#United States #Los Angeles #Wealth Management #City National Bank #Private Banking

City National Bank Expands Private Banking Team

City National Bank, a leading financial institution in California, recently unveiled its ambitious plans to strengthen its private banking division. On August 25, 2026, the bank announced the hiring of 10 experienced private bankers, aimed explicitly at catering to the growing wealth of high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals throughout the state. This significant expansion reflects the bank's commitment to providing tailored financial solutions that meet the unique needs of affluent clients, families, business owners, and nonprofit leaders.

A Focused Approach to Wealth Management

The newly recruited bankers come with a wealth of experience spanning various crucial areas within banking and finance. Their backgrounds include private banking, wealth management, commercial lending, as well as trust and estate services. This diversity of expertise promises to enhance the capabilities of City National Private Bank, ensuring that the firm can offer sophisticated financial insights and personalized solutions to its clients.

Leading this initiative is Brandon Williams, who previously held the role of interim head of Private Bank and Wealth Management before his official appointment as EVP. His vision for the bank includes a deepened focus on the needs of California's affluent population. Williams' leadership is complemented by recent appointments of Darcy Roennfeldt as the head of Trust and Estate Services and Shannon Patterson as co-head of City National Private Bank for the Eastern Region.

Stephen M. Sherline, who took on the position of co-head of City National Private Bank and head of the Western Region in August, emphasized the importance of this expansion. He stated, “California's high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth populations have experienced remarkable growth in recent decades. We're committed to serving these affluent segments with the expertise and personalized attention they deserve.”

Unique Offerings of City National Private Bank

What sets City National apart in the competitive landscape of private banking is its unique blend of local expertise and global reach. As a subsidiary of the Royal Bank of Canada, City National offers the personalized service typical of boutique financial service providers while benefiting from the extensive resources of one of North America’s premier diversified financial services companies.

The bank specializes in holistic wealth management solutions—providing customized investment strategies, market-leading lending options, and dedicated advisory services that are crucial for clients keen on preserving and growing their wealth across generations.

The expansion team consists of dynamic professionals, each bringing specific strengths aimed at forging long-term relationships with clients and delivering exceptional service. Among the new recruits are:

• - James Arom, Senior Private Banker, Beverly Hills
• - Houri Arevyan, Client Manager, Beverly Hills
• - Kamil Dalgic, Senior Private Banker, Manhattan Beach
• - Houman Davoudi, Senior Private Banker, Beverly Hills
• - Ratoya Dawson, Private Bank Officer, Manhattan Beach
• - Amr Elgamal, Senior Private Banker, Irvine
• - Dustin Hansen, Senior Private Banker, Ontario
• - Cheryl Keilman, Senior Private Banker, San Francisco
• - Travis Ortega, Private Banker, Montecito and Westlake Village
• - David Patton, Private Banker, Beverly Hills

Additionally, two existing private bank officers were recently promoted, further demonstrating City National’s commitment to investing in talent and fostering career growth within its ranks.

A Bank Committed to Community Prosperity

Founded in 1954 and now the largest bank headquartered in Los Angeles, City National Bank continues its legacy of dedication to client success and community development. With total assets of $98 billion and an impressive portfolio that includes $112 billion in managed client investment assets, the bank has firmly established itself in California’s financial landscape. In 2025 alone, City National contributed nearly $11 million to nonprofits, underscoring its commitment to supporting the communities in which it operates.

As City National Private Bank forges ahead with its expansion, it aims to further cement its position as the go-to financial partner for California's affluent clients, enhancing their financial journeys with personalized, expert guidance.

For more information, visit cnb.com.