Canadian Western Bank (CWB) is celebrating 20 years of financial growth.

Canadian Western Bank was formed in 1984 by Gene Pechet and Dr. Charles Allard of Edmonton. Since then, CWB has grown at a steady pace through both double-digit organic growth and acquisitions including the amalgamation with Western & Pacific Bank of Canada in 1988 and North West Trust Company in 1994, as well as the acquisition of Aetna Trust in 1996 (now Canadian Western Trust).

Today, CWB has over $4.4 billion in assets, is the largest publicly-traded Schedule I bank headquartered in western Canada. The bank continues to focus on western-based growth.

Recently, CWB announced the acquisition of HSBC Canadian Direct Insurance (CDI), which will further expand the bank’s service offerings in western Canada.

“We built this bank based on our founders’ vision,” said Larry Pollock, president and CEO, in a news release. “Western Canada is our heart and home and we will always remain committed to the people and businesses of the west. It is our niche, our strength and our focus,” he added.

CWB operates 27 branches in the four most western provinces, with the 28th and 29th branches slated to open this May in St. Albert, Alberta and Prince George, British Columbia. The bank has almost 700 full and part time employees.