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Live · Today’s Edition · April 22, 2026

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Story 01

US House Bill Seeks to Grant Fintechs Direct Access to Fed Payment Rails

US lawmakers introduced a new bill allowing fintech firms direct access to Federal Reserve payment rails, a privilege currently reserved for traditional banks. Fintechs could bypass bank intermediaries, reducing costs and speeding up settlement, while banks risk losing their gatekeeper role in payments. The bill's progress will likely spark intensified lobbying from both banks and fintechs as regulatory debate heats up.

Source: Banking Dive
Also Worth Knowing
№02

Paysafe Expands Digital Wallets to 18 European Markets, Challenging Incumbents

Paysafe rolled out its digital wallet services across 18 European countries, broadening access for consumers and businesses. Established players like PayPal and Apple Pay now face direct competition, prompting them to accelerate wallet launches and seek new merchant partnerships to defend market share. Merchants and platforms may benefit from improved wallet features and more competitive pricing as the landscape shifts.

Source: PYMNTS
№03

Russia Advances Crypto Bill to Enable Foreign Trade Settlements

Russia's parliament passed a crypto bill in its first reading, permitting the use of cryptocurrencies for foreign trade settlements while maintaining a ban on domestic crypto payments. Russian exporters and importers gain new options for cross-border transactions, potentially sidestepping traditional banking rails and sanctions. Policymakers in other countries may watch Russia's approach as they consider their own crypto trade frameworks.

Source: The Block
№04

Bitcoin Surges Past $78,000 as ETF Inflows and Short Squeezes Drive Recovery

Bitcoin's price climbed above $78,000, fueled by strong ETF inflows and a wave of short squeezes, signaling renewed investor confidence. Crypto exchanges and institutional investors see higher trading volumes and increased market activity. Asset managers may launch new crypto investment products targeting institutional capital, while regulators increase scrutiny of trading practices amid heightened volatility.

Source: The Block
№05

Stratiphy Launches Platform for Crypto in UK ISAs, Reopening Tax-Advantaged Access

Stratiphy's launch enables UK investors to hold crypto ETNs and Innovative Finance ISAs, restoring crypto access to tax-advantaged accounts. This move could drive a new wave of retail crypto investment and push competitors like Hargreaves Lansdown and AJ Bell to revisit their own ISA offerings. HMRC and the FCA may increase oversight of crypto in tax-advantaged wrappers as adoption grows.

Source: Financial Times
The Long Memory
“Despite the rapid rise of digital wallets, over 60% of Europeans still use cash for at least one transaction per week, according to ECB data.

Filed under: Payments History · The Long Memory

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