The trend of mergers and acquisitions in the banking sector continues as two local financial institutions combine.

United Security Bank will join Community West Bank in an all-stock merger, expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, according to a news release Wednesday.

The acquisition is the seventh for Community West. CEO James Kim will lead the combined team of executives and professional bankers.

“This merger represents a major step forward in our long-term growth strategy and our commitment to the communities we serve throughout Central California,” said Kim. “Both institutions share a strong, long-term foundation of relationship banking, local decision making and responsible growth. By bringing our organizations together, we are creating a more robust and more visible banking franchise.”

Merger to Increase Scale, Lending Capacity, Market Reach: Woods

United Security has branches in Fresno, Madera, Kern, San Joaquin, and Santa Clara counties. Community West has branches in 12 Central California counties.

The Community West board will bring on two current directors from United Security, including Jagroop “Jay” Gill, who is president and CEO of the Gill Automotive Group. The other board member will be named later.

President and CEO of United Security Bank, Dennis Woods, will serve as chairman emeritus for the combined company, focusing on key client retention.

Woods called the merger a “natural partnership” for the bank, its clients, and its employees.

“With shared values and cultures centered on integrity, personal service and community commitment, this combination strengthens our ability to serve with greater scale, expanding lending capacity and broader market reach,” Woods said.