2026 Will See Lackluster Growth in Credit: Thank Heavens
Javelin’s 2026 Credit Card Trends report anticipated moderate growth in 2026, and we are pleased to see the credit reporting agency TransUnion share a similar expectation. Their numbers use a different source than the Federal Reserve numbers we use, as they rely on consumer files rather than bank filings. Either way, it is time for […]
Three Small Business Trends That Banks Can Hop On in 2026
When it comes to banking services directed at small businesses, the playing field is always changing, providing opportunities for those who seek them. The new 2026 Small Business Banking Trends report from Javelin Strategy & Research showcases three areas that should continue to help banks connect with small businesses: cross-border payments, Zelle for Business, and […]
BRICS Moves Forward on a Common Currency for Cross-Border
The BRICS group of nations is moving forward with plans for a shared currency for internal trade, potentially launching as early as next year. Last week, the Institute for Economic Strategies of the Russian Academy of Sciences announced a working prototype of a trade currency known as the Unit, structured to be backed by 60% […]
Gift Card Draining Fraud Could Diminish Holiday Cheer
Some shoppers have purchased gift cards, loaded the balances, and later discovered that the funds disappeared before the intended recipient ever used them. This scenario is often the result of gift card draining scams, in which bad actors steal gift card data or tamper with cards before returning them to store displays. Once a consumer […]
Beyond Paper: Why More Businesses Are Turning to eChecks
Not long ago, payments meant paper, ink, and a trip to the mailbox. Today, consumers expect the opposite—transactions that are contactless, mobile-friendly, and processed in real time. With countless digital payment methods now operating smoothly and instantly, it’s no surprise that checks are being phased out in both commercial and consumer settings. Even the federal […]
As Guest Checkout Gains Popularity, Merchants Seek to Keep It Secure
Guest checkout at retail websites remains hugely popular—so much so that even shoppers who already have accounts are still more likely to choose the guest option. The next challenge for merchants will be striking the right balance between security and a seamless checkout experience. Customers, especially younger ones, increasingly resist creating accounts on retail sites. […]
Circle to Launch Privacy-Focused Stablecoin Iteration
Although financial institutions are more engaged with digital assets than ever, many remain cautious due to compliance and privacy obligations. In response to the growing need for privacy-focused options, Circle is introducing a new iteration of its signature stablecoin. USDCx will be issued on the Aleo network, a blockchain designed with privacy in mind. The […]
Leveraging Metal Cards to Attract High-Value Customers
Recent research from CompoSecure and Capuchin Behavioural Science shows that issuing metal cards is an incredibly efficient way for banks and fintechs to acquire high-value customers, to encourage them to spend using the card (making it top of wallet) and to retain them. Today, the metal card is more popular and more in demand than […]
Mastercard Links with Tencent for Cross-Border Remittances in China
As consumers move abroad, many still need reliable ways to send money back home. To this end, an integration between Mastercard Move and Tencent’s cross-border payments solution marks a significant step for those sending remittances to China. The partnership will enable digital remittances to Weixin Pay, the mobile payment platform within China’s Weixin ecosystem. This […]
Ransomware Payments Dwindle as Governments Fight Back
While ransomware remains a billion-dollar problem, total payments actually declined between 2023 and 2024, according to a data from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The Financial Trend Analysis shows that ransomware incidents dipped slightly in 2024 to 1,476 individual reports, with total payments amounting to $734 million. That’s down from the 1,512 reported attacks […]