Charlotte has wrapped 2025 with a powerful mix of economic wins and long-term growth signals. With national banks expanding into the region, tourism setting record-breaking milestones, and global firms signing on to Class A office towers, the Queen City continues to attract attention as one of America’s most promising metros.
Recent rankings, including a new Charlotte Business Journal economic forecast, place Charlotte among the top cities for 2026 economic performance, citing strong fundamentals in population growth, GDP expansion, and workforce talent. From South End to Uptown, Charlotte is building on its legacy as a financial hub and adding fresh momentum in real estate, creative industries, and public-private investment.
JPMorgan and Chase Deepen Charlotte-Area Investment
JPMorgan Chase is making bold moves across the Carolinas, with its private bank aiming to double its regional presence over the next five years. The expansion, confirmed by local leadership, comes as the firm seeks to build closer relationships with high-net-worth individuals and private business clients across North Carolina and South Carolina. The strategy involves both physical branch growth and deeper regional talent investment—a sign of confidence in the Carolinas’ long-term economic trajectory
Adding momentum, Chase also announced plans to open three new branches across the Charlotte area, further solidifying its retail banking footprint in one of the nation’s fastest-growing metros. Executives pointed to Charlotte’s upward trajectory in income growth, business formation, and population influx as compelling reasons to scale. With major institutions like JPMorgan investing in high-touch, relationship-based banking, the Carolinas are positioning themselves as a new frontier for private wealth management.
For the Charlotte market, this marks a major validation. Having long been considered a national financial center due to Bank of America and Truist, the city is now attracting new institutional players seeking to anchor in its fast-evolving, tech-enabled banking landscape. JPMorgan’s expansion suggests that growth in wealth, entrepreneurship, and corporate investment is not only present but accelerating.
On a broader scale, this wave of banking activity supports Charlotte’s bid to become a national headquarters for both traditional and digital financial services. It also enhances access to capital for mid-market companies, family offices, and high-growth startups, making the region more attractive to new business and to the people building it.
City National Bank Opens Offices in Charlotte and Greenville
City National Bank, a Los Angeles-based bank owned by the Royal Bank of Canada, has entered the Carolinas with the opening of new offices in Charlotte and Greenville. The move marks the firm’s deeper expansion into the Southeast, as it seeks to build relationships with high-income clients, corporate accounts, and institutional investors outside of traditional coastal strongholds.
Known for its strong ties to the entertainment and private banking sectors, City National has quietly been scaling its national presence over the last decade. With a well-established presence in markets like New York, San Francisco, and Beverly Hills, the bank’s entry into Charlotte is a strategic vote of confidence in the Southeast’s rise as a financial and economic growth engine.
The importance of this expansion can’t be overstated. As firms like JPMorgan and City National move in, they’re not just chasing population growth, they’re responding to the emergence of Charlotte as a top-tier wealth market. These firms bring with them capital, advisory expertise, and broader visibility for the region’s economic landscape.
This diversification also benefits Charlotte’s labor market, drawing experienced finance professionals and new college graduates into high-value career paths. It strengthens the city’s profile as a financial innovation zone and will likely attract ancillary investment in fintech, real estate, and professional services over the coming years.
Charlotte Ranked One of the Hottest U.S. Cities for 2026 Economic Performance
Charlotte is once again turning heads on the national stage. A new economic forecast from the Charlotte Business Journal has ranked the city among the top U.S. metros to watch for economic performance in 2026, citing its strong GDP growth, job creation, and population gains. The forecast highlights Charlotte’s growing role in finance, logistics, and advanced services, alongside continued momentum in real estate and entrepreneurship. (Business Journal)
The report also praised the region’s business-friendly environment, rising income levels, and strong regional leadership, all of which contribute to Charlotte’s growing brand as a national economic leader. Whether it’s corporate relocations or homegrown startups, Charlotte has built a reputation as a city where businesses can scale and where people want to stay. (Business Journal)
Being recognized as a top economic performer helps boost public-private partnerships and unlock new streams of federal, state, and philanthropic support. It’s also a valuable narrative tool that fuels civic pride and supports long-term community planning across housing, infrastructure, and workforce training.
EY Signs on at Queensbridge Collective in South End
In the heart of Charlotte’s booming South End, professional services giant EY (Ernst & Young) has signed a lease at Queensbridge Collective, a Class A office tower that continues to attract blue-chip tenants. The move signals both confidence in Charlotte’s talent pool and an ongoing commitment to having a strong, physical presence in one of the city’s most dynamic urban corridors
The tower, developed by Riverside Investment & Development, represents the next generation of office design focusing on sustainability, amenities, and walkability. With EY joining the tenant roster, Queensbridge Collective further solidifies South End’s reputation as a hub for modern, high-performance workspaces that appeal to both legacy firms and next-gen innovators. ( Axios)
This lease signals more than just a real estate transaction. It reinforces Charlotte’s ability to compete for high-profile corporate tenants that bring with them national prestige, client-facing capabilities, and high-paying jobs. It also shows that while hybrid work remains strong, companies are still investing in real estate that enhances collaboration and employee experience.( Axios)
South End, in particular, is becoming a symbol of Charlotte’s economic diversification and urban vibrancy. Developments like Queensbridge support talent attraction, lifestyle-driven business growth, and a reimagined vision for city centers as places to live, work, and connect.
Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority Hits $1.2 Billion in Economic Impact
The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) has announced a record $1.2 billion in economic impact for fiscal year 2025, the highest ever reported by the organization. This includes spending from visitors attending conventions, sports events, concerts, and leisure tourism across the Charlotte region
The report credits a strong lineup of marquee events, upgraded convention facilities, and effective destination marketing for the surge in spending. Notable contributions came from sporting events like the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, professional golf tournaments, and expanded programming at the Charlotte Convention Center. (Business Journal)
This milestone matters far beyond hospitality. Visitor spending ripples through the local economy supporting hotels, restaurants, retail, transportation, and small businesses, while also generating tax revenue that supports city services. As Charlotte’s tourism economy grows, so does its ability to reinvest in public infrastructure, arts, and placemaking. (Business Journal)
More importantly, it enhances the region’s national visibility and economic resilience. A strong visitor economy helps buffer against downturns in other sectors, while also fueling the city’s reputation as a dynamic, livable destination for both business and leisure.
Film Industry Incentives Fuel Media Growth in North Carolina
North Carolina’s growing reputation as a media production destination got another boost in December, as new state incentives were awarded to two high-profile projects: “The Hunting Wives” and “RJ Decker: Survivalist”, both of which will begin filming with support from the NC Film and Entertainment Grant program
The two productions are expected to generate over 600 local jobs and bring millions in direct spending to communities across the state. The Film Office noted that these projects are not just temporary economic boosts they also support workforce development in production, design, and post-production roles while showcasing North Carolina’s diverse geography and urban backdrops. ( Business Journal)
This matters for the state’s broader growth story. A robust film sector adds cultural capital, economic diversity, and national exposure to the state’s portfolio. It also fosters creative economies and supports small businesses in catering, hospitality, and transportation. ( Business Journal)
Beyond the immediate job creation, sustained film activity helps build long-term infrastructure and talent pipelines, making North Carolina more competitive against states like Georgia and New Mexico in attracting large-scale productions.
Charlotte’s 2025 Economy in Review: A Foundation for What’s Next
As 2025 comes to a close, analysts and reporters are reflecting on a year that saw Charlotte undergo both strategic growth and economic recalibration. A recent piece from WFAE recaps the major forces that shaped the Queen City’s economy this year highlighting everything from mergers and acquisitions activity to the local impact of global tariffs.
The report emphasizes how Charlotte’s business community adapted to shifting interest rates, supply chain delays, and talent shortages, while still advancing real estate developments, financial services expansions, and infrastructure investments. Despite headwinds, sectors like banking, hospitality, and regional logistics continued to show resilience, while innovation in healthcare and media steadily expanded. ( WFAE)
This year-end reflection underscores the durability of Charlotte’s economic framework. M&A activity remained strong, private equity firms stayed active, and mid-market companies continued to pursue growth through acquisition—signaling confidence in long-term performance. Additionally, the region’s ability to navigate national policy changes (like tariffs) speaks to its sophistication as a global business destination. ( WFAE)
Ultimately, 2025 served as a test and a triumph for Charlotte’s economic leadership. Rather than slowing down, the market responded with smart planning, strategic investment, and adaptive innovation. As 2026 approaches, this foundation provides both stability and momentum, ensuring Charlotte remains one of the most dynamic and forward-looking cities in the Southeast
Conclusion: Charlotte Enters 2026 with Strength, Strategy, and Staying Power
Charlotte’s economic trajectory is no longer just impressive, it’s increasingly undeniable. With record tourism impact, expanding financial institutions, national rankings affirming its momentum.
The city’s ability to attract both institutional capital and creative investment reflects its rare combination of financial sophistication, cultural energy, and livability. From JPMorgan to EY, City National to Crosland Southeast, the signals are clear: Charlotte is a place where long-term investments both corporate and personal make sense.
At the same time, Charlotte and North Carolina continue to prove that growth and quality of life can coexist. Through smart policy, targeted incentives, and a rising base of skilled talent, the region is positioning itself as a model for sustainable, inclusive development in the Southeast.
Charlotte’s economic trajectory is no longer just impressive, it’s increasingly undeniable. With record tourism impact, expanding financial institutions, national rankings affirming its momentum.
The city’s ability to attract both institutional capital and creative investment reflects its rare combination of financial sophistication, cultural energy, and livability. From JPMorgan to EY, City National to Crosland Southeast, the signals are clear: Charlotte is a place where long-term investments both corporate and personal make sense.
At the same time, Charlotte and North Carolina continue to prove that growth and quality of life can coexist. Through smart policy, targeted incentives, and a rising base of skilled talent, the region is positioning itself as a model for sustainable, inclusive development in the Southeast.
About Rise48 Equity:
Rise48 Equity is a Multifamily Investment Group with local offices in Phoenix, AZ, Dallas, TX, and Charlotte, NC. “At Rise48 Equity, we provide opportunities for accredited and non-accredited investors to protect and grow their wealth and achieve passive cash flow. Our team brings expertise to acquire, reposition, and return capital to investors upon reaching our business plan. Through our research and strategically formed partnerships, we acquire commercial multifamily apartment properties, strategically add value to the properties, and create passive income for our investors through cash flow and profits from the sale.”
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