Latest FinTech & Blockchain News
Blockchain Enters Maturity Phase with US Regulatory Clarity
Blockchain technology in 2026 shifts from speculation to sustainable growth due to clarified US rules on stablecoins, DeFi compliance, and investor protections. Stablecoins now face reserve requirements and audits, boosting adoption in payments and treasury management. Technical improvements like layer-two networks enhance accessibility and interoperability.
Mizuho Outlines 6 Key FinTech and Crypto Themes for 2026
Mizuho identifies lower rates, crypto divergence with stablecoins scaling, prediction markets growth led by HOOD and COIN, reaccelerating consumer lending, value in legacy processors like GPN, and IT services renaissance as major themes. Regulatory clarity accelerates split between volatile Bitcoin and USD-backed stablecoins for real-world use. Political factors like Trump's APR cap proposals may benefit BNPL players.
Kazakhstan Officially Launches Digital Tenge CBDC
The National Bank of Kazakhstan has launched the digital tenge as legal tender, issued solely by the NBRK and accessible via financial participants. This marks a key milestone in CBDC adoption. The launch supports broader digital fiat currency developments.
SG-FORGE and SWIFT Advance Digital Asset Interoperability
SG-FORGE and SWIFT trialed exchange and settlement of tokenized bonds using EUR CoinVertible stablecoin, compliant with MiCA regulations. The trial integrated blockchain with traditional systems via ISO 20022, covering issuance, settlement, coupons, and redemption. This demonstrates compatibility for tokenized assets with existing infrastructure.
Digitap Crypto Presale Surges 240% Amid Retail Shift from Polkadot
Retail investors rotate to Digitap's omni-bank app blending fiat and crypto, raising over $4.1M in presale with live iOS/Android app for 100+ assets. Low cross-border fees drive real-world adoption beyond Layer-1 speculation. Utility-focused products like Digitap outperform infrastructure plays in 2026.
Coinbase Expands into Stocks to Bridge TradFi and Blockchain
Coinbase launches stock trading via Apex Fintech, positioning as a bridge to tokenized assets despite being late to the market. CEO Brian Armstrong envisions native blockchain stocks with dividends and voting rights, predicting shift in 2 years. Company leverages crypto expertise amid Clarity Act debates.
UK Advances Crypto Regulation with 2025 Regulations
UK's Financial Services and Markets Act (Cryptoassets) Regulations 2025 require FCA authorization for crypto firms, effective by October 2027. This tightens oversight to protect consumers amid crypto growth. Firms must adapt or risk market exclusion.
EU FIDAR Regulation Expands Open Finance Data Access
FIDAR extends Open Banking to Open Finance, allowing FISPs access to loans, pensions data for innovation, entering force Q1/Q2 2026 with 21-month transition. Digital Markets Act eyes gatekeeper restrictions, but risk-based approach preferred. FCA plans open finance roadmap by March 2026.
Crypto Hiring Drops 80% in Early 2026; Solana Gains on Ethereum
Crypto sector hiring slows dramatically by 80% early 2026, signaling market caution. Solana surpasses Ethereum in developer attraction, following $211M raised in Q3 2025. Talent shifts highlight ecosystem competition.
Novogratz Pushes Congress for Crypto Bill Passage
Mike Novogratz urges US Congress to pass a broad crypto regulation bill soon, even imperfect, to provide market clarity. Lawmakers and industry aim for finalization within weeks. This aligns with ongoing Clarity Act discussions.
US Stablecoin Rules Reshape Crypto Distribution and Scaling
Unresolved US legislation on crypto and stablecoins favors adaptable platforms with compliance models for exchanges, custody, wallets. Settlement control becomes key competitive edge. Clear rules concentrate value in supervised firms.
Blockchain Firm Intervenes in $40M Crypto Award Dispute
A blockchain storage and cloud optimization company seeks involvement in Delaware suit to vacate $40M crypto award. The feud highlights ongoing legal battles in crypto sector. Court intervention underscores technology's role in disputes.