Latest FinTech & Blockchain News
Stripe Acqui-Hires Crypto Payments FinTech Valora to Boost Stablecoin Strategy
Stripe has acqui-hired the Valora team to advance its stablecoin-focused strategy, aiming to expand global access to financial systems via digital assets. Valora's expertise in web3 and user-first experiences will integrate with Stripe's platform, while the Valora app returns to cLabs.
This move aligns with Stripe's belief that stablecoins can broaden economic participation.
Revolut and Trust Wallet Partner for Instant Crypto Buys in Europe with Self-Custody
Fintech giant Revolut and Binance-owned Trust Wallet announced a partnership on December 11, 2025, enabling direct crypto purchases into self-custody wallets without centralized exchanges. This revolutionizes crypto buying for European users by making it faster and easier.
The collaboration emphasizes self-custody focus amid growing demand for decentralized access.
Nexo Acquires Buenbit to Expand in Latin America's Crypto Market
Nexo, valued at $2 billion, acquired Argentine crypto platform Buenbit to dominate digital asset lending in Latin America amid economic challenges. The deal integrates Buenbit's offerings with Nexo's high-yield savings and crypto-backed loans, enhancing user access and security.
This positions Nexo as a leader in regulated crypto investments for the region.
Sony to Launch US Dollar-Pegged Stablecoin for PlayStation and Anime Payments in 2026
Sony announced plans to launch a US dollar-pegged stablecoin next year to facilitate payments within PlayStation and anime ecosystems. This corporate adoption accelerates blockchain use in gaming and entertainment.
It highlights growing integration of stablecoins in mainstream consumer platforms.
Hong Kong Monetary Authority Launches Tokenized Deposits Pilot
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has initiated a pilot for tokenized deposits, advancing blockchain in traditional finance. This move supports experimentation with digital assets in banking infrastructure.
It aligns with global trends in tokenization for efficient settlements.
SEC Chairman Unveils Next Phase of 'Project Crypto' with Howey-Based Token Taxonomy
SEC Chairman Paul Atkins announced the next phase of 'Project Crypto,' presenting a Howey-based token taxonomy to Congress. This regulatory development aims to clarify crypto classifications.
It reflects a crypto-friendly stance from the OCC and SEC.
South Korea Summons Regulator for Stablecoin Bill by December 10
South Korea's leading party has summoned its financial regulator to draft a stablecoin bill proposal by December 10. This legislative push signals growing support for regulated stablecoins.
It positions South Korea as a proactive market in crypto regulation.
OCC Issues Crypto-Friendly Letter on Riskless Principal Transactions
The OCC released an interpretive letter on December 11, 2025, permitting riskless principal crypto-asset transactions for banks. This bolsters crypto integration into traditional banking.
It follows other pro-crypto regulatory actions under the current administration.
Algorand 2025 India Summit Highlights Blockchain for Financial Inclusion
Algorand's India Summit on December 6-7 showcased Web3 solutions like Mann Deshi's blockchain credit scorecard for women entrepreneurs and SEWA's digital health passports. Winners included Xythum Labs for privacy-preserving cross-chain settlement.
The event underscored blockchain's role in breaking financial barriers in India.
Bitcoin Slides Below $90K Amid Risk Asset Concerns
Bitcoin dipped below $90,000, down 3.4%, as risk asset worries persist, with analysts warning a fall below $88,000 could end the recent uptrend. Ether fell up to 5.8%, following broader market declines.
This reflects caution ahead of potential market shifts.
The Economist Highlights Blockchain Tokenization Transforming Finance
Larry Fink and Rob Goldstein's editorial notes tokenization of real-world assets grew 300% in 20 months, enabling instant settlements and expanding markets. Nearly three-quarters of crypto holders are outside the West, paralleling the internet's growth.
This innovation broadens investable assets globally.