Twenty years ago, American Riviera Bank was founded in Santa Barbara with a simple belief: banking should be personal, decisions should be made locally, and the relationships we build with our clients and communities are key to mutual success.
Today, we’re honored to share that American Riviera Bank has been voted Best Bank in the Santa Barbara Independent’s 2026 Best of Santa Barbara® Readers’ Poll.
Receiving this recognition during our 20th anniversary year makes it especially meaningful. More importantly, this is an award chosen by the community we have been proud to serve since 2006.
The annual Best of Santa Barbara® Readers’ Poll invites the community to nominate and vote for its favorite local businesses across hundreds of categories. This year, nearly 378,000 votes were cast by more than 12,000 voters.
That’s what makes being named Best Bank such an honor. You chose us.
To our clients, neighbors, shareholders, community partners, and everyone who took the time to vote, thank you. Your trust is something we value deeply and work to earn every day.
American Riviera Bank was founded in Santa Barbara in 2006 by approximately 400 local shareholders. Today, the Bank has grown to seven full-service branches serving communities throughout the Central Coast.
While we’ve grown, our approach to banking remains personal and local. We believe there is real value in knowing the people you bank with and having experienced bankers who understand the communities and businesses they serve.
These qualities aren't simply part of how we describe community banking. They are part of how we strive to show up for our clients and communities every day.
Being named Best Bank would be meaningful in any year, but receiving this recognition in the same year we celebrate our 20th anniversary feels particularly special.
For two decades, our story has been shaped by the people who have chosen to bank with us, work with us, invest in us, and partner with us.
We are also grateful to our employees. Their expertise, care, and commitment to building genuine relationships with our clients are what bring our approach to community banking to life.
To everyone who voted for American Riviera Bank, thank you.
We are incredibly proud to be your 2026 Best Bank, but even more proud to be your local community bank.
After 20 years, we're grateful for how far we've come, excited about what's ahead, and committed to continuing to earn the trust you have placed in us.
