Bridgewater Bank Earns Esteemed ‘Outstanding’ Community Reinvestment Act Performance Rating for Third Consecutive Exam

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community reinvestment act regulatory

A federal law that requires banks to help meet the credit needs of the neighborhoods where they operate, especially low- and moderate-income areas. It matters to investors because regulators grade banks on this performance like a report card, and those grades can influence approvals for mergers, regulatory scrutiny, reputational risk and future lending patterns—factors that affect a bank’s growth prospects and stock value.

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The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is a U.S. government agency that protects individual and business bank deposits by insuring accounts up to a set limit, acting like a safety net for savers if a bank fails. It matters to investors because FDIC insurance reduces the chance of sudden losses for depositors, supports confidence in the banking system, and can influence the perceived risk and stock value of banks and financial firms.

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ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Bridgewater Bank, a subsidiary of Bridgewater Bancshares, Inc. (Nasdaq: BWB), today announced it has received the highest possible rating of ‘Outstanding’ from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for its Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) performance.

The CRA evaluates how well financial institutions meet the credit needs of the communities they serve. Approximately 13% of all banks examined received an “Outstanding” rating. Bridgewater’s evaluation highlights the bank’s significant impact and leadership in community development lending, particularly in advancing affordable housing initiatives. For the February 2023 to February 2026 evaluation period, key performance highlights include:

• 146 community development loans totaling $534 million, supporting affordable housing and economic development initiatives
• Over 99% of community development loan dollars ($532 million) directed toward affordable housing development
• 78% of affordable housing loan dollars ($416 million) invested in the Twin Cities market
• 108 qualified investments totaling $33.8 million, supporting affordable housing, economic development, community services, and neighborhood revitalization
• A 37% increase in qualified investments by dollar volume compared to the previous evaluation period

“Earning an ‘Outstanding’ CRA rating for the third consecutive time reflects the consistency and intentionality behind our approach,” said Joe Chybowski, President and Chief Financial Officer of Bridgewater Bank. “We are deeply committed to strengthening our communities and doing our part to address the affordable housing crisis not only locally but nationwide. By working closely with developers, investors, and community partners, we’re dedicated to making a meaningful impact.”

About Bridgewater

Bridgewater Bancshares, Inc. (Nasdaq: BWB) is a St. Louis Park, Minnesota-based financial holding company founded in 2005. Its banking subsidiary, Bridgewater Bank, is a premier, full-service bank dedicated to providing responsive support and simple solutions to businesses, entrepreneurs and successful individuals across the Twin Cities. Bridgewater offers a comprehensive suite of products and services spanning deposits, lending, and treasury management solutions. Bridgewater has also received numerous awards for its banking services and esteemed corporate culture. With total assets of $5.3 billion as of March 31, 2026, and nine strategically located branches, Bridgewater is one of the largest locally-led banks in Minnesota and is committed to being the finest entrepreneurial bank. For more information, please visit www.bridgewaterbankmn.com. Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260706822594/en/

Media Contact:
Emily Karpenske | Senior Communications Specialist
emily.karpenske@bwbmn.com | 952.653.0624

Investor Contact:
Justin Horstman | VP Investor Relations
justin.horstman@bwbmn.com | 952.542.5169

Source: Bridgewater Bank