In any language ... 'Bank' means essential partner for an individual or company.

And no less so for a community, perhaps especially if that community is a haven for immigrants working toward fulfilling their American dream. And in Los Angeles County these communities are being served by banks, largely homegrown, that reflect the ethnicities and sensitivities of local residents. They are Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Hispanic and Indian, with a Cambodian institution on the way. Indeed, a full 30 percent of the commercially insured banks based here are ethnic, with overseas-based institutions active in the market. This special report examines the growth of ethnic banking in the county, but also looks at the challenges facing the banks as their customers grow older and second-and third-generation immigrants become the targets of big mainstream banks seeking a piece of the action. More importantly, the section profiles the men and women who through their education, drive and hard work have established and operate these banks, which amid the heightened competition have ventured into mainstream financial markets, an indicator that ethnic banks are maturing beyond even their founders' dreams.