Bank of Hope acquires SMBC MANUBANK's commercial division in $5.2B asset deal
Hope Bancorp, the parent company of Bank of Hope, has agreed to buy the commercial banking division of SMBC MANUBANK. The deal will bring in around $2.5 billion in loans and $2.7 billion in deposits, along with eight branches in Southern California. Both firms expect the transaction to strengthen their services for multinational businesses in the US. The acquisition covers a wide range of business areas, including Japanese corporate banking, franchise finance, and commercial real estate. It also includes diversified industries, SBA lending, and specialty deposits. Regulatory approvals remain pending, with the deal set to close in the second half of 2026.
The move is part of a wider pattern among regional banks, which are increasingly targeting acquisitions to expand specialised services. Bank of Hope and SMBC also plan to form a partnership focused on Japanese mid-sized businesses and retail customers in the US.
Financial projections suggest the deal will boost earnings per share by over 20% by 2027. While tangible book value may dip by about 4.5% at closing, analysts expect a full recovery within two years. Returns on equity are likewise forecast to rise to roughly 12% by 2027. The transaction aims to enhance Bank of Hopeās ability to serve Asian multinational companies operating in the US. If approved, it will also mark another step in the broader trend of banks refining their focus on core business segments. The dealās financial benefits, including higher earnings and improved equity returns, are expected to materialise by 2027.
