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 together empower community-focused financial institutions to achieve growth and mission objectives. The session featured insights from MDBF's Portfolio Manager Paul Welch, Senior Officer for 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 outlined the Fund's approach, which combines flexible capital with technical services and impact measurement to support community-focused banks. The goal is to strengthen 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 objectives. Through two rounds of investment, MDBF provided capital that supported the bank's growth and strengthened its balance sheet, alongside technical services and impact measurement resources.
Nelson Hinojosa of Anchor Bank highlighted the partnership's value: "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 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 role: "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 webinar underscores the increasing recognition that mission-driven banks need more than just capital; they need a holistic support system to thrive. By integrating technical services and impact measurement, MDBF is helping these institutions not only grow but also demonstrate their social impact, which is crucial for attracting further investment and ensuring long-term sustainability. The partnership between MDBF and the National Bankers Association is a model for how the financial sector can support community development and financial inclusion.
