Block Advances Payments into Bitcoin, Banking, and BNPL

Block, the parent company of Square and Cash App, is envisioning a future for money that diverges from its historical ways. During a discussion on August 7, the executive team highlighted that fintech aspirations extend beyond mere payment processing. The aim is to create a comprehensive platform where individuals can manage their financial activities seamlessly, […]
Trump signs order aimed at limiting banking access

Trump Targets Discrimination Against Conservatives in Banking On Thursday, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at addressing what he described as discrimination against conservatives by major banks. He has instructed regulators to look into and potentially penalize financial institutions for what he terms “politicization or illegal desertion.” There’s been a longstanding grievance among conservatives […]
Reasons for losing banking access and how politicians can prevent it

For two decades, I have collaborated with policymakers and law enforcement across North America and Europe to bolster financial safeguards. These measures aim to prevent terrorism, violent extremist groups, and criminal networks from infiltrating the U.S. banking system. I have advocated for strict sanctions and worked to close enforcement loopholes. It’s been crucial to explain […]
The complicated situation of banking regulators who determine which Americans have their bank accounts closed

Sen. Tim Scott on Bank Regulators and Account Closures Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott recently shared his thoughts with Fox News Digital regarding the influence of bank regulators on American bank accounts, suggesting that these regulators play a significant role in who is allowed to keep their accounts. He emphasized that many of these […]
Accenture Expands Banking Skills in Malaysia by Acquiring Aristal

Accenture’s Acquisition Boosts Banking Services in Malaysia The recent acquisition enhances Accenture’s talent pool and capabilities, allowing them to support banks in Malaysia with system upgrades and manage significant changes, including mergers and migrations. Established in 2006, Alicetal is recognized for its quality advisory services, especially in core banking transformation. The company has a robust […]
US bank lobby opposes cryptocurrency companies’ applications for banking licenses

Banking associations in the US are calling on regulators to delay any decisions regarding banking licenses for cryptocurrency firms until more details about the proposals come to light. They argue that moving forward with these applications represents a significant shift from existing policies. In a letter to the OCC, groups including the American Bankers Association […]
Implications of a GOP bill against central digital currency for consumer banking

The recent GOP initiative to ban Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) could potentially derail significant plans to modernize the Federal Reserve’s electronic payment system. On Thursday, some Republican lawmakers voiced their concerns in the House, expressing fears that the CBDC might enable the government to monitor citizens’ financial transactions. The banking sector has already provided […]
Citi’s new banking leader increases efforts to recruit JPMorgan dealmakers

Citigroup is demonstrating the goals of its new bank Chief Viswas Raghavan following the lifting of employment restrictions from JP Morgan. Raghavan, who joined Citi as the head of investment banking in February 2024, previously led the trading division at JP Morgan. Shortly after his appointment, he recruited at least five senior bankers from his […]
Banking executives in NYC ignore meeting with mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani labeled as ‘Marxist’

Zohran Mamdani Faces Wealthy Opposition Post-Primary Win On July 15, 2025, during a support event hosted by Union DC 37, Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist candidate who recently won the Democratic primary for New York City mayor, found himself under scrutiny from powerful financial figures. The likes of JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon and other Wall […]
John Czwartacki: Giving Up on Open Banking Now Would Diminish the Promise of the Genius Act

The Genius Act and the Importance of Open Banking The recent bipartisan approval of the Genius Act aims to secure the US dollar’s position in the evolving digital economy. It focuses on fostering American financial innovation, closing regulatory gaps, protecting consumers, and setting a clear regulatory framework. However, there’s a significant challenge ahead. If robust […]