Atlanta-based Ameris Bank is the latest out-of-state player to plant a flag in Nashville, rolling out plans to launch local operations and open a physical office by the end of the year as it builds out its Southeast footprint. The regional lender says it already serves commercial and mortgage customers in Middle Tennessee and now plans to assemble a local team to support area businesses and families. For Nashville, it is one more regional name joining a growing list of outside banks and corporate offices homing in on the city.
In a press release via Business Wire, Ameris said Justin McClain will join as Nashville market leader, reporting to Ameris Bank President Lawton Bassett. McClain will team up with bankers Charlie Ogden and Jesse Lee, and the bank reiterated that it expects to open its Nashville office before year-end. "Justin is a proven banking leader with a deep understanding of the Nashville business community and a strong commitment to client service," Bassett said in the statement.
Ameris’ footprint and size
Ameris manages $28.11 billion in assets and operates 163 full-service banking centers, according to figures in the company’s first-quarter financial release. As outlined in Ameris Bancorp's Q1 release, the bank has been growing loans and deposits and is positioning the Nashville push as part of a broader Southeast growth strategy.
Where it fits locally
National and regional lenders have been steadily beefing up their Nashville presence this year as banks chase corporate clients and commercial lending opportunities. That trend surfaced again in coverage of JPMorgan Chase’s Midtown lease, highlighted in reporting on how the bank muscles in to own Nashville skyline, and it helps explain why a regional player like Ameris sees Nashville as a key growth market.
What to watch next
Ameris said it will announce a specific Nashville office location and additional local hires later this year, and the company also noted it was recently named to Forbes’ list of America’s Best Banks for 2026. Local businesses are being encouraged to keep an eye out for job postings, loan-officer listings, and product rollouts as Ameris formalizes its Middle Tennessee operations, according to reporting by Nashville Post.
Analysts have taken notice as well. Some coverage has flagged the expansion as a constructive step for Ameris’ organic growth outlook and overall investor sentiment. Investing.com reported that firms cited the Nashville move in recent analyst notes and in commentary on the stock’s price target.
