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Archive · January 17, 2026

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The Lead

Story 01

Mastercard, Visa and Revolut Lose UK Legal Challenge Over Card Fee Cap Plans

Mastercard, Visa, and Revolut lost a legal challenge against the UK's Payment Systems Regulator, which decided to cap interchange fees on cross-border online payments. This ruling affects these companies and may benefit merchants and consumers by reducing fees, while potentially increasing competition among payment processors. Expect other jurisdictions to consider similar fee caps, potentially leading to global regulatory shifts. Payment processors may need to adjust their business models to maintain profitability.

Source: Finextra
Also Worth Knowing
№02

FCA Opens Applications for Stablecoin Sprint

The UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is inviting fintechs, banks, and stakeholders to apply for a 'stablecoin sprint' to help shape policy and set standards for stablecoin payments. This initiative affects fintech companies and the UK payments ecosystem, potentially positioning the UK as a leader in stablecoin regulation. Successful policy development could lead to increased stablecoin adoption in the UK and influence global regulatory frameworks.

Source: Finextra
№03

FTC Asks Court to Hold Payment Processor Cliq in Contempt

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has asked a federal court to hold payment processor Cliq and two executives in contempt for allegedly violating a 2015 court order. This case affects Cliq and its clients, highlighting the importance of compliance in the payments industry. Expect heightened regulatory enforcement and potential changes in compliance practices across the industry.

Source: Finextra
№04

Ripple Pumps Funds into LMAX

Ripple invested in LMAX Group to accelerate the fusion of traditional and digital capital markets. This investment affects Ripple, LMAX, and their clients, strengthening Ripple's position in digital asset markets. Expect more investments in bridging traditional and digital finance, potentially reshaping capital markets.

Source: Finextra
№05

Global Crypto Card Payment Volume Reaches $1.5 Billion Per Month

Global crypto card payment volume has surged to $1.5 billion per month, significantly increasing from $100 million per month in January 2023. This growth affects crypto card issuers and merchants accepting crypto payments, challenging traditional payment networks to integrate crypto solutions. Expect more financial institutions to enter the crypto payments space. Regulatory scrutiny may increase as crypto payments become more prevalent.

Source: PYMNTS
The Long Memory
“Did you know that global crypto card payment volume has surged to $1.5 billion per month, up from just $100 million in January 2023?

Source: PYMNTS ↗