New York, NY – July 16, 2026 – Homebuyers and homeowners alike are facing renewed pressure as average 30-year fixed mortgage interest rates have once again breached the significant 6.5% threshold. This upward trend, which has persisted for 16 consecutive days in July, eclipses the average rates observed in June, signaling a challenging lending environment…
By PYMNTS | July 19, 2026 In a significant move that underscores the ongoing consolidation and strategic restructuring of the global payments industry, ACI Worldwide is reportedly exploring a potential sale of its billing business. The development, first reported on July 17, 2026, signals a major shift for the electronic payment and banking solutions giant…
For small business owners, securing capital is often the most significant hurdle in the pursuit of growth. Among the various financing avenues available, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs—specifically the 7(a) and 504 loans—stand out as the gold standard. However, the complexity of these programs often leaves entrepreneurs paralyzed by choice. Understanding the…
In an era of market volatility and shifting economic paradigms, the question of who manages your wealth is more than just a matter of convenience—it is a foundational pillar of your financial future. Investors are increasingly wary of "one-size-fits-all" advisory models that prioritize commission-based product sales over genuine client outcomes. As the landscape of financial…
WASHINGTON D.C. — In a series of high-stakes congressional hearings this week, Russ Vought, the Acting Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and current Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), laid out a provocative and scorched-earth vision for the future of federal consumer protection. Appearing before both the House Financial…
For savvy consumers and points enthusiasts alike, the landscape of online shopping is constantly evolving. However, one constant remains a cornerstone for those looking to stretch their purchasing power: Rakuten. The leading online shopping portal has officially announced a significant extension to its most lucrative promotional offer to date, providing a unique window of opportunity…
In an alarming incident that has sent shockwaves through the cybersecurity community, a public GitHub repository maintained by a contractor for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has been found to contain highly sensitive, privileged credentials for the agency’s internal systems. The repository, explicitly named “Private-CISA,” functioned as an open-access vault for cloud keys,…
By PYMNTS | July 10, 2026 In a significant realignment of its executive hierarchy, OpenAI has announced a major consolidation of leadership responsibilities. Following the departure of Fidji Simo, the company’s CEO of Applications, OpenAI President and Co-Founder Greg Brockman has been tapped to take direct control of the organization’s most vital commercial interests, including…
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a pivotal development for the future of federal consumer oversight, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals has issued a ruling that temporarily halts the Trump administration’s aggressive efforts to downsize the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). On Friday, the appellate court remanded the case concerning a proposed 53% reduction in the…
STOCKHOLM — In a decision that marks a significant escalation in the global legal battle against Big Tech’s market dominance, a Swedish court ruled on Wednesday that Google must pay $1.97 billion in damages to the price-comparison service PriceRunner. The ruling, which follows years of litigation, concludes that the search giant violated antitrust laws by…
