Mission Driven Bank Fund Invests in Cincinnati's Only Minority Depository Institution

The Mission Driven Bank Fund announced an investment in First Mutual Holding Co., the bank holding company for Warsaw Federal Savings & Loan, an independent mutual bank and Minority Depository Institution based in Cincinnati. This represents the 11th deployment for MDBF, which continues to build active pipelines to invest in MDI and CDFI banks nationwide. The Fund will make technical services support available in conjunction with the capital investment, following the same approach used in prior investments.

Warsaw Federal intends to use the net proceeds to support the bank's communities by providing focused financial services, tools and education to promote economic opportunity and financial equity. The bank is one of only two MDIs headquartered in Ohio and serves as the sole MDI currently operating in the Cincinnati area. This strategic positioning makes the investment particularly significant for addressing financial inclusion gaps in the region.

Robie Suggs, president and CEO of Warsaw Federal, described the investment as a pivotal step in supporting the strategic growth envisioned for the organization. The bank aims to empower underserved communities in the Greater Cincinnati region with financial tools, education, and support needed to thrive. This partnership with the Mission Driven Bank Fund will accelerate progress toward building stronger neighborhoods and creating brighter futures for all community members.

Paul Welch, portfolio manager of the Fund, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to support Warsaw and other mission-aligned banks as they continue providing vital banking services to often underserved communities. The Mission Driven Bank Fund seeks to foster a stronger and more inclusive banking system by investing capital and providing technical services to FDIC-insured CDFI and MDI banks that target low to moderate income African American, Native American, Asian, Hispanic, and Pacific Islander communities. More information about the Fund's mission and approach can be found at https://missiondrivenbankfund.org.

The investment represents a concrete step toward closing the racial wealth gap through targeted financial institution support. By strengthening mission-driven banks like Warsaw Federal, the Fund aims to drive growth and financial resiliency in communities that have historically faced barriers to banking services and economic opportunities. Warsaw Federal operates as an independent mutual bank, maintaining its community-focused approach while expanding its capacity to serve through this strategic partnership.