Latest FinTech & Blockchain News
Banks Oppose Fed Plan for Crypto Firms' Access to Payment Systems
Leading US bank groups urged the Federal Reserve on February 9, 2026, to restrict fintech and crypto firms' access to FedNow and FedWire, citing risks and lack of supervision. The plan limits balances and excludes FedACH, sparking a power struggle over payment infrastructure control.
Crypto firms like Circle push for broader access to reduce bank dependency.
Robinhood Advances into Crypto Staking and Tokenized Assets
Robinhood is expanding with staking services, tokenized stocks, and onchain infrastructure, signaling mainstream fintech integration of blockchain tech. Regulatory clarity on proof-of-stake enables compliant offerings, boosting user access to yields.
This marks crypto's evolution from speculation to essential financial infrastructure.
Bitcoin Dips Below $67K Amid Market Turmoil
Bitcoin fell 2.6% to $67,126 on February 11, 2026, with Ethereum down 2.7% and other altcoins declining amid economic uncertainty. Delayed US jobs data and upcoming CPI fuel caution, despite expected Fed rate holds.
Arkham shuts its crypto exchange due to lower trading revenue.
Hong Kong SFC Expands Digital Asset Trading and Financing
SFC extended VA services to margin financing for brokers and leveraged products for professional investors under the ASPIRe Roadmap. VATPs can develop perpetual contracts with safeguards, and affiliates may act as market makers.
This aims to scale Hong Kong's digital asset market sustainably.
Binance Pay Rolls Out Crypto Payments for 650K South African Merchants
Binance partnered with Stitch to enable Binance Pay via QR codes for major retailers like Pick n Pay, converting crypto to ZAR instantly. This boosts crypto utility as everyday payments in Africa's active digital finance market.
It lowers barriers to mainstream adoption through existing infrastructure.
Fintechs Push US Fed for Direct Payment Rail Access
A coalition pressures the Fed to grant non-banks master accounts, bypassing partner banks amid debanking risks for crypto firms. Direct access would cut costs and enhance stability, following trends in India and Brazil.
Bank lobbies slow US payments innovation.
Klarna Enters Crypto with Stablecoin Launch
Buy-now-pay-later giant Klarna launched a stablecoin, with CEO reversing prior skepticism on digital assets. This move challenges card networks by integrating crypto into payments.
It positions Klarna in the growing stablecoin ecosystem.
SEC 2026 Exams Shift Focus, Omit Explicit Crypto Mentions
SEC's 2026 priorities emphasize core compliance without naming digital assets, but scrutiny persists on fraud and securities issues. Firms must prepare for back-to-basics exams regardless.
Omission sparks speculation but doesn't signal retreat.
CoinEx Joins iFX EXPO Dubai 2026 for Fintech Networking
CoinEx participates in iFX EXPO Dubai (Feb 10-12, 2026) to connect trading, fintech, and crypto ecosystems in MENA. It highlights crypto's integration into modern finance infrastructure.
Focus on partnerships and user-centric trading tools.
Safaricom Launches Zidii Trader for M-Pesa Stock Investing
Safaricom and NSE launched Zidii Trader to enable stock investing via M-Pesa, democratizing access in Kenya. This fintech innovation targets broader retail participation.
Part of regional fintech growth trends.
ONFA Fintech Re-Enables Liquidity Pool Withdrawals
ONFA Fintech unlocked liquidity pool withdrawals on February 11, 2026, as part of system standardization. This enhances DeFi functionality for users.
It supports ongoing blockchain liquidity management.