Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Banking Partner in Ontario, CA
Since 1974, Citizens Business Bank has built enduring relationships by prioritizing customer success and community impact. Founded by George A. Borba Sr., a Southern California dairy farmer, the bank began as Chino Valley Bank with a mission to support local entrepreneurs. Over 50 years, it expanded to $15 billion in assets with 60+ California locations while maintaining its core values of financial strength, superior service, and customer focus. Recognized nationally for performance, including Forbes Best Banks in America and Los Angeles Times Top 50 Banks, the bank combines industry expertise with personalized solutions.Its leadership team brings decades of experience in commercial lending, wealth management, and cybersecurity. The bank emphasizes FDIC-insured products, innovative digital tools like Zelle and mobile banking, and specialized services for industries including agriculture, healthcare, and government. With 194 consecutive profitable quarters and a BBB+ rating from Fitch, it remains committed to ethical practices and community development through its Corporate Social Responsibility Report.
Services
Business Checking
Personal Savings
Commercial Lending
Wealth Management
Equipment Financing
Home Mortgages
Merchant Solutions
Trust Services
Cybersecurity Tools
International Banking
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- 50 years of experience serving California businesses since 1974
- Specialized industry expertise for agriculture, healthcare, and government sectors
- FDIC-insured products with a BBB+ rating from Fitch
- 24/7 online banking and mobile payment solutions
- Recognized as one of America's Best Banks by Forbes
Associations and certifications
- FDIC
Services
Commercial Lending
Citizens Business Bank offers tailored commercial lending solutions including real estate financing, equipment loans, and SBA programs. Their experts help businesses optimize cash flow through asset-based lending and revolving credit lines. With deep industry knowledge, they support growth initiatives from expansion to international operations.
Wealth Management
CitizensTrust provides personalized wealth management strategies for individuals and institutions. Services include estate planning, asset management, and retirement solutions backed by 100+ years of experience. Their team collaborates with LPL Financial to offer securities and advisory services while maintaining FDIC-insured banking relationships.
Cybersecurity Tools
The bank delivers advanced fraud detection systems and cybersecurity education resources. Features include real-time transaction monitoring, secure business online banking, and Zelle for small business payments. Their Security Center educates clients on protecting against evolving digital threats through proactive risk management strategies.
Industry-Specific Banking
Citizens Business Bank offers customized financial solutions for sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and government contracting. Their relationship banking model combines deep industry expertise with products tailored to unique regulatory and operational needs across 7+ specialized verticals.
Home Mortgages
Through Citizens Home Lending, the bank provides jumbo and conforming fixed/adjustable rate mortgages. Services include construction financing, refinance options, and specialized programs for first-time homebuyers, supporting both individual needs and broader community development goals.
People
Tim Stephens
Director
Seasoned financial executive with 33 years of experience in banking, IT, and risk management. Retired EY partner specializing in regulatory compliance and internal audit. Holds MS in Accounting and BS in Business Administration from University of Colorado.
Questions
What business banking services do you offer?
We provide business checking, commercial lending, merchant solutions, international services, and fraud prevention tools tailored to California businesses.
Can I access online banking services?
Yes, our Business Online Banking platform offers 24/7 access to account management, bill pay, and secure payment solutions like Zelle.
What loan options are available for small businesses?
We offer SBA loans, equipment financing, asset-based lending, and revolving credit lines with personalized terms for California small businesses.
Do you provide wealth management services?
Yes, through CitizensTrust we offer investment services, estate planning, and retirement accounts managed by experienced financial advisors.
What recognition has the bank received?
We've been named to Forbes Best Banks in America and consistently rank among top-performing banks by S&P Global Market Intelligence.
