This branch of regional banking leader BB&T is small and personal with a friendly staff. BB&T, headquartered in Winston-Salem, NC, has strong market share in southern states, particularly North Carolina and Virginia. Market share in Maryland and the District of Columbia ranks sixth and seventh, respectively, according to BB&T. The former Branch Banking and Trust company was founded after the Civil War by Alpheus Branch, and has grown rapidly through mergers and acquisitions. Today, BB&T reports assets of more than $165 billion. BB&T says it has acquired more than 60 community banks and thrifts, more than 100 insurance agencies and 35 non-bank financial services companies since 1989, and ranks among the top insurance agencies in the nation. BB&T offers stock brokerage through its Scott & Stringfellow unit.