The Banker Next Door

SCOTUS tariff fallout continues!

As the fallout from SCOTUS’ decision on tariffs continues, we consider five takeaways. 1) Tariffs are not authorized under the IEEPA, but all other tariffs are okay. 2) The refund process is likely going to be a mess. 3) The Trump administration is already looking at existing tariff laws to keep the current tariffs deals in place. 4) In justice Kavanaugh’s dissenting opinion he stated that other laws probably would allow for Trump’s tariffs. 5) Justices disagree over how to apply “the major questions doctrine.” Furthermore, we review several tariff related charts and economic information. Finally, we look at some of the big corporations that will be seeking refunds. This episode reviewed multiple articles from The Epoch Times and The Wall Street Journal (subscriptions required).  

BND: Strategy Room Bonus - Tariff Madness!

This video is a clip from BND: Strategy Room Live Stream on February 20, 2026. The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) struck down President Trump’s tariffs that fell under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act or IEEPA. This decision by SCOTUS had interjected chaos into President Trump’s economic agenda and slows down his ability to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. This decision potentially puts the U.S. on the hook for up to $175 billion in tariff refunds. SCOTUS did not call for or make clear how refunds would be issued in their decision, thus setting up a very messy refund process and years of legal battles. President Trump was defiant in the face of SCOTUS’ decision immediately enacting a 10% global tariff, stating that he would use other existing tariff laws to continue his economic agenda.

BND: Strategy Room 2-20-2026

The Banker Next Door (BND) weekly live stream show. Strategy Room provides financial news, commentary, top stories in the business world, economic indicators, and all things banking for the week.

Florida's condo market sees big changes with new laws!

After a condo building collapsed in South Florida a few years ago new legislation has been put in place around disclosures condo associations have to provide to potential buyers. The new law requires condominium associations with 25 units or more to provide a secure portal where buyers can view documents that include bank statements, reserve details, and structural reports. Furthermore, the recent Biscayne 21 court ruling granted minority holdouts, which can be as few as 5% to 10% of owners, the ability to block a sale or any proposed major redevelopment. These changes to the condo market in south Florida will have repercussions for years to come.  This episode reviewed an article from Fox Business titled “the ‘poison pill’ and digital secrets flipping the Sunshine State’s condo power dynamic.” A link to the article is included below.
Link: Florida condo market shifts with transparency law and court ruling | Fox Business

Retail Ecommerce Ventures founder Tai Lopez accused of running a Ponzi scheme!

Tai Lopez the founder of Retail Ecommerce Ventures (“REV”) has been accused by the SEC of running a Ponzi scheme. He is currently being investigated by the FBI but, as of yet, no charges have been filed. Tai and his partner, Alex Mehr, set up REV to use as an investment vehicle. They started buying defunct retail brands such as RadioShack, Pier 1 Imports, Dressbarn, Modell’s Sporting Goods, and Linens ‘N Things. The idea was that the retail brands could be purchased at very cheap price points and would be revived using an online ecommerce strategy. This turned out to be a bad idea. In the process, Tai and Alex raised $230 million from 660 investors. Now those investors are out a lot of money, and everyone is left with a lot of questions. This episode reviewed an article from The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) titled “He vowed to revive RadioShack and Pier 1. Investors say they were swindled.”   

SBA update - Citizenship requirements, California fraud, & EIDL collections

The SBA recently updated its SOP to reflect changes to citizenship status. The requirement states that 100% of all direct and/or indirect owners of small business applicant be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national who have their principal residence in the United States. Additionally, the SBA is going after fraud in California, specifically around PPP and EIDL loans made during COVID. The SBA is also ratcheting up debt collection of EIDL loans that are in default. Finally, Rocco Perate leaves Meridian Bank to start a new SBA lending firm called Lafayette Square SBLC. This episode reviewed multiple articles from The Business Journals and The Epoch Times.   

Are Prediction Markets trading or gambling?

Are the people that use Prediction Markets ‘traders’ or ‘gamblers’? In this episode we look at how one ‘trader’ lost $100k on the Super Bowl, how Robinhood is cashing in on the action, and why Robinhood’s CEO sees Prediction Markets entering a ‘Supercycle’. There should be a lot of concern around the growth of online gambling. There should be a lot of concern about how all the major sports leagues are cashing in on the action. There should be a lot of concern around how Prediction Markets are skirting the law to offer ‘trading’ options. There should be even MORE concern about how apps like Coinbase and Robinhood and Wall Street firms want to further juice the ‘trading’. This episode reviewed multiple articles from The Wall Street Journal and Investopedia.

Crypto bonds, bitcoin miners, botched prizes, & 4Q losses (Crypto Series Part XXXVI)

This is part 36 of the crypto series. In this episode we check in on the continuing volatility of Bitcoin. An update on Coinbase as they suffer a 4th quarter loss to end 2025. Strategy is HOLDING strong, literally. What a potential ‘winter’ in stablecoins could mean for the crypto worlds’ broader ambitions. Bitcoin miners are converting facilities into AI data centers. A bitcoin backed bond sale by Jefferies went sideways. Why crypto is ‘perfect’ for tracking down criminals. Finally, a $40 billion dollar blunder as South Korean cryptocurrency exchange makes massive mistake in a prize giveaway. This episode reviewed multiple articles in The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Investopedia, the Business Journals, Fox Business, and Coinbase.

BND: Strategy Room Bonus - Epstein list fallout ripples across Wall Street and finance!

This video is a clip from BND: Strategy Room Live Stream on February 14, 2026. The disclosure of the Jeffrey Epstein documents has sent shockwaves across Wall Street and the financial world. A judge ruled that a lawsuit against Bank of America from an Epstein victim can proceed. Goldman Sachs’ main attorney Kathryn Ruemmler resigned. Brad Karp, the Chairman of law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison resigned over Epstein files. Casey Wasserman is selling his talent agency Wasserman after intense backlash over his relationship with Epstein. DP World CEO resigns over Epstein allegations. Howard Lutnick was caught lying about his relationship with Epstein. Epstein’s ties with Silicon Valley go far deeper than was originally thought. The fallout from the Epstein files is just getting started.  

BND: Strategy Room 2-14-2026

The Banker Next Door (BND) weekly live stream show. Strategy Room provides financial news, commentary, top stories in the business world, economic indicators, and all things banking for the week.