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Archive · February 2, 2026

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Story 01

Nubank's US Charter Approval: A New Challenger in Digital Banking

Nubank has received conditional approval from the OCC for a US banking charter, aiming to enter the US market within 18 months. This move could intensify competition in the US digital banking sector, challenging incumbents with innovative offerings. As Nubank prepares to launch, traditional banks must enhance their digital services to retain customers. This expansion reflects the trend of international fintechs targeting the lucrative US market, potentially accelerating digital transformation across the industry.

Source: Banking Dive
Also Worth Knowing
№02

Starling Bank's US Expansion: Selling Software to Banks

Starling Bank plans to expand into the US by selling its software to mid-tier banks and credit unions, marking a shift from retail banking to B2B solutions. This move could enhance Starling's market power and challenge existing software providers in the US fintech space. As Starling enters this competitive landscape, US banks may need to innovate their offerings to keep pace. This aligns with the trend of fintechs diversifying revenue streams by entering new markets and offering B2B services.

Source: Financial Times
№03

Stablecoin Wars: Wall Street vs Crypto

The ongoing battle between Wall Street and crypto firms over stablecoin regulations highlights banks' concerns about digital currencies posing risks to financial stability. This conflict could shape the future of stablecoins and their integration into mainstream finance. As regulatory frameworks evolve, banks must adapt or risk losing ground to more agile crypto firms. This reflects the trend of stablecoins moving towards mainstream adoption and the regulatory challenges they face.

Source: Financial Times
№04

PicPay's US IPO: A Credit Strategy Play

Brazilian fintech PicPay has launched its IPO in the US, focusing on credit offerings as a growth engine. This strategic shift could enhance its market visibility and challenge existing credit providers in the US. If successful, PicPay's entry could inspire other Latin American fintechs to pursue similar strategies in the US market. This aligns with the trend of fintechs leveraging public markets to fuel international expansion.

Source: PYMNTS
№05

CrossCurve Bridge Exploited: $3M Loss Undermines DeFi Trust

CrossCurve bridge suffered a $3 million exploit due to a missing validation check, allowing attackers to spoof cross-chain messages. This incident could undermine trust in DeFi platforms, benefiting more secure competitors. As the DeFi space grapples with security challenges, platforms must prioritize robust validation mechanisms to regain user confidence. This highlights ongoing security challenges in DeFi and the need for enhanced security protocols.

Source: The Block
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 how consumers approached payments.

Filed under: Payments History · The Long Memory

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