The Mission Driven Bank Fund (MDBF) recently participated in a webinar hosted by the National Bankers Association (NBA), focusing on how strategic capital, technical services, and impact measurement can help community-focused financial institutions achieve growth and mission objectives. The discussion featured MDBF's Portfolio Manager Paul Welch, Senior Officer Mayowa Sanusi, Anchor Bank President and CEO Nelson Hinojosa, and Matt Shields from Performance Trust Capital Partners.
Nicole Elam, President and CEO of the National Bankers Association, emphasized the importance of access to capital for mission-driven banks. "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."
The webinar highlighted how MDBF's combination of flexible capital, technical services, and impact measurement can strengthen balance sheets 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 growth and strengthened the bank's balance sheet. Hinojosa shared his perspective, stating, "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."
Matt Shields from Performance Trust provided a market update, noting improving conditions in bank capital markets and the growing availability of capital solutions. He commended MDBF's focus on serving and investing in minority depository institutions (MDIs) and community development financial institutions (CDFIs). "There's no one as focused on serving and investing in MDIs and CDFIs across the country as the Mission Driven Bank Fund," Shields said.
This collaboration underscores the critical role that targeted capital and technical support play in helping community banks thrive. By combining financial resources with expertise, MDBF and its partners are addressing the unique challenges faced by mission-driven institutions, enabling them to better serve low- and moderate-income communities. As the webinar demonstrated, such partnerships are essential for fostering a more inclusive and resilient banking system.
