Banking

Forecasters on an American Bankers Association panel predict continued economic growth this year, though they say President Trump's tariffs have created new inflation and recession risks.

Following a record-setting 2024, only one transaction involving a credit union buying a bank has been announced so far this year. Seller concerns about regulatory approval and pushback from bank industry groups have contributed to the slowdown.

It is the program's second issuance to come to market with a pool made up entirely of consumer loans.

Changes are needed to shore up the agency's finances and guarantee the integrity of its flagship 7(a) lending program, according to a leading trade group.

Affirm grade A loans account for 34.8% of the pool and have historically produced the lowest defaults in the sponsor's managed portfolios.

With that sizable fire power, Alcentra hopes to meet the growing market demand for collateralized loan obligations.

Small-balance commercial mortgages, SBA 504 and investor loans, all first-lien, make up the collateral pool.

Deal advisors said the Trump administration's tariff threats and the specter of inflation have given some bankers reason to pause on acquisition plans. Momentum could still mount, but uncertainty in Washington is a detriment early in the new year.

While SoFi uses a third-party servicer for both of those product types, it services its entire consumer loan portfolio.

Valley National Bank and Dime Community Bancshares expect a better balance of deposit costs to help boost their net interest margins in 2025.