Question 1

What is CalPrivate Bank?

Accepted Answer

CalPrivate Bank is a commercial bank specializing in private banking and customized financial solutions for high-net-worth individuals and small-to-medium market businesses in coastal Southern California. With approximately $2.58 billion in total assets and $2.28 billion in deposits, the bank focuses on commercial real estate lending, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, and complex underwriting. CalPrivate Bank operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Private Bancorp of America, Inc. (PBAM), which trades on the OTCQX Platform.

The bank's tagline, "Where Service Comes First," reflects its commitment to providing what it calls a "Distinctly Different" banking experience centered on relationships, solutions, and trust.

Question 2

When was CalPrivate Bank founded?

Accepted Answer

The bank's origins trace back to August 3, 2006, when it was originally established as San Diego Private Bank. The institution was founded to provide private banking services to successful individuals and businesses with complex financial needs.

In 2013, San Diego Private Bank merged with Coronado First Bank in a transaction valued at approximately $15.5 million, with the combined entity retaining the San Diego Private Bank name and headquartering in Coronado. On March 21, 2018, the bank rebranded as CalPrivate Bank and relocated its headquarters to La Jolla, California.

Question 3

Where is CalPrivate Bank headquartered?

Accepted Answer

CalPrivate Bank is headquartered at 9404 Genesee Avenue, Suite 100, in La Jolla, California. The headquarters moved from Coronado to La Jolla in March 2018 as part of the bank's rebranding initiative.

Question 4

Where does CalPrivate Bank operate?

Accepted Answer

CalPrivate Bank serves clients throughout coastal Southern California with seven branch locations. The bank maintains offices in La Jolla, Coronado, San Diego, Newport Beach, Beverly Hills, El Segundo, and its newest location in Santa Barbara County (Montecito), which opened in November 2025.

The bank's geographic footprint focuses exclusively on the Southern California coastal region, primarily serving San Diego County, Orange County, Los Angeles County, and Santa Barbara County. The bank also operates a Private Business Capital division located in Coronado.

Question 5

What services does CalPrivate Bank offer?

Accepted Answer

CalPrivate Bank provides a comprehensive range of banking services tailored to businesses and affluent individuals:

Commercial Banking: Commercial real estate loans for investor-occupied and owner-occupied properties, construction financing, multifamily lending, commercial and industrial (C&I) loans, equipment financing, working capital lines of credit, and letters of credit.

SBA Lending: The bank specializes in Small Business Administration 7(a) and 504 loan programs, with dedicated underwriters and processors. The bank also offers government-guaranteed Export-Import Bank loans for cross-border lending transactions.

Personal Banking: Private banking services for high-net-worth individuals, including checking and savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), individual retirement accounts (IRAs), personal credit lines, and term loans.

Treasury Management: Comprehensive business banking solutions including remote deposit capture, ACH origination, wire transfers, positive pay, merchant card services, bill pay, account reconciliation, and cash vault services.

Digital Banking: CalPrivate Bank offers online and mobile banking platforms with features such as Touch ID and Face ID authentication, mobile check deposit, secure messaging, transaction alerts, funds transfers, and bill payment capabilities. The bank's digital platform supports both retail and business clients.

Question 6

What makes CalPrivate Bank unique?

Accepted Answer

CalPrivate Bank distinguishes itself through several key attributes:

Specialized Commercial Real Estate Expertise: With approximately 78.6% of its loan portfolio concentrated in commercial real estate, the bank has developed deep expertise in complex underwriting and credit management for real estate investors and owner-occupied properties.

High-Yield Lending Portfolio: The bank maintains an exceptionally high average yield on its loan book at 7.28%, with a net interest margin of 4.67%, positioning it among the highest-yielding banks in the industry.

Cross-Border Lending Capabilities: CalPrivate Bank excels in international financing through its participation in the Export-Import Bank guarantee program, providing unique solutions for businesses engaged in global trade.

Relationship-Driven Approach: The bank emphasizes building enduring, multi-generational relationships with clients, leveraging personal networks to help clients grow their businesses beyond traditional financial services.

Capital Allocation Strategy: Unlike most small banks, CalPrivate Bank does not pay dividends. Instead, it returns value to shareholders through share repurchase programs, demonstrating management's confidence in the bank's valuation.

Strong Financial Performance: The bank has grown its tangible book value at a 20.4% five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) and maintains a return on equity (ROE) of 16.73% and return on assets (ROA) of 1.72%.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is CalPrivate Bank?

Accepted Answer

CalPrivate Bank is a State Commercial Bank operating under a state charter and supervised by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). It is not a member of the Federal Reserve System.

As a commercial bank, CalPrivate Bank focuses primarily on business banking services, particularly commercial real estate lending and small business financing. However, it also operates as a private bank, catering to high-net-worth individuals with specialized wealth management and private banking services.

The bank operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of a publicly traded bank holding company, Private Bancorp of America, Inc., which provides additional oversight and governance structure typical of larger banking organizations.

CalPrivate Bank

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About CalPrivate Bank in the United States