EJF Capital LLC Invests in CoastalSouth Bancshares

Institutional investor takes major stake in regional bank

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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EJF Capital LLC, an investment management firm, has purchased a new stake of 930,171 shares in CoastalSouth Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE:COSO), a regional bank based in the Southeastern U.S. The purchase, valued at approximately $20.3 million, represents a 7.77% ownership stake in the bank for EJF Capital.

Why it matters

This investment by a major institutional investor signals confidence in CoastalSouth Bancshares' growth potential and market positioning. As a regional bank serving fast-growing markets in South Carolina and Georgia, the influx of capital could allow CoastalSouth to expand lending, open new branches, and further strengthen its community banking presence.

The details

EJF Capital's purchase makes it the largest institutional shareholder of CoastalSouth Bancshares. The regional bank operates Coastal States Bank, which offers a full range of commercial and consumer banking products and services. CoastalSouth has a community banking focus in markets like Hilton Head, Bluffton, Beaufort, Savannah, and Atlanta.

  • EJF Capital LLC purchased the stake in CoastalSouth Bancshares during the 3rd quarter of 2025.
  • CoastalSouth Bancshares paid a quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share on February 26, 2026.

The players

EJF Capital LLC

An investment management firm that has purchased a 7.77% stake in CoastalSouth Bancshares, making it the largest institutional shareholder.

CoastalSouth Bancshares, Inc.

A bank holding company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia that operates Coastal States Bank, a South Carolina state-chartered commercial bank serving fast-growing markets in the Southeastern U.S.

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