Commercial lending

Banks weren't involved in the trading frenzy, but some observers say the regulatory response should address risks to all financial institutions.

To avoid taxes on the divestiture of a commercial lending unit, Woodforest National Bank backed an Alabama redevelopment project through a government program that promotes investment in underserved communities.

Only 18% of businesses that received a Paycheck Protection Program or other loan from an online lender were satisfied with customer service, while 42% said they were dissatisfied. Banks, credit unions and CDFIs fared better in the Federal Reserve survey.

The paucity of distressed-loan sales indicates that most bankers are confident about the underlying health of their portfolios even as the pandemic lingers and loss reserves remain elevated.

A group led by Stephen Gordon has received conditional approval from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. to open Genesis Bank.

The Los Angeles company agreed to buy $105 million of loans and a servicing portfolio that covers another $295 million in originations.

The California company acquired Civic Financial Services, which makes loans to residential real estate investors.

Any business loan growth the industry sees this year will be closely tied to mass vaccination efforts and a broader economic recovery, meaning it may take until at least the third quarter for pent-up demand to translate into new opportunities.

The number of Paycheck Protection Program loans to U.S. small businesses more than doubled in the third week of the latest round of pandemic relief aid, as Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase each processed more than $1 billion in funding.

Long hours by bankers and the streamlined resolution of Paycheck Protection Program loans helped lenders collect more fees than anticipated in the fourth quarter. It was a rare bright spot at a time when revenue is being pinched.