Valley National Bank, a subsidiary of Valley National Bancorp , 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.
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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.
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