First National Bank, widely known by its acronym FNB as one of the oldest and largest financial institutions in South Africa, traces its deep historical roots back to its founding in the nineteenth century under the original name The Eastern Province Bank. As the institution grew through regional banking expansions and subsequent mergers, it was re-established in the late nineteenth century as The National Bank of South Africa Limited. Following further structural consolidations, including a period operating as part of Barclays Bank under the name Barclays National Bank, the institution became entirely locally owned and was officially renamed First National Bank in the late twentieth century, subsequently becoming a cornerstone subsidiary of FirstRand Group.