SMBC Group names Charlotte new global hub, adding 2,000 jobs

Key Points:

• SMBC Group, a major Japanese bank, is establishing Charlotte as its second U.S. headquarters, committing to add 2,000 high-paying financial services jobs between 2028 and 2032, with an average salary of $165,316.
• The bank plans a $50.5 million investment by the end of 2027 and will relocate its expanded headquarters to a new uptown Charlotte location, hiring about 1,800 local employees in addition to relocating staff.
• North Carolina and Charlotte officials, including Governor Josh Stein and Mayor Vi Lyles, praised the move as a significant economic boost, highlighting strong ties between North Carolina and Japan and Charlotte’s status as a growing financial hub.
• SMBC is poised to receive up to $70.3 million in state payroll tax incentives and additional local support, contingent on meeting hiring and investment targets, with training programs also funded through the community college system.
• This announcement adds to a series of recent major job commitments in the Charlotte region from financial and tech firms, reinforcing the city’s position as a leading center for banking and finance in the U.S.