Our Story

Our story begins in 1902, and it carries on for well over a century, touching generations of families, businesses, and communities throughout the Northwest.

The history of Washington Trust.

From day one, we have been rooted in integrity and a commitment to community. These values center our business and guide our decisions and policies as we serve people in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon.

Today, we are the oldest and largest privately held commercial bank in the Northwest. We remain willfully independent and fully dedicated to doing right by our clients and communities. It’s an approach that lets us pursue long-term goals has guided us for more than 120 years.

Take a moment to see how we got here:

Date Event
1902 Washington Trust Company opens in Spokane, Washington.
1905 Checking accounts — novel at the time — become available.
1919 E.H. Stanton and his family purchase a controlling interest.
1932 Headquarters move to 715 Sprague Avenue.
1941 Fred Stanton becomes president of Washington Trust.
1950

Bank opens the first drive-up branch in the Pacific Northwest.
1962 Philip Stanton becomes president of Washington Trust.
1974 New headquarters undergo construction as the Bank supports Spokane’s World Fair.
1984

Bank receives State of Washington’s prestigious Governor’s Award for Outstanding Community Involvement.
1989

First Idaho branches open.
1990

Peter Stanton becomes president of Washington Trust.
1998

Bank’s first website goes live.
1999

Internet banking and online bill pay launch.
2000

First Seattle office opens. 
2000

Peter Stanton becomes CEO and Jack Heath becomes President and COO.
2002

Bank celebrates 100 years of service.
2004

First office opens in Portland, Oregon.
2010

Mobile banking makes its debut.
2012

Small Business Lending department opens and the Bank marks 110 years of service.
2016

International banking services are available and the Bank acquires a SWIFT code.
2018

Assets under management surpass $6 billion.
2020

COVID-19 closes lobbies for safety and 8,000+ PPP loans are facilitated.
2022

Assets under management reach $10 billion.
2023

Peter Stanton becomes executive chairman, Jack Heath remains as CEO, and Kevin Blair becomes president.





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Aerial image of a forest
Washington Trust Bank employees volunteering in Spokane, WA.

We love lending a hand.

Sure, we’re bankers by profession, but we’re humans at heart, and serving our neighbors gives us real purpose. By donating time, funds, and talent, the people of Washington Trust help our communities thrive.