OCC Insights Report Highlights Bank Partnerships with Community Development Loan Funds

WASHINGTON—The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today published the latest edition of its Insights report, titled "Community Development Loan Funds: Partnership Opportunities for Banks."

The newsletter describes how national banks and federal savings associations (collectively banks) can partner with Community Development Loan Funds (CDLFs) to better reach low- and moderate-income and underserved populations.

"CDLFs can be valuable partners in serving hard-to-reach markets," said Comptroller of the Currency Thomas J. Curry. "The CDLFs combine expert knowledge of local markets, specialized lending programs, and technical assistance to help borrowers succeed. Partnerships between banks and CDLFs, when structured and implemented appropriately, can help banks and CDLFs further their business and community development goals."

The report describes CDLFs and illustrates the various ways that banks of all sizes can partner with CDLFs. Practical considerations in partnerships are discussed, including the steps a bank can take to find a potential partner. The report also highlights potential risks and regulatory matters that may need to be considered when structuring partnerships, as well as how these activities would be considered in a Community Reinvestment Act examination.

This Insights report is part of a group of resources available to banks interested in determining if a partnership with a CDLF is right for their institution. These resources are available on the OCC's website at www.occ.gov.

Banks interested in learning more about these opportunities may contact the OCC's District Community Affairs Officers located throughout the nation.

Related Links

• Community Development Bank and Community Development Financial Institutions Resource Directory
• Community Affairs
• District Community Affairs Officers