James Stevens, co-leader of Troutman Pepper Locke’s Financial Services Industry Group, was quoted in the February 3, 2026 Payments Dive article, “Why Some Payments Companies Want To Be Banks.”

Banks can also join payment rails such as RTP and ACH, noted James Stevens, co-leader of the financial services industry group at the law firm Troutman Pepper Locke.

“The reason we’re seeing a spike in new chartering by payment companies and other non-banks is because they want to avail themselves of those special powers that banks have,” Stevens said.

Photo of James Stevens James Stevens

James is the co-leader of the firm’s Financial Services Industry Group. He has significant experience working with clients across the entire financial services sector, regularly working with public and private companies such as banks, neobanks, marketplace lenders, and other fintech and financial services…

James is the co-leader of the firm’s Financial Services Industry Group. He has significant experience working with clients across the entire financial services sector, regularly working with public and private companies such as banks, neobanks, marketplace lenders, and other fintech and financial services providers and partners.