Revolut Launches Fee-Free Fiat-to-Stablecoin Conversions
Revolut has unveiled a new feature allowing users to convert fiat currencies into stablecoins without fees, marking a bold move into digital assets. This initiative positions the neobank as a bridge between traditional finance and crypto, offering users seamless access to stablecoins like USDC and USDT. Itβs part of Revolutβs broader strategy to expand its crypto offerings and enhance cross-border payment flexibility. The launch reflects growing consumer demand for low-cost, borderless financial tools. By eliminating conversion fees, Revolut strengthens its competitive edge against both banks and crypto-native platforms. This move could significantly accelerate mainstream stablecoin adoption among everyday users.
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AI is quietly transforming how payments move, route, and resolve behind the scenes.
Hereβs how itβs reshaping the flow from checkout to chargeback π
β 1. Smarter Checkout Authentication
91% of U.S. consumers say a seamless checkout keeps them coming back.
AI helps PSPs and acquirers recognize trusted shoppers early, skip redundant authentication, and cut friction β all while boosting security.
β Example: Adyenβs Uplift tailors checkout flows using real-time risk signals.
β 2. Dynamic Payment Method Selection
77% of customers abandon carts if their preferred payment method isnβt shown.
AI now personalizes payment options in real time, adapting to user behavior and context.
β Example: Stripeβs Optimized Checkout Suite uses AI to decide which methods to display β and in what order.
β 3. Intelligent Payment Routing
Processing fees remain steep and acceptance rates vary.
AI-powered routing analyzes transaction data to send each payment to the acquirer most likely to approve it β and can automatically retry failures.
β Example: Checkout comβs Intelligent Acceptance boosts average success rates by ~3.8%.
Curated News
π³ Payments
Block Enables Global Bitcoin Payments for 4 Million Merchants
Block has rolled out a global Bitcoin payments option for its merchant network, allowing businesses to accept BTC worldwide with no transaction fees until 2027. The feature enhances crypto payment accessibility and underlines Blockβs push to make Bitcoin a mainstream payment method.
Source
Spreedly Expands to Brazilβs $378B E-Commerce Market via Pix
Spreedly is integrating with Brazilβs Pix payment network, tapping into one of the fastest-growing digital payment ecosystems. The move opens access to Brazilβs booming $378 billion e-commerce market, offering global merchants faster and more localized payment options.
Source
Ravelin Warns of Rising Payment Friction During Peak Season
Fraud-prevention platform Ravelin reports a decline in frictionless payment approvals during peak sales periods, putting holiday revenues at risk. The firm calls for smarter fraud models to balance risk and customer experience.
Source
OpenPayd Expands European Payment Capabilities
OpenPayd has added new domestic virtual IBANs and payment rails across Europe, strengthening its embedded finance infrastructure. The update enables faster, more localized payments for fintechs and digital businesses operating in the region.
Source
π¦ Banking
Smart Data Group Unveils Blueprint for Open Bankingβs Future
The Smart Data Group has released a roadmap outlining how open banking can evolve into open data ecosystems. The blueprint emphasizes interoperability, consumer control, and innovation across financial services.
Source
Starling and Small Business Britain Partner to Empower Women Entrepreneurs
Starling Bank and Small Business Britain have teamed up to boost female entrepreneurship through financial education and access to resources. The initiative aims to close gender gaps in business financing.
Source
59% of UK SMEs Abandon Loan Applications Midway
A new report reveals that over half of UK small business founders abandon loan applications due to complexity and delays. The findings highlight a persistent gap in SME access to finance and digital lending solutions.
Source
π° Fintech
Saudi Fintech Lean Eyes IPO After Strategic Expansion
Saudi fintech startup Lean is reportedly exploring acquisition and partnership opportunities ahead of a planned IPO. The company aims to position itself as a regional leader in financial infrastructure and data connectivity.
Source
Pine Labsβ $440M IPO Fully Subscribed
Payments and merchant platform Pine Labs saw strong investor demand, with its $440 million IPO fully subscribed on the final day. The result reflects sustained global interest in Indiaβs fintech ecosystem.
Source
WAMID Launches Newswire for Real-Time Financial Updates
Saudi data provider WAMID has launched βWAMID Newswire,β a new service delivering real-time financial news to local and global markets. The platform strengthens financial transparency and investor access to timely data.
Source
Hexaware Deepens Google Cloud Partnership for Insurance Solutions
Hexaware is expanding its collaboration with Google Cloud to launch AI-driven insurance solutions. The partnership aims to accelerate digital transformation and enhance risk analytics across insurers.
Source
πͺ Crypto
Coinbase Launches Savings Account Offering 3.75% Interest in the UK
Coinbase has introduced a new crypto-linked savings product for UK users, offering 3.75% APY to rival traditional bank savings rates. The move reflects a growing overlap between DeFi yields and regulated banking.
Source
Standard Chartered Backs Stablecoin Credit Card in Singapore
Standard Chartered and DCS are teaming up to support Singaporeβs first stablecoin-backed credit card. The partnership could redefine digital asset payments in one of Asiaβs leading fintech hubs.
Source
Robinhood Joins $68M Round for Crypto Trading Protocol Lighter
Robinhood has participated in a $68 million funding round for Lighter, a decentralized crypto trading protocol. The investment signals Robinhoodβs growing interest in Web3 infrastructure and non-custodial trading.
Source
Coins.ph Tests Peso Stablecoin on Arc Blockchain
Philippines-based exchange Coins.ph is exploring the Arc blockchain for its peso-backed stablecoin initiative. The project could enhance remittances and local digital payments through faster, cheaper settlements.
Source
Canary XRP ETF Set to Begin Trading After SEC Filing
Canaryβs XRP exchange-traded fund is expected to start trading this week, following SEC approval. It marks another step toward the mainstream acceptance of XRP-based investment products.
Source
π WealthTech
Schwab to Acquire Forge Global, Expanding Private Markets Access
Charles Schwab is acquiring Forge Global to strengthen its private market investment platform. The move gives Schwab clients greater access to pre-IPO and alternative assets.
Source
βοΈ Regulation
IOSCO Warns Tokenization Poses New Market Risks
The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) has warned that financial tokenization introduces new forms of systemic risk. The report urges regulators to address data integrity, custody, and valuation concerns.
Source
π Other
BNP Paribas Uses AI to Accelerate ESG Assessments
BNP Paribas has adopted AI tools to automate and speed up ESG evaluations across its investment operations. The bank aims to improve transparency and compliance amid rising regulatory scrutiny on sustainability.
Source
EIB Expands Global Green Finance Access Tool
The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group has extended its digital platform that streamlines access to green financing. The tool supports global sustainability projects through improved data sharing and project tracking.
Source
BMLL Powers Data Calibration for European Consolidated Tape
BMLL has been selected by EuroCTP to provide data calibration services for Europeβs consolidated tape initiative. The partnership will enhance market transparency and data quality across the regionβs trading venues.
Source
Creators Drive Next Wave of Commerce, Report Finds
A new report highlights how βbusiness-savvy creatorsβ are reshaping digital commerce through direct monetization and brand partnerships. The trend underscores the convergence of content creation and fintech innovation.
Source
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