Private-Markets Giant Blue Owl Pushes Into 401(k)s

Australian small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are increasingly ditching traditional bank loans and exploring alternative funding options—like private investors, fintech platforms, and crowdfunding—to fuel their growth in 2025. Frustrated by rigid lending criteria or high interest rates, they're betting on more flexible, tech-driven solutions to secure capital.

Editor’s Note: This shift isn’t just about banks losing customers—it’s a sign of how smaller businesses are adapting to a tougher economic climate. If more SMEs succeed with these alternatives, it could reshape how funding works for good, giving entrepreneurs more options but also new risks to navigate.

Big US banks are racing to transform their apps into all-in-one "super apps" that go beyond traditional banking—think shopping, social features, and even travel bookings. Rohit Chopra, former head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), weighs in on the risks and rewards of this tech-driven shift, hinting at concerns over data privacy and market dominance.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about convenience—it’s a power play. Banks want to keep you glued to their apps (and away from competitors like Venmo or PayPal), but stuffing everything into one platform raises questions: Will your data be safe? Could this stifle competition? Chopra’s perspective adds weight to a debate that affects how we’ll all manage money (and more) in the future.

In this podcast episode, former Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) director Rohit Chopra reflects on the agency's role post-2008 crisis and its current state under the Trump administration. He shares insights from his time at the CFPB, including how regulators handled high-profile bank collapses like Silicon Valley Bank. The conversation also touches on how traditional banking is colliding with modern tech trends, as banks morph into "super apps" offering everything from payments to shopping.

Editor’s Note: Banks aren’t just about checking accounts anymore—they’re trying to become one-stop-shop apps, blending finance with tech. But as they evolve, regulators like the CFPB are grappling with how to oversee these changes without repeating past mistakes. Chopra’s perspective sheds light on the tightrope walk between innovation and stability, especially after recent bank failures. If you’ve ever wondered why your banking app suddenly feels like a mini Amazon, this helps explain the bigger shift behind it.

This article dives into how U.S. investors are navigating the legal complexities of securing assets abroad—from real estate to startups—and whether they’re staying compliant with ever-shifting international regulations. It highlights recent trends, like tighter scrutiny from foreign governments and evolving tax laws, that could trip up unprepared investors.

Editor’s Note: If you’re an investor eyeing opportunities overseas, this isn’t just bureaucratic noise—it’s a heads-up. Countries are getting stricter about who owns what within their borders, and missteps could mean fines or even frozen assets. Whether you’re a big fund or an individual diversifying your portfolio, understanding these rules is the difference between smart investing and a legal headache.

China's new yuan loans in June came in higher than expected, signaling a rebound in borrowing demand. This suggests businesses and consumers might be feeling more confident, or that government efforts to stimulate the economy are gaining traction.

Editor’s Note: When loan demand picks up, it’s often a sign that economic activity is heating up—businesses might be investing, or people could be spending more. For China, which has been grappling with sluggish growth, this could hint at a turning point. But it’s worth watching whether this momentum holds or if it’s just a short-term blip. Either way, it’s a data point that markets and policymakers will be eyeing closely.