Citizens Financial Group has opened submissions for its ninth annual Small Business Community Champion Award Contest, offering 20 qualifying small businesses $10,000 each plus a one-year Luminary® membership valued at $2,500. Eligible entrants must be Citizens Business Banking customers in good standing with up to $5 million in annual revenue, at least two years in operation and a minimum of three employees. The contest runs from 10 a.m. ET on January 20, 2026, through 5 p.m. ET on February 10, 2026, with winners to be announced in May during Small Business Month. Since inception, Citizens has awarded nearly $2 million to 192 businesses, bolstering neighborhood economies and supporting growth initiatives across its 14-state and D.C. footprint.

Citizens Financial Group, which held $222.7 billion in assets as of September 30, 2025, will release fourth-quarter earnings on January 21, 2026. Industry analysts expect year-over-year growth in both revenue and earnings driven by an uptick in net interest income, reflecting higher loan yields. Those gains are projected to be partly offset by increased operating expenses as the bank continues investments in digital platform enhancements and branch modernization. Investors will be watching the efficiency ratio and credit cost trends, following a stable credit environment and solid deposit growth during the quarter.