California

Tom Lopp abruptly suspended a program that accounted for 83% of Sterling Bancorp's mortgage production this year. An ongoing audit of the program and pressure to diversify beyond mortgages are reasons to watch Lopp and Sterling in 2020.

One found a buyer, another announced plans to retire, and others took steps to reinvent their banks.

The FDIC was reluctant to sign off on the merger of Summit Bancshares and Faciam Holdings because the company planned to serve marijuana-related businesses.

Tucoemas Federal Credit Union faced claims of age and sex discrimination in its hiring processes.

The Department of Business Oversight said TitleMax charged consumers fees to push loan amounts above the threshold at which the state's rate cap applies.

The bank, whose 7(a) originations have plummeted in recent years, is developing a portal that will let applicants upload documents, complete forms and track application progress.

The sale comes just three years after the San Francisco bank bought the platform.

Moderates on the Financial Services Committee are attempting to block legislation that would extend the 36% interest rate cap on loans to military personnel to all consumers.

Federal and state policymakers wagged their fingers this week at high-cost lenders that might be looking to team with banks to evade a 36% ceiling on interest rates.

As part of this year's Best Practices Awards, CU Journal looks at a trio of institutions that have found creative and effective ways to bring in new funding.