Anti-displacement codes of conduct provide roadmaps for financial institutions to practice responsible lending and investment in low-wealth neighborhoods. Financial institutions that sign an anti-displacement code of conduct pledge to follow practices that support the community, such as lending to individuals, affordable housing projects, and small businesses in low- and moderate-income areas. Institutions also agree to report annually on their practices. Codes outline how to support the financial stability of BIPOC business owners, such as funding technical assistance and backing non-traditional business models like cooperatives.

While codes may not directly address small business displacement, they address predatory financial practices and policies that sometimes lead to displacement. Banks are often complicit in displacement when they underwrite loans to property owners who have a history of tenant harassment and evictions. Under the federal Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), banks that are FDIC insured are supposed to help meet low- and moderate-income communities’ credit needs. However, CRA regulations do not set specific benchmarks that banks must meet.

Advocates are pushing for laws that require banks to adopt anti-displacement codes of conduct, but no states or municipalities currently have such codes in place.