UMB CEO takes ‘measured’ tone on M&A
- UMB CEO suggests muted expectations for growth after integration of HTLF.
- Focus on realistic outcomes during the post-acquisition phase.
Public regulatory intelligence
Texas intelligence feed
A Texas-only view of developments most likely to matter locally.
Start with the clearest developments below, then open the original source material when you need the governing detail. The source remains the authority.
Nomura spinoff Laser Digital applies for OCC charter
Laser Digital, a digital-asset firm, is applying for a national trust banking charter from the OCC; this follows similar applications by Circle, Ripple, and Paxos.
Prosperity Bank continues its Texas tear
- Prosperity Bank agrees to buy Stellar Bank in a $2 billion deal.
- This is Prosperity’s third acquisition since July.
CISA Urges Critical Infrastructure Organizations to Take Action Against Insider Threats
- CISA urges critical infrastructure organizations, including credit unions, to take action against insider threats.
- Focus areas include improving access controls and monitoring for suspicious activities.
Zelle network expands by 15%
- The Zelle network has expanded by 15% with the addition of 337 financial institutions, mostly small community banks and credit unions. - This expansion could impact Texas credit unions as it increases competition...
Requirements for Insurance
The NCUA is proposing to amend regulations related to the disclosure of nonmember account coverage under federal share insurance; this aims to reduce regulatory burden by eliminating unnecessary requirements.
Notice of Termination of Excess Insurance Coverage
- The NCUA Board is proposing to amend regulations regarding the timing of prior notice for terminating excess non-federal insurance coverage.
- This change aims to reduce regulatory burden on federally insured credit unions.
Requirements for Insurance; Maximum Borrowing Authority
- The NCUA Board proposes removing the maximum borrowing authority from its regulations for federally insured credit unions. - This change would eliminate a redundant provision and reduce regulatory burden, particularly for federally insured,...
Public Unit and Nonmember Shares
- The NCUA Board proposes removing the requirement for a written plan documenting intended use of borrowings, public units, or nonmember shares exceeding 70% of a FICU's capital and surplus. - This change aims...
Agency Information Collection for Comments Request: Proposed Collection
The NCUA is submitting an information collection request for review and clearance by the OMB; this aligns with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Who Operates the Badbox 2.0 Botnet?
- Kimwolf botmasters may have gained access to the control panel of Badbox 2.0, a large China-based botnet. - The screenshot shows seven authorized users, including one that appears to be 'ABCD,' likely 'Dort.'...
Eastern Bank eschews M&A in face of investor complaint
• Eastern Bank declined an activist investor's suggestion to merge with a larger regional bank.
• The bank stated it has reached the appropriate size and scale to effectively compete on its own.
Why voice-based scams are a growing threat to banks
- Voice scams pose a significant financial risk to banks and customers, potentially costing millions in seconds.
- Phone lines remain a critical but overlooked security vulnerability for the finance industry.
How payment processing works
• Payment processing involves several steps from the point of sale to the credit union’s account.
• Security and compliance measures are critical throughout the payment process.
Dependent Care and Board Member Expense Reimbursement
- The NCUA proposes amendments to allow FCU boards to reimburse reasonable dependent care costs for volunteer officials attending board meetings. - This change aims to provide greater flexibility and family-friendly policies, reducing the...
FDIC conditionally approves Ford, GM ILC charters
- Both Ford and GM must establish their respective banks within 12 months.
- They must maintain a minimum 15% tier 1 leverage ratio after standing up the bank.
CISA Releases Product Categories List to Propel Post-Quantum Cryptography Adoption Pursuant to President Trump’s Executive Order 14306
- CISA has released a list of product categories to promote the adoption of post-quantum cryptography.
- This action is in response to President Trump’s Executive Order 14306.
Affirm seeks Nevada bank charter
- Affirm is seeking a Nevada bank charter by submitting applications to state and federal regulators. - The move could impact competition and services offered in the credit union sector, though no direct action...
Sunwest Bank moves on AI in search of efficiencies
- Sunwest Bank plans to use AI to automate workflows and add intelligence capabilities.
- The goal is to extract value through these technological advancements.
Capital One nabs Brex for $5.15B
The deal between Capital One and Brex is expected to close in mid-2026; Brex specializes in corporate cards, payments, and expense-management tools.
Supreme Court approaches Cook case with skepticism
- Supreme Court justices showed skepticism towards the cause and notice in President Trump’s attempted firing of a Fed governor.
- The case may set a new precedent with potential implications for future firings.
Inside the explosion of banking charter applications
• The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency received 18 banking charter applications in the previous year.
• Two additional applications have been submitted recently, indicating a potential continuation of this trend.
Dimon: AI’s effect on labor market ‘may go too fast for society’
• JPMorgan CEO projects AI will lead to fewer employees despite global growth in five years.
• The impact of AI on the labor market may occur too quickly for society to adapt.
Klarna to offer after-purchase BNPL
Klarna will offer buy now, pay later (BNPL) services allowing customers to convert purchases into installment loans after the transaction; this could impact credit unions' risk management and loan portfolio.
‘We’re coming’ to ‘fight you,’ PNC’s Demchak warns banks
• Regional banks face challenges as larger institutions expand into their markets.
• PNC's CEO warns of potential regulatory battles.