On April 12, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that it is ending the moratorium that capped the number of small-business lending companies permitted to participate in its § 7(a) loan program at 14, and opening up participation in the program to fintech firms and other alternative lenders. The SBA’s loan program offers small businesses loans of up to $5 million, with the agency guaranteeing up to 85% on loans up to $150,000, and 75% for loans more than $150,000. The new rule will take effect on May 12.