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Are you aware of what SMBs are saying about their confidence for survival within 2 years, what credit cards they use, and which ones they use first? I talk about all of those topics, plus the big alternative lending platforms' growth , in this video.

One of the largest website builder platforms, which has many apps and plugins, has launched Wix Checking and Wix Capital for its clients. This is long overdue, as I wrote about the lack of financing offered by website builders Wix and GoDaddy a couple of years ago. I discuss this in the above video, as well as another recent story of embedded lending, explaining how it affects the market and what you should be doing in this evolving business financing market.

In the video below I take you through the hearing, not only for the outcome but what it means and the messages the judge sent. As the sentencing hearing of former CEO of MJ Capital Johanna Michely Garcia began, I looked around at the people in the courtroom wondering who, if any, were victims of the massive Ponzi scheme in which Ms. Garcia pleaded guilty  for her leading role. Johanna Michely Garcia The est $190 million  Ponzi scheme involved investments that were supposed to go towards funding merchant cash advances but those never transpired and investors were left with endless excuses. After a lot of legal maneuvering and responses to the Judge, the victims were about to learn the fate  of a woman who had caused extreme difficulties, pain, and suffering as detailed by three victims in person today.

Courtroom doors swung open once more for the infamous Blueacorn saga, with Nathan Reis , co-founder of the PPP-facilitating lender service Blueacorn, reaching a plea agreement in his major federal case. His guilty plea brings a dramatic chapter closer to a conclusion following the conviction of his wife , Stephanie Hockridge , in late June. Reis, aged 47 and residing in Puerto Rico after relocating from Arizona, admitted to conspiring to commit wire fraud , orchestrating fake Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications through Blueacorn. These applications falsely inflated payroll and revenue data using fabricated tax records and bank statements, a deceptive strategy aimed at securing funds for ineligible entities, all while collecting illicit fees. Reis’s plea sets the stage for sentencing on November 21 , facing a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison .  While Hockridge's conviction was based on jury findings, including her role in creating a "VIPPP" program that fast-tracked high-dollar applicants with minimal review, Reis’s plea signals a strategic move, likely aimed at negotiating a more favorable sentence from authorities. However, given the scale of this fraud and his wife being found guilty, I would think he gets sentenced to the higher end of the penalty range. Their coordinated wrongdoing is but one piece in a broader DOJ crackdown on pandemic-era lending fraud. Just yesterday, we published an article about a business loan broker, Abraham Park , who was sentenced to 46 months in prison for a very similar scheme. This aligns with other convictions, such as those of an Illinois tax preparer who admitted to defrauding COVID relief programs, highlighting a pattern of professionals using their trusted roles to exploit taxpayer-funded safety nets. “During a national emergency, this defendant exploited a taxpayer-funded program that individuals and small businesses desperately needed to survive,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This conviction demonstrates the Department’s ongoing commitment to bring to justice those who would steal from the public fisc to enrich themselves.” The Blueacorn case remains one of the most high-profile constructions of pandemic relief manipulation, fueled by deliberate document falsification and a culture that prioritized speed and volume over integrity. For Reis, admission of guilt may soften the blow, but it also closes a chapter on a scheme that converted a relief lifeline into a personal profit center at the expense of honest small businesses.

Location for Abraham Parks business loan brokerage In one of the more notable COVID-relief fraud cases, a California business loan broker has been sentenced to nearly four years in prison for orchestrating a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Abraham Park , the CEO of Glovision Financial Corp . in Buena Park, CA, built his business around helping entrepreneurs secure financing and improve their credit. But according to federal prosecutors, Park was running a parallel operation from March 2020 through October 2022, one that used the same SBA programs he advised on as a vehicle for fraud. In addition to his 46 month sentence he was ordered to pay $6,993,700 in restitution and $535,041 in forfeiture. Court documents reveal that Park submitted over 120 fraudulent applications to the SBA for EIDL loans which resulted in a total funded and unfunded loss of over $12 million. Those applications were on behalf of clients and at least ten fraudulent EIDL applications listing himself as the owner or principal of the applying entity. The SBA ultimately funded approximately six of these, resulting in millions in stolen relief funds. The entities used in the scheme included Glovision Financial Corp. , The Star Korean Church , US Dianet Corp. , Y&K Onebest LLC , New Spirit Movement , JAMUSA Trading Inc. , Glovision USA Inc. , and Infordia Inc. After the loan applications were submitted, there were sometimes follow-up questions and inquiries from the SBA, which defendant responded to directly on behalf of his clients. In exchange for his services, defendant received a kickback or portion of the funded loan applications. Park’s 46-month sentence stands out because he was a business loan broker, someone expected to guide clients through legitimate financing channels, not exploit them. There are many that legitimately helped out business owners get through the EIDL and PPP loan applications correctly, but you always knew some would try to abuse the system. While the Department of Justice has charged hundreds of individuals for COVID relief fraud since 2020, most cases have involved applicants themselves or other intermediaries, such as accountants and tax preparers. One such case involved Farooq Khan , an Illinois tax preparer who was sentenced to 42 months in prison a few weeks ago for his role in a $3.6 million COVID-19 relief fraud scheme. Khan used his position to submit 30 fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications on behalf of clients, taking hefty fees in return. He was also ordered to pay $3,645,104 in restitution Both cases highlight how the DOJ’s multi-year investigation into pandemic-era loan fraud is now producing high-profile convictions. For Park, the end result was not the lucrative payday he envisioned when filing fraudulent claims. A prison sentence was his outcome, as has been or will be the case for many others.

Block’s latest quarter was a reminder that embedded lending is no side hustle anymore. While top‑line headlines fixated on guidance and mixed revenue trends, two things stood out for our world: Square Loans kept scaling originations, and Bitcoin revenue cooled from last year’s pace. Meanwhile, Shopify Capital posted a sizable quarter of its own, a competitive signal for platform‑native business funding. Square Loans: High‑volume, low‑friction funding Block’s merchant lending arm originated about $1.64 billion  in small‑business loans in Q2, a touch above Q1’s pace. The model remains classic embedded finance: offers driven by seller data, with automated repayment as a slice of daily POS receipts. The result is underwriting that’s continuous, repayment that’s programmatic, and throughput that reliably scales. Bitcoin: Downshift from 2024’s pace On the crypto side, Block’s Bitcoin revenue fell to about $2.14 billion , down from $2.61 billion  a year ago. That won’t surprise anyone tracking softer trading and wallet velocity into the summer, but it does underscore why Block keeps diversifying toward banking and credit stickiness inside Cash App and seller ecosystems. Shopify Capital Shopify’s Q2 print included a strong showing from Shopify Capital , which purchased about $1.0 billion  in business loans and MCAs in the quarter and $1.8 billion  in the first half, helped by expansion into new geographies. That level puts Shopify on a run‑rate that’s smaller than Square’s, but meaningfully competitive, especially given Shopify’s deep integration into merchant storefront operations. What it means for lenders and platforms Platform underwriting is the moat.  Square Loans and Shopify Capital both lean on real‑time commerce telemetry. That’s why offer timing, size, and repayment fit better than generic credit pulls, and why uptake stays high. Distribution > demand gen.  When funding is embedded where merchants already work (invoices, checkout, payouts), conversion beats traditional outreach every time. Crypto won’t carry the quarter.  With Bitcoin revenue normalizing, platform credit and banking become the growth stabilizers, precisely where Square Loans and Cash App’s lending roadmap matters most. Quick compare: Square Loans vs. Shopify Capital (Q2 2025) Square Loans (Block):  ~$ 1.64B  originations; automated repayment from daily sales; data‑driven eligibility sourced from seller processing history. Shopify Capital:  ~$ 1.0B  in purchased loans/MCAs; H1 at $1.8B ; amplified by geographic expansion and deep storefront integration. Bottom line Square Loans remains the volume leader in platform-native SMB funding, but Shopify Capital is a credible second engine in the embedded lending race.

Press Release LOS ANGELES, CA – August 06, 2025 — Cloudsquare , the highest-rated Salesforce partner in the lending industry, today announced the launch of its newly redesigned website, marking a significant milestone in the company’s evolution from general Salesforce consultancy to a purpose-built platform provider focused exclusively on brokers and lenders in the alternative finance space. Built natively on Salesforce, the world’s #1 CRM, Cloudsquare’s lending platform gives brokers and funders the power to automate workflows, reduce risk, and scale faster than ever before across all verticals of alternative financing. “This website doesn’t just show off what we’ve built—it reflects who we’ve become,” said Jeffrey Morgenstein, CEO of Cloudsquare . “We’ve spent years quietly building the most flexible, powerful lending platform in the market. Now we’re ready to show the industry exactly what we’ve been up to.” Reflecting on Platform-First Identity Since its founding in 2018, Cloudsquare has operated as both a Salesforce implementation partner and software platform provider. But over time, it became clear that the biggest impact came from one thing: delivering the end-to-end platform that lenders actually needed. Over the past year, Cloudsquare has fully aligned its pricing, delivery model, and internal roadmap around this platform vision—sunsetting general Salesforce consulting and doubling down on technology, support, and services designed specifically for the lending industry. “Every improvement we’ve made, and continue to make, is thanks to the feedback and insight of our customers,” said Paul Albuquerque, Director of Product . “We’re proud to have built the platform from the ground up, but it’s our customers who help us refine it every day to meet the evolving needs of the lending industry.” A Streamlined Buying Experience and Smarter Pricing The new website gives prospects a crystal-clear view into what the platform can do—featuring in-depth product demonstrations, real-world use cases, and simplified module breakdowns that make it easy to evaluate Cloudsquare’s fit for any lending model. The company has also introduced a restructured pricing model, making Cloudsquare one of the most affordable enterprise-grade lending platforms available. “We’ve made Cloudsquare more accessible—without cutting a single corner,” said Dennis Mikhailov, Chief Revenue Officer . “Whether you’re a solo broker or an enterprise lender, you should have access to world-class software that drives results.” Implementation, Support, and Continuous Innovation Cloudsquare’s delivery team plays a hands-on role in every implementation and continues to support customers long after go-live. Every new client starts with one of Cloudsquare’s structured implementation packages—now more affordable thanks to the new pricing model. Once live, customers benefit from ongoing, free product support designed to ensure long-term success. And because Cloudsquare operates as a modern SaaS platform, customers get access to continuous innovation—including new features, evolving workflows, and cutting-edge tools powered by artificial intelligence and automation. For teams that need more advanced customization or support, Cloudsquare offers flexible options including Consulting on Demand and Managed Services programs—ensuring every lender can scale on their terms. “We don’t just deliver software, we deliver outcomes,” said Christelle Asmar, Director of Delivery. “As the market changes, our platform evolves, so our customers are always equipped with the latest tools to compete, grow, and lead.” Additional Information The relaunch of Cloudsquare’s website marks a pivotal moment in the company’s growth and platform maturity. With a modular architecture, streamlined pricing, hands-on delivery services, and continuous feature innovation—including AI-powered tools—Cloudsquare is positioned to be the technology partner of choice for brokers, lenders, and funders across all alternative lending verticals. For product details, implementation packages, or to request a live demo, visit www.cloudsquare.io . About Cloudsquare Cloudsquare is the leading end-to-end lending platform, uniquely powered by Salesforce, to deliver unparalleled flexibility and innovation for lenders and brokers. With a commitment to optimizing lending processes through cutting-edge technology, Cloudsquare provides robust, scalable solutions that empower clients to achieve greater efficiency and growth. Celebrated by industry leaders, Cloudsquare has earned a place on the Inc. 5000 list as one of America’s fastest-growing companies and is consistently rated a top service provider on platforms like Salesforce AppExchange, G2, Clutch, and Manifest. For media inquiries, please contact: Cloudsquare Marketing Email: marketing@cloudsquare.io

July 2025 was a striking month for the U.S. economy, not because of a single market shock, but because of the cumulative signals emerging from the bankruptcy courts. Commercial and consumer bankruptcies are not just ticking up, they’re surging, according to data from Epiq AACER, the leading provider of U.S. bankruptcy filing data. Commercial Chapter 11 Bankruptcies Up 78% The most eye-catching figure: Commercial Chapter 11 filings jumped to 911 in July , marking a 78% year-over-year increase  from 512 filings in July 2024 . That’s not a marginal uptick — it’s a resurgence of distress among businesses large enough to seek formal reorganization protections. And it wasn’t just year-over-year. Compared to June 2025 , Chapter 11 filings were up 46% , showing the momentum isn’t just seasonal or anecdotal, it’s escalating. “We continue to see strong demand from both consumers and businesses seeking bankruptcy protection... Overall volumes are steadily climbing back toward pre-pandemic levels,” said Michael Hunter, VP at Epiq AACER. Small Businesses Aren’t Immune Many business lenders and MCA funders operate under the assumption that small businesses, especially those qualifying under Subchapter V , are less prone to complex bankruptcies. That assumption needs an update. Subchapter V filings  (tailored for small businesses) reached 206 in July 2025 , up 30%  from 159 a year earlier . However, that’s slightly down 2%  from June’s 211 filings , suggesting a month-to-month fluctuation — but still within a higher-risk zone. Subchapter V is often used by the types of companies that rely on alternative financing, including revenue-based funders and fintech lenders. With volumes climbing, underwriters need to pay closer attention to early warning signs like declining cash flow, industry volatility, or management changes. Consumer Bankruptcies Also Rising The broader economic pressure isn’t just hitting businesses, it’s affecting households too: Total U.S. bankruptcy filings  in July: 49,614 , up 12% year-over-year . Consumer (noncommercial) filings : 46,617 , up 11%  from 42,081 . Chapter 7 filings : 29,122 , up 13%  year-over-year. Chapter 13 filings : 17,392 , up 7% . This confirms what many in the credit markets already suspected: households are increasingly unable to keep up with elevated interest rates , high inflation , and record household debt . What This Means These are not just statistics; they are risk indicators. The surge in bankruptcies reflects the cumulative impact of macroeconomic headwinds : High interest rates  make both business and consumer debt harder to manage. Inflation and borrowing costs  continue to erode financial resilience. Household delinquencies  and small business defaults are climbing quietly but steadily. For several quarters, the narrative has been about recovery. Now, the conversation is shifting toward resilience and recalibration . The July data shows we are entering a phase where more borrowers, from mom-and-pop shops to middle-market firms, may need financial lifelines or risk default. Talk about this in our Groups

GoDaddy’s Q2 2025 Earnings: AI, Commerce, and Merchant Cash Advance Growth GoDaddy’s Q2 2025 earnings reaffirmed its resilience and innovation in the digital commerce space. The company is expected to post earnings of $1.34 per share (up nearly 22% year-over-year) on $1.2 billion in revenue, with its Applications & Commerce segment leading the way at 15% annual growth. The new AI-powered Arrow platform has boosted average revenue per user by 9.2%, helping offset a modest 2.4% dip in customer accounts. The Core Platform (domains and hosting) faced more pressure amid industry commoditization. While not the centerpiece of GoDaddy's financials, its merchant cash advance product—GoDaddy Capital—was noted in recent management and analyst discussions as an area of building momentum. Merchant cash advances and same-day payouts are cited as contributing positively to growth in commerce solutions, but their overall share remains relatively small. Analysts continue to view ongoing adoption of GoDaddy Capital as a way to enhance customer retention and drive higher order values, though Q2 2025 reporting did not detail any major expansion or revenue impact from MCAs. Instead, the company’s primary narrative remains focused on AI enhancements and commerce tools for small businesses. Shopify’s Q2 2025 Earnings: Growth Momentum Continues Shopify delivered another standout quarter, reporting Q2 2025 revenue of $2.68 billion—surpassing consensus estimates and highlighting the continued strength of its platform. Revenue grew 31% year-over-year, and net income reached $906 million, a significant turnaround from prior losses. Merchant Solutions revenue, which encompasses services like payments and capital, climbed to $2.02 billion, while subscription revenue was $656 million. Gross merchandise volume (GMV) hit $87.8 billion, up 16% over the previous quarter. Many merchants were also raising prices, Shopify said, without providing more details on the range of hikes. Shopify’s management emphasized international expansion, with European GMV rising 42% on a constant currency basis, and projected revenue growth in the mid-to-high twenties percent for Q3. Importantly, there were no references to merchant cash advances in their Q2 2025 earnings discussions, call transcripts, or analyst commentaries. While Shopify Capital continues to offer business funding options, merchant cash advances were not spotlighted as a current focus or revenue driver in their disclosures; the company kept its attention on broader merchant solutions and platform development. Louisiana Mandates New Disclosures for Revenue-Based Financing Effective August 1, 2025, Louisiana’s new law requires detailed disclosures for all revenue-based financing transactions, making the state one of the most proactive in broadening transparency standards for business funding. Under House Bill 470, every financing provider must now outline the total amount funded, repayment amounts, and other key contractual terms in writing—regardless of business size or funding amount. Unlike many other states, Louisiana’s rules don’t require registration, APR disclosures, or exempt any financial institutions from compliance. The move signals a growing momentum for consumer-style protection in business finance, especially as non-bank and fintech players expand their reach among small businesses. Bankruptcy Court Ruling Redefines Merchant Cash Advances A series of recent bankruptcy cases—specifically JPR Mechanical , Williams Land , and Global Energy Services —have caught the attention of fintech lenders and legal observers. As reported by ABL Advisor, bankruptcy judges are increasingly treating merchant cash advances (MCAs)—long marketed as “sales” of future receivables—as disguised loans subject to usury laws and traditional creditor protections. In these cases, New York courts analyzed the structure of MCAs, with the outcomes favoring the stance that such products can be treated as loans, creating new exposures for MCA funders if their agreements violate lending regulations. This shift poses significant legal and operational challenges for MCA companies, potentially curbing aggressive tactics and leading to more borrower protections or standardized disclosures. As alternative lending grows, expect further scrutiny and court guidance on what truly constitutes a loan versus a sale—fundamental questions that may shape the next phase of fintech innovation. BlackRock’s $1 Billion Bet on LendingClub’s Marketplace BlackRock has made headlines with its commitment to deploy up to $1 billion through LendingClub’s marketplace by 2026, already completing the first $100 million tranche. This partnership enables institutional funds managed by BlackRock to invest directly in loans originated on LendingClub’s digital platform. For LendingClub, the deal brings credibility and deeper funding pools, while BlackRock’s engagement signals growing mainstream acceptance of digital, data-driven lending as a mature, investable asset class. Such partnerships illustrate how alternative finance and marketplace lending are attracting Wall Street capital in ways that would have seemed unlikely a decade ago. It’s a testament to the growing sophistication of fintech credit models, improved risk analytics, and the competitive advantage of rapid digital origination. If successful, this initiative could spark further institutional flows into fintech lending—reshaping competition for banks and creating new opportunities for both borrowers and investors. Lenders Remain Bullish on Manufacturing & Construction Equipment Optimism remains high in the equipment finance market, especially across the manufacturing and construction sectors. Infrastructure spending is projected to climb by 10% in 2025, and new U.S. tax laws allow for immediate deductions on equipment purchases, spurring capital investment. North America’s industrial machinery market is booming, with contractors, manufacturers, and service providers all driving demand for flexible equipment loans and leases. Lenders cite digital origination technology and dealer relationships as keys to capturing growth in these sectors. Notably, the momentum is benefiting both large firms and smaller contractors, with new funding available for automation and reshoring efforts. Combined with bullish forecasts for material handling and leasing volumes through 2032, the sector provides substantial growth opportunities for lenders attuned to the needs of an evolving U.S. industrial base.

In an industry where speed, precision, and trust define success, Funder Intel has quietly launched something that’s already changing the game behind the scenes. It’s called the Funder Matching Tool , and it’s not another marketplace or gimmicky lead-gen form. It’s a performance-first, underwriting-guided matchmaking engine that connects business loan brokers to compatible funders in seconds. And it’s already working. Built for Brokers Who Want to Work Smarter, Not Harder You no longer have to guess who funds what. With the Funder Matching Tool, brokers simply select deal criteria such as: Monthly revenue Time in business Requested funding amount Industry State FICO score Current open positions … and the tool instantly filters a curated database of verified funders  based on actual underwriting guidelines . Each result displays a match percentage  so you can gauge fit before you waste time on a submission. And if you’re logged in as a member, you can request a warm introduction  directly through the platform — saving even more time. 💬 “It’s like having a junior underwriter by your side, except it never sleeps.” - A broker user during our soft launch Transparent, But Not Oversharing Unlike some public funder directories, this tool balances transparency with discretion. We don’t expose every last underwriting detail; we show just enough for brokers to make quick, informed decisions while protecting funder IP. If a funder isn't open to receiving introductions, their record still appears for visibility, but the Request Intro  button is disabled and marked accordingly. This way, brokers still gain intelligence, and funders stay in control of how they’re approached. How It Works Behind the Scenes The tool uses a scoring algorithm that evaluates a broker’s input against funder data using: Hard exclusions  for must-haves (e.g. time in business, restricted industries) Soft penalties  for undercutting preferences (e.g., lower revenue or high stacking) A dynamic match strength threshold (adjustable with a toggle) Funders with the best fit, and those willing to take introductions, rise to the top. Already Delivering Results Since going live, the Funder Matching Tool has been responsible for many broker-funder connections . Brokers are submitting deals faster Funders are updating their guidelines to reflect real-time strategy shifts Introductions are being tracked, qualified, and managed without a middleman And this is just the beginning. Want to See It in Action? Watch this quick video demo to see how the tool works and how easy it is to start matching deals: Attention Funders: Get Listed (or Updated) If you’re a funder and you’re reading this, you may already be listed . But here’s the thing: outdated guidelines hurt your visibility . Funders that haven’t updated their data are more likely to show low match percentages or be excluded entirely from certain queries. ✅ Update your underwriting today to ensure brokers find you for the right deals. ✅ Become a Featured Funder to appear at the top of search results. ✅ Don’t see your company listed at all? Request to be added . What’s Next The Funder Matching Tool is just one part of our growing suite of tools under the Deal Tools+  plan. More features are on the way, including: Advanced filters Saved deal searches Auto-notify for funders based on submission patterns Reporting dashboards for performance insight But for now, we encourage every broker and funder to test the matching engine  and help us refine it further.

In a move that signals a broader shift in how small businesses access capital, iBusiness Funding has announced a collaboration with Intuit to offer SBA financing options directly within the QuickBooks platform. This integration means that millions of small business owners using QuickBooks will now have the ability to explore SBA loan opportunities, streamlining one of the historically most cumbersome funding processes. A Natural Evolution for Small Business Financing The announcement reflects a larger trend in fintech: the convergence of accounting platforms and embedded lending . As business owners continue to rely on tools like QuickBooks to manage cash flow, payroll, and invoicing, it only makes sense that access to financing should become part of that ecosystem. Rather than pushing users to outside marketplaces or third-party brokers, QuickBooks is now enabling direct access to SBA loans through its existing dashboard. This not only reduces friction in the financing process but also creates a data-rich environment  where business financials are already validated and organized, speeding up approvals and underwriting decisions. How the Partnership Works iBusiness Funding, a full-service lending platform and SBA loan packager, will facilitate the loan offerings. The company works with a network of approved SBA lenders and uses its LenderAI technology to match businesses with the right loan product and automate much of the paperwork required in traditional SBA lending. According to the announcement, small business owners using QuickBooks will be able to: Explore SBA loan options within the software Submit loan requests seamlessly using financial data already in QuickBooks Receive guidance and packaging support from iBusiness Funding’s platform This gives entrepreneurs an end-to-end experience , from bookkeeping to capital access, without having to navigate complex SBA paperwork on their own. Why This Matters This partnership is more than a convenience upgrade. It represents a growing democratization of business lending , where technology platforms that already serve small businesses are becoming gateways to affordable capital. Several trends are converging to make this possible: Embedded lending is maturing : Tools like QuickBooks, Shopify, and Square are increasingly offering financial products directly to their users. SBA loans are more accessible : Technology has streamlined the application and approval process, making it easier for even microbusinesses to qualify. Lenders are embracing automation : Platforms like iBusiness Funding are helping SBA-approved lenders expand reach while lowering overhead through intelligent automation. What Comes Next? Expect more collaborations like this one. As small business software becomes the central nervous system for operations, marketing, and accounting, it will also become the hub for credit and capital. The platforms that understand a business’s cash flow in real time are better positioned to deliver tailored financing products. And for small business owners? This integration could be a game-changer, making SBA loans not just an option, but a click away.

Fintech giant Revolut is reportedly considering the acquisition of a U.S. bank, a strategic move to accelerate its American ambitions without waiting years for a bank charter approval. By purchasing a bank with a national license, Revolut could vastly expand its financial services, including the addition of business lending to its suite of corporate credit cards. This marks a growing trend of leading fintechs buying their way into full banking status. Why does this matter? The move would let Revolut offer a far broader range of regulated products: think business loans, international payment tools, crypto trading, and FDIC-insured deposits. The operational risks and legacy tech hurdles are real, but the benefits—like regulatory certainty and direct customer relationships—are compelling. Analysts note that this isn’t just about expanding into new markets; it’s about changing the game entirely. Fintechs like SoFi and SmartBiz have already paved the way, showing that buying a bank can supercharge growth and unlock new services for business and consumer clients alike. Key Theme: Fintechs aren’t content to be banking “alternatives.” More of them are aiming to become banks themselves, using acquisitions to offer a deeper, integrated suite of services that rivals, and even outpace, traditional players. “This move, driven by the need for a faster path to a U.S. banking license, reflects a new chapter: the most ambitious fintechs are no longer just disrupting finance—they’re stepping up to own it.” Big Picture: Pair Revolut’s ambitions with PayPal’s mainstream push for crypto payments and JPMorgan’s aggressive stance on data access, and a new financial landscape is emerging. The trend is clear: fintechs are moving from disruptors to fully integrated, regulated financial institutions.