M&T Bank Claims Top Spot in SBA Lending Amid Industry-Wide Decline
Against a backdrop of shrinking national lending, M&T Bank has defied the trend by securing the number one position in Small Business Administration 7(a) lending across its regional footprint. The Buffalo-based institution reached a record high in fiscal year 2026, approving 2,975 loans totaling more than $326 million.
The bank’s performance marks a significant climb in the national rankings, rising to fifth place among all U.S. lenders from its previous seventh-place standing. This growth trajectory stands in stark contrast to the broader financial sector, where industrywide 7(a) loan volume dropped 26% and total lending dollars fell 12% over the same federal fiscal year, which closed September 30, 2026.
Eric Feldstein, M&T’s head of retail and business banking, attributed the success to a strategy focused on deep client relationships rather than simple capital provision. The bank achieved top-tier status in all 15 of its reporting districts, capturing the top rank in 10, including major hubs like Baltimore, New York City, and Philadelphia. Beyond the 7(a) program, the bank also secured a position among the nation's top eight SBA 504 lenders, facilitating $50.88 million in long-term commercial investments. This dual approach allows the institution to support businesses ranging from startups needing immediate working capital to established firms pursuing permanent facility acquisitions.
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