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Archive · February 25, 2026

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Story 01

Payoneer Applies for US National Trust Bank Charter to Boost Stablecoin Business

Payoneer has applied for a US national trust bank charter to enhance its stablecoin business, aiming to bolster its position in the cross-border payments market. This move could challenge traditional banks and accelerate stablecoin adoption, impacting regulatory frameworks and payment solutions. If approved, Payoneer may set a precedent for other fintechs seeking similar charters, intensifying competition in the cross-border payments landscape.

Source: Finextra
Also Worth Knowing
№02

Hong Kong to Issue First Stablecoin Issuer Licenses, Paving Regulatory Path

Hong Kong plans to issue its first stablecoin issuer licenses in March, signaling regulatory progress in the digital asset space. This initiative positions Hong Kong as a regulatory leader and could enhance stablecoin adoption among financial institutions. As stablecoin issuers navigate compliance challenges, expect increased innovation and potential implications for cross-border payments and financial inclusion.

Source: The Block
№03

Marqeta Earnings Highlight BNPL Growth and Embedded Finance Demand

Marqeta's earnings report reveals significant growth in Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and embedded finance demand, with processing volume reaching $109 billion. This growth challenges traditional credit models and underscores the increasing integration of finance into consumer experiences. As competition intensifies, expect regulatory scrutiny on lending practices and innovation in BNPL offerings.

Source: PYMNTS
№04

AI Becomes the Gatekeeper in Payments, Redefining Competitive Dynamics

AI is transitioning from a tool to a gatekeeper in the payments industry, as highlighted in the February 2026 edition of 'The Agentic AI Report.' This shift could redefine competitive dynamics, impacting AI developers, payment processors, and consumers. As reliance on AI systems grows, expect increased investment in AI-driven solutions and potential regulatory focus on ethics and transparency.

Source: PYMNTS
№05

Banks Rethink Fraud Controls Amid Rising False Declines in Transactions

Banks are reevaluating fraud controls as false declines increase, driven by the push for faster payment processes. This trend challenges banks to balance speed and security, impacting payment processors and consumers alike. As banks innovate in fraud detection technologies, expect potential regulatory guidance on best practices to maintain trust and security in the payments ecosystem.

Source: PYMNTS
The Long Memory
“Did you know that the first electronic funds transfer (EFT) system was developed in the 1970s? It allowed banks to transfer money electronically, paving the way for today's digital payment systems and revolutionizing how we handle transactions.

Filed under: Payments History · The Long Memory

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