By Jorge Mercado Monday, May 4th, 2026

Santa Barbara-based American Riviera Bank reported a strong start to the year when it announced that net income for the first quarter reached $4 million, up from $2.3 million in the same quarter a year ago.

Announced April 28, ARB noted that total deposits were $1.25 billion at the end of the first quarter, an increase of $120.1 million or 10.6% from the same time a year ago. As of March 31, all deposits were “core deposits” with no wholesale-funded certificates of deposit. 

Total loans were $1.10 billion, an increase of $104.6 million or 10.5%. Total loans grew $17.7 million or 1.6% in the first quarter of 2026.

“2026 is off to a strong start with double-digit loan and deposit growth and increasing earnings over the past year. We continue to attract new clients and grow existing relationships as evidenced in our loan and deposit growth,” Jeff Devine, CEO of ARB, said in a press release.

“Our technology and high-touch service have allowed the Bank to reach new markets and better serve our communities. As a result of this growth, the company was able to deliver a quarterly return on average assets above 1%, a quarterly return on average equity above 12%, and a 23% increase in our ARBV share price over the past year to our shareholders.”