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Archive · February 28, 2026

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Story 01

Visa Expands in Argentina with Prisma and Newpay Acquisition

Visa has completed the acquisition of Argentina-based companies Prisma and Newpay to expand its footprint in Latin America. This move strengthens Visa's position in the payments market, increasing competition with other processors and fintechs in the region. This means Visa is positioning itself to capture a growing digital payments market in Argentina, which has seen a surge in fintech innovation. Visa's expansion could lead to increased adoption of digital payments in Argentina, influencing local fintech innovation and partnerships.

Source: PYMNTS
Also Worth Knowing
№02

Jack Dorsey's Block to Lay Off 4,000 Employees Amid AI Shift

Block plans to lay off 40% of its workforce, equating to 4,000 employees, as it pivots towards AI-driven efficiencies. This shift could enhance operational efficiency, setting a precedent for other fintechs to follow, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape. The layoffs may lead to a talent influx in the fintech job market, while other companies may accelerate AI adoption to remain competitive. However, the aggressive AI shift could risk short-term operational disruptions and morale issues within Block.

Source: Finextra
№03

Meta Explores Stablecoin Payments in App Ecosystem

Meta is exploring the integration of stablecoin payments within its app ecosystem, revisiting its digital currency ambitions after the Diem project. This move could disrupt the digital payments landscape, leveraging its vast user base to drive stablecoin adoption. Successful implementation may lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and influence other tech giants to explore similar integrations. However, Meta's past challenges with Diem may hinder regulatory approval and user trust.

Source: Banking Dive
№04

US Regional Banks Build Tokenised Deposit Network

Five regional US banks have collaborated to create a blockchain-based platform for tokenised deposits, aiming to modernize banking infrastructure. This initiative could drive innovation in deposit management, challenging larger banks to adopt similar technologies. Successful implementation may lead to wider adoption of tokenized banking solutions, influencing regulatory approaches. However, tokenization's complexity and regulatory challenges could slow adoption.

Source: Finextra
№05

Tether Blocks $3.5 Billion in Crime-Linked Stablecoins

Tether has frozen $3.5 billion of its stablecoins linked to illicit activities since 2023, highlighting its commitment to compliance and security. This proactive measure may enhance Tether's reputation, setting a standard for compliance in the stablecoin market. Increased regulatory scrutiny on stablecoins could lead to stricter compliance requirements across the crypto industry. While positive for compliance, these actions may impact Tether's user base and liquidity.

Source: PYMNTS
The Long Memory
“Did you know ACH began as a way to replace paper checks in the 1970s, and now it moves trillions electronically each year?

Filed under: Payments History · The Long Memory

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