Financial Services

The Amazon of Latin America has a $3.6 billion plan: Mercado Libre will invest 19 billion reais in Brazil, in part to fund its fintech arm—which poses an enormous threat to the region’s banks.

Much is expected from whom much is given: A proposed FDIC special assessment fee on big US banks aims to replenish the deposit insurance fund. Banks with less than $5B in uninsured deposits will be spared.

Will regulators smile once again on banking M&A? A string of regional bank failures and rescues through government-orchestrated sales could signal an uptick in deals.

Property and casualty (P&C) insurers’ bottom lines are being hit by rising claims costs, belt-tightening consumers, and emerging risks that further complicate underwriting. They need to mine new pockets of growth while reversing negative trends in their core lines of home and auto.

On today’s episode, we look at the various angles of generative AI in banking. In our "Headlines" segment, we discuss regulators' urgency to install oversight over the rapidly advancing technology. In "Story by Numbers," we examine the percentage of executives that are not aware of how fast generative AI is coming, as well as discuss an old number that has been around the finance world for a while about human customer service agents versus bots. And in "For Argument's Sake," we take sides in the debate over whether generative AI will raise the bar or level the playing field for small and regional banks. Tune in to the discussion with host Rob Rubin, our analyst Eleni Digalaki, and vice president of content strategy Dan Van Dyke.

The UK can’t keep up with fraud: After billions of pounds lost and solutions that don’t go far enough, it keeps trying.

Regional banks clamoring for customers and deposits must update their digital marketing strategies.

The EU is ramping up its efforts in an antitrust probe into Apple Pay. But the Big Tech firm’s loyal customers should shield it from potential fallout.

MoneyLion’s search tool pairs AI with consumer data—neither of which makes it stand out.

It’s a lucrative space, but startups like Charlie will have to compete against incumbents in offering banking services to retirees.

European Parliament advised the ECB to abandon a CBDC launch, citing risks to financial stability. But that doesn’t mean it will.

Here are some things banks should consider when partnering with a fintech.

Improperly handling questionable consumer transactions led to its failed merger with First Horizon Bank.

The BNPL provider embarked on a full restructure to regain growth and achieve profitability

Leaning into high-demand features could help the issuer improve its positioning

The company will lay off 15% of its workforce as it struggles with profitability. But it faces an uncertain future with its biggest client

Aside from a few New York state regulations, the US is stalling on crypto guidance—and firms are fed up.

The fintech’s CEO blamed bureaucratic watchdogs and the banking crisis, but regulatory concerns are likely why it can’t get a banking license.

Concerns over funding costs, liquidity, and deposit outflows could lead to a credit crunch, according to recent Federal Reserve reports.