History


Rabobank's history as a retail bank in the United States began over 20 years ago. Valley Independent Bank was founded in El Centro, California in 1981 by local farmers and business leaders who saw the need for a community bank responsive to agriculture. Our priorities then, as they remain today, were customer service and community involvement.

By 2004, this philosophy allowed us to reach $2.4 billion in assets, with nearly 30 locations serving some of California's most dynamic markets. From Calexico on the U.S.-Mexico border to Fresno 500 miles north, we have established a reputation as a community-minded, rural-committed bank. In fact, our community service earned us an "outstanding" Community Redevelopment Act rating from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco in 2003.

Throughout the years, due to financial knowledge, market foresight and local commitment, Valley Independent Bank has successfully expanded into new markets. Early on, Valley Independent Bank committed to acquiring like-minded community banks and branches in areas larger banks had overlooked or discontinued serving.

This rural area commitment caused Valley Independent Bank to expand into the Coachella and Central Valleys through acquisitions of Bank of Stockdale, Kings River State Bank, and other community banks. In 2000, to meet the growing needs of our customers, a business loan center was established in Fresno, California.

Once in these markets, our commitment to customer service and expertise in commercial credit allowed us to gain market share and to finance some of their most visible projects, including shopping and retail centers, housing developments, leisure facilities and commercial and industrial properties.

In 2002, Valley Independent Bank completed a merger with Rabobank, a global banking leader with an AAA credit rating. With their world-wide resources behind us, we were able to reach the next level - home-town banking service and accessibility combined with the financial strength to offer unprecedented options for our customers.

In 2003, we introduced commercial leasing, investment services, an Agribusiness Division dedicated to serving the U.S. Western Region, and agricultural leasing. We also brought Bank of Stockdale and Kings River State Bank under the Valley Independent Bank name to increase our ability to serve the Central Valley of California as one bank.

In 2005, to present a unified brand to our many customers, Valley Independent Bank changed its name to Rabobank. We are confident that this brand, known to represent financial security worldwide, will become a household name in the United States.

We continually strive to improve for one reason: True to our heritage, we remain a community bank serving the needs of our customers and our communities. This is our past, our present and our future.


Key Events in Our History

2006 2005 2003 2002 2000 1999 1992 1981