Pacific Commerce Bank

Hoping to fill a void created by the pullback of Japanese banks from the California market, a group of Japanese American investors have set up their own bank in Los Angeles. Tucked away in a mini-mall at the edge of Little Tokyo, Pacific Commerce Bank is believed to be the only Japanese American-owned bank operating outside of Hawaii. Backed by 160 investors and $7.6 million in capital, the small bank is hoping to build its base around the Japanese American and Japanese expatriate communities.

The mystery over the unidentified investor who wants to buy as much as 20,000 shares of Pacific Commerce Bank's common stock continues, as an additional letter on behalf of the would-be buyer has been mailed to the bank's shareholders that identifies a San Diego law firm as the drop-off site for stock certificates to be sold.

Larry S. Miller has joined Pacific Commerce Bank as senior vice president and senior loan officer.