Capital Briefs: B of A Development Bank Opening in D.C.

Bank of America's low-income lending arm is expanding into the Washington, D.C., market, a company spokeswoman said Friday.

Julia Chang Bloch, speaking at the conclusion of a press conference on Community Reinvestment Act issues, said Bank of America Community Development Bank plans to open here shortly.

"We are going to expand," Ms. Bloch told about two dozen bankers, community activists, and reporters. No timetable has been set.

The Walnut Creek, Calif.-based subsidiary made $350 million in affordable housing construction and government-assisted small business loans in 12 states last year. About 40% of those loans were for less than $100,000.

NationsBank vice president Catherine Bessant, who also attended the CRA press conference, said she welcomes the competition. "We've been expanding into California, so I guess fair is fair," Ms. Bessant said.

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