SMBC to Establish Second U.S. Headquarters in Charlotte
Published on April 07, 2026
After a nationwide search, SMBC Group, one of Japan’s largest and most influential banks, has selected Charlotte for a second U.S. headquarters to support its operations, creating 2,000 jobs by the end of 2032.
The headquarters, which will be located Uptown, is expected to create a capital investment of $50.5 million by fall 2027.
“We’re grateful to SMBC for choosing Charlotte for its second U.S. headquarters,” said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. “This investment reinforces the city’s reputation as a destination for forward-thinking organizations and world-class talent.”
This is one of the largest economic development announcements in Charlotte history and is expected to generate a total annual impact of $1.17 million.
“Mecklenburg County continues to prove its mettle as a global financial center,” said Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners Chair Mark Jerrell. “SMBC is one of the world’s top-tier banks. Its decision to locate its second U.S. headquarters here demonstrates our community’s ability to deliver homegrown and new talent, a business-friendly ecosystem that supports innovation, and a high quality of life.”
The operations in Charlotte will include roles in executive leadership, middle management, associate and analyst roles, with an average salary of $165,686.
SMBC plans to hire about 1,800 employees locally with the remainder relocating to Charlotte. This is in addition to 160 full-time SMBC employees who are currently employed at a regional office in Charlotte.
“As SMBC continues to grow substantially in the United States, Charlotte is a standout location for us to invest in North Carolina for the long term in a major expansion that will establish our roots in the community,” said Hirofumi Otsuka, CEO for SMBC Americas. “A major financial services hub, Charlotte has a deep pool of talent that we will tap into and help build out as we position our bank for long-term success while contributing to the broader local economy. We appreciate the support of Governor Stein and other public leaders as we set out to create 2,000 jobs over the next six years."
Headquartered in Tokyo and with a 400-year history, SMBC Group offers a range of financial services, including banking, leasing, securities, credit cards and consumer finance. The bank has more than 150 offices and 86,000 employees worldwide in nearly 40 countries.
The City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County partnered with the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, Charlotte Center City Partners and UNC Charlotte on the project.
"Japan is one of North Carolina’s top economic partners, and I’m honored to welcome another, leading Japanese company to our state,” said Governor Josh Stein, who announced the company’s selection at a press conference at Charlotte’s Carolina Theatre that was attended by government and business leaders. “Charlotte, the second biggest banking center in the United States, will be an ideal home for SMBC’s second North American headquarters as the bank continues to grow.”
SMBC’s announcement adds to the strong momentum driving business growth in Charlotte, reinforcing the city’s position as a premier destination for companies seeking long-term success. In 2025, Charlotte had its most successful recruitment year in more than a decade. Over the 12 months, the city and Mecklenburg County partnered to create 6,357 jobs and a capital investment of more than $500 million.