Bay Bank Earns Fourth Consecutive “Outstanding” CRA Rating
Bay Bank, the only tribally owned bank in Wisconsin, is once again being recognized by federal regulators for its commitment to supporting small businesses, expanding access to housing and investing in communities across the region.
Leaders announced Bay Bank received an “outstanding” rating – the highest possible mark – in its most recent Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) performance evaluation by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Headquartered in Green Bay and wholly owned by the Oneida Nation, Bay Bank has earned four consecutive “outstanding” ratings in 2008, 2014, 2020 and 2026.
“As a Native American-owned community bank, we believe our work extends beyond traditional banking,” said Bay Bank President & CEO Jeff Bowman. “Bay Bank strives to honor those who came before us and eagerly engage with all people to build a future our ancestors would be proud to see. Consistently receiving an ‘outstanding’ rating on the CRA review demonstrates our team’s dedication to doing right by our neighbors and serving those that have historically faced barriers to accessing financial services.”
The CRA is a periodic evaluation of an institution’s record of meeting the credit needs of its assessment area (AA), including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, in a manner consistent with its resources and capabilities. Bay Bank’s “outstanding” rating from the FDIC was supported by the following conclusions:
• Bay Bank originated a majority of small business and home mortgage loans in the AA.
• The geographic distribution of small business and home mortgage loans reflects excellent dispersion throughout the AA.
• The distribution of borrowers reflects reasonable penetration, given the AA’s demographics, among businesses of different sizes and individuals of different income levels.
• Bay Bank received no CRA-related complaints during the evaluation period.
Examiners also assessed Bay Bank’s community development investments and resources as part of the 2026 CRA performance review. The bank’s rating was bolstered by its efforts to positively impact its community through monetary donations, volunteerism, celebrating diversity, respecting the environment, and emphasizing the importance of accessible financial services and education.
• Bay Bank opened a full-service branch in Keshena, establishing the first bank in Menominee County; this improved access to financial services for residents and businesses in the county and on the Menominee Reservation.
• Bay Bank donated $30,000 to 10 local nonprofits during the evaluation period, as well as $10,000 to an economic development corporation to support its strategic planning efforts.
• Numerous Bay Bank employees serve as board members for various community development organizations.
• Bay Bank offers many loan programs and sponsor grants; it also services Oneida Nation loan funds to meet community needs.
“We are incredibly proud of this accomplishment. Very few banks, if any, have earned an ‘outstanding’ CRA rating in four consecutive exams. This recognition is a testament to the important work our team does every day,” said Bowman. “One of the things I’m most proud of is that, year after year, the majority of our lending goes to customers within Bay Bank’s assessment areas. That means most of the loans we make help individuals, families and businesses right here in our own backyard. It’s proof that serving your neighbors and achieving strong financial results can go hand-in-hand.”
