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.

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.

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

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.

When Congress returns from its recess in 2026, a number of financial legislative issues will be teed up, including crypto market structure, deposit insurance and supervisory disputes.

U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson said the administration must request funds from the Federal Reserve, rejecting a Trump DOJ legal theory.

The year was marked with six state regulations, new entrants, product and market expansion from existing EWA providers and buy-in from investors.

Under a proposed rule, the agency would let most nationally chartered firms off the hook for heightened regulatory standards. The rule would raise the bar from $50 billion to $700 billion of assets and leave only eight firms subject to heightened regulation.

As commissioner of Virginia's Bureau of Financial Institutions since 1997, Joe Face emphasized strengthening the dual banking system.

Banks are beginning to engage with decentralized financial infrastructure. But until lawmakers create a foundation for allowing legally recognized entities like LLCs and nonprofits to govern these networks, compliance burdens will hinder full adoption.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will face an existential crisis in 2026 between the Trump administration's efforts to shut down the agency and the employee union and consumer advocates who want to stop them.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. has made big changes in 2025, including cutting headcount, walking back Biden-era rules and guidance and resetting the agency's approach to  emerging technologies and crypto.

The bank regulator is proposing to strengthen national preemption in the wake of conflicting decisions in related court cases.

The former chief national bank examiner for the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency sees welcome changes in the structure of federal banking supervision, but warns against the dangers of complacency.

A group of 22 Democratic state attorneys general filed a lawsuit against acting Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Russell Vought, the bureau and the Federal Reserve, arguing that the administration's position that the CFPB cannot be funded is wrong.

An American Banker survey found that bankers think the industry isn't prepared for growth in artificial intelligence and digital assets.

Noelle Acheson shares her top 4 stablecoin trends of 2025 and what they taught us about the changing nature of money.

Fintechs are wrong to demand wholesale consolidation of community banks in the U.S. Real innovation doesn't stem from wiping out smaller institutions or forcing consolidation. Innovation comes from fair competition, secure data protocols, and clear rules that apply equally to banks and fintechs of all sizes.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in an advisory opinion said that "covered" earned wage access products should not be considered an extension of credit under the Truth in Lending Act. It also said that expedited delivery fees and tips should not be considered finance charges.

Terron T. Brown used stolen mail and social media recruits to defraud banks such as PNC and Bank of America of millions, highlighting a rising industry threat.