Two Banks With Much in Common Fail Two banks failed last Friday (October 25th). That’s as many as have failed in the previous two years combined. The immediate question that came to our mind was, what do these two banks…
Credit Unions Up Credit Card Lending
Credit Unions Up Credit Card Lending In the past five years, the nation’s credit unions have increased their credit card lending by 36% (see chart 2). Some of that increase is because more of the industry is offering credit cards…
In Search of Low Cost Funding
In Search of Low Cost Funding We know very well that it’s not what you want to hear, but community banks are in need of low-cost (or no-cost) deposits. Two weeks ago (JRN 36:38) we reported on some creative ways…
Consumer Debt Up, Delinquencies Mixed Picture
U.S. banks charged off $12.8 billion in loans in the second quarter 2019. That’s up $1.1 billion or 9.3% from a year earlier. The majority of that increase was due to uncollectible credit card loans, which were up $669.4 million…
Community Bank Touch Goes a Long Way
A couple of times a year, we look at how community banks are growing their deposits. When deposit rates are on the rise, that’s easy enough. But when rates are falling, attracting deposits is a lot trickier. The 50…
Payday Loans Skyrocket at Nation’s C.U.s
Federal Credit Unions are set to gain a new tool in the fight against predatory payroll lenders. The current payday alternative loan (PAL) option has been available to FCUs since 2010, but for the past couple of years, NCUA has…
Bank Branches are Alive and Well
According to the FDIC, 461 banks have opened a total of 744 new branch offices during the first eight and a half months of 2019. While there are exceptions, the vast majority are full-service brick and mortar branches. That’s good…
Banks Brace for Rate Cuts, Credit Card Crunch
The FDIC put a positive spin on second quarter bank results, and with good reason. There was a lot to be pleased about: · Net Income was up 4.1% from second quarter 2018 for the industry while Community Banks reported an…
Mutual Bank Growth Through Conversion
Unlike commercial banks, mutual banks are community banks with no stockholders or direct ownership. They are co-ops, owned by the depositors themselves. Originally created to promote savings and home-ownership, the first mutual was established in Boston in 1816. Historically, Massachusetts…
All Bank Star-Ratings Now as of June Data
All bank star-ratings are now based on June 30, 2019 financial data. (Credit union data will be updated in early September.) And, as a result, Bauer welcomes 104 banks to its top 5-Star category. There are 40 fewer recommended banks…