United Community Bank Named to Newsweek’s America's Best Regional Banks 2025

 

[February 08, 2025]  Chatham, IL – For the second year in a row, United Community Bank has been recognized as one of America’s Best Regional Banks by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group. This prestigious recognition considers a financial institution’s credit quality, profitability, and net loans and leases, in combination with a comprehensive survey of over 71,000 individuals and more than 845,000 reviews of regional banks and credit unions nationwide. In addition, more than 1.9 million social media reviews and 129 million app store reviews were gathered to assist with the scoring.

“We are honored to again be named among the nation’s top regional banks for 2025,” said Robert A. Narmont, Chairman of United Community Bank. “This award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to financial excellence and the confidence of our customers and communities. We are privileged to serve as their trusted financial partner.”

Nancy Cooper, Global Editor in Chief of Newsweek, emphasized the role of regional banks: “regional banks and credit unions are the financial backbone of communities nationwide. They serve as vital engines at the local level as they support small businesses, fund projects and ensure easy access to essential banking services.
With intimate knowledge of local economies, these banks often form strong bonds with customers, enabling them to better meet their needs. Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group are proud to honor organizations like United Community Bank positively impacting their communities.”

United Community Bank continues to maintain its superior 5-star rating from Bauer Financial, solidifying its position as one of the nation’s strongest financial institutions. Additionally, UCB has been consistently recognized as “Best Bank” by readers and listeners of numerous community publications and radio stations, including The State Journal-Register, Illinois Times, Quincy Herald-Whig, Alton Telegraph, Lincoln Courier, McDonough County Voice, Radio Keokuk and more.

Allen Schmale, President of United Community Bank, expressed his gratitude: “These recognitions are deeply meaningful to our entire team. They reflect not only our past successes but also inspire us to continue delivering unparalleled banking services to our communities. We thank our customers and communities for their steadfast trust and support.”

For more than a century, UCB and its family of United Community Banks have been dedicated to building lasting relationships, offering innovative financial solutions, and empowering the communities they serve.

About United Community Banks
United Community Bank, headquartered in Chatham, Illinois, is an employee-owned regional bank holding company with roots dating back to 1907, when Farmer’s State Bank was established in Greenfield, IL. In 1973, a local group led by Robert Narmont invested in Farmer's State Bank with the goal of delivering the ultimate in customer service while continuing to welcome other banks into the United Community Bank family. Today, United Community Bank has grown to a more than
$3.5 billion dollar institution operating 8 bank brands with over 100 banks and ATMs in 35 communities in central, west central, and southwest central Illinois, northeast Missouri, and southwest Florida.

Our United Community Banks include United Community Bank, Marine Bank & Trust, Brown County State Bank, Farmers State Bank of Camp Point, and Liberty Bank in Illinois, Mercantile Bank in Illinois and Missouri, and United Commonwealth Bank in Naples, Florida. To learn more about us and to visit all our banks online, visit ucbbanks.com.
 

[Julie Bowen
SVP & Director of Marketing
United Community Bancorp, Inc.]