Owning a home remains a quintessential dream for most Americans; but a growing majority think it's a dream they’ll never realize. Today Fifth Third (NASDAQ: FITB) is announcing a free series of educational summits that break down barriers to homeownership and help more Americans turn their dreams into reality.

Fifth Third’s Homeownership Summit Series creates an engaging opportunity for low to moderate income borrowers to learn about critical cost-saving benefit programs and connect with local experts who can demystify the homebuying process. In addition to supplying credit and budget counselors from Fifth Third, the Bank collaborates with entities like the Mortgage Bankers Association to educate attendees with myth busting facts and expert tips on the homebuying process. The summit also fosters introductions to realtor groups, non-profits and housing developers committed to the mission of increasing access to homeownership. All summits include free childcare and family-friendly activities that plant the seed of homeownership early.

In 2025, Fifth Third is pleased to bring its Homeownership Summit Series first to Columbus, Ohio on April 5, and a second, to-be-determined city in the fall. The ‘Eggs to Equity: Cracking the Code to Homeownership’ event in Columbus will take place at the Junto Hotel and includes a range of family activities like “dream” birdhouse painting and free tickets to the nearby Center of Science and Industry (COSI).

Fifth Third is committed to increasing access to homeownership. Down payment and closing costs are often the greatest barrier to owning a home. Low- and moderate- income families who lack the accumulated wealth for down payment and closing costs are cut off from building wealth and assets through homeownership, which can support future generations of family members. In the last year, the Bank has invested more than $6.6 million in assistance to help more than 1,600 families purchase homes.

"Fifth Third is dedicated to bridging the gap to homeownership, and these summits are just one of the ways we are making a difference,” said Jay Plum, head of consumer lending at Fifth Third. “We believe that every American deserves to achieve the dream of owning a home. Our commitment extends to providing the education, tools, and resources necessary to empower the communities we serve to make their homeownership dreams a reality."

In addition to the summit series, Fifth Third prioritizes financial access through its Neighborhood Program, a community development initiative which creates and implements innovative place-based strategies to effect positive change in historically disinvested neighborhoods across the Bank’s 11-state footprint. Fifth Third also offers its Financial Empowerment Mobile, known as the eBus, and Banking to Go kiosks to address gaps in financial services in underserved communities.

About Fifth Third

Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies^® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ^® Global Select Market under the symbol "FITB." Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.

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