Republicans on the House and Senate Small Business committees are accusing the SBA of being irresponsible in granting Funding Circle permission to participate in its flagship loan-guarantee program.

The decision to approve the fintech's application to make 7(a) loans came nearly a month after Funding Circle's U.K.-based CEO hinted it is considering a sale of its U.S. operations, alarming some members of Congress.

Some 54% of small businesses said in a recent survey that elevated rates had led to higher debt payments. And in a sign that loan demand remains soft, 37% reported delaying expansion plans or capital spending.

A blizzard of new rules and regulations strikes at the fundamental strengths of the U.S. banking system, and will have negative impacts on both American consumers and businesses.

Strategic alliances are a viable avenue leading to risk reduction and higher profits — provided that bankers can learn to embrace them.

Experts predict the number of small businesses turning to an employee-ownership model will accelerate in the coming years. The would mean opportunities for banks that advise on such transitions.

The agency plans to restrict access to a system that provides borrower tax returns to mortgage lenders beginning June 30. Left out of the loop, small-business lenders say getting credit to borrowers will become more difficult as a result.

The head of small business at Truist Bank discusses how regional banks are operating in this market, in conversation with American Banker Editor-in-Chief Chana Schoenberger.

The head of U.S. business banking at BMO discussed what small businesses need with American Banker Editor-in-Chief Chana Schoenberger in the Leaders Forum.