The CEO's Guide to the Investment Galaxy by Sarah Keohane Williamson provides indispensable insights for business leaders navigating the landscape of the global investment community. Not all shareholders are created equal. Knowing who one’s shareholders and the other members of the investment community are ― and what drives them ― is key to one’s success. For readers stepping … [More]
From Check Out to Cash Flow: A Business Guide to Merchant Services
Also keeping in mind fraud and user satisfaction
As the way people pay continues to evolve, companies continue adapting to meet new expectations around speed, convenience and security. Understanding how to manage payment methods effectively can help business owners streamline operations, reduce risk and maintain reliable cash flow. When choosing a merchant services partner, it’s important they consider a few key factors to … [More]
Credit Union Expands Valley Footprint with Two New Locations
OneAZ Credit Union has officially broken ground on its newest branches in Peoria and Surprise, marking an exciting milestone in the organization’s statewide growth. Designed in partnership with NewGround International, these innovative locations will serve as community hubs where Arizonans can connect, learn, and grow — far beyond traditional banking. "Breaking ground on … [More]
Western Alliance Partners with Clover to Accelerate 55+ Housing Development
Western Alliance Bank’s Multifamily Housing Finance Group announced a strategic alliance with Clover Lending Group, an integrated asset management, development and property management company specializing in affordable senior living and other multifamily communities. Clover Lending Group is nationally recognized for its vertically integrated model, which spans development, … [More]
From Onboarding to Refunds: How AI Automation Is Rewiring Banking
Banks were among the pioneers of robotic process automation. Since the early 2010s, they have been deploying RPA bots that mimic human behavior to automate clerical, rule-based processes, such as data entry or invoice processing, helping reduce excessive workloads, minimize human errors, and lower operating costs. Today, the banking sector remains at the forefront of digital … [More]
GENIUS Act Sets Rules for Stablecoins, Promising Quicker, Lower-Cost Payments for SMBs
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]
