Company History

When we say we're a longtime local company, we really mean it.

Seattle Bank's history dates back to 1944, when Ben Smith Sr. started Seattle Mortgage Company to help veterans returning from World War II purchase their homes. He built a strong local business and in 1955, he handed the thriving mortgage company over to his son, Ben Smith, Jr. and his son-in-law, Robert Story, Sr.

These two leaders established Seattle Mortgage Company as a major player in the local mortgage industry, and the firm soon earned a reputation as the region's leading lender for first-time homebuyers. Over the years, the company expanded into other areas of financial services, and in 1999 established Seattle Savings Bank. In 2008, the company decided to develop Seattle Savings bank into a full-service business and consumer bank with a focus on providing peer-to-peer banking and a high level of customer service to the communities of the Pacific Northwest.

With this goal in mind, in 2009 Seattle Savings Bank officially re-opened its doors as Seattle Bank, and in May of 2011 successfully raised more than $62 million in capital from local investors who passionately believed that the Puget Sound needed just such a community-focused business and consumer bank. It is now one of the most financially sound banks in the state.

Today, we are proud to expand upon our legacy by providing an unparalleled level of banking service and responsive support to the businesses and residents of this community. We supported our community back in 1944 by helping those veterans into homes; today we're still working to support our community, now by offering great banking services and committed involvement to the businesses and people of this town we all love.