Data from Q2 2024 indicates commercial finance companies are experiencing robust loan demand in green energy projects. Related stocks may continue upward trends as ESG mandates drive capital allocation. The CFPB’s latest Unified Rulemaking Agenda signals a period of significant regulatory activity that will directly and indirectly impact SME lenders and alternative commercial finance providers. While some of the most high-profile initiatives—such as the reconsideration of Section 1071’s small business lending data collection requirements and Section 1033’s open banking framework—are statutory and unlikely to disappear, the bureau’s apparent willingness to revisit and potentially streamline these rules offers a measure of hope for a more balanced compliance landscape. Q: Banks and financial institutions (FIs) are fundamental to enabling trade, but they’re facing growing pressure to adapt, whether that means closer alignment with multilateral development banks (MDBs), more efficient use of standards and data, or accelerating digital adoption. What can banks and FIs do better to make sure that they remain relevant and effective partners in this changing finance ecosystem?
