Mission Driven Bank Fund and National Bankers Association Highlight Strategic Capital's Role in Community Banking

The Mission Driven Bank Fund (MDBF) recently participated in a National Bankers Association (NBA) webinar focused on how strategic capital, technical services, and impact measurement can help community-focused financial institutions achieve growth and mission objectives. The session featured MDBF Portfolio Manager Paul Welch; Senior Officer for Technical Services and Impact Measurement and Management Mayowa Sanusi; Anchor Bank President and CEO Nelson Hinojosa; and Matt Shields, Head of Financial Institutions Group Markets at Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC.

Nicole Elam, President and CEO of the National Bankers Association, underscored the importance of the partnership, stating, "The Mission Driven Bank Fund has been a valued partner to the National Bankers Association for the past several years, and we appreciate their continued commitment to our members and the broader mission-driven banking sector. 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."

During the discussion, MDBF leaders highlighted the Fund's approach of combining flexible capital, technical services, and impact measurement to support community-focused financial institutions. These investments are designed to strengthen balance sheets, pursue growth opportunities, and expand economic opportunities in underserved communities.

Anchor Bank's experience illustrated the central role strategic capital can play in advancing an institution's long-term objectives. With two rounds of investment from MDBF, Anchor Bank strengthened its capital position and expanded its footprint while continuing to serve its target markets and pursue growth in new regions. 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."

The webinar also included a market update from Performance Trust, highlighting improving conditions in bank capital markets and the growing availability of capital solutions for strategic growth and balance sheet management. Shields commented, "I continue to commend the Mission Driven Bank Fund. 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 NBA's collaboration, saying, "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 serve 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 and structuring agent. For more information, visit www.missiondrivenbankfund.org.