Old National Bank Committed to Breaking Down Barriers, Creating Opportunity for our Hispanic Communities

Old National Bank is growing its footprint across nine states, with the addition of new markets in Minnesota, northwest Wisconsin, and North Dakota as a result of the merger with Bremer Bank that was completed in May. As part of our expanding presence and ongoing commitment to inclusive banking, we’ve taken several steps to make it easier for the Latino community to do business, from breaking down traditional barriers to establishing programs that are designed to enable better communication, facilitate homeownership, and reach individuals that are often overlooked by financial services organizations.

Removing Barriers for the Growing Hispanic Population

As the Hispanic population continues to grow, Old National is removing language barriers to better meet the culturally-specific needs of this growing demographic. According to Pew Research Center:

• Hispanic population in the U.S. grew by 26% from 2010 to 2022, according to Pew Research.
• In 2022, Hispanics made up 19% of the U.S. population—nearly one in five people – which is up from 16% in 2010 and just 5% in 1970.
• Between 2010 and 2022, Hispanics accounted for 53% of total U.S. population growth.

In the Midwest, the Chicagoland metro area ranks No. 1 for Hispanic population growth during this period, followed by the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. Catering to clients who often have limited options when it comes to establishing their personal finances, Old National’s Hispanic/Latino market focuses include:

• Chicagoland, the second-largest Latino market overall in the United States
• Milwaukee, with a nearly 20% Latino population
• Indianapolis, where the Latino population has quadrupled since the 1990s
• Minneapolis, where the Latino market has increased 38% since 2010

Pilot Outreach in Key Hispanic Markets

Hispanic clients have historically faced language barriers to banking in the U.S. when trying to meet with Spanish-speaking personnel or call center representatives. Old National is actively addressing these barriers by expanding Spanish-language support and prioritizing culturally-responsive service across our platforms and personnel.

Old National has improved Spanish language capabilities and services in our Client Care Center and digital banking platform and expanded the list of accepted forms of customer identification for establishing accounts to make it even easier for Hispanic clients to do business with us.

Thanks to these enhancements, Spanish-speaking clients gain access to banking services and seek answers to their questions in their native language, reducing the risk of misunderstanding or misinformation.

Generations Community Bank (in organization): Supporting Underserved Communities to Advance Financial Equity

A Minority Depository Institution (MDI) assisted by Old National, Generations Community Bank, is slated to open its doors in Indianapolis in early 2026. This mission-driven financial institution will serve the entire community, but will predominately focus on serving underserved communities - groups often overlooked by the traditional financial sector.

MDIs play a critical role in advancing financial equity. They are federally-insured depository institutions where either a majority of voting stock is owned by minority individuals, or the board of directors is predominantly minority. These institutions are often the only financial lifeline for the communities they predominately serve.

Bridging the Gap: Access as a Pathway to Homeownership

Old National’s ITIN Mortgage Loan pilot program is designed to help individuals with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) achieve homeownership in the Chicago and Milwaukee markets. By providing access to mortgage financing options that do not require a Social Security Number (SSN), the program helps remove a key barrier to homeownership for many underserved communities.

Moreno Family Achieves Homeownership

George Pena, Old National Bank Mortgage Loan Officer, first met the Morenos through ONB’s ITIN Mortgage Loan Pilot Program. From the start, Pena provided easy-to-understand guidance on financial requirements, necessary documents, and each step of the homebuying process. Pena wanted to be sure Mercedes Moreno felt supported and informed, effectively overcoming the barriers that often stand between underserved communities and fair access to financial services.

Moreno expressed her gratitude, sharing that her bank helped her and her family achieve their dream of homeownership. When she finally received the keys, both she and George celebrated the moment with excitement and pride.

Reflecting on the experience, George says, “Helping people like the Morenos is why I love what I do. It’s about building trust, making real connections, and seeing the joy when someone achieves their dream. Overcoming barriers and offering ITIN loans are ways we can differentiate ourselves—helping our clients feel confident and comfortable with their lifelong bank.”

Language accessibility and flexible programs aren’t just services; they are bridges to create opportunities for so many in our communities. By offering services and resources that meet clients where they are, Old National Bank ensures that Hispanic and Latino families—like the Morenos—can confidently navigate the path to homeownership and more.

Financial education and meeting the needs of diverse communities is the key to wealth creation and a better future for all individuals and communities. Old National has a longstanding commitment to support historically underserved and economically disadvantaged individuals, families and communities, and remaining your bank for life.

For more information on our ITIN Mortgage Loan Program or to talk to a local expert, click here. Contact George Pena at 773-732-0639 or Roberto E. Cortes at 773-255-0065.

 

As a courtesy, Old National Bank has translated some product information into Spanish. Please note, most communications, documents, and disclosures you will receive from Old National Bank are in English only. For account opening transactions, you are encouraged to secure your own translator. As an alternative, Old National Bank also offers interpretation services, by contacting Client Care at 1-800-731-2265.

*Subject to credit approval and customer qualification. ITIN Home Loan program offers purchase loans for owner-occupied properties and no refinances. Not available for investment properties or secondary residences. Offered for qualified properties located in the Illinois counties of: Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, and Will and the Wisconsin county of Milwaukee. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. 1024-015.