Ally Financial

Lenders are set to flood the SBA with new PPP applications; long nights and weekends the new normal; Fifth Third rethinks new-branch designs in light of coronavirus; and more from this week's most-read stories.

After more than tripling its loan-loss provision, the $182 billion-asset company became the first large U.S. bank to report a quarterly loss as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Closed showrooms, temporary bans on repossessions and a sudden spike in unemployment have dimmed the prospects of a sector that has boomed since the last recession.

From paying $1,000 bonuses to branch employees to subsidizing child care expenses, banks are offering a slew of new perks for front-line employees still working and more paid leave for those who are ill or caring for sick family members.

Investors are reacting skeptically to the auto lender's deal to acquire CardWorks for $2.65 billion.

Bank of the West intends to stop making indirect auto loans and will instead focus on financing purchases of boats and recreational vehicles. It’s just the latest example of a regional bank pouring more resources into the powersports sector.

While demand is strong and loan performance generally remains solid, the prevalence of longer loan terms has sparked concern that losses will eventually spike.

The company, which announced the conclusion of a three-year-old credit card partnership with TD Bank, is shifting to digital financing of individual consumer purchases.

Democratic lawmakers made clear at a hearing Wednesday that they do not intend to abandon the issue following the GOP's repeal of regulatory guidance last year.

Jacqueline Howard's personal interest in helping close the wealth gap prompted her to steer Ally Financial toward a more concerted effort on this front.