OCC: Mortgage Performance Report for Second Quarter 2025 Issued
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) reported on the performance of first-lien mortgages in the federal banking system during the second quarter of 2025. The OCC Mortgage Metrics Report, Second Quarter 2025 showed that 97.5 percent of mortgages included in the report were current and performing at the end of the quarter, an increase…
ABA: Bank Economists See Slower Growth and Persistent Inflation
The American Bankers Association’s Economic Advisory Committee expects continued slow U.S. economic growth for the remainder of 2025 and a modest pickup in 2026. The group’s latest forecast released today indicates inflation will remain stubbornly high and above the Federal Reserve’s 2% inflation target. The committee, composed of 16 chief economists from some of North…
ICBA: ICBA Urges FDIC to Reject Applications Under Industrial Loan Company Loophole to Prevent Risks to Consumers
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today told the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) that it has a statutory duty to reject the applications of industrial loan companies (ILCs) that pose undue risks to the Deposit Insurance Fund and that fail to serve the convenience and needs of their communities. In a comment letter responding to…
SBA: Loan Fees Waived for Small Manufacturers in Fiscal Year 2026
One-Year Waiver Incentivizes Return to Industrial Dominance Today, in support of the Trump Administration’s broader effort to rebuild American industrial dominance, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that it would waive most upfront fees for small manufacturers in fiscal year 2026. With the fee burden reduced, the SBA will empower more small manufacturers (NAICS 31-33) with…
ICBA: New Analysis Shows Sharp Decreases in Small Business and Mortgge Lending Following Credit Union Acquisitions of Community Banks
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today released the results of a new data analysis demonstrating that the growth of tax-exempt credit unions acquiring tax-paying community banks is harming small businesses and local communities while community banks outperform credit unions in high-poverty areas. In a new blog post, ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey details ICBA’s…
ICBA: ICBA Applauds Signing of Law to Restrict Mortgage “Trigger Leads”
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today applauded President Trump for signing into law the bipartisan Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 2808), which will help protect the financial privacy of mortgage applicants. Introduced by Reps. John Rose (R-Tenn.) and Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) and Sens. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), the Homebuyers Privacy…
SBA: First-Ever Loan Program Dedicated to American Manufacturers Launched
MARC Loans Will Expand Access to Credit Lines that Create Jobs, Onshore Production, and Support the Return of Industrial Dominance Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launched its first-ever loan program dedicated to supporting America’s small manufacturers, which make up 98% of all U.S. manufacturers. The 7(a) Manufacturer’s Access to Revolving Credit (MARC) Loan Program will offer working capital…
SBA: Letter Issued to Lending Network Instructing Them to End Practice of Debanking
Agency Takes Decisive Action to Enforce President’s Directive to Stop Financial Discrimination Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) sent a letter to its network of over 5,000 lenders instructing them to end politicized or unlawful banking practices. Pursuant to Executive Order 14331, “Guaranteeing Fair Banking for All Americans,” SBA is requiring all lenders to stop the practice…
FHFA: U.S. Federal Housing Allows Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to Approve Rocket Acquisition of Mr. Cooper
Approval Must Adhere to Safety and Soundness Guardrails Today U.S. Federal Housing, in keeping with its statutory responsibilities as conservator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises), allowed both Enterprises to approve Rocket Companies’ proposed acquisition of Mr. Cooper Group, subject to appropriate conditions to ensure the ongoing safety and soundness of Fannie Mae…
SBA: Disaster Relief Offered to New York Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by Severe Storms and Flooding
Low interest disaster loans now available The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans for New York businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by the severe storms and flooding occurring June 22, 2025. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Kathy…