Commercial lending

BofA has launched two programs, one focused on increasing homeownership for Black and Hispanic Americans, and the other on small businesses owned by women and minorities that buy commercial real estate in federal opportunity zones.

Data as of Jun. 30, 2022. Dollars in thousands.

Bank lending activity grew at a strong clip in the second quarter and continues to expand. Yet rising interest rates and recession concerns could hamper future growth.

Data as of Mar. 31, 2022. Dollars in thousands.

Data as of Mar. 31, 2022. Dollars in thousands.

Data as of Mar. 31, 2022. Dollars in thousands.

The agency acknowledged that loan performance in the sector has been strong, but cited several reasons to think that might change, including rising interest rates, the effects of inflation and uncertainty about the future of work and commerce.

Energy loan balances at the Oklahoma bank grew 6% from the prior quarter, and unfunded commitments to companies in the sector increased 11%. “This has been a really historic opportunity for BOK Financial Financial to take market share,” said CEO Stacy Kymes.

The Georgia bank said inflationary pressures and interest rate hikes could erode interest among borrowers, particularly in the commercial real estate business. Total loans grew at a 12% clip in the second quarter.

The Buffalo, New York, bank flagged urban hotels and construction projects as potential sources of trouble. “But there’s nothing that’s flashing red right now that says there’s a big crisis coming,” said a top executive.

Unlike some of its peers, the Dallas bank says the U.S. economy is strong, clients are upbeat and lending momentum continues.

While larger lenders retreat from the sector, SouthWest Bank recruited a new team to lend to drillers.

The bureau has dragged its feet for years in moving forward with the rule primarily because of the potential impact on credit availability for millions of small businesses.

Citadel Credit Union, armed with a team of professionals who previously worked at Santander Bank, plans to hold its own in a commercial lending market dominated by PNC Financial Services Group, Bank of America and Wells Fargo.

Firms owned by people of color have suffered more over the last two years than those owned by whites, according to a survey by the Federal Reserve Banks. Asian American-owned firms reported the biggest increase in financial challenges.

A dirty little secret in a $1.2 trillion world of credit is getting exposed as the Wall Street rout deepens: Private debt is now the cheaper financing option for big-ticket leveraged borrowers than the ailing public market — upending industry norms.

Allan Rayson, the chief innovation officer and chief technology officer of Encore Bank, gravitates toward nimble, up-and-coming fintechs that help Encore's commercial clients open accounts and obtain loans digitally.

It took less than a day for Citigroup’s now-infamous payment error to Revlon lenders to come up in the cosmetics giant’s bankruptcy.

Most banks’ interest income will rise following the Fed policy shift. But the rate increase also boosts the likelihood of a recession that could hurt borrowers and drive up loan losses.

Citigroup and Bank of America have teamed up with five other banks to form Octaura Holdings, an electronic trading platform for syndicated loans and collateralized loan obligations.