The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which levied the penalties, say Bank of America unfairly froze customer accounts in its effort to stop rampant fraud in a program that distributed pandemic aid through prepaid debit cards.

Nikhil Rathi, CEO of Britain's Financial Conduct Authority, said the recent cryptocurrency market crash has underscored the need for regulation on both sides of the Atlantic.

Issuers that offer cash rewards can benefit from consumer anxiety over rising prices for gas and groceries, but have to find ways to make sure their own costs don't rise in tandem.

A class action said the company, which has suffered two breaches in the past year, also was responsible for a larger breach and “downplayed” the situation when it notified consumers.

Financial terms of the Rhode Island bank’s agreement to acquire Paladin Advisors were not disclosed. Paladin is expected to join a division that grew out of a 2018 deal for Clarfeld Financial Advisors.

The Polish American Credit Union Support Fund is gathering donations from members to help purchase ambulances and medical supplies, while also securing more stable housing for those fleeing the conflict.