Lenders Can Earn Certification to be Accredited Social Impact Lender

Fair housing isn’t just an April issue, it’s a year-round practice.

Diversity, equity and inclusion should be regularly included in workplace culture.

The National Association of Minority Mortgage Bankers of America recently launched their certification accreditation, Accredited Social Impact Lender. This 12-month program views lenders’ past and present policies and works to create goals in working with their communities, which can also help their profits. It oversees all aspects of an organization, whether it be human resources, marketing or administration. The program works with employees to learn how to best deal with different cultures.

NAMMBA found that 95% of low-and-moderate income consumers have mortgage-ready credit scores and 65% have an average income of $50,000. Additionally, employees should be aware of how their conduct impacts their organization. More than half of consumers (53%) reported that they stopped doing business with a company due to its words or actions on a social issue and 48% reported complaining about a company’s words or actions complained about it socially. Three-quarters of respondents will not utilize a company if that company supports something against their beliefs.

On the flip side, 87% of consumers said they will purchase a product or service if a company advocated for an issue they believe in. Sixty-two percent want companies to take a stand on things like sustainability, transparency and fair employment.

Howard Hanna Financial Services is the first lender to earn the NAMMBA certification accreditation.