in discount brokerage through TD Ameritrade. Anyone who has invested through TD Ameritrade or its successor under Charles Schwab has indirectly interacted with TD Bank’s financial ecosystem.
TD Bank in the United States
TD’s U.S. deposit operations began to take shape in the 2000s. The bank purchased Banknorth in 2005 and Commerce Bank in 2007, expanding its reach across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and parts of the Southeast. These acquisitions added more than 1,000 branches and helped TD Bank establish itself as a major regional institution known for extended branch hours and customer-friendly services.
Today, TD Bank is fully focused on the U.S. market on the retail side, with all of its listed assets held domestically.
10. Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley is one of the most influential names in global finance, and its origin story is directly tied to the landmark Glass–Steagall Act of the 1930s. Because the act required major banks to separate their commercial and investment banking services, several former J.P. Morgan partners created Morgan Stanley to continue the investment banking arm independently.
Assets:$391 Billion
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Asset Value | $391 billion |
| Headquarters | Purchase, New York & Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Domestic Asset Percentage | 100% |
| Number of Branches | 0 |
| Founded | September 5, 1935 |
| CEO | James P. Gorman |
Morgan Stanley entered the market with a built-in advantage—an experienced leadership team and access to an established client base. In its very first year, the firm captured roughly 25% of all U.S. IPOs and private placements, instantly establishing itself as a dominant investment banking force.
Over the decades, Morgan Stanley has expanded its services while staying true to its Wall Street roots. Today, the firm operates in three major segments:
- Investment Banking – advisory, underwriting, capital markets
- Investment Management – institutional and retail investment solutions
- Wealth Management (Private Banking) – one of the largest financial advisory networks in the world
For practical purposes, the asset figure listed here combines the totals of Morgan Stanley’s two primary subsidiaries, giving a clear picture of the institution’s overall financial strength.
11. Capital One Bank
Capital One Bank stands out as the only major U.S. financial institution still run by its original founder. Richard Fairbank, who launched the bank in 1994, continues to serve as its chairman and CEO. His unconventional approach to consumer banking and credit products has helped Capital One grow into a dominant force in online finance and the credit card market.
Assets:$388 Billion
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Asset Value | $388 billion |
| Headquarters | McLean, Virginia |
| Domestic Asset Percentage | 100% |
| Number of Branches | 296 |
| Founded | July 21, 1994 |
| CEO | Richard Fairbank |
Capital One has always operated with a startup-like mindset—lean, innovative, and tech-forward. Unlike other big banks on this list, it wasn’t built through decades of mergers and acquisitions. Instead, it entered the market with a clear mission: to provide flexible, accessible banking solutions without relying heavily on traditional branch networks.
Long before digital banking became mainstream, Capital One emphasized remote and mobile-friendly financial services. This early focus on convenience and technology set the stage for the bank’s credit card success, which remains its most recognizable product line today.
In addition to its credit card leadership, Capital One is a strong competitor in:
- Online savings and checking accounts
- Small-business banking
- Auto loans
- Commercial and corporate lending
Capital One still operates relatively few traditional branches, but its expanding network of Capital One Cafés blends banking with a more relaxed, community-driven environment, offering basic services in a modern, approachable setting.
12. BNY Mellon
BNY Mellon operates much more like a “banker’s bank” than a traditional consumer institution—similar to Goldman Sachs. And that model works exceptionally well for the company, which stands today as the world’s largest securities services provider.
Assets:$365 Billion
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Asset Value | $365 billion |
| Headquarters | New York, New York |
| Domestic Asset Percentage | 71% |
| Number of Branches | 2 |
| Founded | July 1, 2007 |
| CEO | Todd Gibbons |
BNY Mellon isn’t designed for everyday consumers—and that’s by design. Its primary role in the global financial system revolves around custody banking, asset servicing, and institutional solutions that support corporations, governments, and major investment firms. Its scale and expertise have positioned it as a critical backbone of global finance.
The bank’s modern structure was formed in 2007, when the Bank of New York and Mellon Financial Corporation merged—two institutions with deep roots in American financial history.
- The Bank of New York, founded in 1784, was created by none other than Alexander Hamilton—yes, the same Hamilton who helped design the U.S. financial system and later inspired a Broadway phenomenon.
- Mellon Financial Corporation traces its lineage to T. Mellon & Sons Bank, founded in Pittsburgh by Thomas Mellon, whose family name is now tied to Carnegie Mellon University, one of the top research institutions in the world.
These two historic forces combined to form the BNY Mellon we know today: a global leader in asset custody, wealth management, and financial infrastructure.
13. State Street
State Street operates primarily behind the scenes, focusing on custodial services and investment management, much like Goldman Sachs and BNY Mellon. If you invest in ETFs or mutual funds, there’s a good chance State Street plays a role in managing your assets.
Assets:$296 Billion
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Asset Value | $296 billion |
| Headquarters | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Domestic Asset Percentage | 69% |
| Number of Branches | 2 |
| Founded | 1792 |
| CEO | Ronald P. O’Hanley |
Founded in 1792, State Street is one of the oldest continuously operating financial institutions in the United States. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the bank thrived alongside Boston’s maritime and industrial growth, becoming a significant player in New England’s retail banking market. In 1999, State Street exited consumer banking by selling its branches and related assets to Citizens Bank, allowing it to focus entirely on institutional clients.
Today, State Street is best known for its investment products. Alongside companies like Vanguard, it is a leader in low-cost ETFs and mutual funds, with a strong emphasis on index funds that track market performance rather than attempt to outperform it. The bank’s scale and systemic importance have earned it recognition as a systemically important financial institution by the international Financial Stability Board—essentially marking it as “too big to fail.”
14. Citizens Bank
Citizens Bank has a long history of serving consumers and businesses in the Northeast, particularly Rhode Island, where it was founded nearly 200 years ago. Over the decades, it evolved from a regional bank into a major financial institution across the eastern United States.
Assets:$227 Billion
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Asset Value | $227 billion |
| Headquarters | Providence, Rhode Island |
| Domestic Asset Percentage | 100% |
| Number of Branches | 1,165 |
| Founded | 1828 |
| CEO | Bruce Van Saun |
Originally established as High Street Bank in 1828, Citizens Bank remained a relatively modest regional player for more than a century. Its growth trajectory changed dramatically in 1988 when it was acquired by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group, which set the stage for an ambitious expansion strategy.
Through a series of acquisitions and regional expansions, Citizens Bank became one of the largest banks in the Northeast by the early 2000s. Despite facing challenges during the financial crisis, including some legal and financial hurdles, the bank has continued to strengthen its presence.
Today, Citizens Bank operates over 1,000 branches and more than 3,000 ATMs across the eastern United States, serving millions of consumers and businesses with personal banking, commercial lending, and wealth management services.
15. Silicon Valley Bank
Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) is one of the most influential banks in the U.S. tech ecosystem, even if the average person has never heard of it. The bank plays a critical role in funding high-growth technology companies, venture capital firms, and startups, making it a cornerstone of America’s innovation economy.
Assets:$212 Billion
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Asset Value | $212 billion |
| Headquarters | Santa Clara, California |
| Domestic Asset Percentage | 94% |
| Number of Branches | 16 |
| Founded | 1983 |
| CEO | Gregory W. Becker |
Historical Background
Founded in the early 1980s, Silicon Valley Bank was established to support the emerging tech sector in its namesake region. Its goal was to provide specialized financial services that traditional banks often could not, including venture financing and tailored lending for startups.
Silicon Valley Bank Today
SVB operates through four main divisions:
- Commercial Banking – supporting tech companies with lending and deposits
- Investment Banking – advisory and capital-raising services
- Venture Capital Banking – partnerships with top VC firms
- Private Banking & Wealth Management – services for high-net-worth clients
The bank has backed some of the world’s most successful technology companies, including Shopify, Teladoc, and top venture firms like Andreessen Horowitz. While it primarily serves entrepreneurs, investors, and high-net-worth individuals, SVB’s influence extends across the entire innovation economy—even for those who never interact with it directly.
16. Fifth Third Bank
Fifth Third Bank has a long-standing history in the American Midwest, tracing its origins to 1858 as the Bank of the Ohio Valley in Cincinnati. Over the decades, a series of mergers and reorganizations led to the creation of the Fifth Third Union Trust Company in 1927, shaping the bank into the institution it is today.
Assets:$206 Billion
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Asset Value | $206 billion |
| Headquarters | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| Domestic Asset Percentage | 100% |
| Number of Branches | 1,097 |
| Founded | June 17, 1858 |
| CEO | Greg D. Carmichael |
Historical Background
Fifth Third Bank strengthened its presence in the Ohio Valley throughout the early 20th century and later expanded across the Midwest and Southeast. The bank has been an early adopter of innovative banking technology, including the JEANIE ATM, one of the first automated teller machines, and the country’s first shared ATM network.
Fifth Third Bank Today
Currently, Fifth Third Bank operates hundreds of branches from Florida to Michigan, serving millions of consumers and businesses. Its services include retail banking, commercial lending, and digital financial solutions, making it a key regional player with a strong domestic focus.
17. M&T Bank
M&T Bank has grown from its industrial-era origins in Buffalo, New York, to become a major regional bank serving millions of customers across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. The bank is widely recognized for its community presence, including the naming rights to M&T Bank Stadium, home of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens.
Assets:$204 Billion
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Asset Value | $204 billion |
| Headquarters | Buffalo, New York |
| Domestic Asset Percentage | 100% |
| Number of Branches | 1,082 |
| Founded | August 29, 1856 |
| CEO | Rene F. Jones |
Historical Background
Founded as the Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company in 1856, M&T Bank benefited from Buffalo’s rapid growth as a manufacturing and transportation hub. Its early success was closely tied to the economic expansion of the region.
Expansion and Growth
Even as Buffalo and other Rust Belt cities experienced decline in the latter half of the 20th century, M&T Bank pursued strategic growth. Starting in the 1980s, it acquired over 20 local and regional banks throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, solidifying its footprint as a major regional player.
M&T Bank Today
Today, M&T Bank operates more than 1,000 branches, providing a full suite of consumer banking, commercial lending, and small-business services. Its influence stretches from upstate New York to Virginia, making it a trusted institution for both individuals and businesses in the region.
18. First Republic Bank
First Republic Bank caters to high-net-worth clients across the United States, offering a specialized blend of consumer banking, business banking, and wealth management services. Its branch network is small but strategically located in affluent areas along the East and West coasts.
Assets:$198 Billion
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Asset Value | $198 billion |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California |
| Domestic Asset Percentage | 100% |
| Number of Branches | 72 |
| Founded | July 1, 1985 |
| CEO | Michael J. Roffler |
Bank Overview
Founded in 1985, First Republic Bank focuses on serving clients with significant financial resources. Its limited branch network reflects a targeted approach rather than broad accessibility, concentrating on major cities in California, Oregon, New York, Connecticut, and Wyoming.
Services and Strategy
Unlike investment banks such as Morgan Stanley, First Republic is dedicated to private banking and wealth management. It has also expanded into private student lending, owning startups like Gradifi and CommonBond. This focus allows the bank to maintain a personalized, high-touch experience for its clientele while continuing to grow in niche markets.
19. KeyBank
KeyBank, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, serves millions of consumers and small businesses across the industrial Midwest and Northeast. With a broad network of branches and ATMs, it remains a major regional banking presence.
Assets:$185 Billion
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Asset Value | $185 billion |
| Headquarters | Cleveland, Ohio |
| Domestic Asset Percentage | 100% |
| Number of Branches | 998 |
| Founded | 1825 |
| CEO | Christopher M. Gorman |
Historical Background
KeyBank’s roots trace back to 1825, with one predecessor, Society National Bank, founded in Cleveland. It financed early skyscrapers in the city and steadily grew its deposits throughout the industrial Midwest. Initially focused on the Cleveland area, the bank began expanding in the late 1950s through a series of acquisitions.
Merger and Growth
The 1994 merger with New York-based KeyBank, originally the National Commercial Bank of Albany, created the modern KeyBank. Today, the institution operates nearly 1,000 branches and 100,000 fee-free ATMs, providing retail banking, commercial lending, and wealth management services across its service region.
20. Huntington Bank
Huntington Bank is a leading regional bank in the Midwest, known for its strong focus on consumer banking, small- and midsize business services, and SBA loan origination. Its branch network spans from Minnesota to West Virginia, making it one of the largest consumer banks in the region by branch count.
Assets:$178 Billion
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Asset Value | $178 billion |
| Headquarters | Columbus, Ohio |
| Domestic Asset Percentage | 100% |
| Number of Branches | 1,104 |
| Founded | 1866 |
| CEO | Stephen D. Steinour |
Historical Background
Huntington Bank was founded in 1866 by P.W. Huntington with a single branch in downtown Columbus, Ohio. Over the decades, it acquired several local competitors, establishing itself as the dominant retail bank in central Ohio.
Expansion and Growth
The bank steadily expanded throughout the 1960s and 1970s, first across Ohio and later into neighboring states. By the early 2000s, Huntington operated hundreds of branches across the Midwest. Its 2020 merger with Detroit-based TCF Bank further strengthened its presence, making Huntington one of the region’s largest and most influential financial institutions.
Today, Huntington continues to serve millions of customers, providing a comprehensive suite of banking services while maintaining a strong commitment to small business lending and community engagement.
How the 20 Largest U.S. Banks Shape America’s Financial LandscapeConclusion
The largest banks in the United States play a crucial role in shaping the country’s financial landscape. From global giants like JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America to regional powerhouses like Huntington Bank and M&T Bank, these institutions serve millions of consumers, small businesses, and corporations. While some focus on consumer banking and branch networks, others specialize in investment banking, wealth management, or niche markets like technology startups.
Understanding these banks’ histories, asset sizes, and operational focuses provides insight into how the U.S. financial system functions. Whether you’re a consumer choosing a bank, an investor evaluating financial institutions, or simply curious about the industry, knowing the leaders in banking can help you make informed decisions.
From long-standing institutions dating back to the 18th century to modern banks built through mergers and innovation, these 20 banks highlight the diversity, scale, and influence of American banking today.










