Category Archives: California

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A.P. Giannini, the son of immigrants, loaned to immigrants when other bankers refused. In the 20th Century he built a vast Western banking empire, fueling California’s growth, and created a national system of branch banks to serve ordinary people. When most banks closed at 3pm, Giannini kept his banks open until nine or ten at night for workers.

After a disastrous earthquake and subsequent fires levelled much of his hometown San Francisco in 1906, Giannini created new confidence. He set up a temporary bank immediately, collecting deposits, making loans, and proclaiming to all that San Francisco would rise from the ashes. Then he made it happen… More>>