The Mission Driven Bank Fund (MDBF) recently participated in a National Bankers Association webinar focused on how strategic capital, technical services, and impact measurement can help community-focused financial institutions achieve their growth and mission objectives. The event featured MDBF Portfolio Manager Paul Welch; Senior Officer of 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 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 the Fund's approach, which combines flexible capital, technical services, and impact measurement to support community-focused banks. 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 case study: through two rounds of investment, MDBF provided capital that supported the bank's growth and strengthened its capital position, while also offering technical services and impact measurement resources.
Nelson Hinojosa of Anchor Bank highlighted the 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." Since joining MDBF's portfolio, Anchor Bank has expanded its footprint and continued serving its target markets while exploring new regions.
The webinar also included a market update from Performance Trust, which noted improving conditions across bank capital markets and the growing availability of capital solutions for strategic growth and balance sheet management. Matt Shields praised MDBF's focus: "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 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 partnership underscores the increasing recognition that mission-driven banks require not just capital but a holistic support system to thrive. As the banking sector evolves, initiatives like these are vital for ensuring that community-focused institutions can continue to serve low- and moderate-income communities effectively.
