SunTrust Partners with Operation HOPE to Provide Financial Counselors in Select Branches

ATLANTA, Nov. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- SunTrust Banks, Inc. (NYSE: STI) announced today that Operation HOPE financial counselors will be operational in select branch locations in Atlanta, Memphis and Washington, D.C. this month.  The HOPE Inside program is part of SunTrust's ongoing efforts to light the way to financial well-being for clients and communities.  The announcement was made by SunTrust Chairman and CEO William H. Rogers, Jr. at the HOPE Global Financial Dignity Summit in Atlanta, Ga.

"We believe that when you build your communities, you build your bank," said Rogers. "Further, we believe the banking industry has an opportunity and an obligation to help the underbanked. HOPE Inside is an important step toward even greater integration of traditional banking services with programs targeted at underserved populations."

SunTrust previously committed a $1 million cash and in-kind contribution to HOPE Inside, which provides a range of credit counseling services at select branches.  Since that commitment, SunTrust added two locations in Washington, D.C.  Programs offered through HOPE Inside cover topics such as repairing one's credit and financial planning for homeownership.  In addition, SunTrust's Washington, D.C. HOPE Inside locations will focus on small business development for entrepreneurs.

"SunTrust has been a trusted partner in the cause of financial literacy," said Operation HOPE Founder, Chairman and CEO John Hope Bryant.  "HOPE Inside is the crucial next step because it plants financial counselors in communities that need to hear a message of financial dignity and hope.  We applaud SunTrust for building stronger communities by giving a hand up through financial education for the unbanked or underserved."

About SunTrust Banks, Inc.

SunTrust Banks, Inc., headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the nation's largest banking organizations, serving a broad range of consumer, commercial, corporate and institutional clients.   As of September 30, 2013, SunTrust had total assets of $171.8 billion and total deposits of $128.9 billion.  Through its flagship subsidiary, SunTrust Bank, the Company operates an extensive branch and ATM network throughout the high-growth Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states and a full array of technology-based, 24-hour delivery channels.  The Company also serves clients in selected markets nationally.  Its primary businesses include deposit, credit, trust and investment services.  Through its various subsidiaries, the Company provides mortgage banking, asset management, securities brokerage, and capital market services. SunTrust's Internet address is suntrust.com.

About Operation HOPE

Since its inception in 1992, Operation HOPE, a global nonprofit focused on financial dignity, has empowered more than 2 million individuals and directed more than $1.5 billion in private capital to America's low-wealth communities. It has recruited a growing army of 20,000 HOPE Corps volunteers, and helped raise average credit scores for financial case management clients more than 120 points over an average 18-month period. It currently serves more than 300 U.S. cities, as well as South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and most recently, the United Arab Emirates. Its effort to empower underserved communities is a "silver rights" mission to make free enterprise work for everyone.  

SOURCE SunTrust Banks, Inc.