the bank thing is not prohibited -- yet -- but you are correct that the loophole may be closed.
there are many organizations operating as "thrifts" that have been allowed to enter financial services.
I'm not a big WMT fan -- I don't even shop there. But if they find a killer retail market niche to consolidate and exploit, that is their strength. Maybe gas stations, lol. Gas at low prices, Always... tee hee
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