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Archive · April 6, 2026

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Story 01

Ant Group Launches Platform for Autonomous AI Agent Crypto Transactions

Ant Group has introduced a platform that enables AI agents to autonomously execute cryptocurrency transactions, moving agent-to-agent commerce from concept to production. The launch marks one of the first large-scale deployments of agentic AI in payments by a major financial technology firm. Crypto exchanges and payment service providers (PSPs) now face a new competitive dynamic as AI-driven flows could bypass traditional interfaces. Chinese regulators are expected to closely examine the risks and controls of autonomous transaction models, while global rivals may accelerate their own AI pilots.

Source: PYMNTS
Also Worth Knowing
№02

42% of CFOs Signal Stablecoin Interest as Corporate Payment Use Cases Expand

A new report finds that 42% of CFOs are interested in using stablecoins for payments, reflecting growing institutional appetite for digital assets. This trend puts pressure on banks and PSPs to integrate stablecoin rails or risk losing corporate treasury flows to fintechs like Circle and Fireblocks, which are gaining traction with programmable settlement and faster onboarding. Stablecoin adoption is poised to accelerate in cross-border and B2B payments, with regulatory clarity now a gating factor for mainstream uptake.

Source: PYMNTS
№03

Visa Expands Tap-to-Phone Payments to Micro-Merchants in Africa

Visa has rolled out tap-to-phone technology across several African markets, enabling micro-merchants to accept contactless payments using only a smartphone. This move lowers hardware barriers for small businesses and could accelerate digital payment adoption in cash-heavy economies. Local banks and fintechs are partnering with Visa to onboard merchants, while mobile money operators may face new competition for everyday transactions.

Source: TechCrunch
№04

Bolt Cuts One-Third of Staff to Double Down on AI-Driven Checkout Solutions

Bolt has laid off about a third of its workforce as it pivots to prioritize AI-powered checkout and payments products. The restructuring aims to sharpen Bolt’s competitive edge but may disrupt current merchant relationships and slow feature delivery in the near term. Competing payment providers could attract Bolt’s displaced talent or clients, while Bolt’s future now depends on rapid AI product execution and new strategic partnerships.

Source: PYMNTS
№05

Monzo Exits US Market, Refocuses on Europe After Securing Banking License

Monzo will shutter its US operations and lay off around 50 staff, redirecting resources to Europe where it recently secured a full banking license. US neobanks and fintechs such as Chime and Varo may see reduced competition and greater customer acquisition opportunities, while European challengers face a more aggressive Monzo with fresh regulatory backing. Monzo is expected to accelerate product launches and partnerships in the UK and EU, prompting other fintechs to reassess their cross-border ambitions.

Source: Banking Dive
The Long Memory
“Despite blockchain’s promise, the World Bank found that in 2023, average remittance costs to Sub-Saharan Africa remained above 8%, far higher than the global average.

Filed under: Payments History · The Long Memory

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