2021 CSBS Community Bank Case Study Competition Journal

University of Arkansas Executive Summary S outhern Bancorp Bank (SBB) is a community bank designated as a community development financial institution (CDFI) focused on community development and service to customers that other banks overlook. The bank operates in

SBB took immediate action to limit the negative effects of the pandemic to protect employees and customers.

relatively poor, rural markets with low incomes and high poverty. As a result, SBB, on average, originates smaller loans to its small business and mortgage customers, and the loan portfolio has a higher concentration of loans secured by farmland compared to peer banks. COVID-19 caused widespread economic and social disruption all over the world, and the banking industry was no exception. SBB took immediate action to limit the negative effects of the pandemic to protect employees and customers. As a response to ensuring the safety of related parties, 46 branches closed their doors to the public and limited in- person transactions while the drive-thru service

remained open. Online banking fees were waived to maintain a good relationship with all customers. The CARES Act was into law on March 27th, 2020, and the first stimulus check arrived in people’s

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