Latest Corporate News
Fifth Third–Comerica merger advances after shareholder approvals
Shareholders of **Fifth Third Bancorp** and **Comerica Inc.** have separately voted to approve their proposed bank merger, clearing a key hurdle for the deal. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026 and would create a larger U.S. regional banking player with an expanded Midwest and Sun Belt footprint.
Compass completes $1.6 billion Anywhere merger, creating real estate giant
Real estate brokerage **Compass** has closed its **$1.6 billion acquisition of Anywhere Real Estate**, following shareholder approval earlier in the week. The merged company forms one of the largest residential brokerage platforms in the U.S., with leadership now focused on integrating technology, agent networks, and brands across the combined group.
World Liberty Financial, Trump‑linked crypto firm, seeks U.S. national trust bank charter
**World Liberty Financial**, a crypto company affiliated with the Trump family, has applied for an **OCC national trust bank charter** to support its operations. The firm plans to use the charter to issue its **USD1 stablecoin** and allow customers to use and convert the token more efficiently within the banking system.
Wyoming launches first state‑backed blockchain stablecoin
The state of **Wyoming** has announced issuance of what it calls the **first blockchain‑based asset backed by a U.S. state**, a state‑backed stablecoin. The move is intended to position Wyoming as a leading digital‑asset jurisdiction and could pressure other states and federal regulators to clarify rules for public‑sector crypto instruments.
EU regulators designate 19 critical cloud and software providers under DORA
Three European financial supervisory authorities have flagged **19 critical third‑party cloud or software providers** under the EU’s **Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA)**. The list includes major tech firms such as **Amazon, Google, Microsoft**, large consultancies like **Accenture**, and other software and cloud vendors, tightening oversight of key ICT providers to the financial sector.
U.S. bank regulators move to narrow focus of supervision and define ‘unsafe or unsound’ practices
Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision **Michelle Bowman** outlined forthcoming reforms to bank supervision aimed at better aligning oversight with core financial risks. The Fed plans proposals that explicitly define **“unsafe or unsound” practices** and remove **reputational risk** as a supervisory factor, mirroring similar efforts by the OCC and FDIC to streamline the process.
JPMorgan to take over Apple Card issuance in major consumer‑finance shift
**JPMorgan Chase** has announced it will become the new **issuer of the Apple Card**, taking over the portfolio from the current issuer in roughly two years. The move signals continued competition among large banks for high‑profile tech partnerships, combining Apple’s consumer ecosystem with JPMorgan’s scale in credit‑card operations.
Biopharma eyes 2026 as ‘banner year’ for M&A ahead of JPMorgan Healthcare Conference
Industry analysts expect **2026 to be a strong year for biopharma M&A**, as big drugmakers facing major patent cliffs seek late‑stage assets. Ahead of the **JPM26** conference in San Francisco, analysts at BMO Capital Markets highlight a year‑end flurry of deals, a bidding war for Metsera, and about **$802 million** in recent biotech fundraisings as signs of renewed deal momentum.
Metsera bidding war underscores rising competition for late‑stage biotech assets
A "buzzy" **bidding war for Metsera** is drawing attention as large pharma companies compete for promising late‑stage biotech pipelines. The contest is viewed as emblematic of tightening supply for attractive assets, which could push valuations higher and accelerate strategic acquisitions through 2026.
State of AI and tech products draws consumer scrutiny at CES 2026
Consumer groups at **CES 2026** have named what they consider the **worst tech products**, highlighting concerns around over‑hyped AI and poor user protections. While primarily a tech‑sector story, it has corporate implications for firms whose AI‑driven devices and services face reputational and regulatory risk in increasingly skeptical markets.