Huntington's New Branch: A Local Bet in a National Growth Strategy

SOUTH EUCLID, OH – December 12, 2025 – Huntington Bank today opened the doors to its newest full-service branch in South Euclid, a move that underscores a deliberate dual strategy: deepening community roots in its home state while simultaneously executing an aggressive national expansion. The new Oakwood Commons Branch, located at 1902 Warrensville Center Road, represents a tangible investment in local, personalized banking at a time when the financial giant is rapidly scaling up to become one of the nation's largest financial institutions.

A Local Touch in the Digital Era

In an industry increasingly defined by digital transactions and branch consolidation, Huntington's decision to launch a new brick-and-mortar location is a calculated statement. The branch is designed to be a community hub, offering a complete suite of services through tellers, personal and private bankers, and ATMs. This approach acknowledges that while digital banking offers convenience, physical branches remain vital for complex financial conversations, building trust, and serving the specific needs of local residents and businesses.

"South Euclid is a thriving area, and this new location will offer easier access for our customers and colleagues," said Jay Turakhia, regional president with Huntington. "We're excited to help strengthen this community in a new, state-of-the-art site, doing our best to look out for people."

This sentiment is echoed by local leadership. "We are excited to welcome Huntington Bank's investment in South Euclid," said South Euclid Mayor Georgine Welo. "Huntington is a great community partner that prides itself on serving our residents and businesses to ensure all their banking needs are met. We look forward to partnering with the Huntington Bank team and know the branch will be a great asset to our city."

To mark the occasion, a grand opening celebration is scheduled for Sunday, December 14, at 1 p.m. The event will feature Mayor Welo and other community leaders, alongside former Cleveland Browns Pro Bowl wide receiver Josh Cribbs, reinforcing the bank's commitment to engaging with the local community. The opening places Huntington in direct competition with established players in the area, including PNC Bank, KeyBank, and Chase, signaling its intent to capture a greater share of the Northeast Ohio market by emphasizing its physical presence and personalized service model.

Fueling the Engine of Local Entrepreneurship

Beyond providing standard banking services, the new branch serves as a crucial access point to one of Huntington's most significant regional strengths: small business lending. For 17 consecutive years, Huntington has been the top Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) lender in Ohio, a distinction that highlights its deep commitment to fostering entrepreneurship. The SBA 7(a) program is a cornerstone of small business financing, providing government-backed loans that empower businesses to start, expand, and create jobs.

For entrepreneurs in South Euclid and the surrounding Cuyahoga County area, the proximity of the Oakwood Commons Branch means more direct access to the capital and expert guidance needed to thrive. While loan applications can often be initiated online, the ability to sit down with a local banker who understands the community's economic landscape is invaluable for navigating complex financing. This localized support can be the deciding factor for a small business seeking to secure funding for new equipment, expand its operations, or manage cash flow more effectively. The branch's opening reinforces the bank's role not just as a financial institution, but as a direct catalyst for local economic development and job creation.

A Piece of a National Power Play

While the South Euclid opening is a distinctly local event, it fits seamlessly into a much larger national narrative of aggressive growth for the Columbus-based bank. Huntington is in the midst of a transformative expansion fueled by major acquisitions. The bank recently announced a definitive agreement to acquire Cadence Bank in a deal valued at $7.4 billion, a move that will significantly expand its footprint into high-growth markets across Texas and the South. This follows the recent completion of its acquisition of Veritex Holdings, Inc., which bolstered its presence in the dynamic Texas market.

Upon completion of these combinations, Huntington is projected to become a top 10 U.S. bank, commanding approximately $276 billion in assets and $220 billion in deposits. This rapid inorganic growth provides the bank with national scale, enhanced technological capabilities, and a diversified geographic presence. However, the company's strategy is not solely focused on large-scale mergers. The simultaneous investment in organic growth, exemplified by the new South Euclid branch and plans for dozens of new locations in other states, demonstrates a sophisticated, two-pronged approach.

This strategy allows Huntington to leverage the efficiency and scale gained from its acquisitions to reinvest in its core markets. By solidifying its strong presence in Ohio, where it operates nearly 350 branches, the bank ensures its foundation remains secure even as it expands its national reach. The Oakwood Commons branch is therefore more than just a new location; it is a symbol of a bank that aims to be both a national powerhouse and a trusted neighborhood partner. This hybrid strategy of national expansion and local entrenchment positions Huntington to compete on multiple fronts, offering the resources of a major corporation with the dedicated service of a community bank.