About CNote
Where You Place Your Capital Matters.
Redefining What Capital Can Do
Founded in 2016 by financial executives Catherine Berman and Yuliya Tarasava, CNote unlocks the overlooked $5T community finance market for investors who understand that you can achieve strong performance alongside positive community development. After seeing CDFIs’ strong fundamentals and real outcomes, such as affordable housing, first-time entrepreneurs, community facilities, they built CNote to connect capital to this ecosystem without added risk. Today, CNote applies institutional-grade discipline, modern technology, and rigorous risk management to channel impact-aligned cash at scale..
Our Founding Story
CNote was co-founded by Catherine Berman and Yuliya Tarasava, two seasoned financial executives determined to rethink how capital works in the modern economy.
Catherine “Cat” Berman, a three-time entrepreneur and former Managing Director at Charles Schwab, has a track record of building innovative financial products. Yuliya, a structured finance expert who co-led a $10 billion risk management function and worked in international development, brings unmatched expertise in creating resilient, inclusive financial systems.
Combining decades of financial leadership, Yuliya and Catherine built CNote to expand economic opportunity to all corners of our country, including the small businesses, nonprofits and low-income communities often overlooked by traditional finance. Today, CNote gives institutions and individuals a smarter way to align financial performance while measurably strengthening our communities.
Our Team & Culture
CNote’s team brings together seasoned fintech operators, risk management experts, and community finance specialists. Our diverse backgrounds span institutional investing, structured finance, technology innovation, and impact strategy, giving us the expertise to deliver both strong financial outcomes and measurable community results.
We operate with the same discipline and transparency we bring to our clients, leading with integrity, accountability, and a commitment to excellence. Distributed across the country, our team reflects the communities we serve and the markets we help strengthen. We prioritize strategic growth, meaningful partnerships, and long-term trust because we know that sustainable impact starts with strong foundations.
CNote’s Vision & Mission
Our vision and mission reflect CNote’s commitment to reshaping finance so that capital drives both strong returns and financial innovation
Vision
A financial system where everyone has equal access to capital, opportunity, and prosperity.
Mission
Harness financial innovation to expand access, strengthen communities, and build a more inclusive economy.
Core Values
At CNote, our core values guide how we work, innovate, and grow together. They shape how we show up for our clients, our communities, and each other, ensuring that goals and performance go hand in hand.
People
First
We invest in our team’s growth, challenge each other to be better, and celebrate wins and lessons learned, together.
Relentless Innovation
We find a way. Every obstacle is an opportunity to create smarter financial solutions.
Built on Trust
Our word is our bond. Clients and colleagues can count on us to deliver, always.
Courage to Challenge
We question the status quo, take calculated risks, and value honest, constructive dialogue.
Enjoy the Journey
We take our work seriously, but not ourselves. Even in complex moments, we keep it collaborative and fun.