Retail & Commercial

On Dec. 31, 2019. Dollars in thousands.

On Dec. 31, 2019. Dollars in thousands.

Lenders are rallying around a bill from Sen. Rubio that would give them access to another $50 billion under the 7(a) program. It could face obstacles in the House, where a bill favors direct lending by the Small Business Administration.

A national moratorium would be costly to lenders and servicers, but proponents say it's needed to help cushion the economic blow of the pandemic.

Banks typically don't offer loans to cash-strapped consumers, and are poorly positioned to start doing so on an emergency basis — unless the government steps in to help.

Triad Business Bank, which will immediately have offices in three cities, will debut next week.

From scams to watch out for to the role banks play in an SBA virus loan program, news about the pandemic's impact was everywhere. Also: As State Farm bows out, U.S. Bank seizes an expansion opportunity; CFPB sues Fifth Third for allegedly opening phony accounts; and more from this week's most-read stories.

Coronavirus concerns, along with the Fed's emergency rate cut and an erratic stock market, have forced most bankers to take pause and reassess potential deals.

Organizers of Riverside Bank of Dublin will need to raise $18 million before opening.

Facebook and other social media platforms are a powerful way to connect members and loan officers, but lenders must ensure they first have a culture of compliance.