How Sound Community Bank Makes a Difference and Earns CRA Credit

Sound Community Bank in Seattle tapped a new program—the Advancing Communities Together^SM Deposit Program—to place $1 million in Mission National Bank, a community development financial institution (CDFI) in San Francisco.

The process was seamless, because the ACT^SM Deposit Program uses IntraFi’s ICS® network, which provides access to millions in aggregate FDIC insurance across network banks. The deposit also can qualify for credit under the Community Reinvestment Act’s investment test.

“This is easier than any other CRA investment a bank could make,” said Laurie Stewart, president and CEO of Sound Community Bank. “If the rate is even close, it’s worth a second look.” Stewart also cited how Mission National may use the funds from Sound Community Bank to finance affordable housing, fuel small business growth, and help individuals achieve their dreams.

“This is a triple win: We get an easy investment; it is eligible for FDIC insurance; and we can empower a mission-driven bank that is meeting the needs of the underserved,” Stewart said. “We have an obligation to banks that are serving people we can’t serve.”

Ming Chow, Mission National’s president and CFO, expressed deep appreciation for the deposit. “For Sound to trust us with their deposit and make a difference in the communities we serve is heartwarming,” he said. “This deposit is going to do good things. Advancing communities is what we do!”

As a board member of a local CDFI, Stewart understands the liquidity challenges institutions such as Mission National face. She encourages other bankers to consider the long-term impact of helping CDFIs and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs). Mission National is both.

“These institutions bring individuals and businesses into the banking system,” she explained. “Eventually, these customers graduate to mainstream banks, which helps the entire industry.”

Sound Community may use the ACT Deposit Program to place more funds, either into Mission National or other CDFIs or MDIs. “It’s one of our top choices from a CRA investment perspective,” Stewart said.

Asked if she would recommend the ACT Deposit Program to other community bankers, Stewart didn’t hesitate. “Absolutely. Bankers have an obligation to support the unbanked — not just because we’re regulated, but because it’s good for business, our communities, and the economy. This is a noble profession.”