Responsive Banking Services Committee

Empowering Every Checkbook: The Responsive Banking Services Committee

Since 1994, the Responsive Banking Services Committee has been dedicated to one core mission: expanding financial access. We believe that a bank account is more than just a place to hold money—it’s the foundation of financial stability and a bridge to the American dream.

Our Evolution: From Basic Banking to Bank On

For over three decades, our Basic Banking for Massachusetts program has encouraged banks to voluntarily provide low-cost checking and savings accounts tailored for low-to-moderate-income households.

Building on that legacy, PFE took a bold step forward in 2025 by launching the Bank On Massachusetts coalition. This initiative plugs our local efforts into a powerful national movement:

National Standards: We’ve aligned with the Cities for Financial Empowerment (CFE) Fund to ensure accounts meet rigorous national standards for safety and affordability.

Scale: We are now part of a network of 98 local initiatives across the country, all working to bring the “unbanked” into the fold.

Voluntary Participation: Our partner banks continue to lead the way by providing accounts that eliminate hidden fees and lower the barriers to entry.

Responsive Banking Services Committee

Committee Chair – Lena Buteau, Vice President, Retail Administration Officer, Monson Savings Bank

Get Involved

Whether you are a financial institution looking to join the coalition or a community partner eager to spread the word, we want to hear from you.

The Responsive Banking Services Committee meetings are open meetings held throughout the year on a variety of topics related to banking services for low- to moderate-income households, including oversight of our Basic Banking for Massachusetts program and Bank on Massachusetts. At our meetings, you can network with those who share similar interests or responsibilities and discuss topics related to your industry. Each meeting is facilitated by Partnership for Financial Equity co-chairs and staff. These sessions are designed to encourage an informal and collegial exchange of experiences and insights. Membership in Partnership for Financial Equity is encouraged to help sustain our efforts, but is not a requirement to attend meetings.

Contact for Inquiries: Jason Andrade Director of Research and Membership Engagement 📞 857-309-3096 ✉️ jandrade@financialequity.net