EU Institutions Challenge the Merits of the Digital Euro
The digital euro has faced a difficult path to fruition, with many of Europe’s leading financial institutions questioning whether a central bank digital currency (CBDC) can deliver real value to EU citizens. Discussions around the project began in 2020, as lawmakers explored ways to provide EU consumers with a digital alternative to cash. The initiative […]
Google Opens Digital Gift Card Shop
Google Play is launching a dedicated section within its App Store that allows shoppers to search for, purchase, and send digital gift cards, featuring brands ranging from Starbucks to American Eagle. While the move could generate some ancillary revenue for Google, it remains unclear whether consumers will start viewing the Play Store as a primary […]
How Digital Wallets Could be the Answer to the Student Loan Repayment Crisis
Student loan repayments have followed an erratic path since March 2020. Payments were suspended at the start of the pandemic, resumed in October 2023, and many borrowers received forgiveness under the Income Based Repayment plan before that program was suspended again in July 2025. The regulatory whiplash has created predictable consequences. As of April 5, […]
When Security Professionals Turn to the Dark Side
The indictment of three cybersecurity professionals accused of running their own ransomware operation is a frightening reminder that those entrusted with protecting digital systems often possess the same skills required to exploit them. While few want to imagine their own cybersecurity experts acting with malicious intent, the case reinforces the importance of a zero-trust approach—one […]
More Consumers Shift to the Extremes of the Credit Risk Spectrum
There are now more super prime and subprime borrowers, leaving fewer consumers in the middle of the credit market. According to TransUnion, the share of super prime borrowers—low-risk consumers with exceptional credit scores—increased from 37.1% in Q3 2019 to 40.9% in Q3 2025, representing roughly 16 million additional customers. At the other end, the subprime […]
Is Your Organization Ready for Payments as a Service?
As payment innovation accelerates, financial institutions are feeling the pressure. Legacy infrastructure, shifting regulation, and rising customer demand for real-time experiences are forcing banks to rethink how they deliver payments. In response, payments as a service (PaaS) has emerged as the go-to model for cutting through complexity and speeding up transformation. James Wester, Co-Head of […]
Experian Adds Rental Payments to Its UK Credit Scores
Experian is rolling out a new version of its credit scoring model in the UK that, for the first time, takes rental payments into account. Renters who consistently make payments will now see this reflected in their credit assessment, potentially improving their prospects for future mortgages. The updated model also considers other behaviors increasingly valued […]
Fraud Losses and Incidence See Uptick Through Q2 in UK
A study from UK Finance found that criminals stole £629.3 million (roughly $826 million) during the first half of the year, a 3% year-over-year increase. What’s more, there were over 2 million reported fraud cases through Q2 2025, a 17% rise from the previous year, with the average scam costing victims £300 ($394). Most of […]
How FIs Can Prepare for the Surge in Agentic Commerce-Driven Disputes
The next iteration in the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence has arrived, and organizations are racing to harness the potential of AI agents to create a dynamic new shopping experience. However, as powerful as agentic commerce can be, the road to adoption won’t be without hiccups—many of which will lead to a surge in disputes. […]
Inflation Will Put a Dent in Holiday Shopping This Year
Consumers are expected spend more on holiday shopping this year—as usual—but much of that apparent gain will be offset by inflation. Shoppers plan to spend an average of $736 on holiday gifts, according to data from Visa’s 2025 Holiday Spending Outlook. Nominal holiday spending is expected to reach 4.6%, but after adjusting for inflation, real […]