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The real value of stablecoins lies in their ability to provide instant and secure transfers of value. But, in a world where every company has a bespoke stablecoin, that promise begins to break down quickly.

Bank investors are typically wary of mergers of equals. Kevin Blair, CEO of the newly combined Synovus and Pinnacle, maintains that this deal is different, but also acknowledges that it's now time to prove it.

Mike Dargan, former chief operations and technology officer for UBS, stepped down at the end of 2025 and will become the CEO of neobank N26 this spring.

Bank First in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, has completed its acquisition of Centre 1 Bancorp in Beloit; Citi plans to shed its remaining Russian operations; Heritage Financial in Olympia, Washington, has received regulatory approvals to acquire Olympic Bancorp; and more in this week's banking news roundup.

The lender traps consumers in an "exploitative cycle of debt," Brandon Scott said.

Following the passage of federal legislation, stablecoins are generating a lot of buzz, but are still seeking uses beyond investment. Payment firms are pushing technology to entice merchants and consumers to support the digital asset.

The merger of equals, which received a chilly reception from investors when it was announced in July, closed faster than analysts had expected.

As artificial intelligence is integrated into more and more core banking operations, bank boards of directors need to make sure business continuity plans account for the possibility of AI system failures.

Last year highlighted the risks for banks in lending to nondepository financial institutions. A new approach by Trump-era regulators could change the playing field.

Articles about the AI deployments of big banks and of scammers generated clicks from American Banker readers.

Community banks are always looking for ways to expand local engagement. But for some banks, sponsoring disc golf courses, clubs and events offers a relatively inexpensive way to boost their profile among a very loyal customer base.

Fintechs sought to acquire the rights and privileges of bank charters in various ways this year, from de novo applications to buying up banks.

The Mortgage Bankers Association is examining the data to see if the high ratio warrants a new push for a premium cut but said rising arrears call for caution.

Visa and Mastercard logged increases in holiday spending, an industry group called for increased BNPL regulation in the U.S., and more in this week's global payments roundup.

Conditional approval of a national bank charter used to be a virtual guarantee that an institution would open its doors. But the OCC's recent treatment of Erebor Bank suggests that banks with conditional approvals still have work to do.