Skip to content
Archive · December 11, 2025

Five critical payments insights.
Zero noise.
Daily.

The 5-minute briefing for payments professionals who need to know what happened, what it means, and what to do about it — before their 9am.

Trusted by payments operators

Joined by 60+ product, risk, and partnerships leads at networks, issuers, acquirers, and fintechs.

The Lead

Story 01

Bank of England Probes Impact of a Digital Pound on Businesses

The Bank of England is engaging with businesses to gauge the potential impacts of a digital pound on the UK's financial ecosystem. This initiative, part of a broader global shift towards digital currencies, aims to understand both operational and economic consequences. Insights gained could shape the future of digital currency policy in the UK, signaling significant implications for payment systems and financial stability.

Also Worth Knowing
02

EU Tightens Grip on Google Play, Demanding Fairer Competition

The European Union is escalating its enforcement against Google Play's app store policies, pushing for compliance with the Digital Markets Act by early 2026. This move aims to dismantle technical barriers that stifle competition, potentially reshaping app distribution and monetization strategies for developers across Europe. The outcome could influence global app store policies and tech company operations.

Source:
03

Oracle Pledges $15 Billion to Bolster AI Data Centers

Oracle is ramping up its investment in AI infrastructure with a $15 billion commitment to enhance its data centers. This strategic investment is designed to meet the surging demand for AI-driven solutions, positioning Oracle to capitalize on the expanding AI market. The move underscores the growing importance of robust AI capabilities in maintaining competitive advantage in tech.

Source:
04

Capitol Hill Scrutinizes AI's Impact on Financial Markets

The House Financial Services Committee recently debated the dual-edged role of AI in financial markets, highlighting the need for a solid regulatory framework. This discussion reflects the growing reliance on AI technologies and their potential to either stabilize or disrupt financial systems. The outcomes could dictate future regulatory approaches and technology adoption in the sector.

Source:
05

Abu Dhabi Sets Stage for Fintech Innovation with New Digital Hub

Abu Dhabi is launching a new fintech hub focused on digital assets, aiming to become the Middle East's epicenter for digital financial technologies. This initiative seeks to attract top tech firms and innovators, potentially transforming the region into a key player in the global digital economy. The move highlights the strategic importance of fintech innovation in economic diversification plans.

Source:
The Long Memory
Did you know that the first digital currency transaction was for a pizza purchase in 2010? 10,000 bitcoins were used to buy two pizzas, worth about $41 at the time!

Source: