The landscape of organized crime in Southeast Asia has undergone a seismic shift, evolving from fragmented, territory-bound gangs into a highly sophisticated, interconnected "criminal economy." According to a landmark report released this week by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), this new model functions less like a traditional mafia and more like…
By PYMNTS July 20, 2026 In a decisive move to bolster its technological sovereignty and streamline its financial product offerings, FinWise Bancorp—the parent entity of FinWise Bank—announced on Monday, July 20, 2026, that it has successfully acquired the technology platform and related assets of Tallied Technologies. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for the institution,…
For years, Navient—one of the most prominent names in the student loan servicing industry—provided a pathway for borrowers to lower their interest rates through its dedicated refinancing arm, NaviRefi. However, in a landscape defined by rapid consolidation and shifting corporate strategies, that brand has officially been retired. For many borrowers, attempting to access NaviRefi today…
For over a decade, the narrative surrounding stablecoins and blockchain technology was one of "disintermediation." The prevailing wisdom suggested that decentralized ledgers would render traditional payment networks obsolete, cutting out the middlemen and allowing value to flow directly across a borderless, peer-to-peer architecture. However, the reality of 2026 suggests a far more pragmatic, and perhaps…
After years of robust market performance, many investors nearing retirement are looking at portfolios that have grown significantly. For the majority of your working life, the primary objective is growth—aggressive compounding to build a nest egg. However, as the finish line of your career approaches, the calculus of risk changes dramatically. The question shifts from…
By PYMNTS | July 17, 2026 The evolution of retail has consistently moved toward the reduction of friction. From the advent of the catalog to the ubiquity of one-click online ordering, the goal has always been the same: to collapse the distance between discovery and transaction. Today, that distance is being compressed to a matter…
The long-standing narrative of the U.S. housing market has been defined by one singular, painful theme: scarcity. For nearly two decades, the inability of supply to meet the demands of a growing population—exacerbated by the post-2008 construction collapse and the pandemic-era buying frenzy—has kept home prices and rents in a state of perpetual climb. However,…
In a move that marks a definitive new chapter for Hawaii’s oldest and largest financial institution, Honolulu-based First Hawaiian Bank (FHB) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire TriCo Bancshares, the parent company of Tri Counties Bank, in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $2 billion. This strategic pivot represents a bold return to the…
By: Carla Sanchez-Adams and Jennifer Wagner July 7, 2026 In a significant policy pivot, the United States federal government has introduced a series of directives that fundamentally alter the landscape of financial inclusion for immigrant communities. Beginning with an Executive Order signed on May 19, 2026, and followed by clarifying agency statements on June 5…
By Mike Brown Published: July 11, 2026 In a move that marks a definitive shift in the digital finance landscape, PayPal has officially joined the European Payments Council (EPC). This integration into the central body governing the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) signals a new era for fintech-bank collaboration, promising to bridge the gap between…
