Fifth Third Bancorp announced it has completed its merger with Comerica, forming what the company described as the ninth largest U.S. bank with approximately $294 billion in assets. The combined organization is positioning the deal as a scale and footprint expansion that pairs Fifth Third’s retail banking and digital capabilities with Comerica’s middle market banking franchise and geographic presence.
The bank framed the closing as the latest step in a broader growth strategy heading into 2026, citing momentum coming off what it characterized as a year of record revenue, strong profitability and efficiency, and solid loan and deposit growth. Management also emphasized Fifth Third’s digital banking and commercial payments positioning as a base for continued expansion across both consumer and business lines.
A central theme of the integration plan is market density. Fifth Third said the combined bank will operate in 17 of the 20 fastest-growing large markets in the country, including key regions in the Southeast, Texas, and California, while maintaining a leadership position in the Midwest. Looking further out, the company said it is planning to have approximately 1,750 branches by 2030, with more than half located in the Southeast, Texas, Arizon,a and California.
Fifth Third also highlighted fee-based earnings streams it believes can provide stability through cycles and additional capacity to reinvest for growth. The company said the combined bank will have two $1 billion recurring and high return fee businesses, Commercial Payments and Wealth and Asset Management, and described those lines as sources of durable, diversified earnings. It also said it plans to apply its consumer acquisition playbook and analytical marketing capabilities in Comerica’s markets to support deposit growth and deepen relationships.
Integration work will continue through 2026, with Fifth Third saying teams are focused on a seamless transition for customers. The company said customers will continue to have consistent coverage teams and access to the products and services they value today, with enhancements expected as integration progresses. Full system and brand conversions are expected in the third quarter, and until then, Comerica locations will continue to operate under the Comerica brand.
Management outlined four opportunities it expects to pursue over the next five years: scaling Comerica’s middle market expertise, deepening commercial and wealth relationships, expanding retail banking with new branch builds in Texas, and building a differentiated innovation banking business that combines Comerica’s Tech and Life sciences vertical with Fifth Third’s Newline platform. The company positioned these initiatives as part of an effort to engineer a stronger, more diversified bank with “through the cycle” performance.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are thrilled to announce we have closed our merger with Comerica. This combination marks a pivotal moment for Fifth Third as we accelerate our strategy to build density in high-growth markets and deepen our commercial capabilities. Together, we are creating a stronger, more diversified bank that is well-positioned to deliver exceptional value for our shareholders, customers, communities and teammates – starting today, and over the long-term.”
“Over the next five years, we see four key opportunities: scaling Comerica’s middle market expertise; deepening commercial and wealth relationships to Fifth Third levels; expanding retail banking with our proven playbook, including 150 new de novo branches in Texas; and building a differentiated innovation banking business by leveraging the capabilities of Comerica’s Tech and Life sciences vertical with Fifth Third’s Newline platform. We’re building a stronger, more innovative bank, deliberately engineered for through-the-cycle performance so we can continue delivering for our customers, communities and teammates.”
Tim Spence, Chairman, CEO and President, Fifth Third
