RBB Bancorp Expands Northern California Presence with New Lending Team

On July 13, 2026, RBB Bancorp (NASDAQ: RBB) made a significant move to bolster its commercial banking operations by announcing the appointment of Mr. John Curtis as Executive Vice President and Market President for the Northern California Region. This strategic decision aligns with the company's commitment to enhancing its commercial banking business and expanding its footprint in one of the most dynamic markets in the United States.

Mr. Curtis, who brings over 37 years of robust experience in the financial services industry, will be instrumental in developing and executing strategies aimed at growing the Bank’s commercial banking capabilities. His responsibilities include deepening client relationships and providing tailored financial solutions for small to midsized commercial entities in Northern California.

Before joining RBB Bancorp, Mr. Curtis served as President and CEO of the Bank of the Orient, where he demonstrated a remarkable ability to build and lead high-performing sales organizations. His extensive expertise spans various aspects of banking, including commercial and retail banking, credit and risk management, business development, and relationship management. His appointment signals a strong commitment from RBB Bancorp to tap into the growth potential in the Northern California market.

Joining Mr. Curtis are Ms. Yulan Wu and Ms. Inger Li, each possessing over 25 years of experience in the banking sector. Together, this newly formed team will operate from a newly established loan production office situated in the San Francisco Bay Area, further solidifying RBB Bancorp's presence in this vital region.

Johnny Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer of RBB Bancorp, expressed enthusiasm about establishing a physical presence in the San Francisco Bay Area, highlighting the region's significant Asian American community. Lee stated, “John’s leadership and knowledge of the Northern California markets will be key as we continue growing our commercial banking business.” This sentiment underscores RBB Bancorp's strategy to cater effectively to the diverse communities it serves, particularly in areas with a substantial Asian demographic.

RBB Bancorp is a community-based financial holding company headquartered in Los Angeles, California. As of March 31, 2026, the company reported total assets of approximately $4.2 billion. Its subsidiary, Royal Business Bank, is a full-service commercial bank that focuses on providing consumer and business banking services, mainly to Asian-centric communities through its 24 branches across six states—California, Nevada, New York, Illinois, New Jersey, and Hawaii.

The services offered by Royal Business Bank include remote deposit, E-banking, mobile banking, commercial and investor real estate loans, business loans, and lines of credit, among others. The bank operates nine branches in Los Angeles County, two branches in Ventura County, and one branch in Orange County, California; one branch in Las Vegas, Nevada; and multiple branches in New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and Hawaii.

The establishment of a loan production office in the San Francisco Bay Area, coupled with the appointment of a seasoned executive like John Curtis, positions RBB Bancorp to capitalize on growth opportunities in Northern California. As the bank seeks to deepen its engagement with local communities, this strategic expansion marks a pivotal step in its mission to deliver exceptional financial services and solutions tailored to the needs of small to midsized businesses in the region.