Lending

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. -- Credit unions should focus on a few mortgage products, do them well and become go-to experts on the housing market in their local media.

Protesting usury laws and concerned about rising foreclosures, a group of religious leaders visited credit unions and banks in downtown Durham, N.C. as part of what was described as an international crusade, called "10% Is Enough."

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. -- A NAFCU Annual conference education session today attempted to break through the myths and realities of serving immigrant populations.

Due to a lack of interest, a commercial lending and leasing referral program targeted at credit unions and formed by CIT Group Inc. and MicroBilt Corp. ended in late 2008.

Just as shunned bank customers continue searching for credit sources, many of CIT Group Inc.'s smaller business clients may also turn to credit unions for alternative financing.

While member business loans are up 16.3% over the past year, most of the gain occurred in 2008.