The U.S. government has approved new regulations that will subject major payment applications, including Apple Pay, Cash App, and PayPal, to stricter scrutiny, treating them similarly to banks. This regulatory shift aims to enhance oversight of fintech companies and their lending practices, particularly in light of concerns over predatory loans. Additionally, the fintech sector is facing increased regulation that could impact various services, including buy now, pay later options and earned wage access. Meanwhile, a new app called StoreCash, backed by $6.4 million in funding, aims to provide users with instant cash back at stores, reflecting ongoing innovation within the fintech landscape.