In global news this week, the EU cracks down on buy now/pay later; France conducts digital currency test, Tencent launches cross-border payments, and other news.
Here's what's happening around the world.








The Tacoma, Washington-based bank, which has completed two mergers since 2023, said Thursday that it will buy back up to $700 million of its own shares over the next year.
New York State's former top regulator Adrienne A. Harris has rejoined Sullivan & Cromwell as of counsel and senior policy advisor; Founders Bank appointed Karen Grau to its board of directors; Deutsche Bank's DWS Group is opening an office in Abu Dhabi; and more in this week's banking news roundup.
Earned wage access provider EarnIn, which historically has been known for direct-to-consumer EWA, is now integrating its services with payroll providers. The move comes as consumer advocate groups step up efforts for stricter regulation of the industry.
As the political dispute drags on, there are implications beyond government disbursements, potentially harming corporate cash positions and the larger economy, according to payment experts from Billtrust and research firms.
As the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency receives a spurt of applications for national trust charters from crypto and payments firms, bank trade groups are urging regulators to ensure proposed activities fit within the statutory limits of the charter and the law.
A new study has decoded banks' television commercials, analyzing what the messaging reveals about the bank behind the advertisement. When an ad leans too hard on emotions, researchers found, viewers should beware.