For decades, CRA compliance has been about meeting communities where they are.
In 2025, that means meeting them online.

If your bank is relying solely on branch access and manual processes to serve small businesses—especially in low- and moderate-income (LMI) communities—you’re not just falling behind the competition.

You may be falling short of your Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) obligations.

Here’s the playbook bank executives need to future-proof CRA compliance and expand digital access to small business banking:

✅ 1. Audit Digital Access for SMBs

The question: Can a small business in an LMI ZIP code apply for a loan or open an account without ever walking into a branch?

If not, your digital accessibility is already a risk factor.
👉 Action: Map every SMB product experience. Eliminate outdated workflows and friction.

✅ 2. Embed Products in the SMB Workflow

SMBs aren’t hanging out in your online banking portal — they’re managing operations through POS systems, payroll platforms, and accounting software.

👉 Action: Use embedded cross-sell technology to deliver offers where SMBs already work — not where you wish they would.

✅ 3. Proactively Target Underserved Businesses

If you’re waiting for SMBs to raise their hand, you’ve already missed the moment.
With the right data, you can identify, pre-qualify, and reach the right merchants — before your competitors do.

👉 Action: Launch automated outreach to SMBs in CRA-priority geographies via mobile, email, and embedded touchpoints.

✅ 4. Automate CRA Reporting

Manual CRA documentation is not scalable. And worse, it’s not real-time.
Banks need transparent tracking of product offers, approvals, and outcomes — especially when regulators come calling.

👉 Action: Adopt platforms with integrated campaign tracking and audit-ready CRA reports.

✅ 5. Align CRA with Product and Tech Strategy

Too many banks treat CRA like a compliance island.
But the most forward-thinking institutions are embedding it into digital banking, lending, and product strategy.

👉 Action: Bring CRA, product, and technology leaders together. Build access and equity into your roadmap from day one.

🚀 Why This Matters More Than Ever

CRA is no longer just about where your bank is — it’s about who your bank serves and how easily they can be served.

✅ Digital access is equity.
✅ Embedded offers are inclusion.
✅ Automation is accountability.

Technology isn’t just a tool for compliance — it’s your engine for growth, reach, and community impact.

📩 Want to see how LendingFront helps banks turn CRA compliance into competitive advantage? Let’s talk.