Question 1

What is FFB Bank?

Accepted Answer

FFB Bank is a state-chartered commercial bank specializing in business banking, merchant payment processing, and government-guaranteed lending. Based in Fresno, California, the bank operates a single-branch model while serving customers nationwide through digital banking platforms.

With approximately $1.5 billion in total assets as of mid-2023, FFB Bank focuses on meeting the needs of small and middle-market businesses, professionals, and successful individuals. The bank is particularly known for its SBA lending program and unique position as one of the few acquiring banks in the United States that directly processes payments for merchants through VISA and MasterCard.

Question 2

When was FFB Bank founded?

Accepted Answer

FFB Bank was founded on December 23, 2005, under the original name Fresno First Bank. The institution was established by local business people with a mission to provide personalized, relationship-based banking services to businesses and professionals in California's Central Valley.

The bank's founders sought to differentiate their institution through a "hands-on, know your customer" approach, emphasizing the ability to tailor and adjust banking services quickly to meet the unique needs and opportunities of the Central California region. From its inception, FFB Bank positioned itself as an alternative to larger banks by offering customizable solutions and direct access to decision-makers.

In November 2014, the bank completed a reorganization through which Communities First Financial Corporation became its parent holding company. Subsequently, in May 2023, the holding company was renamed FFB Bancorp and trades on the OTCQX Market under the ticker symbol FFBB.

Question 3

Where is FFB Bank headquartered?

Accepted Answer

FFB Bank is headquartered at 7690 North Palm Avenue, Suite 101, Fresno, California 93711. The bank initially opened its doors at 7355 North Palm Avenue, Suite 103 in Fresno, but relocated to its current headquarters location on October 2, 2006.

Fresno serves as both the corporate headquarters and the bank's sole physical branch location. This single-branch model is intentional, as the bank leverages digital technology and relationship banking to serve customers beyond its physical footprint while maintaining its Central Valley roots.

Question 4

Where does FFB Bank operate?

Accepted Answer

While FFB Bank maintains only one physical branch in Fresno, California, the institution has strategically expanded its geographic reach far beyond the Central Valley. The bank serves customers across California, including established customer bases in Northern California and Southern California.

As of 2023, FFB Bank has developed customer relationships in 30 states nationwide, utilizing digital banking technology to provide services remotely while keeping its headquarters and sole branch in Fresno. This expansion strategy was a key factor in the bank's decision to rebrand from "Fresno First Bank" to "FFB Bank" in March 2023, allowing the name to better resonate with customers outside the California Central Valley.

The bank's merchant services division processes payments for merchants across the entire country, both directly and through independent sales organization (ISO) partners, making FFB Bank's operational footprint truly national in scope.

Question 5

What services does FFB Bank offer?

Accepted Answer

FFB Bank provides a comprehensive range of banking services tailored to businesses, professionals, and individuals:

Deposit Products: Checking and savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). Notably, non-interest bearing checking accounts represent approximately 69% of total deposits, reflecting the bank's strong business customer base.

Lending Services: Commercial real estate and construction loans, commercial and industrial loans, small business loans, residential real estate loans, agricultural loans and lines of credit, Farmer Mac loans, and equipment leasing services. The bank is recognized as a Preferred SBA Lender, giving it delegated authority to approve and process SBA 7(a) and USDA loans without waiting for government agency approval.

Merchant Services: FFB Bank operates as a direct acquiring bank with VISA and MasterCard, processing debit, credit, and EBT card payments for merchants nationwide. Services include traditional card-processing terminals, e-commerce functionality, and mobile payment solutions via tablets and smartphones. The bank offers competitive rates and local customer support.

Digital Banking: Online and mobile banking platforms, online bill pay, cash management solutions, remote deposit capture, and business manager solutions. The bank emphasizes "high-tech, high-touch" service delivery.

Specialized Financing: Permanent and FFBridge multifamily financing, broker resources, and working capital solutions designed to balance seasonal cash flow needs.

Question 6

What makes FFB Bank unique?

Accepted Answer

Several distinctive features set FFB Bank apart from traditional community banks:

Employee Ownership Structure: Every FFB Bank employee receives an ownership stake in the bank. This unique approach ensures that all staff members, from entry-level to executive positions, have a direct financial interest in the bank's success and are incentivized to treat customer finances with the same care they would their own.

Dual Specialization: Unlike most community banks, FFB Bank operates in two distinct specialized areas: government-guaranteed lending (SBA and USDA loans) and merchant payment processing. As one of the few acquiring banks in the United States, FFB processes payments directly for merchants nationwide, creating a unique revenue stream uncommon among banks of its size.

National Reach with Local Service: The bank maintains a single-branch model while serving customers in 30 states, combining digital convenience with personalized relationship banking. This hybrid approach allows for national expansion without sacrificing the hands-on service that defines community banking.

SBA Preferred Lender Status: FFB Bank holds Preferred Lender designation from the Small Business Administration, enabling faster loan approvals and closings without requiring SBA pre-approval. The bank has established itself as a leading SBA lender in California's Central Valley.

Community-Focused Culture: The bank hosts distinctive community events, including renowned tailgate parties for local sports teams and annual BBQ cook-offs, fostering strong relationships with customers beyond traditional banking interactions. FFB Bank has won "Best Bank" in the Fresno Bee's Best of Central California Awards multiple times, most recently in 2025.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is FFB Bank?

Accepted Answer

FFB Bank is classified as a State-Chartered Commercial Bank. Specifically, it operates under a state charter as a Fed nonmember bank, meaning it is chartered by the State of California and regulated by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (CDFPI) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), but is not a member of the Federal Reserve System.

The bank holds FDIC Certificate Number 58090 and carries full FDIC insurance coverage for depositors. Its assigned Federal Reserve RSSD ID is 3398623, and its ABA routing number is 121144146.

As a commercial bank, FFB Bank focuses primarily on business banking relationships, commercial lending, and business payment processing, while also offering personal banking services to individuals. The bank's commercial lending specialization is evident in its loan portfolio composition, which includes significant concentrations in commercial real estate, commercial and industrial loans, and agricultural lending.

FFB Bank operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of FFB Bancorp (formerly Communities First Financial Corporation), a bank holding company that trades on the OTCQX Market under ticker symbol FFBB.

FFB Bank

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About FFB Bank in the United States