About Steve Balian
Steve Balian is the Managing Partner at SW&M LLP and a highly regarded leader in the Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) sector for financial institutions. With over 25 years of experience, Steve has built a reputation for successfully managing complex transactions and guiding clients through every stage of the M&A process. He has completed hundreds of mergers, consolidating billions of dollars in assets, including high-profile mergers of peers.
Under Steve’s leadership, SW&M’s M&A group has become known for its strategic approach, innovative solutions, and seamless execution of transactions that maximize value for clients. Steve has an extensive background working with a variety of credit unions and other financial institutions. He has facilitated transformative mergers that drive growth and enhance operational efficiency. His expertise covers not only M&A, but also corporate governance, contract negotiations, due diligence, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, and post-merger integration.
In addition to leading the firm’s M&A practice, Steve assists in leading the Contracts group and plays an integral role in the Insurance and Intellectual Property practice areas. His diverse experience enables him to offer clients holistic advice that aligns legal strategies with business goals.
Steve’s career in financial services began in his teens, influenced by his mother’s role as a credit union manager. Starting as a teller during college, he quickly discovered a passion for relationship-building and banking—a foundation that has shaped his successful career as one of the leading M&A attorneys in the industry today.
Steve is frequently invited to speak before senior executives and boards of financial institutions, sharing his insights on the latest trends in M&A, consolidation strategies, and best practices for navigating regulatory landscapes. Known for his pragmatic and client-focused approach, he is a trusted advisor to organizations looking to achieve growth through strategic mergers.
Education
- University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, JD
- University of California, Riverside, BS
Admissions & Memberships
- State Bar of California
- Massachusetts Bar Association
- Oregon State Bar
- Virginia State Bar
- State Bar of California Financial Institutions, Past Committee Member