Fintech

For the first time in four years, more small businesses reported a drop in income than an increase, according to a survey by the 12 regional Federal Reserve banks.

Jack Dorsey's payments company cut 931 jobs. Also: Western Union looks to artificial intelligence; Marqeta adds an e-marketplace; Westpac takes on scams; and more news in the global payments and fintech roundup.

The banking industry's march to ISO 20022 compliance by a November deadline has been sluggish, but the messaging organization isn't budging.

Georges Elhedery aims to double down on HSBC's investment-banking operations in Asia and the Middle East after exiting key businesses in the U.S. and Europe.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said it is "optimistic" that a lawsuit challenging the $8 credit card late fee rule can be resolved. The late fee rule is expected to be rescinded by the Trump administration.

Following a media report that Department of Justice staffers have expressed concern about how Capital One's purchase of Discover would affect competition in the subprime credit market, analysts said the portfolio would be tough to sell. But they remain optimistic that the deal will get over the finish line.

Credit cards offer consumers three things stablecoins currently cannot: interest-free short-term loans, rewards programs and transaction reversibility. Your Visa card is going to remain in your wallet for a long time.

Bank technology firm Fiserv agreed to buy the Netherlands-based company, which sells multichannel processing systems. Also: the FCA looks to lighten contactless checkout limits; Ripple's Garlinghouse said the SEC has dropped a suit against his firm; and more news in the global payments and fintech roundup.

The U.S. arm of Spanish banking giant Banco Santander is offering a high-yield savings account through its digital bank, Openbank, to eligible Verizon customers, a move that will introduce Santander to millions of potential new customers.

Small businesses and consumers deserve the relief that legislation like the Credit Card Competition Act would bring from the fees that burden every card-based transaction. Banks can easily afford it.