Bank stocks rise on Fed’s first rate cut of 2025

The Federal Open Market Committee’s decision to reduce interest rates for the first time in nine months lifted bank stocks Wednesday. The 25-basis-point reduction could lead to net interest income headwinds now, but loan growth later, analysts said.

Affirm, Klarna, deepen ties with Apple

The two BNPL giants’ pay-over-time loans will now be available for in-store purchases on Apple Pay in a move to capture more sales at brick and mortar stores.

Visa targets wealthy consumers in the UAE

Visa is introducing a premium service to the Middle East, and Lloyds Banking says its cash protection product is showing results. Plus, Brex teams up with Doordash and more in the American Banker global payments and fintech roundup.

Senate report: KPMG ignored red flags before 2023 bank failures

A report from Democratic staff on the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations said accounting firm KPMG gave Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and First Republic clean audits despite internal warnings, fraud allegations and apparent risks of failure.