Senior editor at @gfmag who covers corporate finance, fintech, and other interesting and nerdy things | All opinions are my own.
Articles by Rob Daly
Jobs Rebound While Finance-Sector Continues to Suffer
August employment report brings mixed blessings for the U.S. economy. U.S. employers added a robust 162,000 jobs in August, signaling an employment rebound, even as finance-sector jobs declined, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest Employment Situation Summary. The sectors with the most job growth were leisure/hospitality (62,000 jobs), government (35,000 jobs), private education/health services (29,000 jobs), and construction (22,000 jobs).
Jobs Rebound While Finance-Sector Continues to Suffer
Global Finance Magazine August employment report brings mixed blessings for the U.S. economy. U.S. employers added a robust 162,000 jobs in August, signaling an employment rebound, even as finance-sector jobs declined, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest Employment Situation Summary. The sectors with the most job growth were leisure/hospitality (62,000 jobs), government (35,000 jobs), private education/health services (29,000 jobs), and construction (22,000 jobs).
Why the US Is Snubbing CBDCs
America is betting on stablecoins while other nations favor safer digital currencies. This article appears in the September 2026 issue of Global Finance Magazine. CFOs and corporate treasurers face a dilemma when selecting which digital currencies to use. Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) are backed by the issuing central bank’s balance sheet and the full faith and credit of the bank’s national government.
People on the Move: EIF, Barclays, Standard Chartered, and Julius Baer
This article appears in the September 2026 issue of Global Finance Magazine. Jean-Christophe Laloux, EIF The European Investment Fund (EIF) has appointed Jean-Christophe Laloux as its next CEO, effective Jan 1. He will succeed Marjut Falkstedt, who plans to retire. Laloux currently leads the European Investment Bank’s lending and advisory operations in the EU and has spent more than two decades at the EIB.
Why the US Is Snubbing CBDCs
Global Finance Magazine America is betting on stablecoins while other nations favor safer digital currencies. This article appears in the September 2026 issue of Global Finance Magazine. CFOs and corporate treasurers face a dilemma when selecting which digital currencies to use. Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) are backed by the issuing central bank’s balance sheet and the full faith and credit of the bank’s national government.
Are ‘D-Day’ Sanctions a Bridge Too Far or Not Far Enough?
New U.S. sanctions target Iran’s tech, gold, and shipping sectors, pressing global intermediaries. The U.S. Department of the Treasury invoked the memory of approximately 160,000 Allied soldiers storming a 50-mile stretch of Normandy’s coast when it published its latest round of secondary sanctions against Iran on Aug. 24. However, rather than capturing Gold, Juno, Omaha, Sword, and Utah beaches, the sanctions seek to hobble Iran’s digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping sectors.
Are ‘D-Day’ Sanctions a Bridge Too Far or Not Far Enough?
Global Finance Magazine New U.S. sanctions target Iran’s tech, gold, and shipping sectors, pressing global intermediaries. The U.S. Department of the Treasury invoked the memory of approximately 160,000 Allied soldiers storming a 50-mile stretch of Normandy’s coast when it published its latest round of secondary sanctions against Iran on Aug. 24.
Cybersecurity Data Sharing Faces Liability Deadline
If not renewed, CISA 2015 protections end in the US on September 30. This article appears in the September issue of Global Finance Magazine. Companies that share cybersecurity information with their peers have until Sept. 30, 2026, before the limited liability granted by the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 runs out, exposing them to potential regulatory scrutiny and penalties.
Cybersecurity Data Sharing Faces Liability Deadline
Global Finance Magazine If not renewed, CISA 2015 protections end in the US on September 30. This article appears in the September issue of Global Finance Magazine. Companies that share cybersecurity information with their peers have until Sept. 30, 2026, before the limited liability granted by the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 runs out, exposing them to potential regulatory scrutiny and penalties.
HSBC, Standard Chartered Test Interbank Tokenized Deposits On SWIFT
Banks clear major milestone toward real-time, cross-border tokenized deposits. Tokenized deposits are a step closer to broader institutional use as HSBC Holdings PLC and Standard Chartered PLC completed the first bank-to-bank transaction via the banking messaging consortium SWIFT’s digital blockchain-backed ledger, the banks reported on Aug. 19.
Strait of Hormuz Forces Inventory Increase—at a Price
Import businesses have felt the impact as rerouted cargo vessels clog unprepared African ports, tying up inventory. Asset-light corporations are becoming asset-heavier organizations as the on-again, off-again closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt global supply chains. During the 30 days preceding Aug. 17, an average of 16.9 ships passed through the Strait transporting 2.2 million barrels of crude and 380,000 barrels of petrochemicals, as reported by The Strait of Hormuz Ship Monitor.
Strait of Hormuz Forces Inventory Increase—at a Price
Global Finance Magazine Import businesses have felt the impact as rerouted cargo vessels clog unprepared African ports, tying up inventory. Asset-light corporations are becoming asset-heavier organizations as the on-again, off-again closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt global supply chains. During the 30 days preceding Aug.
Fußball für den guten Zweck: Dieser Verein lädt zum besonderen Heimspieltag ein
In Wittgensdorf wird am Sonntag nicht nur um Punkte gekämpft. Der FC Wacker 90 Wittgensdorf verbindet seinen ersten Heimspieltag der neuen Saison mit einer besonderen Spendenaktion. Freiwillige Spende statt Eintritt Der Fußball rollt wieder in Wittgensdorf und zum Auftakt der neuen Saison steht nicht allein das sportliche Geschehen im Mittelpunkt. Der FC Wacker 90 Wittgensdorf verbindet am Sonntag den sportlichen Ehrgeiz mit sozialem Engagement.
Financial Jobs Slump in July as Payroll Gains Stall
Falling job-growth numbers drive more people to the gig economy to supplement their income. The preliminary and seasonally adjusted job-growth numbers for July issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on August 7, paint a picture of a continuing slowing economy, as the agency reported an overall loss of 23,000 non-farm jobs over the month.
Financial Jobs Slump in July as Payroll Gains Stall
Global Finance Magazine Falling job-growth numbers drive more people to the gig economy to supplement their income. The preliminary and seasonally adjusted job-growth numbers for July issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on August 7, paint a picture of a continuing slowing economy, as the agency reported an overall loss of 23,000 non-farm jobs over the month.
After a ‘Family Fight,’ FOMC Maintains Target Rate
The “family fight” over setting the Fed Funds Rate that Federal Reserve Board Chairman Kevin Warsh has desired resulted in the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) maintaining its current 3.5% to 3.75% target at the second meeting under his leadership. “I asked for a good family fight, and I got one,” he said at Wednesday’s FOMC post-announcement press conference.
After a ‘Family Fight,’ FOMC Maintains Target Rate
Global Finance Magazine The “family fight” over setting the Fed Funds Rate that Federal Reserve Board Chairman Kevin Warsh has desired resulted in the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) maintaining its current 3.5% to 3.75% target at the second meeting under his leadership. “I asked for a good family fight, and I got one,” he said at Wednesday’s FOMC post-announcement press conference.
June Jobs Data Disappoints; Financial Sector Hiring Fell in First Half
Global Finance Magazine Missed payroll expectations and revised April and May numbers put the Fed in a tough spot for rate cuts. June’s employment numbers showed almost no change from the previous month, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 4.2% unemployment rate and an estimated 57,000 nonfarm payroll jobs, roughly half the 115,000 economists expected. At the same time, the agency also revised April’s and May’s total nonfarm payrolls down by 31,000 and 43,000 jobs, respectively.
June Jobs Data Disappoints; Financial Sector Hiring Fell in First Half
Missed payroll expectations and revised April and May numbers put the Fed in a tough spot for rate cuts. June’s employment numbers showed almost no change from the previous month, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 4.2% unemployment rate and an estimated 57,000 nonfarm payroll jobs, roughly half the 115,000 economists expected. At the same time, the agency also revised April’s and May’s total nonfarm payrolls down by 31,000 and 43,000 jobs, respectively.
What if Revolut Isn’t the Only Threat? How Santander Is Quietly Targeting the US
Global Finance Magazine Europe’s financial innovators are arriving in the US from more than one direction. After moving to Spain from Los Angeles in January of last year, I quickly realized that much of the innovation in finance is happening in Europe. Meaning the seismic shifts in how consumers manage and spend money in their day-to-day lives. U.K.-based fintech Revolut filed for a U.S. bank charter with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.
US Banks Ace Fed’s 2026 Stress Test
Global Finance Magazine Major US banks proved resilient under the Fed’s severe 2026 stress test scenario. This year’s Federal Reserve Stress Test, which involved 32 U.S. banks, simulated a hypothetical real estate Armageddon in which commercial real estate prices fell 39%, housing prices declined 30%, unemployment spiked to 10%, and economic output dropped commensurately. The results were encouraging.
US Banks Ace Fed’s 2026 Stress Test
Major US banks proved resilient under the Fed's severe 2026 stress test scenario. This year’s Federal Reserve Stress Test, which involved 32 U.S. banks, simulated a hypothetical real estate Armageddon in which commercial real estate prices fell 39%, housing prices declined 30%, unemployment spiked to 10%, and economic output dropped commensurately. The results were encouraging. Capital declined only 1.6 percentage points in aggregate, according to a Federal Reserve Board statement.
Assessing Alan Greenspan’s Legacy
As the financial world remembers the former Fed chair, economists weigh his massive macroeconomic legacy. Alan Greenspan, the second-longest serving chairman of the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors, has died just months after his 100th birthday. Known as “The Maestro,” Greenspan helmed the Fed under five U.S. presidents, from August 1987 until January 2006. He managed the central bank through two market crashes, two recessions, and various financial crises.
Fed Scraps Forward Guidance Under Chair Kevin Warsh
A June interest rate pause comes with an abrupt policy change that strips away long-term market clarity. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) omitted forward guidance from its June rate statement, leaving the federal funds target range unchanged. “It’s a bit shorter, a bit simpler, and it dispenses with some of the older language,” Federal Reserve Board Chair Kevin Warsh said during the press conference following the statement’s release.
Fed Scraps Forward Guidance Under Chair Kevin Warsh
Global Finance Magazine A June interest rate pause comes with an abrupt policy change that strips away long-term market clarity. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) omitted forward guidance from its June rate statement, leaving the federal funds target range unchanged. “It’s a bit shorter, a bit simpler, and it dispenses with some of the older language,” Federal Reserve Board Chair Kevin Warsh said during the press conference following the statement’s release.
SpaceX’s Cash Management Conundrum
Global Finance Magazine A $60B tech acquisition marks the aggressive start of SpaceX’s post-IPO capital strategy. Space Exploration Technologies Corp. — more commonly known as SpaceX — is not letting proceeds from the largest initial public offering in history sit on the launchpad, and piquing the Street’s curiosity on its cash management strategy.
SpaceX’s Cash Management Conundrum
A $60B tech acquisition marks the aggressive start of SpaceX’s post-IPO capital strategy. Space Exploration Technologies Corp. — more commonly known as SpaceX — is not letting proceeds from the largest initial public offering in history sit on the launchpad, and piquing the Street’s curiosity on its cash management strategy.
New Fed Chair Warsh Eyes Changes
When the New Fed Chair opens his first Federal Open Market Committee meeting on June 16–17, markets will watch for subtle policy shifts ahead. Kevin Warsh, the newly minted chairman of the Federal Reserve System’s Board of Governors, will gavel open his first Federal Open Market Committee meeting on June 16. In the meantime, market watchers are preparing for changes the 17th Fed chair is expected to make, which could bring the Fed closer to alignment with President Donald Trump’s policies.
AI Drives 2026 Innovator Awards
Global Finance’s 2026 winners reveal how top banks are moving advanced tech into production. Annual industry benchmarks offer a clear view into evolving corporate strategies. The Global Finance Innovator Awards 2026—spanning banks and fintechs—confirm that artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (Gen AI) have transitioned from speculative tech to core drivers of operational efficiency.
Wall Street Jobs Data Tell Diverging Stories in May
Conflicting data from the BLS and ADP leaves the true health of the financial sector open for debate. The latest U.S. job numbers for Wall Street don’t line up. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported Friday that employment in the financial activities sector fell by 22,000 jobs in May, with insurance carriers losing 11,000 positions and commercial banking eliminating 3,000 jobs.
Mega-Cap IPOs Make Major Waves for Index Investors
Global Finance Magazine As SpaceX and Anthropic eye public listings, index providers brace for major market dislocations. When mega-cap companies go public, index providers and investors will see it as dropping battleships into the old fishing pond. The resulting waves are going to soak everyone.
Mega-Cap IPOs Make Major Waves for Index Investors
As SpaceX and Anthropic eye public listings, index providers brace for major market dislocations. When mega-cap companies go public, index providers and investors will see it as dropping battleships into the old fishing pond. The resulting waves are going to soak everyone. Privately held artificial intelligence (AI) vendor Anthropic announced its filing of a draft registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for an initial public offering at a later date.
Why Corporate Treasuries Are Increasing AI Investments
Though ROI is relatively low for finance organizations, many have cracked the code for higher returns. A recent Bain & Company survey reveals that less than half (48%) of senior financial executives have seen improvements in speed and cycle time since investing in artificial intelligence (AI) within their treasury organizations, and around a third (34%) have seen headcount efficiencies and cost reductions.
Beware of Financial Scammers Wielding Deepfake Tech
Deepfake fraud is becoming a persistent, multiyear corporate risk as synthetic voices circulate undetected. Deepfake-enabled fraud, which began as novel technical exploits, is now a persistent operational risk with a multi-year shelf life within the corporate ecosystem. According to deepfake-detection provider Resemble.AI, deepfakes typically remain in circulation for three-and-a-half years.
SEC’s Proposed Semiannual Reporting Rule Meets Resistance
Global Finance Magazine Receiving less frequent finanical information worries investors of all stripes. Investors do not like the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) week-old proposed rule on semiannual financial reporting. They really don’t like it. A vast majority, 92%, of comment letters received by the SEC regarding the proposed rule opposed it. Only 6% favored the rule’s adoption, while 2% simply wanted additional details regarding how the rule would operate.
SEC’s Proposed Semiannual Reporting Rule Meets Resistance
Receiving less frequent finanical information worries investors of all stripes. Investors do not like the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) week-old proposed rule on semiannual financial reporting. They really don’t like it. A vast majority, 92%, of comment letters received by the SEC regarding the proposed rule opposed it. Only 6% favored the rule’s adoption, while 2% simply wanted additional details regarding how the rule would operate.
Tokenization Reshapes Treasury-Transfer Agent Dynamics
Global Finance Magazine Tokenization brings automation and real-time reporting capabilities to corporate treasury’s back office relationship. The industry is spending billions to ensure tokenization establishes a toehold in one of corporate treasury’s most back-office relationships— the one with its transfer agents.
Tokenization Reshapes Treasury-Transfer Agent Dynamics
Tokenization brings automation and real-time reporting capabilities to corporate treasury's back office relationship. The industry is spending billions to ensure tokenization establishes a toehold in one of corporate treasury’s most back-office relationships— the one with its transfer agents.
IMF Won’t Participate in Venezuela Debt Restructuring
The IMF resumed Venezuela ties after a six-year freeze, focusing on data rather than debt relief. After announcing its resumption of its dealings with Venezuela under acting president Delcy Rodriguez on April 14, the International Monetary Fund plans to take a wait-and-see approach to the Latin American country’s plans to restructure its reported $170 billion in external debt.
EU Greenwashing Regs Get Sharper Teeth
New EU greenwashing regulations threaten hefty penalties and litigation for financial institutions and corporations that fail to verify their ESG marketing. Under new EU greenwashing regulations, companies making false or misleading sustainability claims could face hefty penalties as the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive takes effect on September 27.
Hungary’s New PM Picks Finance Chief to Lead Recovery
Hungary’s state-heavy 'Orbánomics" is officially over. Enter Péter Magyar, who wishes to 'mend relations' with the EU. Now that Péter Magyar has taken office as Hungary’s new prime minister, he will look to András Karman, his nominee for finance minister, to execute a rapid fiscal pivot, dismantling 16 years of state-heavy “Orbánomics” and restoring investor confidence in the Central European hub.
Financial Jobs Rebound in April as Wage Gap Widens
Financial sector jobs grew in April, but a record wage gap challenges the industry's recovery. There might be a light at the end of the tunnel for job safety in commercial banking — or it could be the light of an oncoming train. After more than 12 months of continuous job losses, commercial banks may be turning the corner. The ADP National Employment report for April 2026 noted that the financial activities sector grew by 9,000 positions, 5,000 more than the previous month.
DBS Group: Putting AI Into The Bank’s DNA
Tan Su Shan, CEO and director of DBS Group—winner of this year’s Best Bank in Asia-Pacific—discusses the benefit of AI investments. As global banks navigate trade fragmentation, AI disruption and volatile markets, DBS continues to distinguish itself through strong profitability and an aggressive technology strategy.
OTP Bank: Becoming AI And Data Literate
Péter Csányi, CEO of OTP Bank, named Best Bank in CEE, discusses the technologies and skills needed for the future. As Central and Eastern Europe’s banking landscape evolves, OTP Bank is accelerating its transformation into a more diversified, digitally driven regional powerhouse. Deputy CEO Péter Csányi discusses the bank’s strong 2025 performance, expansion ambitions and growing reliance on AI to enhance customer experience, automate lending and strengthen fraud prevention.
Here’s Why Mastercard Is Betting Big on BVNK — and Stablecoin
Global Finance Magazine The card company has positioned itself as a bridge between its global network and on-chain payment systems. For a technology that’s designed to leave traditional finance on the sidelines, credit card payment networks are making significant investments in stablecoins. Mastercard’s announced acquisition of BVNK, an enterprise stablecoin infrastructure provider, could usher in a new era of digital expansion for the legacy payments company.
Here’s Why Mastercard Is Betting Big on BVNK — and Stablecoin
The card company has positioned itself as a bridge between its global network and on-chain payment systems. For a technology that’s designed to leave traditional finance on the sidelines, credit card payment networks are making significant investments in stablecoins. Mastercard’s announced acquisition of BVNK, an enterprise stablecoin infrastructure provider, could usher in a new era of digital expansion for the legacy payments company.
DTCC Launching Tokenization for $114T Asset Market This July
Global Finance Magazine Just-in-time account funding may be right around the corner as tokenization provides real-time capabilities. Banks, broker-dealers, and clearing agencies could soon reduce capital buffers as Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) moves closer to operationalizing tokenization through its subsidiary, Depository Trust Company (DTC).
DTCC Launching Tokenization for $114T Asset Market This July
Just-in-time account funding may be right around the corner as tokenization provides real-time capabilities. Banks, broker-dealers, and clearing agencies could soon reduce capital buffers as Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) moves closer to operationalizing tokenization through its subsidiary, Depository Trust Company (DTC).
Powell’s Final FOMC Meeting Ends With Fed Autonomy In Doubt
Global Finance Magazine After eight years as leader of the Federal Board of Governors, Jerome Powell leaves behind a considerable legacy. Jerome Powell concluded his final Federal Reserve Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting as chair on April 29, but said he would remain on the Board of Governors after his term as chair ends on May 15. His four-year term on the board ends January 31, 2028.
Powell’s Final FOMC Meeting Ends With Fed Autonomy In Doubt
After eight years as leader of the Federal Board of Governors, Jerome Powell leaves behind a considerable legacy. Jerome Powell concluded his final Federal Reserve Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting as chair on April 29, but it remains unclear whether he’ll step down from the Board of Governors when his term as chair ends on May 15. His four-year term on the board ends January 31, 2028.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Rob
Contact Rob, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack