First Citizens Taps Veteran Banker to Lead Dallas-Fort Worth Offensive

DALLAS, TX – April 10, 2026 – First Citizens Bank has appointed veteran banking executive Chris Stringer as its new Area Executive for the Dallas-Fort Worth market, signaling a significant strategic push into one of the nation's most competitive financial centers. Stringer will take the helm of the bank's business and branch banking operations, tasked with spearheading growth across the booming North Texas region.

The move is being interpreted by market watchers as a clear signal of intent from the Raleigh, N.C.-based financial giant. By placing a leader with deep local roots in charge, First Citizens is positioning itself to compete more aggressively against a crowded field of national powerhouses and entrenched local banks all vying for a piece of the thriving DFW economy.

A Strategic Play in a High-Stakes Market

Dallas-Fort Worth has rapidly evolved into a powerhouse for financial services, recently surpassing Los Angeles to become the second-largest hub for financial sector employment in the United States, trailing only New York. The region's pro-business climate, robust population growth, and diversified economy have created a magnet for capital and talent. Major institutions like JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Wells Fargo are pouring billions into massive new campuses, while the establishment of the Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE) further cements the area's status as a critical financial nexus.

This influx has created a fiercely competitive banking landscape, with over 170 financial institutions operating in the DFW metroplex. In this environment, banks are under pressure to differentiate themselves beyond mere products and services. First Citizens' appointment of Stringer represents a strategic bet on the value of local expertise and established relationships as a key competitive advantage.

"As the Dallas-Fort Worth region continues to strengthen its position as one of the nation's most dynamic financial and innovation hubs, businesses here are looking for banking partners who understand the local market and can help them grow with confidence," said Matt Kuczkowski, Regional Executive Vice President at First Citizens Bank, in a statement announcing the appointment. "Chris brings deep regional knowledge and a strong track record of building client relationships, making him well-positioned to lead our growth in this important market."

The Local Advantage: Tapping Deep DFW Roots

Stringer is no newcomer to the North Texas banking scene. A Texas native, he brings nearly three decades of experience dedicated almost exclusively to serving clients in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. His career is a testament to the 'relationship banking' model that many local businesses prize. His deep understanding of the regional economic cycles, key industries, and local business culture is seen as a critical asset for First Citizens' expansion plans.

He joins the bank from Bank OZK, where he served as President of Commercial Banking for both the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston markets since 2011. Before that, he was a Division President at Stillwater National Bank for nearly eight years. Throughout his career, Stringer has maintained a strong focus on commercial lending, building a reputation for helping businesses navigate complex financial landscapes. His academic credentials, including a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M University and an MBA from the University of Texas at Dallas, further ground his practical experience with a strong theoretical foundation.

By hiring Stringer, First Citizens is not just filling a leadership role; it is acquiring decades of market intelligence and a network of relationships that would otherwise take years to build organically. This 'boots on the ground' approach is designed to resonate with local business owners looking for a banking partner who can provide more than just capital.

First Citizens' Broader Ambitions in Texas

This strategic hire is a key component of First Citizens' broader national growth strategy, which was supercharged by its transformative acquisition of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) in 2023. That deal dramatically increased the bank's asset base to over $200 billion, making it a top 20 U.S. financial institution, and gave it a powerful foothold in the technology and innovation sectors. The bank has since focused on integrating SVB's capabilities and expanding its presence in high-growth innovation hubs across the country, with Texas being a top priority.

First Citizens currently operates a relatively modest footprint in North Texas, with nine branches, three office locations, and approximately 200 associates. Stringer's mandate will be to significantly expand this presence, leveraging the bank's full suite of services—from general branch banking and commercial lending to specialized innovation banking and wealth management—to capture a larger market share. The bank aims to use its direct bank savings deposits to fuel corporate deposit growth and expand its Middle Market Banking group, areas where a seasoned commercial leader like Stringer can have an immediate impact.

His experience at Bank OZK, an institution known for its aggressive and successful commercial real estate lending, is particularly relevant. While navigating the complexities of the current commercial real estate market, Stringer's background suggests he has the expertise to both drive loan growth and manage the associated risks, a crucial balance in a market as dynamic and fast-moving as Dallas-Fort Worth. His appointment signals that First Citizens is ready to become a more formidable and deeply integrated player in the Texas financial ecosystem.