Fifth Third Says New App Drives Engagement, Originations

Core Insights - Fifth Third Bancorp's investments in physical branches and digital tools resulted in record net interest income and 230 basis points of positive operating leverage in the fourth quarter [1] - The bank's consistent focus on growth priorities has driven these results, according to CEO Tim Spence [2] Branch Expansion - In 2025, Fifth Third added 50 branches in high-growth Southeast markets, with 27 branches opened in the fourth quarter alone [3] - The new branches included the bank's 200th branch in Florida and its 100th in the Carolinas [3] Digital Transformation - De novo branches delivered deposit growth that is 45% higher than peer de novo branches [4] - The bank implemented over 400 updates to its mobile banking app in 2025, enhancing features such as direct deposit switching and financial wellness tools [4] - Digital engagement metrics improved, with average active digital users increasing from 3.09 million to 3.19 million and mobile users rising from 2.37 million to 2.49 million [5] Merger with Comerica - Fifth Third expects to maintain momentum following its merger with Comerica, which is set to close on February 1 after receiving necessary approvals [6] - The merger will allow Fifth Third to expand Comerica's retail banking business and create a differentiated innovation banking business by combining strengths in technology and finance [7] - The company is confident in realizing the benefits of the merger, which is expected to support continued strong returns and efficiency through 2027 and beyond [8]