For 2025, we’ve updated and upgraded this publication, drawing from the most important need-to-know insights in Southern California and beyond, to create an encompassing and fascinating look at how businesses of all kinds shape themselves and our everyday lives.

Director, Client Services and Systems Advertising.

This month’s top deals from around Southern California

The fashion retailer showed strong YoY growth, plans retail location in The Grove in 2025

Surging private equity capital and easing interest rates point to strong M&A activity in 2025, but warn that dealmakers face a complex mix of regulatory changes

The sporting/entertainment company outpaced expectations, with a 27% surge

DISQO's latest Consumer Trends Report reveals how consumers are thinking about purchases, advertising and the world in 2025

A daily video stream, the first in the paper’s history, brings readers more options to engage with the news and their communities

The intersection of technology and humanity meet at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show

For Bank of America’s Raul Anaya, wildfire relief efforts are now a full-time job

In response to the recent wildfires, the state extended the January 31 sales and use tax filing deadline for L.A. County taxpayers until April 30, 2025

In the wake of the recent devastating fires, Los Angeles faces the immense challenge of rebuilding homes, businesses and communities.

A new pickleball social club is set to open in El Segundo, part of the city’s myriad options for its residents and returning workforce

ImmunityBio and its founder Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong developed a vision over the past decades that activation and proliferation of these key lymphocytes was necessary to win the war against cancer and indeed even prevent cancer in subjects at high risk.

The partnership will bring traditional systems into the 21st century and help protect soldiers

UCLA Health researchers say findings uncover novel disease mechanisms and pave new ways to develop treatments

The simple-to-use app features anonymous analytics, only-on-device preferences

Higher import volume, new laws could create a large uptick in leasing

Millions pour into relief for affected communities from Southern California financial institutions

LA Times Studios presents the 50 largest banks headquartered in Southern California ranked by assets as of Dec. 31, 2024.

LA Times Studios presents the 25 largest credit unions headquartered in Southern California ranked by assets as of Dec. 31, 2024. The list includes credit unions headquartered in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego counties.

Here are the dynamic individuals named Banking and Finance Visionaries for 2025. These advisors, financial experts, bankers and deal brokers represent the best of Southern California money experts.

Raul A. Anaya is president and co-head of business banking at Bank of America and a member of its executive management team. He leads a nationwide team serving 11 million business owners and 3.4 million businesses with revenues up to $50 million.

Darnel Bentz, senior wealth advisor at Kayne Anderson Rudnick (KAR), was inspired to pursue finance after helping his widowed mother navigate financial decisions in college.

Greg Banner, CFP®, brings over 30 years of experience to Asset Preservation Strategies, specializing in financial planning for high-networth individuals, entrepreneurs and business owners.

Pippa Bond is a leading Capital Markets attorney with expertise in corporate finance, securities and restructuring. She serves as primary outside counsel for Ares Management (NYSE: ARES; $378B AUM) and Blue Owl Capital (NYSE: OWL; $166B AUM), advising on IPOs, capital markets transactions and governance.

Richard Cabrera is executive vice president and head of commercial banking at Umpqua Bank, leading banking services for mid-sized companies across eight states. Since joining in 2016, he has grown the division from 30 to over 350 bankers, expanding into key sectors like wine, healthcare and ESOP finance.

Tom Calahan is senior vice president and director of business development at Partners Bank of California, leading a team of six client advisors. As the bank expands, he plays a key role in growing its presence across California.

Kitty Chen, senior managing director and head of retail and business banking at East West Bank, has been instrumental in the bank’s growth, overseeing a team of more than one-third of its associates. Over her 30-year career, the bank’s assets have grown 30 times to $75 billion, with retail banking achieving 10% asset growth in the past year.

Sean Devine, a banking professional with over 26 years of experience, is the U.S. head of TPS sales for the emerging middle market segment at BMO. Since July 2024, he has led efforts to build and expand the national TPS sales team.

Christopher J. Del Moral-Niles was appointed executive vice president and chief financial officer of East West Bancorp and East West Bank in October 2023. Previously, he served as CFO of Associated Banc-Corp for a decade and held leadership roles at First American and Union Bank, serving as senior vice president and director of liability management.

Mark Flewelling is a partner at Lagerlof, LLP, specializing in litigation and appellate law. With over 40 years of experience, he represents financial institutions, businesses and entrepreneurs in disputes involving real estate, investment fraud, banking and commercial lending.

Andrew Dunst is a leader in his firm’s e-commerce practice, advising disruptive DTC brands across industries like footwear, apparel, beauty and home goods. With deep expertise in M&A, capital raises and private equity recapitalizations, he has guided top consumer brands through key financial transactions.

Reggie Gooden is the managing partner of 360 Business Management, specializing in serving entertainers and athletes. Following stints at a family office and a boutique business management firm, he co-founded 360 Business Management in 2022 with his partner, Josh Martin.

Shari Freidenrich serves as the Orange County treasurer, overseeing asset and investment management for the County of Orange. First elected in 2010 and re-elected multiple times, she has gained recognition for her leadership, including receiving the highest countywide votes in 2018 and 2022.

As a wealth advisor and co-director of the Women of Wealth Program at Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management, Kaytlin Hall specializes in providing financial planning services for professional women and families. With over a decade of experience, she is committed to empowering working mothers, including doctors, lawyers and executives.

Gregory Hebner is the managing director and majority owner of Arixa Capital, a leading private lender specializing in residential development and construction. Since joining Arixa in 2012, he has significantly accelerated the company’s growth, positioning it as one of the top 10 private lenders nationally and top five in California.

Aaron Houpis is the executive vice president and managing director of Banc of California’s specialty deposits group, where he leads the development and execution of sales initiatives and oversees a nationwide team of relationship managers.

Carolyn Hunt is a partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, where she cochairs the firm’s debt finance practice group. Specializing in structuring and negotiating complex financial transactions, she has become a trusted advisor to financial institutions and corporate borrowers.

Deborah La Franchi is the chief executive officer and founder of SDS Capital Group, a leader in commercial real estate and impact investing. Since founding the firm in 2001, she has developed a new private equity funding model for permanent supportive housing (PSH) developments, enabling quicker project financing and construction at lower costs.

Jamie Kim is principal, head of business development at Gallant Capital and responsible for sourcing and assessing investment opportunities, managing relationships with transaction advisors and leading the firm’s marketing strategy. Prior to Gallant, she was the head of corporate development & strategy at Presto (Nasdaq: PRST).

Homin Lee is a global finance shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, LLP, where he specializes in advising banks, private equity sponsors, corporate borrowers and alternative lending institutions on complex finance transactions.

Yoojin Lee is a financial services attorney at Holland & Knight’s Los Angeles office, specializing in asset-based lending. She represents financial institutions in domestic and international secured lending transactions, often involving multiple jurisdictions and currencies.

Alissa Miller, a partner at Akin and head of its Los Angeles office, is a top finance lawyer in the entertainment industry. She represents independent film studios and financial institutions in high-profile deals, securing financing for projects with A24, Netflix and ABC.

John Meek is executive vice president and director of commercial banking for Enterprise Bank & Trust in Los Angeles and Orange counties. He leads relationship management and business development, expanding the bank’s client base and community partnerships.

Sandra Lee Montgomery, a partner at Proskauer Rose LLP and executive committee member, is a leader in banking & finance, closing over $5.6 billion in transactions in 2024. With 27 years of experience, she specializes in acquisitions, leveraged financings, restructurings and cross-border deals across multiple industries.

Brady Money, managing director at Greif & Co., has nearly 23 years of experience in financial services and middle-market investment banking. He specializes in mergers, acquisitions and capital raising across industries like manufacturing, aerospace, consumer products and business services.

Lilit Nersisyan, a principal at Withum’s Los Angeles office, has 13 years of experience in financial services, specializing in GAAP, GAAS and Alternative Investment Audits. Since joining Withum in 2023, she has played a key role in expanding the firm’s financial services practice on the West Coast, connecting regional teams and mentoring new hires.

Hamid Namazie is a financial services attorney and partner at Holland & Knight, specializing in multimillion- and multibillion-dollar secured lending transactions. With over 20 years of experience, he represents banks, institutional lenders and finance companies in complex acquisitions, recapitalizations and cross-border financings.

Kevin O’Malley is a partner at Blank Rome LLP, leading the firm’s finance practice in Los Angeles. With expertise in commercial finance and secured lending, he represents banks, direct lenders and institutional clients in complex transactions, including asset-based lending, recapitalizations and bankruptcy proceedings.

Jim Opdyke is a managing director and market executive at Wells Fargo Commercial Banking, leading the Los Angeles coastal market and entertainment finance group.

David Park, executive vice president of commercial banking and treasury management at Axos Bank, has over 20 years of banking leadership in Southern California.

Ash Patel, chairman, CEO and president of Commercial Bank of California (CBC), has over 30 years of banking experience. Under his leadership, CBC grew from $200 million in assets in 2013 to $2.

Zoila Price is the executive vice president and managing director of Warehouse Lending at Banc of California, overseeing a program that provides $5 million to $150 million credit lines to loan originators nationwide.

Manuel Ramirez, chairman of the board/partner in charge at RJI CPAs, is a distinguished finance leader with over 40 years of expertise in accounting, taxation and business consulting. In 2023, he was elected president of the DFK USA Executive Committee and named to the DFK International Advisory Board, influencing accounting practices globally.

Matt Rechner is the senior banking director for Northern Trust in Los Angeles, overseeing banking teams in Century City, Pasadena, Santa Barbara and San Diego. With over 25 years of experience, he advises high-networth individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits on capital advisory strategies.

Nathan Rogge has served as president and CEO of First Pacific Bank since December 2021, leading its transformation from Friendly Hills Bank into a dynamic financial institution.

Martin Sarafa is a founding partner of Century Park Capital Partners, leading leveraged recapitalizations and buyouts since 2000. A member of the investment committee, he sits on the boards of MCCi and NCP Coatings. Previously, Sarafa was a managing director at Houlihan Lokey, managing private equity investments.

Nevin Sanli is the president and founder of Sanli Pastore & Hill, Inc., overseeing client engagements, litigation support and strategic planning. With over 35 years of experience, he specializes in business valuation, forensic economics, damage calculations and mergers and acquisitions, having valued over 4,000 businesses.

Phillip Sarofim, founder & managing partner of Trousdale Ventures, is known for forward-thinking, sustainable investments across space, mobility, advanced tech, climate technology and wellness.

Numan J. Siddiqi, partner at BakerHostetler, excels in complex corporate transactions, specializing in securities offerings, venture capital, mergers and acquisitions and secured loans.

Chris Spicer, Akin partner and head of the media, entertainment & sports practice, is a leading entertainment finance lawyer, advising on high-profile deals between independent studios and financial institutions for major film, TV and streaming projects.

Spencer Smith is the Los Angeles market leader at U.S. Bank, overseeing large cap industrials and business services, as well as their middle market Los Angeles North teams. He joined U.S. Bank through the 2022 Union Bank acquisition, where he was the Los Angeles market president.

Douglas Thompson is a partner at Snell & Wilmer, LLP, specializing in class action defense and regulatory investigations for financial institutions and businesses. He has defended over 250 class actions and is admitted pro hac vice in numerous federal courts.

Steven A. Sugarman is founder of The Change Company, a Community Development Financial Institution expanding access to banking and lending for Black, Latino and low-income communities. Partnering with over 75 financial institutions and 1,000 non-bank lenders, its subsidiaries include Change Home Mortgage, Change Lending and xChange.

Eric Wedel, partner at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, is a top private equity finance lawyer who leads the company’s Los Angeles office and serves as global co-chair of the finance and capital markets group.

Trisha Vo is an executive director and banker at J.P. Morgan Private Bank, guiding clients in managing and maximizing their wealth.

Angela Yim-Sullivan is the market executive for Wells Fargo commercial banking in the Los Angeles Metro Market, leading a team of 125 across Downtown, Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley. She helps businesses navigate challenges with innovative solutions and best-in-class services.

Michael Young, partner at Massumi + Consoli, is a seasoned transactional attorney advising private equity firms, portfolio companies and public and private businesses on complex transactions, including acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, mergers and joint ventures.

TOP MBA PROGRAMS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Loyola Marymount University’s redesigned MBA curriculum launches fall 2025. This part-time program is crafted to meet the needs of working professionals, offering evening classes and a flexible, affordable, and customizable pathway to earning an MBA in just two years.

MASTER THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS WITH AI-POWERED AGILITY

DIVERSE IDEAS FOR DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENTS

If you are looking to advance your career, change industries, or gain greater expertise – University of Redlands business programs are designed to prepare working professionals, like you, to lead with purpose and impact and succeed in business and society.

The University of West Los Angeles began as a private educational institution with just six students in 1966, when a visionary group of local educators resolved to address the need for educational programs geared toward the working adult.