Founded in 1969 by banking veteran James Engbarth, Sunwest Bank began its journey as Santiago Commercial Bank in Tustin, CA. With a commitment to fostering business and community development in Orange County, the bank steadily grew over the next decade. In 1980, reflecting its expanding horizons, the institution officially became Sunwest Bank. A pivotal moment in Sunwest’s history occurred during the financial crisis when, leveraging a robust balance sheet and a history of conservative underwriting, it successfully acquired five failed banks from the FDIC. The strategic acquisitions, including Metro Pacific Bank, Pacific Coast National Bank, First State Bank, Westside Community Bank, and Syringa Bank, transformed Sunwest from a local real estate bank into a regional powerhouse serving the entire West Coast. The bank’s recent move of its headquarters to Sandy, UT, in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, marks a new chapter in its growth. Throughout its journey, Sunwest Bank has maintained a steadfast focus on two core principles: empowering entrepreneurs to achieve their American dream and contributing to the community. Specializing in serving small to medium-sized businesses, privately held corporations, family offices, and real estate developers and investors, Sunwest Bank stands as a financial institution built by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs.