# Pinnacle Financial Partners: AI strategy

Source: https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/pinnacle
Last updated: Oct 16, 2026

*A relationship bank that has just doubled through a merger of equals, with a head of AI, an AI policy and a few disclosed AI counts; its stated growth engine is hiring bankers, and its systems conversion is due in March 2027.*

## How is Pinnacle using AI?

Pinnacle Financial Partners became one of the largest banks in the Southeast on 1 January 2026, when its $8.6 billion merger of equals with Synovus took effect (Synovus Bank merged into Pinnacle Bank the next day), creating a company with about 8,500 team members and, at the lead-bank level, roughly $123 billion in assets. Its AI disclosure is small but no longer empty. The bank has a head of AI, Kevin Johnson, credited with pioneering its adoption of generative-AI services and shaping its AI policy. On the first-quarter call CEO Kevin Blair said AI was 'through the pilot phase', that an internal policy assistant called ChatPFP had answered 18,000 banker questions and saved over 3,000 hours, and that 13 AI portfolio initiatives were in flight; on the second-quarter call he said the bank employs almost 20 AI engineers and has given tools to 40 power users. Chief risk officer Shellie Creson speaks publicly about 'AI-enabled operating models' as part of the risk environment. What the bank mostly tells investors about is people: Blair said in April 2026 that the company had hired a net 50 revenue-producing bankers in the first quarter, and in July that it had added 74 more in the second, 124 for the year against a goal of 225–250; he called the merger 'a catalyst for growth rather than a distraction'. Client-facing AI content is cautious: a 2026 guide for treasury clients says AI can take routine work off finance teams and make data easier to query, but that 'fraudsters have access to AI, too' and human judgment still matters. The systems conversion planned for March 2027, which will move more than 200,000 customers to a new banking app, is where the technology capacity is going in 2026; Blair's stated order is 'convert, then innovate'.

## At a glance

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Lead bank | Pinnacle Bank |
| Ticker | PNFP |
| Headquarters | Nashville, TN (Atlanta co-headquarters) |
| Consolidated assets | $128,792 million |
| Federal Reserve rank | 27 |
| Charter | Tennessee state member bank (Federal Reserve) |

## What AI partnerships and patents does Pinnacle have?

Pinnacle names no AI lab, cloud provider or model vendor in the sources reviewed. Its public AI partnerships are an Atlanta fintech accelerator run with gener8tor and Tarkenton, whose first cohort included an AI rewards concierge, LUXE AI, and unnamed technology partners whose AI features Blair says generate revenue. ChatPFP, the internal assistant, was built at Synovus. Searches of Google Patents on 13 October 2026 found no US patent or published application assigned to Pinnacle Bank, Pinnacle Financial Partners or Synovus Bank that relates to AI, and the bank has not announced any. ([Pinnacle Financial Partners](https://pnfp.com/about-pinnacle/media-room/news-releases/gener8tor-launches-pinnacle-atlanta-innovation-accelerator-under-new-leadership-of-keena-pierre-selects-inaugural-cohort-of-five-metro-atlanta-fintech-startups), [Yahoo Finance (earnings call transcript)](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/PNFP/earnings/PNFP-Q2-2026-earnings_call-653603.html), [The Motley Fool (earnings call transcript)](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/04/23/pinnacle-pnfp-q1-2026-earnings-transcript))

| Item | What it is | Status | Date | Sources |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| gener8tor and Tarkenton | Pinnacle Atlanta Innovation Accelerator: $100,000 into each of five Atlanta fintech startups, run from the PEER Center | Launched | 2025-10-09 | [Pinnacle Financial Partners](https://pnfp.com/about-pinnacle/media-room/news-releases/gener8tor-launches-pinnacle-atlanta-innovation-accelerator-under-new-leadership-of-keena-pierre-selects-inaugural-cohort-of-five-metro-atlanta-fintech-startups) |
| LUXE AI | AI-powered personal concierge for credit-card rewards; one of the five accelerator startups | Accelerator cohort member | 2025-10-09 | [Pinnacle Financial Partners](https://pnfp.com/about-pinnacle/media-room/news-releases/gener8tor-launches-pinnacle-atlanta-innovation-accelerator-under-new-leadership-of-keena-pierre-selects-inaugural-cohort-of-five-metro-atlanta-fintech-startups) |
| Unnamed technology partners | AI insights on the consumer platform for clients and advisors, deployed about two years before July 2026 | In production | 2026-07-23 | [Yahoo Finance (earnings call transcript)](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/PNFP/earnings/PNFP-Q2-2026-earnings_call-653603.html) |
| ChatPFP | Internal policy, forms and procedures assistant first rolled out at Synovus | In production | 2026-04-23 | [The Motley Fool (earnings call transcript)](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/04/23/pinnacle-pnfp-q1-2026-earnings-transcript) |

## Flagship platform: A head of AI inside a banker-led model

Pinnacle has a named head of AI, Kevin Johnson, a technology leader with more than 20 years of experience whom the bank credits with pioneering its adoption of generative-AI services and shaping its AI policy for 'ethical and effective deployment'. Management has put a few numbers on the work: almost 20 AI engineers, tools for 40 power users and an internal assistant, ChatPFP, that has answered 18,000 banker questions. Beyond that the public record is thin: the merged bank's strategy, as stated on earnings calls, is to recruit 225–250 revenue-producing bankers in 2026 and 250–275 in 2027, and its client-facing AI content is guidance to treasury clients on where automation helps and where 'human judgment still matters'. ([American Banker](https://digital-banking.americanbanker.com/profile/kevin-d-johnson), [American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/pinnacle-points-to-new-hires-as-proof-that-merger-is-working), [Pinnacle Financial Partners](https://www.pnfp.com/learning-center/business-resource-center/articles/managing-your-business/ai-and-treasury-management-more-opportunity-more-risk/), [The Motley Fool (earnings call transcript)](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/04/23/pinnacle-pnfp-q1-2026-earnings-transcript), [Yahoo Finance (earnings call transcript)](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/PNFP/earnings/PNFP-Q2-2026-earnings_call-653603.html))

## Key points

- A head of AI with a short list of disclosed AI counts: Kevin Johnson, a technology leader with more than 20 years of experience, is credited with the bank's adoption of generative-AI services and its AI policy; management has since cited almost 20 AI engineers, 40 power users and ChatPFP usage, but no AI budget, savings target or agent count is public.
- Growth strategy is hiring, not automation: net 50 revenue-producing bankers in Q1 2026, 74 more in Q2 (124 year to date at 23 July), against targets of 225–250 in 2026 and 250–275 in 2027.
- Merger of equals with Synovus: $8.6 billion, announced July 2025, Fed-approved November 2025, closed 1 January 2026; Terry Turner is chair, Kevin Blair CEO, Jamie Gregory CFO, Rob McCabe chief banking officer.
- Risk framing: the CRO describes the environment as one of 'rapid regulatory change, AI-enabled operating models, and accelerating digital and on-chain finance'.
- Client guidance is the AI voice: treasury-management content on automation, data querying and AI-enabled fraud, with human judgment kept explicit.
- Filings: the 2025 10-K warns that generative AI is 'making fraud detection more difficult, particularly with detection devices that use voice recognition or authentication'; the Q1 2026 10-Q lists 'investing in the bank of the future through automation, artificial intelligence, digital applications, and analytics' among its strategic initiatives.
- Governance in writing: the code of business conduct filed with the Q1 2026 10-Q bars team members from using generative-AI applications or entering proprietary data into unauthorised applications unless approved through internal governance channels.
- Leadership for the combined bank includes a chief operating officer, Zack Bishop, and a chief digital and product solutions officer, Liz Wolverton, alongside the head of AI.
- Q1 2026 call (23 April): Blair said Pinnacle is 'kind of through the pilot phase' on AI; ChatPFP, an internal policy, forms and procedures assistant first rolled out at Synovus, has answered 18,000 banker questions and saved over 3,000 hours; 13 AI portfolio initiatives are in flight, aimed at banker and team-member productivity ('not replace team members'), credit intelligence to shorten application-to-closing time, and AI tools from business partners.
- Q2 2026 call (23 July): asked about AI after the conversion, Blair said the bank employs almost 20 AI engineers, has rolled tools out to 40 power users, and relies on vendors whose AI features are generating revenue, including AI insights on the consumer platform given to clients and advisors for about two years; he said the innovation lens would centre on commercial treasury (payment portals, ERP integration, receivables and payables) with AI 'a big component'.
- Integration timetable: systems and brand conversion in March 2027, with more than 200,000 customers moving to a new banking app; over 250 technology platforms decisioned by April; year-one merger cost saves cut from 50% to 40% on the conversion timing; the $130 million revenue-synergy target is on track, with about $20 million targeted for 2026 and about $10 million booked at mid-year.
- Security leadership: Doug Hromco, from Accenture, became chief security officer in May 2026, running enterprise cybersecurity and fraud prevention; he succeeded Kevin Gowen, Synovus's CSO for 30 years. The Synovus consumer team said fraud losses fell $5.7 million, or 58%, in 2025, which it credited to tighter account, deposit and wire scrutiny and a customer-education campaign rather than one technology.
- Merger status verified in the Q2 2026 10-Q: the holding-company merger took effect on 1 January 2026; Pinnacle Bank became a Federal Reserve member bank and Synovus Bank merged into it on 2 January; the Q2 10-Q lists AI among its forward-looking risks twice (AI-related technology initiatives may not be implemented successfully; risks from the development and use of AI in the industry and generally).
- Recognition rather than technology: 50 Coalition Greenwich Best Bank awards across the two legacy banks and a tenth straight year on Fortune's Best Companies to Work For.

## Timeline

- Oct 1, 2026 — **Chief digital officer: 200,000-plus customers move to a new app in March 2027** American Banker profile of Liz Wolverton, who sets digital-platform priorities with a headcount of 50 and no P&L; she credits Synovus's 2025 fraud-loss reduction of $5.7 million (58%) to process tightening and a customer campaign. ([American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/2026-the-most-powerful-women-in-banking-women-to-watch-15-liz-wolverton-pinnacle-financial-partners))
- Aug 4, 2026 — **Q2 10-Q: AI initiatives listed as an execution risk** Technology initiatives 'including those related to or involving artificial intelligence' may not be successfully implemented; total assets $129.1 billion. ([Pinnacle Financial Partners (SEC filing)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2082866/000208286626000082/pnfp-20260630.htm))
- Jul 23, 2026 — **74 experienced revenue producers added in Q2** 124 year to date against a goal of 225–250 for 2026, with new hires averaging about 20 years of experience and split almost evenly between legacy Synovus and legacy Pinnacle markets. ([Business Wire via FT Markets](https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/detail?dockey=600-202607231000BIZWIRE_USPRX____20260723_BW811877-1))
- Jul 23, 2026 — **Q2 call: March 2027 conversion, $130 million revenue-synergy target on track** About $10 million of revenue synergies year to date against roughly $20 million targeted for 2026 while the two banks run separate systems; $51 million of non-recurring merger expense in the quarter, mostly personnel and technology integration. ([Yahoo Finance (earnings call transcript)](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/PNFP/earnings/PNFP-Q2-2026-earnings_call-653603.html))
- Jul 23, 2026 — **Q2 call: almost 20 AI engineers, 40 power users** Asked by Barclays about AI after the conversion, Blair: AI is used internally, vendors' AI features are producing revenue, AI insights on the consumer platform have gone to clients and advisors for about two years, and post-conversion innovation will centre on commercial treasury, with AI 'a big component'. ([Yahoo Finance (earnings call transcript)](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/PNFP/earnings/PNFP-Q2-2026-earnings_call-653603.html))
- Jul 22, 2026 — **Q2 results: $129.1 billion in assets, adjusted tangible efficiency ratio 49.8%** Adjusted non-interest expense of $662 million, down 2% on the quarter, as realised merger synergies and lower personnel costs offset continued investment in revenue producers and technology. ([Pinnacle Financial Partners](https://pnfp.com/about-pinnacle/media-room/news-releases/pinnacle-financial-partners-announces-earnings-for-second-quarter-2026))
- Jun 17, 2026 — **Head of AI scheduled at American Banker's Digital Banking conference** Kevin Johnson's session on AI and data analytics separates agentic AI (takes action) from generative AI (creates content); the session description cites 30-40% faster code development when generative AI is deployed properly. ([American Banker](https://digital-banking.americanbanker.com/profile/kevin-d-johnson))
- May 7, 2026 — **Doug Hromco named chief security officer** From Accenture, where he advised boards on cybersecurity strategy; previously CISO of a multi-state community bank. He leads enterprise cybersecurity, fraud prevention and physical and information security and succeeds Kevin Gowen, who retires after 30 years as Synovus's CSO. ([Business Wire via FT Markets](https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/detail?dockey=600-202605071300BIZWIRE_USPRX____20260507_BW005083-1))
- May 6, 2026 — **Q1 10-Q: AI named in strategy and risk factors; gen-AI rule in code of conduct** AI among 'bank of the future' initiatives; AI and complex models carry accuracy, bias, explainability and compliance risk; unapproved gen-AI use prohibited. ([Pinnacle Financial Partners (SEC filing)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2082866/000208286626000043/pnfp-20260331.htm), [Pinnacle Financial Partners (SEC filing)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2082866/000208286626000043/a14-pinnaclecodeofbusiness.htm))
- May 5, 2026 — **'Top of wallet' comes down to trust** The bank's digital-experience lead on spending advice and fraud alerts as the basis for card primacy. ([American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/payments/news/barclays-pinnacle-regions-discuss-digital-wallet-strategies))
- Apr 23, 2026 — **Q1 call: ChatPFP, 13 AI initiatives, 'through the pilot phase'** Blair: ChatPFP, rolled out at Synovus about a year earlier, has answered 18,000 banker questions and saved over 3,000 hours; 13 AI portfolio initiatives are in flight across banker productivity, credit intelligence and partner AI; over 250 technology platforms decisioned for the conversion; AI tools will be used on process re-engineering and some conversion coding. ([The Motley Fool (earnings call transcript)](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/04/23/pinnacle-pnfp-q1-2026-earnings-transcript))
- Apr 23, 2026 — **Q1 call: technology and AI investment for productivity** Management cites ongoing investment in technology and AI to boost productivity and streamline operations during integration. ([StockStory (Yahoo Finance)](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/pnfp-q1-deep-dive-merger-005323671.html))
- Apr 23, 2026 — **Net 50 bankers hired in the first quarter** The CEO says the merger 'has not changed' the recruiting model; 225–250 hires targeted for 2026. ([American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/pinnacle-points-to-new-hires-as-proof-that-merger-is-working), [Pinnacle Financial Partners](https://pnfp.com/about-pinnacle/media-room/news-releases/pinnacle-financial-partners-announces-earnings-for-first-quarter-2026))
- Apr 21, 2026 — **Head of AI profiled** Kevin Johnson credited with pioneering gen-AI adoption and shaping the bank's AI policy. ([American Banker](https://digital-banking.americanbanker.com/profile/kevin-d-johnson))
- Apr 1, 2026 — **Tenth straight year on Fortune's Best Companies list** Ranked No. 12. ([Business Wire via FT Markets](https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/full?dockey=600-202604010830BIZWIRE_USPRX____20260401_BW481527-1))
- Mar 2, 2026 — **2025 10-K flags AI risk** Generative AI makes fraud detection harder, especially voice authentication; AI and machine-learning tools may add cyber, data-leakage and cost risks. ([Pinnacle Financial Partners (SEC filing)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2082866/000208286626000018/pnfp-20251231.htm))
- Feb 11, 2026 — **50 Coalition Greenwich Best Bank awards** 32 earned by legacy Pinnacle and 18 by legacy Synovus. ([Pinnacle Financial Partners](https://www.pnfp.com/about-pinnacle/media-room/news-releases/pinnacle-financial-partners-earns-a-combined-50-coalition-greenwich-best-bank-awards-more-than-any-other-bank-in-the-country))
- Jan 22, 2026 — **Q4 2025 call: conversion timing trims year-one cost saves** Year-one merger cost saves are now expected at 40% rather than 50% because of the systems-conversion timing; total synergy targets are unchanged. Blair: both companies stay on their legacy platforms until the 2027 conversion, and complex clients onboarded in 2026 go straight onto the end-state platform. ([The Motley Fool (earnings call transcript)](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/01/22/pinnacle-pnfp-q4-2025-earnings-call-transcript))
- Jan 2, 2026 — **Bank-level merger completes; Pinnacle Bank becomes a Fed member bank** The holding-company merger took effect on 1 January; Synovus Bank merged into Pinnacle Bank on 2 January. Pro forma $117.2 billion in assets, $95.7 billion of deposits and $80.4 billion of loans at 30 September 2025, more than 400 locations in nine states; both brands continue until systems and brand conversion in early 2027. ([Pinnacle Financial Partners](https://www.pnfp.com/about-pinnacle/media-room/news-releases/pinnacle-and-synovus-complete-merger-to-become-regional-bank-growth-champion), [Pinnacle Financial Partners (SEC filing)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2082866/000208286626000082/pnfp-20260630.htm))
- Jan 1, 2026 — **Merger closes** The combined company begins its first full quarter with about 8,500 team members. ([Business Wire via FT Markets](https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/detail?dockey=600-202604221730BIZWIRE_USPRX____20260422_BW847457-1), [Pinnacle Financial Partners](https://pnfp.com/about-pinnacle/media-room/news-releases/pinnacle-financial-partners-announces-earnings-for-first-quarter-2026))
- Nov 25, 2025 — **Federal Reserve approves the merger** Pinnacle Bank and Synovus Bank cleared to combine. ([Banking Dive](https://www.bankingdive.com/news/pinnacle-synovus-bank-merger-fed-approval/806559/))
- Oct 9, 2025 — **Pinnacle Atlanta Innovation Accelerator launches** With gener8tor: $100,000 into each of five Atlanta fintechs, including LUXE AI, an AI-powered rewards concierge. ([Pinnacle Financial Partners](https://pnfp.com/about-pinnacle/media-room/news-releases/gener8tor-launches-pinnacle-atlanta-innovation-accelerator-under-new-leadership-of-keena-pierre-selects-inaugural-cohort-of-five-metro-atlanta-fintech-startups))
- Sep 11, 2025 — **'Not Truist 2.0'** Pinnacle's CEO on why this merger of equals will avoid the BB&T–SunTrust experience. ([Banking Dive](https://www.bankingdive.com/news/pinnacle-synovus-merger-turner-blair-southeast-bank-deal-moe/759910/))
- Aug 21, 2025 — **Leadership team named** Jamie Gregory as CFO and Rob McCabe as chief banking officer of the combined bank. ([Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/pinnacle-financial-synovus-name-leadership-team-steer-combined-bank-2025-08-21/), [Banking Dive](https://www.bankingdive.com/news/synovus-pinnacle-merger-bank-c-suite-management-team-truist/758417/))
- Jul 24, 2025 — **Merger of equals with Synovus announced** An $8.6 billion all-stock deal creating a Southeast bank with more than $115 billion in combined assets. ([Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/pinnacle-financial-partners-synovus-financial-merge-86-billion-deal-2025-07-24/), [The Wall Street Journal](https://wsj.com/business/deals/pinnacle-financial-synovus-financial-agree-to-8-6-billion-merger-1b8564bf))
- Feb 25, 2025 — **Synovus offers Carefull's AI elder-fraud monitoring** Before the merger, Synovus began offering Carefull, whose proprietary AI provides 24/7 account monitoring for signs of fraud, scams and money mistakes, as a complimentary benefit phased in to clients. ([Synovus (Business Wire)](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250225278851/en/Synovus-prioritizes-fraud-protection-with-Carefull))

## Where AI runs

| Use case | What | Status | Detail | Sources |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Model risk management](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/ai-regulation/by-use-case#model-risk) | AI and complex-model risk disclosure | In production | 10-K and 10-Q risk factors on accuracy, bias, explainability and compliance of AI and complex models, and on third-party AI dependence. | [Pinnacle Financial Partners (SEC filing)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2082866/000208286626000018/pnfp-20251231.htm), [Pinnacle Financial Partners (SEC filing)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2082866/000208286626000043/pnfp-20260331.htm) |
| [Generative & agentic AI](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/ai-regulation/by-use-case#generative-agentic-ai) | Generative-AI services for employees | In production | Adoption led by the head of AI under a firm AI policy; scope not disclosed. | [American Banker](https://digital-banking.americanbanker.com/profile/kevin-d-johnson) |
| [AI governance (general)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/ai-regulation/by-use-case#governance-general) | Firm AI policy | In production | An ethics-and-effectiveness policy for AI deployment across the business. | [American Banker](https://digital-banking.americanbanker.com/profile/kevin-d-johnson) |
| [AI governance (general)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/ai-regulation/by-use-case#governance-general) | Generative-AI restriction in the code of conduct | In production | Team members may not use gen-AI applications or put proprietary data into unauthorised applications without approval through internal governance channels. | [Pinnacle Financial Partners (SEC filing)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2082866/000208286626000043/a14-pinnaclecodeofbusiness.htm) |
| [Fraud detection](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/ai-regulation/by-use-case#fraud) | AI-enabled fraud awareness for treasury clients | In production | Guidance that fraudsters use AI too, with human review kept in payment workflows. | [Pinnacle Financial Partners](https://www.pnfp.com/learning-center/business-resource-center/articles/managing-your-business/ai-and-treasury-management-more-opportunity-more-risk/) |
| [Customer-facing chatbots](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/ai-regulation/by-use-case#customer-chatbots) | Digital-wallet primacy through advice and alerts | In production | Spending advice and fraud alerts as the basis for card use in digital wallets. | [American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/payments/news/barclays-pinnacle-regions-discuss-digital-wallet-strategies) |
| [Generative & agentic AI](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/ai-regulation/by-use-case#generative-agentic-ai) | ChatPFP internal policy and procedures assistant | In production | An internal assistant for policies, forms and procedures, rolled out at Synovus about a year before April 2026; it has answered 18,000 banker questions and saved over 3,000 hours. | [The Motley Fool (earnings call transcript)](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/04/23/pinnacle-pnfp-q1-2026-earnings-transcript) |
| [Credit scoring & underwriting](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/ai-regulation/by-use-case#credit-underwriting) | Credit intelligence | Announced | One of three stated AI priorities: using AI to cut the time from client application to closing. No deployed system, vendor or metric is public. | [The Motley Fool (earnings call transcript)](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/04/23/pinnacle-pnfp-q1-2026-earnings-transcript) |
| [Generative & agentic AI](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/ai-regulation/by-use-case#generative-agentic-ai) | AI engineering team and power-user rollout | In production | Almost 20 AI engineers and tools rolled out to 40 power users across the franchise, to add capacity and, in Blair's words, new sources of revenue. | [Yahoo Finance (earnings call transcript)](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/PNFP/earnings/PNFP-Q2-2026-earnings_call-653603.html) |
| [Generative & agentic AI](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/ai-regulation/by-use-case#generative-agentic-ai) | Vendor-supplied AI insights on the consumer platform | In production | AI insights on client behaviour go to both clients and advisors and lead to sales conversations; deployed about two years before July 2026 through a technology partner the bank does not name. | [Yahoo Finance (earnings call transcript)](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/PNFP/earnings/PNFP-Q2-2026-earnings_call-653603.html) |
| [Fraud detection](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/ai-regulation/by-use-case#fraud) | Carefull elder-fraud monitoring (legacy Synovus) | Rolling out | Vendor: Carefull. Its proprietary AI monitors bank, credit card and investment accounts around the clock for signs of fraud, scams and money mistakes; Synovus offered it as a complimentary benefit in a phased approach from February 2025. | [Synovus (Business Wire)](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250225278851/en/Synovus-prioritizes-fraud-protection-with-Carefull) |
| [AI-generated code & coding agents](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/ai-regulation/by-use-case#ai-generated-code) | AI tools in the Synovus systems conversion | Announced | Used so far on process re-engineering and planned for some of the coding in the March 2027 conversion. | [The Motley Fool (earnings call transcript)](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/04/23/pinnacle-pnfp-q1-2026-earnings-transcript) |

## Disclosed numbers

| Measure | Value | As of | Sources |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Revenue-producing bankers hired, net, Q1 2026 | 50 (37 more by 17 April) | Apr 23, 2026 | [American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/pinnacle-points-to-new-hires-as-proof-that-merger-is-working) |
| Hiring targets | 225–250 in 2026; 250–275 in 2027 | Apr 23, 2026 | [American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/pinnacle-points-to-new-hires-as-proof-that-merger-is-working) |
| Merger value / combined assets at announcement | $8.6 billion / $115 billion+ | Jul 24, 2025 | [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/pinnacle-financial-partners-synovus-financial-merge-86-billion-deal-2025-07-24/) |
| Team members | ≈ 8,500 | Apr 22, 2026 | [Pinnacle Financial Partners](https://pnfp.com/about-pinnacle/media-room/news-releases/pinnacle-financial-partners-announces-earnings-for-first-quarter-2026) |
| Total assets (holding company) | $129.1 billion | Jun 30, 2026 | [Pinnacle Financial Partners (SEC filing)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2082866/000208286626000082/pnfp-20260630.htm) |
| AI engineers employed | almost 20 | Jul 23, 2026 | [Yahoo Finance (earnings call transcript)](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/PNFP/earnings/PNFP-Q2-2026-earnings_call-653603.html) |
| Power users given AI tools | 40 | Jul 23, 2026 | [Yahoo Finance (earnings call transcript)](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/PNFP/earnings/PNFP-Q2-2026-earnings_call-653603.html) |
| ChatPFP usage | 18,000 banker questions answered; over 3,000 hours saved | Apr 23, 2026 | [The Motley Fool (earnings call transcript)](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/04/23/pinnacle-pnfp-q1-2026-earnings-transcript) |
| AI portfolio initiatives in flight | 13 | Apr 23, 2026 | [The Motley Fool (earnings call transcript)](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/04/23/pinnacle-pnfp-q1-2026-earnings-transcript) |
| Technology platforms decisioned for the conversion | over 250 | Apr 23, 2026 | [The Motley Fool (earnings call transcript)](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/04/23/pinnacle-pnfp-q1-2026-earnings-transcript) |
| Customers moving to the new banking app in March 2027 | more than 200,000 | Oct 1, 2026 | [American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/2026-the-most-powerful-women-in-banking-women-to-watch-15-liz-wolverton-pinnacle-financial-partners) |
| Revenue producers hired in 2026 | 124 year to date (74 in Q2) against a 225–250 goal | Jul 23, 2026 | [Business Wire via FT Markets](https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/detail?dockey=600-202607231000BIZWIRE_USPRX____20260723_BW811877-1) |

## Quotes

> "Others have said this merger would be a huge opportunity to poach Pinnacle team members. That just hasn't happened." — Kevin Blair, President and CEO, Apr 23, 2026 ([American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/pinnacle-points-to-new-hires-as-proof-that-merger-is-working))

> "Top of wallet strategies are really important. It really comes down to who they trust." — Jennifer Smith Brittain, Senior Director, Experience Strategy and Digital Experience, May 5, 2026 ([American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/payments/news/barclays-pinnacle-regions-discuss-digital-wallet-strategies))

> "we're leveraging AI internally. We have almost 20 AI engineers that we employ. We've rolled out technology and capabilities to 40 power users across the franchise." — Kevin Blair, President and CEO, Jul 23, 2026 ([Yahoo Finance (earnings call transcript)](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/PNFP/earnings/PNFP-Q2-2026-earnings_call-653603.html))

> "AI is something that we've been deploying for some time. I think we're kind of through the pilot phase." — Kevin Blair, President and CEO, Apr 23, 2026 ([The Motley Fool (earnings call transcript)](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/04/23/pinnacle-pnfp-q1-2026-earnings-transcript))

> "our AI focus is around 3 things: banker and team member productivity, where we can use it to not replace team members, but to make them more effective at doing their job." — Kevin Blair, President and CEO, Apr 23, 2026 ([The Motley Fool (earnings call transcript)](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/04/23/pinnacle-pnfp-q1-2026-earnings-transcript))

> "we've always talked about we've got to convert, then we'll innovate." — Kevin Blair, President and CEO, Jul 23, 2026 ([Yahoo Finance (earnings call transcript)](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/PNFP/earnings/PNFP-Q2-2026-earnings_call-653603.html))

> "All your products have to be unified, all your technology has to be unified, and we are not merging with a small entity." — Liz Wolverton, Chief Digital and Product Solutions Officer, Oct 1, 2026 ([American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/2026-the-most-powerful-women-in-banking-women-to-watch-15-liz-wolverton-pinnacle-financial-partners))

## Who runs AI

- **Kevin Blair** — President and CEO (ex-Synovus CEO; the executive who has quantified AI on earnings calls) ([LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-blair-849a767/)) ([American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/pinnacle-points-to-new-hires-as-proof-that-merger-is-working), [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/pinnacle-financial-synovus-name-leadership-team-steer-combined-bank-2025-08-21/), [The Motley Fool (earnings call transcript)](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/04/23/pinnacle-pnfp-q1-2026-earnings-transcript), [Yahoo Finance (earnings call transcript)](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/PNFP/earnings/PNFP-Q2-2026-earnings_call-653603.html))
- **Terry Turner** — Chairman; founding CEO of Pinnacle (no public AI remarks found; speaks on the call on hiring and integration) ([Banking Dive](https://www.bankingdive.com/news/synovus-pinnacle-merger-bank-c-suite-management-team-truist/758417/), [Banking Dive](https://www.bankingdive.com/news/pinnacle-synovus-merger-turner-blair-southeast-bank-deal-moe/759910/), [Pinnacle Financial Partners](https://www.pnfp.com/about-pinnacle/media-room/news-releases/pinnacle-and-synovus-complete-merger-to-become-regional-bank-growth-champion))
- **Kevin Johnson** — Head of AI ([LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/k3vindjohnson/)) ([American Banker](https://digital-banking.americanbanker.com/profile/kevin-d-johnson))
- **Shellie Creson** — Chief Risk Officer ([LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/shellie-creson-9467495/)) ([American Banker](https://the-most-powerful-women-in-banking.americanbanker.com/profile/shellie-creson))
- **Jamie Gregory** — Chief Financial Officer ([LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-gregory-7030455/)) ([Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/pinnacle-financial-synovus-name-leadership-team-steer-combined-bank-2025-08-21/))
- **Zack Bishop** — Chief Operating Officer ([LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/zackbishop)) ([Pinnacle Financial Partners (Business Wire)](https://businesswire.com/news/home/20250821754048/en/Pinnacle-Financial-Partners-and-Synovus-Announce-Executive-Leadership-Team-for-Combined-Company))
- **Liz Wolverton** — Chief Digital and Product Solutions Officer (sets digital-platform investment priorities; owns the March 2027 customer conversion; 23-year Synovus veteran) ([Pinnacle Financial Partners (Business Wire)](https://businesswire.com/news/home/20250821754048/en/Pinnacle-Financial-Partners-and-Synovus-Announce-Executive-Leadership-Team-for-Combined-Company), [American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/2026-the-most-powerful-women-in-banking-women-to-watch-15-liz-wolverton-pinnacle-financial-partners))
- **Doug Hromco** — Chief Security Officer (enterprise cybersecurity, fraud prevention, physical and information security; from Accenture, named May 2026) ([Business Wire via FT Markets](https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/detail?dockey=600-202605071300BIZWIRE_USPRX____20260507_BW005083-1))
- **Rob McCabe** — Chief Banking Officer and vice chairman; co-founder of Pinnacle ([Pinnacle Financial Partners](https://pnfp.com/about-pinnacle/media-room/news-releases/pinnacle-financial-partners-and-synovus-announce-leadership-team-for-combined-company), [Pinnacle Financial Partners](https://www.pnfp.com/about-pinnacle/media-room/news-releases/pinnacle-and-synovus-complete-merger-to-become-regional-bank-growth-champion))
- **Mike Hammontree** — Head of commercial payments products and programs, including treasury management and merchant card services (the area Blair says the post-conversion innovation roadmap will favour) ([Pinnacle Financial Partners](https://pnfp.com/about-pinnacle/media-room/news-releases/pinnacle-financial-partners-and-synovus-announce-leadership-team-for-combined-company), [Yahoo Finance (earnings call transcript)](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/PNFP/earnings/PNFP-Q2-2026-earnings_call-653603.html))
- **Jennifer Upshaw** — Chief Administrative Officer; led integration management for the Synovus side ([Pinnacle Financial Partners](https://pnfp.com/about-pinnacle/media-room/news-releases/pinnacle-financial-partners-and-synovus-announce-leadership-team-for-combined-company))
- **Jennifer Smith Brittain** — Senior Director, Experience Strategy and Digital Experience ([LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsmithbrittain/)) ([American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/payments/news/barclays-pinnacle-regions-discuss-digital-wallet-strategies))

## Regulators it answers to

- [Federal Reserve](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/ai-regulation/federal-reserve) — Pinnacle Bank is a Tennessee state member bank; the Fed approved the Synovus merger and supervises the combined holding company's model risk. See [SR 26-2](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/ai-regulation/documents/fed-sr-26-2), [SR 23-4](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/ai-regulation/documents/fed-sr-23-4).
- [CFPB](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/ai-regulation/cfpb) — Consumer cards, digital-wallet services and any AI in consumer lending sit under UDAAP and ECOA. See [ECOA / Regulation B adverse action (15 U.S.C. 1691(d); 12 CFR 1002.9)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/ai-regulation/documents/cfpb-ecoa-regulation-b-adverse-action).
- [FinCEN](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/ai-regulation/fincen) — AI-enabled fraud and payments controls for treasury clients fall inside the AML/CFT program rule. See [2026 AML/CFT Program Proposed Rule](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/ai-regulation/documents/fincen-aml-cft-program-nprm-2026).

## What the record suggests

### The merger integration is the AI project

Combining two core stacks in 2026 consumes the capacity other banks are spending on agents. Expect AI announcements to follow the systems conversion, not precede it.

### Counts are public, outcomes are not

Blair has named almost 20 AI engineers, 40 power users and ChatPFP usage, but no AI budget, savings target or customer-facing deployment. Publishing outcomes after the March 2027 conversion would let investors compare Pinnacle with peers now reporting agent counts.

### Hiring bankers as the growth model sets up an AI question

Every peer is describing AI as the way to grow without adding headcount. Pinnacle's opposite bet — 500 bankers over two years — will be judged against that narrative.

### Fraud is the natural first AI story

The bank already tells treasury clients that fraudsters use AI; its own AI-enabled fraud defences would be the least controversial thing to disclose next.

## FAQ

### Does Pinnacle Financial Partners use AI?

Yes, but it discloses little. The bank has a head of AI, Kevin Johnson, credited with pioneering its adoption of generative-AI services and shaping its AI policy. On earnings calls in 2026 the CEO said it employs almost 20 AI engineers, has given tools to 40 power users and runs an internal assistant, ChatPFP, that has answered 18,000 banker questions. It has not published an AI budget, savings target or agent count. Its client-facing AI voice is guidance to treasury clients on where automation helps and where human judgment still matters.

### Who runs Pinnacle after the Synovus merger?

Kevin Blair, formerly Synovus's CEO, is president and CEO of the combined company, which closed its merger of equals on 1 January 2026. Terry Turner, Pinnacle's founding CEO, is chairman; Jamie Gregory is CFO and Rob McCabe is chief banking officer.

### Who leads AI at Pinnacle Financial Partners?

Kevin Johnson is head of AI; the bank credits him with pioneering its adoption of generative-AI services and shaping its AI policy. CEO Kevin Blair is the executive who quantifies AI to investors: almost 20 AI engineers and 40 power users. Chief digital and product solutions officer Liz Wolverton owns the digital platforms and the March 2027 customer conversion, chief risk officer Shellie Creson frames the risk, and chief security officer Doug Hromco, named in May 2026, runs cybersecurity and fraud prevention. The August 2025 leadership list for the combined bank names no chief AI, data or information officer.

### What has Pinnacle said about AI on its earnings calls?

On the first-quarter 2026 call Blair said AI was 'through the pilot phase', that ChatPFP had answered 18,000 banker questions and saved over 3,000 hours, and that 13 portfolio initiatives were in flight across banker productivity, credit intelligence and partner-supplied AI. On the second-quarter call he cited almost 20 AI engineers and 40 power users and said post-conversion innovation would centre on commercial treasury, with AI 'a big component'. The fourth-quarter 2025 call was about merger timing.

### When does Pinnacle convert its Synovus systems, and what does that mean for AI?

The merger took effect on 1 January 2026 and Synovus Bank merged into Pinnacle Bank on 2 January. Systems and brand conversion is planned for March 2027, when more than 200,000 customers move to a new banking app; over 250 technology platforms were decisioned by April 2026. Blair's order is 'convert, then innovate', so the AI roadmap he described, centred on treasury payments, ERP integration and back-office efficiency, follows the conversion, while AI tools are used on process re-engineering and some conversion coding.

## Sources (32)

1. Kevin Johnson, Head of AI, Pinnacle Financial Partners (Digital Banking speaker profile) — American Banker, Apr 21, 2026. https://digital-banking.americanbanker.com/profile/kevin-d-johnson
2. Pinnacle points to new hires as proof that merger is working — American Banker, Apr 23, 2026. https://www.americanbanker.com/news/pinnacle-points-to-new-hires-as-proof-that-merger-is-working
3. How banks reach for the 'top of the wallet' — American Banker, May 5, 2026. https://americanbanker.com/payments/news/barclays-pinnacle-regions-discuss-digital-wallet-strategies
4. Shellie Creson, Chief Risk Officer, Pinnacle Financial Partners (The Most Powerful Women in Banking) — American Banker, Jun 25, 2026. https://the-most-powerful-women-in-banking.americanbanker.com/profile/shellie-creson
5. Pinnacle Financial Partners, Synovus Financial to merge in $8.6 billion deal — Reuters, Jul 24, 2025. https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/pinnacle-financial-partners-synovus-financial-merge-86-billion-deal-2025-07-24/
6. Pinnacle Financial, Synovus name leadership team to steer combined bank — Reuters, Aug 21, 2025. https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/pinnacle-financial-synovus-name-leadership-team-steer-combined-bank-2025-08-21/
7. Pinnacle Financial, Synovus Financial Agree to $8.6 Billion Merger — The Wall Street Journal, Jul 24, 2025. https://wsj.com/business/deals/pinnacle-financial-synovus-financial-agree-to-8-6-billion-merger-1b8564bf
8. Synovus, Pinnacle plan post-merger C-suite — Banking Dive, Aug 22, 2025. https://www.bankingdive.com/news/synovus-pinnacle-merger-bank-c-suite-management-team-truist/758417/
9. Merger with Synovus isn't 'Truist 2.0,' Pinnacle CEO says — Banking Dive, Sep 11, 2025. https://www.bankingdive.com/news/pinnacle-synovus-merger-turner-blair-southeast-bank-deal-moe/759910/
10. Fed approves Pinnacle, Synovus merger — Banking Dive, Nov 26, 2025. https://www.bankingdive.com/news/pinnacle-synovus-bank-merger-fed-approval/806559/
11. Pinnacle Financial Partners announces earnings for first quarter 2026 — Pinnacle Financial Partners, Apr 22, 2026. https://pnfp.com/about-pinnacle/media-room/news-releases/pinnacle-financial-partners-announces-earnings-for-first-quarter-2026
12. Pinnacle Financial Partners Earns a Combined 50 Coalition Greenwich Best Bank Awards – More Than Any Other Bank in the Country — Pinnacle Financial Partners, Feb 11, 2026. https://www.pnfp.com/about-pinnacle/media-room/news-releases/pinnacle-financial-partners-earns-a-combined-50-coalition-greenwich-best-bank-awards-more-than-any-other-bank-in-the-country
13. AI and Treasury Management: More Opportunity, More Risk — Pinnacle Financial Partners, Jun 1, 2026. https://www.pnfp.com/learning-center/business-resource-center/articles/managing-your-business/ai-and-treasury-management-more-opportunity-more-risk/
14. Pinnacle Financial Partners announces earnings for first quarter 2026 (merger closed January 1, 2026) — Business Wire via FT Markets, Apr 22, 2026. https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/detail?dockey=600-202604221730BIZWIRE_USPRX____20260422_BW847457-1
15. Synovus prioritizes fraud protection with Carefull — Synovus (Business Wire), Feb 25, 2025. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250225278851/en/Synovus-prioritizes-fraud-protection-with-Carefull
16. Pinnacle Financial Partners and Synovus Announce Executive Leadership Team for Combined Company — Pinnacle Financial Partners (Business Wire), Aug 21, 2025. https://businesswire.com/news/home/20250821754048/en/Pinnacle-Financial-Partners-and-Synovus-Announce-Executive-Leadership-Team-for-Combined-Company
17. gener8tor Launches Pinnacle Atlanta Innovation Accelerator Under New Leadership of Keena Pierre, Selects Inaugural Cohort of Five Metro Atlanta Fintech Startups — Pinnacle Financial Partners, Oct 9, 2025. https://pnfp.com/about-pinnacle/media-room/news-releases/gener8tor-launches-pinnacle-atlanta-innovation-accelerator-under-new-leadership-of-keena-pierre-selects-inaugural-cohort-of-five-metro-atlanta-fintech-startups
18. Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2025 — Pinnacle Financial Partners (SEC filing), Mar 2, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2082866/000208286626000018/pnfp-20251231.htm
19. PNFP Q1 Deep Dive: Merger Integration Drives Growth, Expense Synergies, and Strategic Expansion — StockStory (Yahoo Finance), Apr 25, 2026. https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/pnfp-q1-deep-dive-merger-005323671.html
20. Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 — Pinnacle Financial Partners (SEC filing), May 6, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2082866/000208286626000043/pnfp-20260331.htm
21. Pinnacle Financial Partners Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (Exhibit 14 to Form 10-Q) — Pinnacle Financial Partners (SEC filing), May 6, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2082866/000208286626000043/a14-pinnaclecodeofbusiness.htm
22. Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 — Pinnacle Financial Partners (SEC filing), Aug 4, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2082866/000208286626000082/pnfp-20260630.htm
23. Pinnacle is America's No. 12 Best Company to Work For — Business Wire via FT Markets, Apr 1, 2026. https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/full?dockey=600-202604010830BIZWIRE_USPRX____20260401_BW481527-1
24. Pinnacle (PNFP) Q1 2026 Earnings Transcript — The Motley Fool (earnings call transcript), Apr 23, 2026. https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/04/23/pinnacle-pnfp-q1-2026-earnings-transcript
25. Pinnacle (PNFP) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript — The Motley Fool (earnings call transcript), Jan 22, 2026. https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/01/22/pinnacle-pnfp-q4-2025-earnings-call-transcript
26. Pinnacle Financial Partners (PNFP) Q2 FY2026 earnings call transcript — Yahoo Finance (earnings call transcript), Jul 23, 2026. https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/PNFP/earnings/PNFP-Q2-2026-earnings_call-653603.html
27. Pinnacle and Synovus Complete Merger to Become Regional Bank Growth Champion — Pinnacle Financial Partners, Jan 2, 2026. https://www.pnfp.com/about-pinnacle/media-room/news-releases/pinnacle-and-synovus-complete-merger-to-become-regional-bank-growth-champion
28. Pinnacle Financial Partners and Synovus Announce Leadership Team for Combined Company — Pinnacle Financial Partners, Aug 21, 2025. https://pnfp.com/about-pinnacle/media-room/news-releases/pinnacle-financial-partners-and-synovus-announce-leadership-team-for-combined-company
29. Pinnacle Financial Partners names Douglas Hromco as chief security officer — Business Wire via FT Markets, May 7, 2026. https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/detail?dockey=600-202605071300BIZWIRE_USPRX____20260507_BW005083-1
30. Pinnacle Financial Partners announces earnings for second quarter 2026 — Pinnacle Financial Partners, Jul 22, 2026. https://pnfp.com/about-pinnacle/media-room/news-releases/pinnacle-financial-partners-announces-earnings-for-second-quarter-2026
31. Pinnacle Financial Partners adds experienced revenue producers in second quarter as growth model continues to accelerate — Business Wire via FT Markets, Jul 23, 2026. https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/detail?dockey=600-202607231000BIZWIRE_USPRX____20260723_BW811877-1
32. The Most Powerful Women in Banking Women to Watch, #15, Liz Wolverton, Pinnacle Financial Partners — American Banker, Oct 1, 2026. https://americanbanker.com/news/2026-the-most-powerful-women-in-banking-women-to-watch-15-liz-wolverton-pinnacle-financial-partners

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