Mortgage order adds more rules to diminished CFPB’s load
A recent executive order encouraging changes to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Ability-To-Repay and Qualified Mortgage rules are adding to a packed agenda at a time when the agency has lost a third of its staff.
BMO, UK’s Monument Bank join the tokenized deposit train
Bank of Montreal has introduced a tokenized cash and deposit platform, while the London-based Monument is partnering with the Midnight Foundation’s distributed ledger. Also, Starling Bank’s AI play, stablecoins gain ground in APAC and Africa and more in the American Banker global payments and fintech roundup.
House gives deposit insurance reform another try
In a new legislative package offered Wednesday, House lawmakers halved the deposit insurance limit offered in earlier deposit insurance reform bills coming from the Senate.
Stablecoin yield language unloved by banks and crypto alike
Draft legislative language meant to break an impasse on stablecoin yield circulating among stakeholders includes a lengthy list of exceptions to a ban on rewards for stablecoin holdings, making it unlikely to satisfy banks as negotiations continue.
FSOC guidance sets ‘very high’ bar for nonbank designation
The Financial Stability Oversight Council Wednesday published a proposed guidance focused on designating activities rather than individual firms for heightened prudential standards, making it more difficult for the council to designate firms going forward.
Zions’ latest deal will boost its multifamily business
The Salt Lake City-based regional bank plans to grow its multifamily lending business by acquiring the agency lending business of a commercial real estate investment group. If the deal is approved, Zions would join a short list of banks that can underwrite and close multifamily loans on behalf of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
How Revolut plans to go ‘head to head’ with US banks
2025 was Revolut’s fifth consecutive year of net profitability. This year, the neobank has its sights set on expanding in the U.S., a key pillar of its global footprint.
Echelon Bank to join ‘trickle’ of de novos in Florida
Like much of the United States, Tampa Bay has seen very few new bank charters in recent years. That’s a void that the new Echelon Bank, which is slated to open in May, hopes to fill.
Congress introduces bills to restrict prediction markets
Kalshi and Polymarket announced additional anti-insider trading guidelines as lawmakers announced multiple bills aimed at restricting the platforms this week.
Amex doubles down on AI for businesses
The lender has added a new card and plans a suite of artificial intelligence-powered technology for corporates, which face mounting pressures over tariffs and political volatility.