Big Picture
Under regulatory bank merger review procedures, federal banking regulators consider the convenience and needs of the communities to be served by a proposed combined institution. CRA and fair lending performance are core considerations in ensuring the merged institution meets the convenience and needs of the community.
Client Scenario
A bank with a large regional presence desired to develop a community benefits plan to ensure strong post-merger performance in meeting community convenience and needs requirements.
Asurity Solution
Asurity Advisors evaluated the client’s post-merger market footprint, including branch network, lending patterns, and loan production offices. Lending patterns and branch locations were compared to peer and demographic patterns to identify potential areas of need. Asurity Advisors conducted extensive economic and demographic research to identify key community credit and economic development needs.
Ultimately, Asurity Advisors recommended a comprehensive community benefits plan including branch openings, financial education, community development services, and commitments for expanded mortgage and small business lending and community development finance.