Founded in 1999, First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (OTC: FSRL), is based in Florence, South Carolina and has assets of approximately $911 million. The company employs more than 180 professionals and has locations throughout South Carolina and central North Carolina. First Reliance has redefined community banking with a commitment to making customers’ lives better, its founding principle. Customers of the company have given it a 93% customer satisfaction rating well above the bank industry average of 81%. First Reliance is also one of two companies throughout South Carolina to receive the Best Places to Work in South Carolina award all 16 years since the program began. We believe that this recognition confirms that our associates are engaged and committed to our brand and the communities we serve. In addition to offering a full range of personalized community banking products and services for individuals, small businesses and corporations, First Reliance offers two unique community-customers programs, which include: Hometown Heroes, a package of benefits for those serving our communities and Check N Save, an outreach program for the unbanked or under-banked. The company also offers a full suite of digital banking services, Treasury Services, a Customer Service Guaranty, a Mortgage Service Guaranty, and First Reliance Wealth Strategies.

The founders of First Reliance Bank have extensive banking experience – and an impeccable reputation to match. As a result, they were able to quickly earn the support of over 950 local stockholders to help make their dream of First Reliance Bank into a reality. Within 60 short days, the Bank was capitalized with $7.2 million. This achievement made First Reliance Bank the most successful de novo bank ever started in Florence County. Community support, coupled with an aggressive growth strategy, led to a profit after only five months of operation.

First Reliance Bank has a veteran leadership team with an average of 30 years of banking experience. The Board of Directors is composed of successful professionals, business people and entrepreneurs – all of whom live in markets served and have a vital interest in the long-term success of the Bank. Its Board of Advisors is comprised of well-known professionals and community leaders who contribute to growth of the Bank through referrals and networking.

They believe banking is not simply about dollars and cents. First Reliance Bank serves hard-working Americans who prefer to bank with people who understand their needs and are committed to helping them achieve their financial goals. Their brand is firmly rooted in the belief that “There’s More To Banking Than Money.”® They’re deeply committed to this brand promise and have earned a consistent customer satisfaction rating of 90%.

First Reliance Bank enjoys many distinctions including:

• 87% of customers feel First Reliance Bank is committed to offering solutions that meet their needs.
• 81% of customers would refer a family member or friend.
• The only company named to The Top 25 Fastest Growing CompaniesTM list in South Carolina for four years.
• Added to the Palmetto 25, a list of South Carolina’s largest publicly held companies (2009).
• 2016 Banky Award Recipient from the Institute of Extraordinary Banking which recognizes the top 1% of banks in the USA.
• Ranked as one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina for fourteen consecutive years.
• Named Lender of the Year by the SC State Housing Authority (2009).
• Named Best Adoption-Friendly Workplace by the Dave Thomas Foundation for ten consecutive years.