First National ranked as the second-top bank in the nation by Forbes

Rhea-AI Summary

First National Bank Alaska (NYSE:FBAK) was named the second-ranked bank in the United States on Forbes' 17th annual America’s Best Banks list, the only Alaska bank on the list. The ranking evaluated 100 banks using 11 metrics including growth, credit quality, profitability, efficiency and stock performance.

The bank highlighted its 633 employees, 28 locations in 19 communities, multi-year community awards, an Outstanding CRA rating, and recognitions from Alaska Business, American Banker, Newsweek and Anchorage Daily News.

Positive

• Ranked #2 on Forbes America’s Best Banks list nationally
• Only Alaska bank included among the top 100 by Forbes
• Maintained Outstanding CRA rating for eight consecutive reporting periods
• Recognized repeatedly: Alaska Business, American Banker, Newsweek, Anchorage Daily News

Negative

• None.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Feb. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Forbes named First National Bank Alaska as the second-ranked bank in the United States on its 17th annual America’s Best Banks list. First National is the only bank in Alaska to make the list. The global media company ranks the 100 strongest banks by 11 metrics, including growth, credit quality, profitability, efficiency ratio and stock performance.

“This recognition is a tribute to the team of 633 Alaskans across the state who don’t show up every day to be simply average,” said Board Chair and CEO/President Betsy Lawer. “Their dedication and talent have fueled First National’s steady growth over the past decade, culminating in this stellar accomplishment.

“At our core, we are Alaska’s community bank – one where relationships matter. At the same time, we’ve grown into a bank that offers highly sophisticated service and expertise that stand shoulder to shoulder with regional banks across the country. Our employees have proven time and time again that First National has the right people, a thriving culture, the resources and the will to succeed.”

Alaska’s community bank since 1922, First National Bank Alaska proudly meets the financial needs of Alaskans with ATMs and 28 locations in 19 communities throughout the state, and by providing banking services to meet their needs across the nation and around the world.

For more than a century, the bank has been committed to supporting the communities it serves. In 2024, for the eighth consecutive reporting period, over a span of twenty-four years, First National received an Outstanding Community Reinvestment Act performance rating from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

In 2025, Alaska Business readers voted First National “Best of Alaska Business” in the Best Place to Work category for the 10th year in a row, Best Bank/Credit Union for the fifth time, and Best Customer Service for the second year in a row. Forbes also selected First National as the sixth best bank on their America’s Best Banks list and one of the top two Banks in the State. In 2025, American Banker recognized First National as a “Best Bank to Work For” for the eighth year in a row. The bank was also voted “Best of Alaska” in the Anchorage Daily News awards, ranking as one of the top three in the Bank/Financial category for the seventh consecutive year. Newsweek recognized the bank as one of the nation’s 2026 Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions for the second year in a row.

First National Bank Alaska is a Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, and is recognized as a Minority Depository Institution by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, as it is majority-owned by women.

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FAQ

Why was First National Bank Alaska (FBAK) ranked #2 on Forbes' 2026 America’s Best Banks list?

The ranking reflects strong performance across 11 metrics including growth and profitability. According to the company, Forbes evaluated credit quality, efficiency ratio, stock performance and other measures to rank the top 100 banks nationally.

Is First National Bank Alaska (FBAK) the only bank from Alaska on the Forbes list in 2026?

Yes, First National is the sole Alaska bank on the list. According to the company, it is the only bank from Alaska included among Forbes' 100 strongest U.S. banks in 2026.

What community and regulatory recognitions did First National Bank Alaska (FBAK) cite in the announcement?

The bank highlighted multi-year community awards and regulatory praise. According to the company, it earned an Outstanding CRA rating for the eighth consecutive reporting period and multiple regional and national service and workplace awards.

How many locations and employees does First National Bank Alaska (FBAK) operate as noted in the release?

The bank operates 28 locations in 19 communities and employs 633 Alaskans. According to the company, this network supports both local banking needs and services beyond the state.

What does Forbes' inclusion mean for First National Bank Alaska (FBAK) customers and investors?

For customers and investors, the ranking signals recognized operational strength and stability. According to the company, the Forbes placement underscores credit quality, profitability and efficiency relative to peer banks nationally.