Latest FinTech & Blockchain News
Crypto Firms Secure Preliminary US Bank Charters
Under the Trump administration, five crypto companies including Circle and Ripple Labs received preliminary bank charter approvals, with Coinbase, PayPal, and Mercury applying next. This allows direct access to Fed payment systems, boosting margins by cutting middlemen.
More approvals expected in 2026 per American Fintech Council CEO.
Stablecoins Set for Major Expansion in 2026
Stablecoins, backed by US dollar assets, will see big growth for faster blockchain transfers, with Visa and Mastercard planning settlements. Visa expects significant uptake in emerging markets like Argentina against inflation.
Stripe's Bridge, Coinbase, and Anchorage launched issuing platforms.
AI Bots and Agents to Drive Autonomous Payments
AI agents inch closer to mainstream autonomous payments and shopping in 2026, per Visa and Mastercard executives. Visa predicts full mainstream AI-supported shopping, while Mastercard calls 2026 the year agent-native commerce goes mainstream.
Bots, banking, and stablecoins will dominate fintech.
Senator Lummis Backs 2026 Responsible Financial Innovation Act
US Senator Lummis supports banks offering crypto custody and staking under the Act, clarifying crypto commodities vs securities. Stablecoin issuers require 100% reserves and disclosures; small payments get $300 tax-free exemption.
Aims to integrate digital assets into regulated banking while protecting consumers.
Coinbase Positioned as Top Fintech Buy for 2026
Coinbase (COIN) benefits from regulatory clarity, Trump pro-crypto agenda, and tokenization of real-world assets. Diversified revenue from stablecoins and institutional adoption; Clear Street sets $415 price target.
Risks include market volatility but alignment mitigates them.
GENIUS Act Boosts Stablecoin Infrastructure
The GENIUS Act enables stablecoin issuers like Circle to operate in US finance, offering yield-sharing. Pushes for Clarity Act amid bank opposition to crypto rewards.
Crypto infrastructure surged in 2025 despite market lag.
Zcash Surges 800% on Privacy Features
Zcash rose 800% in Q4 2025 amid regulatory acceptance of semi-private transactions. Signals growing demand for privacy-enhanced digital assets in bearish markets.
Highlights versatile crypto trends into 2026.
Cardano Founder Hoskinson Announces 2026 Reset
Charles Hoskinson steps back from daily X activity for deep focus on zkVM, privacy intents, and chain abstraction. Targets Midnight for billion users by 2030; 2026 brings Leios, improved Hydra, hardened governance.
Emphasizes scaling to millions then billions.
Crypto Executives Bullish on 2026 Liquidity and Regulations
Abra CEO predicts massive liquidity influx; Coinbase research head expects clearer policies. Builds on 2025 regulatory progress despite price lags.
Positions Bitcoin and crypto for strong year.
Mastercard: Crypto is Early 21st Century Financial Story
Mastercard anticipates accelerated stablecoin settlements and AI commerce in 2026. Crypto firms push into US banking heart amid 2025 regulatory wins.
Expects broader digital-finance integration.
Fed Floats 'Skinny' Master Accounts for Fintechs
Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller suggests limited master accounts for crypto firms to access payment rails. Enables neobanks and exchanges direct Fedwire and ACH access.
Supports fintech push for national charters.
Visa Eyes Stablecoin Growth in Emerging Markets
Visa's Oliver Jenkyn forecasts major stablecoin adoption in high-inflation areas like Argentina for USD hedging. Part of broader 2026 fintech dominance by bots, banking, stablecoins.
Aligns with AI shopping mainstreaming.