WASHINGTON, D.C. — [November 5, 2026] — The National Bankers Association (NBA) released Hispanic MDIs: Creating Generational Opportunity, a new report examining how Hispanic minority depository institutions (MDIs) help families and businesses access the financing, banking services, and relationships needed to build lasting economic opportunity.
At year-end 2025, 29 Hispanic MDIs collectively held $158 billion in assets and operated more than 600 branches across seven states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The report combines financial analysis with insights from bank leaders to explore the sector’s history, performance, community impact, and opportunities for continued growth.
“Hispanic MDIs understand the people, businesses, and opportunities in their communities because they are part of those communities,” said Nicole Elam, president and CEO of the National Bankers Association. “That understanding translates into financing for a first home, capital for a growing business, and banking relationships that can span generations. Investing in these institutions helps more families build wealth and more local economies grow.”
Many Hispanic MDIs were founded by business owners and community leaders whose banking needs were going unmet. Today, these banks continue to address persistent barriers to financial access. The report draws on national research showing that 9.5% of Hispanic households are unbanked, compared with 4.2% of households nationally, underscoring the continued need for accessible, trusted banking services.
Key findings include:
A substantial community banking presence. Hispanic MDIs serve communities through more than 600 branches, with concentrations in South Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico, and other markets with deep Hispanic roots.
Growing lending capacity on the mainland. Mainland Hispanic MDI assets have increased almost 50% since 2020. Their aggregate loan portfolio grew at double-digit rates in each of the last four years, reaching $45.7 billion in loans and leases at year-end 2025.
Financial performance broadly aligned with peers. Hispanic MDIs’ financial performance has closely tracked peer benchmarks over the last decade, with improvements in efficiency and profitability.
Banking relationships that respond to local needs. Institutions featured in the report offer products and services ranging from small-dollar credit-building loans and international business financing to expanded small business lending and no-cost entrepreneurship education.
The report brings these findings to life through examples from Anchor Bank, Banesco USA, Ponce Bank, and Texas National Bank. Their work includes financing affordable homes in the Rio Grande Valley, helping entrepreneurs navigate business ownership in the Bronx, and developing financing solutions for businesses engaged in international trade.
The research also distinguishes between mainland and Puerto Rican institutions to account for differences in their size, markets, and economic circumstances.
To strengthen the sector’s long-term capacity, the report recommends regulation tailored to smaller banks, expanded access to patient capital and mission-aligned deposits, greater opportunities for collaboration among institutions, and continued investment in affordable housing, workforce development, small businesses, and community infrastructure.
As the NBA approaches its centennial in 2027, the report reinforces the importance of supporting minority banks and the communities whose growth they help finance.
About the National Bankers Association
Founded in 1927, the National Bankers Association champions minority depository institutions, advocating for mission-driven banks that serve underserved and low- to moderate-income communities. Representing community banks across 43 states and territories, the Association promotes economic empowerment, capital access, and financial inclusion. Learn more at nationalbankers.org.