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Archive · August 15, 2026

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Story 01

PayPal Pursues Sale Talks with Stripe and Advent, Setting Up Major Fintech Shakeup

PayPal has entered advanced negotiations to sell itself to a consortium led by Stripe and Advent International, after rejecting an initial bid as too low. Stripe and Advent aim to combine their strengths with PayPal’s global merchant network, which could reshape competitive dynamics for banks, fintechs, and merchants. Antitrust regulators in the US and EU are preparing to review the deal, while rival payment firms are already exploring defensive partnerships and new product launches.

Source: PYMNTS
Also Worth Knowing
№02

Mastercard’s Partial Payout to Brazilian Acquirers Spurs Market Realignment After Will Bank Collapse

Mastercard has offered to pay 50% of the claims sought by Brazilian merchant acquirers affected by Will Financeira’s failure, aiming to retain key partners and stabilize its market share. Leading acquirers like Cielo and StoneCo must now decide whether to accept losses or seek alternative alliances, while smaller players face pressure to merge or exit. Brazilian regulators are reviewing whether Mastercard’s offer meets industry standards for risk management.

Source: PYMNTS
№03

Visa Launches Tap-to-Phone for Small Merchants in Southeast Asia

Visa has rolled out tap-to-phone technology across Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, enabling small merchants to accept contactless payments using only a smartphone. This move lowers hardware barriers for microbusinesses and expands Visa’s reach in cash-heavy markets. Competing card networks and local banks may accelerate their own digital acceptance initiatives to keep pace with Visa’s merchant acquisition strategy.

Source: The Paypers
№04

OCC Grants Conditional Approval to Trump-backed World Liberty Financial

The OCC has granted preliminary approval for World Liberty Financial, backed by former President Trump, to operate as a national trust bank. This decision introduces a politically connected entrant into the US trust banking sector, prompting established trust banks to reassess their client strategies. Regulators and industry observers are watching for World Liberty Financial’s next moves and potential legal challenges.

Source: The Block
№05

Chime Considers Stablecoin Integration to Broaden Digital Banking Services

Chime is evaluating the addition of stablecoin features to its app, aiming to attract digitally savvy consumers and differentiate from traditional banks. If Chime proceeds, US banks and fintechs may need to accelerate their own digital asset strategies to retain customers. Regulators are expected to scrutinize any rollout for compliance and consumer protection.

Source: Finextra
The Long Memory
“In the 1950s, some US department stores issued their own metal charge plates—early credit cards that doubled as personal ID and could be used only at that store.

Filed under: Payments History · The Long Memory

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