Quick tips, CRA concepts and an occasional deep thought…
CRA Today Blog
6 Solid Steps to Avoid Underreporting Community Development Loans
An estimated 80% of banks underreport their community development loans. This means that 80% of banks are under-representing their CRA lending performance, which puts their CRA ratings at risk. The lending portion of the CRA exam is the most heavily weighted, which...
Is your community development loan portfolio putting your CRA lending performance at risk?
When you understate your community development loans you are compromising your bank's lending performance under the CRA which is the most heavily weighted aspect of the CRA. As you know, if you don't meet the credit needs of your communities, this can lead to public...
The Power of Financial Institution and CDFI Partnerships
Are you ready to partner with a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), but aren’t sure where to start? We’ve talked a lot about the value and power of CDFI partnerships over the last few weeks, and I know it can be overwhelming to get started. Today I’m...
Equity Equivalent Investments-Multiplying Future Impact
Ever wish you could find a way to multiply your financial institution’s impact on the community and improve your CRA performance? Equity Equivalent Investments might be just what you’re looking for! Equity Equivalent Investments, or EQ2s, are investment tools your...
Wait, what? You want me to place a deposit with a “competing” financial institution?
No, we are not out of our minds here. Placing deposits, making an investment or even providing a grant to a Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) may count towards your CRA program. Well then, how does this work? Today I’ll share how partnering with a Minority...
Spotlight on CDFIs-Your Partners in Community Development
Struggling to find ways to bring affordable, flexible capital into your community while creating net income for your bank? A partnership with a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) might be the answer you’re looking for! As you know, your bank is...