German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for the United States and Europe to repair their relationship, while also, a blockchain-based lending company, Figure Technology, confirmed a data breach stemming from a social engineering attack, and the Securities and Exchange Commission closed its investigation into bankrupt electric vehicle startup Fisker. These events, reported on February 13, 2026, highlight a range of international and financial developments.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Chancellor Merz expressed concern over a growing rift between Europe and the United States, urging efforts to restore transatlantic trust, according to Al Jazeera. The call for reconciliation comes amid shifting global dynamics.
Meanwhile, Figure Technology, a fintech lending company, revealed that a data breach occurred after an employee was targeted in a social engineering attack, as reported by TechCrunch. A company spokesperson confirmed the breach, stating that the hackers gained access to a limited number of files. The hacking group ShinyHunters claimed responsibility, alleging the company refused to pay a ransom and subsequently published 2.5 gigabytes of stolen data on the dark web. The company is working with partners and those affected, offering free credit monitoring.
In other financial news, the SEC concluded its investigation into Fisker, the electric vehicle startup, in September 2025, a year after the probe began, according to TechCrunch. The SEC’s FOIA department disclosed the closure in response to a Freedom of Information Act request in January 2026. The agency had identified approximately 21.7 gigabytes of records related to the investigation. The existence of the probe was initially revealed in an October 2024 filing in Fisker's bankruptcy case.
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