The Mission Driven Bank Fund (MDBF) recently participated in a webinar with the National Bankers Association to discuss 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 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 such collaborations: "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 emphasized the Fund's commitment to supporting community-focused financial institutions through a combination of flexible capital, technical services, and impact measurement. The Fund's investments are designed to help institutions strengthen their balance sheets, pursue growth opportunities, and expand economic opportunities in the communities they serve. This holistic approach is central to the Fund's mission of fostering a stronger, more accessible banking system for low- and moderate-income (LMI) and other underserved communities.
Anchor Bank's experience served as a real-world example of 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. Beyond capital, the Fund's partnership included technical services and impact measurement resources, which helped Anchor Bank refine its operations and measure its social impact. Since joining MDBF's portfolio, Anchor Bank has strengthened its capital position, expanded its footprint, and continued serving its target markets while pursuing growth opportunities in new regions.
Nelson Hinojosa, President and CEO of Anchor Bank, highlighted the multifaceted value of the partnership: "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." His remarks underscore the importance of non-financial support in enabling community banks to thrive in a competitive environment.
The webinar also included a market update from Performance Trust, which highlighted improving conditions across bank capital markets and the growing availability of capital solutions to support strategic growth, balance sheet management, and long-term institutional objectives. Matt Shields of Performance Trust praised the Fund's role: "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."
The partnership between MDBF and the National Bankers Association is part of a broader effort to address the capital needs of minority depository institutions (MDIs) and community development financial institutions (CDFIs). These banks often face challenges in accessing affordable capital, which can limit their ability to serve underserved communities. By providing flexible capital and technical expertise, MDBF aims to help these institutions grow and deepen their impact, ultimately contributing to wealth creation in the communities they serve.
Paul Welch, Portfolio Manager at MDBF, expressed gratitude for the ongoing collaboration: "We appreciate ongoing National Bankers Association support and collaboration to advance the missions of both the banks and our fund." This sentiment reflects the mutual benefits of such partnerships in advancing financial inclusion.
The Mission Driven Bank Fund, managed with the involvement of Elizabeth Park Capital Management and Calvert Impact, is a specialist investor in U.S. banks and a leading impact investing firm, respectively. Strategic Value Bank Partners serves as sub-advisor, and Performance Trust acts as capital advisor and structuring agent. For more information, visit www.missiondrivenbankfund.org.
