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 session featured insights from MDBF's Portfolio Manager Paul Welch, Senior Officer of 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, emphasized 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 detailed their approach, which combines 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 served as a practical example. Through two rounds of investment, MDBF provided capital that supported the bank's growth and strengthened its balance sheet. In addition, the Fund's technical services and impact measurement resources were part of the broader partnership. 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 exploring new regions.
The webinar also included a market update from Performance Trust, which highlighted improving conditions across bank capital markets and the increasing availability of capital solutions for strategic growth and balance sheet management. Matt 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."
Paul 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."
This event underscores the critical role that strategic capital plays in helping mission-driven banks thrive. By combining financial investment with technical expertise and impact measurement, organizations like MDBF are enabling community banks to not only grow but also to deepen their impact on the communities they serve. For more information about the Mission Driven Bank Fund, visit www.missiondrivenbankfund.org.
