The article discusses how Donald Trump's presidency has benefitted major banks through deregulation, boosting their stock performance. However, fintech companies, particularly in the cryptocurrency sector, have seen even greater gains, highlighting a potential shift in the financial landscape as new competitors emerge.

The article explores whether Coinbase, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, will expand its services to become a neobank. It discusses the implications of this move for both the fintech industry and Coinbase's existing customer base. The piece examines the challenges and opportunities that come with such a transformation.

Kontigo, a fintech startup, allows Venezuelans to convert hard currency into dollar-pegged stablecoins. The company faces scrutiny for potentially facilitating money transfers in a heavily sanctioned economy and is under investigation for possible ties to the Maduro regime.

A recent Innovate Finance report reveals that global fintech funding rose 21% in 2025, driven mainly by investments in payments and cryptocurrency platforms. The US led the way with $25.1 billion, while the UK and other regions also saw significant growth in funding activity.

Klarna has launched a stablecoin aimed at reducing the costs of cross-border payments. This move is part of a broader trend in fintech to leverage cryptocurrency for more efficient transactions. The stablecoin is designed to facilitate faster and cheaper international money transfers.

AMARA is offering bonus shares for investments made by February 28, 2026. The platform allows users to swap cryptocurrency for AMARA Points to access exclusive travel and lifestyle experiences, leveraging an AI Concierge for personalized service.

US lawmakers are proposing tax relief for small transactions involving stablecoins. This initiative aims to support the use of digital currencies by reducing the tax burden on low-value trades. The proposal focuses on fostering innovation in the cryptocurrency space.

The ICR Conference Spotlight Series will discuss the emerging trend of publicly listed companies acquiring large cryptocurrency positions as core assets on their balance sheets to provide investors with equity exposure. The event will feature insights from executives and firms involved in this strategy, focusing on key players like MicroStrategy and Upexi, while analyzing the benefits, risks, and historical context of this approach.

Brex has launched a new stablecoin payment platform to meet growing demand in the fintech sector. The platform aims to streamline transactions and enhance payment efficiency for businesses relying on digital currencies. This move positions Brex at the forefront of the evolving financial technology landscape.

Over $3 trillion has been displaced from banks and credit unions to fintechs and digital investment platforms, posing a significant threat to traditional financial institutions. The changing consumer behavior, particularly among younger generations, emphasizes the need for banks to innovate by integrating investment services and enhancing customer education to reclaim lost deposits.

OnePay, the fintech firm majority-owned by Walmart, is set to introduce cryptocurrency trading and custody services for bitcoin and ether on its mobile app later this year, in collaboration with startup Zerohash. This move is part of OnePay's strategy to become a comprehensive digital finance platform, enhancing its appeal to a broader audience beyond Walmart customers.

Money20/20 USA is set to return to Las Vegas with a star-studded lineup including Michael Saylor and Mike Krieger, alongside the introduction of the inaugural Money Awards to celebrate excellence in fintech. The event will feature over 10,000 attendees and discussions bridging traditional finance and decentralized finance, showcasing the event's significant influence in the fintech ecosystem.

Major U.S. banks, including JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America, are exploring the possibility of issuing a joint stablecoin to compete with the growing cryptocurrency market. These discussions are in the early stages and hinge on regulatory developments and market demand for such digital assets.

PayPal is introducing new one-to-one payment links that will soon support cryptocurrency transactions. This feature aims to enhance user convenience and broaden the platform's capabilities in the evolving digital finance landscape.

Coinbase has launched Embedded Wallets, a feature allowing developers to integrate self-custodial crypto wallets into their applications, facilitating easier access through email or SMS. This initiative aims to support the growing demand for stablecoin-related products and enhance the development of various apps, including games and payment systems. The release follows recent regulatory advancements in the U.S. concerning stablecoin issuance.

JPYC Inc. has introduced Japan's first legally recognized yen-backed stablecoin, JPYC, which maintains a 1:1 peg with the Japanese yen. The stablecoin is fully backed by yen deposits and government bonds, operating on multiple blockchains such as Avalanche, Ethereum, and Polygon. JPYC aims to achieve a circulation of 10 trillion yen ($65.4 billion) within three years.

The Federal Reserve has decided to close a program established two years ago to monitor banks' crypto activities, citing improved oversight capabilities. The central bank will now incorporate these monitoring tasks into its regular supervisory functions following lessons learned from the collapses of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in 2023.

Brex has announced the launch of stablecoin payments, allowing businesses to transact using cryptocurrency in a more stable manner. This initiative aims to enhance financial flexibility and streamline payment processes for users. The move reflects Brex's commitment to integrating innovative payment solutions into its offerings.

SoFi CEO Anthony Noto announced plans to reintroduce cryptocurrency investing by the end of the year, following a shift in regulatory guidelines under the Trump administration. The fintech company aims to integrate crypto capabilities across its product offerings and expand into various digital finance areas, citing a favorable regulatory environment for banks engaging in crypto activities.

Jack Dorsey's Block Inc. is poised to join the S&P 500 index, replacing Hess Corp. as part of a significant shift following Chevron's acquisition of Hess. This inclusion highlights the increasing impact of digital payments and cryptocurrency in finance, and Block's stock surged 14% in after-hours trading as it expands its offerings in fintech and consumer lending.

American Express CEO Steve Squeri stated that stablecoins could serve as a viable alternative to traditional payment systems like ACH and Swift, though they are unlikely to fully replace them. Following the passage of the Genius Act, Amex is exploring the potential uses of stablecoins, particularly in cross-border payments, while maintaining its interest in the cryptocurrency sector through partnerships like the one with Coinbase. Despite a slight dip in profits, analysts remain optimistic about Amex's future, especially with its focus on younger consumers.

Cloudflare is set to introduce the NET Dollar, a stablecoin fully collateralized by the U.S. dollar, as the stablecoin market is projected to grow significantly, potentially reaching $1.9 trillion by 2030. The new stablecoin aims to facilitate seamless, automated transactions across various networks, enhancing global commerce.

Bolt has launched a new SuperApp that integrates one-click cryptocurrency transactions and everyday payments to compete with established services like Coinbase and PayPal. Under the leadership of founder Ryan Breslow, who recently returned as CEO after resolving legal issues, the app aims to simplify financial management by consolidating various money tools into a single platform. The app is currently available for download, with iOS users initially placed on a waitlist for access.