July 2, 2025 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

Banc Of California Nests In Century City

Richard Smith serves as Banc of California’s President of Private Banking.
Richard Smith serves as Banc of California’s President of Private Banking.

Just two months ago, Century City welcomed Banc of California to the professional community, and the revamped financial face has commanded immediate attention and respect from its Westside clients and peers.

Roots of the Bank Banc of California was born after Bank of California, Inc., formerly First PacTrust Bankcorp, Inc., announced a merger of two of its banking subsidiaries, The Private Bank of California and Pacific Trust Bank.

With the continued support of the community, the Bank has grown exponentially over time. Today, the Bank boasts more than $3.5 billion in assets and more than 70 banking and lending locations.

Recognizable names have placed their trust in the financial entity, also contributing to its rapid growth. Upon leaving office, former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa took a position as Senior Advisor to the Bank’s CEO Steven Sugarman.

Founder of The Private Bank of California, Richard Smith also accepted a position, currently serving as Banc of California’s President of Private Banking.

About Richard Smith

Richard Smith has played an instrumental role in the Bank’s development and stands as an integral mastermind behind the successful operations of the Banc of California. When Smith paired his veteran experience with an entrepreneurial vision to create the Private Bank of California, he spurred the momentum that proves vital to the Bank today.

Smith has actively cultivated relationships in the entertainment industry, thereby carving out a “niche” for the Bank. His clients include, but are not limited to, studio executives, production companies, restaurants, and franchises.

“I have a passion for banking because I love meeting people,” Smith shared.

Clients Experience The Difference

This genuine sentiment transpires in the company culture, and the Bank distinguishes itself from others by embedding a personal touch into the corporate climate.

The Bank has created a business model of high level of banking without compromising a high level of service.

The Bank provides “exceptional service that simplifies financial lives and benefits the communities where our clients live and work,” the Bank’s mission statement reads.

Green & Tech-Minded

The company has also galloped alongside technology, implementing numerous strategies to ‘stay green.’ Employees now scan everything, enabling clients to access loan approvals and documents directly on their computers.

Many executives also use volt transportation. A volt car operates as an electric car deriving energy from a lithium ion battery pack for nearly 40 miles before the vehicle’s gasoline engine turns on to generate more electricity. Such travel produces less smog and emits fewer greenhouse gases into the environment.

“In order to compete in this industry, the goal is to make it effective and efficient,” said Smith.

Community Outreach

In addition to its environmental conscientiousness, Banc of California has a philanthropic side as well.

“The Bank is very concerned with the community, and whoever works here needs to give back,” Smith asserted.

“Banc of California is redefining what it means to be a community-oriented bank by demonstrating that community isn’t just based on geography, but instead based on engines of enterprise, education and homeownership, working together to lift communities up and make them stronger,” the Bank’s Foundation Brochure states.

With these ambitions in mind, the Banc of California launched the Banc of California Foundation with an initial commitment of $1.5 million to support local communities. The Foundation has vowed to build stronger communities through “affordable housing and homeownership, financing small businesses, and financial literacy and education.”

Future Of The Bank

Although the Banc of California nests in Century City, the financial mogul has already stretched its wingspan to other Southern Californian territories. A new location just opened in the Palisades, and the Bank hopes to cast its influence further within the next few years.

Moving forward, the company aims for continued organic growth and continuing acquisitions.

Just earlier this month, the Banc of California announced a valuable addition to the Bank, with Tom Senske joining as Senior Vice President of the Bank’s new commercial real estate and multi-family lending team.

“My team and I are thrilled to join Banc of California. We continue to be impressed by Banc of California’s leadership team, robust platform and entrepreneurial culture, and look forward to bringing new customers to the Bank,” Senske commented.

Though Smith does not anticipate international expansion, he shared that San Francisco and the Eastcoast may appear on the Bank’s radar soon.

Related Posts

(Video) Los Angeles County Supervisor from the 2nd district, Holly J. Mitchel, Gives a Powerful Speech

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Supervisor Mitchell Called on Residents to take action at the rally for Ambrocio “Enrique” Lozano in Culver City.

Top Military Commander Urges Return of Troops Deployed to ICE Protest Response

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

General Requests 200 National Guard Soldiers Be Returned to California Wildfire Unit The senior U.S. military officer overseeing federal forces...

Second Victim Killed Alongside LAPD Sergeant in Brentwood 405 Crash Identified

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Authorities Confirm Garcia, 34, Died at the Scene, GoFundMe Launched  Authorities have identified the civilian who was killed alongside a...

The Westside Lights Up for July 4: Fireworks, Drone Shows, and Parades Return Across West Los Angeles

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

From Marina Del Rey’s Fireworks to Culver City’s 1980s-Themed Drone Show, Get Ready to Celebrate From fireworks over Marina del...

California Judge Rules FAIR Plan’s Smoke Damage Policy Unlawful

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Court Says Wildfire Insurance Program Illegally Denied Claims Legal protections for California homeowners took a step forward this week after...

(Video) Culver City Residents and City and County Leaders Rally for Disappeared Ice Cream Man Ambrocio “Enrique” Lozano

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

US Representative for California’s 37th Congressional District, Sydney Kamlager-Dove Speaks About What is happening to the disappeared.

Historic Sawtelle Nursery Site Could Become 40-Unit Townhome Complex

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Sawtelle Continues to Change as Nursery Site Faces Redevelopment Plans have been submitted to redevelop a nursery site, F.K. Nursery,...

Drake Slashes Price on Beverly Hills Estate to $79 Million Amid Market Slowdown

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Price Cut Adds to a Broader Retreat From His Los Angeles Real Estate Holdings. Musician Drake has reduced the price...

Iranian Pastor in West L.A. Speaks as Church Rocked by Immigration Raids 

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Five Detained as Fear Spreads Through Persian Christian Faith Community  Fear has spread through a West Los Angeles congregation after...

Overdose Deaths Drop 22% in Los Angeles County, Marking Largest Decline on Record

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Fentanyl Fatalities Fell 37% as County Ramps up Funding for Prevention, Treatment Drug overdose deaths in Los Angeles County declined...

Cinespia Brings Fireworks and Fan Favorites to Hollywood Forever This July

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Watch Top Gun, La La Land, and More Under the Stars at Hollywood Forever Cinespia, Los Angeles’ iconic outdoor movie...

California Doubles Down on Hollywood: $750M in Tax Credits Approved for Film and TV Industry

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

State Lawmakers Back Major Expansion of Production Incentives, Raising Job Projections Los Angeles’ film and television industry is poised to...

Pedestrian Killed on 405 Freeway to State Route 90 Connector in Culver City 

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Fatal Crash on Culver City Adds to Growing Safety Concerns Early Friday, a pedestrian died after being struck by a...

EEEEEATSCON Los Angeles Returns with Star Chefs, Firefighter Tribute, and Wildfire Relief Efforts

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Culinary Festival Features Exclusive Restaurant Collabs, Support for Small Businesses  EEEEEATSCON Los Angeles, the celebrated food festival curated by The...

Supporters to Gather This Weekend for Longtime Culver City Paleta Seller Held in Detention

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Family and Neighbors Will Gather Sunday to Sell Paletas and Raise Funds Supporters will gather this Sunday at Veterans Park...