Lending

Credit unions and other lenders will have their pick of a number of forums this week aimed at aiding struggling small businesses.

Credit unions working with members to make them more aware of their credit scores might find a company called Credit Karma a useful information source.

Credit unions watching their members' credit scores slide over the course of the recession might see a few of them start to improve, according to a consumer credit score tracking firm.

RealtyTrac, a for profit marketplace for foreclosed properties which is seen as the leading indicator of foreclosures nationwide reported that foreclosure filings fell 3% in October, the third straight month of decline.

NCUA Board Chairman Debbie Matz has sent a letter to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the regulator and conservator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, seeking resolution of a dispute over some mortgages that credit unions complain were stolen.

The SBA said it is working with President Obama and Congress to obtain funding to continue the agency's 7(a) program's 90% loan guarantee and fee reductions, which are set to last into December.