News Summary
Optus Bank has announced its plans to set up a new headquarters in Columbia, South Carolina. The bank has purchased a vacant building for $2.6 million, aiming to create financial services tailored to the community’s needs. This historic institution, originally established in 1921 as a Black-owned bank, continues to promote financial inclusivity while experiencing impressive growth. The move is seen as a pivotal moment for revitalizing the local area and enhancing job opportunities.
Exciting News for Columbia: Optus Bank is Moving In!
Columbia, South Carolina is buzzing with excitement following the announcement that Optus Bank is ready to set up its new headquarters in a stunning space that was once home to South State Bank. The bank has purchased the vacant 22,500-square-foot building located at 1710 Gervais St. for a cool $2.6 million. Located right near the University Hill neighborhood, the building has been empty since late 2020, making this move a breath of fresh air for the area.
A Transformative Move
Optus Bank is not just moving its operations; it’s transforming this empty space into a thriving hub of financial services designed especially for the community. With renovations already completed back in 2017, the bank is stepping in at just the right time to breathe life back into this beautiful building and to create job opportunities and services for local residents.
A Historic Institution
It’s noteworthy that Optus Bank has deep roots in the Columbia community. Established way back in 1921 as Victory Savings Bank, it holds the proud title of being the first Black-owned bank in South Carolina. This rich history is an important part of the bank’s identity, and it continues to foster a mission-driven approach to serve marginalized communities.
Focusing on Community Services
The bank has a unique designation as a Minority Depository Institution, which underscores its commitment to providing important financial services to individuals who are often overlooked by traditional banking systems. Optus Bank prides itself on working with high-potential individuals, helping them access loans and other financial services to better their lives.
Growth Beyond Columbia
Recently, the bank has expanded its horizons into South Carolina’s Upstate region, emphasizing its focus on growth while still catering to its core mission. While there are no immediate plans for a physical location in the Upstate, the bank is open to the idea if the community expresses a need. Currently, Optus Bank serves customers all the way from California to New York, ensuring that its reach is felt across all 50 states.
Impressive Growth Under Leadership
Since taking the reins in 2017, the bank’s assets have skyrocketed by more than 1,000%. Under the leadership of its soon-to-be former CEO, the bank has raised over $100 million in equity, demonstrating a robust financial health that many institutions can only dream of. The bank’s remarkable growth has been partially fueled by strategic corporate investments and government relief programs that came about during the pandemic.
Looking Ahead
As part of the bank’s continued evolution, the current CEO will step down to become vice chairman of the board, paving the way for Benita Lefft, currently serving as chief operating officer, to take over the presidency. This transition signifies the ongoing commitment to mission-driven banking, where both mission and margin work hand in hand to enhance their community impact.
Conclusion
With Optus Bank moving into its newly acquired headquarters in Columbia, residents can look forward to an institution that is not only dedicated to growth but is also deeply committed to uplifting the community. As it begins this exciting new chapter, the bank is sure to leave a lasting impact on the people it serves and the broader financial landscape in South Carolina.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Upstate Business Journal: Optus Bank Expands Services
- Wikipedia
- American Banker: Black-Owned Bank Growth
- Google Search: Black-owned banks
- Columbia Business Report: Optus Bank’s Mission
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Banking
- Banking Dive: $100 Million Investment
- Google News: Optus Bank
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
