Ameris Bank Expands Jacksonville Footprint With $2 Billion Deposits as Digital Use Tops 70,000 Monthly Zelle Transactions
Updated
Updated · Capital Analytics · Jun 1
Ameris Bank Expands Jacksonville Footprint With $2 Billion Deposits as Digital Use Tops 70,000 Monthly Zelle Transactions
1 articles · Updated · Capital Analytics · Jun 1
Jacksonville has become Ameris Bank’s second-largest market, with about $2 billion in deposits, 13 local offices and roughly 340 employees, as the bank pushes deeper into North Florida.
A new downtown branch — with a drive-through under construction — reflects Ameris’ bet on Jacksonville growth, which Noir-Jones said is being fueled by about 125 new residents a day and rising business investment.
Real estate lending and homebuilding remain key growth engines, with Ameris financing lots, homes, office buildings, warehouses, shopping centers and apartments while supporting nearly 16 residential mortgage bankers in Jacksonville.
Digital adoption is rising alongside branch banking: Ameris added Zelle about six months ago and is already seeing more than 70,000 transactions a month, but says local bankers and branch managers still resolve about 80% of client issues on first contact.
The bank also plans to invest well over $100,000 locally in community programs, while keeping its broader Southeast strategy centered on organic growth and potential acquisitions if the economy weakens.
Can Ameris Bank's 'human-touch' strategy survive against AI-driven rivals and aggressive expansion from competitors in the Sunbelt?
As downtown office vacancy soars, is Ameris Bank’s new branch a visionary bet on revitalization or a high-stakes gamble?
How does the bank's AI-powered lending align with its pledge to support affordable housing and community development in Jacksonville?