Enabling Progress for Better Lives

Colony Bank and First Reliance Bank announced a strategic partnership that brings together two community-focused organizations with a shared commitment to serving customers, supporting local communities, and enabling progress for better lives. As part of the partnership, First Reliance Bank is expected to become part of Colony Bank, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.

The most important thing to know is that you can continue banking as you always have.

There are no immediate changes to your accounts, services, branch locations, online banking, mobile banking, debit cards, loans, or banking relationships as a result of this announcement.

Not today. You can continue using the same accounts, services, branches, and digital banking tools you use today. Over time, you’ll gain access to additional banking solutions, an expanded network of locations, and even more ways to help meet your financial needs, all while continuing to work with the people you know and trust. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way and make any future changes as simple and seamless as possible.

Yes. You’ll continue working with the same team you know and trust. Maintaining strong customer relationships is important to both organizations, and we’re committed to providing the personal service and local support you’ve come to expect throughout this partnership and beyond.

This partnership brings together two community banks that share many of the same values. Both First Reliance Bank and Colony Bank believe in local relationships, personal service, and doing what’s best for the customers and communities we serve. We both believe that there’s more to banking than money; it’s about enabling progress to make lives better.

By coming together, we’ll have more resources and capabilities to help our customers achieve their financial goals while staying true to the community banking approach that defines both organizations. You’ll continue to work with the same friendly team you know and trust.

For now, it’s business as usual. You’ll continue banking with the same team, at the same locations, and using the same accounts and services you do today.

Pending regulatory approval, we anticipate the legal partnership being completed in the fourth quarter of 2026 with the system integration in the second quarter of 2027.

As we move closer to 2027, we’ll begin sharing information about upcoming changes and enhancements, including new tools, services, and banking experiences available through Colony Bank. We’ll communicate well in advance and provide the support and resources you need every step of the way.

Over time, customers will gain access to additional banking solutions, expanded lending capabilities, enhanced digital banking tools, more locations, and a broader network of financial professionals. Most importantly, you’ll continue receiving the relationship-focused service that has always been the foundation of both organizations.

We understand how important clear communication is during a transition like this, especially when it relates to your banking. You can count on hearing from us often, and well in advance of any changes. We’ll share updates through mail, email, and on the Colony Bank and First Reliance Bank websites, so you know what’s happening and when.

Please continue contacting your local banker or banking center just as you always have. The team you know and trust remains your best resource, and we’re here to help answer any questions you may have throughout the partnership process.

Not yet. Until the partnership is complete, both banks will continue operating independently. For now, please continue using your current branches, accounts, online banking, debit cards, and customer service contacts. We’ll let you know when additional locations and services become available to you.