PayPal has applied to create an industrial bank in Utah to enhance its small business lending services. Mara McNeill, a veteran in financial services, will lead the new entity, PayPal Bank. This move follows PayPal's recent sale of $7 billion in receivables from its buy now, pay later division.

This article outlines key predictions for the fintech industry in 2026 based on insights from Plaid executives. It highlights a shift in focus for lenders towards fraud prevention, the potential unbundling of credit scores, and the unexpected use of AI by fraudsters over fintech companies.

Pluto Financial Technologies has introduced a new lending platform that utilizes artificial intelligence to enhance liquidity in private markets. This innovation aims to streamline the lending process and improve access to capital for investors and businesses.

This article discusses how onchain credit protocols and stablecoins could revolutionize unsecured lending. By using programmable money and real-time funding, the traditional credit card system can be improved, enabling better capital allocation and transparency. The piece also highlights the need for new credit scoring methods and infrastructure to support this shift.

Mastercard and LoanPro have teamed up to launch a 'Loan on Card' solution, allowing approved borrowers to access funds instantly via a card. This product combines the ease of card payments with the stability of fixed-term loans, enabling users to spend anywhere Mastercard is accepted while simplifying the lending process for providers.

Small business banking is evolving as fintech companies like Square, Shopify, Ramp, and Brex expand their offerings to include banking services, challenging traditional banks. These companies aim to capture operational deposits and provide comprehensive financial solutions, capitalizing on the lucrative small business market, which is estimated to generate significant annual revenue opportunities.

The article discusses the intersection of fintech and AI in the context of small business lending, highlighting innovations and trends that are shaping the future of this sector. It emphasizes the importance of staying informed through community engagement and resources.

Blockchain lender Figure Technology Solutions Inc. is set to go public this month, aiming to raise up to $526 million in an IPO that could value the company at $4.13 billion. Founded in 2018, Figure has expanded its offerings beyond home equity loans to include crypto-backed loans and is leveraging AI for loan evaluations, reporting significant revenue growth in recent months.