Consumer lending

In a surprise settlement, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ordered the Texas lender to pay a penalty and compensate for overcharging service members on more than 45,000 loans.

Historically high interest rates and falling late-payment rates suggest that credit card issuers are tightening their underwriting standards amid economic uncertainty.

Congress is considering major changes to federally supported student loan programs. If lawmakers aren't careful, they could close off a vital pipeline of talent that feeds vital public systems.

The Senate Banking Committee is now proposing to cut the cap by which the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau can request funds from the Federal Reserve to 6.5% of the Federal Reserve's operating budget after its opening bid of 0% was rejected by the Senate parliamentarian.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy, a Republican, vetoed a bill that would cap consumer loan rates at 36% APR, arguing it would restrict credit access for vulnerable Alaskans.

Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp. has applied for an industrial loan company charter, joining General Motors and Ford in hoping for better prospects for approval under the Trump administration.

Banks can now make loans of less than $1,000 easily and profitably. Increasing their availability would benefit consumers, communities and, most of all, banks themselves.

The Department of Justice is seeking to terminate a Biden-era lending discrimination settlement with Lakeland Bank. Last month, the DOJ took similar action in a case involving Mississippi-based Trustmark National Bank.

The Trump administration's plan to shift $1.6 trillion in student loans could include a sale to a private buyer. If that's the case, any potential purchaser has some serious due diligence to undertake.