Many Americans are preparing for a digital financial future, research shows, while a California bank is using bitcoin as loan collateral

Plus: QCR’s acquisition of Guaranty Federal and TriCo Bank’s merger with Valley Republic Bank are nearing completion

M&A has been under scrutiny since President Joe Biden took office last year

The combined bank will have $5.2 billion in assets and 66 locations across Ohio and Pennsylvania

Ruling will block credit unions and other non-bank entities from banking M&A

Cross River Bank, First National Bank of North Arkansas and Bellwether Credit Union have all partnered with fintech firms

The bank is increasing its research into digital currencies in partnership with MIT

The ABA and others have warned that those without electronic payment means will be hit hardest

The OCC found repeated violations of loan regulations had taken place since 2013

First large United States bank trading crypto by trading a non-deliverable option with merchant bank Galaxy Digital