Fortress Balance Sheet

Asset Protection Backed by 50 years of Experience

At Sunwest Bank, we are a fiscally responsible and financially disciplined bank that maintains a “Fortress Balance Sheet” and keeps nearly double the capital reserves of most other banks, including the big banks. During and after the Great Recession economic crisis of 2007 to 2009, many banks tightened up. While a number of banks and financial institutions failed during this global financial crisis, federal regulators approved Sunwest Bank to buy and revive five failed banks.

What is a Fortress Balance Sheet?

A fortress balance sheet is a term used to describe a financial strategy focused on maintaining exceptionally strong, resilient balance sheets with high levels of liquidity, low leverage, and significant capital reserves. This approach is intended to help companies or financial institutions like Sunwest Bank withstand downturns in the global economy, market volatility, and unexpected financial challenges. The concept gained prominence after the 2008 financial crisis, when many banks and corporations recognized the importance of maintaining financial flexibility and stability. Notably popularized by JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, the idea of a fortress balance sheet became a core financial strategy in the banking industry. In fact, the Federal Reserve has even stated institutions must hold more capital to be considered “well-capitalized”. Luckily, like JPMorgan Chase, Sunwest Bank was ahead of the game during the last major recession and will be prepared for the next, as we have always prioritized keeping our money—and, more importantly, your money—safe. Here is our CEO, Eric Hovde, providing more information: