MOUNT OLIVE, N.C., February 21, 2025 — Forbes has named Southern Bank the Best Bank in America.  The 16th annual America’s Best Banks list assesses 200 publicly traded banks, and this year the top spot  went to Southern Bank, which has more than 60 branches across North Carolina and Virginia and $5  billion in assets.  

Forbes used 11 metrics to create its 2025 ranking, including growth, credit quality, profitability and stock  performance. These metrics especially highlight regional banks like Southern, which pride themselves on  operating efficiently and investing in their communities.  

"Our team is incredibly proud to land at #1 on Forbes’ Best Banks of 2025 list,” says Southern Bank CEO  Drew Covert. “This is a testament to our long-term investment strategy and our unwavering  commitment to our relationship-based banking model, which focuses on understanding and meeting the  unique needs of our customers. It reflects our dedication to nurturing long-term relationships in our  communities and our relentless pursuit of excellence in every aspect of our organization. We are  honored to be recognized for the values that define us, and we look forward to continuing to serve our  customers with empathy and integrity."  

For more information on Forbes and its America’s Best Banks list, visit  

forbes.com/lists/americas-best-banks.  

Institutional Biography  

Southern BancShares, Inc. (SBNC) is the holding company for Southern Bank and Trust Company, which  was founded in 1901 and now operates more than 60 branches across North Carolina and Virginia. The  bank offers financial products and services, including commercial loans, mortgage loans, leases,  checking, savings, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), and Certificates of Deposit (CDs). The bank  primarily uses funds from deposits to originate commercial and one-to-four-family mortgages. The bank  also offers business loans, construction loans, consumer loans, equity line loans, and lease financing.  

Learn more at: 

https://www.southernbank.com/forbes-names-southern-bank-americas-best-bank/