Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory with a unique economic and legal framework, has developed a robust international banking sector over the past few decades. This growth has been driven by strategic legislative measures aimed at positioning the island as a competitive hub for global financial services. The evolution of international banking in Puerto Rico can...
Georgia’s innovative Merchant Acquirer Limited Purpose Bank (MALPB) charter is gaining traction in the payments industry. This special-purpose banking credential empowers payment processors to directly connect with credit card networks—like Visa and Mastercard—without the need for a sponsoring bank partner. Rising Adoption • Fiserv was the first to be approved for the MALPB charter, officially...
In the complex world of banking regulation, choosing the right licensing framework can significantly impact an institution’s operational scope, tax obligations, and market reach. For entrepreneurs and financial professionals interested in establishing a banking entity, two prominent options in the US ecosystem are a traditional US bank license—often obtained through federal or state charters—and a...
In the fast-evolving landscape of cryptocurrency and financial technology, 2025 has marked a pivotal year for crypto firms seeking to bridge the gap between digital assets and traditional banking. With regulatory clarity emerging under favorable political shifts, companies like Paxos, Circle, Ripple, Coinbase, BitGo, and others are aggressively pursuing banking charters to legitimize their operations,...
As the operator of an educational resource dedicated to navigating the complexities of international banking under Puerto Rico’s Act 273 (the International Financial Center Regulatory Act), I often emphasize that obtaining an IFE license is not just about meeting capital requirements or filing paperwork—it’s about demonstrating to regulators that your proposed institution is viable, compliant,...
In the fast-evolving world of fintech, SoFi Technologies has captured the attention of investors with its ambitious growth trajectory and innovative banking model. A recent analysis from The Motley Fool explores whether SoFi stock could truly be a “millionaire maker.” As of August 19, 2025, the company’s shares have surged 225% over the past year...
In a recent report highlighted by CoinTelegraph, Citi’s Future of Finance head, Ronit Ghose, has sounded the alarm on the potential for stablecoin yields to erode traditional bank deposits, drawing parallels to the money market fund surge of the 1980s. As stablecoins—digital assets pegged to fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar—begin offering competitive interest rates,...
In the dynamic U.S. financial landscape, innovative structures are emerging to optimize operations, reduce taxes, and expand service offerings. One such model involves combining a Puerto Rico International Financial Entity (IFE) under Act 273 with a multistate Money Services Business (MSB) framework. As of August 18, 2025, this hybrid approach leverages Puerto Rico’s tax incentives...
As of August 18, 2025, Puerto Rico’s International Financial Entities (IFEs) operate under Act 273-2012 (the International Financial Center Regulatory Act), with significant amendments from Act No. 44-2024 effective May 16, 2024. These reforms increased capital requirements, licensing fees, and compliance standards to enhance credibility and align with U.S. norms. IFEs are regulated by the...
In the fast-paced world of finance, digital assets have evolved from fringe curiosities to cornerstone elements of global commerce. Just yesterday, on August 20, 2025, Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller delivered a compelling keynote at the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium, declaring that payments are in the midst of a “technology-driven revolution.” With Bitcoin and stablecoins at...
