Latest FinTech & Blockchain News
Capitec Pay and Binance Partner on Direct ZAR Deposits
Binance integrates Capitec Pay for South African users to fund crypto accounts via secure in-app bank approval, replacing manual EFTs. This streamlines fiat on-ramps, enhances security by matching identities, and lowers entry barriers for Capitec's large customer base.
Ethiopia Launches State-Backed Bitcoin Mining Venture
Ethiopia's government via Ethiopian Investment Holdings plans Bitcoin mining using cheap hydroelectric power from Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed seeks global partners for capital and tech; country hosts 25 miners with 2.5% global hash rate.
India's RBI Proposes Linking BRICS Nations' CBDCs
Reserve Bank of India suggests interconnecting CBDCs of BRICS countries for seamless cross-border payments in trade and tourism. Proposal heads to 2026 BRICS summit hosted by India, building on 2025 Rio goals.
Swift Announces Shared Ledger for Tokenised Assets
Swift plans blockchain-based shared ledger post-trials with BNP Paribas, Intesa Sanpaolo, and Societe Generale–Forge. It enables 24/7 cross-border payments and tokenized asset settlements like bonds using fiat or digital currencies.
Galaxy Digital Launches $100M Crypto-Fintech Hedge Fund
Galaxy launches $100M fund in Q1 2026 amid crypto downturn, allocating 30% to tokens like Bitcoin, Ether, Solana and 70% to financial equities for long/short strategies. Leverages $505M Q3 2025 profits to bet on crypto-tradfi convergence.
Bitcoin Falls Below $90,000 as Crypto Market Loses $150B
Bitcoin drops 2.27% to $89,456, Ethereum 5.71% to $2,979; global crypto cap falls 3.43% to $3.02T amid $1B liquidations. Sell-off linked to macro headwinds, trade tensions, ETF outflows, with investors shifting to gold/silver.
FCA Hosts Stablecoin Sprint for UK Payment Rules
UK FCA's March 4-5, 2026 Stablecoin Sprint in London tests models for retail payments, remittances; applications open till Feb 4. Feeds into 2026 rules, focusing cost, speed, interoperability, consumer protection post-2025 consultations.
Juniper Group Acquires Digital Banking Provider Tagit
Spain's Juniper Group buys Singapore's Tagit, whose Mobeix platform handles $100B+ transactions for banks in Asia, Middle East, Africa. Tagit joins TSI portfolio to strengthen open-API banking solutions like onboarding, payments.
Paystack Restructures to Holding Company Structure
Paystack announces restructuring into a holding company amid African fintech growth. Move supports expansion following EU's removal of Nigeria from high-risk jurisdictions list.
EU Removes Nigeria from High-Risk Jurisdictions List
European Union delists Nigeria from high-risk countries, easing fintech and crypto operations for Nigerian firms like Paystack. Boosts access to global markets and partnerships.
Airtel Money Plans Overdraft Service Against Fuliza
Kenya's Airtel Money to launch overdraft service challenging Safaricom’s M-Pesa Fuliza. Aims to capture mobile money market share in competitive East African fintech space.