Commercial lending

As chief credit officer, Horton oversaw the bank's certification as a Small Business Administration lender and participation in the Paycheck Protection Program.

Most executives are comfortable crossing over $1 billion of assets, where more frequent exams are the biggest supervisory change. But few are eager to take on the compliance burdens that accompany the jump above $10 billion.

Smaller lenders have proved more aggressive than their larger rivals in making new loans during the farm country rebound. Market watchers warn that the price boom may not last.

The Paycheck Protection Program has about $8 billion remaining, with those funds earmarked for community development financial institutions, minority depository institutions and other mission-driven lenders.

Lenders including Howard Bancorp and First Carolina Bank are shunning acquisitions as a route into new markets, to avoid overpaying for targets and inheriting potential loan problems.

The specialty lender provides leases for preowned Ferraris, Porsches, McLarens, Lamborghinis and other luxury cars.

With the Paycheck Protection Program likely winding down at the end of the month, many lenders are seeing heightened demand for the Small Business Administration’s 7(a) and 504 loans.

The Tennessee bank's deal for Fountain Leasing is set to close this month.

The fintech credit card provider is pitching to banks the same software it uses to determine borrowers' creditworthiness. But whether banks are ready for technology that emphasizes cash-flow analysis over traditional credit scoring is open to debate.

The Arkansas bank is turning to asset-based lending and loans to venture capital and other investment groups to help fill a void created by a shortage of new, big-ticket commercial real estate deals.