Written by Kurt von Steinbergs, Managing Director, Commercial Banking – Southern CA
Originally published by the Orange County Business Journal on September 8, 2025
For over a century, First Bank has stood alongside middle-market companies driving the U.S. economy. With $6.6 billion in assets and fourth-generation family-owned leadership, we remain committed to an unwavering mission: helping middle-market businesses grow through tailored Commercial Banking solutions.
Commercial Banking at the Core
Commercial Banking is at the heart of our institution, serving companies generating $15–$250 million in annual revenue. These businesses fuel Southern California’s job creation, innovation, and trade, while facing complex challenges like balancing liquidity, navigating rising costs, and funding expansion in competitive markets.
Our Relationship Managers don’t stop at structuring loans or treasury solutions. They work side by side with leaders to map strategies that optimize capital and support long-term growth. In a period of evolving economic conditions, this level of partnership makes all the difference.
The Economic Landscape: Resilient Foundations
Southern California’s economy continues to exhibit resilience, even amid broader shifts:
Value Beyond Banking
As companies grow, real estate often becomes part of the equation. Our Commercial Real Estate Group provides flexible financing for acquisitions, construction, and refinancing, helping companies align facilities with long-term strategies. “Let us tailor a CRE loan for you.” –Andrew Zinn, SVP, Managing Director, Commercial Real Estate–CA
For business owners, executives, and families, our Wealth Management team ensures that personal financial goals receive the same level of strategic attention as the business itself with investment portfolio management, retirement planning, estate and legacy planning, private banking, and trust services. We transform business success into lasting family legacies. “We work closely with our clients to be long-term advisors and partners with their business, personal, estate, and legacy goals.” –Charles Claver, SVP, Director, Private Wealth Advisors–CA.
A Century-Old Partner, Focused on the Future
What distinguishes us is continuity. Family ownership enables us to take the long view, making decisions guided by values that have endured for over a century. We measure success not just in balance sheets and income statements, but in the confidence our clients place in us to help them grow, navigate change, and prepare for the future.
For middle-market leaders across Southern California, we remain not just a bank, but a partner dedicated to helping your business thrive for generations to come.
Originally published by the Orange County Business Journal on September 8, 2025
For over a century, First Bank has stood alongside middle-market companies driving the U.S. economy. With $6.6 billion in assets and fourth-generation family-owned leadership, we remain committed to an unwavering mission: helping middle-market businesses grow through tailored Commercial Banking solutions.
Commercial Banking at the Core
Commercial Banking is at the heart of our institution, serving companies generating $15–$250 million in annual revenue. These businesses fuel Southern California’s job creation, innovation, and trade, while facing complex challenges like balancing liquidity, navigating rising costs, and funding expansion in competitive markets.
Our Relationship Managers don’t stop at structuring loans or treasury solutions. They work side by side with leaders to map strategies that optimize capital and support long-term growth. In a period of evolving economic conditions, this level of partnership makes all the difference.
The Economic Landscape: Resilient Foundations
Southern California’s economy continues to exhibit resilience, even amid broader shifts:
- GDP: Orange County’s economy is projected to maintain solid growth through 2025, supported by healthcare, tourism, and technology sectors.1
- Employment: Non-farm payrolls are expected to grow by 0.7% in 2025, reflecting steady though moderate expansion.2
- Inflation: Inflation is moderating, projected at ~3.1% in 2025, trending toward sustainable levels.3
- Unemployment: California’s unemployment rate is forecast to peak around 5.8%, with stabilization expected into the mid-5% range by 2026.4
- Tariff Impact: Tariffs are affecting regional costs and trade activity, and cargo volumes at the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports dropped nearly 40%, threatening billions in trade revenue and as many as 2 million jobs.5
Value Beyond Banking
As companies grow, real estate often becomes part of the equation. Our Commercial Real Estate Group provides flexible financing for acquisitions, construction, and refinancing, helping companies align facilities with long-term strategies. “Let us tailor a CRE loan for you.” –Andrew Zinn, SVP, Managing Director, Commercial Real Estate–CA
For business owners, executives, and families, our Wealth Management team ensures that personal financial goals receive the same level of strategic attention as the business itself with investment portfolio management, retirement planning, estate and legacy planning, private banking, and trust services. We transform business success into lasting family legacies. “We work closely with our clients to be long-term advisors and partners with their business, personal, estate, and legacy goals.” –Charles Claver, SVP, Director, Private Wealth Advisors–CA.
A Century-Old Partner, Focused on the Future
What distinguishes us is continuity. Family ownership enables us to take the long view, making decisions guided by values that have endured for over a century. We measure success not just in balance sheets and income statements, but in the confidence our clients place in us to help them grow, navigate change, and prepare for the future.
For middle-market leaders across Southern California, we remain not just a bank, but a partner dedicated to helping your business thrive for generations to come.
Kurt von Steinbergs
Managing Director, Commercial Banking – Southern CA
Mobile: (714) 988-5717
Office: (949) 996-8207
[email protected]
With over 25 years’ experience in commercial banking, corporate banking, investment banking, and asset management, Kurt leads teams of Relationship Managers in Orange County, San Diego, San Gabriel Valley, and the Inland Empire, focusing on middle market companies. Kurt earned an MBA in Finance from UCLA’s Anderson Graduate School of Management and a BA in Economics from Colorado College. Additionally, he studied at Oxford University, New College, in the Institute for British and Irish Studies program.
1Chapman University Economic Forecast
2LAEDC Forecast
3Los Angeles Regional Council Report
4UCLA Anderson Forecast
5LA Times
Investment and insurance products are offered through OSAIC INSTITUTIONS, INC., Member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Institutions and First Bank are not affiliated. Osaic Institutions does insurance business in California as Osaic Institutions Insurance Agency, CA Agency License #OH30186. Products and investment advisory services made available through Osaic Institutions are not insured by the FDIC or any other agency of the United States and are not deposits or obligations of nor guaranteed or insured by any bank or bank affiliate. These products are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of value. First Bank Wealth Management is a trade name of First Bank, and certain products and services are provided through First Bank, and its affiliates and subsidiaries. Neither Osaic Institutions or First Bank, nor any of their affiliates or financial advisors, provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions. Use FINRA’s BrokerCheck to learn about the professional background, certifications, licenses, and any regulatory violations or complaints for any financial advisor.
2LAEDC Forecast
3Los Angeles Regional Council Report
4UCLA Anderson Forecast
5LA Times
Investment and insurance products are offered through OSAIC INSTITUTIONS, INC., Member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Institutions and First Bank are not affiliated. Osaic Institutions does insurance business in California as Osaic Institutions Insurance Agency, CA Agency License #OH30186. Products and investment advisory services made available through Osaic Institutions are not insured by the FDIC or any other agency of the United States and are not deposits or obligations of nor guaranteed or insured by any bank or bank affiliate. These products are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of value. First Bank Wealth Management is a trade name of First Bank, and certain products and services are provided through First Bank, and its affiliates and subsidiaries. Neither Osaic Institutions or First Bank, nor any of their affiliates or financial advisors, provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions. Use FINRA’s BrokerCheck to learn about the professional background, certifications, licenses, and any regulatory violations or complaints for any financial advisor.
NON-DEPOSIT PRODUCTS: ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FDIC; ARE NOT DEPOSITS; AND MAY LOSE VALUE.