According to American Banker, banks might actually be getting back to commercial lending.  Credit checks are up 5% – 10% this quarter over last year (Paynet Inc.).  Whether this means banks are looking to make loans or small business owners are strapped for cash (or both), it does means that financial institutions are doing more diligent credit research.  Kenneth Lewis from Bank of America says, “We’re in a recession, which means that demand for credit is lower, and credit standards are tighter. But that doesn’t mean ‘banks aren’t lending.’ In fact, we’re out there in the marketplace making every good loan we can, growing our relationships with existing customers and creating new ones.”