How do mergers influence communities?
While a locally controlled bank is merged into a bank headquartered elsewhere (an out-of-market merger), some of the apprehension regarding the institution's future commitment to the local community is bound to result. Though, since such mergers in general are motivated through a bank's desire to acquire access to a new market, commitment to the community frequently is in fact enhanced. Banks, aware that merger transactions focus public attention on their role in the community, frequently show their commitment instantly through greater lending activity. Banking regulators monitor both the statements of commitment made through institutions at the time of a merger or acquisition, plus banks' performance under the Community Reinvestment Act, which requires banks to serve all parts of the community.