From the Desk of the President: A Message to Our Community

Dear Neighbors and Customers,

As we move further into 2026, I am struck by how much our community continues to grow while remaining anchored by the values that have defined Malvern for generations. At The National Bank of Malvern, we often talk about our history—from our founding on a dirt-road King Street in 1884 to operating out of the same Victorian brick building on King Street today. But our legacy isn’t just about old clocks and original vaults; it is about the unwavering trust you have placed in us for over 140 years.

Being a true community bank means more than just providing a place for your deposits. It means we are personally invested in the success of the families and local businesses that make this region thrive. Whether you are visiting us to open a Certificate of Deposit, seeking a loan for a new family home, or simply stopping in to see our latest lobby display, our goal is to provide a level of personal service that is increasingly rare in today’s digital world.

As we look toward the months ahead, I want to reiterate a few of our core commitments to you:

  • Support for Local Business: We urge you to “shop local.” Your support for the businesses on our streets is what keeps our local economy vibrant and resilient. 
  • Independent Stability: We remain committed to staying an independent and safe institution, ensuring that decisions about your financial future are made right here in Malvern, not in a distant corporate office. 
  • Modern Convenience: While we cherish our history, we continue to invest in the latest online and mobile banking tools to ensure you can manage your finances 24/7, with the same security and ease you expect from a national leader.

Thank you for being part of our story. We are honored to be your financial partner and look forward to helping you achieve your goals throughout 2026 and beyond.

Sincerely,

James Fooskas
President and CEO
The National Bank of Malvern

Our History
“About 32 leading men of the community,” according to the original minute book, assembled December 24, 1883, in Malvern Hall for the purpose of “starting a National Bank of Malvern.” Prior to that in a letter dated December 18, 1883, John J. Knox, Comptroller of the Currency, approved and authorized a National Bank here with a capital of $50,000.

The Bank opened for business on April 7, 1884. Charles C. Highley, the first officer, began a family tradition of bank operations that continues to this day.

The Bank received from the Comptroller of the Currency $16,000 in currency notes in denominations of 10s and 20s. This paper currency was received by the Bank in uncut strips and unsigned. The local Bank then cut the strips into individual notes and the President and Cashier then signed each note.

While the faith of the United States government was strong, the early builders of the Bank had some doubts. The original building was built to double as an apartment house if the Bank failed to succeed.

The Bank DID succeed, however. It has conducted business in this building on the corner of King Street & Warren Avenue in Malvern, PA, since April 1, 1887.

George Norman Highley served as President from 1951 to 1952 and 1967 to 1978.

The Willits Family, direct descendants of Charles C. Highley, original Cashier, still lead the Bank today.