Spotlight On: Andrew Griffin, Regional Executive, First Bank

Key points:

• • First Bank is expanding its loan and deposit base in Charlotte, supported by strong collaboration between commercial and retail banking teams.
• • Charlotte’s population growth and diversified economy continue to drive demand across real estate, technology, and services.
• • The bank is investing in technology, talent development, and community engagement to support long-term regional growth.

March 2026 — Invest: spoke with Andrew Griffin, regional executive at First Bank, about how the bank is scaling in Charlotte, what clients are asking for, and where talent, technology, and community investment intersect. “Our commercial bankers and our retail bankers really partner together to help our clients,” Griffin said.

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Looking back on the past year, what changes, shifts, or strengths have had the greatest impact on First Bank, how you operate, and the region as a whole?

We were able to grow our loan book substantially during the past year. Here in Charlotte, we positioned ourselves as one of the few banks that were able to take care of our clients, expand certain segments of our commercial loan book, and continue identifying new, attractive, and profitable prospects. It has been a tremendous year for us and for the Charlotte region within First Bank overall.

Our net interest margin continues to expand, and we believe it will continue to improve with rate decreases, which are likely going forward. We also continue to diversify our base here in Charlotte, not only on the loan side but on the deposit side, and that is a key metric we track closely.

A big part of our success in Charlotte is how our teams work together. Our commercial bankers and our retail bankers partner together well to assist our clients. That level of collaboration is something I have not always seen elsewhere, and it is part of our winning formula at First Bank.

We are also fortunate to have experienced bankers and a high-touch customer service model. Not only were we able to retain deposits, but we were also able to grow them. Our low-cost deposit base enables us to grow our loan book and expand our net interest margin. Our Charlotte region continues to lead the way for the bank in that regard.

In 2025, we relocated our Ballantyne branch to a more visible and accessible location, which has been successful. We are also considering moving other branches to more visible sites in 2026. These investments reinforce our commitment to the Charlotte region and position First Bank as a strong, long-term player in the local banking community.

What makes Charlotte and the broader region you oversee an ideal base for First Bank’s growth strategy?

Charlotte is the economic engine of North Carolina, and I would argue it also drives much of Upstate South Carolina. At First Bank, we view Charlotte as the tip of the spear when it comes to lending. This region typically leads the bank in production and growth, which ultimately drives net income.

It is the combination of location, opportunity, and the experience of our bankers here. We have strong credit partners and a solid client mix. Those factors together make Charlotte the place where First Bank should lead in terms of growth and profitability.

How are you seeing current business sentiment among your clients across the metro area? What are they optimistic or concerned about?

Client sentiment across most industries is positive. We are fortunate to be in the Southeast and in the Charlotte market specifically. People continue moving here every day, which supports our clients, the broader economy, and both commercial and retail banking.

Key industries driving our success include real estate, technology, services, and much of manufacturing. Our clients are increasingly focused on payment solutions and treasury services, so we spend significant time investing in those areas.

On the concern side, fraud is a major issue across financial services. As money moves faster, fraud tends to follow, and we invest heavily to protect our clients and the bank.

Overall, the economy remains strong in Charlotte. We talk with our clients constantly and see their financial performance, which continues to perform well. Interest rates quickly moved higher in the recent cycle, forcing banks to adapt. We navigated that environment well and were early in seeing net interest margins stabilize and then increase again. Today, we are lending aggressively, and our balance sheet is positioned well as rates begin to move lower.

What banking products or services are clients seeking most, and how are you adapting to meet those needs?

We focus on a balance of branch presence, digital capabilities, and service enhancements. We know we are not going to outbranch the largest banks, so we are selective with locations and emphasize convenience and accessibility.

At the same time, we invest heavily in technology, including treasury services, online banking, deposit solutions, bill pay, and user experience. When paired with experienced bankers, it becomes a winning formula.

We do not shy away from complex financial situations or industries. We have the products and services to meet those needs, but more importantly, we have bankers who know how to apply them effectively.

How do you assess the banking talent pool in Charlotte, and how are you planning for the future?

It is a competitive market, but there is strong talent available. That said, the talent pool is aging, and there is a gap in the 30- to 40-year-old range, which presents challenges.

We are fortunate to attract experienced bankers with strong reputations and established books of business. At the same time, we invest heavily in internal development. We bring in analysts, expose them to the business, and evaluate who has the ability to move into banking roles over time.

We want younger team members to shadow experienced bankers and learn the business. Thoughtful succession planning benefits clients, bankers, and the institution as a whole.

Where are you focused on growing over the next few years?

We do not see major gaps in our offerings, but we are constantly enhancing them. One example is relocating our corporate commercial lockbox operations to Charlotte, which improves access and service for clients.

Beyond that, we will continue investing in technology and adding experienced bankers. That approach has worked for us, and it is how we compete and win.

What impact are you seeing from First Bank’s community and financial literacy efforts?

Community involvement is central to who we are. Many of our bankers and associates serve on local boards, and we are deeply engaged across the region.

Programs like First at Work provide financial education to employees at businesses we serve. We also maintain educational resources on budgeting, homeownership, credit, and entrepreneurship.

Our Power of Good community impact program supports education initiatives and nonprofit organizations across the Carolinas. These efforts reflect our identity as a community bank headquartered in North Carolina.

Want more? Read the Invest: Charlotte report.