Latest FinTech & Blockchain News
Kraken Becomes First Crypto Firm with Direct Fed Access
Crypto exchange Kraken gained direct access to the Federal Reserve’s core payments system, a privilege typically for banks, enabling client money movement without banks. The Fed approved a limited-purpose account for one year, signaling integration of crypto into finance despite bank pushback. This addresses long-standing banking challenges for crypto platforms.
SoftBank Seeks $40 Billion Loan for OpenAI Investment
SoftBank is arranging a $40 billion one-year bridge loan with banks like JPMorgan to fund its $30 billion OpenAI investment, atop $34.6 billion already invested. S&P Global shifted SoftBank’s credit outlook to negative due to the deal. This ties into broader AI-FinTech funding trends.
11 Firms Secure OCC Bank Charters in 83 Days for Crypto
Eleven companies, including Circle, Ripple, and Fidelity, obtained OCC national trust bank charters rapidly, accelerating crypto infrastructure. This follows a new federal rule effective April 1, reducing reliance on sponsor banks.
Institutional adoption is surging.
Banks Accumulate 8 Altcoins Ahead of Clarity Act Vote
Banks are stocking Ethereum, Solana, and others betting on Clarity Act passage (74% Polymarket odds, mid-2026 target), unlocking market mandates. Ethereum targets 184% gain to ATH, Solana 332%.
This positions institutions for regulatory clarity.
JPMorgan-Coinbase Partnership Enables Bank-to-Wallet Links
JPMorgan and Coinbase launched direct bank-to-wallet connections for Chase customers, building secure crypto infrastructure. This moves beyond talk to operational integration.
It supports broader institutional flows.
Hong Kong SFC Grants Victory Fintech Crypto License After 8 Months
Hong Kong's SFC approved Victory Fintech's full crypto trading and custody license on Feb 13, 2026, ending an eight-month gap. HKMA expects stablecoin licenses by March 2026.
This rebuilds Asian institutional crypto infrastructure.
Tether and Bitfinex Face Class Action Lawsuit on Price Manipulation
A US court approved class action status on March 6, 2026, alleging Tether issued unbacked USDT in 2017-2019 to manipulate Bitcoin and Ethereum prices. Plaintiffs claim billions in damages from the bubble.
Companies deny accusations; evidence phase next.
Revolut Applies for US National Bank Charter
UK fintech Revolut applied for a US national bank charter, joining crypto and fintech firms seeking direct banking status. This wave aims for greater financial integration.
It highlights expanding fintech ambitions.
Bitcoin Slips Below $70,000 with $329M Liquidations
Bitcoin fell to $67,934 (-3.84%), triggering $329 million in liquidations amid sell-off; Ethereum at $1,976 (-4.74%). Geopolitical and macro pressures cited, despite weekly gains.
Market cap down 3.14% to $2.32T.
SoftBank-Backed PayPay Targets $13.4B Valuation in US IPO
PayPay, backed by SoftBank, eyes up to $13.4 billion valuation for a US IPO. This reflects fintech expansion amid AI and payments growth.
It ties into broader investment trends.
Top Fintech Stocks: Rocket, Kaspi.kz, UP Fintech Surge
Rocket Companies, Kaspi.kz, and UP Fintech led trading volume among fintechs on March 7. They focus on mortgages, payments/marketplace, and online brokerage for Chinese investors.
Highlights sector volatility and growth potential.