We are a local bank with a global outlook, with restrictive finance policies to help protect people and the planet, and we are led by one of the few women CEOs in the industry. We are the bank for a changing world.
Environmental Sustainability
Prohibited
We do not finance onshore or offshore oil and gas projects in the Arctic region, including the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Prohibited
We are acting to mitigate adverse impacts from fracking and tar sands mining by not doing business with companies whose main activity involves these.
Restricted
Since 2017, we have not financed any new coal-fired power plants that are not actively involved in the transition to sustainable energy production.
Prohibited
We do not provide financial products or services to companies or business groups that derive a significant portion of their revenue from tobacco products.
Restricted
We only finance companies that encourage the development of sustainably produced palm oil.
Restricted
We have mandatory financing criteria for companies involved in the wood pulp sector, including no use of fire to clear land.
Protecting
We have practices in place to act as a responsible ocean steward, including working with clients to modernize shipping fleets and make them more sustainable.
Major U.S. bank is defined as a bank in the U.S. with in excess of $90B in assets.
Our policies make us the bank of choice for some of the nation’s leading outdoor retail companies, as well as a variety of environmentally and socially sustainable companies and nonprofits.
Purchasing carbon credits to offset the emissions generated in the filming of Burton’s ‘One World’ film.
Combatting the immense decline of U.S. honeybees by installing beehives on our San Francisco and Los Angeles headquarters rooftops.
In collaboration with
Helping small businesses impacted by the pandemic with our 4-part Sustainable Recovery Series.
Diversity
We are proud to be led by our CEO, Nandita Bakhshi, who is among just 6% of female bank CEOs globally.
She’s been recognized by:
2021
2016-2020
2021
In the communities we serve and among our own workforce, we support programs and projects that advance diversity and inclusion.
Community
Workforce
We earned an ‘Outstanding’ FDIC Community Reinvestment Act rating for meeting the credit and community development needs in low- to moderate-income communities. Achieved by fewer than 10% of banks.
We have helped sponsor women entrepreneurs, including many women of color through the NASDAQ Entrepreneurial Center.
Learn More
We are supporting the creation of 12,000 women-run businesses and more than 22,000 jobs through Grameen America.
Learn More
We are working with Ulule, the world’s largest impact crowdfunding platform, to help women entrepreneurs and impact makers bring their ideas to life.
Learn More
Ignite is an interactive career exploration program, designed to advance diverse talent into more senior roles at the bank.
In response to many women leaving the workforce during COVID-19, we launched our Returnship program with Women Back to Work to encourage women who have gaps in their employment to re-enter the working world.
Community
We earned an ‘Outstanding’ FDIC Community Reinvestment Act rating for meeting the credit and community development needs in low- to moderate-income communities. Achieved by fewer than 10% of banks.
Community
We have helped sponsor women entrepreneurs, including many women of color through the NASDAQ Entrepreneurial Center.
Learn More
Community
We are supporting the creation of 12,000 women-run businesses and more than 22,000 jobs through Grameen America.
Learn More
Community
We are working with Ulule, the world’s largest impact crowdfunding platform, to help women entrepreneurs and impact makers bring their ideas to life.
Learn More
Workforce
Ignite is an interactive career exploration program, designed to advance diverse talent into more senior roles at the bank.
Workforce
In response to many women leaving the workforce during COVID-19, we launched our Returnship program with Women Back to Workto encourage women who have gaps in their employment to re-enter the working world.
16 employees featured in
2021
2021
2020
100% score
2019-2021
2019-2021
Global Impact
As part of BNP Paribas, the 9th largest bank on the planet, Bank of the West is able to leverage the resources and expertise of professionals in 68 countries. BNP Paribas offers a unique global perspective into shifting markets unlike U.S.-based and U.S.-focused banks.
2020
2017-2020
2020
2020
Because BNP Paribas’ policies are applicable across all BNP Paribas companies, their environmental impact spans five continents.
Means & Matters is the destination for conscientious consumers and business leaders interested in how better banking and better business can come together for a better world. We believe what humans finance today will define tomorrow, and that everyone has a role to play in building a truly sustainable society.
Choose your state of legal residence. We can then give you information about the products and services available in your area.
Note: Bank of the West has branches only in the states listed in the drop-down. At this time, we only open accounts for individuals and businesses in these states.
