How do mergers affect communities?
A: While a locally controlled bank is merged into a bank headquartered somewhere else (an out-of-market merger), a few apprehension about the institution's future commitment to the local community is bound to result. Though, because such mergers usually are motivated by a bank's desire to gain access to a new market, commitment to the community frequently is actually enhanced. Banks, aware that merger transactions focus public awareness on their role in the community, often demonstrate their commitment instantly through greater lending activity. Banking regulators monitor both the statements of commitment that are made by institutions at the time of a merger or acquisition, also banks' performance under the Community Reinvestment Act, which needs banks to serve all parts of the community.