Have You Heard of a Bank That’s Grown 20x in a Decade?
Strategic, Private, and Purpose-Driven: The Story Behind Commercial Bank of California’s Unprecedented Growth.
In a region known for innovation, it takes something special to stand out. But that’s exactly what Commercial Bank of California (CBC) has done—quietly, strategically, and with purpose.
Over the last decade or so, CBC has grown its assets more than 20x, from just under $185 million in 2013 to more than $3.8 billion today. The story behind that growth isn’t about chasing numbers—it’s about building something that lasts.
“We think in decades, not quarters,” says Ash Patel, CEO, President and Chairman of CBC. “That long-term mindset has allowed us to stay true to our values while building a bank that meets the evolving needs of California’s business leaders.”
So how did a privately held, values-driven bank pull off one of the most impressive growth trajectories in California banking?
Long-Term Vision, Built for Impact
When Ash Patel joined the bank in 2013, CBC was a modest-sized institution with strong roots in Southern California. What it didn’t yet have was a bold roadmap for scale.
That changed quickly.
Rather than pursue growth for growth’s sake, CBC adopted a clear, long-term approach: create a bank that didn’t yet exist. That meant investing in people, service, technology, and community—all while keeping the bank private and nimble.
Being privately held allowed CBC to sidestep the short-term pressures that public banks often face. “We’re not driven by quarterly earnings calls,” Patel says. “We’re driven by impact—on our clients, our communities, and the future of banking.”
Growth That Serves a Greater Purpose
As CBC’s service model evolved, something powerful happened: its purpose started resonating. Business owners, nonprofit leaders, and entrepreneurs weren’t just looking for capital or a place to park their cash—they were looking for a banking partnership grounded in trust, expertise, and shared values.
That organic growth was amplified by strategic moves that aligned with CBC’s philosophy of intentional expansion.
Key Milestones That Transformed CBC
2016: Acquiring National Bank of California (NCAL)
CBC doubled in size nearly overnight—growing from $350M to nearly $778M in assets with the acquisition of Brentwood-based NCAL. But more importantly, the NCAL merger brought additional leadership, customer relationships, and market presence that set the foundation for future growth.
2017 & 2021: Fintech Evolution Begins
Recognizing the future of finance would be shaped by technology, CBC acquired two leading ACH payment companies:
- VeriCheck (VCI) in 2017
- ACHWorks in 2021
These weren’t traditional bank acquisitions. They didn’t add assets to the balance sheet—they added infrastructure, recurring revenue, and a competitive edge. Today, CBC is one of the only banks in the country that owns and operates its own payments platforms, giving clients a tech-forward advantage of having all the payments rails available under one roof, backed by white-glove service.
2024: Expanding Statewide with Community Bank of the Bay (CBB)
The recent acquisition of Community Bank of the Bay added more than $1 billion in assets and a stronghold in Northern California—expanding CBC’s footprint while preserving a community-first ethos.
“We look for partners who believe what we believe,” says Patel. “CBB was one of the few banks whose business purpose aligned with ours: client-first, community-centered, and mission-driven.”
The Advantage of Staying Private
In an era when many banks are consolidating into faceless national giants, CBC’s private ownership has become a defining advantage.
With no outside shareholders to satisfy, CBC can move quickly, invest boldly, and build intentionally.
That has allowed the bank to:
- Launch new verticals faster
- Make purpose-forward acquisitions
- Reinvest in team and client experience
- Double down on innovation—even during volatile markets
This autonomy has translated into deeper partnerships and more tailored solutions for businesses and organizations of all sizes.
Not Just a Bank—A Fintech Bank
Thanks to its fintech acquisitions, CBC has positioned itself at the intersection of banking and technology.
Through VCI and ACHWorks, the bank powers ACH payments for clients across the country—enabling everything from recurring tuition billing to commercial finance repayments to nonprofit donation processing.
“We’ve built a model where clients can bank with us and run payments through us,” Patel explains. “It’s more efficient, more secure, and puts them in control.”
As the regulatory climate begins to loosen and technology accelerates, CBC is ready. Its hybrid DNA—as both a private bank and a fintech operator—means it can seize new opportunities faster and smarter than traditional institutions.
What 20x Really Means
While the numbers are impressive, CBC doesn’t see its growth as a victory lap—it sees it as a responsibility. A responsibility to lead, to serve, and to continue building a bank worthy of California’s business leaders.
“20x growth isn’t about us,” Patel says. “It’s about what we’ve been able to create for the people we serve. If our partners thrive, we thrive.”
That mindset has made CBC more than a financial partner—it’s made them a trusted collaborator in their clients’ biggest ambitions.
Built for What’s Next
The next chapter of banking will belong to those who can marry trust with technology. Those who can move fast without compromising values. Those who invest in long-term relationships, not short-term gains.
With its purpose-driven foundation, private structure, and fintech edge, CBC is built for that future.
If you haven’t yet partnered with CBC, we invite you to take a look—what are you waiting for?
Discover what banking can be at www.cbcal.com.
No jargon. No shareholder profit chasing. Just purpose, performance, and partnership.
Ash Patel is Chairman, President, and CEO of Commercial Bank of California. Since 2013, he has led the bank’s transformation into a purpose-driven institution known for its fintech innovation, strong culture, and long-term vision. Ash’s leadership is rooted in his “Life Wealth” philosophy—a belief that banking should create value beyond capital, enriching clients, employees, and communities alike. Under his guidance, CBC has been named one of Southern California’s Best Places to Work four years running and has remained a stabilizing force during times of industry disruption. Ash is also the founder of the Siksha Foundation, which rebuilds schools for underserved children in India and Africa.