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Archive · May 22, 2026

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Story 01

Mercury Raises $200M Series D, Hits $5.2B Valuation to Challenge Digital Banking Rivals

Mercury secured $200 million in Series D funding, boosting its valuation to $5.2 billion—up from $3.5 billion in 2025. The capital injection positions Mercury to expand its product suite and compete more aggressively with other digital banking startups. With fresh funding, Mercury is likely to accelerate customer acquisition and broaden its reach among SMEs and tech-forward businesses. Competitors like Brex and Ramp now face a more formidable challenger in the US digital banking space.

Source: Crunchbase News
Also Worth Knowing
№02

AllUnity to Launch First Swedish Krona-Backed Stablecoin, Targeting Nordic Payments

German fintech AllUnity is preparing to launch the world’s first Swedish krona-backed stablecoin, aiming to carve out a niche in currency-backed digital assets. This move challenges established stablecoins like USDC and PYUSD by offering a local-currency option for Nordic payments and settlements. Merchants and fintechs operating in Sweden gain a new tool for instant, programmable payments, while regulators may scrutinize the impact on monetary policy and AML compliance. The launch could spur other regional stablecoin initiatives across Europe.

Source: Finextra
№03

Centenary Group and Huawei Partner to Expand Rural Banking Access in Uganda

Centenary Group and Huawei have joined forces to deploy AI and digital infrastructure for extending banking services to rural Ugandan communities. The partnership leverages Huawei’s technology to drive financial inclusion, targeting populations underserved by traditional banks. This initiative could set a precedent for similar tech-finance collaborations across Africa, with local banks and telcos watching closely. Success here may prompt further investment in AI-driven financial access solutions on the continent.

Source: Finextra
№04

Polymarket Seeks Regulatory Approval for Japan Launch Amid Rising Interest in Prediction Markets

Polymarket is seeking regulatory authorization to launch its prediction markets platform in Japan, aiming to tap into Asia’s growing appetite for alternative financial products. Entry into Japan would expand Polymarket’s user base and challenge local prediction market operators. Japanese regulators will need to address compliance and consumer protection frameworks for this new asset class. The move signals rising global competition in regulated prediction and event-driven markets.

Source: The Block
№05

EBAday 2026 Fintech Zone Finalists Spotlight Europe’s Next Payments Innovators

EBAday 2026 has named 16 fintech finalists for its Fintech Zone in Copenhagen, highlighting startups pushing the boundaries of payments innovation in Europe. The event offers these companies a platform to pitch to banks, investors, and potential partners, accelerating their path to market. For incumbents and established PSPs, the showcase is a window into emerging competition and partnership opportunities. The finalists’ solutions may shape the next wave of European payments infrastructure.

Source: Finextra
The Long Memory
“The first stablecoin, Tether (USDT), launched in 2014, was originally called Realcoin and aimed to bridge blockchain technology with traditional fiat currencies.

Filed under: Payments History · The Long Memory

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