Newsroom

Overview

Welcome to the Newsroom

Our communications team works to provide members, news media and the public with the most up-to-date information relating to the association and the banking industry. Our communications efforts seek to emphasize the value of banks and their service to the community, as well as providing information on the many regulatory and legislative changes the industry is facing in this extraordinary climate.

Post

Louise Walker Honored as CBA Distinguished Banker of the Year

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Bankers Association today announced that Louise Walker was honored as the CBA’s Distinguished Banker of the Year. Walker was officially recognized at the CBA’s Bank Presidents Seminar held last week.

“The California Bankers Association is honored to have presented this award to Louise,” said Kevin Gould, president & CEO of the California Bankers Association. “Our association has benefitted greatly from Louise’s guidance and leadership over the years. In addition to serving as the chair of our board of directors, she has led and dedicated countless hours to numerous committees. Louise has been a passionate advocate for the banking community and is truly deserving of this award.”

The award honors a banker who personifies what it is to be a distinguished California banker – a banker who is dedicated to the industry, a role model for future leaders, engaged in their community, and also serves as a leader within the association.

Post

California Bankers Association Names Kevin Gould as President and CEO

SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 6, 2023 –The California Bankers Association (CBA) today announces that Kevin Gould has been selected to serve as the president and CEO of the association.

“CBA is excited to welcome Kevin Gould to this role. As an experienced association executive who has been with the CBA more than 19 years, Kevin is uniquely qualified to lead the association,” said Stan Ivie, chairman of the CBA board of directors, and Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer of PacWest Bancorp and Pacific Western Bank. “CBA is a member-driven organization, and Kevin understands the importance of member engagement as we navigate the legislative and economic environments. We look forward to his insights and leadership.

Kevin Gould joined the California Bankers Association (CBA) in 2004. In his previous role Kevin served as executive vice president and director of state government relations, where he served as a member of the CBA senior management team and oversaw management and operation of CBA’s state and federal government relations department and served as one of CBA’s three registered lobbyists.

Post

California Bankers Association Announces Election of Stan Ivie as Chairman of the Board of Directors

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Bankers Association (CBA) today announced Stan Ivie, executive vice president, and chief risk officer of PacWest Bancorp and Pacific Western Bank, assumes the role of 2023-2024 chairman of the board of directors effective June 1, 2023.

“It is truly an honor to serve as Chairman of the Board of the California Bankers Association,” said Mr. Ivie. “CBA is an important resource for California bankers. The association advocates on behalf of the industry and provides bankers with critical resources to navigate the ever-changing banking landscape. In addition to the extraordinary advocacy efforts, the association supports members with wide-ranging education and training opportunities for bankers at every level. I look forward to supporting the association and its mission.”

Post

Small California credit union approved for major membership expansion

“…But bankers in the state said the expansion is just another example of credit union overreach.

Ana Helman, director of membership communications for the California Bankers Association, said large credit unions are competing more and more with banks, especially community banks, and should be held to the same standards as other financial institutions that provide similar products and services. 

“The expansion of credit unions underscores the need to revisit their mission and the tax exemptions afforded them,” she said.”

Post

Local banks pledge $100 million to finance affordable housing

Sacramento region affordable housing projects will see $100 million in new financing, through a new effort from five community banks that’s spearheaded by the Greater Sacramento Economic Council (GSEC).

The $100 million in financing is the first initiative by the newly formed Community Reinvestment Coalition, launched by the Greater Sacramento Economic Council. Smith said GSEC CEO Barry Broome brought regional banking leaders from First Northern, Five Star Bank, River City Bank, Suncrest Bank and Bank of the Sierra together to form the coalition

Post

Charter Amendment B is one of the most ill-conceived, half-baked ballot measures in years. Vote no
Editorial in the Los Angeles Times

“Charter Amendment B is one of the most ill-conceived, half-baked ballot measures to come out of City Hall in years, and that’s saying something. There’s been no formal study, no plan, nothing of substance completed to determine whether a Bank of Los Angeles is even feasible, much less a good idea. Voters are being asked to approve a vague concept and put their trust — and their money — in City Hall to figure it all out.”

Click here to read the full text of the editorial.

Post

Proposed US banking fix for marijuana may not open all doors

A proposal in Congress to ease the U.S. ban on marijuana could encourage more banks to do business with cannabis companies, but it appears to fall short of a cure-all for an industry that must operate mainly as a cash business in a credit card world.

Read the Associated Press story here.