The Mission Driven Bank Fund (MDBF) recently participated in a webinar hosted by the National Bankers Association to discuss how strategic capital, technical services, and impact measurement can help community-focused financial institutions achieve growth and mission objectives. The event, which took place on August 27, 2026, featured insights from MDBF's Portfolio Manager Paul Welch; Senior Officer, 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 highlighted how their investments combine flexible capital, technical services, and impact measurement to help banks strengthen balance sheets, pursue growth opportunities, and expand economic opportunities in underserved communities. This holistic approach is designed to drive long-term resilience and wealth creation in low- and moderate-income areas.
Anchor Bank's experience provided a concrete example of this model in action. Through two rounds of investment from MDBF, the bank received capital that supported its growth and strengthened its balance sheet, while also benefiting from technical services and impact measurement resources. Hinojosa shared his firsthand perspective: "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 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 a growing availability of capital solutions for strategic growth and balance sheet management. Shields commended MDBF's focus on minority depository institutions (MDIs) and community development financial institutions (CDFIs), stating, "There's no one as focused on serving and investing in MDIs and CDFIs across the country as the Mission Driven Bank Fund."
This collaboration underscores a broader trend in the banking sector: the increasing recognition that mission-driven banks require not just capital, but also strategic support to thrive. As these institutions face challenges such as regulatory pressures and competition, partnerships like this provide a blueprint for sustainable growth. For industry leaders, the implications are clear: combining financial resources with technical expertise and measurable impact can unlock new opportunities for community-focused banks, ultimately benefiting the communities they serve.
The webinar, which was part of the National Bankers Association's ongoing efforts to support its members, highlighted the growing momentum behind impact investing in community banking. As more institutions seek to align their financial goals with social missions, the lessons shared by MDBF and Anchor Bank offer a model for success.
For more information about the Mission Driven Bank Fund, visit missiondrivenbankfund.org.
