Profile

Live Oak Bank is a direct bank headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina. It is a subsidiary of Live Oak Bancshares, Inc., a bank holding company. The bank specializes in originating business loans that are guaranteed by the Small Business Administration to companies in 16 specific industries. Along with Wells Fargo and Newtek Business Services, it is one of the largest originators of loans guaranteed by the SBA. The company typically sells 90% of its loans, including the portion guaranteed by the SBA. The company does not have any branches but has offices in North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and California. The bank was founded in February 2008 by James S. Mahan III, who also founded Cardinal Bank and S1 Corporation. At first, the bank lent only to veterinarians.