Latest FinTech & Blockchain News
Global stablecoin transactions hit record $33 trillion in 2025
Stablecoin transaction volume reached a record **$33 trillion in 2025**, reflecting rapid institutional adoption and supportive U.S. policy under President Trump. Analysts highlight that clearer regulation and bank participation have pushed stablecoins from niche instruments into core global payment and settlement rails, setting the stage for further growth in 2026.
U.S. SEC 2026 agenda introduces formal token taxonomy for digital assets
The U.S. SECâs 2026 regulatory agenda proposes a formal **âtoken taxonomyâ** and tailored exemptions intended to clarify which crypto tokens qualify as securities. The agenda also emphasizes stablecoin oversight, AI-governed payment systems, and a pilot with the Depository Trust Company (DTC) for **tokenized securities**, positioning the U.S. to compete as a leader in regulated digital finance.
Fintech 2026 outlook: surge in stablecoins, AI payments, and cryptoâTradFi M&A
Industry analysis for 2026 forecasts strong growth in **stablecoin-driven payments**, with fintechs deciding whether to partner with incumbents or build their own infrastructure. The report also predicts more IPOs and M&A between traditional banks and crypto companies, along with heavier scrutiny on AML controls and cybersecurity as AI-powered attacks target fintech and blockchain systems.
Stablecoin card infrastructure firm Rain valued at $1.95 billion after $250M raise
New Yorkâbased fintech **Rain**, which issues Visa-backed stablecoin-linked spending cards, raised **$250 million**, boosting its valuation to **$1.95 billion**. The company says its active card base grew thirtyfold and annualized payment volume 38x over the last year, as stablecoins increasingly become âthe way money moves in the 21st century.â
Rainâs financing underscores boom in stablecoin card products
Industry newsletter coverage notes that Rainâs latest round represents a **17x valuation increase in 10 months**, reflecting investor conviction in stablecoin card infrastructure. Backers include major venture firms and Visa, and the company plans to expand licensing on five continents and launch products that make stablecoins function like any other card payment at point of sale.
Dragonfly partner predicts explosive growth in stablecoin cards by 2026
A Dragonfly Capital partner forecasts **âexplosive growthâ** in stablecoin payment cards by 2026, as users seek lowâfee, instant crossâborder transactions. The thesis is that card rails tied to on-chain stablecoins can merge crypto liquidity with familiar consumer experiences, driving mainstream adoption, particularly in emerging markets with unstable local currencies.
Fintech-focused SPAC Lafayette Digital prices $250 million Nasdaq IPO
Special purpose acquisition company **Lafayette Digital** raised **$250 million** in an IPO on Nasdaq, selling 25 million units at $10 each to target fintech deals. The SPACâs launch, with units trading under âZKPU,â signals a cautious return of SPAC appetite focused on disciplined, sector-specific acquisitions after the postâ2021 downturn.
2026 predictions: tokenized real-world assets exceed $30 billion and keep rising
Analysts estimate more than **$30 billion** in assets are already tokenized globally, with 2026 expected to bring broader institutional deployment of tokenized real-world assets (RWA). Traditional banks that began tokenization programs in 2025 are expected to partner more closely with fintechs, helping move tokenized products into compliant, large-scale market use.
Vitalik Buterin warns against âcorposlopâ and calls for crypto sovereignty
Ethereum co-founder **Vitalik Buterin** argued that Bitcoin maximalists were âfar aheadâ in identifying threats to crypto sovereignty and introduced the concept of **âcorposlopâ** to describe profit-maximizing, extractive digital platforms. He said real sovereignty now includes protecting privacy and attention, urging builders to design wallets, DEXs, and protocols that empower users rather than replicate corporate control structures.
Analysts see major upside for leading cryptocurrencies in 2026 amid macro shifts
Wall Street analyst Tom Lee projected that at least one **popular cryptocurrency could rise about 177% in 2026**, citing cyclical patterns and improving macro conditions for risk assets. Such forecasts, while speculative, reflect renewed bullish sentiment around crypto markets as regulatory clarity improves and institutional participation deepens.