The Mission Driven Bank Fund (MDBF) recently participated in a webinar hosted by the National Bankers Association, focusing on how strategic capital, technical services, and impact measurement can help community-focused financial institutions achieve their growth and mission objectives. The event featured insights from MDBF's Portfolio Manager Paul Welch, Senior Officer Mayowa Sanusi, Anchor Bank President and CEO Nelson Hinojosa, and Matt Shields of Performance Trust Capital Partners.
Nicole Elam, President and CEO of the National Bankers Association, emphasized the importance of access to capital for these institutions, stating, "Access to capital is critical to helping these institutions grow and deepen their impact, and we were pleased to create an opportunity for our members to learn more about the Fund and the resources available to support their growth." The webinar underscored the Fund's commitment to supporting community-focused banks through a combination of flexible capital, technical services, and impact measurement, designed to strengthen balance sheets, pursue growth opportunities, and expand economic opportunities in underserved communities.
Anchor Bank's experience served as a case study, demonstrating how strategic capital can advance an institution's long-term objectives. Through two rounds of investment, MDBF provided capital that supported the bank's growth and strengthened its balance sheet, along with technical services and impact measurement resources. Hinojosa noted, "The Mission Driven Bank Fund provides more than capital. It provides strategic partnership, credibility and ongoing support that helps us continue pursuing our mission and growth objectives." Since joining MDBF's portfolio, Anchor Bank has strengthened its capital position, expanded its footprint, and continued serving its target markets while pursuing growth in new regions.
The discussion also included a market update from Performance Trust, highlighting improving conditions across bank capital markets and the growing availability of capital solutions to support strategic growth and balance sheet management. Shields praised MDBF, saying, "There's no one as focused on serving and investing in MDIs and CDFIs across the country as the Mission Driven Bank Fund." Welch expressed appreciation for the National Bankers Association's support, stating, "We appreciate ongoing National Bankers Association support and collaboration to advance the missions of both the banks and our fund."
The Mission Driven Bank Fund works to foster a stronger, more accessible banking system by investing in and providing technical services to mission-driven banks that offer credit and financial services to low- and moderate-income (LMI) and other underserved communities. The Fund's mission is to drive growth and financial resiliency in the mission-driven bank sector, translating into wealth creation in the communities these banks serve. Elizabeth Park Capital Management and Calvert Impact are members of the Fund's general partner, with Strategic Value Bank Partners as sub-advisor and Performance Trust as capital advisor. For more information, visit www.missiondrivenbankfund.org.
