Consumer lending

Affirm partners with Sixth Street to sell its buy now/pay later loans to the investment firm; Associated Banc-Corp promotes Steven Zandpour to deputy head of consumer and business banking; Visa Direct speeds up its money transfers; and more in this week's banking news roundup.

The post-pandemic increase in consumers falling behind on their credit card bills seems to be tapering off. "For 2025, we're seeing a lot of stability in delinquencies," an industry researcher said.

About $2 billion changes hands daily for the sale of new motor vehicles in the U.S., making auto dealers a prime use case for faster payments. So why aren't more using it?

There is a major opportunity out there, especially for community banks, to displace predatory lenders and earn a healthy return at the same time. It's just a question of making the leap.

The company's stock price has jumped 23% since the election, as investors bet that federal student loans will get curtailed, providing more opportunity for the private sector.

The Federal Reserve released additional information about its periodic review of its monetary policy strategy, tools and communications framework; TD Bank Group announced Michelle Myers will succeed Anita O'Dell as global chief auditor; Provident Financial Services will expand its commercial lending team; and more in this week's banking news roundup.

Analysts say lenders' shares could rally on deregulation, lighter tax burdens and a resurgence of M&A. Declining interest rates and lower loan losses could further bolster bottom lines and attract investor interest.

The reduced pace of consumers moving into delinquency adds evidence to the thesis that households are facing lower financial stress.

Senior loan officers polled by the Federal Reserve reported that they further upped their standards for approving credit for customers. But they also signaled that concerns are easing and credit quality is poised for improvement.