Community lenders balk at SBA plan partly aimed at them; Zelle's growing pains in 2022

Community-based lenders object to SBA plan to open up 7(a): Some lenders to companies owned by women, minorities and veterans say they'd prefer that the Small Business Administration strengthen its Community Advantage program rather than bring them into the agency's flagship loan-guarantee program.

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Here's more of what we're covering today in banking, credit unions, fintech, payments and regulation:

Zelle's rocky rise in 2022: Early Warning Services' bank-owned peer-to-peer payment service reached eye-popping growth milestones in 2022. But scams targeting Zelle users also soared, drawing lawmaker scrutiny and forcing Zelle to consider reimbursing victims.

Gruenberg confirmation heralds end of one era at FDIC, beginning of another: The confirmation of Martin Gruenberg to chair the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. is the final chapter of the political fracas surrounding former chair Jelena McWilliams' departure. But it also means he could be outvoted if a Republican takes the presidency in 2024.

Credit unions ramped up bank-buying in 2022: Credit unions announced 15 deals for banks in 2022, surpassing 2021's total — with much of the momentum coming late in the year.

5 ways small financial institutions innovated in 2022: A handful of banks and credit unions with assets under $3 billion each rolled out or expanded its use of distinctive technologies, including a contactless-payment ring.