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Archive · August 14, 2026

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The Lead

Story 01

Figure’s Blockchain Loan Marketplace Surges to $4.3B Quarterly Volume, Challenging Lenders

Figure Technology Solutions’ blockchain-native Consumer Loan Marketplace processed $4.3 billion in Q2, up 132% from the previous quarter. Traditional lenders and fintechs now face direct competition as Figure’s rapid growth demonstrates that blockchain-based origination and settlement can scale in consumer lending. Banks and nonbanks are launching their own blockchain pilots to keep pace with Figure’s momentum.

Source: PYMNTS
Also Worth Knowing
№02

Chime Eyes Stablecoin Wallet Integration, Seeks Blockchain Partners for Consumer App

Chime Financial is actively soliciting proposals from blockchain firms to add stablecoin wallet functionality to its banking app, aiming to become one of the first major US neobanks to embed digital asset rails for everyday users. Chime’s move forces other fintechs and banks to decide whether to match its digital asset integration or risk losing engagement to faster-moving competitors.

Source: PYMNTS
№03

Adyen Integrates Loyalty With Payments as In-Person Volume Jumps 28% in Q2

Adyen reported a 28% year-over-year increase in in-person payment volume, crediting its strategy to tightly link loyalty programs with payments. Merchants using Adyen can now offer integrated rewards at checkout, prompting payment processors like Stripe and Worldpay to accelerate their own loyalty and commerce media integrations to retain merchant relationships in a competitive market.

Source: PYMNTS
№04

Bank of America Invests $1.9B for 49.9% Stake in India’s Jio Credit

Bank of America will acquire nearly half of Jio Credit for $1.9 billion, marking a major bet on India’s digital lending sector. The Reserve Bank of India and local competition authorities are likely to scrutinize the deal as BofA intensifies competition with both local and global digital lenders, while other global banks consider similar cross-border investments to gain emerging market scale.

Source: Finextra
№05

Citi to Acquire Kard, Targeting Personalized Rewards and Commerce Media Expansion

Citi’s U.S. Consumer Cards division plans to acquire Kard Financial to boost its personalized rewards and commerce media capabilities. Large U.S. banks, including JPMorgan Chase and Capital One, are now accelerating product enhancements and forming new partnerships to compete for cardholder engagement as Citi raises the bar for tailored loyalty and shopping experiences.

Source: PYMNTS
The Long Memory
“In 2002, the U.S. launched the first electronic check processing system, enabling banks to clear checks digitally and dramatically reducing settlement times.

Filed under: Payments History · The Long Memory

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