WaFd Shareholders Reelect Directors, Back Say-on-Pay and Deloitte at Virtual Annual Meeting

Bank holds 44th annual shareholder meeting since going public in 1982, celebrates 109th year since 1917 founding.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 11:39pm

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WaFd NASDAQ: WAFD held its annual meeting of shareholders in a virtual format, with Chairman Stephen Graham opening the session by noting it was the company's 44th annual shareholder meeting since going public in 1982 and that the bank is in its 109th year since its 1917 founding. Shareholders reelected four directors, approved a non-binding advisory vote on named executive officer compensation, and ratified Deloitte & Touche LLP as the company's independent auditor for fiscal year 2026.

Why it matters

As a publicly traded company, WaFd's annual shareholder meeting is an important event where investors can vote on key issues like director elections, executive compensation, and the selection of the independent auditor. The meeting provides insight into the bank's strategic priorities, financial performance, and corporate governance.

The details

During the meeting, Vice Chairman Brent Beardall highlighted the pending retirement of director David K. Grant and said four directors were standing for reelection to three-year terms. Shareholders also approved a non-binding advisory vote on named executive officer compensation and ratified Deloitte & Touche LLP as the independent auditor. In the Q&A session, topics discussed included the bank's approach to physical branches versus digital initiatives, competition from private equity and credit unions, and any potential interest in acquiring WaFd.

  • WaFd held its 44th annual shareholder meeting since going public in 1982.
  • The bank is in its 109th year since its 1917 founding.

The players

Stephen Graham

Chairman of the board, who joined in 2019 and leads the executive committee.

Randall H. Talbot

A director since 2012, who chairs the bank's risk management and nominating and governance committees.

Bradley M. Shuster

Executive chairman and chairman of the board of NMI Holdings, who serves on the audit and nominating and governance committees. Beardall said Shuster will become audit committee chair following Grant's retirement.

M. Max Yzaguirre

Serves on the compensation and risk committees and has prior banking board experience described during the meeting.

David K. Grant

A director since 2012 who was set to retire following the meeting, having chaired the audit committee and also served on the compensation and risk committees.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.