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American Savings Bank Named Best Bank by HONOLULU Magazine

ASB July 12, 2023 | 1 MIN read Personal

American Savings Bank (ASB) was recently voted a Best Bank in HONOLULU Magazine’s “Best of HONOLULU” list.

American Savings Bank Best Bank for Best of Honolulu 2023

The annual “Best of HONOLULU” award list celebrates the best businesses – from local eats and entertainment to fitness facilities and banks – the island has to offer. Awardees were voted by the publication’s readers in a competitive process that launched in February. 

In addition to being named a Best Bank, three of ASB’s Buy Local, Save Local, Enjoy Local partners also made the prestigious list. Click the names to check out their exclusive Buy Local offer when using an ASB personal Visa® Debit card.

  1. Best Burger: Chubbies Burgers
  2. Best Boba Tea: It’s Tea Hawaii
  3. Best Gift for an Office with a Freezer: Sage Creamery
  4. Best Seafood: Herringbone Waikiki (finalist in Hawaii Business Magazine’s Hale Aina awards)

The accomplishment adds to ASB’s growing list of awards it has received this year, thanks to the team’s commitment making banking easy and convenient, including being voted a Best Bank in Hawaii by Forbes. 

Make an appointment with ASB’s friendly and knowledgeable experts today to experience the exceptional customer service that resulted in ASB’s Best Bank award.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

Media Contact

Karwin Sui
Communications Manager
(808) 539-7268
ksui@asbhawaii.com

Thank you for registering for our Market Commentary & the Current State of the Economy Seminar

We are excited to have you join our presentation on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. HST. This engaging and in-person event will be at the American Savings Bank Campus located at 300 N. Beretania Street.

Growing money

Save the Date for our
Market Commentary & the Current State of the Economy Seminar

Date

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Time

  • 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    Pupu & Cocktails (Room Hale Ikena)

  • 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
    Presentation (Room Kakou 1 & 2)

  • 7:30 p.m.
    Evening Concludes

Location

American Savings Bank - Campus Location
300 N. Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI 96817

Complimentary valet service will be provided. Please enter Campus on the driveway off Aala Street.

Please enter through the lobby where you will be met by our greeters and escorted to the 7th floor.

Want to be reminded? Click here to add the Market Commentary & the Current State of the Economy Seminar to your device's calendar.

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MEET YOUR PRESENTERS

Candice Tse Headshot

Candice Tse
Global Client Business within Goldman Sachs Asset Management

Candice serves as global head of the Strategic Advisory Solutions team. She focuses on global capital market research, macroeconomic strategy, portfolio construction and client engagement. In addition, Candice developed the firm's EMPOWER the Investor framework, which guides Asian, Black, female, Hispanic/Latinx and LGBTQ+ investors toward greater financial success. She also serves as co-head of the Asian Network within Asset Management. Candice earned a BS in Marketing, magna cum laude, from Rutgers University and an MBA in Finance and Management from Columbia Business School.

Lynne Kinney Headshot

Lynne Kinney
Principal of CKW Financial Group and CIO of CKW Global Balanced Model

Lynne is a co-strategist on CKW Financial Group’s Opportunistic Global Balanced portfolio, a Morningstar ranked world allocation strategy. Lynne specializes in retirement planning, client strategies, dynamic asset allocation, and investment implementation to provide overtime, risk-adjusted returns that will help clients achieve their goals. With over 25 years in the financial industry, Lynne was a Fidelity featured RIA and nominated as Wealth Management’s Top 25 Women-owned RIAs.

Carl Choy Headshot

Carl Choy
Principal of CKW Financial Group

Carl is a co-strategist of the CKW Global Balanced Model with Ms. Kinney. Carl focuses on estate planning, client strategies, dynamic asset allocation, and investment implementation to protect clients’ capital during volatile markets while preparing to capture incremental returns over time. With over 35 years of experience, Carl was featured as Hawaii’s #1 Advisor by Hawaii Business Magazine.

Presenters’ views and opinions are their own. Attendees may wish to seek additional information that’s tailored to their situations respectively.

 

Not FDIC Insured

Not Bank Guaranteed

May Lose Value

Not Insured by any Federal Government Agency

Not a Bank Deposit

 

 

 
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ASB and Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines Award $1.8M to Local Nonprofits

ASB June 21, 2023 | 3 MIN read News Releases

American Savings Bank (ASB) and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines) are proud to announce the award of $1.8 million to eight local nonprofits through ASB and the FHLB Des Moines Member Impact Fund. The matching grant program provides up to $15 million to strengthen communities in targeted areas of the FHLB Des Moines district.

“We are honored to partner with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines to support the important work carried out by our local nonprofit organizations,” said Ann Teranishi, president and CEO at ASB. “Through our collaboration, we aim to provide workforce development, financial education and affordable housing programs and opportunities that will make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of individuals and families in Hawaii. Together, we can foster a stronger, more inclusive community where everyone can thrive.”

The Member Impact Fund provides a nearly $3-to-$1 matching grant award. With ASB’s commitment of $500,000 and FHLB Des Moines’ matching grant of $1.3 million, a total of $1.8 million will be donated to eight nonprofit organizations. These grants aim to tackle critical challenges in our state and provide much-needed support to residents facing high living expenses and a shortage of affordable housing.

“FHLB Des Moines is very pleased to partner with American Savings Bank through the Member Impact Fund. The fund enables our members to connect directly with local organizations who matter to them, creating value and lasting impact in their own communities,” said Kris Williams, president and CEO of FHLB Des Moines. “The commitment of members like American Savings Bank, paired with their connection to local organizations, help advance the good work being done in its community.”

ASB received approval for all eight applications submitted, which represents more than one-third of the 21 grants awarded to Hawaii. Recipient member organizations were selected based on their requests for grant funding to enhance their capacity and strengthen their ability to serve affordable housing and community development needs.

Nonprofits Receiving Grants From ASB:

  • Aloha United Way
    • Award: $90,317
    • Initiative and Programs Supported: The ALICE Initiative (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)
  • Dynamic Community Solutions
    • Award: $180,634
    • Initiative and Programs Supported: Development of the Puuhonua o Waianae farm village
  • Hawaii Community Lending
    • Award: $361,267
    • Initiative and Programs Supported: Construction loans for native Hawaiian families with no down payment required
  • Hawaii Homeownership Center
    • Award: $36,127
    • Initiative and Programs Supported: Housing counseling for low- to moderate-income families and individuals
  • Hawaii Community Assets
    • Award: $903,168
    • Initiative and Programs Supported: Housing counseling and support for the Kahua Waiwai homebuyer program
  • Kupu Hawaii
    • Award: $90,317
    • Initiative and Programs Supported: Workforce development programs for under-resourced youth
  • Partners in Development Foundation
    • Award: $54,190
    • Initiative and Programs Supported: KA’A education savings account program
  • XLR8X
    • Award: $90,317
    • Initiative and Programs Supported: Support for local small businesses through XLR8X’s proven accelerator program

The nonprofits were chosen by ASB for their alignment with ASB’s charitable focus areas in financial wellness, innovation, entrepreneurship and affordable housing.

In addition to this grant program, ASB recently collaborated with Hawaii Community Lending to announce a $4 million investment in homeownership opportunities for eligible native Hawaiians residing on Hawaiian home lands.

ASB will host a celebration event to present the awards to the nonprofits, marking their commitment to bringing real impact to the community.

Media Contact

Karwin Sui
Communications Manager
(808) 539-7268
ksui@asbhawaii.com

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American Savings Bank Named Hawaii’s #1 Best Bank in Forbes 2023 List

ASB June 20, 2023 | 1 MIN read News Releases

American Savings Bank (ASB) has been recognized as the only bank in Hawaii named on Forbes’ America’s Best-In-State Banks 2023 list. This prestigious recognition is based on customer satisfaction and feedback from approximately 31,000 survey participants.

American Savings Bank Named Best Bank in Hawaii 2023 by Forbes

“Being named one of the best banks in Hawaii is a tremendous honor for American Savings Bank,” said Ann Teranishi, president and CEO at ASB. “This honor, along with our recent recognitions as one of Forbes’ Best Midsize Employers, Best Employers for Women and Best Employers for Veterans, serves as a strong testament to the outstanding efforts and continued dedication of our teammates to making dreams possible. We are grateful to our customers for recognizing our commitment to trust and service.”

The Best-In-State Banks list is a nationwide survey that asks participants to rate financial institutions where they currently hold or previously held savings or checking accounts. Participants provided recommendations based on overall satisfaction and were assessed in areas such as trust, branch services, digital services, customer services, financial advice and terms and conditions. The comprehensive evaluation of each financial institution included an assessment of online reviews and ratings posted on Google Reviews between March 2020 and April 2023.

Out of all banks across the country, only 137 banks were awarded, representing less than 3.3% of all banks nationwide.

ASB provides a wide range of personalized services and products designed to help customers achieve their financial milestones. These include business and personal transaction accounts, competitive lending services, a comprehensive lineup of commercial banking products and private wealth management services through the American Savings Investment Services team.

Recognizing the uniqueness of every financial situation in Hawaii, ASB is committed to delivering personalized solutions to meet specific goals and needs. To schedule an appointment with a knowledgeable banker, please visit asbhawaii.com/make-appointment.

Media Contact

Karwin Sui
Communications Manager
(808) 539-7268
ksui@asbhawaii.com

Byron Yap Headshot

Byron Yap

First Vice President
Residential Loan Team Leader

 

American Savings Bank

NMLS #860092
Equal Housing Lender
Mobile: (808) 280-3491
byap@asbhawaii.com

APPLY NOWLET'S MEET

Byron joins the Home Loans team with nearly 15 years of experience in the banking industry. Previously a loan officer at another local bank, Byron is committed to making dreams possible by offering personalized solutions for his clients’ needs and goals. He is passionate about helping customers find their ideal home and has extensive knowledge in first time home purchases, resort properties and real estate investments.

Byron attended the University of Hawaii and holds a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist (CMPS) certificate.

In his spare time, he enjoys foilboarding, stand-up paddleboarding and biking with his Belgian Malinois dog.

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3 Tips for Buying Your Dream Home in Hawaii

ASB June 09, 2023 | 2 MIN read Personal

Are you dreaming of owning a home in Hawaii? We’re here to help. At American Savings Bank (ASB), we’re committed to helping you achieve your homeownership dreams, whether you’re a first-time home buyer or seasoned investor. Stefan Kant, residential loan officer, shares three tips to help you secure your dream home in Hawaii.

 

Tip #1: Determine Your Budget

Before beginning your homebuying journey, it’s important to establish your budget. ASB offers free online calculators that can help you figure out your comfortable monthly spending limit. In addition to considering your mortgage payment, remember to include recurring expenses such as car payments, utilities, phone bills, food and more. Understanding your budget will guide you in finding a home that fits your financial situation.

Tip #2: Build Your Credit Score

Building a strong credit score is essential when applying for a mortgage loan and it will help you get your dream home. A high credit score demonstrates your financial responsibility and increases your chances of securing favorable terms. According to Experian, one of the three major credit bureaus in the country, you can improve your credit score by paying bills on time, keeping credit card balances low and avoiding opening new credit cards. You can also build up your credit score by reducing your debt-to-income ratio, which compares your monthly income to your outstanding debts. Maintaining a low debt-to-income ratio will help you maintain a higher credit score, which will help you qualify for lower interest rates and better terms on your mortgage loan.

Tip #3: Explore Your Mortgage Loan Options

While owning a home in Hawaii may seem like a distant dream for some, ASB offers a solution that can make that dream possible.

With a Jumbo Loan, you can borrow more than $1,089,000, providing you the financial flexibility to purchase your dream home. As an added benefit, you can combine your Jumbo Loan with a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). This Jumbo Loan “Piggyback” combination offers remarkable advantages, including:

  • A combined loan amount of up to $2 million
  • Financing for 90% of the project. That means you only need a 10% down payment!
  • Avoiding mortgage insurance, which is usually required for down payments under 20%

 

At ASB, our experts are committed to helping you find the best mortgage solution to fit your needs and dream home goals. Speak with one of our experienced mortgage loan officers to get started today!

TAKE THE NEXT STEP TOWARDS REACHING YOUR FINANCIAL DREAMS

American Savings Bank (ASB) is proud to collaborate with Partners in Development Foundation to empower families to take charge of their financial health and help them reach their financial goals! The tools and resources below can help families manage their money and practice healthy financial habits to make their dreams possible.

Partners in Development Foundation Logo

1

Take Our Financial Checkup Quiz 
Use our Financial Checkup Tool to understand your current financial health. 
 

2

Budgeting Resources 
Our get started with budgeting resource can help you understand your income and expenses to create a budget that works for you. Once you created a budget, see how you can save for long and short term financial goals. 
 

3

Learn More About Your Finances 
Learn more about your finances with the resources below. 

4

Use Our Calculators 
See where your money's going with easy-to-use inputs. Use our Calculators to prepare for your financial goals.

NEXT STEPS

Whether you are buying a home, paying for your keiki's education or saving for retirement, ASB is here to help you every step of the way to help achieve your dreams.

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ASB and Fiserv Award $10,000 to Local Business in Molokai

ASB May 24, 2023 | 2 MIN read News Releases

American Savings Bank (ASB), in collaboration with Fiserv, Inc., is proud to announce the recipient of a $10,000 grant as part of the Fiserv Back2Business program. Molokai Auto Parts, an automotive supply store serving the Molokai community for nearly four years, was selected as the distinguished recipient of this grant for their remarkable business and community contributions, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Molokai Auto Parts

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and providing additional financial resources can help ensure they continue to succeed in today’s challenging economy,” said Dani Aiu, executive vice president, commercial banking. “The Back2Business grant recognizes Molokai Auto Parts’ invaluable contributions to the community and will provide more resources for growth, helping to support a stronger, thriving Hawaii.”

The Back2Business program is a $50 million commitment to support minority-owned small businesses through grants, coaching and access to technology and networking opportunities. Since 2020, Back2Business has awarded more than 1,600 grants to minority-, women-, veteran-, LGBTQ+- and ethnically diverse-owned businesses in the United States and United Kingdom.

“American Savings Bank and Fiserv share a commitment to giving back with a focus on enhancing the future of communities where we have a presence,” said Neil Wilcox, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Fiserv. “We are honored to partner with the bank to recognize Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and award a Back2Business grant to Molokai Auto Parts, which will also receive a technology makeover with our Clover point of sale and business management system specifically designed to meet the needs of small businesses.”

Molokai Auto Parts was selected from a competitive pool of applicants due to its exceptional commitment to customer service and crucial role in serving the automotive needs of the Molokai community. Since 2019, the store has been an essential source of support for Molokai, providing quality automotive parts and accessories, while fostering strong relationships with local customers.

“We are honored and excited to receive the Back2Business grant from American Savings Bank and Fiserv,” said Lani Ozaki, owner of Molokai Auto Parts. “The pandemic impacted us in significant ways, from supply chain issues that presented challenges with supplying much-needed products to the island to a dangerous drop in revenue, however, that did not deter us from finding ways to continue giving back to our customers and the community. This grant will allow us to enhance our inventory and upgrade technology, ultimately enhancing the customer experience and drive growth.”

Molokai Auto Parts grant recipients were joined by ASB and Fiserv representatives at the award ceremony event on May 24 and received a certificate for their accomplishments. As a Back2Business grant award recipient, Molokai Auto Parts will receive access to resources, including complimentary small business coaching and community partnerships.

Media Contact

Karwin Sui
Communications Manager
(808) 539-7268
ksui@asbhawaii.com

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ASB Invests More Than $4.3 Million in Hawaii Community Lending

ASB May 23, 2023 | 2 MIN read News Releases

American Savings Bank (ASB), in collaboration with Hawaii Community Lending (HCL), announced the bank’s $4.3 million investment in homeownership opportunities for native Hawaiians eligible to reside on Hawaiian home lands.

Mom with kids in yard Photo courtesy: Hawaii Community Lending

HCL, a nonprofit community development financial institution, will use $4 million of ASB’s investment to offer interim construction loans requiring no down payment to native Hawaiians across the state. ASB’s investment comes at a time when the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), under the leadership of new director Kali Watson, plans to spend $600 million in state funds for housing.

In addition to the investment, ASB will provide a $365,000 grant to HCL to support operations of the construction loan fund. ASB leveraged a 2.6x match from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines under the Member Impact Fund, a $15 million initiative aimed to increase resources for affordable housing in Hawaii and other underserved states and territories.
 

Mom with kids in yard Photo courtesy: Hawaii Community Lending

“We mahalo ASB for their commitment to housing Hawaiians,” said Jeff Gilbreath, executive director at HCL. “This $4.3 million is just the beginning. It represents a down payment on what we believe will grow into the largest investment of private capital into housing Hawaiian home land beneficiaries since the creation of the trust lands more than 100 years ago.”

According to Gilbreath, nearly 800 native Hawaiians with paper leases under DHHL’s Undivided Interest Lessee Program are unable to build homes due to lack of affordable construction financing and infrastructure. With DHHL’s plan to use part of the $600 million allocation from the State for critical infrastructure needs, ASB’s investment in HCL will give native Hawaiians new capability to construct and own a home in Hawaii.

“We are committed to building on our efforts to expand access to affordable homeownership,” said Ann Teranishi, president and CEO at ASB. “It is our obligation and privilege to give back to the communities we serve. We are proud to partner with Hawaii Community Lending to create positive change for Hawaii.”

“This type of partnership does not happen overnight,” Gilbreath said. “It requires us to be upfront and clear with one another about our intentions. As we move forward, ASB and HCL continue to have many conversations about how to best support the community. I feel confident that we can provide interim construction loans to Hawaiian families who deserve them, and over time develop a larger, more extensive partnership that always puts community at the forefront.”

Native Hawaiian families in need of a construction loan on Hawaiian home lands are encouraged to sign up for HCL’s interest list so they can apply for a loan once funding becomes available. To join the interest list, call HCL at (808) 587-7656 or visit HawaiiCommunityLending.com/buy-a-home to complete the contact form.

Text Display: To provide an optimal viewing experience, we refrained from using diacritical marks on this webpage.

Media Contact

Karwin Sui
Communications Manager
(808) 539-7268
ksui@asbhawaii.com

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ASB Donates More Than $368,000 to Support Local Nonprofits Addressing Critical Community Needs

ASB May 22, 2023 | 2 MIN read News Releases

American Savings Bank (ASB) is proud to announce that its 2023 Kahiau Giving Campaign has raised $368,268, which will enable local organizations to continue providing vital resources and services to the community. Nearly 94 percent of ASB teammates participated in the annual workplace giving program, resulting in the largest Kahiau donation since the program’s inception in 2011.

“Our Kahiau partners have shown unwavering dedication to serving the community, providing essential services and bringing hope to those who need it most,” said Ann Teranishi, president and CEO at ASB. “We are honored to support their missions and proud of our 1,100 teammates for their ongoing commitment to making a positive impact.”

The campaign received $218,268 in teammate donations, with ASB contributing an additional matching donation of $150,000 to further increase the impact.

The theme of this year’s Kahiau campaign, “Planting Seeds for a Thriving Community,” aligns with ASB’s mission to nurture and uplift communities. Symbolizing nourishment, strength and cultural significance, the contributions made through the Kahiau campaign represent the collective effort to create a flourishing and resilient Hawaii, much like the symbolic kalo plant found in ASB’s logo.

In Hawaiian, “Kahiau” means “to give from the heart without expecting anything in return.” The funds raised were distributed to Child & Family Service, Kapiolani Health Foundation, Kupu Hawaii, Partners in Development Foundation and United Way chapters (Aloha United Way, Friendly Isle United Fund, Hawaii Island United Way, Kauai United Way and Maui United Way).

“Collaborating with like-minded organizations such as American Savings Bank helps us provide valuable resources to our families, community and economy,” said Dr. Shawn Kanaiaupuni, president and CEO at Partners in Development Foundation. “Through American Savings Bank’s support, we continue to create a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.”

ASB’s donations support organizations that focus on improving education and financial wellness, strengthening families, promoting economic vitality by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, increasing access to and the supply of affordable housing, and supporting the revitalization of Aala Park and the Kalihi-Chinatown neighborhood.

In 2022, ASB donated over $1.4 million to nearly 125 local nonprofit organizations. ASB teammates contributed hands-on impact through over 12,000 Seeds of Service volunteer hours, collaborating with over 180 nonprofit organizations.

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to American Savings Bank for its invaluable partnership in our mission to enrich the lives of Hawaii’s residents,” said John Fink, president and CEO at Aloha United Way. “American Savings Bank’s generous support through its tremendous Kahiau Giving Campaign enables AUW to drive significant impact in addressing important community needs, from education and financial stability to health and well-being.”

ASB has donated more than 112,000 Seeds of Service volunteer hours and millions of dollars to Hawaii’s nonprofits and community organizations, including over $2.9 million raised through the Kahiau Giving Campaign since its inception in 2011.

Total ASB Donation: $368,268

Total ASB Donation $368,268 Donations

Aloha United Way: $69,940 donation

Aloha United Way $69,940 Donations

Child & Family Service: $98,858 donation

Child and Family Service $98,858 donation

Kapiolani Health Foundation: $92,387 donation

Kapiolani Health Foundation $92,387 donation

Kupu Hawaii: $57,013 donation

Kupu Hawaii $57,013 donation

Partners in Development Foundation: $48,182 donation

Partners in Development Foundation $48,182 donation

Media Contact

Karwin Sui
Communications Manager
(808) 539-7268
ksui@asbhawaii.com

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