Western Alliance Bank has secured the top position in Arizona on the Forbes 2026 America’s Best-in-State Banks List. The bank stands as the only Arizona-based institution included in this year's ranking, reflecting its standing in client trust, transparency, and service experience. The recognition is derived from a comprehensive evaluation conducted by Forbes in partnership with market research firm Statista.

Survey methodology and evaluation criteria

The Forbes Best-In-State Banks list, now in its ninth year, is considered one of the industry's most prestigious recognitions. For the 2026 edition, Forbes surveyed 26,000 U.S. consumers and analyzed more than 1.2 million public online reviews collected between February 2023 and March 2026. Financial institutions were assessed on several key performance indicators, including trust, customer service, digital tools, and the quality of financial advice provided.

Operational footprint and leadership response

Headquartered in Phoenix, Western Alliance Bank serves businesses and consumers across 34 states. The company employs more than 3,500 people and offers industry-specific expertise across more than 30 different sectors. Kenneth A. Vecchione, Chairman, President and CEO of Western Alliance Bank, emphasized the importance of the award, stating that trust, transparency, and responsiveness are critical to clients. He noted that the #1 ranking in Arizona highlights the strength of the relationships built in the bank's home market.

Financial profile and market position

Western Alliance Bancorporation (NYSE: WAL) has consistently ranked as a top U.S. bank by American Banker and Bank Director since 2016. Its primary subsidiary, Western Alliance Bank, operates with $90 billion in assets and offices nationwide. The institution focuses on delivering tailored business banking solutions and consumer products, backed by personalized service and specific expertise in various industries.

Western Alliance Bank has been named a Lyons Den Awardee by the Arizona Bar Foundation for its work in supporting access to justice through the Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program. The award recognizes banks that partner with the foundation to demonstrate strong, ongoing support of IOLTA. The Lyons Den list is named after George Lyons, an Arizona attorney who emphasized the importance of collaboration between IOLTA institutions and the Foundation.

Western Alliance Bank will be honored at the Foundation’s Annual Awards luncheon at the State Bar’s convention in Tucson on June 25, 2026. Paul Hawkins, managing director of Western Alliance Bank’s Juris Banking Group, stated that funds from IOLTA accounts are a powerful way to ensure justice is served.

Beyond its IOLTA work, Western Alliance Bank collaborates with nearly 200,000 Arizona students through Junior Achievement to provide a foundation in personal finance and career readiness. The bank’s access to justice initiatives include Digital Disbursements, a proprietary technology platform designed to combat fraud and improve payment options for claimants in class action settlements.

The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education provides technical and financial assistance to legal aid organizations, schools, and community groups. It promotes access to justice for all Arizonans by supporting law-related education and free legal services.

Western Alliance Bancorporation is a top-performing banking company with $90 billion in assets. Its primary subsidiary, Western Alliance Bank, Member FDIC, offers tailored business banking solutions and consumer products. The bank has ranked as a top U.S. bank by American Banker and Bank Director since 2016.