Fifth Third (NYSE: FITB) and Trust & Will have been named Best Fintech Partnership by Finovate, recognizing the groundbreaking collaboration to make estate planning more accessible, affordable and convenient for bank customers. The recognition makes Fifth Third the only large U.S. bank to earn a 2026 Finovate Award. The 2026 Finovate Awards are judged by a panel of industry experts across more than 30 categories spanning payments, lending, wealth management and artificial intelligence.
Since launching the Trust & Will partnership in 2025, Fifth Third remains the first and only U.S. bank to offer free, attorney-approved wills to all customers, removing a longstanding cost barrier to estate planning. In the first year of the partnership, tens of thousands of customers created estate plans through the program, representing more than $10 billion in protected estate value. The program has also introduced estate planning to thousands of first-time planners, helping address a longstanding gap in financial preparedness among Americans.
The Best Fintech Partnership recognition from Finovate underscores Fifth Third’s approach to partnering with leading fintech companies to bring innovative solutions to customers and businesses quickly and at scale. Supporting that strategy is a unified technology and data foundation that connects products, channels and customer experiences across the enterprise. Through investments in cloud-native platforms, API-based connectivity and advanced decisioning capabilities, the Bank can rapidly deliver new capabilities, continuously enhance customer experiences and provide seamless interactions across branch, phone, online and mobile channels.
“At Fifth Third, we believe financial wellness extends beyond traditional banking,” said Erin Crawford, VP, head of Consumer Digital, Payments and Money Management, Fifth Third. “Our fintech partnership strategy allows us to bring innovative solutions to market more quickly and seamlessly, whether that’s helping customers establish a will, switch direct deposits or access tools that support important financial decisions.” We’re honored that Finovate recognized the impact of our partnership with Trust & Will and the value innovative collaborations can create for customers.”
Fifth Third continues to invest in products and digital experiences that help customers bank with greater confidence, convenience and control. Through Fifth Third Momentum® Banking and its award-winning mobile app, customers can access industry-leading features such as Early Pay and Extra Time®, along with personalized digital experiences, real-time payments capabilities and innovative security tools like SmartShield®. The award-winning app serves millions of monthly users and powers more than one billion digital interactions each year.
Customers interested in learning more about Fifth Third’s free wills offering can visit 53.com/TrustandWill.
About Fifth Third
Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is to be the one bank people most value and trust.
Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank, and its common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.
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