Innovative Bank was originally established in 1982 as the Bank of Oakland. The bank has evolved and grown through the years including the opening of our first branch in 1990 in the heart of Oakland's Chinese business district to better service that community. Also in 1990, we established our SBA lending department to provide the community with lending products suited to the growing demands of the area.

During 1999 the bank obtained its Preferred Lender Participant status from the Small Business Administration (SBA) allowing the bank to provide faster response to the business needs of the community and our customers. As of January 23, 2002 the Bank of Oakland changed its name to Innovative Bank. The new name says it all. Innovative Bank, striving to provide innovative solutions for your business and personal banking needs.

As of July of 2005, a group of Korean-American investors acquired the bank. Committed to carry out the excellent service and innovative lending products to the community, the new management have made strides in developing better ways to serve the areas.

As an SBA "Preferred Lender," we are committed in helping small size businesses, resulting in the funding of smaller loans to more borrowers under the SBA Express Programs. Since 2008, Innovative Bank approved and funded more than 15,000 SBA 7(a) loans making us the 5th largest* 7(a) lender nationwide for the last two years and a major supporter of multi-ethnic businesses.

* Number of funded loans.

Business Strategy

Innovative Bank's business strategy is to provide the best suite of quality financial products and services in the Banking industry. We cater to the small to mid-size business customers that are often overlooked by larger institutions. Our main advantage is personal service and our goal to make every customer a part of our family.

Innovative Bank is an FDIC insured "Community Bank" that understands the demanding needs of the communities we serve. The bank and its employees are committed to providing superior service to our customers.

Innovative Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Innovative Bancorp.