Bank of the West Wealth Management Launches New Private Client Services Model

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bank of the West Wealth Management has launched a new private client services model to enhance its ability to serve the financial needs of affluent and high net worth individuals. Under the new model, the group will provide a broadened range of banking and investment* solutions and expand the number of Private Client Advisors (PCAs) and wealth management experts to serve clients across the bank’s 19 state footprint.

“Our advisors are able to draw on capabilities, expertise and offerings from across the Bank of the West organization. That means we are able to deliver the right resources and solutions to meet the unique needs of each of our clients.”

Bank of the West Wealth Management provides a broad range of wealth planning consulting, investment management*, personal banking, and trust services.

At the center of the new capability for serving affluent and high net worth clients is a team of dedicated private client advisors (PCAs) who focus on understanding each client’s financial goals. With this comprehensive picture in place, PCAs serve as the lead relationship manager for clients, bringing together an integrated set of banking and investment* solutions as well as wealth management professionals to address the range of financial issues affluent and high net worth clients face.

“More than ever, our clients are looking for a strong relationship and advice from their financial partners. Our new private client services approach enables our team to focus on truly getting to know each client and better understand their overall financial lives,” said John Bahnken, head of Bank of the West Wealth Management and senior executive vice president. “Our advisors are able to draw on capabilities, expertise and offerings from across the Bank of the West organization. That means we are able to deliver the right resources and solutions to meet the unique needs of each of our clients.”

Bank of the West has long served affluent and high net worth clients. Now, the bank is investing significantly to meet their changing needs:

• Additional private client advisors across the bank’s service area
• Additional personal trust administrators and investment portfolio managers
• Dedicated Wealth Management Client Centers, with 5 scheduled to open by the end of this year
• Formation of a specialized team focused on addressing distinct requirements of affluent and high net worth individuals in residential real estate financing

Bank of the West Wealth Management is part of BNP Paribas’ global wealth management business of more than 6,000 professionals worldwide with nearly $10 billion** in assets under management in the United States and $365 billion (€257 billion) in assets under management globally as of December 31, 2010.

About Bank of the West:

Founded in 1874, $59 billion-asset Bank of the West (www.bankofthewest.com), member FDIC, offers a full range of personal, commercial, wealth management and international banking services. The bank operates more than 700 retail and commercial banking locations in 19 Western and Midwestern states. Bank of the West is a subsidiary of BNP Paribas, one of the world's largest and best rated banks*** with more than 200,000 employees in more than 80 countries.

***Rated AA- by Standard & Poor’s as of October 14, 2011

*Investments and variable annuities are offered through BancWest Investment Services, Inc., a registered broker/dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Financial Advisors and Private Client Advisors are registered representatives of BancWest Investment Services, Inc. Fixed annuities/insurance products are offered through BancWest Insurance Agency in California (License # 0C52321) and through BancWest Insurance Agency in Utah, and through BancWest Investment Services in AZ, CO, IA, ID, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, WA, WI, WY.

Bank of the West Wealth Management provides financial products and services through Bank of the West and its various affiliates and subsidiaries. Neither BancWest Investment Services, Inc., nor Bank of the West offers tax, accounting, regulatory or legal advice to clients.

BancWest Investment Services, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of the West. BancWest Corporation is the holding company for Bank of the West. BancWest Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of BNP Paribas.

Investment, Annuity, and Insurance products are:

NOT FDIC INSURED • NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE • NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

** Including assets under supervision at BancWest Investment Services