Coinbase Launches Wallet for AI Agents With Built-In Guardrails
Coinbase has launched a purpose-built crypto wallet designed specifically for AI agents, complete with embedded guardrails to control transactions and permissions. This is a major signal that autonomous software agents are moving from theory into financial execution. By giving AI systems the ability to hold and transact value onchain — safely — Coinbase is positioning itself at the center of the emerging “agent economy.” The wallet infrastructure enables AI to pay for services, interact with smart contracts, and participate in decentralized finance without constant human intervention. Built-in compliance and safety controls address one of the biggest barriers to AI-native finance: risk containment. For fintech founders, this represents a new programmable customer type — non-human economic actors. If AI agents begin transacting at scale, the financial rails of the internet may need to be redesigned around them.
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The EU’s Single Market for Digital Assets
The impending regulatory framework, comprising MiCAR, AMLR and DORA represent a significant step towards a well-regulated and resilient crypto-asset market within the EU but with possible higher barriers to entry or those seeking to access or otherwise do business with EU established market participants.
By addressing authorisation, transparency, consumer protection, AML compliance and operational resilience, these regulations collectively aim to foster a secure and trustworthy environment for crypto-asset activities.
Firms operating within or considering expanding to this sector must prepare to meet this comprehensive set of requirements to ensure compliance.
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Digital Finance Package (DFP)
The European Commission adopted the DFP to support the innovation and competition of digital finance. Aiming to ensure consumer protection, mitigating risks and boosting financial stability.
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DLT Pilot Regime
The DLT Pilot Regime created a controlled, EU-wide regulatory sandbox for core market infrastructures to handle tokenized financial instruments using DLT. It also put tokenized financial instruments firmly under the MiFID II remit and remains the subject of ongoing policy discussions and updates.
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Retail payments strategy
Retail payments strategy aims to achieve a fully integrated retail payment system in the EU, including instant crossborder payment solutions.
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Digital Finance Strategy
Sets out the European Commission’s key priorities and objectives over the next four years and how it plans to achieve them. The four stated priorities are:
• Reducing fragmentation in the Digital Single Market for financial services
• Adapting the EU regulatory framework to facilitate digital innovation in the interests of consumers and market efficiency.
• Creating a European financial data space to promote data-driven innovation
• Addressing new challenges and risks associated with the digital transformation.
The strategy aims to promote the uptake of artificial intelligence tools, blockchain technology, innovations in data management, data sharing and open finance.
Curated News
💳 Payments
Adyen Launches ‘Personalize’ for Real-Time Checkout Optimisation
Adyen has introduced “Personalize,” a solution that dynamically tailors checkout experiences in real time. The tool leverages payment data to optimise conversion rates and reduce friction at the point of sale.
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Levl Raises $7M to Connect Banks and Stablecoin Payments
Levl has secured $7 million in seed funding to bridge traditional banking infrastructure with stablecoin-based payments. The startup aims to simplify fiat-to-stablecoin interoperability for institutions and fintechs.
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NCUA Proposes Framework for Stablecoin Issuers
The US National Credit Union Administration has proposed a rule outlining how permitted payment stablecoin issuers can apply for approval. The move introduces clearer regulatory pathways for credit unions entering digital asset payments.
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Nium Strengthens Leadership for Global Payments Push
Nium has appointed new C-suite executives to lead its next phase of global payments infrastructure expansion. The leadership refresh signals a strategic focus on scaling AI-driven cross-border payments capabilities.
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🏦 Banking
NAB Introduces Everyday Banking Appointments via Zoom
National Australia Bank now offers everyday banking consultations via Zoom. The initiative reflects growing hybrid service models blending digital convenience with human advisory support.
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Nationwide Enables Fully Digital Mortgage Deed Signing
Nationwide has become the first lender to allow mortgage deeds to be signed digitally. The innovation reduces paperwork and accelerates property transactions.
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US Senate Elevates ATM Theft to Bank Robbery Status
The US Senate has moved to classify ATM theft on par with bank robbery. The legislation strengthens penalties amid rising attacks targeting cash machines.
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💡 Fintech
Porters Raises €2.7m to Build AI-Native Backoffice
Porters has raised €2.7 million to develop an AI-native back-office platform for financial services. The company aims to automate mission-critical operational processes.
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UiPath Acquires WorkFusion to Bolster Financial Services Automation
UiPath has acquired WorkFusion to enhance its agentic automation capabilities in financial services. The deal strengthens its position in AI-driven compliance and operations.
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Ecommpay Named in CNBC/Statista Top 150 FinTechs
Ecommpay has been recognised in CNBC and Statista’s Top 150 FinTechs list. The ranking highlights the firm’s growing influence in digital payments and financial technology.
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ABNB Federal Credit Union Launches AI Voice Assistant
ABNB Federal Credit Union has introduced an AI-powered voice assistant via Eltropy. The assistant enhances digital member engagement and self-service capabilities.
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Two and Signicat Enable Instant B2B Buyer Verification
Two and Signicat have partnered to deliver instant B2B buyer verification solutions. The collaboration streamlines digital identity checks in commercial transactions.
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🪙 Crypto
Standard Chartered and B2C2 Expand Institutional Digital Asset Access
Standard Chartered has partnered with B2C2 to broaden institutional access to digital assets. The collaboration strengthens liquidity and trading infrastructure for professional investors.
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Aviva Investors to Tokenize Funds on XRP Ledger
Aviva Investors plans to tokenize funds on the XRP Ledger in partnership with Ripple. The move underscores growing institutional interest in tokenized asset management.
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Coinbase Launches Wallet for AI Agents
Coinbase has introduced a wallet designed specifically for AI agents, complete with built-in guardrails. The product reflects emerging intersections between AI automation and on-chain finance.
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Bitcoin Slides as Rate Cut Hopes Fade
Bitcoin prices declined following strong US jobs data that dampened expectations of near-term Fed rate cuts. The move highlights crypto’s continued sensitivity to macroeconomic signals.
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📊 WealthTech
UK Wealth and Comparison Firms See Shares Fall Amid AI Concerns
Shares in UK wealth managers and price comparison platforms have fallen amid concerns about AI disruption. Investors are reassessing business models vulnerable to automation-driven competition.
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📜 Regulation
FCA Confirms New Protections for Buy Now Pay Later Borrowers
The UK Financial Conduct Authority has confirmed new consumer protections for Buy Now Pay Later users. The rules aim to strengthen affordability checks and improve transparency.
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MPs Warn Over Expanded Bank Account Snooping Powers
UK MPs have raised concerns that expanded bank account monitoring powers could unfairly impact innocent taxpayers and pensioners. The debate reflects tension between fraud prevention and privacy rights.
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🧩 Other
LMAX Group Launches Omnia Exchange for Digital Capital Markets
LMAX Group has unveiled Omnia Exchange, designed to support trading of digital and tokenized assets across markets. The platform aims to bridge traditional capital markets and blockchain-based infrastructure.
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