With banks still facing challenges, alternative sources of credit are likely to play an increasingly important role in financing small businesses. The authors describe what ACCION USA has learned as its approach to microlending has evolved.

Recent developments in the capital markets aim to bring improved liquidity and other benefits to lenders, mostly through the sale of securities backed by small business and even microenterprise loans.

Credit scoring has brought increased efficiency in the mortgage lending industry. It has also raised concerns about fair mortgage lending practices given the increasing use of credit scores in the underwriting process. In order to better understand the potential impact of credit scoring on...

The rise of predatory lending practices has put increasing pressure on lenders to oversee the practices of their third-party mortgage brokers. A lawyer, regulator, consumer advocate, and retired Department of Justice counselor share their perspectives on the subject.

Over the past 25 years, the Community Reinvestment Act has been found to expand access to mortgage credit. But the banking world keeps evolving. Lending gains were strong during the 1990s, yet disparities still exist. This article provides highlights of an important paper that was produced by...

This fourth article in a five-part series on credit scoring showcases three different perspectives. Up for debate is how lenders can ensure fair treatment to all mortgage applicants and how consumers can be educated about the effect their credit score has on loan pricing.

While many perceive a dark side to the use of overrides in the mortgage underwriting process, Stanley Longhofer of Wichita State University disagrees. This article concludes the five-part series on credit scoring and fair mortgage lending.

In New England, 12 percent of refinance loans were higher-priced. Higher-priced refinance loans were much less common in eastern Massachusetts than in other parts of southern New England.

Alternative mortgages may increase flexibility for lenders and consumers, but they also add risk. The best advice for all parties is to learn as much as possible about these tools and proceed with caution.

To counteract clients’ bad mortgage choices, community groups must first understand the emotional component of housing decisions. The author explains how choice architecture can help prospective homebuyers avoid mistakes.