Latest FinTech & Blockchain News

📅January 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM
FinTech sees funding growth and infrastructure expansions; blockchain advances with bank charters, tokenization, stablecoins, and Cardano founder's stark 2026 warning.
1

Zand Adopts XDC Network for Blockchain Payments

Zand integrates XDC Network to enable institutional digital asset custody and blockchain-powered financial services.Source 1 This move advances blockchain adoption in payments for institutional use. Announced January 12, 2026.Source 1

2

World Liberty Financial Applies for U.S. Bank Charter

Trump-linked World Liberty Financial seeks OCC bank charter for stablecoin issuance and asset custody.Source 2 This follows Trump administration's support for crypto firms post-Biden era. Charters provide access to Fed payment rails.Source 2

3

Rain Raises $250M for Stablecoin Payments OS

New York-based Rain secures $250M Series C led by ICONIQ for stablecoin-powered payments operating system.Source 2 Investors include Sapphire Ventures, Dragonfly, and Galaxy Ventures. Funding boosts payments innovation.Source 2

4

FNZ Secures $650M in Major WealthTech Funding

UK's FNZ raises $650M for digital wealth management platform supporting $2.1T assets.Source 6 Backed by CPP Investments and others; follows $500M round and client wins like UniCredit.Source 6 Global FinTech funding up 7% YoY in 2025.Source 6

5

Global FinTech Deals Over $100M Up 21% YoY

FinTech saw 3,543 deals in 2025, down 19% but funding up 7% YoY with larger deals.Source 6 Investors focus on established firms amid market correction from 2021 peak.Source 6 Deals over $100M rose 21%.Source 6

6

Cardano Founder: 2026 Make-or-Break for Crypto

Charles Hoskinson warns 2026 as reset year after $2.5B losses, blaming regulations and politics.Source 4 Calls for utility over speculation; split between Bitcoin and altcoins.Source 4 Predicts institutional vs. privacy paths.Source 4

7

BVNK Gains Direct SEPA Payments Access

BVNK, via Bank of Lithuania's CENTROlink, secures direct instant SEPA euros and stablecoin payments.Source 5 Claims unique technical partner status for infrastructure access.Source 5 Enhances cross-border capabilities.Source 5

8

Stablecoins Risk Destabilizing Banks

Stablecoin reserves in bank deposits threaten solvency during runs, per GENIUS Act analysis.Source 7 Highlights SVB-Circle risks and FDIC moral hazard.Source 7 Calls for oversight amid promotion.Source 7

9

Banks Position Tokenization as Infrastructure

Large banks frame tokenization for settlement, custody in regulated settings.Source 3 DTCC advances tokenized securities discussions on governance.Source 3 Stablecoins expand in treasury use.Source 3

10

Melbet Hails Yen-Backed Stablecoin Milestone

Melbet views Japan's yen-backed stablecoin as pivotal for FinTech evolution.Source 8 Marks turning point in sector development. Published January 11, 2026.Source 8

11

IGT Showcases FinTech at ICE Barcelona 2026

IGT's FinTech division presents end-to-end casino solutions including payments and compliance.Source 10 Features Digital Neighborhood with self-service and loyalty tools.Source 10 Demonstrates global prowess.Source 10

12

Big Banks Discuss Digital Assets Extensively

Major banks talk digital assets but mostly test minimally.Source 9 Keen awareness with some product building.Source 9 Nascent tech limits widespread use.Source 9