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Archive · February 1, 2026

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Story 01

Visa and Mastercard Accelerate Stablecoin Adoption Amid Earnings Season

Visa and Mastercard have highlighted their progress in stablecoin settlement during earnings season, indicating a shift from concept to execution. This means payment networks are positioning themselves as leaders in stablecoin integration, potentially setting a new standard for the industry. Expect increased competition among payment networks to adopt stablecoin technology, influencing regulatory discussions and cross-border payment strategies. This development underscores the growing importance of stablecoins in mainstream payments infrastructure.

Source: PYMNTS
Also Worth Knowing
№02

Fipto Becomes Europe's First Dual-Licensed Stablecoin Payment Institution

Fipto has secured both a Payment Institution and a Crypto-Asset Service Provider license from the French AMF, becoming the first European stablecoin payment player to achieve this dual status. This milestone positions Fipto as a leader in the market and may prompt other fintechs to pursue similar licensing, accelerating stablecoin adoption in Europe. As regulatory clarity improves, expect a wave of new entrants in the stablecoin space, challenging traditional payment models. This development highlights the increasing mainstream acceptance of stablecoins.

Source: Finextra
№03

OpenAI Warns of Malicious Links Threatening Agentic AI

OpenAI has issued guidance on the risks of malicious links in autonomous AI systems, highlighting the potential for exploitation as AI agents move beyond conversation into action. This warning affects AI developers and industries deploying agentic AI, as companies providing AI security solutions may gain market power amid increasing demand for protection. Expect increased investment in AI security and potential regulatory scrutiny on AI deployment as the industry grapples with these emerging threats. This underscores the critical need for robust trust and safety measures in the evolving payments landscape.

Source: PYMNTS
№04

Revolut Scraps US Bank Acquisition for Standalone License

Revolut has abandoned its plans to acquire a US bank, opting instead to pursue a standalone banking license in the US. This decision allows Revolut to operate more independently and tailor its offerings to the US market, but it may limit its ability to leverage existing banking infrastructure. Expect increased regulatory scrutiny and potential delays as Revolut navigates the US banking landscape. This move reflects the ongoing trend of fintechs adapting to complex regulatory environments while seeking operational resilience.

Source: Sifted
№05

Nubank Gets Conditional OCC Approval for Charter

Nubank received conditional approval from the OCC for a US banking charter, with plans to capitalize the institution within 12 months. This approval may intensify competition among digital banks as Nubank enters the US market, allowing it to tailor its offerings to local consumers. Expect increased regulatory scrutiny and potential partnerships as Nubank establishes its US presence. This development highlights the growing trend of digital banks expanding into new markets amid evolving regulatory landscapes.

Source: Banking Dive
The Long Memory
“Did you know that the first credit card was made of cardboard? Diners Club introduced it in 1950 after founder Frank McNamara forgot his wallet at a restaurant, revolutionizing the way consumers approached payments.

Filed under: Payments History · The Long Memory

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