As stablecoins gain a toehold in the marketplace, they are helping pave the way for traditional currencies, like the U.S. dollar, to become digital assets. … READ MORE >
Financial services
How SPACs and direct listings are reshaping the capital markets
The volume and dollar value of public listings went on a tear last year as private companies took advantage of a bullish stock market to raise cash at attractive valuations. … READ MORE >
Comptroller of the Currency puts the fair access rule on hold
Under the rule, banks with assets in excess of $100 billion would have been required to do business in industries that are increasingly becoming unpopular given shifting societal values – like oil producers and manufacturers of firearms. … READ MORE >
How regulatory oversight may change at five agencies under Biden
With President Joe Biden’s cabinet taking shape, regulated entities in the financial services industry like banks, specialty lenders and capital markets firms are starting to get a better picture of what changes might be in store. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Institutional investors warm to digital assets
There is increasing evidence that institutional investors are looking to invest in digital assets. Grayscale reported that its average institutional allocation in the fourth quarter of last year was $6.8 million, more than double the average in the previous quarter. Total contributions for the period totaled $3.3 billion. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: The SPAC boom accelerates
With January about half over, announced listings for SPACs have already surpassed the combined total for the first five months of 2020. At this pace, January will match or possibly exceed the record-setting month of last September, when announced listings peaked. … READ MORE >
5 trends from defense technology companies’ Q3 earnings calls
Defense technology company executives remain agile, anticipating future government spending trends, monitoring key supply chain risks, and investing in rapidly advancing technologies. Support for defense funding positions the sector for a strong 2021. … READ MORE >
5 trends from government services companies’ Q3 earnings calls
Trends among government services companies show a sector that has weathered the pandemic relatively well, positioning it for a strong 2021. … READ MORE >
With added benefits, lenders stand ready to roll out more fiscal aid
The legislation provides needed relief for the small businesses most affected by the downturn and customers of financial institutions while also providing a host of measures that will provide benefit beyond the banking industry. … READ MORE >
Private equity firms pledge their support for Diversity in Action initiative
Under the Diversity in Action initiative, investors commit to advancing diversity and inclusion, both within their organizations and within the industry more broadly. … READ MORE >