NCR acquisition speculation, cannabis lead top news headlines for 2022

In 2022, the top news stories revolved around speculation surrounding acquisition in the ATM industry, particularly whether if a company was going to acquire NCR Corp.

However, that wasn't the only top story in 2022. Readers were also interested in cannabis dispensaries having to make the transition back to cash after there was a major crackdown on cashless ATMs.

Here are the top six most-read news items for 2022 below in reverse order.

6. Cannabis dispensaries return to cash following cashless crackdown

Cannabis dispensaries in the U.S. are returning to cash after a variety of ATM processors turned off "cashless ATMs."

The stores had used the machines to allow customers to purchase cannabis with a bank card, but the technology made it appear like the withdrawals were happening from different locations, which circumnavigates money laundering controls, according to a Bloomberg report written by Tiffany Kary.

In particular, NCR Corp. turned off this cashless service. As a result, various dispensaries in Arizona, California and Massachusetts are recommending users switch to cash. It has been a difficult time for the industry, due to both slowing political momentum and concerns about the health risks of marijuana.

5. Regions Bank intros early pay, protection line of credit

Regions Bank introduced its Early Pay feature, which allows customers with direct deposit with a checking, savings, money market or Now Card to receive direct deposits up to two days early. The bank also rolled out a protection line of credit to offer $50 to $500 for short-term financial needs, according to a press release.

Customers do not have to enroll in Early Pay to access its benefits. They can subscribe to alerts to receive notices when Early Pay is available. The protection line of credit is a digital-invitation offer only and has no annual or cash advance fee. It acts as the customer's linked account for overdraft protection.

4. Veritas Capital cited as possible NCR suitor

Veritas Capital, a private equity firm, is among the players taking a look at acquiring NCR Corp., according to a Deal Reporter report cited by Seeking Alpha.

Apollo Global Management has also been discussed as a possible buyer, as previously reported.

3. NCR to separate into 2 companies

NCR Corp. will separate into two independent companies, with one focused on digital commerce and the other specializing on ATMs, according to a press release.

The ATM company will deliver NCR's ATM-as-a-service to customers in the banking and retail space, as well as leverage digital currency solutions. The digital commerce company will utilize NCR's software to deliver digital transformation for retail, hospitality and digital banking.

2. Nebraska woman charged with ATM crime

Furnas County, Nebraska deputies have charged a woman for allegedly attempting to break into a Cambridge Bank ATM. Shannon Proctor, along with an unidentified man, allegedly tried to use a crowbar to steal from the ATM, according to a report by Nebraska.tv.

A deputy responded to a bank alarm and reportedly found Proctor and a man, who fled the scene. The man was not apprehended, but the deputy arrested Proctor who claimed the ATM was unplugged when she tried to get money out of it.

1. NCR takeover in play?

A takeover of NCR Corp. is in the works according to CNBC's David Faber, Seeking Alpha reported. The report cited Apollo Group, a company that vied for Cardtronics with NCR, as the most discussed buyer.

In late April, Dealreporter reported at least six parties were interested in taking over NCR. NCR in early February said it began a strategic review that might involve structural changes, a company sale, a partial sale or a spinoff, according to Seeking Alpha.