Pete Upton, NCN’s CEO, presented an update on policy advocacy efforts currently underway on behalf of Native CDFIs. Upton described some of the unique aspects of lending in Indian Country that require flexibility and relationship building. As part of a discussion on risk assessment and lending, Upton stated, “Character is just one aspect of our process. There are so many social determinants that need to be considered, but at the end of the day, it is the person sitting in front of you that determines the lending decision. It is our relationship with our communities that make Native CDFIs so valuable.”
Pictured: Jennifer Vasiloff, OFN’s Chief External Affairs Officer with Pete Upton, NCN CEO.