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Archive · July 27, 2026

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Story 01

Nium Acquires Cypher to Build Stablecoin Rails for Cross-Border Payments

Nium has acquired Cypher, aiming to integrate stablecoin capabilities into its cross-border payments platform. This move positions Nium to compete directly with established players like Circle and PayPal in the digital currency settlement space. Payment processors and banks now face a new challenger offering faster, lower-cost cross-border transactions via stablecoins. Nium’s acquisition signals its intent to expand digital currency settlement options as regulatory frameworks evolve.

Source: Banking Dive
Also Worth Knowing
№02

BitMart Closure Highlights Crypto Exchange Shakeout and Market Volatility

BitMart has shut down operations, marking the second major crypto exchange closure in three days amid ongoing market instability. The exit underscores the mounting challenges for smaller exchanges as compliance costs and competitive pressures rise. Larger exchanges such as Binance and Coinbase may absorb displaced users, while smaller regional platforms could face heightened risk of closure or acquisition as regulatory scrutiny intensifies.

Source: PYMNTS
№03

Chime Adds Commission-Free Stock and ETF Trading to Broaden User Appeal

Chime has launched a new investment feature, enabling users to buy stocks and ETFs commission-free within its app. This expansion moves Chime beyond basic banking, putting it in direct competition with fintechs like Robinhood and SoFi for retail investment flows. Incumbent brokers and neobanks now face a more crowded field as Chime leverages its large user base to cross-sell investment products. The next phase will test whether Chime can drive meaningful engagement and wallet share in retail investing.

Source: Banking Dive
№04

Mollie Commits €350 Million to Expand European Payments Footprint

Mollie has announced a €350 million investment to accelerate its expansion across Europe, aiming to become a top-tier payment service provider. This capital injection will fund new product development and market entry, intensifying competition with Adyen, Stripe, and Checkout.com. European merchants gain more choice, while smaller PSPs may face acquisition offers or pressure to merge as Mollie and larger rivals expand their reach.

Source: Sifted
№05

Visa and Western Union Expand Real-Time Cross-Border Payouts

Visa and Western Union have expanded their partnership to enable real-time cross-border payouts to eligible cards and accounts in 40 countries. This collaboration aims to streamline remittances and business payments, offering faster settlement and improved transparency for senders and recipients. Banks and money transfer operators may need to accelerate their own real-time capabilities to remain competitive as global payout expectations rise.

Source: Finextra
The Long Memory
“In the Philippines, over 40% of adults receive remittances via mobile wallets, making the country a global leader in mobile-based cross-border payments adoption.

Filed under: Payments History · The Long Memory

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