How We Started

Pacific West Bank started in 2004 after local business owners wanted more from their banks. They had a simple idea: banking should be a client-focused experience, and banking on relationships was developed. From the first day our doors opened in West Linn, this idea has been our foundation and is evident in everything we do; banking is about our clients.We always have and always will focus on doing what is right for our clients. Why? Because, as a Portland Business Bank, we are invested in the success of our Greater Portland Area and the businesses, nonprofits, and people that make it unique.

Mission Statement

PWB blends financial stability, innovation, and social responsibility by empowering our clients to achieve their financial goals. We foster meaningful and collaborative relationships, balancing prudent risk management and a forward-thinking mindset to positively impact the communities we serve.

Value Statement

Pacific West Bank is committed to providing our employees, clients, and the community we serve with a bank that promotes the following values:

Collaborative
Fun
Compassionate

Innovative
Empowered
Belonging

Benefit Corporation for Good
(People, Planet, Profit)
Bold
Committed

In addition to upholding those values, at Pacific West Bank

We empower our teammates to be decision makers, to do the right thing, to grow and flourish, and to learn and innovate.
We believe that local matters when it matters most. We reach our clients where they are, while remaining rooted.
We infuse joy and enthusiasm into every interaction, making banking with us engaging and fun. We are audacious enough to know that a vault is not always a vault (if you know, you know).
We regard our clients’ business as our business. We are compassionate, treating people as people, not numbers.
We are bold enough to balance innovation and risk.
We are committed to positively impacting the communities in which we serve.

The History of Pacific West Bank

A Vision for Banking on Relationships

Pacific West Bank (PWB) was founded in 2004 with a bold vision: to create a locally owned and operated financial institution that prioritized client experience, strong relationships, and community engagement. Established in West Linn by a group of dedicated business leaders, the Bank set out to redefine what it meant to be a true community partner. Under the leadership of founding Chairman Ed Kawasaki, PWB laid its foundation for growth and service.

Establishing Roots and Expanding Footprint

By 2007, PWB took a significant step forward by purchasing its corporate headquarters on 8th Avenue in West Linn. This strategic investment reinforced the Bank’s commitment to local economic development and stability.
In 2008, PWB expanded its reach by opening an office in Lake Oswego, a key market for its relationship-focused banking services. That same year, Steve Gray was appointed Chairman of the Board, guiding the Bank through a critical period of economic uncertainty while maintaining its commitment to personalized service.

New Growth and Transformation

In 2018, Pacific West Bank embarked on a transformational journey, strengthening its leadership and positioning itself for growth. Ed Kawasaki was reaffirmed as Chairman of the Board, and Terry Peterson was appointed Chief Executive Officer. A private placement offering secured $27 million in capital, driving the Bank’s expansion and enabling the addition of a new team in Portland. In 2019, PWB reinforced its dedication to people, planet, and profit by earning certification as a Benefit Corporation for Good.

Expanding into Portland and Beyond

The year 2020 marked another major milestone with the grand opening of PWB’s Downtown Portland office. This expansion allowed the bank to better serve businesses and individuals in the metro area while reinforcing its commitment to high-touch banking relationships.

Continued Expansion

In 2023, PWB expanded into Vancouver, WA, opening a new office and bringing on a team of experienced bankers to serve the community. That same year, the bank launched an innovative Digital Division, which has helped fuel its growth through partnerships with FinTech companies.

Looking Ahead

Pacific West Bank remains dedicated to blending financial stability, innovation, and social responsibility. The Bank continues to positively impact the communities it serves, staying true to its mission of exceptional client service and community engagement. From its humble beginnings in West Linn to its expansion across the Portland metro area and into Vancouver, PWB is well-positioned for continued success, serving as a trusted partner to businesses and individuals alike.

Relationship Officers

Our Relationship Officers want to help you with your unique banking needs. Whether it’s Business Loans or understanding your specific treasury management needs, we want to understand your business and find a custom-fit solution. Our team is committed to your success. Call or email us today.