Washington Federal, Inc., doing business as WaFd (NASDAQ:WAFD) Bank, is a publicly traded bank holding company headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Through its subsidiary, WaFd Bank, the company provides a range of banking and financial services to individuals, small-to-medium enterprises, and commercial clients. Established in 1917 as Ballard Savings & Loan in Seattle, the institution expanded over decades to serve customers across the Western United States under the Washington Federal name and has operated as a public company since the early 1980s.
WaFd Bank’s core offerings encompass deposit accounts such as checking, savings, money market, and certificates of deposit, alongside consumer and commercial lending products. The bank specializes in residential mortgage origination and servicing, home equity lines of credit, and construction and land development loans. For business clients, WaFd provides commercial real estate financing, equipment loans, working capital lines of credit, and treasury management solutions designed to streamline cash flow and payment processing.
In addition to traditional banking activities, WaFd Bank offers wealth management and trust services, including investment advisory, retirement planning, and estate administration. Insurance and employee benefit plan services are also part of the company’s product suite, allowing clients to access property and casualty policies, life insurance, and group benefit plans. These complementary services aim to provide a comprehensive financial solution under a single institutional umbrella.
With a branch network of over 170 locations, WaFd Bank serves customers in Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The company emphasizes community engagement and local decision-making to tailor solutions to regional market needs. Brent J. Beardall serves as President and Chief Executive Officer, leading a senior management team focused on sustainable growth, risk management, and delivering personalized customer experiences.