Media Advisory - Banking on Chinatown: Metropolitan Bank Continues Investing in Oakland's Future

For Immediate Release

Date: Friday October 16, 2026 

Banking on Chinatown: Metropolitan Bank Continues Investing in Oakland's Future

Oakland's First Asian American-Owned Community Bank Celebrates More Than 40 Years of Community Banking with Grand Opening in Chinatown

WHAT

The Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce joins Metropolitan Bank in celebrating the grand opening of its new Oakland Chinatown branch on Friday, October 23, 2026, marking another milestone in the bank's longstanding commitment to supporting local businesses, residents, and the continued economic growth of Oakland Chinatown.

Founded in Oakland Chinatown in 1983 as the first Asian American-owned community bank in Oakland, Metropolitan Bank was established to expand access to financial services for underserved businesses and residents. More than four decades later, the bank remains headquartered in Oakland, maintaining its deep community roots while serving customers throughout the Bay Area.

The new branch combines a modern banking environment with the personalized, relationship-based service that has long defined Metropolitan Bank. Bank representatives prioritize personal connections and attentive service, taking the time to understand and support the financial needs of local residents and businesses. The branch also expands its safe deposit box services, offering a variety of sizes at a time when many larger financial institutions have reduced or discontinued the service.

Metropolitan Bank's continued investment underscores the importance of locally rooted financial institutions in supporting small businesses, strengthening commercial corridors, and contributing to Chinatown's long-term economic success.

Media are invited to attend for photo and interview opportunities with business leaders, elected officials, and community representatives.

WHEN

• Date: Friday, October 23, 2026
• Time: 11am - 1pm | 12:00pm Grand Opening Celebration

WHERE

• Location: Metropolitan Bank - Oakland Chinatown Branch
• Address: 360 8th St, Oakland, CA 94607

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES

• Interviews with participating elected officials, community partners, Metropolitan Bank leadership, and Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce leadership 
• Photos and video of Metropolitan Bank 
• Ribbon-cutting ceremony 
• Lion dance performance by LionDanceMe

WHO (Subject to Change)

• Barbara Lee, City of Oakland Mayor
• Charlene Wang, City of Oakland District 2 Councilmember
• Lena Tam, Alameda County District 3 Supervisor
• Phong La, Alameda County Assessor
• Henry Kiang, Metropolitan Bank Chief Executive Officer 
• Jessica Chen, Metropolitan Bank Oakland Chinatown Branch Manager
• Stephanie Tran, Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce President
• Carl Chan, Oakland Chinatown Chamber Foundation President

QUOTES

• “I want to make banking easier for our clients. Metropolitan Bank should provide solutions, not contribute to their problems,” said Henry Kiang, Chief Executive Officer of Metropolitan Bank and son of founder Frank Kiang. “That means knowing our clients, understanding what they need, and being there when they need us. Our new branch gives us a better facility to do that.”

• “Customers want security, convenience and access to their important documents and valuables,” said Jessica Chen, Manager of the Oakland Chinatown Branch. “Our customers can access their safe deposit boxes during regular business hours without an appointment. It’s another way we can make banking more convenient.”

• “Metropolitan Bank's continued investment reflects a lasting commitment to Oakland Chinatown and its future. Founded right here in Chinatown more than 40 years ago as Oakland's first Asian American-owned community bank, Metropolitan Bank is an important part of our city's history and economic legacy.” said Stephanie Tran, Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce Board President. “Its continued presence demonstrates the value of locally rooted financial institutions that understand our community, support small businesses, and help strengthen our commercial corridors. We are proud to celebrate this milestone and Metropolitan Bank's continued commitment to the neighborhood where it all began.”

About Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce

Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce (OCCC) was established in 1985 by a group of local business professionals to promote and advocate for business and trade in the Asian community. Today, OCCC represents over 300 members in a wide range of businesses industries in Oakland Chinatown and the Bay Area. For more information, please visit OaklandChinatownChamber.org

About Metropolitan Bank

Established in Oakland Chinatown in 1983, Metropolitan Bank was the first Asian American-owned community bank in Oakland. Today, Metropolitan Bank operates four branches in Oakland, San Francisco and San Jose, complemented by mobile and online banking, and serves customers throughout 10 Bay Area counties. The Bank provides personal and business banking services and specializes in relationship banking and commercial real estate lending. For more information, please visit www.Met.Bank.