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Department of Financial Institutions Approves New State Bank

SB Informer
Wednesday, July 26, 2006; 02:54 AM

The California Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) announced today that the Department has approved the opening of a new state bank. Pinnacle Bank opened for business on July 17, 2006 in Morgan Hill, with an initial capital of $27.5 million.

"I am pleased to welcome Pinnacle Bank -- the eighth new bank to open in 2006 -- and to report that state-chartered banks continue to grow and prosper in California," said Michael A. Kelley, Acting Commissioner of Financial Institutions.

"California's financial institutions are symbols of safety and soundness. Their role in business and industry are important to the economy and to our own personal well-being. Maintaining the integrity of financial services remains our primary mission as the industry continues to grow. During 2005, assets for our financial institution licensees grew from $249 billion to $290 billion," added Kelley.

During the last five years, 68 new state-chartered banks have opened with DFI approval. In addition, over 120 branches also opened their doors. Each new bank has its unique characteristics, which range from serving a small community or ethnic community to offering special services for small businesses and professionals.

Pinnacle Bank will be located at 18181 Butterfield Blvd., #135, Morgan Hill, CA 95037. The banks telephone number is (408) 762-7171. Their Web site address will be www.pinnaclebankonline.com.

David Funkhouser will serve as President and CEO; Bruce Kendall as Chief Financial Officer; and Henry Chow as Chief Credit Officer.

Like all California state-chartered banks, Pinnacle Bank deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), up to $100,000 per depositor.

DFI supervises over 700 financial institutions. The Department is responsible for administering state laws regulating state-licensed financial institutions: banks, credit unions, industrial banks, savings associations, trust companies, offices of foreign banks, issuers of travelers' checks and payment instruments (money orders), and transmitters of money abroad. DFI reports to Business, Transportation & Housing Agency Secretary Sunne Wright McPeak and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.