Boosting its SWIFT alternative, Russia keeps members under wraps

In a speech to the country’s legislators, Bank of Russia Governor Elvira Nabiullina announced that members of Russia’s alternative to SWIFT, the international payments network, would be kept anonymous. She said 52 institutions from 12 countries currently participate in the network.

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JPMorgan finances $285B for ESG goals

In its ESG report for 2021, JPMorgan announced that it had financed and facilitated $285B toward various ESG goals, including development finance, green projects, and community development. It’s part of its larger goal to commit $2.5T toward ESG initiatives over the next decade.

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What’s next for SMB payments?

This morning, Fyle, an India-based expense-management platform serving US businesses, announced that it launched a real-time spend-management integration for all Visa cards. Fyle said it would roll out similar integrations with other card issuers at an unspecified date.

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What’s up with NYC pols and Wells Fargo?

In a letter to Wells Fargo, the New York City government said it won’t open new Wells Fargo depository accounts. It follows accusations that the bank discriminates against Black homeowners.

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Citigroup pauses SPACs, awaits regulation

Citigroup pauses SPACs, awaits regulation

The financial giant said it would temporarily halt public offerings through special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs). It’s concerned about increased oversight into SPACs from the SEC, which has yet to solidify specific guidelines.

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Dimon’s shareholder letter: A subtle fintech strategy

Dimon’s shareholder letter: A subtle fintech strategy

In his annual letter to shareholders, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon shared his concerns about global volatility caused by the war in Ukraine, inflation, as well as consumer confidence. He also called for a “Marshall Plan” for decarbonization.

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Bank of Italy bans N26 onboarding

Bank of Italy bans N26 onboarding

Italy’s central bank has banned N26, the Germany-based neobank giant, from onboarding new customers or offering new products. Italian regulators have flagged N26 for its weak AML procedures.

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Major U.S. banks face climate change vote

Major U.S. banks face climate change vote

Shareholders are set to vote on proposals to reduce financing for projects in oil and gas. The banks include JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley.

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Wells Fargo, Bilt announce credit card for renters

Wells Fargo, Bilt announce credit card for renters

The Bilt Mastercard lets renters earn rewards on rent payments, and use rewards points for down payments. For the first time, tenants can also pay rent through credit cards without transaction fees.

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CFPB expands anti-discrimination enforcement

CFPB expands anti-discrimination enforcement

On Wednesday, the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced that discrimination associated with any financial product is illegal. The Bureau has primarily concerned itself with discrimination in credit.

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CFPB quietly rolls out new enforcement routes

CFPB quietly rolls out new enforcement routes

In late February, the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) released updated “Rules of Practice for Adjudication Proceedings.” The amended process lets the CFPB avoid backlogged federal courts in favor of administrative courts.

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Fintech scams promise windfall for crime prevention firms

Fintech scams promise windfall for crime prevention firms

Silent Eight, a Singapore-based financial crime prevention firm, announced yesterday that it had raised $40M in Series B funding. HSBC and Standard Charter’s venture wings were listed as investors.

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Bank of America to launch all-in-one app

Bank of America to launch all-in-one app

In a joint statement on Saturday, the U.S., U.K., E.U., and others announced that they would move to exclude “selected Russian banks” from SWIFT, the international payments system. The group of countries has also frozen assets belonging to Russia’s central bank in response to the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

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Under martial law, Ukraine limits withdrawals and suspends digital wallets

Under martial law, Ukraine limits withdrawals and suspends digital wallets

The National Bank of Ukraine imposed several temporary restrictions to avoid economic panic and collapse. The PFTS Stock Exchange also suspended trading on Thursday.

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Through acquisitions, SoFi eyes one-stop-shop status

Through acquisitions, SoFi eyes one-stop-shop status

The personal finance giant announced today that it’s acquiring banking-software maker Technisys SA through an all-stock deal worth $1.1B. SoFi’s stock has slid more than 30% since the beginning of the year.

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