RJ and Makay

Most U.S. financial institutions expect their consumer lending businesses to grow or at least remain steady in 2011, a survey of more than 1,000 banking professionals shows. However, a soft economy and new regulations could hinder the lending business, say these professionals, who were polled in January by Wolters Kluwer Financial Services.

Of the survey respondents, 79% said their institution’s consumer loan volume would rise or stay the same this year. Only 5% predicted a decline and 16% weren’t sure. Institutions with more than $250 million in assets were most likely to anticipate increased loan volume. Respondents cited the following factors as potential hindrances to consumer lending in 2011: a soft economy (30%), stricter compliance regulations (24%), reduced loan demand (18%), and increased competition (17%).