We develop a theoretical model that predicts that credit unions will offer relatively less risky loans (e.g., fewer “subprime” mortgages) compared to similar commercial banks due to credit unions' focus on member utility as nonprofit financial cooperatives. The model also predicts that banks...

This paper links the current sub-prime mortgage crisis to a decline in lending standards associated with the rapid expansion of this market. We show that lending standards declined more in areas that experienced larger credit booms and house price increases. We also find that the underlying...