Montecito Bank & Trust is the market leader in small business lending in Santa Barbara County, according to 2025 Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) public data released Nov. 6.

The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) data ranks the bank first among the large banks required to report, based on loans of $1 million or less.

The FFIEC is a U.S. government interagency body that works to ensure uniformity in financial institutions.

“Adding to the economic vitality of our community by providing capital to small businesses — the economic engine of our economy – is central to our purpose,” said Janet Garufis, chair and CEO of Montecito Bank & Trust.

“It’s gratifying to know we are helping so many local businesses start, grow and thrive, and I’m proud of our enterprise lending team and grateful to the business owners who trust us as their partner,” she said.

Montecito Bank & Trust originated $10 million more in small business loans than the second-ranked lender and twice the volume of the third-ranked lender, the report said.

The ranking reflects lending activity in calendar year 2025 and the bank’s focus on providing capital to local small businesses.

Montecito Bank & Trust is the oldest and largest locally owned community bank in the Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

Founded in 1975, the bank operates 13 branch offices in Santa Maria, Solvang, Goleta, Santa Barbara, Montecito, Carpinteria, Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, and Westlake Village.