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Archive · May 25, 2026

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Story 01

Italian State-Backed Bank Explores Larger Nexi Stake as CVC Considers €9B Bid

Cassa Depositi e Prestiti is reportedly considering increasing its stake in Nexi, while CVC Capital Partners weighs a potential €9 billion acquisition. The prospect of greater state ownership could make Nexi less attractive to private equity buyers and reinforce its position in European payments consolidation. Regulatory authorities are likely to examine the implications of increased state influence on competition and market dynamics.

Source: Financial Times
Also Worth Knowing
№02

Tether and Georgian Government Partner to Launch GELT Stablecoin for Cross-Border Payments

Tether will issue GELT, a stablecoin backed by the Georgian lari, in partnership with Georgia’s government to support cross-border commerce. By collaborating directly with a national government, Tether aims to establish regulatory credibility as stablecoin oversight increases in the US and EU. Competing stablecoin issuers and banks must now respond to Tether’s move into government-backed digital currency initiatives.

Source: The Block
№03

Stablecoin Settlement Pressures Payment Service Providers to Accelerate Integration

Payment service providers are being urged to integrate stablecoin settlement as it becomes a core component of payment infrastructure. Those slow to adopt risk losing business to rivals already piloting stablecoin-based B2B and cross-border flows. PSPs must now prioritize onboarding stablecoin rails and deepen regulatory engagement to maintain relevance.

Source: Finextra
№04

Primer Raises $100M Series C to Expand Platform and Challenge Stripe, Adyen on Pricing and Features

Primer’s $100 million Series C will fund new product features and potential acquisitions, enabling it to compete with Stripe and Adyen through aggressive pricing and expanded platform capabilities. Merchants and fintechs may benefit from greater choice and negotiating power as Primer ramps up its offerings.

Source: Sifted
№05

Visa and Mastercard Face New UK Probe Over Cross-Border Card Fees

The UK’s Payment Systems Regulator has launched a formal investigation into cross-border interchange fees charged by Visa and Mastercard. The probe will assess whether fee increases since Brexit are justified and if they harm UK merchants. Card networks could face regulatory action or mandated fee reductions depending on the findings.

Source: Reuters
The Long Memory
“The first credit card transaction took place in 1950 at a New York City restaurant, launching the Diners Club card and the modern card payments era.

Filed under: Payments History · The Long Memory

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