OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) closed Washington First International Bank today, citing inadequate capital and severe loan losses. Immediately following the closure, DFI named the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as receiver of Washington First International Bank.
The FDIC immediately entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with East West Bank headquartered in Pasadena, Calif. East West Bank will assume all deposits and certain assets of Washington First International Bank, except certain brokered deposits, which will be paid out by the FDIC.
“Washington First International Bank’s capital has been depleted by large loan losses associated with land development and construction lending,” Brad Williamson, Director of DFI’s Division of Banks explained. “The bank’s management unsuccessfully attempted to raise capital and recent loan losses depleted the bank’s capital, bringing about today’s closure.”
“The failure of Washington First International Bank is an unfortunate example of the severe consequences these exceptionally challenging economic times bring for our financial institutions that have been heavily committed to commercial real estate land acquisition and construction lending,” DFI Director Scott Jarvis said.
Washington First International Bank, headquartered in Seattle, has four branches located in King County. All will be assumed by East West Bank. The International District Branch will reopen Saturday and all other locations will open Monday as East West Bank branches.
Throughout the weekend and transition, Washington First International Bank customers can access their funds by writing checks or using ATM or debit cards. Checks will continue to be processed. Loan customers should continue to make their payments as usual. Online services also will remain available.
As of March 31, 2010, Washington First International Bank had total assets of $520,887,000 and total deposits of $441,362,000.