Lauren Ashcraft

3 weeks ago | emarketer.com | Lauren Ashcraft

The findings: A recent survey by WalletHub revealed just how scared US college students are about their financial decisions and futures. A large majority (81%) of students say college tuition is excessive and out of control. Around 1 in 4 feel their tuition wasn’t worth the investment. Almost half worry they won’t find a job after college. 65% say their colleges aren’t helping them learn how to manage their finances. And almost half have felt pressured by their classmates to overspend.

1 month ago | emarketer.com | Lauren Ashcraft

The news: Revolut earned its first $1 billion net profit in 2024, with pre-tax profits at $1.4 billion, driven by explosive revenue growth and product diversification, per PYMNTS. How we got here: The fintech’s total revenue jumped 72% year-over-year to $4 billion, with every major segment—cards, foreign exchange, subscriptions, and wealth—posting double-digit gains.

1 month ago | emarketer.com | Lauren Ashcraft

The news: The Trump administration just tried to fire over 1,400 of the 1,700 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) employees, per Wired. But a federal judge blocked the administration from immediately moving forward with plans, per AP News. How we got here: In February, CFPB employees were directed to stop all supervision, enforcement, rulemaking, investigations, and public communications. Final rules’ effective dates were suspended.

2 months ago | emarketer.com | Lauren Ashcraft

The news: Tariffs won’t hit banks directly, since they don’t trade goods—but the broader economic impact will affect them significantly, according to The Wall Street Journal. What banks should expect: Should the US fail to reverse course soon, financial institutions (FIs) face a multi-pronged threat. Experts are warning of the rising probability of a recession. Consumers and businesses will reduce their borrowing in response, and their defaults will also rise.

2 months ago | emarketer.com | Lauren Ashcraft

Nonbank lenders face lighter regulatory oversight than traditional lenders, allowing them to take on more risk when it comes to AI. When used in the lending process, AI can speed up approvals and communications while personalizing service. The five largest US nonbank mortgage lenders use it throughout the application and approval process. But privacy concerns and a lack of regulatory certainty around AI have caused FIs to approach its implementation in mortgage underwriting more cautiously.