To lead or not to lead: banks can’t take payments dominance for granted
While stablecoins aren’t widely used for payments, banks still have a role to play in leading the market.
How AI is quickly overhauling one segment of SBA lending
Celtic Bank is the latest large Small Business Administration lender to turn to an AI origination platform for smaller-dollar loans. Live Oak Bank, which has been piloting the same platform, says it’s poised for big growth in the same segment.
Interest rates are the most certain thing about FOMC meeting
The Federal Open Market Committee’s April meeting — likely Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s last — is unanimously expected to keep interest rates steady, but questions about energy, inflation and the upcoming transition in leadership still loom.
Is AI the way to get credit to the underbanked?
Rodney Hood, former acting Comptroller of the Currency and former chair of the National Credit Union Administration, says the credit scoring system is broken and AI can fix it.
AI is a tool that will bring the most benefit to well-trained bankers
Just as the invention of pneumatic nail guns didn’t eliminate the need for expert carpenters, the appearance of new AI tools for banks won’t obviate the need for experienced and well-trained bank employees.
Maybe the Genius Act isn’t so smart after all
Regulators can compel regulated stablecoin issuers to perform AML checks and even freeze assets. But there are a lot of digital currencies out there beyond stablecoins.
Fintechs asking for, and receiving, bank charters in 2026
There’s been an onslaught of nonbank financial technology company charter applications and approvals already this year.
Four ways AI is making Citi’s Services unit more efficient
A business unit CEO Jane Fraser called a “crown jewel” during the bank’s first-quarter earnings call says its reaping efficiencies through virtual assistants.
Treasury to review CDFIs for ‘violations’
The Treasury Department will look at recipients of awards from the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund for “potential violations of applicable law” as the Trump administration continues its campaign against alleged abuses related to the program.
OpenAI will embed staff at Customers Bank under multiyear deal
The Pennsylvania-based regional bank said it will collaborate with OpenAI to deploy artificial intelligence across its commercial banking operations. OpenAI technical teams will be onsite to build custom AI capabilities.