What is Bank of the West?

Bank of the West is a financial institution that provides a wide range of banking andfinancial servicesto its customers. In this article, we will explore what Bank of the West is, its history, its products and services, and its approach to community andenvironmental sustainability.

History of Bank of the West

Bank of the West was founded in 1874 as Farmers National Gold Bank, a small bank located in San Jose, California. In 1880, it became the Bank of the West and has since expanded to become one of the largest banks in the United States. In 2019, Bank of the West had assets of over $90 billion and operated over 600 branches across 23 states.

Products and Services

Bank of the West offers a wide range of financial products and services to its customers, including personal banking, business banking, wealth management, andinvestment services. Personal banking services include checking and savings accounts, credit and debit cards, mortgages, and personal loans. For businesses, Bank of the West offers checking and savings accounts, cash management services, merchant services, and loans and lines of credit. Wealth management services are offered through Bank of the West's subsidiary, BancWest Investment Services, which provides investment and retirement planning services.

Community and Environmental Sustainability

Bank of the West is committed to community and environmental sustainability. The bank has made a commitment to lend $1.5 billion to finance clean energy and sustainable agriculture projects over the next five years. Additionally, Bank of the West has pledged to reduce its own carbon footprint by 30% by 2020. The bank has also implemented programs to support low-income communities and has donated over $100 million to charitable organizations since 2016.

Investment Strategies

For investors, Bank of the West provides investment services through its subsidiary, BancWest Investment Services. Investment strategies offered include mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, annuities, and managed accounts. BancWest Investment Services also provides retirement planning services to help customers plan for their future.

Investment Experience

Bank of the West has a strong reputation for providing excellent customer service and has received numerous awards for its products and services. In 2019, Bank of the West was named one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" by Ethisphere Institute for the fifth consecutive year. The bank has also been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion and has been named one of the "Best Banks to Work For" by American Banker.

In conclusion, Bank of the West is a leading financial institution that offers a wide range of banking and financial services to its customers. The bank has a strong commitment to community and environmental sustainability and provides investment strategies and retirement planning services to its customers. With its excellent customer service and commitment to ethical practices, Bank of the West is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable financial partner.