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By Tribal Business News Staff
Finance
August 20, 2026
Banks have capital. Native CDFIs know their communities. But bringing the two together takes more than a grant
In the latest episode of Difference Makers 3.0, Wells Fargo executive Tim Rios joins host Brian Edwards and Native CDFI Network CEO Pete Upton to discuss how banks and Native CDFIs can build stronger financial partnerships — from philanthropy and patient capital to long-term investment
The conversation also looks at Wells Fargo’s support for efforts to develop and strengthen Native CDFIs in California and Nevada, and why Rios believes what banks sometimes perceive as risk in Indian Country may actually be a lack of familiarity
Here are highlights from the conversation:
On why banks should work with Native CDFIs:
“These organizations are very well run. They have tremendous leaders. They have a very good view and feel for their communities — the challenges, but also opportunities in their communities.”
“Some of the best banking relationships are people who will call when they don’t have a check to give us.”
On patient capital:
“When that appears in their balance sheet, it gives confidence to other lenders, to other investors to do the same.”
On risk and familiarity:
“If I had to break it down, this concept of risk, I would replace risk with familiarity.”
On what banks need to do:
“They can’t expect to do business in Indian Country from their office or cubicles. They need to get out to Indian Country.”
On emerging Native CDFIs:
“How the heck am I going to get a track record if I have no capital to deploy?”
On transparency:
“We’re not asking banks to lower their standards by any means, but we’re asking them to apply the standards with an understanding of the markets that we serve.”
On moving beyond philanthropy:
“It’s not about charity or charitable contributions. You can make philanthropy and you can extend philanthropy, but it goes much beyond that.”
Visit Difference Makers 3.0 to listen to the full episode and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform
About The Author
Author: Tribal Business News Staff
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