First National of Nebraska
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Banking |
| Founded | 1968 |
| Headquarters | Omaha , United States |
Area served | Multi-state (United States) |
Key people | Clark Lauritzen (President) |
| Products | Banking services |
| Owner | Lauritzen family |
| Parent | Lauritzen Corporation |
First National of Nebraska, Inc. operates as a multi-state bank holding company with its headquarters located in Omaha, Nebraska. It functions as the parent entity of First National Bank of Omaha. Closely connected to the Lauritzen Corporation and predominantly owned by the Lauritzen family, it stands as one of the largest banking institutions in the United States and holds the distinction of being the oldest national bank situated west of the Missouri River.
History
The origins of the bank trace back to 1857 when brothers Herman Kountze and Augustus Kountze, immigrants from Ohio, established Kountze Brothers Bank. In its early days, the bank's transactions involved trading in gold dust and bison hides. It secured national charter number 209 in 1863, at which point it was renamed First National Bank of Omaha, with notable investors such as president Edward Creighton.
In 1953, under the guidance of John Lauritzen, the institution became a pioneer by becoming the first regional bank—and the fifth nationwide—to introduce credit card services.
The creation of First National of Nebraska, Inc. as a holding company occurred in 1968 as part of a corporate restructuring.
By 1971, staff relocated to the contemporary 22-story First National Center, playing a significant role in revitalizing Omaha’s downtown economy.
Bruce Lauritzen assumed the role of president in 1987.
The year 2002 marked the completion of the First National Bank Tower, recognized as the tallest structure between Chicago and Denver.
Leadership transitioned to Rajive Johri from 2006 until 2009, followed by Dan O'Neil who served until 2017.
On September 30, 2010, the company unified its charters by merging those from First National Bank of Colorado (Fort Collins), First National Bank of Kansas (Overland Park), and Castle Bank (DeKalb, Illinois) into that of First National Bank of Omaha.
In 2010, it divested a majority interest—51%—in its merchant acquiring division to TSYS for $150.5 million; TSYS completed full ownership by acquiring the remaining 49% in 2011.
The charter belonging to First National Bank South Dakota was consolidated into First National Bank of Omaha’s charter in 2014.
Clark Lauritzen was appointed president in 2017.
Following public criticism after the Parkland shooting in 2018, the bank discontinued its credit card affinity partnership with the National Rifle Association of America (NRA).