About this book:

"SunTrust Banks: The Story of An American Company" chronicles the remarkable journey of SunTrust Banks, from its humble beginnings as Commercial Travelers' Savings Bank in 1891 Atlanta to its pivotal role in the formation of Truist Financial Corporation. This comprehensive history delves into how SunTrust, and its predecessor Trust Company of Georgia, navigated over a century of profound economic shifts, technological advancements, and regulatory changes, leaving an indelible mark on the financial landscape of the American South. Readers will discover the bank's foundational role in recapitalizing the post-Civil War South, its legendary century-long partnership with The Coca-Cola Company, and its pioneering spirit in adopting early digital banking technologies.

The book details SunTrust's strategic growth through ambitious mergers and acquisitions, including its groundbreaking 1985 "merger of equals" with Sun Banks of Florida, which set a precedent for regional consolidation. It explores the bank's rise to prominence, including its inclusion in the S&P 500, and its expansion into a formidable super-regional bank across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Beyond financial milestones, the narrative highlights SunTrust's deep-seated commitment to communities, exemplified by initiatives like "The onUp Movement" and extensive philanthropic endeavors through the SunTrust Foundation, culminating in a significant $60 billion pledge as part of its merger.

Finally, the book examines SunTrust's navigation through financial turbulence, including the 2008 crisis and subsequent regulatory pressures, and its strategic decision to merge with BB&T. The culmination of this journey into Truist Financial Corporation underscores SunTrust's enduring legacy—a story of balancing risk and reward, fostering innovation, upholding a client-centric approach, and maintaining a profound sense of accountability and community responsibility that continues to shape the future of American banking.

What You'll Find Inside:

• **A Legacy of Southern Economic Development:** Discover how SunTrust, particularly through its predecessor Trust Company of Georgia, played a pivotal role in recapitalizing and industrializing the American South after the Civil War, serving as a vital financial engine for regional growth.
• **The Legendary Coca-Cola Connection:** Explore the unique, century-long partnership between SunTrust and The Coca-Cola Company, including how the bank's early investment in Coca-Cola shaped its financial destiny and earned it the moniker 'the Coca-Cola bank.'
• **Strategic Growth Through Mergers and Innovation:** Learn about SunTrust's systematic expansion, from its pioneering 1985 merger that created a super-regional bank to its aggressive acquisitions and early adoption of digital banking, including being the first U.S. bank to offer online corporate information access.
• **Navigating Financial Crises and Regulatory Shifts:** Understand how SunTrust weathered major economic downturns like the Great Depression and the 2008 financial crisis, adapting to stringent new regulations like Basel III and addressing significant legal settlements to enhance accountability and resilience.
• **A Deep Commitment to Community and Financial Wellness:** Uncover SunTrust's long-standing dedication to community service, including its 'onUp Movement' to promote financial confidence, extensive philanthropic efforts, and the landmark $60 billion Community Benefits Plan accompanying its merger into Truist.

Who's It For:

This book is ideal for anyone interested in the history of American finance, particularly the evolution of regional banking in the Southern United States. It will appeal to business historians, financial professionals seeking insights into strategic growth and risk management, and readers keen on understanding the interplay between corporate development and community impact. Additionally, those interested in the history of iconic brands like Coca-Cola and the processes behind large-scale corporate mergers will find this compelling.