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Archive · March 7, 2026

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Story 01

Revolut Files for US Banking License, Intensifying Fintech Competition

Revolut has applied for a US banking license, appointing a former Visa executive as its US CEO, which is part of its strategy to expand financial services in the US market. This move could disrupt traditional banks and fintechs, intensifying competition in the US fintech landscape. Revolut's aggressive expansion may strain resources and divert focus from other markets, while potential regulatory challenges loom as it navigates the US financial landscape.

Source: Finextra
Also Worth Knowing
№02

Mastercard Pilots Agentic Transactions in Malaysia, Leading AI Commerce Innovation

Mastercard completed a pilot for authenticated agentic transactions in Malaysia, marking a significant advancement in AI-powered commerce. This positions Mastercard as a leader in agentic commerce innovation, potentially setting a precedent for global adoption. However, cultural and regulatory differences may pose challenges to scaling agentic transactions globally, influencing regional and global payment ecosystems.

Source: Finextra
№03

Florida Passes First State-Level Stablecoin Bill, Setting Regulatory Precedent

Florida passed Senate Bill 314, providing a framework for payment stablecoin issuers, aligning with federal GENIUS Act standards. This sets a precedent for state-level stablecoin regulation, potentially influencing other states to follow suit. While this regulatory clarity may boost stablecoin adoption and innovation within the state, it could also create a fragmented regulatory landscape, complicating compliance for issuers.

Source: The Block
№04

Alchemy Pay Secures 15th Money Transmitter License, Strengthening Crypto-Fiat Operations

Alchemy Pay obtained a Money Transmitter License in Delaware, marking its 15th license in the US, which enhances its ability to operate cryptocurrency and fiat payment services across multiple states. This positions Alchemy Pay as a reliable player in the crypto-fiat payment space, strengthening its regulatory compliance. However, regulatory hurdles in other states may slow down further expansion, impacting its growth trajectory.

Source: PYMNTS
№05

FinTech and Big Finance Fight to Own the Stablecoin Stack, Intensifying Competition

Stablecoins are evolving into a multi-layered infrastructure system, with Visa and Bridge expanding cross-border stablecoin capabilities, while BitGo and SoFi announced new initiatives. This competitive landscape is becoming a battleground for fintechs and traditional finance, each vying for dominance. The rapid evolution of stablecoins may outpace regulatory frameworks, leading to potential compliance challenges and increased regulatory attention.

Source: PYMNTS
The Long Memory
“Did you know that in 1973, the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) was founded, revolutionizing international payments by providing a standardized platform for financial institutions to securely exchange electronic messages about financial transactions? This innovation significantly enhanced the efficiency and security of cross-border payments globally.

Filed under: Payments History · The Long Memory

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