A System Built for the 1970s, Used in 2026 For all the innovation in financial technology over the past decade, the global payments system still runs—at its core—on infrastructure designed in the 1970s. International transfers continue to rely on correspondent banking networks, fragmented clearing systems, and delayed settlement cycles. The
The Hong Kong government has not issued any HKD stablecoin licenses, despite earlier commitments to begin the approval process in March this year. The HKMA is still reviewing the applications and has not announced any approvals. Also, stretching the deadline beyond the earlier stated timeframe by the officials. The officials,
Singapore-based StraitsX announced a sharp increase in the growth of its stablecoin card program, indicating a rise in the adoption of Southeast Asia’s digital payments ecosystem. The StraitsX stablecoin card program experienced a fortyfold increase in transaction volume from the fourth quarter of 2024 to the 2025 periods. The StraitsX
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has called stablecoins a “ChatGPT moment” for the cryptocurrency space during a recent discussion. While offering his insights to FOX Business, he also explained that stablecoins could unlock widespread adoption for cryptocurrency. This is by simplifying access to blockchain-based financial systems for both institutions and consumers
Coinbase rejected the CLARITY Act draft due to its potential to limit innovation in the stablecoin and digital asset space. The company was concerned about the way the draft legislation treats yield-generating stablecoin products that exist across platforms. The officials claimed that the current draft lacks clear guidelines for activities
Circle gave feedback on the European Union’s Market Integration Package, with a focus on enhancing the clarity of regulations in the digital asset space. The company emphasized the need for unified regulations that bring together supervision, licensing, and operational regulations Officials emphasized that a unified framework could help simplify compliance
Bernstein analysts noted Circle and Coinbase as prominent vehicles for stablecoin exposure, highlighting the USDC collaboration between the two companies and the emerging role of stablecoins in agentic machine payments as a potential upside driver. The analysts headed by Gautam Chhugani wrote in a note to clients on March 23
Stablecoin balances from South Korea have slipped sharply since July even as stock inflows surge, highlighting a shift in where money is flowing. The overall amount of these so-called tokenized versions of fiat currencies held in wallets associated with South Korea’s 5 biggest crypto exchanges has jumped 55%, with on-chain
Tim Scott, a U.S. senator, has revealed that this week banks and crypto lobbyists may compromise regarding stablecoin yield payments. In the current scenario, the Senate’s crypto market structure bill progress is stalled. Scott attended a crypto lobby event in Washington chaired by the Senate Banking Committee, in which he
Mastercard Inc. has reached a definitive agreement to acquire BVNK, a London‑based stablecoin infrastructure and payments platform, in a deal valued at up to $1.8 billion, expanding its digital assets footprint and on‑chain payment capabilities. The agreement, announced on March 17, 2026, includes $300 million in contingent consideration and is expected to close
