Five Star Bancorp Expands into Southern California, Adds Five New Business Development Officers

FSBC
April 16, 2026

Five Star Bancorp announced a strategic expansion into the Greater Los Angeles area, adding five seasoned business development officers to support a new office that will open later in 2026. The hires are local professionals who will embed in the communities they serve, mirroring the relationship‑driven model that has driven the bank’s deposit and loan growth in Sacramento.

The expansion builds on the company’s existing administrative office in Newport Beach and is intended to replicate the success of its Sacramento operations in a more competitive market. By entering Southern California, Five Star Bancorp seeks to diversify its revenue streams and reduce reliance on its current geographic footprint, tapping a region with a large concentration of middle‑market businesses and a demand for high‑tech, high‑touch concierge banking services.

James Beckwith, President and CEO, said, "This expansion reflects the strength of Five Star Bank and our commitment to bringing concierge banking services to clients who desire direct access to a banker who is a client advocate and community champion." He added, "We continue to invest in experienced bankers who are deeply rooted in their communities and who bring a proven ability to serve middle‑market businesses. This new team embodies our belief that growth is driven by people ready to serve others."

DJ Kurtze, Executive Vice President and San Francisco Bay Area President, noted, "We're expanding in the Southern California market with an established team focused on building strong client relationships. By strategically combining local market expertise with Five Star's high‑touch, concierge service, we're well‑positioned to quickly deliver value and enhance our reputation as a trusted banking partner across the region."

The move positions Five Star Bancorp to capture market share in a region that has seen the failure of larger regional banks, while leveraging its proven high‑tech, high‑touch model to differentiate itself in a crowded banking landscape. The new office and team are expected to accelerate deposit and loan growth in the region, supporting the bank’s broader strategy of geographic diversification and client‑centric service expansion.

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