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Archive · May 24, 2026

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Story 01

ECB Warns EU Ministers That Looser Stablecoin Rules Threaten Bank Funding

ECB President Christine Lagarde cautioned EU finance ministers that relaxing stablecoin regulations could undermine bank funding stability. Stricter oversight may limit stablecoin adoption by fintechs and crypto platforms operating in the EU. Fintechs relying on euro-denominated stablecoins now face higher compliance hurdles and slower rollout timelines. Lobbying efforts and potential regulatory amendments are expected as MiCA enforcement ramps up.

Source: The Block
Also Worth Knowing
№02

Ripple and North Island Ventures Lead $6M Funding for Cross-Chain Startup Squid

Ripple and North Island Ventures invested $6 million in Squid, a platform focused on simplifying cross-chain crypto asset management. The funding positions Squid to accelerate product development and challenge established cross-chain solutions. Competing platforms may see increased pressure to improve interoperability and user experience. Squid’s upcoming launch will test demand for unified crypto management tools among institutional and retail users.

Source: The Block
№03

Mastercard Seeks Cost-Sharing From Brazilian Processors After Banco Master Collapse

Mastercard is pressing Brazilian payment processors to absorb part of the $997 million losses tied to Banco Master’s failure. This demand could strain processor-scheme relationships and alter future risk-sharing agreements in Brazil’s payments ecosystem. Local processors now face unexpected financial exposure and may renegotiate contract terms or seek regulatory intervention. The episode spotlights the fragility of risk allocation in emerging market payment networks.

Source: PYMNTS
№04

TBC Georgia Integrates Crypto Trading Directly Into Its Digital Banking App

TBC Georgia has added cryptocurrency trading to its digital banking app, expanding beyond traditional banking services. This move gives customers direct access to crypto markets and sets a new competitive bar for Georgian banks. Rival banks may need to accelerate digital asset integrations or risk losing tech-savvy customers. Regulatory scrutiny is likely as crypto adoption grows within mainstream banking channels.

Source: Finextra
№05

Raqami Becomes Pakistan’s First Fully Digital Shariah-Compliant Retail Bank

Raqami Islamic Digital Bank secured a Digital Retail Banking License from the State Bank of Pakistan, marking the country’s first fully digital Shariah-compliant retail bank. Raqami’s launch challenges incumbent banks to upgrade digital offerings and target underserved segments. The move could accelerate digital banking adoption and reshape competitive dynamics in Pakistan’s financial sector. Incumbents may respond with new digital products or partnerships to defend market share.

Source: Finextra
The Long Memory
“The first U.S. ATM to use a debit card debuted in California in 1985, surprising many with its self-service banking innovation.

Filed under: Payments History · The Long Memory

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