Financial Services

A new paper by the Fed outlines how banks can adapt to the creation of a US central bank digital currency (CBDC). Bank stablecoins could complement it, but standalone issuers would face trouble.

U.S. Bank joins its peers pruning overdraft exposure: Changes include an increase in the amount exempt from overdraft fees, plus a one-day grace period. Lowering overdraft-fee risk is now the norm among the largest US players.

Of the small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the US that accept cryptocurrency, 93% take payments in Bitcoin, making it the most commonly accepted crypto.

Revolut’s increasing breadth edges it closer to US super-app status: The UK-based neobank’s latest addition is no-commission access to stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) for stateside customers.

Google hired former PayPal exec Arnold Goldberg to lead its payments division following last year’s struggles with employee turnover within payments.

Europe’s aging population could kickstart automation transformation by 2040: Robots can do the job but they aren’t going to pay taxes.

H&R Block spruces up its product suite with neobank foray: The tax-prep company’s product includes a feature that allocates tax refunds to savings goals. Its convenience could help with uptake—even though its other features are available elsewhere.

DeFi industry must do more self-policing until regulation arrives: Theft from DeFi platforms increased 1,330% in 2021—and the SEC is looking at pseudonymity and opacity as major problems to solve.

The tie-up with a fintech specializing in identity verification and compliance solutions helps the open-banking provider stay ahead of regulatory action that will reduce its product differentiation.

Data scarcity will still hinder ESG strategies—so fintechs that can help asset managers access more information stand to profit.

Capital One will take over BJ’s portfolio from ADS, and JPMorgan will work with Instacart on a credit card program.

US banking trade groups want the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to pause its planned crackdown on the fees, arguing it could lead to overdue bills.

SoFi can call itself a bank: A charter from the OCC—which SoFi has pursued through its acquisition of a community bank—will give it greater control over interest rates and help improve digital trust with prospects.