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New bank enters SC with expansion into Charleston

Staff //October 25, 2021//

New bank enters SC with expansion into Charleston

Staff //October 25, 2021//

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Encore Bank is headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas. Its first South Carolina location is set to open in Charleston, marking the beginning of its expansion into the Carolinas. (Photo/Provided)

No need for a final applause because it’s just the beginning for Encore Bank.

The Little Rock, Arkansas-based bank is expanding into North and South Carolina with locations in Charleston and Charlotte. The two Carolina branches are part of a larger plan for strategic growth, as announced in a news release.

“This is an opportunistic and strategic move for Encore,” said Phillip Jett, vice chairman and chief banking officer. “Less than three years ago, we started with seven employees in one office in Arkansas, and we are now one of the fastest growing banks in the country.”

Founded as The Capital Bank in 1997, Encore Bank rebranded in 2019 with the transition of new leadership under Chairman and CEO Chris Roberts.

Including its newest locations in Charleston and Charlotte, Encore Bank will be operating in 16 markets across seven states.

Its team of about 200 associates is growing as well, with the selection of three new leaders to nurture growth within the new expansions.

Fallon Meyer will lead the Charleston market. (Photo/Provided)Fallon Meyer will lead the Charleston market as senior vice president and market president. She has more than 11 years of experience in banking, previously serving as vice president and commercial relationship manager for Wells Fargo in Charleston since 2013.

“I look forward to building out a team in the coming months, and I cannot wait to do my part to tell the Encore story,” Meyer said in the news release. “I couldn’t be more impressed with Encore’s vision and people. I am honored to join them in building a different kind of bank.”

According to Barry Jackson, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Meyer will start out working remotely as she leads the search for suitable space to open the new location. A timeline has not been set, he said.

Ben Freeman also has been selected to serve as senior vice president in addition to market president for the Charlotte market, and Michael Sharpton will serve as the executive vice president and regional president for the Carolinas.

With plans to open multiple new locations, Encore Bank is also considering the Piedmont Triad, Greenville, Asheville, Columbia, Raleigh and Wilmington for future expansion.

As of September, Encore Bank had $1.3 billion in total assets.

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