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Curated industry news and original merchant playbooks.
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Democrats sweep Congress, setting up years of oversight for banks
A Democratic sweep of Congress signals a shift toward stricter consumer protection rules and more aggressive oversight of the retail financing industry.
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Swipe fee bill cosponsor Marshall defeated in reelection
The defeat of Senator Roger Marshall likely stalls the Credit Card Competition Act, leaving swipe fee reform in limbo for retailers.
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Wall Street critic Sherrod Brown heads back to Senate
A key advocate for stricter consumer lending rules returns to the Senate, signaling continued scrutiny for the retail financing industry.
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Bank advocate Andy Barr clinches Kentucky Senate seat
The shift toward a pro-bank Senate leader signals a likely rollback of restrictive CFPB rules, potentially easing credit access for retail customers.
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Toast Says Market Share Growth Shows FTC Lawsuit Is Groundless
Toast CEO labels FTC lawsuit 'groundless' during Q3 earnings, signaling a fight to maintain its integrated payment and tech ecosystem.
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Manufacturing Data is Valuable. GM’s $220 Million Privacy Settlement Shows It’s Also Costly
GM's $220M settlement warns auto retailers that mishandling customer behavioral data carries a massive price tag.
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Opposition derails another high-interest lender-bank merger
OppFi scraps bank acquisition, signaling a tougher regulatory environment for high-interest consumer lenders seeking bank charters.
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AI Incident Reporting Moves Toward Center of Governance Debate
New federal proposals for AI incident reporting could force merchants to disclose failures in automated credit and customer service tools.
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Banks navigate AI risks solo as regulators play catch-up
Lenders are building their own AI guardrails as federal regulators lag behind, creating a period of uncertainty for automated credit approvals.
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The Corner Post ruling on debit interchange fees is unfair to banks
A landmark Supreme Court ruling reopens the door for merchants to challenge debit swipe fees, potentially lowering transaction costs for retailers.
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Years-old lending pickle helped guide SBA policy shift
The SBA has doubled its lending limit to $10 million, giving high-growth retailers and operators more room to fund major expansions.
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FDIC amends directive against Old Glory Bank
The FDIC has upgraded Old Glory Bank's capital status, providing some stability for the niche lender after a failed merger attempt.
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Why the FTC and 8 states are suing payments fintech Toast
The FTC and eight states sue Toast over allegations of hidden fees, deceptive contracts, and trapping merchants in unwanted services.
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Florida Takes Unlikely Lead Role in State Push to Regulate AI
Florida's aggressive new AI regulations could force retailers to be more transparent about how automated tools impact customer financing approvals.
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The Weekly Closeout: Roots CEO exits, the FTC zeroes in on price
The FTC is cracking down on AI-driven pricing strategies, forcing retailers to be more transparent about how they balance discounts and financing offers.
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Warren urges DOJ to probe BofA’s AML issues
Senator Warren’s call for a DOJ probe into Bank of America signals a tougher regulatory environment that could tighten consumer credit approvals.
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New York Bill Would Raise AI Safety Regulations
New York’s latest AI safety bill could force retailers to disclose glitches and bias in their automated financing and customer screening tools.
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Amex nabs new risk chief
American Express appoints a new risk chief to navigate regulatory turbulence, signaling a tighter compliance environment for merchant partners.
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FTC, states sue Toast over fees
The FTC’s lawsuit against Toast over hidden checkout fees signals a major crackdown on lack of transparency in point-of-sale payment processing.
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FTC orders Target, Walmart to provide details in personalized pricing inquiry
The FTC’s new inquiry into 'surveillance pricing' signals a looming crackdown on how retailers use customer data to set prices and financing offers.
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Will ditching the ‘honor all cards’ rule matter?
Visa and Mastercard may drop 'honor all cards' rules, but retailers face major technical hurdles in actually rejecting high-fee premium cards.
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Fed will drop one interest rate vote next year; two in 2028
The Federal Reserve is reducing its annual interest rate voting sessions, potentially leading to more stable but high-stakes financing environments for retailers.
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CFPB flunks cybersecurity audit amid staff cuts: OIG report
The federal agency overseeing consumer credit failed a major security audit, signaling potential shifts in regulatory focus and data privacy concerns.
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California Puts a 15-Minute Clock on AI Customer Service Handoffs
California’s new law mandates a 15-minute limit for AI-to-human handoffs, impacting how retailers manage automated financing support.
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OCC, FDIC part ways on forcing banks to fix cyber gaps
New regulatory split between the FDIC and OCC could change how your lending partners manage and report cybersecurity risks.
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Attorneys General sue Treasury over ownership reports
A new lawsuit by 21 attorneys general could end reporting exemptions for domestic businesses, increasing compliance hurdles for retailers.
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Banks can't escape liability in app scams, judge rules
A federal court ruling expands bank liability for app-based fraud, potentially changing how digital payment disputes are handled for merchants.
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Visa and Mastercard face potential UK suit over card fees
New class-action lawsuits against Visa and Mastercard over card fees could signal a shift toward lower processing costs for retailers.
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USDA proposes adding chip and tap-to-pay tech to EBT cards
The USDA's proposal to add chips to EBT cards aims to curb fraud, requiring retailers to prepare for updated payment hardware and software standards.
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Bank of England orders review of Revolut product approvals - FT
The Bank of England is scrutinizing Revolut’s product launch processes, signaling a stricter regulatory era for major fintech and financing providers.
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Chetwood Bank joins PRA and FCA scale-up unit
Chetwood Bank joins a UK regulatory scale-up program, signaling a shift toward more stable and regulated consumer lending products for retailers.
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Trump's bank regulators are trying to gut fair lending laws
Proposed rollbacks to fair lending regulations could redefine credit access and local lending requirements for consumer financing partners.
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Fed loses debit card cap appeal
A federal court victory for retailers could lead to lower debit card swipe fees and reduced processing costs for merchants.
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Fed’s Debit Card Swipe Fee Rule Quashed By Appeals Court
A federal appeals court has struck down the 21-cent cap on debit card swipe fees, potentially leading to higher transaction costs for retailers.
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Canada opens stablecoin consultation
Canada launches a 60-day consultation on stablecoin rules, maintaining interest payment bans while seeking to stabilize the digital payment landscape.
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Appeals court upholds swipe fee decision, Fed must rewrite rule
A federal appeals court has ordered the Fed to lower debit card swipe fee caps, promising potential cost savings for retail merchants.
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CFPB halts plan to force regional workers to move to DC
The CFPB cancels a relocation mandate for regional staff, preserving the agency's localized oversight of consumer finance and lending programs.
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NYC’s Proposed POWER Act Would Open New Front for Business Litigation
Proposed NYC legislation would allow consumers to sue businesses directly for deceptive practices, significantly raising litigation risks for retailers.
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Warren urges Fed, OCC, FDIC to restore bank examiner powers
Increased regulatory pressure on banks could lead to stricter compliance audits and tighter security standards for retail financing partners.
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A national trust bank charter is not an end run around regulation
A legal battle over national trust bank charters could impact the regulatory landscape and costs for fintech-driven consumer financing programs.
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Fed's 'tailoring' initiative may be easier said than done
Federal Reserve efforts to reform bank oversight could impact the stability and lending power of mid-sized consumer financing partners.
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Title, MI, VA loans: Which Trump order pieces pay off
New executive orders aim to cut mortgage closing costs, potentially freeing up homeowner equity for high-ticket home improvements.
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Licensing process is key to yield in OCC stablecoin rule
New OCC rules open the door for yield-bearing stablecoins, signaling a shift toward mainstream retail adoption of digital currency payments.
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How bank compliance leaders are engaging with regulators
Bank compliance leaders warn of increased regulatory scrutiny, signaling stricter oversight and reporting requirements for retail financing partners.
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Plum secures FCA approval to deliver Targeted Support
Plum secures FCA approval for 'Targeted Support,' paving the way for data-driven financial guidance for consumers.
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UK and EU financial regulators seek answers from Google over cloud outage
Regulators investigate Google Cloud outage as systemic risks threaten to disrupt digital banking and consumer financing platforms.
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Treasury tallies $270M in suspicious financial aid transactions
Federal authorities sound the alarm on $270M in education fraud, signaling tighter verification rules for tuition and tutoring providers.
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Onity sues New York to clarify servicing fee charge rules
A new lawsuit over phone-payment fees signals a growing crackdown on convenience charges that could impact how merchants collect customer payments.
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OCC issues final rule on stablecoin framework
New OCC rules ban direct interest payments on stablecoins but leave room for third-party yield programs under strict federal oversight.
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OCC Finalizes Stablecoin Framework as January Compliance Date Approaches
New federal rules for stablecoins aim to turn digital currency into a reliable, mainstream payment tool for retailers starting this January.
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Visa changes fees in Canada
Visa and Mastercard are lowering interchange fees for small businesses, potentially reducing the cost of every credit transaction you process.
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UK sets out proposal to open up access to iPhone contactless payments
The UK moves to break Apple’s grip on iPhone tap-to-pay, potentially lowering merchant fees and boosting mobile financing options.
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What banks can learn from Fincen's penalty against BofA
FinCEN's recent action against BofA highlights the danger of prioritizing operational efficiency over robust data monitoring in consumer finance.
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FCA calls for disclaimers on AI financial advice
The FCA is demanding clear disclaimers for AI-driven financial advice to protect consumers from misleading automated credit guidance.
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Bankers need to engage as lawmakers consider AI guardrails
Impending AI regulations could reshape consumer credit approvals and merchant lending compliance.
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The next phase of Trump's banking reforms won't be so easy
Regulatory momentum for banking reform faces hurdles, signaling a slower pace for changes that could affect consumer credit availability.
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Trump Task Force Orders Report on AI Dangers
A new White House task force is investigating AI risks, signaling potential new compliance hurdles for automated consumer financing tools.
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Visa, Mastercard urge court to approve fee settlement
Visa and Mastercard defend a $30 billion swipe fee settlement that could lower credit card processing costs for millions of U.S. retailers.
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Epstein bill would push regulators to disclose bank probes
Proposed bipartisan legislation aims to force regulators to disclose bank executive misconduct and reclaim bonuses from failing institutions.
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Congress should examine EWA bill
New congressional scrutiny on Earned Wage Access could change how payroll-linked financing is regulated and labeled for businesses.
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Fed's Warsh to look beyond interest rates over next 100 days
The Federal Reserve is shifting focus toward stricter bank oversight, potentially impacting how lenders approve consumer financing for your customers.
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Illinois swipe fee case enters the appeals phase
Illinois appeals a ruling that blocked the nation's first ban on credit card swipe fees for taxes and tips.
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Banks face liability over use of AI chatbots, report finds
New regulatory warnings clarify that businesses are legally liable for incorrect financing information provided by AI chatbots.
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DEBANKED?
The OCC's new report on 'debanking' highlights why retailers must diversify their banking relationships to avoid sudden service disruptions.
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Bowman: Global regulators should match Fed's 'modernization'
Fed Governor Michelle Bowman warns that global banking rules based on flawed research could unnecessarily tighten credit markets.
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Debanking makes a campaign stop in Kentucky
Federal regulators and lawmakers are pushing back against banks that deny services to legal businesses based on industry reputation.
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OCC Report Accuses Banking Giants of Political ‘Debanking’
Federal regulators are targeting 'debanking' practices, potentially offering more stability for merchants in politically sensitive or high-risk industries.
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FTC Cases Put Digital Businesses’ Promises and Practices Under Scrutiny
Federal regulators are cracking down on deceptive digital marketing and hidden fees, putting retail financing practices under the microscope.
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BofA says it's ready to 'move forward' after $1.21B penalty
Bank of America's massive regulatory fine and earnings dip could signal a more cautious era for prime consumer credit approvals.
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EBA classifies USDC as significant e-money token under MiCA
European regulators officially classify USDC as a significant e-money token, providing a more stable framework for digital payments.
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Public perceptions shaped banks' client decisions: OCC report
A new OCC report confirms that big banks often ditch certain business sectors based on public perception rather than financial risk.
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OCC blasts debanking instances by JPMorgan, others in report
Federal regulators are targeting big banks for sudden account closures, signaling a push for more transparency in how lenders treat business customers.
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BoA fined $1.2bn over "egregious" AML deficiencies
Bank of America’s $1.2B AML fine signals a regulatory crackdown that will tighten consumer financing approval processes for retailers.
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CFPB Announces New Initiative to Address OCC-Uncovered Debanking by Large Banks
The CFPB launches an initiative to stop banks from closing business accounts based on political or religious beliefs rather than financial risk.
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US Fines Bank of America $1.2 Billion, Alleging AML and Sanctions Violations
A historic $1.2 billion fine for Bank of America signals a tougher regulatory environment that could tighten compliance for retail financing partners.
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BofA fined $1.21B over AML
A record $1.21 billion fine against Bank of America signals a new era of strict regulatory oversight that could impact merchant financing workflows.
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CFPB Reaffirms Excluding Merchant Cash Advances From Section 1071
The CFPB clarifies that Merchant Cash Advances won't face the same heavy reporting burdens as traditional small business loans.
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The SBA citizenship rule can shut out borrowers who still qualify
New SBA citizenship requirements may block U.S.-based retailers with foreign investors from accessing low-cost government-backed loans.
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AI Safety Regulations Gain Momentum in Congress Ahead of Midterms
New federal AI safety proposals could reshape the automated credit tools and underwriting algorithms used by retailers to finance customers.
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Fed names new payments chief
The Federal Reserve appoints Kim Robbins to lead its financial services arm, signaling a continued push for real-time payment innovation.
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White House Says All AI Companies Must Report Security Incidents
New federal mandates require AI companies to report security breaches, increasing accountability for tools used in consumer credit and data processing.
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Trump Urges Congress to Pass Credit Card Competition Act
New political momentum for the Credit Card Competition Act could soon lower credit card processing fees for retailers across all industries.
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2 Years of SDNY FinCrime Cases Show New Technology Scaling Old Vulnerabilities
Federal crime data warns that new technology is helping criminals scale traditional fraud against financing systems at an unprecedented rate.
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Ex-Fed nominee Shelton tapped to advise Treasury's Bessent
The appointment of economist Judy Shelton to the Treasury suggests a deregulatory shift that could expand consumer credit access for retailers.
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Trump establishes committee to investigate Fed's Cook
A new investigation into Fed Governor Lisa Cook could signal a shift in monetary policy and credit availability for consumer financing.
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CFPB Adopts ‘Lighter Touch’ Bank Supervision Amid Funding Battle
The CFPB is speeding up bank exams and flagging fewer violations, offering a temporary regulatory breather for the consumer lending industry.
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Warren presses NCUA OIG over empty board
Senator Warren questions a leadership vacuum at the NCUA, raising concerns about the oversight of credit unions and consumer lending stability.
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SBA starts new fiscal year with even tighter credit box
New SBA underwriting standards are making it harder for small businesses to secure government-backed loans as the credit box continues to shrink.
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FCA cracks down on finfluencers
The FCA is ramping up enforcement against social media influencers who promote credit products without following strict compliance and disclosure rules.
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Amex hit with $350m penalty for AML deficiencies
American Express faces a $350M fine for compliance failures, signaling a tighter regulatory environment for consumer credit and merchant partners.
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OCC and Fed Fine American Express $350 Million Over AML Deficiencies
American Express faces a $350M penalty for compliance failures, signaling a period of stricter oversight for consumer credit providers.
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Amex dinged by Fed, OCC
Amex faces a $350 million fine for compliance failures, signaling a stricter regulatory environment for all payment and credit providers.
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Fed, OCC order Amex to overhaul AML controls, fine $350M
Federal regulators fine American Express $350M over money-laundering failures, signaling tighter compliance for the consumer credit industry.
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Amex dinged by Fed, OCC; must pay $350M for AML failures
American Express faces $350 million in regulatory fines over anti-money laundering failures, signaling tighter compliance checks for consumer financing.
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HUD probes Wells Fargo over ‘racialized’ lending
HUD is investigating Wells Fargo’s targeted lending programs, signaling a tighter regulatory environment for consumer credit and fair lending practices.
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Treasury taps data to fend off fraud
The U.S. Treasury is leveraging AI and real-time data to stop payment fraud, setting a new standard for security in the lending and payments industry.
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Singapore central bank issues risk rules on banks' AI use
Singapore's new AI audit requirements for banks signal a global shift toward stricter oversight of automated consumer lending decisions.
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OFAC Warns Sanctions Risk Can Hide Deep in the Payment Chain
New OFAC warnings mean your business could face frozen funds if payment providers use non-compliant routing paths.
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Wells Fargo HUD probe signals risk for race-based lending
A federal probe into Wells Fargo’s minority-focused lending programs signals new legal risks for race-based incentives in consumer credit.
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Fed consolidates bank supervision structure
The Federal Reserve is tightening its bank oversight structure, a move that could lead to more conservative lending habits from your financing partners.