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 empower community-focused financial institutions to achieve growth and mission objectives. The discussion featured insights from MDBF's Portfolio Manager Paul Welch; Senior Officer, 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, emphasized the importance of access to capital for these institutions. “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,” she said. “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 webinar, MDBF leaders detailed the Fund's approach, which combines flexible capital, technical services, and impact measurement to help institutions strengthen their balance sheets, pursue growth opportunities, and expand economic opportunities in underserved communities. Anchor Bank's experience served as a case study, demonstrating how strategic capital can advance an institution's long-term goals. Through two rounds of investment, MDBF provided capital that supported Anchor Bank's growth and balance sheet strength, along with technical services and impact measurement resources.
Nelson Hinojosa of Anchor Bank shared his firsthand perspective on the partnership's value. “The Mission Driven Bank Fund provides more than capital,” he said. “It provides strategic partnership, credibility and ongoing support that helps us continue pursuing our mission and growth objectives.” Since joining the Fund's portfolio, Anchor Bank has strengthened its capital position, expanded its footprint, and continued serving its target markets while exploring new regions.
The discussion also included a market update from Performance Trust, which noted improving conditions in bank capital markets and the growing availability of capital solutions for strategic growth and balance sheet management. Matt Shields praised MDBF's focus, stating, “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.”
MDBF's Paul Welch expressed appreciation for the ongoing collaboration with the National Bankers Association, saying, “We appreciate ongoing National Bankers Association support and collaboration to advance the missions of both the banks and our fund.”
The webinar underscored the critical role that mission-driven banks play in providing credit and financial services to low- and moderate-income communities, and how partnerships like this one can help them thrive. As the demand for inclusive financial services grows, such collaborations are increasingly important for ensuring that community-focused institutions have the resources they need to succeed.
