Financial Services

Fed loan officer survey shows US banks are tightening lending standards: They’re becoming more risk-averse due to concerns about deposit outflows, regulatory risks, and rising operational costs.

It will integrate Kosma into its main brand as it loses interest in open banking

US expansion will help the company bring in more volume and capitalize on growing demand for digital remittances

BNPL valuations have been slashed across the board, setting the stage for consolidation within the industry

Their partnership on Apple Card will likely soon be over, as Goldman doesn’t see near-term profitability in it

Greenwood and The Gathering Spot settle their differences: Publicity around the founders’ dispute highlights the higher standards that customers hold their affinity banks to.

Crypto takes a step toward regulatory clarity: Two bipartisan bills, Fit21 and the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act, have passed votes in Congress. But is that enough to regain public trust?

Generative AI is prying open tech budgets: AI can augment existing roles in marketing and customer service, enhancing their efficiency—but retaining human oversight remains critical in such a highly regulated industry.

US banks are staring down tough competition and squeezed margins as they enter the back half of 2023. In response, they’ll revamp their marketing strategies to win key customer segments and preserve their bottom lines.

Struggling PacWest sold to Banc of California in rescue deal: The merger of regional rivals reflects the revival of banking M&A as smaller lenders seek greater scale and strength.

The Farage debacle is really about customer relationships: Navigating political risks isn’t easy, but improving communications about account closures ought to be on every bank’s to-do list.

It will help the ecommerce giant better compete with Amazon, which offers similar card programs

Activity on X/Twitter suggests a new marketing campaign for Apple Pay is in the works, possibly hinting at an Apple Pay Later rollout or other new features

The ghosts of this year’s three regional bank failures still hover: US regulators are proposing that big banks increase their capital levels to protect against future crises. We’re not sure this will do it.

More states pass consumer protection laws around pet insurance: With only 3% of dogs and cats in the US currently covered, the market opportunity is clear. Uniform regulations will help clear the way for rapid expansion.

Florida lawmakers need to forget the culture wars and address the insurance crisis: Farmers is the fourth insurer to withdraw from Florida due to increased risk exposure in disaster-prone areas. Fraud and litigation challenges aren’t helping.