A Bright Outlook for 2026, Says Citizens CEO

Citizens Financial Group’s chief executive believes the next year will be better for the economy. He told investors in January that growth, job stability and falling inflation were likely by year‑end. His bank’s analysts also expected two more cuts from the Federal Reserve and a good financial picture for the company. The news came before the war in Iran, which had shaken many expectations. Even after that shock, Van Saun kept his positive tone when he met with 600 staff at Gillette Stadium. He focused on company goals but also mentioned the wider economy.He said morale inside Citizens is high and employees feel proud of progress. He remains hopeful as long as the Iran conflict ends soon. “We wish for a calm year, but by March that hope often fades, ” he explained. Van Saun listed past disruptions: the COVID‑19 outbreak in March 2020, Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse in March 2023 and the Trump tariffs that created worry last year. The war between the US and Israel began on February 28, bringing ongoing violence into March; “March is not my favorite month, ” he admitted. This story is part of a series that follows Boston’s business leaders.