WesBanco Secures Third Consecutive Newsweek Best Bank Award

WHEELING, W.Va. – January 07, 2026 – For the third year in a row, WesBanco, Inc. (Nasdaq: WSBC) has been named one of America's Best Regional Banks by Newsweek, a distinction that underscores the institution's sustained performance in an increasingly competitive financial landscape. The recognition for 2026 highlights the Wheeling-based bank's deep community roots, robust financial health, and high marks in customer satisfaction.

The achievement is not merely a ceremonial nod but the result of a rigorous evaluation process that scrutinizes financial stability, customer feedback, and overall market reputation. For a bank with over 150 years of history, this "three-peat" serves as a modern validation of its long-standing business model.

"We're honored to be recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Best Regional Banks for 2026," said Jeff Jackson, President and Chief Executive Officer of WesBanco. "For over 150 years, WesBanco has played a pivotal role in strengthening the local and regional economies we serve. Regional banks like ours help fuel growth by supporting businesses, investing in communities and building enduring customer relationships that create opportunity. This recognition reflects our team's commitment to helping people and businesses thrive."

A Foundation Built on Community Reinvestment

A key factor distinguishing WesBanco is its demonstrable commitment to the communities within its nine-state footprint. This is most powerfully evidenced by its record with the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), a federal law designed to encourage commercial banks to meet the credit needs of the communities in which they operate, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods.

WesBanco has earned eight consecutive "Outstanding" ratings from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for its CRA performance, a streak spanning two decades. The most recent evaluation, covering mid-2019 to late 2022, specifically praised the bank as a leader in community development lending. This sustained excellence in CRA performance is a concrete measure of the bank's mission to be more than just a financial repository, but an active partner in local economic development.

The bank's strategy is guided by its "5 Pillars of Community Development," which focuses on everything from small business lending and financial inclusion to strategic partnerships with local organizations. Through its WesBanco Bank Community Development Corporation (WBCDC), the institution provides critical loans, investments, and financial counseling, directly contributing to the vitality of the regions it serves. This deep-seated community focus fosters a level of trust and loyalty that often sets regional banks apart from their larger, national counterparts.

The Rigorous Metrics Behind the Honor

Newsweek's ranking is far from a simple popularity contest. In partnership with market data firm Plant-A Insights Group, the methodology involves a comprehensive, multi-faceted analysis of over 2,400 regional banks. WesBanco's consistent placement near the top is a testament to its strength across several key areas.

The evaluation process incorporates an analysis of crucial financial health indicators, including profitability and the Texas Ratio—a key metric used by analysts to measure a bank's credit quality and potential for distress. Beyond the balance sheet, the ranking places significant weight on direct customer feedback. The 2026 list was informed by a massive independent survey of 66,000 U.S. customers who rated their banks on service, fees, benefits, and overall experience.

Furthermore, the digital customer experience was heavily scrutinized through an analysis of more than 2.3 million social media reviews and 80 million reviews from the Apple and Google Play app stores. This holistic approach ensures that recognized banks excel not only in their financial stewardship but also in their day-to-day interactions with customers, both in-person and online. WesBanco's repeated success in this ranking indicates a strong, positive sentiment across these diverse channels.

Financial Strength and Strategic Growth

The Newsweek accolade is underpinned by a period of significant financial growth and strategic execution for WesBanco. The bank's most recent financial disclosures, for the quarter ending September 30, 2025, paint a picture of a robust and expanding institution.

As of that date, WesBanco reported total assets of $27.5 billion, a remarkable 48.6% increase year-over-year. This growth was significantly fueled by the successful acquisition and integration of Premier Financial Corp. (PFC), which expanded the bank's loan and deposit base. Total loans grew to $18.9 billion and total deposits reached $21.3 billion, with the bank also achieving solid organic growth alongside the acquisition.

Profitability remains strong, with a reported net income of $81.0 million for the third quarter of 2025. The bank's net interest margin—a core measure of lending profitability—also saw a healthy increase to 3.53%. For investors, these figures signal a well-managed institution that is not only growing its footprint but is also doing so profitably. The bank's wealth management divisions are also performing well, with its Trust and Investment Services reaching a record $7.7 billion in assets under management. This combination of community trust, customer satisfaction, and solid financial performance provides a compelling case for the bank's stability and long-term value.

This consistent recognition from Newsweek, backed by strong financial results and a deep-rooted community presence, positions WesBanco as a leading example of the modern regional bank. It demonstrates that in an era of digital transformation and economic uncertainty, a model that combines large-bank capabilities with a localized, personal touch continues to resonate powerfully with customers and communities alike.