Latest FinTech & Blockchain News
BitGo Raises $212.8M in IPO, First Crypto Listing of 2026
Crypto custody firm BitGo priced its US IPO above range on January 21, raising $212.8 million at $18 per share, valuing it at $2.08 billion. The listing tests investor appetite amid US crypto regulatory uncertainty and a recent October sell-off.
Founded in 2013, BitGo is a major US provider of secure digital asset storage as institutional interest grows.
U.S. GOP-Led CFTC Crypto Bill Redefines Regulatory Oversight in 2026
A bipartisan CFTC-focused bill grants exclusive jurisdiction over spot markets for digital commodities, boosting institutional adoption alongside GENIUS Act for stablecoins. Stablecoins now support real-world payments, liquidity management, and cross-border efficiency under federal oversight.
CFTC Chairman Mike Selig aims to balance innovation with investor protection amid ongoing Senate reconciliations.
Hedera's HBAR Poised for 2026 Growth with Enterprise Adoption
HBAR trades at $0.12 with $5B market cap, fueled by partnerships like Tata Communications for tokenization and events showcasing stablecoins and RWAs. On-chain activity surged with £10B in FX collateral tokenized, plus Guardian platform for carbon markets.
A January Senate bill could classify HBAR as a commodity, enabling spot ETFs.
Airwallex Acquires Paynuri to Bolster Global Payments Infrastructure
Fintech Airwallex acquired Paynuri to deepen its cross-border payments capabilities. The move enhances global infrastructure amid rapid industry evolution.
Related: Stripe's John Collison notes the fastest payments growth period since founding.
Stripe's John Collison: No Rush for IPO After Takeover Talks End
Stripe ended billions-worth takeover discussions, with CEO John Collison stating no hurry to go public. He described the current period as the fastest-moving in payments since Stripe's inception.
This reflects confidence in private growth strategies.
Mastercard Eyes Strategic Investment in Blockchain Firm Zerohash
Mastercard is considering investing in Zerohash after acquisition talks collapsed, as the crypto firm stays independent. This targets blockchain infrastructure expansion.
It signals growing traditional finance interest in crypto tech.
Iran's Central Bank Bought $507M in USDT Stablecoin
Iran's central bank acquired $507 million in Tether's USDT, using it to support the rial's value; all funds have left linked wallets. This highlights stablecoins' role in sanctioned economies.
The move underscores global stablecoin utility amid geopolitical tensions.
9Pay Launches Stablecoin-to-QR Payments for US Fintechs in Vietnam
9Pay's Stablecoin-to-QR gateway enables seamless US payments via local QR codes without conversion friction. It's part of IFC Sandbox initiatives boosting cross-border fintech.
This corridor supports stablecoin adoption in emerging markets.
WalletConnect Integrates TRON for Global Stablecoin Expansion
WalletConnect now supports TRON, enabling TRC-20 stablecoin transfers and access to DeFi, NFTs, and GameFi. Users benefit from instant multi-wallet connectivity.
This advances programmable money in Cayman Islands-based ecosystems.
OneDosh Raises $3M Pre-Seed for Stablecoin Payments
US-based OneDosh secured $3 million to scale cross-border stablecoin payments and programmable money infrastructure. Funds will expand corridors and operations globally.
It positions the firm for efficient international remittances.
Dutch Finst Raises €8M for European Crypto Expansion
Crypto platform Finst raised €8 million to grow across Europe, enhancing staking, digital assets, and features. It targets retail and professional users with higher yields.
This supports broader EU digital asset adoption.
US Fintechs Face Fallout from 43-Day Government Shutdown and $38.5T Debt
The shutdown halted SEC/CFTC reviews, delaying crypto and stablecoin regulations under GENIUS Act. It created data vacuums and IPO backlogs amid record debt pressures.
Fintechs like SpringFour and AFC members responded with relief measures and agility.