Optus Bank

06/03/2026

We are proud to announce that Optus Bank President & COO, Benita Lefft, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Business Development Corporation (BDC).

Benita’s appointment reflects her unwavering commitment to economic development, community investment, and expanding opportunities for businesses to grow and thrive. Throughout her career, she has been a passionate advocate for strengthening communities through access to capital, strategic partnerships, and inclusive economic growth.

As Optus Bank celebrates 105 years of Banking on Communities, we are honored to see Benita’s leadership recognized through this important role. We are confident that her experience, vision, and dedication to community impact will make a meaningful contribution to the BDC’s mission.

Please join us in congratulating Benita on this well-deserved appointment.



Member FDIC.

Benita Lefft, President and Chief Operating Officer of Optus Bank, has joined the Board of Directors of Business Development Corporation (BDC).

05/25/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, Optus Bank will be closed on Monday, May 25th as we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

While our branches will be closed, online Banking and mobile Banking are available 24/7 for your convenience.

We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 26th.



Member FDIC.

05/01/2026

Salute to President Benita Lefft on delivering such a powerful, and inspiring commencement message at Clinton College.

Your words of encouragement, and passion for empowering others undoubtedly touched every graduate in the room by reminding them to walk boldly in their purpose and WIN!!!

Optus Bank is proud to see you pour into the next generation and represent what it truly means to lead with heart, vision, and purpose.

Congratulations on this special honor—and congratulations to the amazing Class of 2026!


Member FDIC.

04/06/2026

Financial literacy is not new to us.

For over 105 years, Optus Bank has been committed to expanding access—not just to capital, but to understanding.

Because access without knowledge can create risk.

But access with knowledge creates opportunity.

We’ve seen what happens when individuals and businesses are equipped with both:

• Small businesses scale and hire within their communities

• Families move from renting to ownership

• Entrepreneurs turn ideas into sustainable enterprises

This is the impact of informed financial decisions.

And this is why financial literacy remains central to our mission.

Not just for today—but for the next generation.



Member FDIC.

03/19/2026

The Optus Bank team proudly celebrates our President, Benita Lefft, on being recognized at the Greater Charleston Drifters Celebration of Excellence 2026 in Hollywood, SC this past weekend.

This honor reflects her strong leadership and ongoing commitment to expanding access to capital and strengthening the communities we serve.

We are proud to have you leading the way, Benita. Your dedication continues to inspire our team, and we are grateful to serve alongside you as we advance our mission of “Banking on Communities.”

Congratulations to all of this year’s distinguished honorees—Jamelle H. Ellis, PhD; Glenda Sheffield; Dr. Lashana Wilder; Dani Gerald; and our very own Benita Lefft. We celebrate you all.

03/17/2026

At Optus Bank, every number tells a story—and it’s a story of impact, growth, and continued investment in our communities.

We’re proud to celebrate another successful month, closing $11.6 million in loans in February 2026. These funds represent real opportunities—supporting small businesses, advancing development projects, and strengthening the economic foundation of the communities we serve.

As a Minority Depository Institution (MDI) and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), we remain committed to expanding access to capital and driving meaningful economic empowerment.

If you’re ready to grow your business or bring your next project to life, Optus Bank is here to partner with you.



Member FDIC.

03/14/2026

Come see us today at the Charleston Black Expo South!

The Optus Bank team is excited to be at the North Charleston Convention Center connecting with the community, sharing resources, and celebrating Black excellence in business and entrepreneurship.

Stop by our booth to learn more about how we are Banking on Communities through Innovation, Impact, and Economic Empowerment.

We look forward to meeting you!

03/11/2026

Optus Bank has been made aware of fraudulent individuals contacting businesses while falsely claiming to represent the bank in connection with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. These scammers may attempt to reach customers through phone calls, emails, or text messages requesting sensitive information.

They may ask for details such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, financial documents, or online banking login credentials. Please remain vigilant and protect your personal and financial information.
Remember:

• Optus Bank will never request personal or financial information through unsolicited calls, emails, or text messages.

• Do not share confidential information unless you have independently verified the request.

• If you receive a suspicious call, email, or message claiming to be from Optus Bank, hang up or delete the communication immediately.

If you believe you may have been contacted by a scammer or shared information with an unauthorized party, please contact Optus Bank immediately:

(803) 733-8100
[email protected]

Protecting our customers and their financial information is our top priority. Thank you for helping us keep our community safe.

03/06/2026

Today we celebrate the incredible people who make our mission possible every single day.

At Optus Bank, our employees are the heart of everything we do—serving our customers, supporting our communities, and helping drive economic empowerment where it matters most.

Your dedication, professionalism, and passion do not go unnoticed.

Happy National Employee Appreciation Day to the amazing Team Optus. We thank you for the impact you make every day.

03/02/2026

This morning, the city of Columbia gathers to locally honor the life and legacy of Jesse Jackson — a trailblazer whose voice, vision, and courage reshaped the fight for civil rights, economic justice, and financial inclusion.

At Optus Bank, we proudly honor Rev. Jesse Jackson’s enduring legacy and the doors he helped open for underserved communities across our nation. His lifelong commitment to access, opportunity, and ownership continues to inspire our mission of Banking on Communities.

As Columbia reflects this morning, we stand in gratitude for a leader who challenged systems, championed equity, and reminded us all that progress requires purpose and persistence.


Member FDIC.