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Archive · October 1, 2026

October 1, 2026.
Five payments stories that matter.

The 5-minute briefing for payments professionals who need to know what happened, what it means, and what to do about it — before their 9am.

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Story 01

Citi Launches Multi-Market Instant Payments via Swift’s gpi, Raising Stakes for Global Transaction Banks

Citi has enabled multi-market instant payments for its clients using Swift’s global payments innovation (gpi) rails, allowing access to several cross-border instant payment systems through a single account structure. This strengthens Citi’s position in global payments and compels major correspondent banks such as JPMorgan and Deutsche Bank to accelerate their own instant settlement offerings to remain competitive.

Source: Finextra
Also Worth Knowing
№02

Apple Pay Partners with Axis Bank to Enter India’s Crowded Digital Wallet Market

Apple Pay is launching in India through a partnership with Axis Bank, entering a market where Google Pay and Paytm currently lead. Apple’s entry will drive wallet providers to compete on exclusive merchant partnerships and loyalty integrations, with Google Pay and Paytm likely to respond by expanding features and incentives to retain users.

Source: Finextra
№03

Visa and Lloyds Complete Live Stablecoin Settlement Pilot for Cross-Border Payments

Visa and Lloyds Banking Group have completed a live pilot using stablecoins for cross-border settlement, aiming for faster and more transparent transactions. This gives both firms a potential edge in the evolving cross-border payments landscape and is likely to prompt UK-based banks such as Barclays and NatWest to explore similar pilots to keep pace with innovation.

Source: Finextra
№04

Robinhood Expands Active Trading Suite with Advanced Agentic AI Tools

Robinhood unveiled new active trading products and enhanced its agentic AI offerings at the HOOD Summit, targeting sophisticated retail traders. These AI-driven features are expected to attract users from platforms like E*TRADE and Charles Schwab, which currently lack comparable automation and analytics for active traders.

Source: Finextra
№05

UK’s FCA Proposes New Rules for Buy Now, Pay Later Advertising

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has proposed stricter rules for Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) advertising, requiring clearer disclosures on costs and risks. BNPL providers such as Klarna and Clearpay will need to update their marketing materials and customer journeys to comply, or risk enforcement actions from the FCA.

Source: Finextra
The Long Memory
“The first credit card transaction took place in 1950 at a New York City restaurant, when Diners Club founder Frank McNamara paid with a cardboard card.

Filed under: Payments History · The Long Memory

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