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Hanmi Bank
Hanmi Bank
Hanmi Bank
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Hanmi Bank Corporation is a community bank headquartered in Los Angeles, California, with 35 branches and eight loan production offices in California, Texas, Illinois, New York, New Jersey and Virginia.

Key Information

Hanmi Bank specializes in real estate, commercial, Small Business Administration loans and trade finance lending to small and middle market businesses. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hanmi Financial Corporation, Inc.

In 2023, Hanmi Bank was ranked #9 on Bank Director's Top 25 U.S. Banks list.[1]

History

[edit]

The bank was established in 1982. Originally it was founded to serve the Korean American community in Los Angeles.[2]

The bank was founded by George S. Chey,[3] who served as Chairman of the Board for 10 years after its startup.

In 1987, the Hanmi Bank conducted its IPO and is listed on Nasdaq.[citation needed]

The bank bought the First Global Bank and the Pacific Union Bank and the Chun Ha Insurance Agency.[when?] In 2001, the company listed on Nasdaq. Subsequently, the bank expanded to include insurance and wealth management services.[citation needed]

In 2014, it acquired United Central Bank.[4]

In 2015, it dropped its bid to acquire the larger BBCN Bancorp, paving the way for BBCN to merge with another Koreatown rival, Wilshire Bancorp, as Bank of Hope.[5]

References

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Hanmi Bank

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from Grokipedia
Hanmi Bank is a regional headquartered in , , that specializes in commercial banking services tailored to small and medium-sized businesses, with a focus on multi-ethnic and immigrant communities across the . Established in 1982 by Korean immigrants, it was the first founded specifically to support the financial needs of the Korean American community in ' Koreatown. As a wholly owned of the publicly traded Hanmi Financial Corporation—formed in 2000—the provides specialized lending and deposit products while emphasizing relationship-based banking. Over more than four decades, Hanmi Bank has grown from its immigrant-serving origins into a key player in U.S. community banking, operating 32 full-service branches and 8 loan production offices across nine states: , , , , , New York, , Washington, and Georgia. Its core offerings include SBA lending, commercial lending, equipment leasing, specialty lending, services, and 24/7 mobile business banking, with a particular emphasis on , commercial, SBA, and for underserved markets. As of September 30, 2025, the bank managed total assets of $7.86 billion, reflecting stable growth amid a focus on deposit-funded operations. Hanmi Bank has earned recognition for its community commitment, including the launch of the Hanmi Bank Dream Scholarship program in 2016 to support at-risk youth pursuing higher education. The institution continues to prioritize accessible financial solutions for diverse populations, building on its foundational role in empowering Korean American entrepreneurs while expanding to broader ethnic groups.

Overview

Founding and headquarters

Hanmi Bank was established on December 15, 1982, as the first Korean-American bank in the United States, founded by a group of local Korean-American businessmen and women in , . The initiative arose from the need to provide banking services tailored to the growing Korean immigrant population in the area, starting with a single branch in . From its inception, the bank focused on offering accessible to Korean immigrants who encountered significant challenges, including language barriers and cultural differences, when engaging with mainstream U.S. banking institutions. This approach addressed the underbanked status of the immigrant community by providing bilingual support and culturally sensitive products, helping to foster and business development in ' . The bank's current headquarters is located at 3660 Wilshire Boulevard, Penthouse Suite A, in Los Angeles, California 90010, serving as the central hub for executive operations, strategic decision-making, and administrative functions. This facility anchors the institution's presence in the heart of the city's historic Korean district, facilitating oversight of its nationwide network. Over time, Hanmi Bank evolved from its origins as a single-branch startup into a key subsidiary of Hanmi Financial Corporation, the formed in 2000 and publicly traded on under the ticker HAFC. This structure, established to support broader growth and regulatory compliance, positions the bank within a larger framework for serving diverse communities while maintaining its foundational commitment to immigrant financial needs.

Mission and community focus

Hanmi Bank's official mission is to provide quality that support every American's dream, with a particular emphasis on expertise in business banking for underserved populations. This commitment reflects the bank's dedication to empowering individuals and businesses through accessible financial solutions tailored to diverse needs. As of 2025, Hanmi Bank's core values—, transparency, fairness, and —guide its operations and underscore its belief that long-term shareholder value derives from investing in the it serves. These values foster a culture of trust and client service, with a strong focus on diversity and inclusion that supports Korean-American alongside broader immigrant and multicultural groups. The bank prioritizes reinvestment, extending its services to small businesses, immigrants, and entrepreneurs across multi-ethnic U.S. markets to promote economic growth and stability. Hanmi Bank's ongoing focus on these communities has earned notable recognition, including the 2025 American Banker award for its Community Lending Division as one of the "Most Powerful Women in Banking Top Teams" for expanding SBA lending to underrepresented entrepreneurs. Additionally, executive Anna Chung was named to the 2025 "Women to Watch" list for her leadership in advancing inclusive banking practices.

History

Establishment and early growth (1982–1999)

Hanmi Bank was incorporated on August 24, 1981, as a California state-chartered institution and commenced operations in December 1982 with the opening of its first branch on Olympic Boulevard in Los Angeles' Koreatown. Founded by local Korean-American business leaders, the bank was established with initial capital raised from first-generation Korean immigrants to serve the underserved Korean-American community, marking it as the first Korean-American bank in the United States. That same month, on December 15, 1982, the bank received federal deposit insurance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), enabling it to officially accept deposits and begin full banking services under regulatory oversight. In its early years, Hanmi Bank focused on building a foundation through community-oriented services, expanding its branch network with new locations in Vermont Avenue (1985) and (1986). A key milestone came in 1988 when the bank introduced (SBA) loans through a dedicated department, becoming one of the pioneers in providing accessible financing to small, immigrant-owned businesses, particularly those in the Korean facing barriers to traditional lending. This initiative supported entrepreneurial growth amid the era's economic constraints, aligning with the bank's mission to empower immigrants. The bank's assets grew steadily from under $10 million at inception in 1982 to approximately $700 million by 1999, fueled primarily by deposit inflows from the local Korean-American population and organic expansion into additional branches, such as those in Garden Grove (1989) and Western Avenue (1992). By 1997, assets had reached $500 million, positioning Hanmi as a leading institution in the Korean-American banking sector. However, early growth was tempered by challenges, including the economic downturns of the that strained small banks through high interest rates and recessions, as well as the need to build trust in the aftermath of the , which devastated businesses. In response to the riots, Hanmi established a $10 million rebuilding fund to provide loans up to $100,000 for affected merchants, aiding recovery and reinforcing ties.

Expansion through acquisitions (2000–2014)

In 2000, Hanmi Bank established Hanmi Financial Corporation as its to facilitate further growth and strategic initiatives. Incorporated on March 14, 2000, in , the enabled Hanmi to pursue public market opportunities and expand its operational scope beyond its core banking activities. This restructuring positioned Hanmi for broader access to capital markets, supporting its focus on serving immigrant and multicultural communities through enhanced lending and deposit services. The following year, Hanmi Financial Corporation went public with an on under the HAFC on January 29, 2001. This listing marked a significant milestone, providing the capital necessary for organic expansion and future acquisitions while increasing visibility among investors interested in community banking. By becoming a publicly traded entity, Hanmi strengthened its financial foundation, with assets growing steadily to support its role as a key player in Korean-American banking. A pivotal expansion occurred in 2004 when Hanmi Bank acquired Pacific Union Bank in a transaction valued at $295 million, completed on April 30, 2004. The deal added 24 branches, primarily in , significantly broadening Hanmi's geographic footprint from its base and enhancing its commercial and lending capabilities. Post-acquisition, Hanmi solidified its position as one of the largest Korean-American banks, with combined assets exceeding $3 billion and a strengthened deposit base serving diverse ethnic communities. The posed substantial challenges for Hanmi, leading to increased non-performing loans and regulatory oversight. In November 2009, Hanmi Financial Corporation and Hanmi Bank entered into a Written Agreement with the Bank of and the California Department of Financial Institutions, requiring improvements in , capital adequacy, and asset quality. The crisis exacerbated loan losses in real estate portfolios, resulting in net losses and heightened scrutiny, but Hanmi responded with operational reforms, including cost controls and enhanced credit underwriting. By 2010, the bank secured a $240 million capital infusion from Woori Finance Holdings, bolstering its ratio. These measures, combined with successful public offerings, enabled Hanmi to resolve the enforcement actions by December 2012, when the lifted the agreement. The period culminated in 2014 with the acquisition of Central Bancorp, Inc., the parent of United Central Bank, completed on August 31, 2014, for approximately $50 million. This merger expanded Hanmi's presence into , , New York, , , Georgia, and , adding 12 branches and diversifying its customer base beyond traditional Korean-American markets. The transaction boosted total assets to $4.2 billion, gross loans to $2.8 billion, and deposits to $3.6 billion, marking a key step in post-crisis recovery and national scaling. Through these acquisitions, Hanmi transformed from a regional into a more diversified institution with enhanced commercial lending and a broader interstate network.

Recent developments (2015–present)

Following the acquisition of United Central Bank in 2014, Hanmi Bank's assets expanded from $4.23 billion that year to $7.86 billion by mid-2025, reflecting steady through diversified lending strategies and investments in digital infrastructure. This expansion was supported by a focus on commercial and industrial (C&I) lending, which grew 16% in the first quarter of 2025 alone, alongside residential production, enabling the bank to broaden its portfolio beyond traditional concentrations. Under new leadership, these efforts emphasized relationship-based lending models to drive mid-single-digit loan growth targets amid economic recovery. In 2018, Hanmi Financial Corporation announced an agreement to acquire SWNB Bancorp, Inc., the parent of Southwestern National Bank, aiming to enhance its presence in the market and diversify geographically eastward. Although the deal did not proceed to completion, it underscored the bank's strategic intent for regional expansion. Concurrently, leadership transitioned in 2019 with the appointment of Bonita I. as President and CEO, who prioritized —such as network modernizations that boosted and customer access—and community reinvestment to support underserved markets. The prompted adaptive measures, including the distribution of over 4,400 (PPP) loans totaling more than $133 million in second-draw funding by 2021, which helped small businesses retain employees during lockdowns. Hanmi also accelerated digital enhancements, expanding online capabilities and features to facilitate remote access amid branch restrictions. Advancing international outreach, Hanmi Bank opened its first in , , in November 2024, located in the International Finance Center to better serve U.S. subsidiaries of Korean companies with cross-border advisory and relationship-building support. In 2025, key milestones included the release of second-quarter earnings on July 22, reporting of $15.1 million despite higher provisions, and the appointment of Daniel J. Medici to the effective October 1, bringing expertise in . In the third quarter of 2025, Hanmi reported of $22.1 million, or $0.73 per diluted share. The bank also earned accolades from American Banker, with its Community Lending Division named a 2025 Top Team for expanding SBA lending nationwide and executive Anna Chung recognized on the Women to Watch list.

Operations

Products and services

Hanmi Bank provides a variety of personal banking products designed to meet the needs of individuals, including checking accounts such as the uChoose Rewards Checking, which offers rewards on everyday purchases, alongside options like Simple Checking and Golden Checking with varying minimum balances and fee structures. The bank also offers savings accounts, including Personal Savings and Kid's Savings, accounts like the Personal Money Market, and certificates of deposit (CDs) such as Personal CDs and Premium CDs with competitive rates. For lending, personal banking includes home mortgages for purchasing or refinancing properties, as well as personal loans and cards to support individual financial goals. Digital services enhance accessibility for personal clients, featuring online and mobile banking platforms that allow account management, bill payments, and mobile check deposits from anywhere. Customers can access eStatements for paperless banking, utilize for quick peer-to-peer transfers via the app, and benefit from an extensive network for fee-free withdrawals at partner locations. In business banking, Hanmi Bank emphasizes deposit products like Business Advantage Checking, which includes integration and no incoming wire fees for a low minimum balance, along with business savings, accounts, and CDs tailored for commercial needs. Loan offerings are a cornerstone, with (SBA) loans—such as 7(a) and 504 programs—serving as a core product since 1988 to support small business growth and expansion. Additional business loans include commercial lending for property acquisition and development, equipment leasing for acquiring machinery and assets, international wire services for global transactions, and solutions encompassing ACH payments, remote deposit capture, and fraud prevention tools like positive pay. Specialized products reflect Hanmi Bank's commitment to underserved communities, including community development lending through its Community Lending Division to finance small businesses in low- to moderate-income areas. Multicultural support features Korean-language services via a dedicated support line, aiding immigrant clients with account setup and inquiries. Equipment financing options are particularly geared toward immigrant entrepreneurs, covering commercial equipment for sectors like manufacturing and medical practices to facilitate business startup and operations. As of 2025, Hanmi Bank has introduced enhancements such as expanded online domestic wire transfers for all business checking accounts and a partnership integrating systems with banking for streamlined digital transactions, improving efficiency for remote clients including immigrants. The bank has also advanced sustainable lending options within its framework, incorporating environmentally focused financing for green initiatives alongside traditional products.

Branch network and international presence

Hanmi Bank maintains a domestic network comprising 32 full-service branches, five loan production offices, and three loan centers spread across nine states, enabling coast-to-coast service to multi-ethnic communities throughout the . The bank's presence is most prominent in , with the majority of its branches there, including several in Los Angeles's district—such as the Wilshire-Hobart and Koreatown Plaza locations—and Orange County, areas with significant Korean-American populations. This concentration supports targeted access for local businesses and residents in these multicultural hubs. To extend its reach eastward, Hanmi Bank has established branches in New York (two locations, including in Manhattan's ), , and , alongside operations in (four branches), (three), Georgia, , and Washington. This strategic footprint, bolstered by post-acquisition integrations, positions the bank to serve diverse customer segments from the West Coast to the Atlantic seaboard. Hanmi Bank enhances customer convenience through integration with the MoneyPass network, providing access to more than 37,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide. On the international front, Hanmi Bank opened its inaugural representative office in , , in November 2024, situated within the International Finance Center to facilitate U.S.-Korea trade, remittances, and support for American subsidiaries of Korean firms. Accessibility is a core aspect of the network, with bilingual English-Korean staff available at numerous branches to assist multicultural clients, and operating hours—typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays, with some extended options—designed to align with the schedules of business-oriented communities.

Leadership and governance

Executive leadership

Bonita I. Lee has served as President and of Hanmi Bank and Hanmi Financial Corporation since May 2019, marking the first female-led tenure in the institution's history. With a background in community banking spanning over two decades, including prior roles as Senior Executive Vice President and at Hanmi Bank from 2013 to 2018, Lee has emphasized to enhance customer access and diversity initiatives to support multicultural communities. Under her leadership, the bank navigated post-COVID recovery by strengthening loan portfolios and expanding services for small businesses, contributing to total asset growth from approximately $5.5 billion in 2019 to $7.86 billion as of September 2025. The executive team reports directly to the , ensuring strategic decisions align with Hanmi's mission to serve immigrant and underserved communities through accessible . Romolo C. Santarosa serves as Senior Executive Vice President and since November 2015, overseeing financial reporting, capital management, and with more than 30 years of banking experience. His responsibilities include maintaining and driving fiscal efficiency, supporting the bank's stable growth amid economic fluctuations. Anthony Kim, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer since 2023, manages daily banking operations, lending activities, and compliance efforts, drawing on over 25 years in the industry. Previously Hanmi's Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer since 2013, Kim focuses on commercial and community lending to foster client relationships in diverse markets. Michael Du holds the position of Executive Vice President and since April 2024, responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating regulatory, credit, and operational risks. With prior experience as Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer at Hanmi from an earlier tenure and roles at other institutions, Du ensures robust risk frameworks to protect the bank's $7.86 billion asset base. In recognition of inclusive practices under Lee's leadership, Hanmi Bank received accolades in 2025, including the American Banker's Most Powerful Women in Banking Top Team award for its Community Lending Division and Lee's inclusion in the Los Angeles Business Journal's inaugural list of influential banking leaders.

Board of directors

The Board of Directors of Hanmi Financial Corporation, the for Hanmi Bank, comprises 12 members as of November 2025, including a combination of independent directors and executive officers to ensure balanced governance. The board operates through specialized standing committees, such as the for financial reporting and compliance oversight, the Compensation and HR Committee for executive pay and policies, the Nominating and Committee for director selections and ethical standards, and the Risk, Compliance and Planning Committee for and . John J. Ahn has served as Chairman of the Board since 2018, drawing on more than 27 years of experience in capital markets as the CEO of Whitehawk Capital Partners. Key members bring expertise across finance, law, technology, and community leadership, including David L. Rosenblum, Vice Chairman and retired Senior Principal with strategic advisory experience, and , a director with prior roles as of and . In October 2025, Daniel J. Medici joined the board effective October 1, contributing over 30 years in and as a former federal bank examiner for the . The board holds primary responsibility for supervising executive performance, mitigating organizational risks, and ensuring adherence to federal regulations, including oversight of compliance with the to promote lending and investment in low- and moderate-income communities. Reflecting Hanmi Bank's origins as a Korean-American institution, the board features significant representation from Korean-American and multicultural professionals, enhancing strategic oversight aligned with the bank's community-focused mission; notable examples include directors Bonita I. Lee, President and CEO with two decades in banking, and Gloria J. Lee, a attorney and client relations partner at Rutan & Tucker.

References

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