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Archive · April 18, 2026

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Story 01

Tether Launches Multi-Asset Stablecoin Wallet to Broaden Everyday Crypto Payments

Tether has introduced a wallet supporting digital dollars, tokenized gold, and bitcoin transfers across multiple blockchains. By enabling users to manage and transact with several asset types in one app, Tether aims to drive mainstream adoption of stablecoins for daily payments. Payment processors and wallet providers must now consider adding multi-asset, cross-chain support to remain competitive as consumer expectations shift toward unified digital asset management.

Source: Finextra
Also Worth Knowing
№02

Kraken Acquires Bitnomial to Expand Crypto Derivatives Reach

Kraken has agreed to acquire derivatives platform Bitnomial, though the acquisition price was not disclosed in the official announcement. The deal will expand Kraken’s regulated derivatives offerings in the U.S., positioning it to compete more directly with Coinbase and Binance for institutional and active trader business. Competing exchanges may respond by seeking their own acquisitions or accelerating new product launches.

Source: Banking Dive
№03

France Pushes for Euro Stablecoins to Challenge Dollar Dominance in Payments

France’s finance minister has called on European banks to develop euro-based stablecoins, aiming to reduce reliance on dollar-backed digital assets and non-European payment providers. This initiative could prompt a wave of euro-pegged stablecoin launches and regulatory adjustments across the Eurozone. U.S. stablecoin issuers like Tether and Circle may face increased competition from European banks and fintechs if local solutions gain traction.

Source: PYMNTS
№04

Circle Debuts USDC Bridge to Enable Native Cross-Chain Stablecoin Transfers

Circle has launched the USDC Bridge, enabling users to transfer USDC natively across multiple blockchains without relying on third-party bridges. This development simplifies cross-chain payments and increases USDC’s appeal for merchants and platforms seeking seamless stablecoin acceptance. Competing stablecoins and payment networks may need to enhance their own interoperability to keep pace with Circle’s offering.

Source: The Block
№05

Ebanx Expands Cross-Border Payments Network Into Southeast Asia and Turkey

Ebanx has entered Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Turkey, extending its cross-border payments network beyond Latin America. This move increases competition for local payment service providers and global firms like Stripe and Adyen in high-growth markets. Merchants targeting these regions now have more options for localized payment acceptance and settlement.

Source: Finextra
The Long Memory
“In 2011, Kenya’s M-Pesa processed more transactions domestically than the country’s entire banking sector, illustrating the transformative impact of mobile money on financial inclusion.

Filed under: Payments History · The Long Memory

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