#United States #Baker Hill #Innovation Center #Santa Barbara, California #Montecito Bank

Baker Hill Unveils Santa Barbara Innovation Center

Baker Hill, a prominent provider of cloud-based lending technology, has officially launched its new office in Santa Barbara, California. The highlight of this new establishment is the flagship Innovation Center, developed in collaboration with Montecito Bank & Trust. This event signifies a new era in co-innovation, solidifying Baker Hill's dedication to advancing community banking in partnership with financial institutions.

Transforming Technology Strategy

The initiative began after Montecito Bank & Trust identified the need to overhaul its technology strategy, aiming for a long-term solution rather than a temporary fix. In response, Baker Hill stepped in, transforming what could have been a challenging period into an opportunity for collaboration. This partnership grew into a strategic alliance that has helped establish Baker Hill's presence on the West Coast.

Andy Ivankovich, chairman and CEO of Baker Hill, expressed, "This Innovation Center isn't just a milestone for us — it's a declaration of how we engage with the communities we serve. By fostering an environment of co-innovation, we demonstrate that when fintechs and financial institutions collaborate, we can create not just better technology but also stronger communities. This is how we empower the future of community banking together."

A Purpose-Built Collaboration Hub

The Santa Barbara Innovation Center is designed to enhance collaboration and expedite product development. Featuring modern technology and flexible spaces for meetings and training, the Center is infused with a community-focused atmosphere. From the creatively designed "Andy's Arcade" to well-equipped boardrooms, this space reflects the belief that genuine innovation stems from shared goals and robust partnerships.

Not merely a location, the Innovation Center embodies a movement, inviting all financial institutions based in California to foster collaboration, strategic planning, and training. For Baker Hill's clients on the West Coast, it serves as an engaging environment to refine strategies, co-create solutions, and pursue growth with purpose.

Janet Garufis, Chairman and CEO of Montecito Bank & Trust, remarked, "Having an Innovation Center just down the road is more than symbolic; it's transformative. When fintech leaders and community banks share the same space, ideas accelerate, relationships strengthen, and innovation materializes. This partnership lays the foundation for what the future of banking can achieve."

Future Plans for Innovation Centers

Looking ahead, Baker Hill aims to expand its network by establishing additional Innovation Centers in major cities including San Antonio, Atlanta, and Orlando from 2026 to 2027. This expansion aligns with the company's mission to elevate community banking across the nation.

To learn more about the Innovation Center initiative or to explore partnership opportunities with Baker Hill, visit www.bakerhill.com.

About Baker Hill

Baker Hill is a leading provider of lending technology for banks and credit unions throughout the United States. Each month, the platform enables financial institutions to execute over $7 billion in lending originations, helping them to Lend Better, Lend Faster, and Lend More™ within their communities. The company is supported by Flexpoint Ford, a private equity firm, ensure the scale, security, and innovation necessary for modern banking. Headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, Baker Hill also operates in Santa Barbara, California.