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Archive · July 14, 2026

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Story 01

Nubank Receives Full Banking License in Mexico, Raising Stakes for Mercado Pago and Revolut

Nubank has secured final approval to operate as a bank in Mexico, allowing it to offer deposits, loans, and full-service accounts. This regulatory milestone enables Nubank to directly compete with established banks and fintechs such as Mercado Pago and Revolut, who now face a digital-first rival with the ability to launch credit products, savings accounts, and integrated payment features. Incumbents may need to enhance digital onboarding, expand credit offerings, or introduce new rewards programs to retain customers.

Source: Finextra
Also Worth Knowing
№02

Kraken Launches Crypto Debit Card in UK and Europe, Expanding Everyday Crypto Payments

Kraken has introduced a Mastercard debit card for users in the UK and Europe, enabling direct spending of cryptocurrencies alongside traditional currencies at retail and online merchants. This move brings crypto payments into mainstream commerce and challenges banks to offer similar digital asset features or risk losing transaction volume to crypto-native providers. Regulatory attention on crypto-to-fiat transactions is expected to increase as adoption grows.

Source: Finextra
№03

Mastercard Considers Selling Vocalink, Potentially Returning UK Payments Infrastructure to Banks

Mastercard is reportedly exploring the sale of Vocalink, the UK payments processor it acquired in 2016, possibly back to the consortium of British banks. If the sale proceeds, UK banks could regain direct control over domestic clearing and settlement infrastructure, reducing Mastercard’s operational role in the region. The potential transaction would require regulatory approval and could prompt other payment networks to reevaluate their UK strategies.

Source: Finextra
№04

Mizuho: Circle Faces Stablecoin Redemptions and New Competition Despite OCC Bank Charter Approval

Mizuho analysts highlight that Circle is experiencing increased redemptions of its USDC stablecoin and faces a new competitor in the market, even as it receives preliminary approval for a US bank charter from the OCC. Rising outflows and new entrants threaten Circle’s share in the institutional stablecoin space, prompting the company to consider new product features or deeper integrations with payment processors to maintain its position.

Source: PYMNTS
№05

London Unveils Plan to Accelerate Tokenization in Wholesale Financial Markets

A new report from London authorities sets out a roadmap to advance tokenization in wholesale financial markets, aiming to attract global financial institutions and boost the UK’s competitiveness. The initiative focuses on enabling institutional adoption of tokenized assets and programmable money, with upcoming regulatory consultations and pilot projects expected as banks and asset managers explore tokenized settlement solutions.

Source: PYMNTS
The Long Memory
“Remittance flows to low- and middle-income countries reached $669 billion in 2023, surpassing foreign direct investment and official development assistance combined, according to the World Bank.

Filed under: Payments History · The Long Memory

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