Our story
Native Owned. Community Driven.
native american bank, n.a.
Native American Bank, N.A., founded in 2001, is the nation’s only multi-tribally owned national community development bank. We support local economies and empower self determination through investment, job creation, and sustainable growth.
We specialize in financial partnerships with Tribal Nations, Alaska Native Corporations, and Tribal enterprises. In addition, we proudly serve all individuals and communities who share our values of financial prosperity and community investment.
Our Vision and Mission
Vision
To be the trusted Native-owned national bank advancing access to financial services across Indian Country.
Mission
Native American Bank provides financial solutions that promote economic independence, development, and sustainability for Native American, Alaska Native, and all allied communities.
the native american bankcorporation co.
The Native American Bancorporation Company serves as the holding company for Native American Bank, N.A. and is a Community Development Bank (CD Bank). We are one of four national banks, and the only Native-owned bank, with this designation under the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). CD banks are specialized financial institutions whose primary goal is to provide fair, responsible financing to individuals and organizations in underserved, low-income, or distressed communities, rather than to maximize profit alone.
Our origin story and evolution
One of the biggest challenges that Native people have faced nationwide is the lack of access to financial capital and services, creating a major barrier to self-sufficiency and financial freedom in Indian Country.
In 2001, twenty Tribes, Tribal Enterprises, and Alaska Native Corporations came together with a shared vision to create a national bank dedicated to serving Native people, communities, governments, and enterprises across the country—leading to the establishment of Native American Bank, N.A.
Today, we are headquartered in Denver, Colorado and we operate retail branches in Denver, Colorado, Browning, Montana, Tulalip, Washington, and a loan production office in Issaquah, Washington. Approximately 96% of our loans are made to Native borrowers and 93% of our total lending dollars go toward underserved areas.
Our Shareholders
Tribal Nations & Enterprises
Arizona
- The Navajo Nation
- Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
California
- Table Mountain Rancheria
Colorado
- Ute Mountain Ute Tribe
Connecticut
- Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
- The Mohegan Tribe
Florida
- Seminole Tribe of Florida
Idaho
- Shoshone-Bannock Tribes
Iowa
- Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa
Louisiana
- Tunica Biloxi Tribe EDC
Michigan
- Grand Traverse Band EDC
- Sault Ste. Marie Tribe
Minnesota
- Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Indians
Montana
- Blackfeet Indian Nation
- Chippewa Cree Tribe
- Fort Belknap Planning & Development Corp. DBA Island Mountain Development Group
Nebraska
- Ho-Chunk, Inc.
New Mexico
- AMERIND Risk Management Corporation
North Dakota
- Three Affiliated Tribes
South Dakota
- Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
Washington
- Colville Tribal Enterprise Corporation
- Puyallup Tribal Enterprises, Inc.
Wisconsin
- Oneida Nation
Wyoming
- Eastern Shoshone Tribe
Alaska Native Corporations
- Akhiok-Kaguyak, Inc.
- The Eyak Corporation
- Old Harbor Native Corporation Settlement Trust
- Sealaska Corporation
- United Companies, Inc.
Other Non-Native Entities
- Banc of America Strategic Investment Corporation
- ClearingHouse CDFI
- The F.B. Heron Foundation
- The Ford Foundation
- U.S. Department of the Treasury (preferred shares)
- Wells Fargo Community Development Corporation
Federal Certifications
Native American Bank’s mission and impact is recognized by meaningful certifications from the federal government.
We are chartered and regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and are a member of the Federal Reserve System.
- Congressional Origin – The bank was born out of the challenge issued by the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, and Chairman Inouye (1987-1995, 2001-2003), to provide an Indian-led solution to the lack of access to financial services in Indian Country. Elouise Cobell and other bank founders provided advocacy and testimony to congress for the approval of the bank’s unique charter.
We are one of four national banks, and the only Native-owned bank, with this designation under the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). CD banks are specialized financial institutions whose primary goal is to provide fair, responsible financing to individuals and organizations in underserved, low-income, or distressed communities, rather than maximizing profit alone.
We are an FDIC-insured institution.
Being an FDIC insured bank means our customer’s deposits are insured up to at least $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC-insured bank, per ownership category.
We are a Native-owned MDI with 29 of our 35 shareholders representing Tribes, Tribal Enterprises, or Alaska Native Corporations (ANC) and a majority of our board of directors are enrolled Tribal members or ANC shareholders.
An MDI may be a federal insured depository institution for which (1) 51% or more of the voting stock is owned by minority individuals; or (2) a majority of the board of directors is minority and the community that the institution serves is predominantly minority.
We maintain the highest banking certifications as a CDFI) and provide services that strengthen Native communities.
CDFIs are mission-driven private financial organizations certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Their primary goal is to provide financial services and capital to low-income, historically underserved communities and populations that struggle to secure loans from traditional banks.
There are various types of CDFIs and we are classified under the Community Development Bank category.
We help attract private investment in economically distressed areas through the New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) Program.
A CDE is a domestic corporation or partnership certified by the U.S. Treasury’s CDFI Fund to serve as an intermediary vehicle for directing loans, investments, or financial counseling into low-income communities.
CDEs act as the primary engines for economic revitalization through the New Markets Tax Credit program.
Since our 2005 CRA exam, we have maintained an “Outstanding” rating, meeting the credit and financial needs of low- and moderate-income communities.
learn more about us and our commitment to indian country
News and Events
Stay connected with our latest news, milestones, and events that reflect our mission in action. Explore the stories, partnerships, and achievements that highlight our commitment to doing impactful work within our communities.
Annual Reports
Read our Annual Reports to see how our mission guides every decision and how, together with our customers and partners, we are building a stronger future for Indian Country and all allied communities.
Board and Staff
Meet our Native American Bancorporation Co. and Native American Bank, N.A. board of directors and members of our senior and junior leadership teams.
Employment
Build a meaningful career with a team dedicated to advancing economic opportunity, strengthening underserved communities, and making a lasting impact through mission driven banking.
Open An Account
Make your money matter — open an account with Native American Bank today!