Credit unions

Refinancing has been one of the bright spots in a difficult year for lending, and the industry has concerns that a fee to be imposed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could slow down the business.

With the USPS emerging as an election-year flashpoint, postal banking is an idea that could gain steam. But a number of proposals are out there, and they have wildly varying implications for financial inclusion.

New data from the state regulator showed that assets at credit unions in the Badger State grew by 28% during the first half of this year, versus growth of 14% in the first six months of 2019.

If the U.S. Postal Service can hold talks with big banks, like JPMorgan Chase, about offering financial services in post offices, then it could easily strike up similar conversations with credit unions.

Whether the number of deals for 2020 can come close to last year's record-setting level will come down to one question: Can community banks generate strong enough profits in the second half to justify their independence?

On Mar. 31, 2020. Dollars in thousands.

On Mar. 31, 2020. Dollars in thousands.

On Mar. 31, 2020. Dollars in thousands.

If the U.S. Postal Service can hold talks with big banks, like JPMorgan Chase, about offering financial services in post offices, then it could easily strike up similar conversations with credit unions.

New research finds that it's become harder than ever to acquire new customers — and equally challenging to engage newly acquired ones.