Regions Bank, a subsidiary of Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE: RF), has launched a Materials and Infrastructure Group within its Corporate Banking division to serve companies that manufacture and distribute materials used in building products, infrastructure, packaging, and related industries.

The new group is part of Regions' Specialized Industries Group and will focus on five core areas: heavy equipment, construction materials, and aggregates; building products; corrugated packaging; can, glass, and metal packaging; and specialty materials.

Ryan Franco will lead the group, reporting to Leo Loughead, head of Regions Bank's Specialized Industries Group. Franco joined Regions in 2019 as part of the Diversified Industries Group, where he concentrated on industrial manufacturing and construction clients. Before joining Regions, he spent 10 years at Wells Fargo Securities in Industrials Corporate and Investment Banking. Franco holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licenses.

"Companies across the materials and infrastructure economy are navigating a period of significant change, from continued industry consolidation to evolving capital needs and investments in long-term growth," Franco said in a statement.

The group will offer advisory, financing, and banking solutions, including support for growth initiatives, capital investments, acquisitions, and working capital needs.

Regions Financial Corporation reported $161 billion in assets and operates more than 1,200 banking offices across the South, Midwest, and Texas.