January 8, 2026 @ 8:35 am By Omar Faridi  |  

In the evolving landscape of cyber threats, a sophisticated Android-based malware known as Ghost Tap is now said to be behind a notable increase in fraudulent contactless payments. This malicious software allows cybercriminals to execute tap-to-pay transactions remotely, bypassing the need for direct access to… Read More

January 8, 2026 @ 8:10 am By Omar Faridi  |  

As 2026 unfolds, the Fintech sector is seemingly on the cusp of major shifts, driven by stablecoins, artificial intelligence agents, and deeper integrations between traditional banking and digital innovations. Industry professionals anticipate a year where experimental projects evolve into widespread applications, particularly in payments, commerce,… Read More

January 8, 2026 @ 8:08 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Bulgarian fintech firm Payhawk, which is said to be a specialist in corporate expense management, is reportedly engaging in preliminary talks for a fresh capital injection that could elevate its valuation to approximately $2 billion. Sources indicate the company aims to secure over $100 million… Read More

January 8, 2026 @ 8:07 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The United Kingdom solidified its position as one of Europe’s leading fintech hubs in 2025, even as emerging markets intensified their pursuit of investment capital. Despite challenging conditions, British fintech firms secured $3.6 billion in funding throughout the year, surpassing the combined totals of the… Read More

January 8, 2026 @ 1:44 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Bitcoin mining focused Riot Platforms (NASDAQ: RIOT) has divested a substantial portion of its digital assets. The firm recently offloaded Bitcoin valued at approximately $161 million, bringing its total holdings down to 18,005 BTC. This transaction, executed amid fluctuating market conditions, underscores the evolving strategies… Read More

January 8, 2026 @ 12:34 am By Omar Faridi  |  

UK’s banking services provider Barclays has acquired a minority stake in Ubyx, a US-based firm specializing in stablecoin settlement infrastructure. This marks Barclays’ inaugural foray into investing in a company focused on stablecoins, underscoring the bank’s ongoing plans to delve into innovative digital financial instruments… Read More

January 8, 2026 @ 12:27 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Digital bank Revolut is reportedly engaged in discussions to purchase FUPS, a local digital banking platform in Turkey, as a strategic move to introduce its financial services to the Turkish market. Sources close to the matter (cited by Bloomberg) indicate that the potential deal would… Read More

January 7, 2026 @ 11:28 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Private equity firm Hg has struck a deal to acquire OneStream, a provider of enterprise finance management software, for an equity value of roughly $6.4 billion. This all-cash transaction marks OneStream’s return to private ownership just 17 months after its initial public offering, highlighting shifting… Read More

January 7, 2026 @ 10:30 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Ripple Labs President Monica Long emphasized the company’s commitment to private operations, dispelling any near-term prospects of an initial public offering (IPO). This update, shared on January 6, 2026, underscores Ripple’s strategic direction following a successful fundraising round in November 2025. Long highlighted the fintech… Read More

January 7, 2026 @ 9:36 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Shares of Bitcoin focused Strategy (Nasdaq: MSTR) experienced a modest uptick in after-hours trading on January 6, 2026. The surge came on the heels of an announcement from global index provider MSCI, which revealed it would temporarily shelve its proposal to remove companies with substantial… Read More

January 7, 2026 @ 9:30 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Stripe has announced a strategic partnership with Crypto.com. This latest collaboration, set to roll out in early 2026, allows Crypto.com users to spend their digital assets at online merchants powered by Stripe’s payment infrastructure. By integrating Crypto.com as the first crypto platform for direct balance… Read More

January 7, 2026 @ 9:26 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

YZi Labs—an investment entity supported by Binance founder Changpeng Zhao—has publicly criticized CEA Industries (NASDAQ: BNC) for implementing what it calls “anti-shareholder” strategies aimed at solidifying the existing leadership’s position. This rebuke highlights a growing rift in a relationship that appeared promising just half a… Read More

January 7, 2026 @ 9:25 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Amsterdam-based bunq BV has submitted a fresh application to establish itself as a bank in the United States. The company filed for a national bank charter with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) on January 6, 2026, marking its second attempt in… Read More

January 7, 2026 @ 4:12 pm By JD Alois  |  

Rumors about Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) exiting its support for the Apple Card have been circulating for quite some time. The Apple Card played a significant role in Goldman’s failed expansion into consumer Fintech. While the thesis that Goldman’s vast expertise in global markets would play… Read More

January 7, 2026 @ 3:54 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Brazilian digital banking Fintech PicPay has officially filed for an initial public offering (IPO) in the United States. The Amsterdam-incorporated company, poised to rename itself PicS N.V., submitted its registration to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on January 5, 2026, paving the way… Read More

January 7, 2026 @ 3:53 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Kontigo, a stablecoin banking platform primarily serving users in Latin America, has committed to fully compensating customers impacted by a recent cyberattack. The incident, which compromised approximately $340,905 in stablecoin holdings, affected more than 1,000 individuals, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in the digital finance space. The… Read More

January 7, 2026 @ 3:52 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Walmart (NYSE:WMT) is incorporating Bitcoin as a payment option. While the retail giant’s decision to accept the digital asset was initially revealed last year, the renewed coverage underscores Bitcoin’s steady march toward broader integration in global retail. This move by one of the world’s largest… Read More

January 7, 2026 @ 12:28 pm By JD Alois  |  

We need banking services; we just don’t necessarily need banks.  The advent of digital assets and the potential for disintermediation pose both threats and opportunities for traditional banks. Stablecoins may upend traditional financial rails, and the GENIUS Act provided a federal path for firms to… Read More

January 7, 2026 @ 11:53 am By Omar Faridi  |  

xAI has reportedly closed a $20 billion Series E funding round. Announced on January 7, 2026, this infusion of capital is set to propel the company’s ambitious goals, focusing on enhancing its flagship AI model, Grok, and establishing what could become the planet’s most extensive… Read More

January 7, 2026 @ 11:33 am By JD Alois  |  

Netcapital, best known for its online capital formation services, has announced that it has acquired the assets of Iverson Design, LLC, a developer of AI-powered design and visualization tools The deal terms involved Netcapital issuing 80,000 shares of its common stock for the purchase of… Read More