Financial Services

On today’s episode, we discuss the environmental impact of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency mining. In our “Headlines” segment, we discuss the deal Bitdeer, a Bitcoin-mining company in Texas, had with the state when the power grid became distressed during the winter of 2021 and how crypto must overcome its reliance on old technologies that pollute the environment. In “Story by Numbers,” we discuss a 2022 report conducted by climate and economic researchers that estimates Bitcoin mining may be responsible for 65.4 megatons of carbon dioxide per year, comparable to the entire country of Greece. And in “What If,” we examine what would happen to crypto if governments around the world required carbon tax credits in order to operate and restrictions were put in place for the amount of energy crypto and blockchains consume. Join the conversation with host Rob Rubin and our analysts Jenna McNamee and David Morris.

A tie-in with PayEm will help businesses more easily manage their spending, which should appeal to firms trying to cut costs.

Regulators will consider feedback, and big banks have a lot. Community banks get relief from the updates.

BBVA is just one bank targeting ultra-wealthy LATAM consumers buying real estate and other investments in Spain.

Two CFPB reports show they have limited branch access and pay higher interest rates. But the reports don’t provide solutions.

Embedded life insurance opens new distribution channels to get basic offerings in front of consumers—and at contextually relevant moments when they’re more likely to buy. To maximize this opportunity, insurers must move fast and partner with brands that are trusted, well recognized, and digitally mature.

If marketed properly, the tech can help it stand out from rivals and build customer trust before mass industry adoption.

All banks feel the hit to their bottom lines, but smaller banks hurt the most. Here’s how they’re redesigning their approach to overdrafts.

By many metrics, the crypto industry is doing just fine. That’s partly because it doesn’t want to work with banks to begin with.

The agency will consider factors beyond deposits and branches. It will also give more power to independent regulators.