Small business lending

After tech firms assisted community bankers in processing applications in the Paycheck Protection Program, small-business lenders are continuing to engage with cloud providers and other outside companies to automate the loan forgiveness process.

Two state assembly members introduced legislation that would let the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank accept deposits from public entities and provide financing to small businesses and local governments.

The company has established a fund that will provide capital, technical assistance and long-term recovery support to small businesses, especially minority-owned companies. The other megabanks are expected to donate their fees, also.

But Boston Fed chief sees more interest among banks and borrowers if the economy worsens; the failed payments company is being investigated for its alleged role in a $100 million caper.

More than 30 banks across the country, including dozens of community banks and some lenders with more than $1 billion in assets, could generate fees that surpass their 2019 net revenue before set-asides for loan losses.

Restaurants, medical offices and car dealerships were the top recipients of large loans; increased usage of the drive-ups is putting a strain on the low-tech lanes.

The Trump administration released details of almost 4.9 million loans to businesses — from sole proprietors to restaurant and hotel chains — under the federal government's largest coronavirus relief program so far, the $669 billion Paycheck Protection Program.

Banks participating in the Main Street Lending Program were able to register for and offer credit to businesses last month, but the Federal Reserve said Monday it was set to make the effort fully operational.

The Senate had passed the bill Tuesday, shortly before the Small Business Administration was to stop accepting new loan applications.

The Main Street Lending Program is off to a slow start, while the PPP is extended five weeks to distribute the remaining $130 billion in loans; the European regulator is softening its stance to allow more deals.