D&I Panel Discussion with MDIs / CDFIs

NeuGroup has introduced corporate treasury leaders to several leading intermediary firms (including CNote, the Intrafi Network, the FDIC, NAIC, and others) that aim to make navigating the process of supporting Minority Deposit Institutions (MDIs) and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) simpler and more efficient.  This session offered a chance to interact directly with the banks deploying the funds on the front lines to get a better context on how they can best be supported. With member help, NeuGroup worked with members to convene a panel of experienced MDI and CDFI bank leaders to contribute their personal experiences.

Guest included:

• Dominik Mjartan President and Chief Executive Officer Optus Bank (Columbia, SC)
• Lauren Sparks Founder, Chairwoman and President Agility Bank (Houston, TX) agilitybanking.com
• David Reiling II Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Sunrise Banks (St. Paul, MN) sunrisebanks.com
• Henry Kiang Chief Executive Officer Metropolitan Bank (Oakland, CA) Home – Metropolitan Bank
• Robert James II President Carver State Bank (Savannah, GA) Carver State Bank

This session resulted in a lively discussion that included the process of working with MDIs/CDFIs, what is important to MDIs and CDFIs in this current economic environment, how impact can be assessed, and what future opportunities are on the horizon for this important sector.

NeuGroup formed the Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Working Group in 2020 as a result of requests from members and the multiple D&I discussions appearing in individual peer group meetings. These informal working sessions provide an opportunity for interested members to share experiences on common topics, document best practices, and welcome outside experts to speak on current trends – including companies that are not yet NeuGroup members.

Working Group sessions are meant for interested participants from across the NeuGroup network and approved non-NeuGroup members. They are ad hoc cohorts that NeuGroup organizes when a critical “hot topic” has captured a wide range of members’ attention. Working Groups can meet just once, a handful of times, or become ongoing venues to discuss these cross-peer group issues. Recent examples include LIBOR transition, ESG, D&I, Treasury Management Systems, and others. These groups often include both subject matter experts, as well as members just wishing to learn, with the possibility of splitting the groups for more detailed discussions.