Exhibit 16.1

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street NE

Washington, D.C. 20549

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have read Item 4.01 of Form 8-K dated February 24, 2021 of First Citizens BancShares, Inc. and are in agreement with the statements contained therein with respect to our firm. We have no basis to agree or disagree with other statements of the registrant contained therein.

/s/ Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP

Raleigh, NC

February 24, 2021