Latest FinTech & Blockchain News
ZBD Secures $40M in Series C Funding for Gaming Payments
ZBD raised $40 million led by Blockstream Capital Partners to scale real-money payments in games using Bitcoin's Lightning Network. The funding supports expansion into console, PC, and mobile platforms with services like card issuance and bank transfers. ZBD holds MiCAR and EMI licenses in Europe and US Money Transmitter Licenses.
Finst Raises €8 Million in Series A for Crypto Platform
Netherlands-based Finst secured €8 million in Series A funding led by Endeit Capital to expand its crypto services. The platform focuses on compliant crypto operations amid growing Web3 payments. This funding bolsters Finst's position in Europe's digital asset market.
2026 Crypto Predictions: Stablecoins to Hit $46T Volume
2026 forecasts predict stablecoins surpassing PayPal and Visa with $46T volume, enabling instant cross-border payments via new rails like QR systems and privacy swaps. Banks will layer tokenized deposits and on-chain bonds over legacy systems for agility. Stablecoin market cap projected to reach $1.2T by 2028.
Tokenized Assets and RWAs to Accelerate in 2026
Real-world asset tokenization will surge, offering DeFi composability and capital efficiency, starting with U.S. Treasuries. Institutions demand privacy via zero-knowledge proofs, with a major bank expected to accept tokenized equities as collateral. Crypto-backed loans to surpass $90B by quarter-end.
Thunes Partners with UnionPay for Instant China Payments
Thunes connected directly to UnionPay's network, enabling near real-time transfers to 79 Chinese banks' debit cards. Payments credit in real-time or within 12 hours without manual declarations or hidden fees. This creates a domestic-like pay-to-card experience for cross-border remittances.
Bitcoin Consolidation and Quantum Security in 2026 Outlook
Bitcoin expected to consolidate with halved volatility and reset leverage; quantum security talks to boost engagement. AI-crypto convergence enables autonomous agents with programmable payments. Public chains like Ethereum become settlement layers via pilots like JPMorgan's tokenized deposits.
Prediction Markets Gain Regulatory Legitimacy
Prediction markets race toward mainstream adoption amid regulatory tussles. RWAs, especially tokenized fixed income, anchor on-chain finance with exponential growth. 2026 shifts crypto from building to commercial scaling with TradFi-DeFi integration.
Eurostars Funding Opens for Canadian Fintech R&D
Eurostars Call 10 offers R&D funding up to $500K CAD via NRC IRAP for Canadian fintech SMEs collaborating with Europe. Targets innovative projects in payments, security, AI, and blockchain beyond routine engineering. Application deadline March 19, 2026.
Fintech Payments Evolve Toward Inclusion in 2026
Payments shift from invisible speed to inclusive access with AI-driven identity, fraud prevention, and Confirmation of Payee. Focus on complex B2B models, nuanced onboarding, and regulatory coherence. Ensures reliable access for legitimate high-complexity businesses.
Institutions Layer Stablecoins Over Legacy Systems
Banks integrate stablecoins, tokenized deposits, and on-chain bonds atop COBOL systems without rewrites. On-chain loan and stablecoin origination cuts costs and boosts accessibility. Driven by GENIUS Act and MiCA regulatory clarity.
ZBD Doubles Game Integrations with Lightning Network
ZBD processes over 120 million transactions yearly, doubling SDK-integrated games like TapNation and Fumb Games. Enables fiat, bitcoin, and gift card rewards with frictionless money movement. Funding accelerates creator economy opportunities like livestream tipping.