<p>Soil nail-pre-stressed anchor composite retaining walls have become popular in some parts of the world recently since they combine benefits of the two retaining systems. Due to the use of these walls for both temporary and permanent retaining applications, it is of interest to examine their behavior for both static and earthquake loading. However, their behavior under earthquake loading has received little, if any, attention. In this paper, a typical 20&#xa0;m high composite wall is studied under static and earthquake loading using Finite Element Modeling, verified by comparison with full-scale and model testing data. Various nail and anchor arrangements are considered in order to obtain the more favorable pattern. Wall failure mechanisms, lateral movement, ground surface settlement, nail axial forces, static and dynamic factors of safety, etc. are considered. Potential failure surfaces under earthquake loading are determined based on the maximum incremental shear strains developed. It is shown that in composite walls, two stabilized zones and internal failure surfaces develop above the global failure surface, the shapes of which depend on the anchor locations. Due to the upward propagation of the earthquake load, anchors produce a “shadow effect” for the nails above, preventing significant earthquake loads from reaching these upper nails. Wall rotation and larger lateral displacements in the upper elevations occur if anchors are installed in the lower elevations; and, high displacements develop in the lower elevations if anchors are installed in the upper elevations. Best performance is obtained when anchors are installed at about the wall mid-height.</p>