Monday, March 16, 2026
Fintech3 July 20242 min read

Banc of California Appoints Greg Smith as Digital Strategy Head

Banc of California has appointed Greg Smith as Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy, aimed at enhancing digital banking solutions. Smith's experience includes leadership roles at City National Bank and Transamerica.

Banc of California Appoints Greg Smith as Digital Strategy Head
Image via investors.bancofcal.com

Key Takeaways

  • 1.(NYSE: BANC), has announced a key leadership change that underscores its commitment to digital banking innovation.
  • 2.He went on to highlight the significance of this appointment: “Enhancing our digital offerings will only strengthen our client relationships and solidify our position as a leading business bank.
  • 3.During his five-year tenure there, he led significant advancements in digital strategy, particularly through his role overseeing the Digital Channels and Innovation team.

Banc of California, a subsidiary of Banc of California Inc. (NYSE: BANC), has announced a key leadership change that underscores its commitment to digital banking innovation. The company has appointed Greg Smith as Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy, a role that emphasizes the enhancement of its digital offerings and client-centric services.

“Being a tech-forward, relationship-focused bank means that Banc of California understands how important it is to have industry-leading digital tools that seamlessly complement our personalized banking solutions and are easy for clients to use,” said John Sotoodeh, Chief Operating Officer of the bank. He went on to highlight the significance of this appointment: “Enhancing our digital offerings will only strengthen our client relationships and solidify our position as a leading business bank. Greg is a talented leader in digital banking, and his addition is another example of Banc of California’s ability to enhance its market position by attracting top talent.”

Smith, who is based in Los Angeles, will be responsible for advancing the bank's digital initiatives, including improvements to online and mobile banking tools. His approach is expected to not only enhance client interactions but also enrich the overall banking experience provided by Banc of California.

Prior to joining Banc of California, Smith served as Senior Vice President at City National Bank in Los Angeles. During his five-year tenure there, he led significant advancements in digital strategy, particularly through his role overseeing the Digital Channels and Innovation team. His contributions included a comprehensive redesign of the bank’s mobile applications tailored for both personal and business use. He was also instrumental in implementing enhancements to the bank’s website that improved client engagement and expanded lead-generation strategies.

Smith's extensive background in digital banking further includes years at Transamerica in Denver, where he spearheaded initiatives as the head of Digital Platform Development. This experience lays a solid foundation for his new responsibilities at Banc of California, where he aims to harness his expertise in creating forward-thinking digital products.

This strategic appointment comes at a time when the banking industry is evolving rapidly, with digital solutions becoming increasingly vital to client satisfaction and operational efficiency. As financial institutions strive to meet the demands of a more tech-savvy customer base, effective digital strategies are essential.

With Greg Smith at the helm of Banc of California’s digital strategy, the bank is signaling its dedication to not only keeping pace with technological advancements but also to nurturing the personal banking relationships that set them apart from competitors. This balanced approach could very well position them favorably within the ever-competitive banking landscape.

In conclusion, Smith's leadership in enhancing digital experiences aligns closely with Banc of California's goals of leveraging technology to better serve its clients. As the bank moves forward under his direction, both employees and clients will likely witness a transformation in how banking services are delivered, enriching relationships and creating a more seamless banking experience for all.