Regions Bank Accelerates Capital Markets Push With Frazer Lanier Acquisition

Regions Bank parent company Regions Financial Corp. has expanded its services by acquiring The Frazer Lanier Company, a Montgomery, Alabama-based full-service investment banking firm specializing in municipal and corporate securities.

Regions announced in a Thursday (July 2) press release that it closed on the acquisition.

The acquisition strengthens Regions’ capital markets capabilities, expands its municipal finance experience, and will enhance the services it provides for public and institutional clients across Regions’ multi-state footprint, according to the release.

Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, with its Regions Bank subsidiary operating more than 1,200 banking offices, per the release.

Frazer Lanier will be integrated into Regions Bank’s Capital Markets division, which is part of its Corporate Banking group, according to the release.

Regions Financial Corp. Chairman, President and CEO John Turner said in the release: “Two of our top priorities at Regions Bank are strategically expanding our services and investing in top-tier banking talent. By welcoming experienced bankers from Frazer Lanier to the Regions family, we are connecting Regions’ clients with even greater capabilities while advancing our long-term strategy for growth.”

Regions Head of Corporate Banking Brian Willman said in the release that the combination is a natural fit because both Frazer Lanier and Regions build trust by staying close to clients and helping them navigate their decisions.

“Together, we can expand that model by bringing more ideas, more capabilities and more connectivity to clients across our markets,” Willman said.

Regions announced in April that during the first quarter, it saw year-over-year increases of 5% in total revenue and 8% in pre-tax pre-provision income.

Turner said at the time in an earnings release that the results reflected the bank’s strength and its focus on solid execution.

“At the same time, we are making meaningful progress on our core transformation, including key technology and AI investments that are enhancing efficiency and the customer experience, while remaining attentive to near-term growth drivers.”

PYMNTS reported in January that Regions’ fourth-quarter results underscored increased digital engagement and deployment of AI across the enterprise.

Turner said in January that technology modernization touches “every layer of our technology stack and every business channel and support function.”