CBA Announces Citizens Financial Group as Joe Belew Award Winner at CBA LIVE 2026

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - The Consumer Bankers Association (CBA) this week at CBA LIVE 2026 announced Citizens Financial Group as the 2026 Joe Belew Award recipient, recognizing the bank for its Small Business Opportunity Fund, which has deployed over $80 million to organization which provide financing, resources, education, and more to local entrepreneurs.

"Citizens Financial Group's Economic Opportunity Fund exemplifies the very best of what retail banking can deliver for communities across the country. By expanding access to capital, mentorship, and resources for small businesses and underserved entrepreneurs, this program is helping turn potential into progress," CBA President and CEO Lindsey Johnson said. "We're proud to recognize Citizens with the Joe Belew Award for its leadership in advancing economic opportunity and strengthening the communities banks serve every day."

"At Citizens, we believe small businesses are the backbone of strong communities and we are honored to receive the Joe Belew Award from the Consumer Bankers Association," said Reza Aghamirzadeh, Head of Community Development at Citizens. "This recognition is a testament to our commitment to meeting entrepreneurs with access to capital, education, and long-term support - and wouldn't be possible without the dedication of our colleagues, community partners, and the entrepreneurs we support."

About Citizens Financial Group's Small Business Opportunity Fund

Through Citizens Economic Opportunity Fund, the organization partners with community development financial institutions (CDFIs) - certified organizations that provide credit and financial services to underserved markets and populations - to provide training, grants or loans to entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Since its inception in 2020, the Citizens Economic Opportunity Fund has provided more than $82 million in loan capital and grant programs to support CDFIs, serving underserved communities across Citizens' footprint. In 2024 and 2025, Citizens provided $17.3 million to support these initiatives and enable entrepreneurs to overcome barriers, pursue opportunities, and contribute to the long-term economic resilience of their communities.

About the Joe Belew Award

The Joe Belew Award was established in 2011 in memory of Joe Belew, former CBA president, to honor his commitment to community development. The annual award recognizes the efforts of CBA member-banks whose innovative solutions address pressing social and community issues.

Previous award winners include U.S. Bank, Citizens, Discover Bank, First Niagara Financial Group, and PNC Financial Services. For more than a decade, the focuses of the award have ranged from job creation to low- and moderate-income housing programs and small business support.