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Archive · March 12, 2026

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Story 01

Revolut Secures Full UK Banking Licence, Pressuring Incumbents to Innovate

Revolut has secured a full UK banking licence after a four-year application process, allowing it to offer a broader range of financial services, including loans, mortgages, and credit cards in the UK. This means increased competition in the UK banking sector, potentially leading to better services and lower fees for consumers. Incumbent banks must now innovate to retain their market share as fintechs like Revolut expand their offerings. Watch for how traditional banks respond to this new competitive landscape.

Source: Finextra
Also Worth Knowing
№02

Mastercard's New Crypto Partner Programme Strengthens Its Market Position

Mastercard has launched a new crypto partner programme, signing up 85 partners, including PayPal, Ripple, and SoFi, to expand its footprint in the digital currency space. This initiative strengthens Mastercard's position in the crypto payments ecosystem and challenges Visa's dominance. Increased adoption of crypto payments could accelerate regulatory scrutiny and innovation in digital currency infrastructure, forcing competitors to adapt quickly. The success of this programme will hinge on regulatory environments and consumer adoption rates.

Source: Finextra
№03

Amazon Injunction Signals Challenges for AI Shopping Agents in E-Commerce

A federal judge issued an injunction blocking Perplexity from using AI shopping agents to access Amazon's site, impacting the future of agentic commerce. This ruling sets a precedent for how AI agents interact with e-commerce platforms, potentially stifling innovation in this space. Companies developing AI shopping agents must now navigate increased scrutiny and potential regulation, which could slow down deployment and development efforts. Expect a push for clearer regulations and standards for AI commerce.

Source: PYMNTS
№04

Ontop Partners with BVNK to Integrate Stablecoins into Payroll Solutions

Ontop has partnered with BVNK to launch embedded USD stablecoin accounts for international payroll customers, enhancing its global payment solutions. This positions Ontop as a leader in integrating stablecoins into payroll solutions, which could drive increased adoption of stablecoins in financial services. The success of this initiative will depend on regulatory acceptance and market demand, as businesses seek innovative payroll solutions. Watch for how this partnership influences the broader payroll and payment landscape.

Source: Finextra
№05

SEC and CFTC Collaboration on Crypto Policy Promises Regulatory Clarity

The SEC and CFTC have agreed to collaborate on crypto regulation and the introduction of new digital asset products, fostering innovation in the sector. This collaboration could lead to clearer regulatory frameworks, attracting more institutional participation in the digital asset market. However, balancing innovation with effective regulation remains a challenge to protect consumers. Expect this partnership to influence the regulatory landscape significantly as it evolves.

Source: The Block
The Long Memory
“Did you know that the first mobile payment system was launched in 1997 in Finland? Known as 'MobilePay,' it allowed users to send money via SMS, foreshadowing the mobile payment revolution that has transformed how we conduct transactions today.

Filed under: Payments History · The Long Memory

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