Jon Prior

Lenders are scrambling to pause ranchers’ loan payments as meat processing plant shutdowns during the pandemic threaten $25 billion in losses for the livestock industry.

Bracing for a prolonged economic slowdown, many community bankers say they are considering a number of belt-tightening measures, including freezing salaries and delaying investments in technology and product development, according to a survey by Promontory Interfinancial Group.

Lawmakers are pushing for better data on who's receiving loans in hopes that more funds will be directed to lenders that serve women- and minority-owned businesses.

The deal was expected to close this summer, but First BanCorp said a regulatory review is hitting snags.

Funneling fees from emergency loans to feed the hungry. Supporting psychological counseling for health care heroes and financial advice for the poor. Backing retrofits of customer operations to produce protective gear for front-line medical personnel. Bankers and financial educators have tossed out the traditional playbook to help clients and communities in crisis.

More details have emerged about the damage the coronavirus pandemic is inflicting on the hospitality industry. One servicer alone has received 2,000 workout requests in the past month.

Rather than selling off assets at a steep discount, the Dallas company is considering taking equity positions in energy firms struggling to make loan payments in the wake of collapsing prices.

Lawmakers are considering a plan to reserve Paycheck Protection Program funds for lenders with $50 billion in assets or less, a figure that would include nearly all credit unions.

Lawmakers are considering a plan to reserve at least $50 billion in Paycheck Protection Program funds for customers of community banks and small regionals.

Citizens, Regions and others say business investments initiated before the COVID-19 pandemic, including technology improvements and new consumer offerings, are on track.