# United Community Banks vs peers: AI and technology compared

Source: https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/united-community/vs-peers
Last updated: Oct 19, 2026

*Part of the [United Community Banks AI strategy profile](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/united-community). Peer group: SouthState Bank, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Ameris Bancorp, Renasant Corporation, Hancock Whitney, Atlantic Union Bankshares, TowneBank, Trustmark Corporation.*

## How does United Community Banks compare with its peers on AI and technology?

On this site's AI disclosure index United Community scores 38.7 (#75 of 120 US banks), fifth in a nine-bank group drawn from its own 2026 proxy peer list. SouthState leads at 70.9, then Pinnacle (65.3) and Atlantic Union (53.7); United Community is level with TowneBank (38.8) and ahead of Hancock Whitney (37.4), Ameris (20.7), Trustmark (18.7) and Renasant (2.4). Its record is a CEO's case for AI rather than a program with metrics. Lynn Harton wrote in the 2025 annual report that AI 'will have a positive impact on our business'. On the April 21, 2026 call he said fraud losses were down 50% over two years, partly thanks to vendors' AI, and that AI investments show 'a strong payback'. Contact-centre chatbots now handle more calls with the same agents. That puts United Community first in the group on its own primary disclosures and on dated AI moves in the last 12 months. The peers ahead of it report scale it does not. SouthState counts 2,500-plus premium Copilot users and 12K-plus prompts a day (June 2026). Pinnacle names a head of AI and almost 20 AI engineers (July 2026). United Community's AI is mostly bought from vendors, its staff use Microsoft Copilot internally, and its CIO, Mark Terry, leads the search for AI projects. No AI budget, user count or head of AI is disclosed, and AI came up on only one of its last four earnings calls. ([United Community Banks](https://ir.ucbi.com/static-files/5e8f9b22-d28d-4070-bc4f-b896c20ae760), [United Community Banks (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/857855/000085785526000010/earningscalltranscript42126.htm), [SouthState Bank Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/764038/000110465926086278/ssb-20260723xex99d2.htm), [American Banker](https://digital-banking.americanbanker.com/profile/kevin-d-johnson), [Yahoo Finance (earnings call transcript)](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/PNFP/earnings/PNFP-Q2-2026-earnings_call-653603.html), [ABA Banking Journal](https://bankingjournal.aba.com/2026/09/banks-wealth-units-pursue-ai-carefully/), [United Community Banks (investor relations)](https://ir.ucbi.com/managers/mark-terry), [The Motley Fool](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/01/15/united-community-banks-ucb-earnings-transcript), [The Motley Fool](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/07/21/ucb-ucb-q2-2026-earnings-call-transcript))

## Where does United Community lead its peers on AI?

- **A fraud-loss result tied to AI, which most peers do not give.** United Community's CEO said on April 21, 2026 that fraud losses fell 50% over two years, partly thanks to vendors' AI. Pinnacle's chief digital officer credited Synovus's 2025 fraud-loss reduction of $5.7 million (58%) to process tightening and a customer campaign rather than AI (October 2026). ([United Community Banks (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/857855/000085785526000010/earningscalltranscript42126.htm), [American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/2026-the-most-powerful-women-in-banking-women-to-watch-15-liz-wolverton-pinnacle-financial-partners))
- **Most own disclosures and most dated moves in the group.** United Community scores 27 on its own primary disclosures and 21 on dated AI moves in the last 12 months, first of nine on both (group medians 16.5 and 17): a CEO shareholder letter on AI, a proxy letter naming AI for productivity, fraud and product innovation, and 10-K AI mentions that rose from 3 (FY2023) to 12 (FY2025). ([United Community Banks](https://ir.ucbi.com/static-files/5e8f9b22-d28d-4070-bc4f-b896c20ae760), [United Community Banks (SEC filings)](https://ir.ucbi.com/static-files/bda0e7d0-71ef-4c2a-bb46-2a505f29accd), [United Community Banks (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/857855/000085785524000010/ucbi-20231231.htm), [United Community Banks (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/857855/000085785526000008/ucbi-20251231.htm))
- **More AI on the record than Ameris, Trustmark and Renasant.** United Community scores 38.7 against Ameris's 20.7, Trustmark's 18.7 and Renasant's 2.4. Ameris's 2026 10-Qs carry no AI language; Trustmark's CEO said in July 2026 AI plans were too early to quantify; Renasant's Q2 2026 10-Q mentions AI only in forward-looking factors. ([Ameris Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/351569/000035156926000143/abcb-20260630.htm), [MarketBeat (Yahoo Finance)](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/trustmark-q2-earnings-call-highlights-180405319.html), [Renasant Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/715072/000071507226000072/rnst-20260630.htm))

## Where does United Community trail its peers on AI?

- **No staff-AI numbers while SouthState publishes its own.** United Community says bankers use Microsoft Copilot internally (September 2026) but gives no user count. SouthState reported 2,500+ premium and 2,200+ active basic Copilot users and a GenAI Knowledge Assistant answering 1.1K+ questions a day at June 30, 2026. ([ABA Banking Journal](https://bankingjournal.aba.com/2026/09/banks-wealth-units-pursue-ai-carefully/), [SouthState Bank Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/764038/000110465926086278/ssb-20260723xex99d2.htm))
- **No head of AI, unlike Pinnacle.** United Community's AI pipeline sits with CIO Mark Terry, and no AI officer is named; it places seventh of nine on named AI leaders. Pinnacle names a head of AI, Kevin Johnson, and its CEO said in July 2026 it employs almost 20 AI engineers and 40 power users. ([United Community Banks (investor relations)](https://ir.ucbi.com/managers/mark-terry), [ABA Banking Journal](https://bankingjournal.aba.com/2026/09/banks-wealth-units-pursue-ai-carefully/), [American Banker](https://digital-banking.americanbanker.com/profile/kevin-d-johnson), [Yahoo Finance (earnings call transcript)](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/PNFP/earnings/PNFP-Q2-2026-earnings_call-653603.html))
- **AI mostly bought, and agentic AI still talk.** On the April 2026 call United Community said most AI comes through vendors and that agentic AI for processes such as flood checks was at the conversational stage. TowneBank names a Talkdesk contact centre that the vendor says cut average handle time 23 seconds, and Atlantic Union plans AI screening of 100% of calls against about 10% reviewed manually. ([United Community Banks (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/857855/000085785526000010/earningscalltranscript42126.htm), [Talkdesk](https://www.talkdesk.com/blog/talkdesk-cx-innovators-awards-meet-winners/), [American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/atlantic-union-banks-cio-is-31-on-the-most-innovative-people-in-finance-ranking))
- **AI absent from most recent calls.** Only one of United Community's last four earnings calls discussed AI: the Q4 2025 and Q2 2026 transcripts do not mention it. Pinnacle's CEO answered a Barclays analyst on AI in July 2026, saying post-conversion innovation will centre on commercial treasury with AI 'a big component'. ([The Motley Fool](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/01/15/united-community-banks-ucb-earnings-transcript), [The Motley Fool](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/07/21/ucb-ucb-q2-2026-earnings-call-transcript), [Yahoo Finance (earnings call transcript)](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/PNFP/earnings/PNFP-Q2-2026-earnings_call-653603.html))

## Where does United Community rank against its peers on AI disclosure?

Scores from the US AI disclosure index of 120 banks (0–100; 45% of the weight on independent coverage). The index measures what each bank has put on the public record and what outside outlets have reported about its AI, not capability or spending; every count is of entries on that bank's profile, each of which cites its sources.

| Bank | Score | Rank | Independent sources | Own disclosures | Use cases in production | Moves, last 12 months | Named AI platform |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [SouthState Bank](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/southstate) | [70.9](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ai-index) | #33 of 120 | [12](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/southstate#sources) | [16](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/southstate#sources) | [10 of 20](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/southstate#where) | [20](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/southstate#timeline) | Copilot at scale, tested models, and Fiserv agentOS agents ([SouthState Correspondent Division](https://southstatecorrespondent.com/podcast/the-playbook-for-enterprise-ai-adoption-with-walt-wear), [American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/6-things-banks-look-for-in-gen-ai-models-and-companies), [American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/fiserv-has-co-created-ai-agents-with-six-banks-and-openai)) |
| [Pinnacle Financial Partners](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/pinnacle) | [65.3](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ai-index) | #42 of 120 | [12](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/pinnacle#sources) | [17](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/pinnacle#sources) | [9 of 12](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/pinnacle#where) | [21](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/pinnacle#timeline) | A head of AI inside a banker-led model ([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)) |
| [Atlantic Union Bankshares](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/atlantic-union) | [53.7](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ai-index) | #52 of 120 | [10](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/atlantic-union#sources) | [14](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/atlantic-union#sources) | [5 of 12](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/atlantic-union#where) | [19](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/atlantic-union#timeline) | Automated conversion and validation tooling (Sandy Spring integration) ([American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/atlantic-union-banks-cio-is-31-on-the-most-innovative-people-in-finance-ranking), [Atlantic Union Bankshares](https://investors.atlanticunionbank.com/sec-filings/all-sec-filings/content/0001104659-26-034181/aub-20251231xars.pdf), [Atlantic Union Bank](https://investors.atlanticunionbank.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/206/atlantic-union-bank-completes-integration-of-sandy-spring)) |
| [TowneBank](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/townebank) | [38.8](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ai-index) | #74 of 120 | [4](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/townebank#sources) | [13](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/townebank#sources) | [9 of 12](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/townebank#where) | [17](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/townebank#timeline) | Technology organisation under CIO Varun Chandhok; Talkdesk contact centre, SAS analytics and Microsoft Copilot ([TowneBank](https://townebank.com/about-towne/news-room/2026/varunchandhok), [TowneBank (from The CEO Magazine)](https://www.townebank.com/about-towne/news-room/2025/information-superhighway-denys-diaz/), [Talkdesk](https://www.talkdesk.com/customers/townebank/), [Talkdesk](https://www.talkdesk.com/blog/talkdesk-cx-innovators-awards-meet-winners/), [Talkdesk (GlobeNewswire)](https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/08/18/3346962/0/en/talkdesk-transforms-the-bank-branch-into-an-ai-powered-advisory-hub.html), [SAS (PR Newswire)](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/banking-on-cloud-townebank-primes-for-continued-growth-with-sas-302153251.html), [UNC Greensboro Bryan School of Business and Economics](https://bryan.uncg.edu/bryan-school-students-bring-fresh-perspective-to-townebanks-ai-strategy/), [TowneBank (FDIC filings)](https://securitiesfilings.fdicconnect.fdic.gov/api/instflng/11869/attachment/1), [TowneBank](https://townebank.com/personal/resource/security/fraud/ai-scams)) |
| [United Community Banks (this page)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/united-community) | [38.7](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ai-index) | #75 of 120 | [4](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/united-community#sources) | [27](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/united-community#sources) | [8 of 13](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/united-community#where) | [21](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/united-community#timeline) | Not disclosed |
| [Hancock Whitney](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/hancock-whitney) | [37.4](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ai-index) | #78 of 120 | [4](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/hancock-whitney#sources) | [20](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/hancock-whitney#sources) | [5 of 11](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/hancock-whitney#where) | [13](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/hancock-whitney#timeline) | MX-powered digital banking modernisation ([American Banker](https://digital-banking.americanbanker.com/profile/nate-gardner), [American Banker](https://digital-banking.americanbanker.com/profile/pam-hymel), [Hancock Whitney](https://www.hancockwhitney.com/newsroom/hancock-whitney-expands-offering-with-free-greenlight-subscription-for-clients), [Hancock Whitney](https://www.hancockwhitney.com/insights/5-critical-cybersecurity-questions-to-ask-your-it-team-or-service-provider), [Hancock Whitney (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/750577/000119312526077903/hwc-20251231.htm)) |
| [Ameris Bancorp](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ameris) | [20.7](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ai-index) | #97 of 120 | [2](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ameris#sources) | [18](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ameris#sources) | [9 of 11](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ameris#where) | [14](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ameris#timeline) | Not disclosed |
| [Trustmark Corporation](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/trustmark) | [18.7](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ai-index) | #98 of 120 | [3](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/trustmark#sources) | [14](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/trustmark#sources) | [6 of 10](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/trustmark#where) | [17](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/trustmark#timeline) | Not disclosed |
| [Renasant Corporation](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/renasant) | [2.4](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ai-index) | #111 of 120 | [2](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/renasant#sources) | [24](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/renasant#sources) | [12 of 12](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/renasant#where) | [12](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/renasant#timeline) | Not disclosed |

## On which parts of the AI record is United Community ahead of or behind its peers?

Each row is one input of the index, counted on the profiles of United Community and the 8 peers that are scored on the same basis. "Place" is United Community's position in the group of 9 (1st = most).

| Component (weight) | United Community | Peer median | Most in the group | Place |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Independent sources (45%) | 4 | 4 | [SouthState (12)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/southstate) | 4th of 9 |
| Use cases in production (10%) | 8 | 9 | [Renasant (12)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/renasant) | 6th of 9 |
| Own primary disclosures (10%) | 27 | 16.5 | [United Community (27)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/united-community) | 1st of 9 |
| Dated moves, last 12 months (10%) | 21 | 17 | [United Community (21)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/united-community) | 1st of 9 |
| Disclosed numbers (5%) | 15 | 12.5 | [SouthState (20)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/southstate) | 2nd of 9 |
| Named AI leaders (5%) | 6 | 8.5 | [Pinnacle (12)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/pinnacle) | 7th of 9 |
| Use cases described (5%) | 13 | 12 | [SouthState (20)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/southstate) | 2nd of 9 |

## What has each bank in United Community's peer group disclosed about its AI?

Facts from each bank's profile, cited to the profile's own sources. "Not disclosed" means the bank's public record, as cited on its profile, does not state it.

| Bank | Platform or assistant, as the profile names it | AI leaders named | Headline AI number disclosed | Patents on the record | Open AI roles |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [United Community Banks](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/united-community) | Not disclosed | [6, incl. Lynn Harton (Chairman, CEO and President)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/united-community#people) ([United Community Banks](https://ir.ucbi.com/static-files/5e8f9b22-d28d-4070-bc4f-b896c20ae760), [United Community Banks](https://ir.ucbi.com/news-releases/news-release-details/united-community-banks-inc-announces-agreement-sell-equipment), [United Community Banks (GlobeNewswire)](https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/07/21/3330328/0/en/united-community-banks-inc-reports-second-quarter-earnings.html), [United Community Banks (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/857855/000085785526000010/earningscalltranscript42126.htm)) | Fraud losses, change over two years (partly attributed to vendors' AI): −50% (Apr 21, 2026) ([United Community Banks (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/857855/000085785526000010/earningscalltranscript42126.htm)) | Not disclosed | Not surveyed |
| [SouthState Bank](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/southstate) | Copilot at scale, tested models, and Fiserv agentOS agents ([SouthState Correspondent Division](https://southstatecorrespondent.com/podcast/the-playbook-for-enterprise-ai-adoption-with-walt-wear), [American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/6-things-banks-look-for-in-gen-ai-models-and-companies), [American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/fiserv-has-co-created-ai-agents-with-six-banks-and-openai)) | [10, incl. John Corbett (Chief Executive Officer)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/southstate#people) ([PR Newswire via FT Markets](https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/detail?dockey=600-202607231618PR_NEWS_USPRX____CL11246-1)) | Copilot users (premium / active basic): 2,500+ / 2,200+ (Jun 30, 2026) ([SouthState Bank Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/764038/000110465926086278/ssb-20260723xex99d2.htm)) | None found (the profile's patent search) ([SouthState Bank Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/764038/000110465926017884/ssb-20251231x10k.htm)) | [1 open AI roles (Sep 24, 2026); most in AI engineering](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/southstate#roles) |
| [Pinnacle Financial Partners](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/pinnacle) | A head of AI inside a banker-led model ([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)) | [12, incl. Kevin Blair (President and CEO)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/pinnacle#people) ([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)) | 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)) | Not disclosed | Not surveyed |
| [Ameris Bancorp](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ameris) | Not disclosed | [9, incl. Palmer Proctor (Chief Executive Officer)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ameris#people) ([Ameris Bancorp](https://ir.amerisbank.com/news/news-details/2026/Ameris-Bancorp-Announces-First-Quarter-2026-Financial-Results), [The Motley Fool (Yahoo Finance)](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/ameris-abcb-q1-2026-earnings-172604943.html)) | Full-time-equivalent employees: 2,673 (Dec 31, 2025) ([Ameris Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/351569/000035156926000050/abcb-20251231.htm)) | Not disclosed | [1 open AI roles (Oct 1, 2026); most in AI engineering](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ameris#roles) |
| [Renasant Corporation](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/renasant) | Not disclosed | [2, incl. Kevin D. Chapman (President and CEO)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/renasant#people) ([Renasant Corporation](https://investors.renasant.com/node/25476/pdf), [Renasant Corporation (GlobeNewswire)](https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/07/28/3334764/0/en/Renasant-Corporation-Announces-Earnings-for-the-Second-Quarter-of-2026.html)) | Full-time equivalent employees, Renasant plus The First: mid-2024 vs 31 March 2026: ≈ 3,400 vs ≈ 2,950 (down 450) (Apr 29, 2026) ([The Motley Fool (earnings call transcript)](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/04/29/renasant-rnst-q1-2026-earnings-transcript)) | Not disclosed | Not surveyed |
| [Hancock Whitney](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/hancock-whitney) | MX-powered digital banking modernisation ([American Banker](https://digital-banking.americanbanker.com/profile/nate-gardner), [American Banker](https://digital-banking.americanbanker.com/profile/pam-hymel), [Hancock Whitney](https://www.hancockwhitney.com/newsroom/hancock-whitney-expands-offering-with-free-greenlight-subscription-for-clients), [Hancock Whitney](https://www.hancockwhitney.com/insights/5-critical-cybersecurity-questions-to-ask-your-it-team-or-service-provider), [Hancock Whitney (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/750577/000119312526077903/hwc-20251231.htm)) | [8, incl. John Hairston (President and CEO)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/hancock-whitney#people) ([Hancock Whitney](https://investors.hancockwhitney.com/news/news-details/2026/Hancock-Whitney-Reports-First-Quarter-2026-EPS-of-0-57), [American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/hancock-whitney-inks-deal-to-buy-orlando-community-bank)) | New mobile app ranking among banks and credit unions: 6th best (per MX session description) (Jun 16, 2026) ([American Banker](https://digital-banking.americanbanker.com/profile/pam-hymel)) | Not disclosed | Not surveyed |
| [Atlantic Union Bankshares](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/atlantic-union) | Automated conversion and validation tooling (Sandy Spring integration) ([American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/atlantic-union-banks-cio-is-31-on-the-most-innovative-people-in-finance-ranking), [Atlantic Union Bankshares](https://investors.atlanticunionbank.com/sec-filings/all-sec-filings/content/0001104659-26-034181/aub-20251231xars.pdf), [Atlantic Union Bank](https://investors.atlanticunionbank.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/206/atlantic-union-bank-completes-integration-of-sandy-spring)) | [8, incl. John Asbury (President and CEO)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/atlantic-union#people) ([Atlantic Union Bankshares](https://investors.atlanticunionbank.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/222/atlantic-union-bankshares-reports-second-quarter-financial), [American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/atlantic-union-plans-more-branches-to-speed-carolinas-growth), [ABA Banking Journal](https://bankingjournal.aba.com/2025/10/asbury-energized-to-keep-fighting-for-banking-industry/)) | Share of calls reviewed: manual today versus planned AI screening: ≈ 10% to 100% (Jun 1, 2026) ([American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/atlantic-union-banks-cio-is-31-on-the-most-innovative-people-in-finance-ranking)) | Not disclosed | [0 open AI roles (Sep 24, 2026)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/atlantic-union#roles) |
| [TowneBank](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/townebank) | Technology organisation under CIO Varun Chandhok; Talkdesk contact centre, SAS analytics and Microsoft Copilot ([TowneBank](https://townebank.com/about-towne/news-room/2026/varunchandhok), [TowneBank (from The CEO Magazine)](https://www.townebank.com/about-towne/news-room/2025/information-superhighway-denys-diaz/), [Talkdesk](https://www.talkdesk.com/customers/townebank/), [Talkdesk](https://www.talkdesk.com/blog/talkdesk-cx-innovators-awards-meet-winners/), [Talkdesk (GlobeNewswire)](https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/08/18/3346962/0/en/talkdesk-transforms-the-bank-branch-into-an-ai-powered-advisory-hub.html), [SAS (PR Newswire)](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/banking-on-cloud-townebank-primes-for-continued-growth-with-sas-302153251.html), [UNC Greensboro Bryan School of Business and Economics](https://bryan.uncg.edu/bryan-school-students-bring-fresh-perspective-to-townebanks-ai-strategy/), [TowneBank (FDIC filings)](https://securitiesfilings.fdicconnect.fdic.gov/api/instflng/11869/attachment/1), [TowneBank](https://townebank.com/personal/resource/security/fraud/ai-scams)) | [9, incl. William I. Foster III (President and CEO)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/townebank#people) ([TowneBank (GlobeNewswire)](https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/07/23/3331831/0/en/TowneBank-Reports-Second-Quarter-2026-Earnings.html)) | Full-time equivalent employees: 2,976 (Dec 31, 2025) ([TowneBank (FDIC filings)](https://securitiesfilings.fdicconnect.fdic.gov/api/instflng/11869/attachment/1)) | Not disclosed | Not surveyed |
| [Trustmark Corporation](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/trustmark) | Not disclosed | [5, incl. Duane A. Dewey (President and CEO)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/trustmark#people) ([Trustmark Corporation (Business Wire via Yahoo Finance)](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trustmark-corporation-announces-second-quarter-203000303.html), [American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/trustmark-promotes-exec-setting-him-up-as-potential-next-ceo)) | Mentions of AI or artificial intelligence in the annual report, FY2024 / FY2025: 0 / 5, all in economic or market commentary (Feb 23, 2026) ([Trustmark Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/36146/000095017025023184/trmk-20241231.htm), [Trustmark Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/36146/000119312526064009/trmk-20251231.htm)) | Not disclosed | Not surveyed |

## What are the latest dated moves on the AI record of United Community and its peers?

The two newest dated entries of each bank since Oct 16, 2025, from the timelines of the profiles (which also log filings, results and deals that bear on the AI record), newest first.

| Date | Bank | Move |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Oct 6, 2026 | [TowneBank](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/townebank) | blueharbor bank acquisition announced ([Banking Dive](https://bankingdive.com/news/townebank-blueharbor-deal-north-carolina-bank-acquisition-targets/832513), [Yahoo Finance](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/townebank-agrees-acquire-blueharbor-bank-145031180.html)) |
| Oct 2, 2026 | [SouthState](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/southstate) | Q3 2026 results scheduled ([SouthState Bank Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/764038/000119312526411326/ssb-20261002.htm)) |
| Oct 1, 2026 | [Pinnacle](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/pinnacle) | Chief digital officer: 200,000-plus customers move to a new app in March 2027 ([American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/2026-the-most-powerful-women-in-banking-women-to-watch-15-liz-wolverton-pinnacle-financial-partners)) |
| Oct 1, 2026 | [SouthState](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/southstate) | Edmonds profiled for tokenized-deposit and instant-payments work ([American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/2026-the-most-powerful-women-in-banking-next-14-tara-edmonds-southstate-bank)) |
| Sep 18, 2026 | [United Community](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/united-community) | Customer guidance on AI-enabled scams ([United Community](https://ucbi.com/support/learning-center/ach-fraud-protect-your-business-from-payment-fraud-and-account-takeover)) |
| Sep 17, 2026 | [Renasant](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/renasant) | Vendor StrategyCorps buys AI-native Quantuma ([StrategyCorps (PR Newswire)](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/strategycorps-acquires-quantuma-an-ai-native-relationship-solution-for-commercial-banking-302880988.html)) |
| Sep 14, 2026 | [United Community](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/united-community) | Named as a Microsoft Copilot adopter ([ABA Banking Journal](https://bankingjournal.aba.com/2026/09/banks-wealth-units-pursue-ai-carefully/)) |
| Sep 9, 2026 | [Hancock Whitney](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/hancock-whitney) | 'AI is raising business cyber risk' guidance ([Hancock Whitney](https://www.hancockwhitney.com/insights/5-critical-cybersecurity-questions-to-ask-your-it-team-or-service-provider)) |
| Aug 18, 2026 | [TowneBank](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/townebank) | Talkdesk cites TowneBank as an automation reference ([Talkdesk (GlobeNewswire)](https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/08/18/3346962/0/en/talkdesk-transforms-the-bank-branch-into-an-ai-powered-advisory-hub.html)) |
| Aug 7, 2026 | [Hancock Whitney](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/hancock-whitney) | Second-quarter 2026 10-Q ([Hancock Whitney (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/750577/000119312526338672/hwc-20260630.htm)) |
| Aug 7, 2026 | [Ameris](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ameris) | Q2 2026 10-Q: no AI language; technology cost and premium finance figures ([Ameris Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/351569/000035156926000143/abcb-20260630.htm)) |
| Aug 6, 2026 | [Atlantic Union](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/atlantic-union) | Second-quarter 10-Q repeats the AI risk language ([SEC (EDGAR)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/883948/000088394826000073/aub-20260630x10q.htm)) |
| Aug 5, 2026 | [Trustmark](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/trustmark) | Q2 2026 10-Q: AI references remain macro commentary ([Trustmark Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/36146/000119312526335156/trmk-20260630.htm)) |
| Aug 5, 2026 | [Renasant](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/renasant) | Q2 2026 10-Q repeats the two AI references ([Renasant Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/715072/000071507226000072/rnst-20260630.htm)) |
| Aug 4, 2026 | [Pinnacle](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/pinnacle) | Q2 10-Q: AI initiatives listed as an execution risk ([Pinnacle Financial Partners (SEC filing)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2082866/000208286626000082/pnfp-20260630.htm)) |
| Jul 29, 2026 | [Trustmark](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/trustmark) | Q2 call: FIS-supported platforms replace self-supported core ([Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/earnings-call-transcript-trustmark-tops-q2-2026-estimates-as-conversion-ends-93CH-4820777)) |
| Jul 24, 2026 | [Ameris](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ameris) | Q2 2026 call: no AI discussion ([Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/earnings-call-transcript-ameris-bancorp-posts-q2-2026-eps-miss-as-shares-fall-93CH-4811964)) |
| Jul 21, 2026 | [Atlantic Union](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/atlantic-union) | Second-quarter call: efficiency ratio 47.47%, ten North Carolina branches ([Investing.com](https://www.investing.com/news/transcripts/earnings-call-transcript-atlantic-union-bankshares-tops-q2-2026-estimates-93CH-4803697)) |

## What AI does United Community run, compared with its Southeast peers?

AI each bank says it runs, with the result it reported. A blank means nothing is disclosed, not that nothing exists.

| Bank | What it runs | Result disclosed | Date |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| United Community | Vendor AI in fraud prevention; contact-centre chatbots and agent tools; AI in the branch support desk; Microsoft Copilot | Fraud losses down 50% over two years; more calls handled with the same agents | March to September 2026 ([United Community Banks](https://ir.ucbi.com/static-files/5e8f9b22-d28d-4070-bc4f-b896c20ae760), [United Community Banks (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/857855/000085785526000010/earningscalltranscript42126.htm), [ABA Banking Journal](https://bankingjournal.aba.com/2026/09/banks-wealth-units-pursue-ai-carefully/)) |
| SouthState | Microsoft Copilot; GenAI Knowledge Assistant; AI credit spreading | 2,500+ premium Copilot users; 1.1K+ assistant questions a day; about 90% of credit spreads by AI | June 30, 2026 ([SouthState Bank Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/764038/000110465926086278/ssb-20260723xex99d2.htm)) |
| Pinnacle | ChatPFP; 13 AI portfolio initiatives | 18,000 banker questions answered; 3,000+ hours saved | April 2026 ([The Motley Fool (earnings call transcript)](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/04/23/pinnacle-pnfp-q1-2026-earnings-transcript)) |
| TowneBank | Talkdesk contact centre; SAS analytics; Microsoft Copilot | 23-second cut in average handle time and 97% satisfaction (vendor figures) | October 2025 ([Talkdesk](https://www.talkdesk.com/blog/talkdesk-cx-innovators-awards-meet-winners/)) |
| Atlantic Union | Automated conversion validation; planned AI call screening | More than 80 million data values validated; screening to go from about 10% to 100% of calls | June 2026 ([American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/atlantic-union-banks-cio-is-31-on-the-most-innovative-people-in-finance-ranking)) |
| Hancock Whitney | New MX-built mobile app | Rated sixth best among banks and credit unions, per an MX session description | June 2026 ([American Banker](https://digital-banking.americanbanker.com/profile/pam-hymel)) |
| Trustmark | FIS platforms replacing a 45-year-old self-supported core | AI initiatives planned, too early to quantify | July 2026 ([StockStory (Yahoo Finance)](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trmk-q2-deep-dive-loan-151702996.html), [MarketBeat (Yahoo Finance)](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/trustmark-q2-earnings-call-highlights-180405319.html)) |

## Who runs AI at United Community and its peers?

The executive accountable for technology or AI, as each bank names it.

| Bank | Executive | Remit | Date |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| United Community | Mark Terry, CIO | Technology, data management and applications; leads the search for internal AI projects and third-party AI tools; the CISO reports to him | September 2026 ([United Community Banks (investor relations)](https://ir.ucbi.com/managers/mark-terry), [ABA Banking Journal](https://bankingjournal.aba.com/2026/09/banks-wealth-units-pursue-ai-carefully/), [United Community Banks (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/857855/000085785526000008/ucbi-20251231.htm)) |
| Pinnacle | Kevin Johnson, head of AI | Generative-AI adoption and AI policy; almost 20 AI engineers | April and July 2026 ([American Banker](https://digital-banking.americanbanker.com/profile/kevin-d-johnson), [Yahoo Finance (earnings call transcript)](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/PNFP/earnings/PNFP-Q2-2026-earnings_call-653603.html)) |
| TowneBank | Varun Chandhok, CIO | Technology organization including Talkdesk, SAS and Copilot | 2026 ([TowneBank](https://townebank.com/about-towne/news-room/2026/varunchandhok)) |
| SouthState | An AI Enablement Manager; no chief AI officer named | Copilot adoption at 95% active use of premium licences | August 2026 ([SouthState Correspondent Division](https://southstatecorrespondent.com/podcast/the-playbook-for-enterprise-ai-adoption-with-walt-wear)) |
| Ameris | Ross Creasy, CIO; Jorge Perez, corporate information security officer | Technology and security | August 2024 ([Ameris Bank via PR Newswire](https://prnewswire.com/news-releases/ameris-bank-hires-jorge-perez-as-corporate-information-security-officer-302216581.html)) |

## How much do United Community and its peers say about AI in filings and on calls?

AI language in each bank's annual and quarterly filings and recent calls. Filing language is risk disclosure, not a measure of use.

| Bank | Annual report (10-K) | 2026 quarterly filings and calls | Date |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| United Community | 12 mentions of AI or machine learning in the FY2025 10-K (3 in FY2023); AI must be analysed for cyber risk before implementation; deep-fake fraud named | AI only in the forward-looking list of the Q1 and Q2 10-Qs; AI discussed on the Q1 call only | February to August 2026 ([United Community Banks (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/857855/000085785526000008/ucbi-20251231.htm), [United Community Banks (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/857855/000085785524000010/ucbi-20231231.htm), [United Community Banks (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/857855/000085785526000076/ucbi-20260630.htm), [United Community Banks (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/857855/000085785526000010/earningscalltranscript42126.htm), [The Motley Fool](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/07/21/ucb-ucb-q2-2026-earnings-call-transcript)) |
| Trustmark | 5 AI mentions in the FY2025 annual report, all in economic or market commentary | Q2 10-Q AI references remain macro commentary | February and August 2026 ([Trustmark Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/36146/000119312526064009/trmk-20251231.htm), [Trustmark Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/36146/000119312526335156/trmk-20260630.htm)) |
| Ameris | AI language in the 10-K | No AI language in the Q1 or Q2 2026 10-Qs; no AI on the Q2 call | May to August 2026 ([Ameris Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/351569/000035156926000086/abcb-20260331.htm), [Ameris Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/351569/000035156926000143/abcb-20260630.htm), [Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/earnings-call-transcript-ameris-bancorp-posts-q2-2026-eps-miss-as-shares-fall-93CH-4811964)) |
| Hancock Whitney | Risks from AI development and generative-AI cyber risk | Q2 10-Q repeats them; no AI on the Q2 call | July and August 2026 ([Hancock Whitney (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/750577/000119312526338672/hwc-20260630.htm), [Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/earnings-call-transcript-hancock-whitney-meets-q2-2026-eps-as-shares-fall-93CH-4804333)) |
| Pinnacle | Generative AI makes fraud detection harder; AI tools add cyber and cost risk | Q2 10-Q lists AI initiatives as an execution risk; AI discussed on the Q2 call | March to August 2026 ([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/2082866/000208286626000082/pnfp-20260630.htm), [Yahoo Finance (earnings call transcript)](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/PNFP/earnings/PNFP-Q2-2026-earnings_call-653603.html)) |

## How do United Community's recent deals and conversions compare with its peers'?

Integration has shaped technology agendas across the group in 2025 and 2026.

| Bank | Deal | Conversion | Disclosed result or plan |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| United Community | American National Bank (about $80 million, closed May 1, 2025); Peach State Bancshares ($100.8 million, closed August 1, 2026); Navitas sold for about $2.0 billion | July 11, 2025; Peach State expected in Q1 2027 | 2025 communications and equipment expense up 12% to $55.2 million on new software contracts ([United Community Banks (GlobeNewswire)](https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/12/03/2990505/34434/en/United-Community-Banks-Inc-and-ANB-Holdings-Inc-the-Parent-of-American-National-Bank-Announce-Merger-Agreement.html), [United Community](https://ucbi.com/news-and-press-releases/press-release-archive/united-community-completes-transition-of-american-national-bank), [American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/ucb-to-add-heft-near-atlanta-with-latest-bank-deal), [United Community Banks](https://ir.ucbi.com/news-releases/news-release-details/united-community-banks-inc-announces-completion-merger-peach), [United Community Banks](https://ir.ucbi.com/node/23736/pdf), [United Community Banks (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/857855/000085785526000008/ucbi-20251231.htm)) |
| Pinnacle | Synovus merger of equals (January 1, 2026) | March 2027 | More than 200,000 customers moving to a new app ([Pinnacle Financial Partners](https://www.pnfp.com/about-pinnacle/media-room/news-releases/pinnacle-and-synovus-complete-merger-to-become-regional-bank-growth-champion), [American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/2026-the-most-powerful-women-in-banking-women-to-watch-15-liz-wolverton-pinnacle-financial-partners)) |
| Renasant | The First Bancshares (about $7.6 billion of assets, 116 locations) | Completed | Staff down about 450 from mid-2024 to March 2026; adjusted efficiency ratio 52.82% against 64.43% ([SEC EDGAR](https://sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/715072/000071507226000032/a2025rnstannualreport.pdf), [The Motley Fool (earnings call transcript)](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/04/29/renasant-rnst-q1-2026-earnings-transcript), [Renasant Corporation](https://investors.renasant.com/node/25476/pdf)) |
| TowneBank | Dogwood State Bank ($476 million in stock); blueharbor bank (about $154 million, announced October 2026) | blueharbor expected in Q1 2027 | A fourth Carolinas conversion added to the queue ([American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/virginias-townebank-strikes-deal-to-deepen-n-c-footprint), [Banking Dive](https://bankingdive.com/news/townebank-blueharbor-deal-north-carolina-bank-acquisition-targets/832513)) |
| Hancock Whitney | One Florida Bank (about $377.6 million cash, closed August 1, 2026) | Expected in Q4 2026 | Not disclosed ([Business Wire via Yahoo Finance](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/hancock-whitney-completes-one-florida-123000979.html), [Hancock Whitney (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/750577/000119312526329625/d118362d8k.htm)) |

## Which banks are United Community's peers, and why these?

United Community Banks is compared here with SouthState Bank, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Ameris Bancorp, Renasant Corporation, Hancock Whitney, Atlantic Union Bankshares, TowneBank and Trustmark Corporation: chosen by the editors for this page (see the note below the table). United Community Banks is classed as a regional or retail-commercial bank in the Southeast.

The computed group mixed in City National Bank of Florida, WesBanco and United Bankshares by size; this group holds the eight Southeast banks on this site from United Community's own 2025 compensation peer group, which its proxy says is chosen partly on geographic footprint and competition for the same customers, nearest first by footprint overlap.

## Common questions

### Does United Community Bank use AI?

Yes, mostly through vendors. CEO Lynn Harton wrote in the 2025 annual report that AI tools in fraud prevention have helped customers avoid potentially millions of dollars in losses, and said in April 2026 that fraud losses fell 50% over two years partly thanks to vendors' AI. AI-powered contact-centre tools and Microsoft Copilot are also in use. ([United Community Banks](https://ir.ucbi.com/static-files/5e8f9b22-d28d-4070-bc4f-b896c20ae760), [United Community Banks (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/857855/000085785526000010/earningscalltranscript42126.htm), [ABA Banking Journal](https://bankingjournal.aba.com/2026/09/banks-wealth-units-pursue-ai-carefully/))

### Is SouthState better than United Community at AI?

The record cannot settle capability, but SouthState has put more on it: 70.9 on this site's disclosure index against United Community's 38.7. SouthState publishes Copilot user counts, prompt volumes and an AI share of credit spreads; United Community publishes a fraud-loss result and CEO statements but no usage counts. ([SouthState Bank Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/764038/000110465926086278/ssb-20260723xex99d2.htm), [United Community Banks (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/857855/000085785526000010/earningscalltranscript42126.htm), [United Community Banks](https://ir.ucbi.com/static-files/5e8f9b22-d28d-4070-bc4f-b896c20ae760))

### How does United Community compare with Pinnacle on AI?

Pinnacle scores 65.3 on this site's index and United Community 38.7. Pinnacle names a head of AI, almost 20 AI engineers and 40 power users, and reports ChatPFP answered 18,000 banker questions. United Community relies on vendor AI under its CIO and reports outcomes such as fraud losses down 50% over two years. ([American Banker](https://digital-banking.americanbanker.com/profile/kevin-d-johnson), [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), [United Community Banks (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/857855/000085785526000010/earningscalltranscript42126.htm))

### How does United Community's technology spending compare?

United Community does not disclose an AI budget. Its 2025 communications and equipment expense rose 12% to $55.2 million on new software contracts, and its CFO guided 2026 expense growth of about 3.5% plus new-hire cost. Harton told analysts in January 2026 that the bank can fund whatever technology it needs. ([United Community Banks (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/857855/000085785526000008/ucbi-20251231.htm), [United Community Banks (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/857855/000085785526000010/earningscalltranscript42126.htm), [The Motley Fool](https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/01/15/united-community-banks-ucb-earnings-transcript))

### Who leads AI at United Community?

CIO Mark Terry, who oversees technology, data management and applications and, per ABA Banking Journal in September 2026, leads the search for internal AI projects and third-party AI tools. The chief information security officer reports to him. No chief AI officer is named. ([United Community Banks (investor relations)](https://ir.ucbi.com/managers/mark-terry), [ABA Banking Journal](https://bankingjournal.aba.com/2026/09/banks-wealth-units-pursue-ai-carefully/), [United Community Banks (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/857855/000085785526000008/ucbi-20251231.htm))

### Will United Community use AI in wealth management?

Not with clients soon. Abraham Cox, chief consumer and small business banking officer, told ABA Banking Journal in September 2026 that the bank does not expect to deploy AI in wealth-customer interactions or decisions anytime soon; its bankers, including in wealth, use Microsoft Copilot internally for presentations and notes. ([ABA Banking Journal](https://bankingjournal.aba.com/2026/09/banks-wealth-units-pursue-ai-carefully/))

### Does United Community's customer satisfaction lead suggest a technology edge?

The record does not link the two. United Community won J.D. Power's Southeast retail banking satisfaction award for the 12th time in 17 years in March 2026. Its AI disclosures focus on fraud and the contact centre; SouthState, by contrast, reports a J.D. Power Net Promoter Score of 49 against a top-quartile threshold of 46. ([United Community](https://ucbi.com/news-and-press-releases/press-release-archive/(clone)-12th-jd-power-award-in-17-years), [United Community Banks](https://ir.ucbi.com/static-files/5e8f9b22-d28d-4070-bc4f-b896c20ae760), [SouthState Bank Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/764038/000110465926086278/ssb-20260723xex99d2.htm))

## Peers on this site

- [SouthState Bank AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/southstate) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/southstate/vs-peers)
- [Pinnacle Financial Partners AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/pinnacle) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/pinnacle/vs-peers)
- [Ameris Bancorp AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ameris) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/ameris/vs-peers)
- [Renasant Corporation AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/renasant) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/renasant/vs-peers)
- [Hancock Whitney AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/hancock-whitney) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/hancock-whitney/vs-peers)
- [Atlantic Union Bankshares AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/atlantic-union) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/atlantic-union/vs-peers)
- [TowneBank AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/townebank) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/townebank/vs-peers)
- [Trustmark Corporation AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/trustmark) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/trustmark/vs-peers)

## Sources

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23. 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/
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
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27. TowneBank Welcomes Varun Chandhok as Chief Information Officer — TowneBank, Feb 17, 2026. https://townebank.com/about-towne/news-room/2026/varunchandhok
28. Information superhighway: Denys Diaz — TowneBank (from The CEO Magazine), Jun 18, 2025. https://www.townebank.com/about-towne/news-room/2025/information-superhighway-denys-diaz/
29. TowneBank Customer Story — Talkdesk, Sep 25, 2025. https://www.talkdesk.com/customers/townebank/
30. Talkdesk transforms the bank branch into an AI-powered advisory hub — Talkdesk (GlobeNewswire), Aug 18, 2026. https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/08/18/3346962/0/en/talkdesk-transforms-the-bank-branch-into-an-ai-powered-advisory-hub.html
31. Banking on cloud: TowneBank primes for continued growth with SAS — SAS (PR Newswire), May 22, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/banking-on-cloud-townebank-primes-for-continued-growth-with-sas-302153251.html
32. Bryan School Students Bring Fresh Perspective to TowneBank's AI Strategy — UNC Greensboro Bryan School of Business and Economics, Jun 22, 2026. https://bryan.uncg.edu/bryan-school-students-bring-fresh-perspective-to-townebanks-ai-strategy/
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34. How to Recognize AI Scams in 2026 — TowneBank, May 14, 2026. https://townebank.com/personal/resource/security/fraud/ai-scams
35. Nate Gardner, Chief Xperience Officer, MX (Digital Banking speaker profile; session 'From Old Money to New Momentum: How Hancock Whitney Modernized for the Next Generation') — American Banker, Jun 3, 2026. https://digital-banking.americanbanker.com/profile/nate-gardner
36. Pam Hymel, Director of Digital Strategy, Hancock Whitney (speaker profile) — American Banker, Jun 3, 2026. https://digital-banking.americanbanker.com/profile/pam-hymel
37. Hancock Whitney Expands Offering with Free Greenlight Subscription for Clients — Hancock Whitney, Nov 12, 2025. https://www.hancockwhitney.com/newsroom/hancock-whitney-expands-offering-with-free-greenlight-subscription-for-clients
38. 5 Critical Cybersecurity Questions to Ask Your IT Team or Service Provider — Hancock Whitney, Sep 9, 2026. https://www.hancockwhitney.com/insights/5-critical-cybersecurity-questions-to-ask-your-it-team-or-service-provider
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40. United Community Banks, Inc. Announces Agreement to Sell Equipment Finance Business, Consisting of Navitas Credit Corp. and NLFC Reinsurance Corp., to Funds Managed by Wafra Inc. — United Community Banks, Jun 12, 2026. https://ir.ucbi.com/news-releases/news-release-details/united-community-banks-inc-announces-agreement-sell-equipment
41. United Community Banks, Inc. Reports Second Quarter Earnings — United Community Banks (GlobeNewswire), Jul 21, 2026. https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/07/21/3330328/0/en/united-community-banks-inc-reports-second-quarter-earnings.html
42. SouthState Bank Corporation Reports Second Quarter 2026 Results, Declares an Increase in the Quarterly Cash Dividend — PR Newswire via FT Markets, Jul 23, 2026. https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/detail?dockey=600-202607231618PR_NEWS_USPRX____CL11246-1
43. SouthState Bank Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 — SouthState Bank Corporation (SEC filings), Feb 20, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/764038/000110465926017884/ssb-20251231x10k.htm
44. 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/
45. Ameris Bancorp Announces First Quarter 2026 Financial Results — Ameris Bancorp, Apr 23, 2026. https://ir.amerisbank.com/news/news-details/2026/Ameris-Bancorp-Announces-First-Quarter-2026-Financial-Results
46. Ameris (ABCB) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript — The Motley Fool (Yahoo Finance), Apr 24, 2026. https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/ameris-abcb-q1-2026-earnings-172604943.html
47. Ameris Bancorp Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 — Ameris Bancorp (SEC filings), Feb 26, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/351569/000035156926000050/abcb-20251231.htm
48. Renasant Corporation Announces Earnings for the First Quarter of 2026 and an Increase in Its Quarterly Dividend — Renasant Corporation, Apr 28, 2026. https://investors.renasant.com/node/25476/pdf
49. Renasant Corporation Announces Earnings for the Second Quarter of 2026 — Renasant Corporation (GlobeNewswire), Jul 28, 2026. https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/07/28/3334764/0/en/Renasant-Corporation-Announces-Earnings-for-the-Second-Quarter-of-2026.html
50. Renasant (RNST) Q1 2026 Earnings Transcript — The Motley Fool (earnings call transcript), Apr 29, 2026. https://fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/04/29/renasant-rnst-q1-2026-earnings-transcript
51. Hancock Whitney Reports First Quarter 2026 EPS of $0.57 — Hancock Whitney, Apr 21, 2026. https://investors.hancockwhitney.com/news/news-details/2026/Hancock-Whitney-Reports-First-Quarter-2026-EPS-of-0-57
52. Hancock Whitney inks deal to buy Orlando community bank — American Banker, May 15, 2026. https://www.americanbanker.com/news/hancock-whitney-inks-deal-to-buy-orlando-community-bank
53. Atlantic Union Bankshares Reports Second Quarter Financial Results — Atlantic Union Bankshares, Jul 21, 2026. https://investors.atlanticunionbank.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/222/atlantic-union-bankshares-reports-second-quarter-financial
54. Atlantic Union plans more branches to speed Carolinas growth — American Banker, Oct 23, 2025. https://www.americanbanker.com/news/atlantic-union-plans-more-branches-to-speed-carolinas-growth
55. Asbury 'energized' to keep fighting for banking industry — ABA Banking Journal, Oct 20, 2025. https://bankingjournal.aba.com/2025/10/asbury-energized-to-keep-fighting-for-banking-industry/
56. TowneBank Reports Second Quarter 2026 Earnings — TowneBank (GlobeNewswire), Jul 22, 2026. https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/07/23/3331831/0/en/TowneBank-Reports-Second-Quarter-2026-Earnings.html
57. Trustmark Corporation Announces Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results — Trustmark Corporation (Business Wire via Yahoo Finance), Jul 28, 2026. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trustmark-corporation-announces-second-quarter-203000303.html
58. Trustmark promotes exec, setting him up as potential next CEO — American Banker, Mar 31, 2026. https://americanbanker.com/news/trustmark-promotes-exec-setting-him-up-as-potential-next-ceo
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61. TowneBank deal shrinks pool of NC bank targets — Banking Dive, Oct 7, 2026. https://bankingdive.com/news/townebank-blueharbor-deal-north-carolina-bank-acquisition-targets/832513
62. TowneBank Agrees to Acquire blueharbor bank for Approximately $154 Million — Yahoo Finance, Oct 6, 2026. https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/townebank-agrees-acquire-blueharbor-bank-145031180.html
63. SouthState Bank Corporation Form 8-K: third-quarter 2026 earnings date — SouthState Bank Corporation (SEC filings), Oct 2, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/764038/000119312526411326/ssb-20261002.htm
64. The Most Powerful Women in Banking NEXT, #14, Tara Edmonds, SouthState Bank — American Banker, Oct 1, 2026. https://americanbanker.com/news/2026-the-most-powerful-women-in-banking-next-14-tara-edmonds-southstate-bank
65. Protect Your Business from Payment Fraud and Account Takeover — United Community, Sep 18, 2026. https://ucbi.com/support/learning-center/ach-fraud-protect-your-business-from-payment-fraud-and-account-takeover
66. StrategyCorps Acquires Quantuma, an AI-Native Relationship Solution for Commercial Banking — StrategyCorps (PR Newswire), Sep 17, 2026. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/strategycorps-acquires-quantuma-an-ai-native-relationship-solution-for-commercial-banking-302880988.html
67. Hancock Whitney Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended 30 June 2026 — Hancock Whitney (SEC filings), Aug 7, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/750577/000119312526338672/hwc-20260630.htm
68. Atlantic Union Bankshares Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 — SEC (EDGAR), Aug 6, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/883948/000088394826000073/aub-20260630x10q.htm
69. Trustmark Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 — Trustmark Corporation (SEC filings), Aug 5, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/36146/000119312526335156/trmk-20260630.htm
70. 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
71. Earnings call transcript: Trustmark tops Q2 2026 estimates as conversion ends — Investing.com, Jul 29, 2026. https://investing.com/news/transcripts/earnings-call-transcript-trustmark-tops-q2-2026-estimates-as-conversion-ends-93CH-4820777
72. Earnings call transcript: Ameris Bancorp posts Q2 2026 EPS miss as shares fall — Investing.com, Jul 24, 2026. https://investing.com/news/transcripts/earnings-call-transcript-ameris-bancorp-posts-q2-2026-eps-miss-as-shares-fall-93CH-4811964
73. Earnings call transcript: Atlantic Union Bankshares tops Q2 2026 estimates — Investing.com, Jul 21, 2026. https://www.investing.com/news/transcripts/earnings-call-transcript-atlantic-union-bankshares-tops-q2-2026-estimates-93CH-4803697
74. TRMK Q2 Deep Dive: Loan Growth, Deposit Expansion, and Core System Upgrade Shape Outlook — StockStory (Yahoo Finance), Jul 30, 2026. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trmk-q2-deep-dive-loan-151702996.html
75. Ameris Bank Hires Jorge Perez as Corporate Information Security Officer — Ameris Bank via PR Newswire, Aug 7, 2024. https://prnewswire.com/news-releases/ameris-bank-hires-jorge-perez-as-corporate-information-security-officer-302216581.html
76. United Community Banks, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 — United Community Banks (SEC filings), Aug 5, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/857855/000085785526000076/ucbi-20260630.htm
77. Ameris Bancorp Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 — Ameris Bancorp (SEC filings), May 8, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/351569/000035156926000086/abcb-20260331.htm
78. Earnings call transcript: Hancock Whitney meets Q2 2026 EPS as shares fall — Investing.com, Jul 21, 2026. https://investing.com/news/transcripts/earnings-call-transcript-hancock-whitney-meets-q2-2026-eps-as-shares-fall-93CH-4804333
79. 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
80. United Community Banks, Inc. and ANB Holdings, Inc., the Parent of American National Bank, Announce Merger Agreement — United Community Banks (GlobeNewswire), Dec 3, 2024. https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/12/03/2990505/34434/en/United-Community-Banks-Inc-and-ANB-Holdings-Inc-the-Parent-of-American-National-Bank-Announce-Merger-Agreement.html
81. United Community completes transition of American National Bank — United Community, Jul 14, 2025. https://ucbi.com/news-and-press-releases/press-release-archive/united-community-completes-transition-of-american-national-bank
82. UCB to add heft near Atlanta with latest bank deal — American Banker, Apr 21, 2026. https://www.americanbanker.com/news/ucb-to-add-heft-near-atlanta-with-latest-bank-deal
83. United Community Banks, Inc. Announces Completion Of Merger With Peach State Bancshares, Inc., The Parent Company Of Peach State Bank & Trust — United Community Banks, Aug 3, 2026. https://ir.ucbi.com/news-releases/news-release-details/united-community-banks-inc-announces-completion-merger-peach
84. United Community Banks, Inc. Announces Completion of Sale of Navitas Equipment Finance Business to Funds Managed by Wafra Inc. — United Community Banks, Sep 1, 2026. https://ir.ucbi.com/node/23736/pdf
85. 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
86. Renasant Corporation 2025 Annual Report — SEC EDGAR, Mar 16, 2026. https://sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/715072/000071507226000032/a2025rnstannualreport.pdf
87. Virginia's TowneBank strikes deal to deepen N.C. footprint — American Banker, Aug 19, 2025. https://americanbanker.com/news/virginias-townebank-strikes-deal-to-deepen-n-c-footprint
88. Hancock Whitney Completes One Florida Bank Acquisition — Business Wire via Yahoo Finance, Aug 3, 2026. https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/hancock-whitney-completes-one-florida-123000979.html
89. Hancock Whitney Corporation Form 8-K: completion of the OFB Bancshares mergers — Hancock Whitney (SEC filings), Aug 3, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/750577/000119312526329625/d118362d8k.htm
90. United Community Earns 12th JD Power Award in 17 Years — United Community, Mar 26, 2026. https://ucbi.com/news-and-press-releases/press-release-archive/(clone)-12th-jd-power-award-in-17-years

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