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Archive · September 9, 2026

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The Lead

Story 01

Chime Buys Stride Bank for $590M, Gaining Direct Banking Capabilities and Reducing Reliance on Partners

Chime is acquiring Stride Bank for $590 million in cash, shifting from a partner-dependent model to direct banking operations. The acquisition allows Chime to gain greater control over deposits, compliance, and product development, narrowing the gap with fully licensed neobanks like Revolut and Nubank. Fintech competitors such as Current and Varo may pursue similar acquisitions to match Chime’s new capabilities. Chime is likely to prioritize launching proprietary deposit and lending products that leverage its new charter.

Source: PYMNTS
Also Worth Knowing
№02

Block Seeks OCC Trust Bank Charter to Expand Bitcoin and Stablecoin Custody

Block has applied for a national trust bank charter with the OCC, aiming to offer custody and fiduciary services for bitcoin and stablecoins. If approved, Block would join a select group of fintechs with direct regulatory oversight for crypto custody, challenging both banks and crypto-native custodians. The move pressures banks and established custodians to expand digital asset offerings, while fintechs may face higher compliance expectations as the OCC sets new standards for crypto-bank integrations.

Source: PYMNTS
№03

Visa and Revolut Complete France’s First Passkey-Authenticated Agentic Card Payment

Visa and Revolut have executed France’s first passkey-authenticated agentic card payment, using biometric credentials instead of passwords or SMS codes. This authentication upgrade enables digital wallet users to complete transactions more securely and quickly, reducing the risk of account takeover fraud. Competing issuers and payment service providers must accelerate passkey adoption to meet rising user expectations and regulatory scrutiny around payment security.

Source: Finextra
№04

Circle Acquires Tazapay to Bolster B2B Cross-Border Payments Infrastructure

Circle is acquiring Singapore-based Tazapay, expanding its B2B cross-border payments and settlement capabilities. The deal strengthens Circle’s infrastructure for stablecoin-powered payouts and treasury services, positioning it to compete more directly with Stripe, Wise, and Airwallex. B2B merchants and platforms now have more options for instant, multi-currency settlement, and Circle is expected to integrate Tazapay’s network into its global stablecoin rails to attract enterprise clients.

Source: Finextra
№05

Visa Integrates Settlement Data With Blockchain Lending to Power Stablecoin Card Programs

Visa is linking its settlement data to blockchain lending platforms, enabling fintechs to launch stablecoin-linked card programs and access working capital. This integration gives fintechs new ways to fund card issuance and manage liquidity, while Visa strengthens its position as a bridge between traditional and onchain finance. Competing networks like Mastercard and major banks that serve fintechs must quickly develop similar blockchain integrations to retain these clients as demand for onchain solutions grows.

Source: Finextra
The Long Memory
“The first ATM was installed in London in 1967 and used paper vouchers instead of plastic cards for cash withdrawals.

Filed under: Payments History · The Long Memory

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