Community Development Banking News
CDFI Banking: Industry, Policy, and Beyond.
"Reports from 4,614 commercial banks and savings institutions insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) reflect aggregate net income of $68.4 billion in third quarter 2023, down $2.4 billion (3.4 percent) from the prior quarter. First and second quarter income benefitted from non-recurring gains from the accounting treatment for the acquisition of the three large bank failures this spring. Excluding these one-time gains, net income would have been roughly flat for the past four quarters. These and other financial results for third quarter 2023 are included in the FDIC's latest Quarterly Banking Profile released today."
"The Mission Driven Bank Fund, anchored by Microsoft and Truist, announces its first close of over $110 million. The more than 300 FDIC-insured Minority Depository Institutions and Community Development Financial Institution banks across the country are essential to expand access to financial services in unbanked and underbanked communities. The Fund will support MDIs and CDFIs through investments across assets, liabilities, equity, and off-balance sheet vehicles and offer technical services across strategic and operational areas. The Fund seeks to close the racial wealth and income gap by expanding financial access, creating a more inclusive banking system, and promoting bank resiliency for enduring change."
Congratulations to the CDBA members United Bank and BankPlus for being included in American Banker's Best Banks list!
"The leaders of the 90 institutions that made the list value a number of key workplace traits. Trust, transparency and leading by example were cited by some of the executives as a priority. Clear communication was also touted as essential as an employer of choice. Generous benefits, especially paid time off to volunteer, was also a common theme. And of course, a bit of fun was had at many of this year's winners."
"Darrin L. Williams would like to clear up some misconceptions about his mission. As CEO of Southern Bancorp, Inc., one of America's oldest and largest community development financial institutions (CDFIs), he issues loans and works with clients in parts of Arkansas and Mississippi where traditional banks often fear to tread. But he still needs to make money.
'I get that a lot: "Oh, you're that nonprofit bank," says Williams. 'If we're a nonprofit bank, we're doing a bad job. We have to be profitable ... If there's no margin, it doesn't matter what our mission is.'"
The largest US banks with more than $5 billion in uninsured deposits at Dec. 31, 2022, will be subject to an eight-quarter payment under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.'s finalized special assessment. The announcement is in line with CDBA's position, stated in our July 20 comment letter, that requiring small, mission-focused banks to contribute to the special assessment would misdirect funds that would otherwise finance affordable housing, small business loans, and other essential activities in capital-starved areas.
"Plinqit, the first platform that brings together automated savings, data-driven financial wellness content and virtual account management, has partnered with Bankjoy, a leading digital banking provider for banks and credit unions across the U.S.
Plinqit's financial wellness and savings platform now integrates directly with Bankjoy's award-winning digital banking solution. Bankjoy's extensive client roster of banks and credit unions can easily embed Plinqit's intuitive and automated savings tools and data-driven educational content within their online and mobile banking experiences. These institutions can leverage Plinqit's embedded financial wellness solutions to generate low-cost deposit growth while helping their members and customers save and spend wisely. As a result, more financial institutions can offer their account holders the tailored resources and support they need to live their best financial lives, right within their online or mobile banking app."
"Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) are financial institutions with a mission to serve low- and moderate-income (LMI) individuals and communities. Since 2019, the Federal Reserve has fielded the national CDFI Survey to learn more about these institutions and how they are faring and evolving. This spring, we fielded the 2023 CDFI Survey and received responses from over 450 CDFIs nationwide. Survey results have shown that demand for CDFIs' products and services has continually grown for years. As a result, many institutions are looking to expand what they offer to their clients. This post explores how CDFI respondents in the Fifth District want to expand their product offerings."
"Dana Batterton is celebrating 35 wonderful years as an FNBC Community Banker today! Originally from Salem, Dana began her banking career in Little Rock before moving home and joining FNBC as an Auditor, Compliance Officer and Security Officer. Over the years, she has advanced and today serves as a valued member of our Executive Management Team and leads all aspects of risk management for the bank. Dana is a tremendous leader and teacher, and we are grateful for all the ways she pushes FNBC forward. Congratulations on your milestone anniversary, Dana!
"Five groups are angling to lead EPA's largest climate grant program in history, each pitching a different plan to convert billions of federal dollars into lasting change for people and the planet.
EPA has said it will only choose two or three applicants to run the National Clean Investment Fund (NCIF) — a $14 billion lending facility sometimes dubbed the national green bank. The stakes are high: NCIF is the largest program in the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), with a mission to provide affordable financing for tens of thousands of clean technology projects.
EPA is expected to announce awardees for GGRF programs — including the investment fund — by March. Totaling $27 billion, the funding aims to ensure that underserved communities reap the benefits of the green energy transition."
"According to a new report released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) have grown rapidly in recent years. But as more money flows through the industry, it prompts the question if that growth will translate to support for the communities most in need of CDFIs' services: minority and low-income communities."