Latest FinTech & Blockchain News
XRP Becomes Spendable at 5 Million Merchants via Rakuten Wallet
Starting April 15, 2026, Rakuten Wallet supports XRP as a payment method, allowing users to convert Rakuten Points into XRP for spending via Rakuten Pay. This integrates XRP into a platform with 44 million active users and 5 million+ merchants, plus 3+ trillion loyalty points worth $23 billion.
The move brings XRP closer to real-world everyday transactions in Japan.
HSBC Pilots Tokenised Deposit Settlements on Canton Network
HSBC simulated issuance, transfer, and atomic settlement of its Tokenised Deposit Service (TDS) on the public Canton Network blockchain. TDS converts fiat deposits into 1:1 digital tokens for instant transfers and 24/7 settlement, enhancing liquidity management.
The pilot explores interoperability with other settlement rails for delivery-versus-payment across assets.
China Urges Banks to Integrate Blockchain for Tax-Bank Interaction
China's State Administration of Taxation and NFRA encourage blockchain use to standardize data sharing between tax agencies, banks, and businesses, reducing information asymmetry for SME lending. This aligns with national strategy post-Xi Jinping's 2019 push, embedding blockchain in digital infrastructure.
A January 2025 roadmap targets massive blockchain-powered data networks with $58 billion annual investment.
Sweden Warns of Digital Bank Collapse Risks Amid FinTech Reliance
Swedish authorities caution citizens against full reliance on digital banks and electronic money, urging physical cash reserves due to potential system failures. As a leader in electronic financial services, Sweden highlights vulnerabilities in advancing digitalization.
This contrasts with global FinTech trends toward cashless economies.
Malware Campaign Exploits Public Blockchains for Undeletion-Resistant Delivery
A new malware called Omnistealer uses public blockchains as a persistent delivery layer that resists deletion. This highlights emerging cybersecurity threats in blockchain ecosystems.
The campaign was noted in blockchain headlines for April 14, 2026.
StarkWare Advances Blockchain Scalability with Latest Developments
StarkWare features prominently in blockchain updates, focusing on scaling solutions amid growing adoption. Details include enhancements for efficient transaction processing on public networks.
This contributes to broader blockchain infrastructure improvements.
Lubit Emerges as Key Player in Blockchain Innovations
Lubit is highlighted in today's blockchain news for potential breakthroughs in protocol or application layers. It ties into ongoing efforts to enhance blockchain usability and security.
Further details expected as the project develops.
Bybit Reports Major Updates in Crypto Trading and FinTech Services
Bybit announces enhancements in trading features and blockchain integrations for users. This positions the exchange as a leader in FinTech accessibility.
Updates align with market demands for faster, secure crypto operations.
Rakuten Ecosystem Unlocks $23 Billion in Points for XRP Conversion
Rakuten's 3+ trillion loyalty points, valued at $23 billion, can now convert to XRP, creating massive demand potential. With 100 million+ global members and 5.6 trillion yen in e-commerce volume, this boosts XRP utility.
Rakuten Pay's 44 million users gain seamless crypto spending options.
Canton Network Enables First Public Blockchain Use of HSBC Tokenised Deposits
HSBC's pilot marks the inaugural use of its TDS on a public blockchain like Canton, developed by Digital Asset. Conducted via Global Payments Solutions, it tests atomic settlements against digital assets.
Manish Kohli emphasizes scalable, interoperable tokenisation for efficient money movement.
China's Blockchain Data Infrastructure Targets $58 Billion Investment
National Data Administration projects 400 billion yuan ($58 billion) annual investment in blockchain-powered data networks. This follows 2025 guidelines for massive national data infrastructure.
It underscores blockchain as core to economic modernization despite crypto bans.
Global Banks Accelerate Tokenised Deposits Following HSBC and Lloyds Pilots
HSBC's Canton pilot follows Lloyds Bank's UK-first public blockchain tokenised sterling deposit transaction in January. Both used Canton for purchasing tokenised assets like gilts.
Trend signals tokenisation's rise in institutional finance for real-time settlements.