For almost 30 years, Lance Barney has helped shape the financial landscape of the Coachella Valley, guiding businesses and families alike as executive vice president and regional president of California Bank & Trust.
Barney moved to the valley in 1998 with his wife and young children, beginning what would become a nearly three-decade career in banking. Along the way, he raised four children and deepened his local ties through service with Habitat for Humanity and Martha’s Village and Kitchen, reflecting a commitment to community that mirrors his professional mission.
California Bank & Trust operates five branches across the valley and offers a full spectrum of services, from small-business checking and payroll solutions to complex commercial lending for companies with hundreds of employees. Its clients range from first-time entrepreneurs to established enterprises seeking to expand, all supported by bankers known for their accessibility and expertise.
What sets California Bank & Trust apart, Barney says, is the balance of scale and intimacy: the resources to manage sophisticated projects coupled with the agility of local decision-makers. Clients often have their banker’s personal cell phone number — a symbol of the institution’s hands-on approach.
“We see ourselves not just as bankers, but as partners and friends,” Barney said. “Our clients’ success is our success.”
