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Archive · January 13, 2026

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Story 01

BNY Mellon Initiates Strategy to Tokenize Institutional Cash Deposits

BNY Mellon is launching a strategy to tokenize institutional cash deposits, aiming for real-time on-chain settlement. This move could redefine how institutional deposits are managed, increasing efficiency and transparency in the banking sector. BNY Mellon stands to gain a first-mover advantage, while traditional banks may struggle to keep pace with this innovation. Watch for other financial institutions to explore similar tokenization strategies as the industry evolves.

Also Worth Knowing
02

Citi Links Regulation and Reality in the Next Phase of Digital Assets

Citi is examining the practical changes in digital asset innovation as it moves beyond blockchain mechanics to real-world applications. This focus on regulation positions Citi as a potential leader in compliant digital asset solutions, influencing industry standards. Digital asset innovators and compliant fintechs may benefit, while those unable to adapt could face challenges. Increased regulatory clarity could accelerate adoption and innovation in the digital asset space.

Source: PYMNTS
03

Senate Unveils Updated Market Structure Bill Limiting Stablecoin Rewards

A new Senate bill seeks to bar digital asset providers from paying interest on idle stablecoin holdings, allowing only activity-based rewards. This legislation could reshape stablecoin market dynamics, impacting how providers structure rewards and potentially reducing market liquidity. Regulatory bodies may benefit from increased control, while stablecoin holders and providers relying on interest-based rewards could face significant losses. This reflects the ongoing trend of heightened regulatory scrutiny in the stablecoin market.

Source: The Block
04

Microsoft Turns Retail Into an AI Agent Test Bed

Microsoft is leveraging retail as a test bed for agentic AI, focusing on workflows and workforce integration. This initiative could set new standards for AI integration in retail, enhancing operational efficiency for participating retailers. Competitors may feel pressured to adopt similar AI strategies to remain competitive. However, resistance due to privacy concerns and workforce displacement fears could pose challenges to widespread adoption.

Source: PYMNTS
05

Stablecoin Platform Rain Raises $250M, Valued at $1.95 Billion

Rain, a stablecoin infrastructure platform, has raised $250 million in a Series C funding round, bringing its valuation to $1.95 billion. This significant capital infusion positions Rain as a major player in the stablecoin infrastructure space, likely driving further innovation and adoption. Competing stablecoin platforms without similar funding may struggle to keep up. However, regulatory challenges could hinder the broader adoption of stablecoins and their infrastructure.

Source: Finextra
The Long Memory
Did you know that BNY Mellon is one of the first major banks to explore tokenizing cash deposits, potentially revolutionizing how institutional funds are managed?

Source: Finextra