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Competition / Competitors Ponchatoula faces strong competition both in attracting deposits and in making real estate loans. Its most direct competition for deposits has historically come from other savings institutions, credit unions and commercial banks located in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, including many large financial institutions which have greater financial and marketing resources available to them. In addition, Ponchatoula has faced additional significant competition for investors' funds from short-term money market securities, mutual funds and other corporate and government securities. The ability of Ponchatoula to attract and retain savings deposits depends on its ability to generally provide a rate of return, liquidity and risk comparable to that offered by competing investment opportunities. Ponchatoula experiences strong competition for loans principally from other savings institutions, commercial banks, credit unions and mortgage banking companies. Ponchatoula competes for loans principally through the interest rates and loan fees it charges and the efficiency and quality of services it provides borrowers. Competition may increase as a result of the continuing reduction of restrictions on the interstate operations of financial institutions and the anticipated slowing of the refinancing activity.