Latest FinTech & Blockchain News
FTFT Partners with S1Quant for Compliant Crypto Asset Management
Future FinTech Group Inc. (NASDAQ: FTFT) announced on Jan 5, 2026, that its subsidiary FTFT Securities signed a Letter of Intent with S1Quant to develop compliant cryptocurrency quantitative asset management products. The partnership combines S1Quant's quant tech with FTFT's regulatory qualifications to serve institutional and high-net-worth investors, focusing on innovation and risk control.
CEO Hu Li emphasized compliance as key in the evolving crypto economy.
Crypto Market Predictions: ETFs to Drive $50B+ Inflows in 2026
Galaxy Digital and Bitwise forecast over $50 billion in ETF inflows for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana in 2026, potentially exceeding new supply. This could support prices via supply-demand dynamics as wealth platforms add crypto to portfolios.
Institutional demand is accelerating amid maturing regulations.
DeFi TVL Projected to Hit $200 Billion by Early 2026
DeFi's total value locked is expected to reach over $200 billion in early 2026, up from $150-176 billion late 2025, driven by institutional lending and stablecoins. DEXes may capture 25% of spot trading volume, with crypto loans exceeding $90 billion.
On-chain rates stay below 10% with low volatility.
Stablecoins Gain Traction with Western Union, Sony Bank Launches
Western Union launched a USD Payment Token on Solana; Sony Bank develops a stablecoin for its ecosystem; SoFi introduced SoFiUSD on Ethereum. These moves position stablecoins as regional settlement rails via TradFi partnerships.
Network effects are accelerating adoption.
RWA Tokenization Enters Mainstream Capital Markets
Fortune 500 firms launch Layer-1 blockchains settling $1B+ annually, bridging to DeFi; major banks to accept tokenized equities as collateral. SEC may grant 'innovation exemption' for tokenized securities on public chains in H2 2026.
This unlocks liquidity in traditional assets.
Imprint Raises $150M Series D for Embedded Credit Cards
U.S. fintech Imprint secured $150 million led by Khosla Ventures to expand co-branded credit and embedded finance for retail and lifestyle brands. The round highlights investor confidence in scalable consumer finance models.
It targets deeper brand-customer financial ties.
RedotPay Secures $100M Series B for Stablecoin Payments
Hong Kong's RedotPay raised $100 million led by Valar Ventures to grow stablecoin-powered payments bridging crypto to real-world transactions. Focus is on compliant digital-asset rails for consumer spend.
Payments infrastructure dominated global VC deals.
Mercury Applies for OCC National Bank Charter
Business banking fintech Mercury applied for an OCC national bank charter and FDIC insurance on Dec 19, seeking independence from partner banks. Approval would enable full control over customer deposits as an FDIC-insured bank.
This advances its 'bank for builders' mission.
ECB Completes Digital Euro Technical Preparatory Work
ECB President Christine Lagarde announced on Dec 19 completion of technical work on the digital euro, prioritizing it for Europe's financial future. CBDCs remain relevant despite stablecoin and tokenized deposit focus.
Preparations signal potential 2026 advancements.
Erebor Digital Bank Raises $350M at $4.35B Valuation
New digital bank Erebor, founded by Palmer Luckey, closed $350 million funding at $4.35 billion valuation on Dec 22, with FDIC approval. It bridges TradFi and digital assets, planning 2026 launch post-regulatory nods.
Targets crypto-integrated banking.
JPMorgan Plans Crypto Trading for Institutional Clients
JPMorgan announced plans to allow institutional clients crypto trading, following its tokenized money fund launch. This shift contrasts past skepticism from CEO Jamie Dimon.
It reflects growing bank acceptance of digital assets.