Small Business Banking Conference

Azlo, Bento, Bank Novo and other neobanks argue they are better at helping small businesses, giving them extra attention, technology and advice.

Traditional financial institutions still have an advantage over challenger banks when it comes to building relationships with small merchants, despite scandals that have befallen megabanks.

The New York unit of Popular has contracted with Biz2Credit to automate commercial loan approvals and handle the underwriting for applications under $100,000.

The agency says lenders lacked the risk appetite, while bankers point to concerns over turnaround times and strict loan terms.

The $380-billion asset company will soon join the parade of big banks and tech companies that are migrating online to meet the demands of business owners.

Bigger banks appear to be losing C&I share to small and midsize lenders. That's raising questions about whether community banks — known more for commercial real estate lending — have enough expertise to underwrite deals that larger banks avoid.

The San Antonio bank will refer customers seeking small-business loans to StreetShares, a financial startup that is similarly focused on serving veterans of the U.S. military.

Efforts to make it easier for smaller businesses to apply for SBA loans, coupled by concerted expansion efforts among key regional and community banks, contributed to the third consecutive record for 7(a) lending.