Metropolitan Commercial Bank Approved as HUD MAP/LEAN Lender
MWN-AI** Summary
Metropolitan Commercial Bank has announced its recent approval by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to participate in the Multifamily Accelerated Processing (MAP) and LEAN (Section 232) programs. This designation allows the Bank to issue FHA-insured loans for healthcare facilities across the United States, including skilled nursing and assisted living properties. The approval marks a strategic advancement in the Bank’s healthcare lending initiatives, reinforcing its position as a significant lender within this space.
Scott Lublin, EVP and Chief Lending Officer at Metropolitan Commercial Bank, expressed pride in receiving this approval, emphasizing the Bank’s extensive experience in healthcare lending and commitment to financing reputable operators nationwide. The FHA Section 232 program uniquely offers long-term, fixed-rate financing solutions, promoting stability and growth in the healthcare sector.
The Bank already has a strong portfolio in healthcare-related loans, positioning it well to offer both conventional and specialized off-balance sheet FHA-insured financing tailored to the dynamic capital needs of operators. Mark R. DeFazio, CEO and Founder of the Bank, highlighted the potential for generating significant fee income through this initiative, which they anticipate will enhance both earnings and funding sources.
Danny Tommasino, SVP and Group Head of C&I and Healthcare Lending, noted the rising demand for reliable, long-term capital in healthcare, stating that the new FHA-insured lending capabilities will deliver flexible financing options for acquisitions and refinancing.
Metropolitan Commercial Bank, established in 1999 and based in New York City, is known for its relationship-driven banking approach and specialized expertise across various industries, including healthcare, real estate, and legal services. With plans to actively market its HUD MAP/LEAN platform immediately, the Bank aims to significantly contribute to the financing of healthcare facilities nationwide.
MWN-AI** Analysis
Metropolitan Commercial Bank's recent approval as a HUD MAP/LEAN lender presents a compelling opportunity for investors to consider its strategic positioning in the healthcare lending sector. This approval allows the Bank to originate FHA-insured loans for various healthcare facilities, ensuring a steady inflow of reliable revenue through fixed-rate financing options.
With healthcare demand on the rise, especially for skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, Metropolitan's entry into this market positions it favorably against competitors. The bank's extensive experience in healthcare lending—combined with disciplined underwriting practices—affirms its capability to adapt to evolving market conditions and borrower needs, whether for acquisitions or refinancing.
Investors should note that Metro's involvement in the HUD MAP/LEAN program opens avenues for meaningful fee income generation, alongside attracting low-cost deposits. This diversification enhances the Bank's earnings profile and reinforces its balance sheet strength. With the healthcare sector increasingly reliant on dependable capital, Metropolitan’s expanded lending platform appears well-timed to capitalize on these opportunities.
Moreover, the bank's commitment to delivering tailored solutions through innovative technology will likely improve client engagement and operational efficiency. As it begins marketing its healthcare loans nationally, the anticipated demand for fixed-rate, non-recourse loans may bolster both loan origination and deposit growth.
Additionally, Metropolitan's recognition as a top performer and its investment-grade rating further supports a positive investment outlook. As financial markets react to trends in healthcare financing and overall economic conditions, Metropolitan Commercial Bank's newly expanded capabilities may enhance its competitive edge and market resilience.
In conclusion, investors should monitor Metropolitan Commercial Bank for growth potential stemming from its strategic healthcare lending expansion. The combination of robust market demand, strong underwriting expertise, and a commitment to innovation could translate into sustainable long-term value, making it an appealing prospect for those seeking exposure to the commercial banking and healthcare sectors.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
Expands National Healthcare Lending Platform
Metropolitan Commercial Bank (the “Bank”) today announced that it has received approval from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to participate as a lender in the Multifamily Accelerated Processing (MAP) and LEAN (Section 232) programs. This designation authorizes the Bank to originate FHA-insured loans for healthcare facilities nationwide, including skilled nursing, assisted living, and other residential care properties.
The approval marks a significant strategic expansion of the Bank’s commercial healthcare lending platform and strengthens its position as a leading healthcare-focused lender.
“We are proud to receive HUD MAP/LEAN approval,” said Scott Lublin, EVP and Chief Lending Officer of Metropolitan Commercial Bank. “This milestone reflects our deep experience in healthcare lending and reinforces our long-term commitment to financing high-quality operators across the country. The FHA 232 program allows us to provide attractive, long-term, fixed-rate financing solutions that support stability and growth in the healthcare sector.”
The Bank has extensive experience in healthcare-related lending, including a substantial portfolio of skilled nursing facility loans nationwide. With a disciplined underwriting approach and strong balance sheet, the Bank is positioned to deliver both conventional and off-balance sheet FHA-insured financing solutions tailored to operators’ evolving capital needs.
“This HUD MAP/LEAN initiative is expected to generate meaningful fee income and attract high-quality, low-cost deposits, strengthening both our earnings profile and funding base,” said Mark R. DeFazio, Founder, President and CEO of Metropolitan Commercial Bank.
HUD’s MAP/LEAN program is designed to expedite the processing of FHA-insured loans for healthcare facilities, providing borrowers with long-term, fixed-rate, non-recourse financing.
“The demand for dependable, long-term capital in the healthcare space continues to grow,” said Danny Tommasino, SVP, Group Head of C&I and Healthcare Lending of Metropolitan Commercial Bank. “By adding FHA-insured lending capabilities, we are enhancing our ability to serve operators with flexible and competitive financing options that support both acquisitions and refinancing.”
Metropolitan Commercial Bank will begin actively marketing its HUD MAP/LEAN lending platform immediately and intends to originate healthcare loans nationwide under the program.
About Metropolitan Commercial Bank
Metropolitan Commercial Bank (“MCB” or the “Bank”) is a New York City–based, full-service commercial bank providing tailored banking solutions to businesses, institutions, and individuals. Founded in 1999, MCB partners with entrepreneurial clients across a broad range of industries, serving individuals, families, and businesses across generations through relationship-driven banking supported by innovative technology and disciplined execution.
MCB offers a comprehensive suite of commercial, business, and personal banking products and services to small businesses, middle-market and corporate enterprises, private and public institutions, municipalities, and local government entities. The Bank is recognized for its specialized expertise in sectors including legal services, residential healthcare, real estate and property management, government entities, charter schools, and global investors utilizing EB-5 financial solutions.
Through dedicated bankers and relationship managers, MCB delivers customized solutions across title and escrow services, 1031 exchanges, and direct merchant acquiring—enabling faster onboarding, enhanced efficiency, and reduced risk. The Bank’s digital platforms complement its high-touch service model, providing seamless access and real-time insights for clients. Guided by a solutions-oriented philosophy and a commitment to integrity and excellence, MCB empowers clients to navigate complex markets with confidence while building long-term value for clients, shareholders, and the communities it serves.
MCB has earned national recognition for its financial performance, innovation, and strategic growth. The Bank was named one of Newsweek’s Best Regional Banks in 2024 and 2025 and ranked by the Independent Community Bankers of America among the top ten successful loan producers for 2024 by loan category and asset size for commercial banks with more than $1 billion in assets. Kroll affirmed MCB’s BBB+ (investment grade) deposit rating in January 2026, and the Bank was honored for the fourth time as a Piper Sandler Bank Sm-All Stars institution in 2024.
In addition, MCB has been recognized for digital leadership and workplace excellence. In 2025, the Bank received Editor’s Choice recognition at the Banking Tech Awards USA for Digital Onboarding & Omnichannel Banking, earned Great Place To Work® certification with a 93% employee satisfaction rating, and received the Web Award Standard of Excellence for MCBankNY.com. Additional honors include designation as a 2025 ALTA Elite Provider and the 2025 Cornerstone Advisors Smarter Bank Differentiated Award , recognizing MCB’s leadership in specialized commercial deposit banking.
MCB operates banking centers in Manhattan and Boro Park, Brooklyn, within New York City, as well as in Great Neck on Long Island, New York, and Lakewood, New Jersey. The Bank also maintains a private client office in Miami, Florida, and expects to open an additional private client office in West Palm Beach, Florida, in the first quarter of 2026.
Metropolitan Commercial Bank is a New York State–chartered commercial bank, a member of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and an equal housing lender. The Bank’s parent company is Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp. (NYSE: MCB).
For more information, please visit the Bank’s website at MCBankNY.com .
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260302060612/en/
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FAQ**
How will the approval to participate in HUD's MAP and LEAN programs enhance Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp. MCB's competitive position in the healthcare lending sector?
What specific advantages does the FHA 232 program offer to borrowers seeking loans from Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp. MCB for healthcare facilities?
How does MCB plan to effectively market its new HUD MAP/LEAN lending platform to attract high-quality clients in the healthcare space?
In what ways is Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp. MCB’s disciplined underwriting approach expected to impact its healthcare lending portfolio and overall financial performance?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp. (NYSE: MCB).
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