Washington Trust named first-place winner in 2026 R.I. Community's Choice Awards
August 25, 2026
Receives the most votes among all banks in the Finance category
WESTERLY, R.I. – Washington Trust has earned first place in the 2026 Rhode Island Community's Choice Awards after receiving the most votes among banks competing in the Finance category. The annual awards program, produced by the USA TODAY Network, invites the public to nominate and vote for their favorite local businesses and organizations in Rhode Island.
The Rhode Island Community's Choice Awards are designed to spotlight businesses that have made a meaningful impact in the communities they serve. Following a statewide nomination process, finalists in each category advanced to a public voting round, with more than 360 businesses and organizations competing in over 120 categories. The businesses with the most votes in each category were named the winners. Washington Trust received the most votes among banks in the Finance category.
“We are grateful to receive this recognition and appreciate everyone who took the time to vote,” said Washington Trust Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ned Handy. “The trust our customers have placed in us over the past 226 years is something we never take for granted, and we are thankful for the opportunity to serve them.”
In operation since August 22, 1800, Washington Trust has helped generations of individuals, families, businesses and nonprofit organizations achieve their financial goals. Today, the nation's oldest community bank serves customers through a network of branch offices, wealth management locations and digital banking solutions throughout Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts, supporting every stage of their financial lives, from everyday banking and homeownership to business growth, retirement and legacy planning.
The Providence Journal published a special 2026 Rhode Island Community's Choice Awards winners section in its Aug. 23, 2026, print edition; the commemorative publication can be viewed online at https://yourchoiceawards.com/rhodeisland/#winners.
ABOUT THE WASHINGTON TRUST COMPANY®
Founded in 1800, The Washington Trust Company (“Washington Trust”) is recognized as the oldest community bank in the nation, the largest state-chartered bank headquartered in Rhode Island and one of New England’s premier financial services companies. In 2025, Washington Trust reached a milestone of 225 years in operation, marking its commitment to helping the people, businesses, and organizations of New England improve their financial lives. The Bank offers a wide range of commercial banking, mortgage banking, personal banking and wealth management services through its offices in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts and a full suite of convenient digital tools. Washington Trust is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender. Washington Trust is a subsidiary of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., a publicly-owned holding company which trades on NASDAQ: WASH. For more information, visit the Bank's website at www.washtrust.com or the Corporation's website at ir.washtrust.com.