FDIC chairman, Fed community bank rep to highlight CDFI, MDI conference

The board chairman of the federal insurer of bank deposits, and the community bank representative on the nation’s central bank board, are featured speakers for a conference in two weeks about promoting and preserving community development financial institutions (CDFIs).

Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) Chairman Jelena McWilliams and Federal Reserve Board Gov. Michelle Bowman (who serves as the community bank representative on the Fed Board) are scheduled to speak and participate in the event. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s (OCC) Grovetta Gardineer, senior deputy comptroller for bank supervision, will also attend and participate.

According to the FDIC, the conference is held every two years by the federal banking agencies for FDIC-insured minority depository institutions and CDFIs to help “preserve and promote their mission.” The agency said the conference encourages interactive discussion among those who view minority depository institutions and CDFI banks as uniquely positioned to create positive change in their communities, and encourages a diverse array of participants to express their views.

Registration (which opened in April) is limited to minority depository institutions, CDFI banks, their chief executives, financial institution board members, managers and staff, and federal agencies.

FDIC said the officials from federal agencies will provide updates on resources, programs, policies and research that can help minority and CDFI banks achieve goals. Bank leaders have the opportunity to “tell their story,” communicate strategies and successes, and make recommendations to the industry, federal policy makers and others. Workshops at the conference are designed to invite bank CEOs and other key partners to explore opportunities.

2019 Interagency Minority Depository Institution and CDFI Bank Conference