Latest FinTech & Blockchain News
Global Fintech Investment Surges Over 20% in 2025
KPMG's Pulse of Fintech H2 2025 reports global fintech investment hit $116B in 2025, up from $95.5B in 2024, with total deals increasing significantly. This growth signals renewed investor confidence amid AI and embedded finance trends.
The report was released on February 18, 2026.
Unit21 Warns Banks: Adopt AI or Lose to Fraudsters
Unit21 founder urges banks to deploy AI against rising fraud, noting fraudsters already use it effectively. Their AI Agent reviewed over 300,000 alerts with 99% accuracy, cutting alerts by 72% for Underdog Fantasy and 57% for Nexo.
Over 40% of Unit21’s R&D focuses on AI, with strong bank adoption despite initial expectations.
Mexican Fintech Plata Becomes Fully Licensed Digital Bank
Plata secured final banking license from CNBV after applying in 2022, serving over 2.5M customers with credit products. Backed by major investors, it raised $410M in 2025, valuing it at $3.1B, aiming to redefine Mexican banking.
Plans include expanding offerings to boost digital inclusion.
Ledn Pioneers Bitcoin-Backed Loan Securitization in ABS Market
Crypto lender Ledn completed the first securitization of Bitcoin-collateralized loans into asset-backed securities. This milestone opens traditional finance to crypto lending assets.
It marks a key step in bridging crypto and institutional investment.
Ethereum Favored Over Bitcoin for 2026 Investments
Analysts pick Ethereum over Bitcoin due to upcoming upgrades like The Verge, Purge, and Splurge enhancing scalability. Ethereum leads as top developer blockchain with 32,000 active developers; Bitcoin faces digital gold reputation challenges.
Both lost 30% value amid high yields and outflows.
Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple Prices Surge Amid Mixed Signals
BTC, ETH, XRP rebound from supports near $65,700 for BTC, influenced by ETF outflows of $403.9M and Fed policy uncertainty. Institutional demand weak but corporate BTC accumulation continues; recovery hinges on inflows.
Geopolitical tensions and inflation data key to direction.
Binance Dominates CEX Stablecoin Reserves at 65%
Binance holds $47.5B in USDT/USDC, 65% of tracked CEX stablecoins, as outflows slow to $2B monthly. Pattern suggests capital consolidation, bullish if reserves grow or shift to risk assets.
USDT heavily skewed over USDC.
AI-Powered Embedded Finance Transforms Everyday Platforms
Fintech and AI drive embedded finance, turning platforms into integrated financial ecosystems. This rise integrates payments and services seamlessly into apps.
It enhances user experience through intelligent automation.
X's Smart Cashtags Enhance Market Data, No Trade Execution
X introduces Smart Cashtags for ticker data in timelines, fueling trading rumors but clarifies no brokerage role. Feature routes to external partners for execution, boosting asset discovery.
Points to deeper financial integration on the platform.
Philippines Eyes Signal Block Over Crypto Spoofing
CICC considers restricting Signal amid spoofing complaints in crypto, facing pushback from rights groups. Concerns include harm to legitimate users and censorship precedents.
Involves fabricated conversations and impersonations.
Polymarket 'Jesus Returns' Contract Spikes on Incentive Error
Polymarket's 'Jesus Christ Return by 2027' market surged after $70K incentives mistakenly routed to it. Boosted liquidity and viral attention via sponsored rewards glitch.
Highlights platform's incentive mechanics risks.