This announcement got me thinking about the future of retail banking. Sort of half-serious, kinda.
[Wal-mart](http://www.walmart.com/) wants to go into the banking business supposedly for its [credit card operations [American Banker]](http://www.americanbanker.com/article.html?id=20060120LYSIACTO&from=home)
“The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. has agreed to hold a public hearing on Wal-Mart Stores Inc.’s application to charter an industrial loan company in Utah.”
“The public interest appears to be substantial, and the FDIC should make every effort to permit public participation and to be fully informed before making a final determination on this application,” acting FDIC Chairman Marty Gruenberg told lawmakers Friday.”
“Though Wal-Mart has repeatedly said it would use the bank only for debit and credit card processing, its application sparked 1,500 comment letters. The American Bankers Association and the Independent Community Bankers of America oppose it. Many community bankers worry the retail giant would use the charter to open retail branches in its stores.”
Their slogan “Always low prices. Always.” would seem to fit in well with the current attitude of the lending industry and appraisal fees.