Question 1

What is First Foundation Bank?

Accepted Answer

First Foundation Bank is a California state-chartered commercial bank that provides an integrated platform of personal banking, business banking, and private wealth management services. Headquartered in Irvine, California, the bank operates as a subsidiary of First Foundation Inc., a publicly traded financial services company.

With approximately $11.9 billion in total assets and 30 offices across multiple states, First Foundation Bank serves individuals, families, small to moderate-sized businesses, and professional firms. The bank is known for its client-centric approach and comprehensive financial services model.

Question 2

When was First Foundation Bank founded?

Accepted Answer

First Foundation Bank was founded in 1990 in Irvine, California. The bank was established by Rick Keller, who initially created what became First Foundation Advisors, the wealth management predecessor organization.

The founding vision was to build an integrated financial services platform that combined traditional banking with wealth management, consulting, and trust services. This integrated approach differentiated the bank from larger, more impersonal competitors from its inception.

Question 3

Where is First Foundation Bank headquartered?

Accepted Answer

First Foundation Bank is headquartered at 18101 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 750, in Irvine, California. While the bank maintains its operational headquarters in Irvine, its parent company First Foundation Inc. relocated its principal executive offices to Dallas, Texas, in recent years to support its national growth strategy.

Question 4

Where does First Foundation Bank operate?

Accepted Answer

First Foundation Bank operates across five states: California, Florida, Nevada, Hawaii, and Texas. The bank has 30 branch locations primarily concentrated in California, with a particularly strong presence in Southern California's Orange County region.

The bank also maintains offices in the Sacramento area, Northern California, Southwest Florida (Naples area), and has expanded into Texas markets including Dallas and Plano. The multi-state footprint allows the bank to serve clients across some of the nation's most dynamic markets.

Question 5

What services does First Foundation Bank offer?

Accepted Answer

First Foundation Bank offers a comprehensive suite of financial services including:

Personal Banking: Checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and specialized accounts for seniors aged 55 and older. The bank provides no-fee checking options and competitive rates on savings products.

Business Banking: Commercial term loans, lines of credit, multifamily real estate financing, commercial real estate loans, treasury management services, and specialty deposit banking solutions tailored for small to moderate-sized businesses and professional firms.

Private Wealth Management: Through First Foundation Advisors, the bank provides investment advisory services, wealth management, trust services, insurance solutions, and philanthropic planning. As of recent reports, the bank manages approximately $5.4 billion in assets under management.

Digital Banking: Mobile banking apps available for iOS and Android devices, online banking platforms, Zelle payment integration, and ATM fee reimbursements up to $20 per transaction nationwide.

Question 6

What makes First Foundation Bank unique?

Accepted Answer

First Foundation Bank's defining characteristic is its integrated financial services model that seamlessly combines traditional banking with private wealth management and trust services under one roof. This "one-stop shop" approach allows clients to address complex financial needs through coordinated service from relationship bankers, wealth advisors, and trust professionals.

The bank emphasizes personalized, relationship-driven banking rather than transactional services. Each client works with dedicated bankers and relationship managers who coordinate across the bank's service lines.

First Foundation Bank also distinguishes itself through its commitment to community involvement and civic engagement, consistently ranking among Orange County's most civic-minded companies. The bank's fee-based wealth management business provides a stable source of diversified, recurring revenues that complement its lending operations.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is First Foundation Bank?

Accepted Answer

First Foundation Bank is a California state-chartered commercial bank regulated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation (DFPI). As a state-chartered institution, the bank has the flexibility to offer both banking and trust services across its multi-state footprint.

The bank operates as a full-service commercial bank with a strong focus on relationship banking for affluent individuals, families, and middle-market businesses. It combines commercial banking capabilities with private wealth management services, positioning itself as an integrated financial services provider rather than a traditional community bank or large national institution.

First Foundation Bank is also a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, which provides it with access to funding through short-term and long-term borrowings.

Question 8

What is First Foundation Bank's recent corporate development?

Accepted Answer

In October 2025, First Foundation Inc. announced a definitive merger agreement with FirstSun Capital Bancorp in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $785 million. Under the terms of the agreement, First Foundation will merge into FirstSun, and First Foundation Bank will merge into Sunflower Bank, with Sunflower Bank as the surviving entity.

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals. The combined organization will operate approximately $17 billion in assets with a presence across nine states.

First Foundation stockholders will receive 0.16083 shares of FirstSun common stock for each First Foundation share owned. Following the merger, FirstSun stockholders will own 59.5% of the combined company, while First Foundation stockholders will own 40.5%. Current First Foundation CEO Tom Shafer will become Vice Chairman of the combined company, and five First Foundation directors will join the combined board.

Question 9

What is First Foundation Bank's growth history?

Accepted Answer

First Foundation Bank has pursued strategic growth through both organic expansion and targeted acquisitions. The bank went public in November 2014 through an initial public offering, providing capital to fund its expansion strategy.

In 2015, the bank acquired Pacific Rim Bank, expanding its presence into Northern California. In 2018, First Foundation completed a significant merger with Premier Business Bank and its community bank divisions (Premier Bank of Palos Verdes and First Mountain Bank), strengthening its Southern California footprint with locations in Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills Estates, Torrance, Big Bear Lake, Running Springs, and Lucerne Valley.

These strategic acquisitions were carefully selected to align with First Foundation's integrated financial services model and culture of personalized client service. Under the leadership of former CEO Scott Kavanaugh (who served from 2009 to 2024), the bank completed four mergers and expanded from a regional California institution into a multi-state banking franchise.

First Foundation Bank

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About First Foundation Bank in the United States