Mission Driven Bank Fund Invests in American Pride Bank to Expand Community Lending

The Mission Driven Bank Fund has announced a strategic investment in American Bancorp Inc., the parent company of American Pride Bank, marking its eighth investment in mission-aligned financial institutions. The capital infusion is designed to support the bank's efforts to expand financial services in low- and moderate-income communities.

American Pride Bank, a Minority-Depository Institution, currently concentrates its lending activities on businesses in underserved communities, with approximately 75% of its loans directed to racial and ethnic minority groups. The new investment will enable the bank to launch a mortgage division and expand real estate, small business, and consumer lending opportunities.

CEO Dominik Mjartan emphasized the bank's commitment to providing financial access to overlooked communities, stating that the goal is to ensure everyone can pursue their economic aspirations. The investment represents a significant step toward addressing financial inequities and creating pathways for generational wealth-building.

The Mission Driven Bank Fund's strategic approach focuses on investing in community development financial institutions and minority depository institutions. By providing targeted capital and technical services, the fund aims to foster a more inclusive banking ecosystem and contribute to closing the racial wealth gap.

This investment highlights the growing momentum in impact investing, where financial institutions prioritize social and economic development alongside traditional financial returns. By supporting banks like American Pride Bank, the fund demonstrates a commitment to transforming community financial landscapes and creating more equitable economic opportunities.