The New York State Department of Financial Services and State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli designated Manhattan Community District 12, covering Washington Heights and Inwood, as a Banking Development District. The Comptroller also announced a USD 35 million state deposit at Ponce Bank’s Inwood branch to support affordable and accessible banking services in the underserved area. Ponce Bank plans to expand low cost accounts for unbanked residents, bilingual services, financial education and small business access to credit, including affordable loans and its Small Business Bootcamp Program. The designation is New York’s 60th under the program, which enables state deposits at eligible institutions that open or maintain branches in areas with demonstrated banking needs. As of Sept. 8, 2026, the Comptroller’s office held about USD 415 million in deposits across 13 institutions operating in Banking Development Districts statewide.