Real-time financial crimes platform improves risk visibility, accelerates fraud investigations, strengthens member protection MONETT, Mo., Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ®Jack Henry (Nasdaq: JKHY) announced today that SELCO Community Credit Union (SELCO) is leveraging Jack Henry Financial Crimes Defenderâ"¢, the company's fraud and anti-money laundering (AML) solution designed with real-time capabilities, to modernize its defense strategy with greater efficiency across the organization. Founded in 1936 by a ...

Core Insights - Retail investors have shifted from being perceived as "dumb money" to becoming a significant force in the market, outperforming major index funds like SPY and QQQ in 2025 [2][4] - Retail trading activity reached $5.4 trillion in 2025, marking a 47% increase from the previous year, the highest level since at least 2014 [3] Retail Investor Trends - The rise of mobile trading apps, zero-commission trading, and social media investment communities has facilitated a new era of DIY investing [5] - The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst for a new generation of investors, particularly younger individuals using platforms like Robinhood, which contributed to the "meme stock" phenomenon [6] - By early 2025, individual investors increased their market participation by approximately 50% compared to 2023, with many moving funds from checking accounts to investment accounts [7] Market Impact - Retail investors have become increasingly influential in the market, with their collective actions capable of moving significant market trends [8] - Notably, retail investors were responsible for buying over $5 billion in stocks during a market dip in April 2025, demonstrating their willingness to capitalize on perceived opportunities [11] Investment Strategies - Retail investors are diversifying their strategies, with options trading accounting for about $650 billion of their trading activity in 2025, reflecting a trend towards higher-risk investments [14] - Many retail investors balance short-term trading with long-term investment strategies, as seen in the case of an analyst who allocated 50% of his portfolio to a popular ETF while engaging in micro-cap stock trading for short-term gains [19] Recent Performance - Retail trading activity reached an all-time high on a rolling monthly basis in early 2025, with significant interest in silver ETFs contributing to record price increases [12] - A recent analysis indicated that retail investors were net buyers of stocks in January 2025, with companies like Microsoft, Netflix, and Tesla being among the most favored [13]

Crypto Stablecoins might be about to rewrite part of the US debt story. New research from Standard Chartered says the sector could drive up to $1T in fresh demand for US Treasury bills by 2028. As stablecoin issuers grow, they are expected to become major buyers of government debt, turning digital dollars into a serious force in traditional finance. Key Takeaways $2 Trillion Trajectory: Analysts project the total stablecoin market capitalization will surge to $2 trillion by the end of 2028, up from rou ...

Industry Overview - The Zacks Foreign Banks Industry includes overseas banks operating in the U.S., supervised by the Federal Reserve, providing a range of financial services to both individual and corporate clients [3] - The industry has been undergoing restructuring to improve efficiency, focusing on higher-growth segments like wealth management and digital platforms [4][5] Key Themes Influencing the Industry - Continued restructuring efforts are enhancing revenue quality and improving net interest margins, leading to more stable fee-based income streams [4][5] - Lower interest rates from central banks are expected to stimulate borrowing and reduce funding costs, supporting banks' top-line growth [6] - The uneven global economic recovery post-COVID is limiting growth potential, with weak economic performance in some regions affecting profitability [7] Performance Metrics - The Zacks Foreign Banks Industry ranks 23, placing it in the top 9% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating strong near-term outperformance potential [8][9] - The industry has collectively surged 93% over the past two years, outperforming the S&P 500 and the Zacks Finance Sector [11] Valuation Insights - The industry has a trailing 12-month price-to-tangible book ratio (P/TBV) of 3.45X, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 11.91X, indicating a discount compared to the broader market [15][18] Company Highlights HSBC - HSBC has $3.23 trillion in assets and is focusing on expanding operations in Asia, particularly in wealth management [21] - The bank is winding down non-core operations in various regions while enhancing its presence in Asia and the Middle East [23] - HSBC's shares have risen 35.2% in the past six months, with a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [25] Itau Unibanco - Itau Unibanco is expanding its operations through strategic acquisitions and has a strong presence in Brazil and other Southern Cone countries [28][30] - The bank's shares have gained 42.6% in the past six months, with a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [33] Barclays - Barclays has £1,544.2 billion ($2,106.3 billion) in total assets and is focusing on core businesses through targeted acquisitions and partnerships [36] - The bank's shares have increased by 27.4% in the past six months, with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [40]

Banco BPM clears governance overhaul, opening door for bigger Credit Agricole role | ReutersSkip to main content[Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionalsLearn more aboutRefinitiv]A Credit Agricole logo outside a bank office in Reze, near Nantes, February 3, 2026. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe [Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab]- Companies- Summary- CA's choice will shape fund shareholders' representation- CA could gain seats via current board's list, or file its own- Bank's share ...

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OptimumBank Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American: OPHC) (“Company”) announced today the formation of OptimumFunding, LLC (“OptimumFunding”), a wholly owned subsidiary created to support a new HUD and FHA lending initiative, representing a significant milestone in the Company’s long-term strategic growth plan. OptimumFunding has been established to expand the Company’s commercial real estate lending capabilities by offering bridge-to-HUD financing, as well as ...

LANCASTER, Pa. and RUTHERFORD, N.J., Feb. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fulton Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: FULT) (“Fulton”) and Blue Foundry Bancorp (Nasdaq: BLFY) (“Blue Foundry”) today jointly announced the receipt of all required regulatory approvals for the previously announced all-stock transaction pursuant to which Fulton will acquire Blue Foundry. Regulatory approvals have been granted by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Blue Fo ...

Beacon Financial Corporation Announces Debut of Beacon Bank [Accessibility Statement] Skip NavigationOne of 100 largest banks in the United StatesBOSTON, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- [Beacon Financial Corporation](NYSE: BBT) (the "Company") today announced the successful combination of four storied financial institutions under one new brand, [Beacon Bank](the "Bank"), one of the 100 largest banks in the United States.Continue ReadingBeacon Bank has more than 145 branches and commercial centers across New E ...

Stablecoin issuers could become one of the largest structural buyers of short-term U.S. government debt within the next three years, according to a new report from international banking group Standard Chartered. Geoff Kendrick, Global Head of Digital Assets Research, and John Davies, U.S. Rates Strategist at Standard Chartered, project that stablecoin market capitalization will reach $2 trillion by the end of 2028, up from roughly $309 billion today, according to CoinGecko data. White House, Banks and Cr ...

Core Insights - Gossamer Bio's experimental drug for a serious lung and heart condition failed to meet the primary endpoint in a late-stage clinical trial [1] Company Summary - Gossamer Bio announced the failure of its experimental drug in a late-stage study, which is a significant setback for the company [1]