When the rankings came out, it was further validation of the work Regions Bank has done.

Trade publication American Banker recently reported Regions Bank has the second-highest reputation among banks – in the entire nation. No other bank with a branch network serving Alabama ranked higher. And the only higher-ranking bank doesn’t have the same business model as Regions; it doesn’t have the extensive local branch network of a company like Regions, with financial professionals right there in your hometown helping people build budgets and reach financial goals.

The message was clear – Regions Bank has built a reputation that stands out from the crowd.

But how so?

The answers are many.

Here we dive deeper into some of the factors we believe set Regions apart.

An Employer of Choice

As one of only a couple Fortune 500 companies in Alabama, Regions is a significant driver of Alabama’s economy. And people want to work for Regions – a Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner for 10 consecutive years. Thousands of people in the state do just that. And we’re not just talking about bankers.

IT professionals, project managers, legal professionals, marketing professionals, all the types of skills that are crucial to a successful corporation – they can be found throughout Regions’ employment base in this state. Many of them were born and raised here. Many were attracted here by the company’s workplace culture and Alabama’s strong quality of life.

By the way – have you heard of Evergreen at Regions? It’s a week set aside each year to celebrate the men and women who make up the company’s workforce. A full week of special events, recognitions, volunteerism, team-building opportunities, and identifying ways to grow closer together and stronger as a company.

Regions associates get other benefits, too. Such as the “5 for 5 loan program from Regions Mortgage,” a forgivable, $5,000 interest-free second mortgage loan that helps associates buy their first homes. This is in addition to a discount off mortgage points or closing costs. Further, children and legal dependents of full-time associates can receive scholarships based on factors such as academic achievement, extracurricular leadership and more.

Regions celebrates associates by recognizing extraordinary service. Consider the Lee Ann Petty Heart of Service Award, earned by associates who truly go the extra mile in serving the community. The award was named for the late Lee Ann Petty, who led volunteerism for Regions and remains well known among the state’s philanthropic circles for her passionate work to make Alabama an even greater place to live, work and raise a family.

When people value their workplace, it shows in how a company does business. Consistently building a culture of associate engagement leads to a stronger company – and, we believe – a stronger reputation.

Putting Customers First

A lot of companies talk about their “value proposition.”

It’s what distinguishes them in the marketplace – or what they work to “sell” to the public as a reason for doing business with them.

Regions Bank’s value proposition to consumers across the state is clear: helping people build financial confidence through advice and guidance from people who care.

Notice it doesn’t say anything about simply opening accounts, issuing debit cards, or providing loans.

Because Regions has made it clear banking should be more than just transactions. It should be about helping people get from where they are today – to where they want to be, financially speaking, in the future.

Most recently, the company enhanced the free, personalized Regions Greenprint® plans it makes available to anyone. Through Greenprint conversations, bankers at every Regions location in the state (and beyond) take the time to listen – truly listen – to customers’ unique goals. They ask the right questions. They take time to digest the answers. Then they lean on their experience to recommend the financial next steps customers can take to move toward their life goals, with regular follow-ups to monitor progress. Regions delivered more than 855,000 Greenprint plans in 2023 to personal and small-business customers.

Sure, there’s a lot of technology making banking easier these days. And Regions has it. But the bank will tell you technology is how it can help people make transactions a lot more easily. It’s that in-person, face-to-face relationship where the local bank branch really shines. And that’s why the company invests significant resources into making sure that type of personalized financial guidance is readily available.

Putting Community First, Too

At first glance, “community engagement” might seem like a very “corporate” term.

But not here.

We found out, at Regions, it’s actually a strategy – a very intentional strategy toward making investments that make a community stronger.

Back in 2018, Regions updated its community engagement strategy to focus volunteerism, nonprofit service, and community grants into a few key areas:

• Economic and Community Development
• Education and Workforce Readiness
• Financial Wellness

You can see why. As financial professionals, Regions Bank knew these were the areas where the bank and its people were most qualified to make a real difference.

And they certainly have. From Birmingham to Huntsville to Mobile, Montgomery, Dothan and places in between, Regions associates are sharing financial education with students, supporting nonprofits that are helping train people to take part in Alabama’s workforce, and working with organizations that are helping more Alabama owned-and-operated businesses succeed.

All Together

Reputation is made of several components. Any one of the above factors can shape and influence how a customer, or even a noncustomer, thinks about a company.

The research commissioned by American Banker suggests Regions Bank is doing something right. A lot of things right.

And that’s a story Alabama can be proud of.