Los Angeles, renowned as the heart of the entertainment industry, boasts a booming international trade economy, as well as technological business innovation and a large service sector.
In this leading financial center, Los Angeles-based banks lend to both commercial and residential customers in the metropolitan area and throughout the state.
The banking climate in Los Angeles, California is characterized by a large and diverse economy, a high concentration of financial institutions, and a relatively high cost of living.
Economic diversity: Los Angeles has a diverse economy that includes industries such as entertainment, technology, healthcare, and international trade. This diversity helps to insulate the local economy from fluctuations in any one sector.
High concentration of financial institutions: Los Angeles has a high concentration of financial institutions, including large national banks, regional banks, and credit unions. These institutions offer a wide range of products and services, such as checking and savings accounts, loans, and investment opportunities.
High cost of living: The cost of living in Los Angeles is relatively high compared to other parts of the country. This can make it more challenging for some residents to save money, but it also means that there is a high demand for financial services and products.
Technological advancements : Banking in Los Angeles has embraced technology, with many financial institutions offering online and mobile banking services, which can make banking more convenient for customers.
Competitive market: With so many financial institutions in Los Angeles, competition is strong, which can be beneficial for consumers as it can drive down fees and rates and improve customer service.
Government regulations: California has some of the strongest consumer protection laws in the nation, which can help protect residents from financial fraud and predatory lending practices.
According to the most recent data, the largest banks by asset size in Los Angeles, California are:
JPMorgan Chase Bank - With over $2.6 trillion in assets, it is one of the largest banks in the world and has a significant presence in Los Angeles with multiple branches throughout the area.
Wells Fargo - With over $1.9 trillion in assets, it is one of the largest banks in the United States and has a significant presence in Los Angeles with multiple branches throughout the area.
Bank of America - With over $2.3 trillion in assets, it is one of the largest banks in the world and has a significant presence in Los Angeles with multiple branches throughout the area.
U.S. Bank - With over $460 billion in assets, it is a large national bank with multiple branches throughout Los Angeles.
City National Bank - A regional bank with headquarters in Los Angeles, California with about $41.4 billion in assets
Pacific Western Bank - A regional bank with headquarters in Los Angeles, California with about $8.6 billion in assets
East West Bank - A regional bank with headquarters in Pasadena, California with about $27 billion in assets
First Citizens BancShares - A regional bank with headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina with about $40 billion in assets
Comerica - A regional bank with headquarters in Dallas, Texas with about $71 billion in assets
Union Bank, N.A. - A regional bank with headquarters in San Francisco, California with about $117 billion in assets
When banking litigation arises, Jason D. Koontz provides his banking expert witness services to attorneys representing plaintiffs and defendants in the Los Angeles, California area.
Banking expert witness clients include Bank of America, Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, First Citizens Bank, and some of the largest mortgage loan servicers in the United States. Expert services have included underwriting, mortgage loan servicing, and foreclosure matters. Koontz also reviews debt collection cases. He examines loan documentation, including loan modification, statements, call logs, voice recordings, and other materials to determine whether the lender or mortgage servicer’s actions were consistent with industry guidelines.
Loan agreements such as loan modifications are often an issue in litigation. Both the borrower and the lender are best served when there is a clear and mutual understanding of the risks. When there is a dispute, a banking expert can help the courts and parties involved by explaining the issues in a clear and concise manner.
Koontz possesses extensive experience as a banking expert witness. He has been named as an expert on over 200 matters across the country. His expert witness experience includes deposition and trial testimony in California. His examination of commercial, consumer, and residential mortgage loans and their loan documentation draws on his over 20 years of experience working in the lending industry. Koontz has also received his Credit Risk Certification (CRC) designation.
Koontz’s principal areas of focus include: For Commercial Banks