Not too much new that impacts ND businesses, but be sure to catch the following:
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Banking / Financial Services
What happened: Bank of North Dakota (BND) announced a pilot of its “Roughrider Coin,” a state-backed stablecoin in partnership with Fiserv, set for launch in 2026. North Dakota Monitor+1
Why it matters: Community banks, credit unions and digital-payments vendors in ND gain early-stage access to blockchain infrastructure—potentially reducing transaction costs and increasing cross-border efficiency.
Who’s affected: Local banks/credit unions, fintech startups, merchants, e-commerce sellers considering payment methods.
Dates / Deadlines: Announcement Oct 8 2025; pilot expected in 2026. KVRR Local News
Insurance / Healthcare Cost Impacts
What happened: The ND Insurance Commissioner warned that unless federal ACA subsidies are extended, individual health-insurance premiums for 2026 could spike significantly—potentially $378 to $3,735 for thousands of North Dakotans. North Dakota Monitor
Why it matters: Rising premiums affect employers offering group coverage, freelancers buying individual plans, and service-sector workers; wage negotiations and HR budgets may need adjustment.
Who’s affected: Small businesses, benefits brokers, self-employed contractors, insurance agencies.
Dates / Deadlines: Premium increases projected for 2026; open enrollment begins Nov 1. North Dakota Monitor
~ We are monitoring key developments affecting all industries. If there’s a specific area or issue you believe deserves greater focus, please share your input in the comments below.