The Mission Driven Bank Fund (MDBF) recently participated in a webinar with the National Bankers Association (NBA) to explore how strategic capital, technical services, and impact measurement can help community-focused financial institutions achieve their growth and mission objectives. The event featured insights from MDBF’s Portfolio Manager Paul Welch, Senior Officer of 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, underscored the importance of the partnership, stating, “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 emphasized the Fund’s commitment to supporting community-focused financial institutions through a combination of flexible capital, technical services, and impact measurement. These investments are designed to help institutions strengthen their balance sheets, pursue growth opportunities, and expand economic opportunities in the communities they serve.
Anchor Bank’s experience illustrated the central role strategic capital can play in advancing 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. The partnership also includes technical services and impact measurement resources, offering a comprehensive approach to development.
Nelson Hinojosa of Anchor Bank provided a firsthand perspective on the value of the partnership. Since joining MDBF’s portfolio, Anchor Bank has strengthened its capital position, expanded its footprint, and continued serving its target markets while pursuing growth opportunities in new regions. “The Mission Driven Bank Fund provides more than capital,” said Hinojosa. “It provides strategic partnership, credibility and ongoing support that helps us continue pursuing our mission and growth objectives.”
The webinar also included a market update from Performance Trust, highlighting improving conditions across bank capital markets and the growing availability of capital solutions to support strategic growth, balance sheet management, and long-term institutional objectives. Matt Shields commended MDBF, 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.”
Paul Welch expressed gratitude for the ongoing collaboration with the National Bankers Association, noting, “We appreciate ongoing National Bankers Association support and collaboration to advance the missions of both the banks and our fund.”
This discussion matters because it highlights the critical role that strategic capital and technical assistance play in empowering minority depository institutions (MDIs) and community development financial institutions (CDFIs). These institutions often face challenges in accessing capital, yet they are vital to providing credit and financial services to low- and moderate-income and underserved communities. By combining flexible capital with technical services and impact measurement, the Mission Driven Bank Fund aims to drive growth and financial resiliency in the mission-driven bank sector, translating into wealth creation in the communities these banks serve.
The Mission Driven Bank Fund works to foster a stronger, more accessible banking system by investing in and providing technical services to mission-driven banks. Elizabeth Park Capital Management and Calvert Impact are members of the Fund’s general partner, with Strategic Value Bank Partners serving as sub-advisor and Performance Trust as capital advisor and structuring agent.
