# Hope Bancorp (Bank of Hope) competitors: and the alternatives

Source: https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/bank-of-hope/competitors
Last updated: Oct 19, 2026

*Part of the [Hope Bancorp (Bank of Hope) AI strategy profile](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/bank-of-hope). Peer group: Cathay General Bancorp, East West Bancorp, CVB Financial Corp., Banc of California, First Hawaiian, Inc., Bank of Hawaii Corporation, City National Bank (RBC), Mechanics Bancorp.*

## Who are Hope Bancorp (Bank of Hope)'s competitors, and what are the alternatives?

Hope Bancorp's 2025 10-K, filed February 25, 2026, says it competes for loans, deposits and customers with commercial banks, thrifts, securities and brokerage companies, mortgage and insurance companies, marketplace finance platforms, money market funds, credit unions and other non-banks, many of them larger and more widely recognized. Hope grew from a Korean-American bank into a multi-ethnic one with 74 branches at year-end 2025: 29 in Hawaii, 24 in California, nine in New York and New Jersey and the rest in Washington, Illinois, Texas, Alabama and Georgia. Its most direct rivals describe the same market. Hanmi's 10-K says its direct competitors are community banks focused on Korean-American, Asian-American and immigrant-owned businesses, and PCB Bancorp cites strong competition among banks serving the Korean-American community. In Los Angeles the larger Asian-American banks are Cathay, with 64 branches, and East West, with $84.8 billion of assets. Since the Territorial deal Hope competes in Hawaii with First Hawaiian and Bank of Hawaii, while First Hawaiian is moving the other way into California through TriCo. Hope is an SBA Preferred Lender nationwide, which puts it against Live Oak's AI-originated small loans, and its 10-K names marketplace finance platforms, the market LendingClub came from before becoming Happen Bank in June 2026. Through its SMBC partnership Hope now also courts Japanese companies doing business in the US. ([Hope Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1128361/000112836126000011/hope-20251231.htm), [Hanmi Financial (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1109242/000119312526082425/hafc-20251231.htm), [PCB Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1423869/000142386926000006/pcb-20251231.htm), [Cathay General Bancorp](https://cathaybank.com/CGB/ESG-report-2025), [East West Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1069157/000106915726000044/ewbc-20260630.htm), [American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/first-hawaiian-strikes-2b-deal-to-return-to-u-s-mainland), [American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/huntington-live-oak-to-invest-in-deploy-gen-ai-based-lending), [Happen, Inc. via PR Newswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lendingclub-officially-becomes-happen-bank-marking-a-new-chapter-for-the-digital-first-bank-302804847.html), [Hope Bancorp (Business Wire via FT)](https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/detail?dockey=600-202610010830BIZWIRE_USPRX____20261001_BW057537-1))

## What does Bank of Hope say about its competition?

"As of December 31, 2025, we had 74 branches in the United States, predominantly in multi-ethnic communities. Of these, 29 were located in Hawaii, 24 were located in California, nine were located in New York and New Jersey; four were in Washington; three were in Illinois; three were in Texas; one was in Alabama, and one was in Georgia. We also had nine loan production offices located in California, New York, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Oregon, Texas, and Washington, as well as a representative office in Seoul, South Korea." (Item 1, "Market Area and Competition", 2025 Form 10-K, filed February 25, 2026.) ([Hope Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1128361/000112836126000011/hope-20251231.htm))

"The banking and financial services industry generally, and in our market areas specifically, is highly competitive. The competitive environment is primarily a result of strong competition among community, regional and national banks; changes in regulations; changes in technology and product delivery systems, as well as consolidation among financial services companies. In addition, federal legislation may have the effect of further increasing the pace of consolidation within the financial services industry." ([Hope Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1128361/000112836126000011/hope-20251231.htm))

"We compete for loans, deposits, and customers with other commercial banks, savings and loan associations, securities and brokerage companies, mortgage companies, insurance companies, marketplace finance platforms, money market funds, credit unions, and other non-bank financial service providers. Many of these competitors are much larger in total assets and capitalization, have greater access to capital markets, are more widely recognized, have broader geographic scope, and offer a broader range of financial services than we do." ([Hope Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1128361/000112836126000011/hope-20251231.htm))

From the business overview of the same 10-K: "From our roots as a Korean-American focused bank, we have grown to be one of the largest independent commercial banks headquartered in California and serve a multi-ethnic population of customers around the United States." And from the AI risk factor: "The Company may develop or incorporate AI technology in certain business processes, services, or products in the future." ([Hope Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1128361/000112836126000011/hope-20251231.htm))

## Who competes with Bank of Hope in each of its businesses?

| Business line | Competitor | Type | Why it competes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Korean-American and Asian-American banking | Hanmi Financial | Bank | Hanmi's 2025 10-K says its primary market is the Korean-American and multi-ethnic communities across nine states and that its direct competitors are community banks focused on Korean-American, Asian-American and immigrant-owned businesses; it ran 32 full-service branches and five loan production offices at year-end 2025. ([Hanmi Financial (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1109242/000119312526082425/hafc-20251231.htm)) |
| Korean-American and Asian-American banking | PCB Bancorp (PCB Bank) | Bank | Los Angeles-based PCB's 2025 10-K cites 'strong competition among the banks servicing the Korean-American community' and sets deposit rates partly on those offered by other Korean-American focused banks; it runs nine branches in Los Angeles and Orange Counties plus branches in New York, New Jersey, Texas and Georgia. ([PCB Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1423869/000142386926000006/pcb-20251231.htm)) |
| Korean-American and Asian-American banking | [Cathay General Bancorp](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/cathay) | Bank | Cathay keeps its headquarters in Los Angeles' Chinatown, Hope on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles; Cathay ran 64 branches with about $24 billion of assets at year-end 2025, against Hope's 24 California branches. ([Cathay General Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/861842/000143774926006157/caty20251231c_10k.htm), [Cathay General Bancorp](https://cathaybank.com/CGB/ESG-report-2025), [Hope Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1128361/000112836126000011/hope-20251231.htm)) |
| Korean-American and Asian-American banking | [East West Bancorp](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/east-west) | Bank | East West, the largest independent commercial bank headquartered in Southern California by assets (December 31, 2025), had $84.8 billion of assets at June 30, 2026 and runs cross-border US-Hong Kong payments; Hope offers foreign currency exchange and international trade financing to a multi-ethnic client base from Los Angeles. ([East West Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1069157/000106915726000009/ewbc-20251231.htm), [East West Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1069157/000106915726000044/ewbc-20260630.htm), [East West Bank](https://eastwestbank.com/en/newsroom/inthenews_030226), [Hope Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1128361/000112836126000011/hope-20251231.htm)) |
| Commercial banking in Los Angeles | [Banc of California](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/banc-of-california) | Bank | The largest independent bank headquartered in Los Angeles, where Hope added eight branches, $2.5 billion of loans and $2.7 billion of deposits with SMBC MANUBANK's commercial unit on October 1, 2026. ([Banc of California](https://bancofcal.com/about-us/newsroom/banc-of-california-named-one-of-americas-greatest-workplaces-by-newsweek), [American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/l-a-bank-to-buy-u-s-commercial-banking-unit-from-japans-smbc), [Hope Bancorp (Business Wire via FT)](https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/detail?dockey=600-202610010830BIZWIRE_USPRX____20261001_BW057537-1)) |
| Commercial banking in Los Angeles | [City National Bank (RBC)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/city-national) | Bank | Los Angeles-based City National had $100.10 billion of assets and $69.48 billion of loans and leases at July 31, 2026, a commercial lender several times Hope's $18.99 billion of assets. ([City National Bank](https://cnb.com/content/dam/cnb/brands/city-national-bank/documents/financials/city-national-bank-at-a-glance-q3-2026.pdf), [Hope Bancorp (Business Wire via Yahoo Finance)](https://finance.yahoo.com/economy/policy/articles/bank-hope-receives-regulatory-approvals-203000121.html)) |
| Commercial banking in Los Angeles | [CVB Financial](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/cvb-financial) | Bank | Citizens Business Bank lends 35.4% of its book in Los Angeles County to small and medium-sized businesses and their owners, and became a 78-center bank after buying Heritage Commerce in 2026. ([CVB Financial Corp. (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/354647/000119312526083221/cvbf-20251231.htm), [Citizens Business Bank](https://www.cbbank.com/hbc-conversion)) |
| Hawaii banking | [First Hawaiian](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-hawaiian) | Bank | Hope has 29 Hawaii branches since buying Honolulu's Territorial Bancorp; First Hawaiian, its main Hawaii rival on this site's record along with Bank of Hawaii, is also moving into Hope's California market with its roughly $2 billion purchase of TriCo and its 68 branches (announced July 2026). ([Hope Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1128361/000112836126000011/hope-20251231.htm), [American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/hope-bancorp-closes-drawn-out-deal-to-buy-hawaii-bank), [American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/first-hawaiian-strikes-2b-deal-to-return-to-u-s-mainland)) |
| Hawaii banking | [Bank of Hawaii](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/bank-of-hawaii) | Bank | A Hawaii bank with 1,729 of its 1,877 staff in Hawaii and 350,000+ digital banking enrollees at year-end 2025, competing for the Hawaii deposits Hope gained with Territorial. ([Bank of Hawaii Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/46195/000004619526000015/boh-20251231.htm), [Bank of Hawaii Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/46195/000004619526000023/boh_2025xarsxfiling.htm), [American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/hope-bancorp-closes-drawn-out-deal-to-buy-hawaii-bank)) |
| SBA and small-business lending | [Live Oak Bank](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/live-oak) | Bank | Live Oak Express makes SBA 7(a) loans under $350,000 on Casca's AI origination software; Hope holds SBA Preferred Lender status nationwide and offers SBA EZ loans up to $500,000 decided on its credit scoring program. ([American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/huntington-live-oak-to-invest-in-deploy-gen-ai-based-lending), [Hope Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1128361/000112836126000011/hope-20251231.htm)) |
| SBA and small-business lending | [Happen Bank (formerly LendingClub)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/fintech/lendingclub) | Fintech | Hope's 10-K names marketplace finance platforms among its competitors; LendingClub, which grew as a marketplace lender, became Happen Bank in June 2026 and reported $3.1 billion of originations and $10.8 billion of deposits in Q2 2026. ([Hope Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1128361/000112836126000011/hope-20251231.htm), [Happen, Inc. via PR Newswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lendingclub-officially-becomes-happen-bank-marking-a-new-chapter-for-the-digital-first-bank-302804847.html), [Happen, Inc. via PR Newswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/happen-inc-reports-second-quarter-2026-results-302835538.html)) |
| SBA and small-business lending | [Bluevine](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/fintech/bluevine) | Fintech | A small-business bank account and lending fintech with about 175,000 active customers (June 30, 2026), the kind of non-bank provider Hope's 10-K lists; Hope serves small and medium-sized multi-ethnic business owners. ([Bluevine](https://www.bluevine.com/newsroom/valley-national-bancorp-bluevine-reach-acquisition-agreement), [Hope Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1128361/000112836126000011/hope-20251231.htm)) |

## How do the AI and digital offerings of Bank of Hope's competitors compare?

Bank of Hope first, then each competitor. Use-case counts, index scores and latest moves are computed from our profiles of each company; "No profile" means this site has no page on it yet.

| Company | AI or digital offering | On the record (our profiles) | Latest dated AI move |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Hope Bancorp (Bank of Hope) (this page)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/bank-of-hope) | Not disclosed | [Index 2.1 (#114); 8 use cases, 6 in production](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/bank-of-hope) | SMBC MANUBANK commercial banking unit acquisition completed (Oct 1, 2026) ([Hope Bancorp (Business Wire via FT)](https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/detail?dockey=600-202610010830BIZWIRE_USPRX____20261001_BW057537-1), [Hope Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1128361/000112836126000049/hope-20261001.htm)) |
| Hanmi Financial | Not disclosed | No profile | Not disclosed |
| PCB Bancorp (PCB Bank) | Not disclosed | No profile | Not disclosed |
| [Cathay General Bancorp](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/cathay) | Not disclosed | [Index 2.6 (#110); 10 use cases, 9 in production](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/cathay) | Q2 2026 10-Q: still no AI reference (Aug 7, 2026) ([Cathay General Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/861842/000143774926026554/caty20260630_10q.htm)) |
| [East West Bancorp](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/east-west) | CFO-described everyday AI use; in-house US-Hong Kong payments rail ([Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/east-west-bank-at-barclays-conference-growth-fees-and-capital-93CH-4900251), [East West Bank](https://eastwestbank.com/en/newsroom/inthenews_030226)) | [Index 49.2 (#59); 10 use cases, 8 in production](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/east-west) | Barclays conference: CFO describes everyday AI use (Sep 14, 2026) ([Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/east-west-bank-at-barclays-conference-growth-fees-and-capital-93CH-4900251)) |
| [Banc of California](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/banc-of-california) | More than 80% of developers use AI daily (April 2026) ([Yahoo Finance (Motley Fool transcript)](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/banc-california-banc-q1-2026-182536514.html)) | [Index 34.7 (#82); 14 use cases, 10 in production](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/banc-of-california) | Q2 2026 10-Q lists AI among competing technologies (Aug 7, 2026) ([SEC EDGAR](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1169770/000162828026054876/banc-20260630.htm)) |
| [City National Bank (RBC)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/city-national) | Parent RBC targets $700 million to $1 billion of enterprise value from AI by 2027 ([RBC](https://www.rbc.com/investor-relations/_assets-custom/pdf/ar_2025_e.pdf)) | [Index 65 (#43); 10 use cases, 5 in production](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/city-national) | Chad Lloyd to lead RBC U.S. Mortgage from City National (Sep 10, 2026) ([City National Bank via PR Newswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chad-lloyd-joins-city-national-bank-to-lead-rbc-us-mortgage-302875610.html)) |
| [CVB Financial](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/cvb-financial) | AI flagging of unusual transaction patterns under an AI Governance Council ([CVB Financial Corp. (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/354647/000119312526144078/cvbf-20260401.htm)) | [Index 16.8 (#99); 8 use cases, 8 in production](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/cvb-financial) | Q2 2026 10-Q: computer software expense up 39.14% (Aug 7, 2026) ([CVB Financial Corp. (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/354647/000119312526340248/cvbf-20260630.htm)) |
| [First Hawaiian](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-hawaiian) | Zest AI credit-card underwriting: automated decisions from 4% to 55% (vendor-reported) ([Zest AI (vendor case study)](https://www.zest.ai/learn/success_stories/first-hawaiian-bank/)) | [Index 47.2 (#62); 16 use cases, 12 in production](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-hawaiian) | TriCo Integration Management Office established (Aug 14, 2026) ([First Hawaiian, Inc. (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/36377/000110465926097140/tm2620283d10_425.htm)) |
| [Bank of Hawaii](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/bank-of-hawaii) | Microsoft Copilot for all employees; generative-AI pilots in branches and the contact center ([Bank of Hawaii Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/46195/000004619526000023/boh_2025xarsxfiling.htm)) | [Index 37.8 (#77); 15 use cases, 11 in production](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/bank-of-hawaii) | Second-quarter 2026 10-Q: AI risk factor only (Jul 28, 2026) ([Bank of Hawaii Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/46195/000004619526000056/boh-20260630.htm)) |
| [Live Oak Bank](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/live-oak) | Casca AI loan origination, targeting 7 to 10 days from application to funding ([American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/how-ai-is-quickly-overhauling-one-segment-of-sba-lending)) | [Index 53.1 (#54); 10 use cases, 6 in production](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/live-oak) | Glia names Live Oak a Catalyst Awards Pacesetter (Oct 8, 2026) ([Glia (Business Wire via Yahoo Finance)](https://finance.yahoo.com/technology/ai/articles/4-banks-credit-unions-recognized-134500710.html)) |
| [Happen Bank (formerly LendingClub)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/fintech/lendingclub) | Penny AI member-service agent; more than 90% of issued loans automated ([PYMNTS](https://www.pymnts.com/news/banking/2026/happens-digital-banking-push-helps-deposits-jump-18/), [Happen, Inc. via PR Newswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/happen-inc-reports-second-quarter-2026-results-302835538.html)) | [7 use cases, 6 in production](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/fintech/lendingclub) | Q2 2026: Penny AI agent and servicing tools reported (Jul 27, 2026) ([Happen, Inc. via PR Newswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/happen-inc-reports-second-quarter-2026-results-302835538.html), [PYMNTS](https://www.pymnts.com/news/banking/2026/happens-digital-banking-push-helps-deposits-jump-18/)) |
| [Bluevine](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/fintech/bluevine) | AI chatbot containing about 80% of inbound inquiries ([Valley National Bancorp](https://www.valley.com/content/dam/valley/pdfs/bluevine/Accelerating%20Valleys%20National%20Digital%20Banking%20Franchise.pdf)) | [7 use cases, 5 in production](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/fintech/bluevine) | Lean Team Economy Report (Oct 7, 2026) ([Bluevine via PR Newswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bluevine-study-finds-more-than-half-of-smbs-use-ai-to-handle-workload-of-at-least-one-employee-302900406.html)) |

## Who should look beyond Bank of Hope, and where?

| If you are | Look at | Why |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Business owners who want a bank that already uses AI in its operations | [CVB Financial or East West](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/cvb-financial) | Hope's board policy limits AI use until vetted, and no AI use is disclosed. CVB Financial says it uses AI to flag unusual transaction patterns under a governance council, and East West's CFO describes everyday AI use across the bank. ([Hope Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1128361/000153949726001123/n5730_x2-def14a.htm), [CVB Financial Corp. (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/354647/000119312526144078/cvbf-20260401.htm), [Investing.com](https://investing.com/news/transcripts/east-west-bank-at-barclays-conference-growth-fees-and-capital-93CH-4900251)) |
| Hawaii customers who want a larger local digital bank | [Bank of Hawaii or First Hawaiian](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/bank-of-hawaii) | Hope's 29 Hawaii branches came with Territorial in 2025. Bank of Hawaii reports 350,000+ digital enrollees and 6.4 million monthly logins, and First Hawaiian launched a new app with an in-app chatbot in July 2025. ([Hope Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1128361/000112836126000011/hope-20251231.htm), [Bank of Hawaii Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/46195/000004619526000023/boh_2025xarsxfiling.htm), [First Hawaiian Bank](https://www.fhb.com/en/news-release/071725)) |
| Small businesses that want a small SBA loan through a mostly digital process | [Live Oak Bank (Live Oak Express)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/live-oak) | Hope offers SBA 7(a), 504 and SBA EZ loans as a nationwide Preferred Lender through branches and loan production offices. Live Oak Express targets loans under $350,000 with AI origination and seven to ten days from application to funding. ([Hope Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1128361/000112836126000011/hope-20251231.htm), [American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/huntington-live-oak-to-invest-in-deploy-gen-ai-based-lending), [American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/how-ai-is-quickly-overhauling-one-segment-of-sba-lending)) |
| Consumers who want an app-only account with an AI assistant | [Chime](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/fintech/chime) | Hope is a branch-based commercial bank whose internet banking runs in English and Korean. Chime avoids branches, had 10.4 million active members at June 30, 2026, and offers some members Jade, an in-app AI financial partner. ([Hope Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1128361/000112836126000011/hope-20251231.htm), [Chime via SEC EDGAR](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1795586/000179558626000013/chym-20251231.htm), [Chime](https://investors.chime.com/news-releases/news-release-details/chime-reports-second-quarter-2026-financial-results), [Chime](https://help.chime.com/manage-money-56350c4d/jade-financial-partner-09a6e8e3/what-is-jade-financial-partner-d9c77341)) |
| Borrowers who want a personal loan decided automatically | [Happen Bank (formerly LendingClub)](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/fintech/lendingclub) | Hope offers personal and home equity loans through its branches. Happen Bank reports that more than 90% of issued loans are automated and that its AI agent Penny resolves 30% more calls than the system it replaced. ([Hope Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1128361/000112836126000011/hope-20251231.htm), [Happen, Inc. via PR Newswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/happen-inc-reports-second-quarter-2026-results-302835538.html), [PYMNTS](https://www.pymnts.com/news/banking/2026/happens-digital-banking-push-helps-deposits-jump-18/)) |

## How does Bank of Hope compare with the other Korean-American banks?

Branch networks as each bank reports them in its 2025 10-K. Hanmi and PCB do not have pages on this site; both describe a market of banks competing for Korean-American and immigrant-owned businesses.

| Bank | Branches (December 31, 2025) | Where | How it describes competition |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Bank of Hope | 74 branches; nine loan production offices; a Seoul representative office | Hawaii, California, New York and New Jersey, Washington, Illinois, Texas, Alabama, Georgia | Community, regional and national banks, marketplace finance platforms, credit unions and other non-banks ([Hope Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1128361/000112836126000011/hope-20251231.htm)) |
| Hanmi Bank | 32 full-service branches; five loan production offices | California, Texas, Illinois, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Colorado, Georgia, Washington | Direct competitors are community banks focused on Korean-American, Asian-American and immigrant-owned businesses ([Hanmi Financial (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1109242/000119312526082425/hafc-20251231.htm)) |
| PCB Bank | 15 full-service branches | Los Angeles and Orange Counties, New York, New Jersey, Texas, Georgia | Strong competition among the banks servicing the Korean-American community ([PCB Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1423869/000142386926000006/pcb-20251231.htm)) |

## How big is Bank of Hope next to its rivals?

Assets and branches as each bank reports them, with the date.

| Bank | Assets | Branches | As of |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Bank of Hope | $18.99 billion | 45 Bank of Hope and 28 Territorial branches, plus eight from SMBC MANUBANK from October 2026 | June 30, 2026 ([Hope Bancorp (Business Wire via Yahoo Finance)](https://finance.yahoo.com/economy/policy/articles/bank-hope-receives-regulatory-approvals-203000121.html), [Hope Bancorp (Business Wire via FT)](https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/detail?dockey=600-202610010830BIZWIRE_USPRX____20261001_BW057537-1), [American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/l-a-bank-to-buy-u-s-commercial-banking-unit-from-japans-smbc)) |
| Cathay General | About $24 billion | 64 | December 31, 2025 ([Cathay General Bancorp](https://cathaybank.com/CGB/ESG-report-2025)) |
| East West | $84.8 billion | Not stated in the cited record | June 30, 2026 ([East West Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1069157/000106915726000044/ewbc-20260630.htm)) |
| City National (RBC) | $100.10 billion | 71 | July 31, 2026; June 2026 ([City National Bank](https://cnb.com/content/dam/cnb/brands/city-national-bank/documents/financials/city-national-bank-at-a-glance-q3-2026.pdf), [FinTech Futures](https://fintechfutures.com/job-cuts-new-hires/rbcs-city-national-bank-promotes-david-cameron-to-coo)) |
| First Hawaiian (with TriCo) | $34 billion combined | 113 combined | Announced July 2026 ([American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/first-hawaiian-strikes-2b-deal-to-return-to-u-s-mainland)) |

## Common questions

### Who are Bank of Hope's biggest competitors?

Among Korean-American banks, Hanmi and PCB, whose 10-Ks describe competition among banks serving the Korean-American community. Among larger Los Angeles banks, Cathay, East West, Banc of California and City National. In Hawaii, First Hawaiian and Bank of Hawaii. Hope's 10-K also names marketplace finance platforms, credit unions and brokers. ([Hanmi Financial (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1109242/000119312526082425/hafc-20251231.htm), [PCB Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1423869/000142386926000006/pcb-20251231.htm), [Cathay General Bancorp](https://cathaybank.com/CGB/ESG-report-2025), [East West Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1069157/000106915726000044/ewbc-20260630.htm), [American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/first-hawaiian-strikes-2b-deal-to-return-to-u-s-mainland), [Hope Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1128361/000112836126000011/hope-20251231.htm))

### Is Hanmi a competitor of Bank of Hope?

Yes, most directly. Hanmi's 2025 10-K says its primary market is the Korean-American and multi-ethnic communities across nine states and that its direct competitors are community banks focused on Korean-American, Asian-American and immigrant-owned businesses. Hanmi runs 32 branches; Hope runs 74, in many of the same states. ([Hanmi Financial (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1109242/000119312526082425/hafc-20251231.htm), [Hope Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1128361/000112836126000011/hope-20251231.htm))

### Who competes with Bank of Hope in Hawaii?

First Hawaiian and Bank of Hawaii. Hope entered Hawaii by buying Honolulu's Territorial Bancorp for $78.6 million in April 2025 and had 29 Hawaii branches at year-end. Bank of Hawaii has 1,729 staff in Hawaii and 350,000+ digital enrollees; First Hawaiian reports Zest AI underwriting and is buying California's TriCo. ([American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/hope-bancorp-closes-drawn-out-deal-to-buy-hawaii-bank), [Hope Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1128361/000112836126000011/hope-20251231.htm), [Bank of Hawaii Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/46195/000004619526000015/boh-20251231.htm), [Bank of Hawaii Corporation (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/46195/000004619526000023/boh_2025xarsxfiling.htm), [Zest AI (vendor case study)](https://www.zest.ai/learn/success_stories/first-hawaiian-bank/), [American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/first-hawaiian-strikes-2b-deal-to-return-to-u-s-mainland))

### What are alternatives to Bank of Hope for SBA loans?

Live Oak Bank, which makes SBA 7(a) loans under $350,000 through its AI-originated Live Oak Express, and Hanmi, another SBA lender serving immigrant-owned businesses. Hope is an SBA Preferred Lender nationwide and offers SBA 7(a), 504 and SBA EZ loans up to $500,000 on a credit scoring program. ([American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/huntington-live-oak-to-invest-in-deploy-gen-ai-based-lending), [Hanmi Financial (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1109242/000119312526082425/hafc-20251231.htm), [Hope Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1128361/000112836126000011/hope-20251231.htm))

### Is LendingClub a competitor of Bank of Hope?

By category, yes: Hope's 10-K names marketplace finance platforms among its competitors, and LendingClub grew as one before becoming Happen Bank in June 2026. Happen reported $3.1 billion of originations and $10.8 billion of deposits in Q2 2026, with more than 90% of issued loans automated. Neither names the other. ([Hope Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1128361/000112836126000011/hope-20251231.htm), [Happen, Inc. via PR Newswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lendingclub-officially-becomes-happen-bank-marking-a-new-chapter-for-the-digital-first-bank-302804847.html), [Happen, Inc. via PR Newswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/happen-inc-reports-second-quarter-2026-results-302835538.html))

### Is Cathay a competitor of Bank of Hope?

Yes, in Los Angeles and in multi-ethnic business banking more widely. Both are headquartered in Los Angeles; Cathay ran 64 branches with about $24 billion of assets at year-end 2025, against Hope's 74 branches and $18.99 billion. Neither has put an AI product on the record: Cathay scores 2.6 on this site's index and Hope 2.1. ([Cathay General Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/861842/000143774926006157/caty20251231c_10k.htm), [Cathay General Bancorp](https://cathaybank.com/CGB/ESG-report-2025), [Hope Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1128361/000112836126000011/hope-20251231.htm), [Hope Bancorp (Business Wire via Yahoo Finance)](https://finance.yahoo.com/economy/policy/articles/bank-hope-receives-regulatory-approvals-203000121.html))

### Is First Hawaiian moving into Bank of Hope's markets?

In both directions. Hope entered Hawaii by buying Territorial in April 2025 and now runs 29 branches there; First Hawaiian announced in July 2026 that it would buy California's TriCo Bancshares for about $2 billion in stock, adding 68 branches and $8.4 billion of deposits and creating a $34 billion bank with 113 branches. ([American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/hope-bancorp-closes-drawn-out-deal-to-buy-hawaii-bank), [Hope Bancorp (SEC filings)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1128361/000112836126000011/hope-20251231.htm), [American Banker](https://americanbanker.com/news/first-hawaiian-strikes-2b-deal-to-return-to-u-s-mainland))

### What did the SMBC MANUBANK deal add to Bank of Hope?

Completed on October 1, 2026, it added eight Los Angeles-area branches, $2.5 billion of loans and $2.7 billion of deposits, and a collaboration agreement that gives Hope a channel to SMBC's Japan-based middle-market and retail customers needing US banking. ([American Banker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/l-a-bank-to-buy-u-s-commercial-banking-unit-from-japans-smbc), [Hope Bancorp (Business Wire via FT)](https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/detail?dockey=600-202610010830BIZWIRE_USPRX____20261001_BW057537-1))

## Peers on this site

- [Cathay General Bancorp AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/cathay) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/cathay/vs-peers)
- [East West Bancorp AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/east-west) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/east-west/vs-peers)
- [CVB Financial Corp. AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/cvb-financial) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/cvb-financial/vs-peers)
- [Banc of California AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/banc-of-california) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/banc-of-california/vs-peers)
- [First Hawaiian, Inc. AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-hawaiian) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/first-hawaiian/vs-peers)
- [Bank of Hawaii Corporation AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/bank-of-hawaii) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/bank-of-hawaii/vs-peers)
- [City National Bank (RBC) AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/city-national) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/city-national/vs-peers)
- [Mechanics Bancorp AI strategy](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/mechanics) · [vs peers](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/mechanics/vs-peers)

## Sources

1. Hope Bancorp, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 — Hope Bancorp (SEC filings), Feb 25, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1128361/000112836126000011/hope-20251231.htm
2. Hanmi Financial Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 — Hanmi Financial (SEC filings), Feb 27, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1109242/000119312526082425/hafc-20251231.htm
3. PCB Bancorp Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 — PCB Bancorp (SEC filings), Mar 16, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1423869/000142386926000006/pcb-20251231.htm
4. 2025 Corporate Responsibility Report — Cathay General Bancorp, Jul 1, 2026. https://cathaybank.com/CGB/ESG-report-2025
5. East West Bancorp Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 — East West Bancorp (SEC filings), Aug 7, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1069157/000106915726000044/ewbc-20260630.htm
6. First Hawaiian strikes $2B deal to return to U.S. mainland — American Banker, Jul 13, 2026. https://americanbanker.com/news/first-hawaiian-strikes-2b-deal-to-return-to-u-s-mainland
7. Huntington, Live Oak to invest in, deploy gen AI-based lending — American Banker, Aug 19, 2025. https://www.americanbanker.com/news/huntington-live-oak-to-invest-in-deploy-gen-ai-based-lending
8. LendingClub Officially Becomes Happen Bank, Marking a New Chapter for the Digital-First Bank — Happen, Inc. via PR Newswire, Jun 22, 2026. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lendingclub-officially-becomes-happen-bank-marking-a-new-chapter-for-the-digital-first-bank-302804847.html
9. Bank of Hope Completes Acquisition of the Commercial Banking Unit of SMBC MANUBANK — Hope Bancorp (Business Wire via FT), Oct 1, 2026. https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/detail?dockey=600-202610010830BIZWIRE_USPRX____20261001_BW057537-1
10. Cathay General Bancorp Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 — Cathay General Bancorp (SEC filings), Mar 2, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/861842/000143774926006157/caty20251231c_10k.htm
11. East West Bancorp Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 — East West Bancorp (SEC filings), Feb 27, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1069157/000106915726000009/ewbc-20251231.htm
12. Banking & Finance Quarterly: Enduring Headwinds (Los Angeles Business Journal interview, reprinted by East West Bank) — East West Bank, Mar 2, 2026. https://eastwestbank.com/en/newsroom/inthenews_030226
13. Banc of California Named One of America's Greatest Workplaces by Newsweek — Banc of California, Jun 30, 2026. https://bancofcal.com/about-us/newsroom/banc-of-california-named-one-of-americas-greatest-workplaces-by-newsweek
14. LA bank to buy US commercial banking unit from Japan's SMBC — American Banker, Apr 1, 2026. https://www.americanbanker.com/news/l-a-bank-to-buy-u-s-commercial-banking-unit-from-japans-smbc
15. City National Bank At-A-Glance Q3 2026 — City National Bank, Sep 22, 2026. https://cnb.com/content/dam/cnb/brands/city-national-bank/documents/financials/city-national-bank-at-a-glance-q3-2026.pdf
16. Bank of Hope Receives Regulatory Approvals to Acquire the Commercial Banking Unit of SMBC MANUBANK — Hope Bancorp (Business Wire via Yahoo Finance), Sep 2, 2026. https://finance.yahoo.com/economy/policy/articles/bank-hope-receives-regulatory-approvals-203000121.html
17. CVB Financial Corp. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 — CVB Financial Corp. (SEC filings), Feb 27, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/354647/000119312526083221/cvbf-20251231.htm
18. Heritage Bank of Commerce Conversion Center (undated page, retrieved 2026-10-14) — Citizens Business Bank, Oct 14, 2026. https://www.cbbank.com/hbc-conversion
19. Hope Bancorp closes drawn-out deal to buy Hawaii bank — American Banker, Apr 2, 2025. https://americanbanker.com/news/hope-bancorp-closes-drawn-out-deal-to-buy-hawaii-bank
20. Bank of Hawaii Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 — Bank of Hawaii Corporation (SEC filings), Feb 24, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/46195/000004619526000015/boh-20251231.htm
21. Bank of Hawai‘i Corporation 2025 Annual Report (Form ARS) — Bank of Hawaii Corporation (SEC filings), Mar 13, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/46195/000004619526000023/boh_2025xarsxfiling.htm
22. Happen, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2026 Results — Happen, Inc. via PR Newswire, Jul 27, 2026. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/happen-inc-reports-second-quarter-2026-results-302835538.html
23. Valley National Bancorp to Acquire Bluevine Inc., Accelerating its Digital Small Business Growth Strategy and Meaningfully Enhancing its Core Funding Capabilities — Bluevine, Sep 28, 2026. https://www.bluevine.com/newsroom/valley-national-bancorp-bluevine-reach-acquisition-agreement
24. Hope Bancorp, Inc. Form 8-K: completion of the SMBC MANUBANK unit acquisition — Hope Bancorp (SEC filings), Oct 1, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1128361/000112836126000049/hope-20261001.htm
25. Cathay General Bancorp Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 — Cathay General Bancorp (SEC filings), Aug 7, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/861842/000143774926026554/caty20260630_10q.htm
26. East West Bank at Barclays conference: growth, fees and capital (transcript) — Investing.com, Sep 14, 2026. https://investing.com/news/transcripts/east-west-bank-at-barclays-conference-growth-fees-and-capital-93CH-4900251
27. Banc of California (BANC) Q1 2026 Transcript — Yahoo Finance (Motley Fool transcript), Apr 23, 2026. https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/banc-california-banc-q1-2026-182536514.html
28. Banc of California, Inc. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 — SEC EDGAR, Aug 7, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1169770/000162828026054876/banc-20260630.htm
29. RBC 2025 Annual Report ($700 million to $1 billion incremental enterprise value from AI by 2027) — RBC, Dec 2, 2025. https://www.rbc.com/investor-relations/_assets-custom/pdf/ar_2025_e.pdf
30. Chad Lloyd Joins City National Bank to Lead RBC U.S. Mortgage — City National Bank via PR Newswire, Sep 10, 2026. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chad-lloyd-joins-city-national-bank-to-lead-rbc-us-mortgage-302875610.html
31. CVB Financial Corp. Definitive Proxy Statement (DEF 14A) for the 2026 annual meeting — CVB Financial Corp. (SEC filings), Apr 7, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/354647/000119312526144078/cvbf-20260401.htm
32. CVB Financial Corp. Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2026 — CVB Financial Corp. (SEC filings), Aug 7, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/354647/000119312526340248/cvbf-20260630.htm
33. First Hawaiian Bank says "yes" to AI-automated underwriting (customer success story) — Zest AI (vendor case study), Jun 5, 2025. https://www.zest.ai/learn/success_stories/first-hawaiian-bank/
34. Form 425: email from Robert Harrison to First Hawaiian Bank employees on TriCo integration — First Hawaiian, Inc. (SEC filings), Aug 14, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/36377/000110465926097140/tm2620283d10_425.htm
35. Bank of Hawaii Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 — Bank of Hawaii Corporation (SEC filings), Jul 28, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/46195/000004619526000056/boh-20260630.htm
36. How AI is quickly overhauling one segment of SBA lending — American Banker, Apr 28, 2026. https://www.americanbanker.com/news/how-ai-is-quickly-overhauling-one-segment-of-sba-lending
37. 4 Banks and Credit Unions Recognized for AI Innovation — Glia (Business Wire via Yahoo Finance), Oct 8, 2026. https://finance.yahoo.com/technology/ai/articles/4-banks-credit-unions-recognized-134500710.html
38. Happen’s Digital Banking Push Helps Deposits Jump 18% — PYMNTS, Jul 27, 2026. https://www.pymnts.com/news/banking/2026/happens-digital-banking-push-helps-deposits-jump-18/
39. Accelerating Valley's National Digital Banking Franchise: Acquisition of Bluevine Inc. (investor presentation) — Valley National Bancorp, Sep 28, 2026. https://www.valley.com/content/dam/valley/pdfs/bluevine/Accelerating%20Valleys%20National%20Digital%20Banking%20Franchise.pdf
40. Bluevine Study Finds More Than Half of SMBs Use AI to Handle Workload of at Least One Employee — Bluevine via PR Newswire, Oct 7, 2026. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bluevine-study-finds-more-than-half-of-smbs-use-ai-to-handle-workload-of-at-least-one-employee-302900406.html
41. Hope Bancorp, Inc. 2026 Proxy Statement (Schedule 14A) — Hope Bancorp (SEC filings), Apr 10, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1128361/000153949726001123/n5730_x2-def14a.htm
42. First Hawaiian Bank Launches New Mobile App — First Hawaiian Bank, Jul 17, 2025. https://www.fhb.com/en/news-release/071725
43. Chime Financial, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 — Chime via SEC EDGAR, Mar 6, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1795586/000179558626000013/chym-20251231.htm
44. Chime Reports Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results — Chime, Aug 5, 2026. https://investors.chime.com/news-releases/news-release-details/chime-reports-second-quarter-2026-financial-results
45. What is Jade Financial Partner? (help centre, retrieved 2026-09-23) — Chime, Sep 23, 2026. https://help.chime.com/manage-money-56350c4d/jade-financial-partner-09a6e8e3/what-is-jade-financial-partner-d9c77341
46. RBC's City National Bank promotes David Cameron to COO — FinTech Futures, Jun 16, 2026. https://fintechfutures.com/job-cuts-new-hires/rbcs-city-national-bank-promotes-david-cameron-to-coo

---

Canonical page: https://www.bankingnewsai.com/banks/bank-of-hope/competitors
Part of [BankingNewsAI](https://www.bankingnewsai.com/). Markdown versions of every reference page: append `.md` to the page URL; index at https://www.bankingnewsai.com/llms.txt.