SHAPING TOMORROW: THE FIRST NATIONAL STORY

 

 
 

A Century of Innovation

Helping Alaskans succeed is at the heart of everything we do at First National Bank Alaska. 

Since 1922, we’ve helped Alaskans move into dream homes, send kids to college, open new businesses, and plan for a comfortable retirement. Our focus has always been about looking forward. With a century of experience, local knowledge, and community investment, we’re here for the long haul to meet the financial needs of Alaskans when it matters most. 

Here’s to working together to shape a brighter tomorrow for the next 100 years.

 
 
 

Then & Now: Slide the bar in the middle of the images side to side to see where we’ve been and how far we’ve come.

 
 

Your Stories Inspire Our Story

First National Bank Alaska has been Alaska’s community bank since 1922. We’re proud to help Alaskans shape a brighter tomorrow. Investing in your success as you take the leaps of faith, large and small, enriches communities across the state.

Our incredible customers and employees have made this milestone possible - Thank you!

 

 
 

News and Events

Stay up-to-date on the latest news and events with First National Bank Alaska.

 
  • The power of community banks

    The Juneau Empire published an opinion piece by Board Chair and CEO/President Betsy Lawer.

  • A Century of Change

    How has First National reached 100 years of success? Leaders at the bank discuss what it takes to keep Alaskans moving forward and what’s to come.

  • Giving Today, Shaping Tomorrow

    Donations given in celebration of our Centennial year help improve quality of life in Alaska

  • A Century Shaping Tomorrow for Alaskans

    First National Bank Alaska has thrived for more than 100 years while helping generations of Alaskans realize their dreams.

 

Investing in Our Communities

First National Bank Alaska marked a century of business by investing in the success of Alaskans for the next 100 years and beyond.

As part of the centennial celebrations in 2022, each branch made a meaningful donation to a local community organization to help shape a brighter tomorrow for all Alaskans. First National has 28 locations in 19 communities across the state.

Each year, First National contributes about $1 million to charities and community events in Alaska through cash and other in-kind donations. We are proud to help Alaskans succeed, overcome challenges, and thrive.

 

100 Years of Growth

Winfield Ervin, Sr., opened the doors of First National Bank of Anchorage Jan. 30, 1922, with $500,000 in capital and 500 outstanding shares of stock. His actions set the bank on a journey that few could imagine. Throughout a century, this path led through the Great Depression, the Roaring 20s, a world war, earthquakes, economic booms and busts, ever-changing technology, a pandemic, and much more.

Today, First National Bank Alaska, with billions of dollars in assets, employs more than 600 Alaskans as the state’s largest locally owned and operated bank. With 28 locations in 19 communities throughout the state, First National continues to be a part of Alaska’s history.

 

Throughout the Years

With the foresight to see opportunities and challenges in the road ahead, the resources to respond, and the flexibility and innovation to deal with the unexpected, First National Bank Alaska has been shaping tomorrow throughout Alaska’s history.

During the last century, First National has maintained the pillars of our success: financial strength, exceptional customer service, and a genuine interest in the success of Alaskans.

 
 

Branching Out

First National Bank Alaska opened its first branch in 1952 in Seward. As Alaska has grown, so has First National.

When First National opened the Kuskokwim Branch in Bethel in 1961, it was the only bank branch west of the Alaska Range, and served the entire Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, an area 88% the size of California. To this day, it remains a bilingual branch, with employees speaking Yup’ik and English.

These photos provide a glimpse into where the bank has been and the possibilities of our bright future ahead.

 
 
 

First National Proud

Alaskans helping Alaskans is the foundation of our success. 

In our Centennial year, Alaska Business readers voted First National the “Best of Alaska Business” in the Best Place to Work category for the seventh year in a row and Best Bank/Credit Union for the second year running. In 2022, American Banker, for the fifth consecutive year, recognized First National as a “Best Bank to Work For,” and Anchorage Daily News readers voted the bank one of the state’s top financial institutions in the ADN “Best of Alaska” awards. First National Bank Alaska was chosen as one of America’s Best-In-State Banks 2021 by Forbes and was the only bank in Alaska to receive the honor.

We are First National Proud to be Alaska’s community bank, shaping tomorrow since 1922.