At the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce (GPCC) Annual Meeting yesterday, Citizens Financial Group Chairman and CEO Bruce Van Saun shared an optimistic outlook for Rhode Island’s business climate, emphasizing the state’s readiness for growth and innovation.

During a fireside chat moderated by GPCC Chair Rick Metters, Van Saun addressed more than 400 business leaders and community partners, outlining the unique opportunities ahead for Rhode Island and the importance of maintaining the state’s pro-business orientation.

“It’s essential to have thriving businesses that attract jobs and get the flywheel going for the economy,” Van Saun noted. “Ongoing investments in technology, talent and community partnerships are helping create the right conditions for businesses to thrive in Rhode Island.”

A top concern among Rhode Island’s business leaders is finding and retaining skilled workers. Van Saun observed, “Many businesses could achieve greater growth if they had access to the talent they need. As advances in technology and GenAI rapidly reshape the skills required for today’s workers, effective workforce development depends on strong collaboration between public and private sectors to ensure employees and businesses are prepared for the future.”

Van Saun highlighted the role of banks as conveners, partnering with non-profits and universities to identify workforce needs and develop future-ready talent. Citizens has pledged $20 million across its footprint over the next three years to workforce development, including $1.5 million to Rhode Island nonprofits for upskilling programs tailored to the AI era.

Van Saun also pointed to Rhode Island’s natural beauty, responsible government, and excellent university system as key assets for attracting and growing business. “We’re starting to see a lot of momentum with companies being more positive and investing in growth initiatives. Job creation is accelerating across the state, and there’s much more still to come,” he said.

The event underscored the importance of strategic leadership, public-private collaboration, and a shared commitment to building a vibrant economy for Rhode Island’s future.

About Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

Citizens Financial Group, Inc. is one of the nation’s oldest and largest financial institutions, with $222.7 billion in assets as of September 30, 2025. Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Citizens offers a broad range of retail and commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, large corporations and institutions. Citizens helps its customers reach their potential by listening to them and by understanding their needs in order to offer tailored advice, ideas and solutions. In Consumer Banking, Citizens provides an integrated experience that includes mobile and online banking, a full-service customer contact center and the convenience of approximately 3,100 ATMs and approximately 1,000 branches in 14 states and the District of Columbia. Consumer Banking products and services include a full range of banking, lending, savings, wealth management and small business offerings. In Commercial Banking, Citizens offers a broad complement of financial products and solutions, including lending and leasing, deposit and treasury management services, foreign exchange, interest rate and commodity risk management solutions, as well as loan syndication, corporate finance, merger and acquisition, and debt and equity capital markets capabilities. More information is available at www.citizensbank.com or visit us on X, LinkedIn or Facebook.

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