RBS Citizens will nationally expand its mid-corporate business and increase its financing capabilities for companies in growth industries like health care, technology and franchising, Citizens Financial Group announced today.

Previously, Citizens focused principally on the New England, Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern markets served by Citizens Bank and Charter One retail branch networks.

"We have grown from a bank with a strong but regionally focused commercial banking division to a top lead arranger of syndicated loans for middle market companies," Robert Matthews, vice chairman for commercial banking, said in a statement. "Having invested significant resources in new technology platforms, treasury products and staff, we are excited to be delivering innovative financing ideas and great service to companies across the country."

Accordingly, Citizens has hired teams of commercial bankers not only its traditional markets, but also in Washington, D.C., Charlotte, N.C., Atlanta, Dallas and Los Angeles. RBS Citizens has also made key hires to bolster its capabilities in specialties such as lender finance, treasury services and global markets.

"These investments build on our existing strengths in a number of specialty finance areas such as franchise finance, where we already are a national player, as well as healthcare, technology and lender finance. We have hired and continue to hire many of the leading bankers in these fields," Matthews said in the statement. "As we respond to the demand that exists across the country for the ideas and execution of a strong wholesale bank like Citizens, we are laser-focused on maintaining the customer-centric approach that has been the hallmark of our growth to date.