City First Bank, a Certified B Corporation and mission-driven community bank, is setting a rare industry standard by directing more than 75% of its lending to mission-focused investments—delivering this approach at a $1.3 billion scale.
City First Bank’s “Banking on Impact,” book tells the story of the unwavering commitment to its mission and consistent delivery of that mission through its customers, neighbors, partners, and team. Over the five-year period, City First Bank has deployed more than $1 billion in capital, 75% of which was directed to mission-focused areas — affordable housing, education, healthcare, and businesses in underinvested communities — across two of the nation’s most dynamic markets.
The 75% Mission Edge
City First Bank commits capital at a scale that reflects the urgency of its mission and the magnitude of the challenges its communities face.
“I’m immensely proud of City First Bank’s growth and the tremendous resilience of our bank community — customers, neighbors, partners, and team — whose collective work continues to advance our mission with strength and purpose,” said Brian Argrett, CEO of City First Bank. “The 2021 merger served as our launchpad for deeper impact, and what we’ve built since is definitive proof that mission-aligned banking is central to the future of a more robust and resilient American economy.”
Key impact highlights from 2021-2025 include:
Five Years of Scaled Impact
Since the merger, City First Bank has solidified its position as a national platform for impact investors, proving that a community-first model is a catalyst for regional economic growth. By combining the strengths of its East and West Coast roots, the institution has scaled its total assets to over $1.3 billion, representing a significant increase in capital capacity for underserved markets.
City First Bank commits capital at a scale that reflects the urgency of its mission and the magnitude of the challenges its communities face. “We are committed to measuring the impact of our mission,” said Cynthia Newell, chief impact officer, City First Bank. “This report stands as evidence that mission-driven banking makes a meaningful, lasting difference, driven by people with an unshakable belief that finance can — and must — serve the communities that need it most.”
About City First Bank
City First Bank offers a variety of commercial real estate loan products, services, and depository accounts that support investments in affordable housing, small businesses, and nonprofit community facilities located within underinvested neighborhoods. City First Bank is a Community Development Financial Institution, Certified B Corp, and a member of the Global Alliance of Banking on Values. The Bank and the City First network of nonprofits, City First Enterprises, Homes By CFE, and City First Foundation, represent the City First branded family of community development financial institutions, which offer a robust lending and deposit platform.
Press Contact:
Josie Talavera, 323-271-6978
Jtalavera@cityfirstbank.com
Communications Strategist
This press release may contain, among other things, certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, (i) statements with respect to the Company’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions; and (ii) other statements identified by words such as “may”, “could”, “would”, should”, “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “intends”, “plans” or similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties.
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