Latest FinTech & Blockchain News

πŸ“…January 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Fintech funding surges with AI and stablecoin focus for 2026; NYSE launches 24/7 tokenized securities platform; key acquisitions and stablecoin payroll innovations advance globally.
1

Fintech Funding Momentum Builds for 2026 with AI and Pre-IPO Deals

Global venture funding to fintech startups rose 27% to $51.8 billion in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.Source 1 Investors anticipate continued growth in pre-IPO rounds for companies like Plaid and Revolut, alongside AI integrations and stablecoins.Source 1 Experts predict more fintechs gaining bank charters under the current administration.Source 1

2

NYSE Unveils 24/7 Tokenized Securities Trading Platform

The New York Stock Exchange announced a blockchain-based platform for 24/7 trading of tokenized US equities and ETFs with instant settlement and stablecoin funding.Source 2 It integrates the Pillar matching engine and supports fractional shares, dividends, and voting rights, pending SEC approval.Source 2 This is part of ICE's digital strategy, collaborating with BNY and Citi on tokenized deposits.Source 2

3

NYSE Tokenization Move Positions Exchange for Blockchain Survival

NYSE's new venue for tokenized stocks and ETFs enables around-the-clock trading with instant settlement and stablecoin transactions on private blockchains.Source 3 The initiative admits blockchain's threat to traditional markets, using NYSE's Pillar engine for matching.Source 3 It aims to allow retail investors seamless weekend trading.Source 3

4

UST Acquires Fintech Innovator Tailwind to Boost Digital Banking

UST, an AI and tech transformation firm, acquired Texas-based Tailwind to enhance digital banking solutions for banks and credit unions worldwide.Source 4 Tailwind offers AI-based implementations, legacy modernization, and partnerships with Temenos and Q2.Source 4 The deal strengthens UST's presence in LATAM, APAC, Africa, and North America.Source 4

5

Gusto and Zerohash Launch Stablecoin Payroll for Global Contractors

Gusto partnered with Zerohash to enable stablecoin payroll payments for international contractors, simplifying cross-border transactions.Source 5 This innovation supports faster, cheaper Web3 payments amid rising crypto adoption.Source 5 It aligns with trends in stablecoins for payroll and remittances.Source 5

6

Anchorage Digital Gears Up for IPO with $400 Million Raise

Crypto custodian Anchorage Digital is preparing for an IPO, potentially raising up to $400 million to expand operations.Source 5 The move reflects growing institutional interest in digital assets custody.Source 5 It positions Anchorage amid rising demand for secure blockchain infrastructure.Source 5

7

Veem Partners with Coins.ph to Enhance Cross-Border Payments

Veem collaborated with Philippines-based Coins.ph to improve cross-border payment efficiency using stablecoins and blockchain.Source 5 The partnership targets faster, lower-cost remittances for businesses.Source 5 It supports the shift toward borderless financial transactions.Source 5

8

LMAX Group Teams with Ripple for Institutional Stablecoin Trading

LMAX Group partnered with Ripple to facilitate institutional trading of stablecoins, boosting liquidity and efficiency.Source 5 This aids professional investors in leveraging stable assets for payments and collateral.Source 5 It underscores stablecoins' integration into traditional finance.Source 5

9

Revolut Bets AI Will Eliminate Traditional Checkout Pages

European fintech giant Revolut supports Google's AP2, predicting AI will revolutionize payments by killing checkout pages.Source 3 As the first in Europe to adopt this, Revolut eyes seamless e-commerce experiences.Source 3 It positions Revolut ahead in AI-driven payment innovations.Source 3

10

Coinbase Ramps Up Efforts to Challenge NYSE in Tokenized Trading

Coinbase is advancing tokenized asset initiatives to compete with NYSE's new platform, focusing on blockchain-native securities.Source 3 This includes deep dives into stablecoin resources and infrastructure.Source 3 It highlights intensifying rivalry in 24/7 digital markets.Source 3

11

AI and Stablecoins to Dominate 2026 Fintech Investments

Investors forecast disproportionate funding for AI-native tools, stablecoins, and agentic payments due to rapid scaling and demand.Source 1 Categories at tech inflections like these attract capital, with top teams pulling ahead.Source 1 Fintech innovation persists despite broader market rationality.Source 1

12

BNY Debuts Tokenized Deposits for Collateral with ICE Support

BNY Mellon launched tokenized deposit offerings for collateral and margin, with ICE as an early adopter.Source 2 This supports 24/7 clearing and tokenized securities ecosystems.Source 2 It bolsters infrastructure for blockchain-based finance.Source 2