Hope Bancorp Announces Retirement of Honorary Chairman Steven S. Koh

Strategic Insights -

Steven S. Koh, a 51-year veteran of the banking industry, will retire as Honorary Chairman and member of the boards of directors of Hope Bancorp, Inc. and Bank of Hope, effective December 31, 2025. Koh, 80, has been instrumental in shaping the company's growth and community involvement since joining Wilshire Bank in 1986. During his tenure, Hope Bancorp has expanded its operations, and Bank of Hope now serves as the largest regional bank catering to multicultural customers across the continental United States and Hawaii.

Key Takeaways:

  • Steven S. Koh will retire as Honorary Chairman and member of the boards of directors of Hope Bancorp, Inc. and Bank of Hope on December 31, 2025, after 51 years in the banking industry.
  • Koh has served as Honorary Chairman since July 6, 2017, and was the first chairman of Hope Bancorp, beginning on July 29, 2016, following the merger of BBCN Bancorp, Inc. and Wilshire Bancorp, Inc.
  • During his tenure, Hope Bancorp expanded its operations, and Bank of Hope became the largest regional bank catering to multicultural customers across the continental United States and Hawaii.
  • Koh has been instrumental in shaping the company's growth and community involvement, including his active involvement in community affairs, such as the Overseas Korean Traders Association and numerous philanthropic activities for the Korean American community and other communities.
  • After retirement, Koh plans to devote more of his time and effort to philanthropy, serving as a life trustee of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
  • Hope Bancorp, Inc. has a total of USD 18.55 billion in assets as of June 30, 2025, and operates 75 branches in eight states and two territories throughout the United States, in addition to a representative office in Seoul, South Korea.

Statistics:

  • Hope Bancorp, Inc. has USD 18.55 billion in total assets as of June 30, 2025.
  • Bank of Hope operates 46 full-service branches in eight states and 29 branches in Hawaii under the Territorial Savings banner.
  • The bank also operates SBA loan production offices, commercial loan production offices, and residential mortgage loan production offices throughout the United States.
  • Total bank branches: 75 (46 + 29).
  • Bank of Hope is the only regional Korean American bank in the United States.
  • Bank of Hope is an Equal Opportunity Lender, and its deposits are insured by the FDIC to the extent provided by law.

Sources:

  • M2 Communications, "Koh to Retire as Hope Bancorp Honorary Chairman" (September 2, 2025)
  • Hope Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOPE)
  • Bank of Hope (website)