Lending

With loan volumes slowing across the industry, some say a focus on loans for renewable energy could be one way for credit unions to pick up some of the slack.

Big picture the industry is doing well, but at the median, lending and membership are flagging even as deposits and assets rise.

From rising incomes and expenses at credit unions to an ever-widening gap between large and small shops, here's a look at how the regulator's third-quarter numbers break down.

The number of downloads for alternative lending apps that allow users to pay for purchases over time skyrocketed by 285% during the Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday period for 2019, compared to the same period in 2018.

Given their price, higher interest rates and appeal to a specific consumer segment, recreational vehicle loans could be a significant growth segment for some credit unions.

In September, loan balances grew at a slower pace than a year earlier, according to the latest trends report from CUNA Mutual.

Delinquencies also remained at "historical low levels" through Sept. 30, according to the state's financial regulator.

On Jun. 30, 2019. Dollars in thousands.

Member business lending growth has fluctuated in recent years but growth overall is slowing even as balances continue to rise. The long run of success could prove to be a problem when the economy finally turns south.

A similar bill was introduced into the House earlier this year and both pieces of legislation have have bipartisan support.