Mark Bearden leads the City National and RBC divisions at First American Equipment Finance, helping his teams deliver tailored financing solutions that support business growth for clients of City National Bank and RBC. He also oversees First American’s aircraft financing platform, managing an aircraft portfolio approaching $1 billion.
Since joining First American in 2007, Mark has built a broad foundation of expertise through roles in business development, sales management, operations, credit, and syndications. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with City National Bank’s core business lines—including Commercial, Entertainment, Private, Specialty, Corporate, and Personal & Business Banking—as well as RBC’s Capital Markets, Corporate Client Group, Commercial Banking, and Wealth Management divisions. Today, he manages a multi-billion-dollar portfolio of assets and has played a key role in originating and structuring complex lease and loan transactions for many of City National Bank’s and RBC’s most important clients.
Mark’s leadership, dedication, and commitment to client success have earned him widespread recognition throughout his career. In 2021, he received the Chairman’s Award, First American’s highest honor, after being named a finalist six times. He was also recognized as Salesperson of the Year in both 2017 and 2018. In 2022, City National Bank honored Mark with the prestigious Bram Goldsmith Blue Ladder Award for his outstanding contributions to the organization and his enduring commitment to excellence and client service.
Mark holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from St. John Fisher University and an MBA from the University of Rochester.
Originally from Rochester, New York, Mark lived in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Jersey City between 2013 and 2024 while working in City National and RBC offices. He now resides in Charleston, South Carolina, with his wife and son. Outside of work, Mark enjoys traveling, staying active, and spending time with family and friends.
