Commercial lending

The $683 million-asset credit union opened a loan production office in Enfield dedicated exclusively to mortgage and business lending.

America's largest bank says it wants to make it easier for small businesses in communities of color to get loans. Under its program, applicants who previously may not have been approved are more likely to get an OK, and borrowers who received higher rates could qualify for a cheaper loan.

Some of the biggest lenders to U.S. offices are weighing sales of loans on the properties as regulators heighten scrutiny on commercial real estate debt portfolios. 

Bank loans to private equity, mortgage companies as well as other lightly regulated — and increasingly volatile — industries have soared in recent years. The central bank says it needs to know how leveraged those borrowers are and how much risk they pose to the banking system.

Loans at the Utah bank increased 6% in the third quarter. Executives said a darkening economic forecast could lower that figure.

The Rhode Island bank continues to build out a national consumer banking platform, while also reducing its exposure to higher-risk asset classes as the economic outlook darkens.

Women focused on environmental, social and governance issues are seeing career opportunities open as sustainable finance initiatives become more critical to a bank's success.