04/23/2013

Citizens Bank expands Wealth Management business with the introduction of Premier Banking in Pittsburgh

Personal bankers now offering integrated banking and financial management services to Pittsburgh-area Citizens Bank customers with investable assets of $500,000 or more

PITTSBURGH (April 23, 2013) – Citizens Bank today announced the launch of its Premier Banking business in Pittsburgh. The launch extends Citizens personalized approach to banking to current and prospective customers with investable assets of $500,000 or more and the need for wealth management services, in addition to access to personalized financial strategies, which include investments and insurance services from Citizens Investment Services.

Citizens Bank’s Premier Banking customers have a dedicated personal banker who can take care of their banking needs and connect them to other financial professionals, as well as access to 24-hour customer service. Customers also have access to preferred rates on checking, money markets and CDs, discounted home equity rates, exclusive debit cards with higher cash withdrawal limits and checks and credit cards with concierge services.

“Similar to our commitment to provide great service, helpful products and convenience to all Citizens Bank customers, Premier Banking is designed to meet the particular needs of customers looking for wealth management banking services,” said Daniel K. Fitzpatrick, President and CEO of Citizens Bank and RBS Citizens for Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. "This is a rapidly growing part of our customer base in Pennsylvania and other markets as more and more of our customers seek to simplify their financial lives by consolidating their accounts and other services with one team that they know and trust. We are pleased to introduce Premier Banking in the Pittsburgh region and look forward to working with new and existing Citizens Bank customers in need of these services.”

As part of the expansion, Citizens Bank has hired a team of branch-based personal bankers to serve the Pittsburgh market. Premier Banking will be offered at 35 branches throughout the Pittsburgh area.

"With advanced training in financial management, our personal bankers have a broad base of knowledge and experience to provide more insight into the financial options available to Premier Banking customers," said Mike Millard, President and CEO, Citizens Wealth Management. "As single points of contact for Premier Banking customers, our personal bankers specialize in developing a full view of a customer’s holdings and making it easier for customers to manage their assets and plan for the future.”

The introduction of Premier Banking in greater Pittsburgh is the most recent example of Citizens’ expanding Wealth Management business across the bank’s 12-state retail footprint. Citizens Wealth Management consists of three business lines – Citizens Investment Services, Premier Banking and Private Bank & Trust.

Over the past several years, Citizens Wealth Management business has experienced significant growth, tripling revenue from 2006 to 2012. Citizens Bank introduced Premier Banking in the greater Philadelphia area in March 2010 and currently offers Premier Banking in Pittsburgh, Greater Philadelphia, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, with an emerging presence in Connecticut, Delaware, New Hampshire and New Jersey.

For more information about Premier Banking, visit the Citizens Bank website or call 1-800-242-2224.

About Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania

Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania is a state-chartered bank with dual headquarters in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. It has 378 branches and 1,000 ATMs throughout Pennsylvania. It also operates 12 retail branches and 104 ATMs in southern New Jersey, and a commercial loan office and 15 ATMs in Virginia. It is a subsidiary of RBS Citizens Financial Group, Inc., a $127 billion commercial bank holding company headquartered in Providence, R.I.

RBS Citizens Financial Group through its subsidiaries has approximately 1,400 branches, approximately 3,600 ATMs and more than 19,000 colleagues. Its two bank subsidiaries are RBS Citizens, N.A., and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. They operate a 12-state branch network under the Citizens Bank brand in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont; and the Charter One brand in Illinois, Michigan and Ohio. RBSCFG has non-branch retail and commercial offices in more than 30 states. RBSCFG is owned by RBS (the Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc). RBSCFG’s website is citizensbank.com.

Citizens Wealth Management is comprised of both banking and brokerage affiliated companies. Banking products are offered through Citizens Bank. Citizens Bank is a name brand of RBS Citizens, N.A. (NMLS ID# 433960) and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania (NMLS ID# 522615), Equal Housing Lender. Deposit accounts held at RBS Citizens, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania are separately insured, Member FDIC. Security products are offered through CCO Investment Services Corp. otherwise referred to as, Citizens Investment Services and Charter One Investment Services. CCO Investment Services Corp., Member, FINRA, SIPC. CCO Investment Services Corp. is an affiliate of RBS Citizens, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. Please be aware that the security products offered are different than those offered by a bank and are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of principal amount invested. CCO Investment Services Corp.770 Legacy Place, MLP240, Dedham, MA 02026. 1-800-942-8300.