The Mission Driven Bank Fund (MDBF) recently participated in a webinar hosted by the National Bankers Association (NBA) to discuss how strategic capital, technical services, and impact measurement can collectively help community-focused financial institutions achieve their growth and mission objectives. The session featured MDBF Portfolio Manager Paul Welch; Senior Officer, Technical Services and Impact Measurement and Management Mayowa Sanusi; Anchor Bank President and CEO Nelson Hinojosa; and Head of Financial Institutions Group Markets Matt Shields of Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC.
Nicole Elam, President and CEO of the National Bankers Association, emphasized the importance of the partnership: "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 dual approach of providing flexible capital alongside technical services and impact measurement. This combination is designed to help institutions strengthen their balance sheets, pursue growth opportunities, and expand economic opportunities in the communities they serve. The Fund's investments are tailored to support mission-driven banks that often serve low- and moderate-income (LMI) and other underserved communities.
Anchor Bank's experience served as a case study, demonstrating the tangible benefits of strategic capital. Through two rounds of investment, MDBF provided capital that supported the bank's growth and strengthened its balance sheet, while also offering technical services and impact measurement resources. Hinojosa provided a firsthand perspective: "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 webinar also included a market update from Performance Trust, which highlighted improving conditions in bank capital markets and the growing availability of capital solutions to support strategic growth, balance sheet management, and long-term institutional objectives. Shields commended the Fund: "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 ongoing collaboration: "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. Its 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 missiondrivenbankfund.org.
