N3XT has launched as a fully blockchain-powered bank designed to enable clients to make instant, programmable B2B payments in U.S. dollars at any hour, on any day.By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions .Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.The ...

Core Insights - Former executives from Signature Bank are establishing a new blockchain-based bank aimed at enabling instant, 24/7 U.S. dollar payments, almost three years post the bank's collapse [1] Group 1: Company Overview - The new bank will leverage blockchain technology to facilitate seamless transactions, indicating a shift towards modern financial solutions [1] - The initiative reflects a growing trend in the banking sector to adopt digital currencies and blockchain for enhanced efficiency [1] Group 2: Industry Implications - The launch of this bank may signal a broader acceptance of blockchain technology within traditional banking, potentially reshaping payment systems [1] - This development could attract interest from investors looking for innovative financial services that align with the digital economy [1]

Core Insights - The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) reserve ratio increased to 1.40% in Q3, up four basis points [1] - The fund's balance rose by $4.8 billion, reaching $150.1 billion [2] - Assessment revenue was the main contributor to the DIF balance increase, adding $3.3 billion, while other factors contributed an additional $2.1 billion [3] Fund Performance - The increase in the DIF reserve ratio was attributed to slow growth in insured deposits, which rose by only 0.1% during the third quarter [3] - Operating expenses for the fund amounted to $570 million [3] Legislative Developments - Lawmakers are advocating for an increase in the insured deposit limit from the current $250,000, with proposals suggesting a cap of up to $10 million for certain accounts [5][6] - The push for deposit insurance reform is a response to the bank runs experienced in March 2023, particularly affecting Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank [5][6] Historical Context - The FDIC has been working to rebuild the Deposit Insurance Fund since 2020, following a drop in the reserve ratio below the legally required level due to a surge in deposits [4]

Core Insights - The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) reserve ratio increased to 1.40% in Q3, up four basis points [1] - The fund's balance rose by $4.8 billion, reaching $150.1 billion [2] - Assessment revenue was the main contributor to the DIF balance increase, adding $3.3 billion, while other factors contributed an additional $2.1 billion [3] Fund Performance - The increase in the DIF reserve ratio was attributed to slow growth in insured deposits, which rose by only 0.1% during the third quarter [3] - Operating expenses for the fund amounted to $570 million, partially offsetting the gains [3] Legislative Developments - Lawmakers are advocating for an increase in the insured deposit limit from the current $250,000 to prevent bank runs, as seen in the cases of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank [5] - A Senate bill has been proposed to raise the insurance limit to $10 million for certain accounts, particularly those used for business operations [6] - Bank CEOs have emphasized the urgent need for deposit insurance reform following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank in 2023 [6]

Core Insights - LevelField Financial has received conditional approval from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) for its acquisition of Burling Bank, although final approval is still pending [1][2][3] Company Overview - LevelField Financial aims to merge traditional banking with digital asset products, planning to rename Burling Bank to LevelField Bank upon successful acquisition [5] - The company intends to provide a range of banking services, including loans and credit cards collateralized by Bitcoin, digital asset trading, and custody services [6] Regulatory Context - The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval from the Federal Reserve to operate as a bank holding company [2] - IDFPR clarified that while LevelField's application has been accepted, no formal approval has been granted yet [3][4] Historical Context - LevelField previously attempted to acquire Burling Bank in February 2023 but withdrew the application in February 2024, following the collapse of crypto-friendly banks [7][9] - The renewed filing for acquisition occurred in December 2024, after a change in the political landscape with the election of President Donald Trump [8][9]

Core Insights - The article highlights the top 20 banks recognized for their employee satisfaction and workplace culture, emphasizing their commitment to communication, support, and fun [1][2] Group 1: Rankings and Overview - The list includes a diverse range of banks, from those with less than $500 million in assets to regional banks exceeding $50 billion, showcasing various approaches to employee engagement [1][2] - The overall list features 90 banks, with profiles of the top 20 honorees provided [2] Group 2: Employee Engagement Initiatives - Seacoast Bank emphasizes an inclusive culture with performance reviews three times a year and a new leadership excellence program [3][4] - Southside Bank introduced the Southside Champions Award to recognize outstanding employees and has focused on enhancing training and development opportunities [5][6][7] - Cornerstone Bank offers three weeks of paid vacation for new employees and supports wellness goals through fitness expense contributions [8][9][10] - Signature Bank improved internal communication with a new employee intranet, enhancing employee recognition and access to resources [11][12] - American Riviera Bank provides fraud prevention tools and a new manager training program, along with pet insurance [13][14] - Pacific National Bank promotes an inclusive workplace culture with various employee engagement activities [15][16] - First National Bankers Bankshares encourages employee feedback through direct access to management and satisfaction surveys [18][19] - CS Bank focuses on purpose-driven work and offers competitive pay, benefits, and unique perks [20][21][22] - First United Bank and Trust Company incentivizes Saturday work with additional pay and engages in community fundraising [23][24][25] - Climate First Bank prioritizes renewable energy financing and offers paid sabbaticals and volunteer time [26][27] - NebraskaLand Bank has implemented a flexible personal leave policy and expanded benefits for part-time employees [28][29][30] - TIB offers flexible benefits, including mental health support and expanded health coverage [31][32] - Origin Bank focuses on culture and employee engagement as part of its profitability strategy [33][34] - Peoples Bank provides bonuses, covers health insurance costs, and encourages employee referrals [36][37] - Peoples Bank of East Tennessee engages employees with a unique holiday gift request initiative [38][39][40] - Centier Bank offers mental health days, development plans, and feedback mechanisms for employees [41][42] - Pinnacle Financial Partners aims to create a motivating culture and relies on employee referrals for recruitment [44][45][46] - Paragon Bank launched "Wellness Wednesdays" and offers various staff-centric perks [47][48] - Oakworth Capital Bank emphasizes a strong culture and offers stock purchase programs for employees [49][50] - Wood & Huston Bank focuses on internal promotions, career development, and wellness programs [51][52][53]

Core Viewpoint - There is a bipartisan push to increase the insured deposit limit from $250,000 to $10 million to prevent bank runs, particularly in light of recent collapses like Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank [2][3][4]. Group 1: Legislative Efforts - Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Senator Elizabeth Warren are advocating for raising the insured deposit limit [2]. - A Senate bill, co-sponsored by Senators Bill Hagerty and Angela Alsobrooks, proposes increasing the insurance limit to $10 million for specific accounts used by businesses [3][4]. - The proposed bill aims to address the types of accounts that were central to the 2023 bank failures, particularly those used for payroll and operational expenses [4]. Group 2: Impact of Recent Bank Collapses - Silicon Valley Bank had a significant number of uninsured deposits, with over 94% of its deposits being uninsured prior to its collapse [5]. - Following the collapse, the government intervened to ensure all depositors were made whole, which was an exception to the usual insurance policy [6]. - The proposed legislation would not extend additional insurance to larger banks, which would still be subject to the $250,000 limit for all accounts [6]. Group 3: Industry Reactions - Larger banks have expressed skepticism regarding the proposed $10 million limit, arguing that it may not enhance bank safety and resilience [7]. - Medium-sized banks are lobbying for legislative support following the deposit flight to larger banks after the SVB collapse, highlighting the rapid loss of depositor confidence in the digital age [8]. - The CEO of the Mid-Size Bank Coalition of America noted that the 2023 turmoil resulted in deposits moving from smaller banks to larger ones, creating an uneven playing field [8].

Core Insights - The GENIUS Act represents a significant step towards regulating the cryptocurrency and stablecoin sectors, but its effectiveness will depend on how regulators address existing gaps and implement the law [1][3][4] Regulatory Framework - The GENIUS Act is seen as a foundational framework rather than a complete regulatory architecture, indicating that further work is needed to establish detailed rules [3] - Federal and state regulators' interpretations and enforcement of the GENIUS Act will be crucial in determining the stability and trustworthiness of the U.S. stablecoin ecosystem [4][5] Reserve Asset Risks - The act allows for digital assets like Bitcoin to be used as reserve assets for stablecoins, which could introduce volatility and undermine the stability implied by the term "stablecoin" [5][6][7] - There are concerns regarding the inclusion of uninsured deposits in reserve requirements, reminiscent of past banking failures [9][10] Regulatory Fragmentation - The GENIUS Act empowers multiple federal and state agencies to oversee stablecoin issuers, which may lead to inconsistent regulations and a "race to the bottom" in oversight [11][12] - The broad definition of permissible activities for stablecoin issuers could create regulatory ambiguities, where one regulator's approved activity may be viewed as prohibited by another [13][14] Alternative Solutions - Tokenized deposits are presented as a viable alternative to stablecoins, offering the benefits of traditional banking, such as deposit insurance and regulatory oversight, while still enabling digital transactions [16][17][18]

Core Insights - The New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) is drafting rules for Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) that focus on disclosure, credit reporting, and harmonization with other regulators while ensuring appropriate guardrails [1][10] - Adrienne Harris, the outgoing superintendent, emphasizes that regulators can protect consumers and markets while being supportive of business [3][4] - The DFS has established itself as a national model for financial regulation, promoting innovation within defined boundaries [4][8] Regulatory Developments - The DFS's virtual currency team has expanded from a few members to 60, making it one of the largest regulatory groups for virtual currencies globally [9] - The agency's early adoption of the BitLicense framework has positioned New York as a leader in digital asset oversight, influencing the recent federal GENIUS Act [8][9] - Proposed BNPL rules will address fees, disclosures, and credit reporting, ensuring that regulations keep pace with evolving financial models [10] Leadership Transition - Kaitlyn Asrow will assume the role of acting superintendent, ensuring continuity in the DFS's leadership in digital finance [6] - Harris's tenure included significant challenges, such as the crypto winter and the collapses of several banks, leading to internal reforms within the DFS [11] Achievements and Legacy - Under Harris's leadership, the DFS has secured over $725 million in restitution for consumers, highlighting a commitment to consumer protection [11] - Harris's legacy includes redefining how regulation can support innovation sustainably and durably for all stakeholders [11]

Core Insights - The Black Bear Value Fund has underperformed compared to broader indices, returning -12.7% year-to-date against the S&P 500's +14.8% [11] - The fund's strategy focuses on long-term investments in underappreciated businesses, particularly in sectors currently facing challenges but with potential for recovery [4][28] Performance Overview - The Black Bear Value Fund returned -7.1% in September, -1.0% for the quarter, and -12.7% year-to-date [11] - In contrast, the S&P 500 returned +3.6% in September, +8.1% for the quarter, and +14.8% year-to-date [11] Investment Strategy - The fund emphasizes a private investing mindset, looking beyond short-term market noise to identify long-term value [4] - The portfolio is heavily weighted in sectors like homebuilding, chemical production, and metallurgical coal, which are currently underperforming but have long-term growth potential [4][28] Key Holdings Builders FirstSource (BLDR) - BLDR is experiencing a structural housing shortage in the USA, with management reducing their 2025 cash flow outlook from $800 million-$1.2 billion to $800 million-$1 billion [6][8] - The company has shifted focus to value-added products, which now account for over 40% of revenue, and has been actively buying back stock [7][9] Flagstar Financial (FLG) - FLG has undergone a significant turnaround, raising over $1 billion in capital and stabilizing its balance sheet [12][13] - The bank is trading at approximately 65% of a conservatively marked balance sheet, with potential for a 50-150% increase in value over the next 1-3 years [15] Lanxess (LXS.DE) - LXS has shifted its focus from cyclical, capital-intensive businesses to more stable, lower-capital businesses, increasing its US sales from 15% to nearly 30% [17] - The company is expected to generate €200-250 million in free cash flow in a normalized environment, with a potential cash inflow of €500 million from a joint venture [19][20] Tidewater (TDW) - TDW operates one of the largest fleets of offshore support vessels, with a strong long-term outlook despite near-term uncertainties [21] - The company is currently generating over $300 million in free cash flow, with expectations to increase this to $500 million-$1 billion in a normalized environment [23] Warrior Met Coal (HCC) - HCC is investing heavily in the Blue Creek mine, which is expected to significantly boost free cash flow once the investment period concludes [24][25] - The company anticipates generating $200 million-$850 million in annual free cash flow post-investment, translating to a 6-25% unlevered annual free cash flow yield [26][27]