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Archive · January 21, 2026

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Story 01

Hong Kong to Issue First Stablecoin Licenses in Q1, Boosting Regulatory Support

Hong Kong plans to issue its first batch of stablecoin licenses in Q1, signaling regulatory support for stablecoins as part of its financial infrastructure. This move positions Hong Kong as a leading hub for stablecoin innovation, attracting fintech investments and impacting stablecoin issuers and financial regulators. The potential for increased cross-border stablecoin transactions could integrate these digital assets into traditional financial systems, challenging legacy payment models.

Source: The Block
Also Worth Knowing
№02

Digital Bank Users Ready to Move 35% of Payments Off Cards to Direct Bank Payments

A report by PYMNTS Intelligence and Trustly reveals that digital bank users in the U.S. are increasingly willing to shift 35% of their payments away from traditional cards to direct bank payments, driven by the growing visibility and adoption of 'Pay by Bank' solutions. This trend challenges traditional card networks while benefiting fintechs offering direct bank payment solutions, indicating a significant shift in consumer preferences towards seamless payment experiences. Expect increased competition among payment processors to integrate these options.

Source: PYMNTS
№03

Zepz Acquires Pomelo International to Expand Beyond Remittances

London-based Zepz has acquired Pomelo International, a credit-building remittance app, to diversify its offerings beyond traditional remittances. This acquisition enhances Zepz's market position and challenges traditional remittance models, impacting fintech competitors and consumers seeking credit-building solutions. The move aligns with the trend of fintech consolidation, suggesting potential for increased M&A activity in the sector as companies seek to expand service offerings.

Source: Finextra
№04

AI-Powered Trading Solution Launched by Nansen, Disrupting Traditional Platforms

Nansen has introduced an AI-driven trading solution, enabling onchain execution across Solana and Base via its apps, marking a shift from pure analytics. This launch potentially disrupts traditional trading platforms and analytics providers, impacting crypto traders and blockchain platforms. The effectiveness of AI trading solutions will depend on market conditions and user trust, indicating a transformative role for AI in financial markets.

Source: The Block
№05

Fifth Third's New Banking App Drives Engagement and Record Income

Fifth Third Bancorp's new banking app has significantly boosted customer engagement and originations, contributing to record net interest income. This development pressures other banks to innovate their digital offerings, impacting traditional banks and fintech competitors. As digital banking becomes central to consumer financial interactions, expect increased investment in digital banking tools and apps to enhance customer engagement.

Source: PYMNTS
The Long Memory
“Did you know that Bitcoin and ether ETFs experienced $713 million in outflows recently, indicating a temporary derisking by institutional investors?

Source: The Block ↗