Indepth analysis of persistant problems in the field of community development. Woodstock's research reports contribute to the body of knowledge used by policymakers and community development practitioners.
New evidence indicates the largest Chicago area banks have not expanded
into lower income and minority markets, despite the substantial
purchasing power and concentration of potential deposits available in
these communities.
Bounce protection, a product that is regularly offered to many bank customers as a convenience, has turned into an excessively priced loan program, key features of which are hidden from consumers. This report analyzes the fee structure of bounce protection products offered by several major Chicago region banks.
Since the passage of the Gramm Leach Bliley Financial Modernization Act of 1999 (GLBA), insurance companies, banks, mortgage companies, and securities firms have been allowed to merge with and acquire one another for the first time since the Great Depression. This Alert discusses the community development implications of these changes. It also gives an overview of how insurance companies that have opened bank charters are performing in relation to the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) and fair lending.
Analyzes patterns of small business lending in the Chicago region. Notes patterns in lending related to geography and race. Highlights importance of branch networks for small business lending and discusses credit card banking.
