Sam Zen, a financial journalist who previously worked at First Republic Bank in San Francisco, has transitioned into the banking industry as the president of Citizens Bank, a division of Citizens Financial Group. Zen’s career began at The Mercury News, where he covered banking and finance, and he later contributed to TechCrunch before leaving First Republic.
Zen’s decision to leave First Republic was influenced by the bank’s strategic focus on mid-market lending during his tenure as editor-in-chief. He sought a more innovative environment that aligns with Citizens’ goals of supporting startups and venture capital through tailored banking solutions.
Citizens Bank aims to fill a market gap by establishing itself as the go-to bank for the startup ecosystem, offering services such as private equity, venture capital financing, and wealth management. The bank plans to expand its physical presence in California, including a West Coast office, to better serve customers with GP/LP relationships and provide loan programs.
Zen will lead this new venture banking division, working alongside a team of 18 professionals dedicated to supporting high-growth companies. His strategic focus on scale and innovation is expected to help Citizens build a strong presence in the startup community.