Startup LoanSnap, a company funded in part by Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, has launched artificial intelligence that matches consumers with mortgages based on a complex analysis of their financial situation.

Startup Block66 is using blockchain to create a mortgage audit trail for fraud prevention purposes and also plans to enable trading of securities lenders can use to increase their liquidity.

Mick Mulvaney, the agency’s acting director, suggests U.S. startups — like their U.K. counterparts — may eventually be able to test products without fear of regulatory action.

The Wall Street giant's acquisition of the app maker Clarity Money is only one part of a long-term strategy to build a digital retail bank from the ground up.

As upstart companies mature, they face pressure to develop deeper relationships with their customers. That is leading some to offer to a wider range of products, including deposit accounts.

Upgrade's new product, unveiled Tuesday, is aimed at consumers who are expecting a big expense but may not need to borrow all the money at once. Unlike a home equity line of credit, the loan can be approved in minutes because there is no need for collateral or an appraisal process.

Even as many venture capitalists retreat from the online lending industry, Upstart Network is hoping to find investors still willing to bet on the business.

Fifth Third and First Republic are among the investors in the company’s $50 million equity round.

As the agency pulls back its enforcement efforts, it opens the door for state authorities to pursue more cases against financial startups for their data collection and privacy practices.

The online lender is taking a stand against businesses that sell assault weapons or that sell any type of firearms to people under 21.