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
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.
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 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]
