Kate Fitzgerald

Fintechs are expanding the definition of BNPL financing to include many longer-term, higher-interest loans that fall into a legal gray area, according to new research.

The Financial Conduct Authority is developing new rules that tighten how financial firms can use social media, Swift and a group of banks have successfully piloted instant payments between different countries and currencies, and more.

This week in global news, Lisbon takes contactless payments to the subway; U.K. politicians say AML actions rules are politically motivated; and more.

Accrue Savings' merchant-specific savings accounts, originally pitched as a way for consumers to fund major furniture and jewelry purchases, is finding a new market with vacationers.

The tech giant wanted to put the consumer first. This meant its banking partner was always second — and taking on more risk than most card issuers at a time of economic volatility.

The Federal Reserve's instant-payments rail may cut into card issuers' credit and debit card volume over time, but it could also help smaller institutions expand their services.

When consumers can't figure out how to discontinue a video-streaming app or other service, they sometimes initiate a merchant dispute — a costly process that the card network aims to curtail.

This week in global news, U.K. payment regs draw fire, Alipay expands, Italy considers a central bank digital currency and more. 

The Block unit's new American Express card credits users with $1 in payment-processing fees for every $3 they spend on business expenses. It's also offering new loan terms and other tools for managing expenses and cash flow.

The fintech Zepz has added a new remittance method with an FDIC-backed mobile bank account.

The instant-payments rail, which was set to go live this month, has postponed its launch indefinitely. Experts say it's having trouble keeping the interest of the country's major banks.

In its ongoing quest to diversify beyond bank account data-aggregation, Plaid aims to help fintechs and banks to block fraud by sharing data about stolen consumer identities via a fee-based consortium called Beacon.

This week in global news, Mastercard teams with SimpliFi in the Middle East, Venezuela and Russia collaborate on payments, Alipay backs Asian Games and more. 

Citizens Financial has teamed with Wisetack, which supports dozens of platforms connecting to thousands of home improvement, dental and veterinary service providers.

This week in global news: Stripe joins the MACH Alliance, GoCardless downsizes, CBA battles crypto crooks and more.

Relay Payments has signed a partnership with the operator of Pilot Flying J truck stops as it attempts to cut security risk by going digital.

Pesto, a San Francisco-based startup, invites consumers to ship their diamonds, gold and valuable jewelry to be appraised as assets backing a secured Mastercard. The firm has raised $11 million — and the eyebrows of some consumer advocates.

The slow rollout of Apple's buy now/pay later service contrasts starkly with the aggressive moves of leading BNPL fintechs. Analysts say Apple's restraint could pay off in time.

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., has reintroduced a plan to reduce merchants' credit card acceptance costs, with more backing from bipartisan lawmakers.

More than half of U.S. consumers now use digital wallets, according to new data from J.D. Power. But PayPal and Apple Pay have a huge lead over rivals, and are already experienced combatants in the battle for consumers' spending.