All articles
Curated industry news and original merchant playbooks.
Curated
general
regulation
FDIC launches supervisory appeals panel
The FDIC’s new appeals process could give partner banks more confidence to defend their lending programs against aggressive regulatory oversight.
Curated
general
regulation
Feds lose bid to terminate Lakeland Bank's Biden-era redlining deal
A federal judge ruled that Provident Bank must honor a $13 million redlining settlement inherited through its acquisition of Lakeland Bank.
Curated
general
regulation
Judge rejects DOJ’s attempt to drop Lakeland redlining order
A federal judge denies Lakeland Bank's request to end a redlining consent order early, signaling continued high pressure on fair lending compliance.
Curated
general
regulation
Trump backs card bill, again
Renewed political support for the Credit Card Competition Act could significantly lower the swipe fees merchants pay on every transaction.
Curated
general
regulation
UBS Pays $125 Million to Settle US Charges of Repeated AML Failures
UBS settles for $125M over anti-money laundering failures, signaling a stricter compliance landscape for all financial service providers.
Curated
general
regulation
Bank of America's new disclosure highlights compliance risk
Bank of America warns of potential fines as regulators ramp up pressure on lender compliance and consumer protection oversight.
Curated
general
regulation
EU AI Act Transparency Rules Put Financial Institutions on Compliance Front Line
New EU rules shift the AI compliance burden to lenders, requiring total transparency in how automated financial decisions are made.
Curated
general
regulation
OCC, FDIC propose another CRA revamp
New OCC and FDIC proposals to overhaul anti-redlining rules could change how banks approach consumer lending in local communities.
Curated
general
regulation
CFPB gets another acting director as OMB's Vought exits
Leadership shifts at the CFPB as Mark Paoletta takes the helm, signaling potential changes for consumer credit oversight.
Curated
general
regulation
FCA streamlines transaction reporting obligations
The FCA simplifies transaction reporting rules to reduce administrative burdens and drive efficiency in the financial sector.
Curated
general
regulation
Fed Moves to Give Mutual Banks More Flexibility to Raise Capital
New Federal Reserve proposal aims to modernize capital rules for mutual banks, potentially stabilizing local consumer lending options.
Curated
general
regulation
Former Synapse Partner Lineage Bank Agrees to FDIC Consent Order
Lineage Bank’s deal with the FDIC signals a permanent shift toward stricter oversight for the banks powering consumer finance apps.
Curated
home-improvement
regulation
Loan modifications rose ahead of policy transition: FHFA
FHFA reports a surge in mortgage modifications as lenders move away from forbearance, tightening the credit outlook for home improvement projects.
Curated
general
regulation
Trump admin revamp of anti-redlining law targets activist groups
Federal regulators propose CRA updates that could change how smaller banks manage consumer lending and community development programs.
Curated
general
regulation
Fed proposes higher threshold for extending credit to bank 'insiders'
The Federal Reserve proposes raising the limit on insider bank loans to $1.5 million, easing administrative burdens for community bank partners.
Curated
general
regulation
Banks fear SEC rule may limit access to capital markets
A proposed SEC rule change could make bank funding more expensive, potentially leading to tighter credit standards for consumer financing programs.
Curated
general
regulation
Ex-CFPB official tapped to lead NJ consumer affairs unit
New Jersey and California are hiring former federal officials to lead aggressive new state-level oversight of consumer financing and lending.
Curated
general
regulation
Should a bank ever be liable when a customer gets scammed?
A growing push to hold banks liable for consumer scams could lead to tighter credit approvals and more friction for high-ticket retail transactions.
Curated
general
regulation
NY Bankruptcy Court Rules Funder’s MCAs Were Really Loans
A New York court ruling reclassifying MCAs as loans could trigger a massive regulatory shift for alternative business financing.
Curated
general
regulation
Ex-CFPB official nominated to lead NJ consumer affairs
New Jersey’s nomination of a former CFPB official signals a new era of aggressive state-level oversight for consumer financing and lending.
Curated
general
regulation
Community banks push back on Fed's 'skinny' account proposal
Community banks warn that the Fed’s new payment account proposal could give tech-heavy fintech lenders an unfair advantage over traditional banks.
Curated
general
regulation
Survey: Bankers support some Fed reforms, but not all
Community bank executives signal a push for Federal Reserve reforms that could reshape the consumer lending environment for retail partners.
Curated
general
regulation
Deputy Director Mark Paoletta’s Remarks to the Financial Literacy and Education Commission
CFPB leadership signals a pivot toward consumer empowerment and education, potentially easing the path for transparent financing programs.
Curated
general
regulation
Disclosures show CFPB pick's ties to several regulated firms
New CFPB leadership nominee signals a potential shift toward pro-business oversight and reduced regulatory friction for consumer lenders.
Curated
general
regulation
How Wise's OCC rejection creates demand for bank AML experts
Federal regulators signal a crackdown on fintech compliance, forcing lenders to prioritize security over rapid expansion.
Curated
general
regulation
GOP fraud plan: More tools for banks, no scam liability
New GOP fraud proposal focuses on giving banks more time to verify transactions without expanding liability for customer scams.
Curated
general
regulation
OCC denies Wise a trust charter
The OCC rejected Wise’s trust charter application over compliance concerns, signaling a tougher U.S. regulatory environment for fintech providers.
Curated
general
regulation
Democrats grill CFPB nominee over CapOne, staff-cut plan
CFPB nominee Brian Johnson hints at agency reforms that could lead to a more relaxed regulatory environment for consumer lenders and retailers.
Curated
general
regulation
OCC rejects Wise’s trust charter application over ‘deficiencies’
U.S. regulators block fintech Wise’s bank charter application, citing concerns over money laundering controls and internal governance.
Curated
general
regulation
BPI Urges New Safeguards for Sharing Sensitive Financial Data With Regulators
The banking industry calls for a major security overhaul in how sensitive consumer data is shared with government regulators.
Curated
general
regulation
Wise Prepares Second US Bank Charter Bid After OCC Rejection
Wise pushes for a U.S. bank charter again, aiming to cut out banking middlemen and streamline international payments for businesses.
Curated
general
regulation
Wise US national trust bank charter application rejected
Federal regulators deny Wise a national bank charter over compliance concerns, signaling a tougher environment for fintech expansion.
Curated
general
regulation
Johnson Noncommital on CFPB Funding in Confirmation Hearing
Trump nominee Brian Johnson signals possible shifts in CFPB enforcement and staffing, potentially altering the regulatory landscape for consumer credit.
Curated
general
regulation
New Jersey Bans Surveillance Pricing and Freezes Digital Shelf Labels
New Jersey’s Fair Price Protection Act bans personalized pricing and halts new digital shelf labels to protect consumer transparency.
Curated
general
regulation
Early Warning loses bid to toss NY Zelle fraud suit
New York judge greenlights lawsuit against Zelle over billion-dollar fraud claims, signaling tougher rules for digital payment providers.
Curated
general
regulation
Report: Fed examiners were 'untimely' in closing supervisory findings
Federal Reserve delays in clearing bank compliance records may hinder your lenders' ability to expand credit and launch new merchant tools.
Curated
general
regulation
House Approves Relaxed Regulations for Community Banks
New House bill eases rules for community banks, potentially opening up more local financing options for retailers and their customers.
Curated
general
regulation
CFPB pick Johnson eludes Democrats in confirmation hearing
CFPB leadership nominee Brian Johnson signals potential regulatory shifts that could impact consumer credit oversight and merchant financing rules.
Curated
general
regulation
GOP lawmakers press Fed’s Bowman for faster bank M&A approvals
Lawmakers push the Fed to accelerate bank merger approvals, a move that could reshape the competitive landscape for merchant financing partners.
Curated
general
regulation
Judge rejects Zelle bid to dismiss lawsuit over fraud losses
A landmark lawsuit against Zelle proceeds, signaling a shift toward stricter fraud protections and liability for instant P2P payment platforms.
Curated
general
regulation
FinregE proposes five pillars for navigating the UK AI adoption plan
New regulatory pillars for AI adoption in UK finance signal stricter transparency rules for consumer lending and credit scoring.
Curated
general
regulation
House Report Finds 1,800% Increase in Fraud Losses Since 1997
New House report warns of a record $15.9 billion in fraud losses, signaling a tougher landscape for consumer credit verification.
Curated
general
regulation
Bank deregulatory bill passes House, goes to Senate
House-passed banking bill could ease credit restrictions and lower costs for merchant financing programs if it clears the Senate.
Curated
general
regulation
Credit union sues TruStage over cybersecurity incident
A new class-action lawsuit tests whether financing tech vendors can be held legally responsible for failing to protect consumer data.
Curated
general
regulation
CFPB nominee Johnson agrees to Capital One recusal
CFPB nominee Brian Johnson pledges to recuse himself from Capital One matters, signaling a shift in how retail lending may be regulated.
Curated
general
regulation
Oregon proposes BNPL rules
Oregon proposes new licensing requirements for BNPL firms, signaling a tighter regulatory environment for short-term consumer credit.
Curated
general
regulation
Payments broker gets jail time
A payments broker receives a three-year prison sentence for credit card fraud, signaling a crackdown on deceptive merchant processing practices.
Curated
general
regulation
Congress needs to stabilize the foundation of interstate bank lending
New state-level legal battles over interstate lending rules could fragment consumer financing and limit credit access for retailers.
Curated
general
regulation
The Federal Reserve's not-quite-as-independent independence
Increased political pressure on the Federal Reserve could mean more volatility for interest rates and consumer credit availability.
Curated
general
regulation
Republicans ask CFPB's Vought how to curb agency's power
GOP lawmakers are targeting the CFPB’s core authority, signaling a potential long-term shift toward a more business-friendly financing landscape.
Curated
general
regulation
Bank deregulation package inches toward House floor
New House legislation seeks to loosen capital rules for regional banks, potentially easing the flow of credit for retailers and consumer lenders.
Curated
general
regulation
Trump's trade war targets Brazil's payment rail
New U.S. tariffs on Brazil's Pix payment system could signal a broader crack-down on low-cost international payment alternatives.
Curated
general
regulation
What comes next for the Fed's regulatory independence?
Recent Supreme Court activity signals a potential shift in how the Federal Reserve regulates the lenders providing your consumer credit programs.
Curated
general
regulation
Former CFPB enforcement directors launch public interest law firm
Former CFPB enforcement heads launch a new firm, signaling a more litigious and scrutinized environment for merchant financing.
Curated
general
regulation
Regulators answered half of banks' data-security asks
New federal guidelines promise 72-hour notice if regulators lose bank data, but the rule lacks the enforcement power faced by private lenders.
Curated
general
regulation
State AGs blow whistle on OppFi, Enova deals
Twenty attorneys general are urging federal regulators to block fintech giants OppFi and Enova from acquiring banks to bypass state interest rate caps.
Curated
general
regulation
Backing the president’s fintech order
New federal focus on fintech regulation aims to balance consumer protection with the innovation driving today's point-of-sale financing tools.
Curated
general
regulation
Democrats slam Vought over CFPB ‘trauma’
Political tension over the CFPB's future suggests a massive shift in how consumer lending and merchant financing will be regulated.
Curated
general
regulation
Regulators tighten handling of sensitive exam data
New federal guidelines for handling bank exam data could trickle down to affect how retailers manage consumer financing documentation.
Curated
general
regulation
Fed bans former Illinois banker for using inflated appraisals
A Federal Reserve ban on a top lender highlights the severe consequences of using inflated valuations to secure consumer credit approvals.
Curated
general
regulation
EWA backers push for CFPB move
Ongoing regulatory battles over Earned Wage Access could change how you offer early pay perks to your employees.
Curated
general
regulation
New York Regulator Proposes Licensing Rules for BNPL Lenders
New York's proposed licensing rules for BNPL lenders signal a major shift toward stricter oversight of the popular payment method.
Curated
general
regulation
Democrats preview tough oversight of CFPB post midterms
Increased political pressure on the CFPB signals potential shifts in how consumer financing and retail credit products are regulated.
Curated
home-improvement
regulation
Banking regulators missed a major loophole in proposed capital rules
Regulatory shifts in how banks account for second mortgages could tighten credit availability for major home improvement projects.
Curated
general
regulation
Fed’s Bowman Says Tailored AI Supervision Drives Financial Inclusion
Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman backs AI in banking, paving the way for expanded credit access and higher approval rates for consumers.
Curated
general
regulation
Credit Unions Ask Fed to Freeze Debit Interchange Plan Until Courts Rule
Credit unions urge the Federal Reserve to halt proposed debit interchange fee cuts amid ongoing legal challenges.
Curated
general
regulation
UK BNPL regulations come into force
New UK laws bring BNPL under FCA oversight, mandating stricter affordability checks and stronger protections for shoppers at the point of sale.
Curated
general
regulation
Ex-CFPB Enforcement Officials Launch Consumer-Focused Law Firm
Former federal regulators launch a private firm to sue over consumer rights, signaling a new era of legal risk for merchant financing programs.
Curated
general
regulation
Regulators issue guidance on lending to unauthorized workers
New federal guidance warns lenders against discriminating based on immigration status, potentially opening credit to more consumers.
Curated
general
regulation
Banking regulators aren't ready for the next financial crisis
Impending regulatory changes could tighten consumer credit, making it harder for retailers to secure high approval rates for customers.
Curated
general
regulation
Ofcom to hold Big Tech accountable for scam adverts
New Ofcom rules force tech platforms to crack down on scam ads, tightening the net for all digital financing and BNPL promotions.
Curated
general
regulation
TCPA Lawsuits Up By 30%, According to WebRecon
TCPA lawsuits and CFPB complaints are surging, creating high legal stakes for merchants using text and phone outreach for consumer financing.
Curated
general
regulation
Klarna faces Dutch class action lawsuit
A new class-action lawsuit against Klarna over credit checks and late fees signals a tightening regulatory environment for BNPL providers.
Curated
general
regulation
Global Payments May Feel US CBDC Ban First
A legislative ban on a U.S. digital dollar ensures private financing and traditional payment networks remain the backbone of retail commerce.
Curated
general
regulation
Mastercard's Vocalink rumors and the rise of payment protectionism
Mastercard faces pressure to sell its UK processing unit as global regulators push for payment systems independent of U.S. card networks.
Curated
general
regulation
Consumer groups team up to battle EWA lobby
A new coalition of advocacy groups aims to classify Earned Wage Access as high-interest lending, posing a threat to popular employee financial perks.
Curated
general
regulation
San Francisco to vote on whether to set up public bank
San Francisco voters will consider creating the country's first city-owned bank, potentially reshaping local business and consumer credit access.
Curated
general
regulation
BNPL Set to Come Under Supervision of UK’s FCA
UK regulators officially bring BNPL under FCA oversight, mandating stricter affordability checks and transparent marketing for retailers.
Curated
general
regulation
Regulators advise banks to weigh immigration-related credit risks
Federal regulators advise banks to tighten underwriting for non-citizen borrowers, potentially impacting credit availability for certain customer segments.
Curated
general
regulation
CFPB, union agree to give Trump pick a say on staff-cut plan
A leadership change and potential staff cuts at the CFPB signal a shift toward deregulation for consumer financing and BNPL providers.
Curated
general
regulation
US CBDC Ban Set to Become Law at Midnight
A new law banning a U.S. digital dollar for four years ensures private sector dominance in the consumer payment and financing landscape.
Curated
general
regulation
New York Launches AI-Assisted Regulatory Overhaul to Cut Red Tape
New York State targets bureaucratic 'red tape' with a massive AI-driven overhaul of business and commerce regulations.
Curated
general
regulation
CFPB job cuts frozen until a new director is confirmed
A federal judge has halted planned layoffs at the CFPB, ensuring regulatory oversight remains steady during the agency's leadership transition.
Curated
general
regulation
OCC, FDIC encourage banks to share data on fraud
New federal guidance allows lenders to share fraud data more easily, promising better security but tighter scrutiny at the point of sale.
Curated
general
regulation
Fed faults Iowa bank holding companies
Federal Reserve orders Iowa-based banking group to strengthen capital, signaling tighter oversight for regional lenders.
Curated
general
regulation
UK gives financial regulators oversight of cloud giants
UK regulators gain power over cloud giants like Amazon and Google to protect the digital plumbing of the financial services industry.
Curated
general
regulation
Merchants blast credit union rule
Retail groups sue federal regulators to defend an Illinois law that bans swipe fees on taxes and tips.
Curated
general
regulation
Warsh Recruits Andreessen, McMillon to Rethink Fed Methods
The Federal Reserve brings in retail and tech giants to modernize economic policy, potentially reshaping future interest rate decisions for merchants.
Curated
general
regulation
Block reaches $45m Cash App fraud probe settlement with US states
Block's $45M Cash App settlement signals a regulatory crackdown on fintech security that could impact digital wallet checkout experiences.
Curated
general
regulation
CFPB, in major turnabout, to revisit credit-card late fees
The CFPB is revisiting a plan to slash credit card late fees to $8, a move that could trigger tighter credit standards for your customers.
Curated
general
regulation
Fed stands out among bank enforcement action decline: Brookings
A decade-long decline in public bank enforcement actions masks a shift toward private regulatory pressure that could impact consumer credit availability.
Curated
general
regulation
Cash App triggers $45M settlement
Block settles with 46 states for $45M over Cash App security failures and inadequate fraud victim support.
Curated
general
regulation
ABN Amro punished for AML shortcomings
ABN Amro's $9M fine for poor customer vetting signals a tougher regulatory environment for all consumer lenders.
Curated
general
regulation
Mutuals call on Government support to close financial protection gap
The AFM is pushing for government backing to double the mutual sector, potentially expanding credit access for underserved consumer groups.
Curated
general
regulation
Block to pay $45M to states for fraud on Cash App
Block's $45M settlement over Cash App fraud signals a new era of aggressive regulation for digital wallets and mobile payment platforms.
Curated
general
regulation
Study shows decade-long decline in federal enforcement activity
A new study shows federal banking enforcement actions have steadily dropped over the last decade, signaling a shift toward quieter industry supervision.
Curated
general
regulation
Fed Joins Banking Regulators to Overhaul Financial Crime-Fighting Rules
Federal regulators are tightening money-laundering rules, which could lead to more rigorous identity checks during the consumer financing process.
Curated
general
regulation
ECB tells banks: Fix AI cyber gaps by Oct. 31
The ECB’s strict new AI security mandates for major lenders signal a wave of upcoming tech regulations that will impact zero-interest and BNPL providers.
Curated
general
regulation
Fed proposal calls for higher threshold for BSA/AML citation
The Fed's move to prioritize systemic compliance flaws over isolated errors could lead to smoother loan approvals and less friction for retail financing.
Curated
general
regulation
ECB tells banks to submit plans to address AI cyber threats
European regulators are forcing banks to harden defenses against AI-powered cyberattacks, signaling tighter security standards for the global lending industry.
