5Q: Marc Paulhus

 / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO
/ PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

1 You’ve returned to your home state to become Citizens Financial Group Inc. Rhode Island president. What’s your take on Rhode Island’s retail and commercial banking marketplace?

I believe Rhode Island is poised for even greater success as economic conditions improve. We have top educational institutions and a skilled workforce. Geographically, Rhode Island offers quick and easy access to key markets. We also have a diverse group of strong companies headquartered in the state.

2 Where does Citizens fit into it?

We value the great relationships we have with our customers and Citizens colleagues have a longstanding commitment to the community. We look forward to continuing to help our retail customers bank better, continuing to bring great ideas to our commercial customers that help them achieve their strategic and financial goals.

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3 What effect will the Royal Bank of Scotland’s divestiture plan have on Citizens’ footprint in Rhode Island?

It has freed us up to have more control over our own destiny. In the past, for example, Citizens cut back on certain types of business, such as commercial real estate finance because of directives from RBS, but now we’ve looked to expand our commercial real estate financing.

4 Managing Citizens’ Rhode Island middle-market-lending business since taking over, what trends are you seeing in 2015?

Our fourth annual Middle Market M&A Outlook found that the improving economy and baby boomer retirement plans are two key factors this year. Middle-market business owners saw increased M&A activity among bigger companies last year, and we expect them to take decisive action this year. Some will make deals – and may already be engaged in M&A activity – while others will sit out 2015 as the warming economy improves their bottom lines.

5 Since the financial crisis in 2008, you’ve also managed Citizens Asset Finance. How has the bank’s equipment-financing business evolved since then?  

As the 10th-largest bank-owned financing and leasing company in the United States, we continue to leverage our deep experience, financial strength and regional presence to develop customized leasing and term-loan solutions that respond to our customers’ business needs. •

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