And designated community banks, such as First Bank of the Americas in the heart of Chicago's Hispanic district, are supported by the Treasury when they offer low-cost services, such as basic loans, aimed at previously unserved populations.

ECONOMIST: Banking for immigrants

HaloCard was conceived by Nick Lepetsos, the 45-year-old president of First American State Bank, a community bank in Greenwood Village, Colo.

FORBES: A Startup Aims To Disrupt The Charity -- And The Credit Card -- Business

In September 2011, the pacified Cidade de Deus favela, widely known for the movie that bears its name, became the first neighborhood in the city of Rio de Janeiro with a community bank.

FORBES: Alternative Models For Community Development Emerge Far From Rio's Bright Lights