Consumer lending

W.J. Bradley's method for retention relies on cutting edge data and analytics; leverages the strength of their retail branch network; and borrows common-sense advice from the father of self-help.

To take advantage of changing customer demographics and preferences, lenders must capitalize on digital technology. At the same time, digital technology should work in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, the loan officer.

Mortgage loan application volume dropped sharply for the period ending Feb. 13 as mortgage rates rose to their highest level since the beginning of the year.

Lenders are seeing higher demand for homes but are expecting only modest growth in sales this year due to the limited housing stock.

Citi has formed a digital marketing alliance with online real estate marketplace Zillow in a bid to reach more customers in the financial services company's priority cities, the company announced Feb. 10.

Sporting a black eye he got while playing basketball, CFPB Director Richard Cordray opened up to credit union executives about another dust-up — the decision to ease qualified mortgage restrictions for small and rural lenders.

A new $913.5 million CMBS is in the market, according to a presale from DBRS.

Wilshire Bancorp in Los Angeles has agreed to buy Manhattan Bancorp's mortgage lending division.

The Inland Empire is the key to the future of Southern California and the region's middle class, an economic and social commentator said.

Mortgage applications were higher during the last week of January as interest rates fell to lows last seen in May 2013.

In yet another revision of its mortgage rules, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposed making it easier for small and rural lenders to make "qualified mortgages." Industry representatives said the changes are poised to make a big difference.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on Thursday proposed a series of regulatory relief measures for small institutions, especially those in rural areas, to help them provide credit while they try to follow the agency's tough mortgage rules.

Hudson City Bancorp in Paramus, N.J., reported lower quarterly profitsas its loan book keeps shrinking.

Sun Bancorp in Mount Laurel, N.J., reported a quarterly loss as it continues to shrink its balance sheet.

Freedom Mortgage will hire 500 additional employees to accommodate an anticipated increase in Federal Housing Administration refinance and purchase transactions.

Earnings at Discover Financial Services plunged by 33% in the fourth quarter, largely due to a charge tied to the firm's mortgage business and a previously announced revision to its flagship credit card program.

Five Star Bank is the latest financial institution to settle claims that it avoided lending to minorities. More redlining cases can be expected, industry experts say.

PNC Financial in Pittsburgh recorded a quarterly loss in its residential mortgage division, as compliance costs outweighed interest income.

Mortgage-focused real estate investment trusts, including those affiliated with Western Asset Management and Pine River Capital Management, are backing loans to Americans who don't meet banks' requirements.

Lower litigation costs helped Bank of America's mortgage unit curb its losses, while Citi's fourth quarter origination volume dropped 18% from a year ago.