AZ Business magazine‘s “Excellence in Banking” feature for 2026 underscores the critical role financial institutions play in driving Arizona’s growth, highlighting innovation, stability, and community impact as essential benchmarks for industry leadership. The digital sponsor of Excellence in Banking is DBS Rock Island. Today, meet the banks of the year for 2026.
Banks of the year for 2026
Alerus
Alerus stands out as one of Arizona’s best banks by blending personalized service with comprehensive financial expertise. With deep roots in relationship banking, Alerus empowers clients through customized banking, wealth management and retirement solutions. Their local commitment, responsive support and forward-thinking strategies make them a trusted partner for individuals and businesses alike.
Bankers Trust
Bankers Trust is one of Arizona’s best banks thanks to its commitment to personalized service, community involvement and financial strength. As a privately held institution with a 100-plus year legacy, Bankers Trust brings stability and tailored financial solutions to individuals and businesses. Its focus on local decision-making, relationship banking and inclusive community support make it a trusted financial partner in Arizona’s growing economy.
Bell Bank
Bell Bank stands out as one of Arizona’s best banks by combining personalized service with big-bank capabilities. As one of the nation’s largest independently owned banks, Bell offers tailored financial solutions, a people-first approach and a strong community focus. With employee ownership driving excellence, Bell empowers its teams to build meaningful relationships, support local causes and go the extra mile for customers — delivering trusted banking with heart, innovation and unmatched service across the state.
FirstBank
FirstBank is one of Arizona’s top banks thanks to its rock-solid reputation for customer service, community involvement and innovative banking. Known for supporting financial education and local causes, FirstBank combines modern digital tools with a people-first approach. Its commitment to diversity, philanthropy and helping customers thrive makes it a trusted partner for individuals, families and businesses across the state — offering strength, security and service with heart in every transaction.
First Fidelity Bank
First Fidelity Bank has grown from a small community bank into a trusted regional powerhouse across Oklahoma, Arizona and Colorado. With deep generational expertise and a team that treats every client like family, FFB blends the personalized touch of a hometown bank with the cutting-edge tech of a national one — since 1920. Employees genuinely enjoy giving their time serving nonprofit and charitable organizations, participating in religious groups and coaching little league teams.
Gateway Bank
Gateway Bank stands out as the only community bank in Mesa, offering the warm, personalized service of a hometown bank with the modern conveniences of a national institution. Known for its A+ rating and five-star service, Gateway treats customers like family, combining relationship-driven banking with secure technology, mobile access and a nationwide ATM network — making banking easy, accessible and refreshingly personal for Arizonans across the state.
Northern Trust
Northern Trust has been a trusted name in financial services since 1889 and has proudly served Arizona since 1974. With over 700 employees in Phoenix and Tempe, it blends global expertise with deep local roots. A three-time “Arizona Bank of the Year” finalist and a Fortune “World’s Most Admired Company,” Northern Trust leads through excellence, diversity and client-first service — backed by award-winning workplace culture, philanthropic engagement and a legacy of trusted partnerships with individuals, families and institutions.
Stearns Bank
Stearns Bank stands out as one of Arizona’s best banks thanks to its unwavering entrepreneurial spirit, community-driven mindset and fast, flexible financing solutions. With a focus on small business lending and equipment financing, Stearns combines the personal attention of a community bank with the strength of a national lender. Its Arizona team delivers hands-on support, rapid decisions and a can-do culture that empowers clients and uplifts communities —making Stearns a trusted financial partner across the state.
UMB Bank
UMB Bank continues to make waves in Arizona, thanks to strategic leadership, major market expansion and an unwavering commitment to clients and communities. With John Damiris at the helm, UMB has grown to $3.8 billion in local loan balances and doubled its presence through a landmark acquisition. Even amid big moves, the bank remains relationship-driven, community-focused and deeply invested in Arizona’s economic success — making UMB a standout for the 2025 Arizona Excellence in Banking Awards.
Western Alliance Bank
With $85 billion in assets, Phoenix-based Western Alliance Bank is Arizona’s largest bank and a national leader in commercial banking. In 2025, it unified six legacy brands under the Western Alliance name, enhancing client access and service. With deep industry expertise, strong loan and deposit growth and national recognition for leadership and performance, the bank stands out for its bold strategy and unwavering commitment to clients in Arizona and beyond.
