Stablecoins are digital tokens designed to maintain a stable value by being backed by assets such as U.S. dollars or government bonds. This summer, the GENIUS Act became law and requires stablecoin issuers to be licensed, audited and backed by safe assets. Regulations will roll out over the next 12 months, with full implementation no later than January 2027. Under the GENIUS … [More]
Credit Union Builds Out Valley Presence with Eight New Branches
America First Credit Union announced the opening of eight new branches across the state. The first location debuted in Goodyear on Sept. 15, with Mesa and Queen Creek branches slated to open in October. Five additional locations, in Surprise, Glendale, North Scottsdale, Tucson, and South Scottsdale, will follow through 2027. This expansion, creating over 80 … [More]
Phoenix Fintech Launches Bitcoin Rewards Credit Card with Stripe and Visa
Fold Holdings, Inc., a bitcoin financial services company making it easy for individuals and businesses to earn, save, and spend bitcoin through everyday financial tools, today announced it has selected Stripe, the programmable financial services company, to power the upcoming launch of the Fold Bitcoin Credit Card, a bitcoin-only rewards product designed to turn everyday … [More]
SBA to Waive Loan Fees for Small Manufacturers in 2026
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that it would waive most upfront fees for small manufacturers in fiscal year 2026. With the fee burden reduced, the SBA will empower more small manufacturers (NAICS 31-33) with the capital to increase hiring, growth, and production – and to reshore jobs, supply chains, and national security. For 7(a) manufacturing loans … [More]
Valley-Based Bank to Retire Six Division Bank Brands, Bringing Alignment
Western Alliance Bank unveiled plans to unite all of the Bank’s divisions under the Western Alliance Bank brand. By year-end, six division bank brands – Alliance Association Bank, Alliance Bank of Arizona, Bank of Nevada, Bridge Bank, First Independent Bank and Torrey Pines Bank – will take on the Western Alliance Bank name. The Bank’s AmeriHome Mortgage subsidiary and its … [More]
Examining Key Considerations for Cash, Debt Strategies
Debt financing coupled with healthy cash flow can be a key driver to expansion
Professionals heavily involved in company finances instinctively look to protect money, but this strategy doesn’t always pay off — especially for ambitious and successful operations. Debt financing coupled with healthy cash flow can be a key driver to expansion, especially when pursuing significant growth objectives while managing overall risk. This can include an increase … [More]
Funding Business Growth: How to secure finance to scale your business
For those who find a lack of financial resources and time is stifling the growth of their business, Funding Business Growth equips readers with the tools and resources necessary to scale their business using proven financing options. Showcasing real-world success stories, it provides a blueprint for overcoming common obstacles and accessing capital, enabling entrepreneurs to … [More]
Inflated: Money, Debt, and the American Dream
In the newly revised second edition of Inflated: How Money & Debt Built the American Dream, veteran investment banker, author and chairman of Whalen Global Advisors LLC delivers the latest installment of his concise history of the United States' monetary system, putting contemporary financial phenomena like inflation and high housing costs into context. Readers will learn … [More]
Valley-Based Bank to Retire Six Division Bank Brands, Bringing Alignment
Western Alliance Bank unveiled plans to unite all of the Bank’s divisions under the Western Alliance Bank brand. By year-end, six division bank brands – Alliance Association Bank, Alliance Bank of Arizona, Bank of Nevada, Bridge Bank, First Independent Bank and Torrey Pines Bank – will take on the Western Alliance Bank name. The Bank’s AmeriHome Mortgage subsidiary and its … [More]
Credit Union Launches New Initiative to Serve Arizona’s Underbanked Population
With over 600,000 Arizonans estimated to be underbanked, Arizona Financial Credit Union has announced the launch of Azpire, a dedicated new initiative aimed at addressing the needs of individuals who operate outside of traditional banking systems. Unbanked and underbanked individuals often rely on alternative financial services such as check cashing, title loans, and money … [More]
Banking Subsidiary Fraud Protection Efforts Honored
Western Alliance Bank’s subsidiary Digital Disbursements, the leading digital payments platform for the class action legal industry and part of the bank’s Juris Banking Group offering, announced that their Anti-Fraud Triangle innovation, developed in partnership with ClaimScore, a data-driven fraud prevention software solution for class action settlements, has been selected as … [More]
Credit Union Collaborates with Expert to Promote Financial Well-Being
Nicole Lapin, a New York Times Bestselling Author and personal finance expert, is collaborating with Desert Financial Credit Union to empower and promote financial well-being to Arizonans. "I've always been a huge believer in credit unions because they've consistently put people before profits. I've personally banked with credit unions for years because I love everything … [More]
Sweep Accounts: Strategy to Manage Deposits that Exceed the FDIC Limit
How sweep accounts can help ensure funds are protected beyond standard insurance limits
Managing deposits that exceed the standard FDIC insurance threshold can seem like a daunting task. Businesses and individuals alike often seek a way to maintain simplicity while ensuring coverage for deposits. Sweep accounts offer a practical solution by allowing businesses and individuals to work with just one account, while funds are automatically dispersed. This streamlined … [More]
Enterprise Bank & Trust to Expand in Arizona through Acquisition
Enterprise Financial Services Corp and First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. have announced the signing of a purchase and assumption agreement by their respective wholly-owned subsidiaries, Enterprise Bank & Trust and First Interstate Bank, pursuant to which Enterprise Bank & Trust will acquire twelve branches from First Interstate Bank. The acquisition consists of two … [More]
North Dakota Community Bank Expands to Arizona’s East Valley
First Western Bank, a trusted community bank headquartered in Minot, North Dakota, announced its expansion into Arizona’s East Valley, with its new Loan Production Office located in Chandler, Arizona. This strategic move reflects the bank’s commitment to building relationships and offering personalized financial solutions in dynamic and thriving markets. Leading the Arizona … [More]
Arizona Central Credit Union Announces New President and CEO
Arizona Central Credit Union announced Brian Lee as its new President & Chief Executive Officer. Lee is replacing the retiring Greg Harden. Veronica Piotrowski, Board Treasurer, states "Brian brings a wealth of experience and vision to lead Arizona Central Credit Union into its next chapter. His commitment to the membership and community aligns perfectly with our mission … [More]
Credit Union Program to Help Children and Teens Build Strong Financial Habits
Desert Financial Credit Union announces Kickstart, a free program and checking account for members designed to teach kids how to budget, save and spend money safely with adult supervision. The program allows parents and guardians to send money to and set spending limits on their child’s account. Kickstart also provides access to an online child-friendly programming that is … [More]
Credit Union Unveils Bold New Look While Staying True to Its Core Values
OneAZ, the Arizona credit union known for its competitive rates, announced the launch of a revitalized new brand that reflects its commitment to driving prosperity and community growth across Arizona. Honoring nearly 74 years of trusted service, OneAZ is stepping boldly into the future with a fresh look and renewed promise to help Arizonians succeed. “Today, we're unleashing … [More]
