In late January, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and California Department of Financial Institutions closed First Regional Bank of Los Angeles, CA. The 8 California branches of First Regional Bank will be transferred to First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company.

First Regional Bank, which recorded approximately $2.18 billion in total assets and $1.87 billion in total deposits by September 30, 2009. First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company agreed to purchase approximately $2.17 billion of First Regional Bank’s assets, while the FDIC retained the remaining assets for later disposition.

First Regional Bank is the first institution to fail in California in 2010 and the 14th FDIC-insured institution to fail in the nation.

Bank Prospector shows First Regional Bank had carried a leverage ratio of 6%, a nonaccrual balance of approximately $300 million, OREO of approximately $73 million, and noncurrent distressed totals of 17.13% of their portfolio. First Regional Bank collapsed under heavy pressure from construction multifamily, and residential loans, with approximately 45% of their residential loans being noncurrent. BankProspector captures ten (10) separate bank contacts that work at First Regional Bank.