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Articles by James Bergin
Human judgement first: Xero and Anthropic on the future of work
I spend most of my time looking beyond the traditional planning horizon, researching emerging technologies and exploring what they might mean for people years down the line. But, with AI, capabilities are already arriving faster than most organisations can absorb them. So, the question becomes how we make deliberate choices about what comes next.
Two Lenses on the AI Debate: Reading the Signals and the Data Together
Every week brings a headline that AI is about to change everything and, often in the same breath, another warning the economy is about to fall over. If you advise small businesses, the hard part isn’t necessarily following the news but finding the time to work out what any of it might mean for you and your clients. At Xerocon London, we sat down to try to do exactly that – finding a way of cutting through the noise to understand the bigger picture.
From curious to confident: How Kiwi business owners are adopting AI
When it comes to AI, small and medium businesses are less interested in some of the more theoretical debates about whether it matters. What they’re grappling with is how and where to use AI safely and confidently to unlock more meaningful value. This, among others, was one of the key findings from Xero’s latest research examining Kiwi small and medium businesses’ use of and attitudes towards AI in 2026.
SMEs must embrace AI technology to drive growth
James Bergin | Executive General Manager | Technology Research & Advocacy | Xero | mail me | As new and emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), continue to reshape the business world, change is inevitable. We are calling on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to look beyond the hype. They should focus on harnessing AI as a genuine catalyst for operational improvement and enhanced customer engagement.
OCC And FDIC Take Steps To Refocus Supervision And Tailor The Regulatory Framework For Community Banks
AP Arnold & Porter More Arnold & Porter is a firm of more than 1,000 lawyers, providing sophisticated litigation and transactional capabilities, renowned regulatory experience and market-leading multidisciplinary practices in the life sciences and financial services industries. Our global reach, experience and deep knowledge allow us to work across geographic, cultural, technological and ideological borders.
OCC and FDIC Take Steps To Refocus Supervision and Tailor the Regulatory Framework for Community Banks
The Trump administration came into office promising to make significant changes to the bank supervisory process — in particular, to promote greater tailoring of supervisory resources and a focus on material financial risks, thereby easing the supervisory and regulatory burden on community banks and savings associations.
SEC And New York DFS Release New Cryptocurrency Guidance On Custody And Blockchain Analytics
AP Arnold & Porter More Arnold & Porter is a firm of more than 1,000 lawyers, providing sophisticated litigation and transactional capabilities, renowned regulatory experience and market-leading multidisciplinary practices in the life sciences and financial services industries. Our global reach, experience and deep knowledge allow us to work across geographic, cultural, technological and ideological borders.
SEC and New York DFS Release New Cryptocurrency Guidance on Custody and Blockchain Analytics
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) recently took independent actions to clarify financial institutions’ obligations and supervisory expectations regarding providing custody services for and managing transactions involving digital assets. This Advisory analyzes each of these regulatory actions and provides key takeaways for financial institutions navigating the evolving digital asset regulatory landscape.
Five Things To Know About The "Debanking" Executive Order
AP Arnold & Porter More Arnold & Porter is a firm of more than 1,000 lawyers, providing sophisticated litigation and transactional capabilities, renowned regulatory experience and market-leading multidisciplinary practices in the life sciences and financial services industries. Our global reach, experience and deep knowledge allow us to work across geographic, cultural, technological and ideological borders.
Arnold & Porter Discusses Banking Issues In President's Working-Group Report On Digital Assets
AP Arnold & Porter More Arnold & Porter is a firm of more than 1,000 lawyers, providing sophisticated litigation and transactional capabilities, renowned regulatory experience and market-leading multidisciplinary practices in the life sciences and financial services industries. Our global reach, experience and deep knowledge allow us to work across geographic, cultural, technological and ideological borders.
Five Things to Know About the “Debanking” Executive Order
President Trump recently signed an executive order1 (the Order) aimed at preventing the so-called practice of “debanking,” which refers to actions taken by banks and other financial services providers to restrict the ability of certain individuals, groups, or industries to access financial products and services for reasons seemingly unrelated to the individualized risks presented by each customer.
Arnold & Porter Discusses Banking Issues in President’s Working-Group Report on Digital Assets
On July 30, 2025, the White House released a report titled “Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology,” which outlines the Trump administration’s proposed policy roadmap on digital assets (Report).
President's Working Group Report On Digital Assets: Analysis Of Banking-Related Issues And Recommendations
On July 30, 2025, the White House released a report titled "Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology," which outlines the Trump administration's proposed policy roadmap on digital assets (Report).
President’s Working Group Report on Digital Assets: Analysis of Banking-Related Issues and Recommendations
On July 30, 2025, the White House released a report titled “Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology,” which outlines the Trump administration’s proposed policy roadmap on digital assets (Report).
What You Need To Know About The New Stablecoin Legislation
The enactment of a federal stablecoin law, a key feature of the financial services agenda of the Trump administration and Congress, has become a reality after years of deliberation.1 The U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate both voted, with substantial majorities, to enact the GENIUS Act (Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act of 2025, which had been adopted by the Senate 68-30 on June 17, 2025, and the House 308-122 on July 17, 2025), and President...
What You Need To Know About the New Stablecoin Legislation
The enactment of a federal stablecoin law, a key feature of the financial services agenda of the Trump administration and Congress, has become a reality after years of deliberation.1 The U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate both voted, with substantial majorities, to enact the GENIUS Act (Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act of 2025, which had been adopted by the Senate 68-30 on June 17, 2025, and the House 308-122 on July 17, 2025), and President...
Stablecoin Bills Present Opportunities, Challenges For Banks
By James Bergin, Eun Young Choi and Anthony Raglani ( July 14, 2025, 2:26 PM EDT) -- The U.S. Congress is expected to adopt stablecoin legislation in the coming weeks. The enactment of legislation would serve as a key milestone in the Trump administration's effort to promote U.S. leadership in the digital asset sector.... Law360 is on it, so you are, too. A Law360 subscription puts you at the center of fast-moving legal issues, trends and developments so you can act with speed and confidence.
What You Need To Know About Incoming Stablecoin Legislation
The adoption by the U.S. Congress of stablecoin legislation is likely to become a reality in the coming weeks following action by the Trump administration to establish U.S. leadership in digital assets as a priority.1 The U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate continue to advance federal stablecoin legislation in two similar bills: the STABLE Act (or the Stablecoin Transparency and Accountability for a Better Ledger Economy Act of 2025, in the House) and the GENIUS Act (Guiding and...
What You Need To Know About Incoming Stablecoin Legislation
The adoption by the U.S. Congress of stablecoin legislation is likely to become a reality in the coming weeks following action by the Trump administration to establish U.S. leadership in digital assets as a priority.1 The U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate continue to advance federal stablecoin legislation in two similar bills: the STABLE Act (or the Stablecoin Transparency and Accountability for a Better Ledger Economy Act of 2025, in the House) and the GENIUS Act (Guiding and...
An Introduction To Stablecoins
On January 23, 2025, the White House issued the "Strengthening American Leadership In Digital Financial Technology" Executive Order (EO).1 The EO sets in motion, as part of a broader digital asset strategy, a policy mandate "to promote the development and growth of lawful and legitimate dollar-backed stablecoins worldwide." The EO also establishes the president's Working Group on Digital Asset Markets (Working Group), tasks it with submitting a report that proposes a new federal regulatory...
An Introduction to Stablecoins
On January 23, 2025, the White House issued the “Strengthening American Leadership In Digital Financial Technology” Executive Order (EO).1 The EO sets in motion, as part of a broader digital asset strategy, a policy mandate “to promote the development and growth of lawful and legitimate dollar-backed stablecoins worldwide.” The EO also establishes the president’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets (Working Group), tasks it with submitting a report that proposes a new federal regulatory...
Federal Banking Agencies Clarify Approach To Bank-Permissible Crypto-Asset Activities
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) each recently took action to clarify prior interpretive guidance regarding the authority of banking organizations to engage in certain crypto-asset activities.16 These represent the first of potentially several actions by the federal banking agencies to advance the objective of promoting innovation and technology adoption1 through the establishment of a clear supervisory framework for...
Federal Banking Agencies Clarify Approach to Bank-Permissible Crypto-Asset Activities
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) each recently took action to clarify prior interpretive guidance regarding the authority of banking organizations to engage in certain crypto-asset activities.
The (Likely) New Banking Regulators In Their Own Words
The Trump administration has been busy on a number of fronts, including issuing a broad range of executive orders with potentially far-reaching effects on banking organizations. This Advisory focuses on the individuals that the Trump administration has either selected or that are prominently mentioned as candidates for leadership positions at the federal banking agencies — namely Michelle Bowman, Jonathan Gould, Travis Hill, and Rodney Hood.
U.S. Treasury Clearing: SEC Extends Compliance Dates
This Advisory updates our February 13, 2025 Advisory to reflect recent developments regarding the extension of certain implementation dates of the SEC's Treasury Clearing Rule.
The (Likely) New Banking Regulators in Their Own Words
The Trump administration has been busy on a number of fronts, including issuing a broad range of executive orders with potentially far-reaching effects on banking organizations. This Advisory focuses on the individuals that the Trump administration has either selected or that are prominently mentioned as candidates for leadership positions at the federal banking agencies — namely Michelle Bowman, Jonathan Gould, Travis Hill, and Rodney Hood.
U.S. Treasury Clearing: SEC Extends Compliance Dates
This Advisory updates our February 13, 2025 Advisory to reflect recent developments regarding the extension of certain implementation dates of the SEC’s Treasury Clearing Rule.
U.S. Treasury Clearing: Key Questions And Answers As Implementation Deadlines Approach
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) published a final rule in January 2024 establishing standards for central clearing of U.S. Treasury securities (the Treasury Clearing Rule).1 (For additional information, please read our March 2024 Advisory.) The implications of the Treasury Clearing Rule for the U.S. Treasury market will be substantial; a projected $4 trillion in U.S. Treasury market transactions will require central clearing on a daily basis upon implementation of the...
What Banks Need To Know About Trump's Executive Orders
By James Bergin, Kevin Toomey and George Eichelberger ( February 13, 2025, 5:24 PM EST) -- Since taking office on Jan. 20, President Donald J. Trump has signed a staggering number of executive orders[1] and memoranda,[2] and more continue to be issued.... Law360 is on it, so you are, too. A Law360 subscription puts you at the center of fast-moving legal issues, trends and developments so you can act with speed and confidence.
What Banks Need To Know About Trump's Executive Orders
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U.S. Treasury Clearing: Key Questions and Answers as Implementation Deadlines Approach
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) published a final rule in January 2024 establishing standards for central clearing of U.S. Treasury securities (the Treasury Clearing Rule).1 (For additional information, please read our March 2024 Advisory.) The implications of the Treasury Clearing Rule for the U.S. Treasury market will be substantial; a projected $4 trillion in U.S. Treasury market transactions will require central clearing on a daily basis upon implementation of the...
What Banking Organizations Need To Know About The Trump Executive Orders
Since taking office on January 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump has signed a staggering number of Executive Orders1 and Memoranda,2 and more continue to be issued each day. These executive actions signal President Trump's aggressive agenda to significantly redefine federal policy in a range of areas.
What Banking Organizations Need to Know About the Trump Executive Orders
Since taking office on January 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump has signed a staggering number of Executive Orders 1 and Memoranda,2 and more continue to be issued each day. These executive actions signal President Trump’s aggressive agenda to significantly redefine federal policy in a range of areas.
What Sci-Fi Movies Teach About Future Tech
I remember watching Back to the Future as a kid and looking forward to the future it predicted. Flying cars! Hoverboards! But here we are, 10 years after the movie’s timeline, and I still need roads wherever I’m going. It turns out that predicting the future is hard. Really hard. Particularly when trying to do so on an accurate timeline. But that doesn’t mean we can’t spot signals and patterns emerging today that hint at what’s to come.
How 2025 will set the scene for the next decade of tech advances
This isn't anything new. History is littered with what seem like false starts, where new technology burns bright and seems to fizzle just as quickly. While predicting the timing and impact of technological advancements is challenging, I find that the more difficult task is anticipating which technologies are going to be the ones that capture the imagination of the public at large. The ones that get people really excited and which build their expectations of what is possible or even promised.
Unlocking small business productivity with AI
Poor productivity has been a persistent issue in the UK. It’s a problem accentuated by below-trend economic growth and market changes caused by Brexit, and unfortunately, it’s impacting the small business community.
Beyond the hype: Technology as a catalyst for true innovation - Ai Impact
For many business leaders, the allure of new technology is undeniable. Being a modern business with all sorts of tools at your fingertips, including the latest and greatest in AI advancements, is certainly appealing! But just chasing the trends in the technology space won’t guarantee business success. In fact, while jumping on the latest technology is a hobby for some, a fixation on the new and novel can be counterproductive and lead to being stuck in a cycle of short-lived fads.
Beyond the hype: Technology as a catalyst for true innovation
For many business leaders, the allure of new technology is undeniable. Being a modern business with all sorts of tools at your fingertips, including the latest and greatest in AI advancements, is certainly appealing! But just chasing the trends in the technology space won’t guarantee business success. In fact, while jumping on the latest technology is a hobby for some, a fixation on the new and novel can be counterproductive and lead to being stuck in a cycle of short-lived fads.
Beyond the hype: Technology as a catalyst for true innovation
By James Bergin, EGM Technology Research and Advocacy, Xero Being a modern business with all sorts of tools at your fingertips, including the latest and greatest in AI advancements, is certainly appealing! But just chasing the trends in the technology space won't guarantee business success. In fact, while jumping on the latest technology is a hobby for some, fixation on the new and novel can be counterproductive and lead to being stuck in a cycle of short-lived fads.
Hermanus accountancy firm thrives through mentorship and support from FNB Xero and Edge Growth
Advertise your job vacancies 2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more From working in finance at a fishing operation based in Hermanus, to running his own accountancy practice, this is the SME success story of David Cupido, and his company, DC Accounting.
How small businesses can harness the productivity power of AI Original
There is a productivity problem in Aotearoa, New Zealand, and small businesses aren't immune. Although a long-standing issue, poor productivity has recently been compounded by tough economic headwinds across the country, seeing company liquidations rise 19% year-on-year.
The 2024 Ultimate Guide to Data Protection
Data is the lifeblood of many organisations, which is why protecting it at all costs is so important. Not only is data protection essential from a business operational sense, but legally many laws say data must be protected as well. Data Protection is a term often used in a legal context (such as the General Data Protection Regulation) and involves the security, privacy, availability, and integrity of data.
Regulators Are Revamping Use Of Bank Service Company Act
By James Bergin and Paul Lim (August 28, 2024, 2:12 PM EDT) -- This article examines the curious late life of an old law, the Bank Service Company Act,[1] how it has been used by federal banking regulators over time and some recent developments. We will look at potentially evolving applications of the statute and offer practical guidance for both banks and service providers on this old but still vigorous law.... Law360 is on it, so you are, too.
Former Federal Reserve Bank Of New York Executive Jim Bergin Unpacks Bank Service Company Act On Fintech Takes Podcast
Financial Services partner Jim Bergin was recently featured on the Fintech Takes podcast for their episode, "S8 E6: Bank Nerd Corner: What is the BSCA and What Can It Do?" Bergin, former acting co-general counsel, deputy general counsel, and chief of staff of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, shared his insights on the Bank Service Company Act (BSCA), a law that gives bank regulators powers with respect to third-party service providers to regulated banks.
Banking Regulators Issue Statement And Request For Information On Providing Deposit Products And Services Through Third Parties
On July 25, 2024, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Federal Reserve), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the FDIC), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) (together, the Federal Regulators) issued a joint statement on banks' arrangements with third parties to deliver bank deposit products and services (the Joint Statement).
FDIC Proposes To Expand the Scope of Its Regulation for Parent Companies of Industrial Banks
On July 30, 2024, the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) approved a proposal to amend its existing regulations governing parent companies of industrial banks and industrial loan companies (collectively, industrial banks). In December 2020, the FDIC formalized its framework for supervising industrial banks in part 354 of the FDIC Rules and Regulations (Part 354).
Banking Regulators Issue Statement and Request for Information on Providing Deposit Products and Services Through Third Parties
On July 25, 2024, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Federal Reserve), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the FDIC), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) (together, the Federal Regulators) issued a joint statement on banks’ arrangements with third parties to deliver bank deposit products and services (the Joint Statement).
How small businesses can harness the productivity power of AI
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James Bergin, Author at Xero Blog
Skip to main content EGM - Technology Research and Advocacy, Xero Latest James Bergin articles From curious to confident: How Kiwi business owners are adopting AI Signals of the future: What sci-fi movies can teach us about predicting the direction of technology in small business How 2025 will set the scene for the next decade of tech advances Beyond automation: How AI can transform the human side of accounting Shaping AI to improve the way small business owners work Five tech trends for...
FDIC Will Prioritize Board Review Of Merger And Deposit Insurance Applications Pending 270 Days Or More
During the meeting of the Board of Directors (Board) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in June, the Board unanimously adopted a resolution that requires FDIC staff to provide full Board briefings for merger and deposit insurance applications (each, a Covered Application) that have been outstanding for more than 270 days.
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