Retail & Commercial

While layoffs at big banks get the headlines, small and midsize lenders are also trimming payrolls in response to lower rates and fears that a recession is getting closer.

Plug-in to the second installment of the “Consumer Credit Podcast Series” with guest Kevin Yuann, general manager of NerdWallet, one of the country’s leading personal finance websites. Hosted by Daniel Wolfe, Editor-in Chief, PaymentsSource.A Consumer Credit Podcast

At a forum convened by the CFPB, several bank and fintech executives argued that long-delayed rules required under the Dodd-Frank Act can help fight discrimination and shine a light on unsavory practices in the market for small-business credit.

The FDIC ordered the Seattle bank to pay a nearly $1.4 million fine tied to improper agreements with real estate brokers and homebuilders.

Whitefish Credit Union has surpassed $1.5 billion in total assets thanks to growth in consumer loans brought on by an increased digital marketing presence.

Don Kimble assured investors Wednesday that the bank is being "very diligent" in lending to an industry some experts say is already in a recession. Echoing other banking executives, he also predicted that consumer lending would drive overall loan growth in the near term.

The bank is open to adding branches in cities where it has a high population of cardholders and where its largest co-brand card partners are based, Anand Selva, head of the lender's U.S. consumer unit, said.

An e-wallet in development would give tech companies the ability to provide millions of customers virtual bank accounts and to offer perks such as car loans or discounts on home rentals to those who keep money stashed there.

The Maryland company agreed to acquire Rembert Pendleton Jackson, which has $1.3 billion in assets under management.

With so many data breaches targeting merchants, banks and credit unions should not assume they are in the clear.