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Archive · August 24, 2025

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The Lead

Story 01

Visa Ends Open Banking Unit in US, Shifts Focus to Europe and Latin America

Visa has shuttered its open banking operations in the U.S. due to regulatory challenges and banks' new fees on data access. This strategic pivot to focus on more regulatory-friendly markets like Europe and Latin America could reshape how U.S. financial institutions and fintechs approach open banking solutions.

Also Worth Knowing
02

Australia Demands Binance Audit Amid AML Compliance Concerns

In a significant regulatory move, Australia's Austrac has ordered an external audit of Binance's local operations over anti-money laundering compliance issues. This action reflects the global trend of increasing scrutiny on cryptocurrency exchanges, potentially affecting their operational freedom.

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03

Square Launches $10K Grants for Small Businesses to Foster Growth

Square has introduced the Cornerstone Grant Program, offering $10,000 and mentorship to selected small businesses. This initiative underscores Square's commitment to supporting small business resilience during economic fluctuations, potentially boosting local economies.

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04

Meta Partners with Google Cloud in $10 Billion AI Expansion Deal

Meta has inked a massive $10 billion agreement with Google Cloud to enhance its AI capabilities. This partnership is set to significantly boost Meta's tech infrastructure, accelerating AI integration in its services and potentially setting new industry standards in technological innovation.

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05

Thailand Pilots Crypto-to-Baht Conversion to Attract Tourists

Thailand is testing a new scheme allowing tourists to convert cryptocurrencies to baht for local payments. This innovative approach aims to capitalize on the popularity of digital currencies among travelers, potentially boosting the country's tourism industry.

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The Long Memory
NASA and Google are collaborating on an AI-powered medical assistant for astronauts, aiming to revolutionize healthcare in space.

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