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Archive · June 22, 2026

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Story 01

Santander Rolls Out AI Tools to 185,000 Employees, Reports Early Business Impact

Santander has deployed AI-powered tools to its entire workforce, reporting measurable improvements in operational efficiency and customer service. The bank’s large-scale adoption of AI sets a new standard for digital transformation among global banks, prompting rivals to accelerate their own technology initiatives to remain competitive.

Source: Finextra
Also Worth Knowing
№02

Toss Bank Partners With Solana to Pilot Blockchain-Based Remittances and Stablecoin Payments

Toss Bank in South Korea is collaborating with Solana to pilot blockchain infrastructure for overseas remittances and stablecoin payments, directly challenging traditional banks and fintechs that rely on legacy payment rails. This initiative shifts competitive dynamics in cross-border payments, as regulated banks experiment with blockchain to improve speed and reduce costs for customers.

Source: The Block
№03

Polymarket Paid Creators to Stage Fake Bets, Undermining Prediction Market Credibility

Polymarket reportedly paid content creators to simulate winning bets, raising concerns about the integrity of prediction markets and eroding user trust. Regulators may increase scrutiny of decentralized betting platforms, while competitors are likely to implement more transparent practices to reassure participants and avoid similar reputational risks.

Source: The Block
№04

Ethereum Layer 2 Taiko Halts Block Production After Exploit, Urges User Withdrawals

Taiko, an Ethereum Layer 2 network, halted block production after a security exploit and advised users to withdraw funds. The incident exposes ongoing vulnerabilities in Layer 2 scaling solutions, prompting developers and investors to demand more rigorous security audits before supporting new projects in this space.

Source: The Block
№05

Santander’s $12.3B Webster Acquisition Clears OCC, Eyes Final Regulatory Hurdles

Santander’s $12.3 billion acquisition of Webster has received approval from the OCC, with decisions from the Federal Reserve and European Central Bank still pending. The deal enables Santander to expand its US presence and operational scale, potentially triggering further consolidation among regional banks as the competitive landscape shifts.

Source: Banking Dive
The Long Memory
“Despite the hype, only about 0.2% of global cross-border remittances currently use blockchain rails, according to World Bank and industry estimates.

Filed under: Payments History · The Long Memory

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