Real-time cross-border payments are in demand, but lack interoperability — creating demand for Swift and Ripple to add new tech. Plus, PayPal pledges to add payment technology in the Middle East and Africa, and more international payments and fintech news.

Houston-based Prosperity will pay $269 million in stock for Southwest Bancshares in San Antonio. The sale comes on the heels of the death of Southwest's founder and chairman.

The Supreme Court said Wednesday that it would defer President Donald Trump's request for a stay until after oral arguments scheduled for January 2026, allowing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook to remain on the board at least until then.

Technology is moving quickly and retirement investing is now an individual responsibility, but the core purpose of a Wall Street career is still vital, the veteran banker said in an exit interview.

The shutdown started with a flight into treasury bonds, putting downward pressure on financing costs, but several other developments slowed mortgage activity.

Hill, who has been serving as acting chair since January, has steered the agency toward deregulation and away from Biden-era priorities, with strong backing from big banks.