High-end banking.
The phrase conjures images of Wall Street power brokers and the “too big too fail jet set”. But being big is just one side of the luxury coin. The other side is highly personal, adaptable and more importantly, deeply connected to the client.
While it’s very tempting to grow and expand into every market possible, California Republic Bank (CRB), has built it’s reputation on delivering high-end banking that is regionally focused.
By remaining laser-focused on the California community, CRB has been able to delve into the details, delivering nuanced responses to individuals and businesses-the movers and shakers who help drive growth in California.
The guiding force behind the bank is the individualistic spirit of California immigrants who, in 1846, were able to establish, for 28 days, an independent Republic.
By keeping this powerful image of these brave fighting spirits as a focus for their tailored banking, CRB is changing the world of high-end banking by committing to remain in California, throwing down the challenge to national banks who may struggle to provide service as niched and nuanced.
Graphic courtesy of David Salpeter of Image Locations
Based in Irvine, CRB has offices in three other key hubs: Newport Beach, Westlake Village and Beverly Hills. Per their website’s Beverly Hills regional headquarters, the goal is to “provide comprehensive banking services to commercial entities, owners, high-net worth individuals, active investors and non-profits.”
This holistic philosophy consists of opportunistic lending, online banking services, superior investment knowledge, investment and philanthropy all of which turns California Republic Bank into not just a bank, but active partners in the communities they serve.
Delivering “big bank” service on a highly targeted regional scale has earned the bank a reputation. Just last year, they were ranked 3rd best in the nation by SNL Financial, a leading national provider of financial data and expert analysis for banks between $500-$5 billion in assets and 60 or fewer offices, all because, according to SNL, the company “boasted [in part] a strong net interest margin of 5.58%..” for the prior year.
Recently, upon receiving high investment grade ratings from Kroll Bond Rating Agency, President of CRB, John DeCero remarked, ““Obtaining investment grade ratings from Kroll provides additional third party validation to the strength of our company, which should give our customers and shareholders continued confidence in our organization as we continue to grow.”
It takes a strong bank to remain committed to the statewide economy when trends often scream “global.” In a recent Forbes.com article, financial consultant Dileep Rao states: “ Money lending has not changed much since early history – but these are unique times and banking is changing. While there were national and global banks, most money lending was local. Now lending is becoming national and also global. As in many things in life and business, bankers will be facing the old rule of “adapt or die.”
According to Garrett Mitton, Senior Vice President CRB remains competitive because it combines “Very experienced associates who take time to understand their clients’ business coupled with the client’s ability to have access to the bank’s decision makers.”
Access to decision makers is especially key, a service that truly rivals national banks.
California Republic Bank’s competitive advantage is that it adapts to national and global market trends but always delivers regional level service. Even if they were to go fully national or global, this commitment to being a part of the community will remain.
Some of the most beautiful buildings in the downtown hubs of California were 19th century and turn of the century banks. The image of the friendly top-hatted banker who recognizes all of his clients by name continues to carry an allure. CRB taps into this desire to have banking be more personalized and a part of the community. Only now, underneath the top hat, exists a wealth of technology and a cutting-edge perspective…the uncommon banker.
