Chairman's Message

Dear Fellow Shareholders, Customers, and Friends,

It is my privilege to write to you as Chairman of the Board of BestCitizenBank. Looking back on another year of achievement and steady execution, I am proud to say that the bank stands firmer than ever on sound risk management, real strength, and a genuine commitment to the customers and communities we serve.

Banking keeps changing quickly — driven by digital innovation, shifting economic conditions, and customers who expect more. Through every cycle, BestCitizenBank has shown remarkable resilience. Our experienced commercial bankers, treasury specialists and technology leaders have worked tirelessly to meet and exceed what our shareholders expect.

A year of careful, steady growth

Over the past year, BestCitizenBank grew strongly and well across all of our core business lines — commercial real estate borrowing, corporate banking, cash management, and international private banking. Total assets climbed steadily past $7 billion, while our Tier 1 capital ratios remain well above regulatory requirements.

Our conservative approach to credit, and our deep knowledge of our main markets in Southern California, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York and Houston, have let us keep credit quality high while helping sound businesses expand.

Investing in digital tools

We made a significant investment in our digital access infrastructure this year. From stronger multi-factor and biometric sign-in to faster payment workflows and mobile check deposits, we keep giving our customers the quick, secure tools they need to get things done in today's digital economy.

Community impact and corporate responsibility

BestCitizenBank has always believed that the bank's success is tied directly to the health of the communities it calls home. Through our Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) initiatives and the BestCitizenBank Foundation, we funded affordable housing programs, small business incubators and financial literacy workshops across the regions we serve.

Looking ahead

Looking to the future, I have every confidence in where we are heading. Our capital position is strong, our culture is anchored in integrity, and our relationship-led approach sets us apart from the large regional institutions.

On behalf of the whole Board of Directors, I offer my sincere thanks to our customers for their trust, to our shareholders for their investment, and to our employees for their hard work and dedication.