HUNTINGTON BEACH

The city’s first independent bank in two years is close to raising the $5 million required for regulatory approval. About 350 shareholders have helped Pacific Liberty Bank come within $150,000 of its goal for a May opening. All that’s required is a final financial push before the April 21 regulatory deadline, said bank President Rick Ganulin. The financial institution, which occupies the former 1st Interstate Bank building at Adams Avenue and Beach Boulevard, will lend the bulk of its deposits to businesses and people within Orange County, Ganulin said. “We’re not lending to Brazil,” he said. “We’re not lending to a company in New York.” By staying small, the bank can respond to customers’ needs quickly, Ganulin said.