Valley Bank Receives “Outstanding” Community Reinvestment Act Rating From the OCC

Key Terms

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.

new markets tax credits financial

A government tax incentive that gives investors a multi-year credit against their tax bills when they fund development and businesses in low-income or underserved neighborhoods. Think of it as a long-term discount coupon that makes otherwise risky community projects more attractive; for investors it can lower after-tax cost, improve returns, and steer capital toward areas that might otherwise be overlooked, while carrying the usual project and regulatory risks.

MORRISTOWN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Valley National Bank, a subsidiary of Valley National Bancorp (NASDAQ: VLY), received its third consecutive “Outstanding” rating from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) on its most recent Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) exam, covering the 2022 – 2024 evaluation period.

The OCC evaluates national banks on how effectively they help meet the credit needs of their entire communities — including low-and moderate-income (LMI) individuals and neighborhoods. The rigorous assessment measures performance across lending, investment, and service activities.

“We are honored to receive the OCC’s highest CRA rating,” said Bernadette Mueller, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility – CRA Officer at Valley Bank. “This recognition reflects Valley’s unwavering commitment to expanding access to capital, supporting affordable housing, strengthening small businesses, and partnering with nonprofit organizations to foster meaningful and sustainable community growth and local impact. Community reinvestment is core to who we are as a financial institution.”

“At Valley, we are Relationship Bankers, our commitment to clients and communities is built on trust, long-term partnership, and meaningful impact,” commented Ira Robbins, CEO of Valley Bank. “Earning the OCC’s highest CRA rating underscores the strength of our culture, the dedication of our associates, and nearly a century of doing business the right way by helping the communities we serve thrive.”

Valley’s commitment across lending, investing, and community engagement over the recent exam period include:

• $3.5 billion in community development loans to support affordable housing, economic development, community services, and the revitalization and stabilization of communities we serve.
• Investments of more than $750 million to support community development efforts, including nearly $300 million in New Markets Tax Credits to drive economic development and community revitalizations.
• Expanded access to homeownership by originating more than 950 Community mortgages totaling $355 million, supporting first‑time LMI homebuyers and home purchases in LMI communities.
• More than 23,000 volunteer hours by Valley associates in support of organizations serving LMI individuals, communities, and small businesses.

Valley Bank’s performance reflects its long-standing focus on responsible lending, inclusive economic opportunity, and meaningful community partnerships. Through affordable housing financing, flexible mortgage programs, small business lending, nonprofit board service, and community development investments, Valley continues to deliver measurable impact across its footprint.

About Valley
As the principal subsidiary of Valley National Bancorp (NASDAQ: VLY), Valley National Bank is a regional financial institution with approximately $64 billion in assets. Founded in 1927, Valley has more than 200 offices nationwide and serves individuals, families, and businesses across New Jersey, New York, Florida, Alabama, California, and Illinois. Valley delivers a full range of consumer, commercial, and wealth management solutions designed to support everything from homeownership and business growth to long-term financial planning. Big enough to support complex financial needs and small enough to stay deeply connected, Valley is grounded in a relationship-led approach focused on understanding people first. That same relationship-led approach guides Valley’s commitment to community investment and responsible corporate citizenship. To learn more, visit www.valley.com or call the Valley Customer Care Center at 800-522-4100.

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Pam Golden

(973) 564-8591

pam@glapr.com

Source: Valley National Bank