Founded in 1887, the Michigan Bankers Association (MBA) is a trade association of Michigan financial institutions which currently includes more than 2,300 branches located throughout the state with combined assets of over $150 billion. Our purpose: Empowering the voice of banking through connections, growth, dreams and innovations for communities to thrive. Equality is an integrated principle of t
he Michigan Bankers Association (MBA). The MBA promotes a culture of respect for all individuals, believing the keys to empowerment for our members and the communities they serve are:
• Celebrating diversity
• Promoting inclusiveness
• Advancing access to financial services
The MBA is determined to be intentional in practice and providing resources to our members to grow in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Diversity: Includes race and ethnicity, gender, gender identity, s*xual orientation, socioeconomic status, language, culture, national origin, religious affiliation, age, (dis)ability status and political perspective. Equity: Respond to bias, harassment, and discrimination. Equal opportunity for all persons and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, s*x, s*xual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, (dis)ability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status. Inclusion: Cultivate a place where differences are welcomed, different perspectives are respectfully heard and where every individual feels a sense of belonging and inclusion. The MBA has resources available to encourage banks in these areas and to assist where we can. Along with monthly posted webinars, a link to free resources available from the American Bankers Association is available on the MBA website. As an industry, we are uniquely positioned to help the unbanked, underbanked, children, students, and seniors learn more about financial literacy. With programs such as Bank On Certified Accounts and the MBA’s - internship program, we can help people from all groups enjoy the benefit of a banking relationship and healthy finances. Diversity, equity, and inclusion matter because the more they are obtained in the workplace and society, the closer we'll get to a state of true acceptance of one another.