Visa Moves Into Onchain Banking — A Defining Moment for Fintech Infrastructure
Visa’s collaboration with a Tether co-founder to build onchain banking infrastructure marks a major step toward the convergence of traditional finance and blockchain systems. Rather than treating crypto as a separate ecosystem, Visa is actively integrating decentralized financial rails into its core strategy. This signals a shift where global payment networks may evolve into hybrid platforms supporting both fiat and digital assets. The move could unlock faster, programmable, and borderless financial services at scale. It also intensifies competition with banks and fintechs exploring similar blockchain-native models. For the industry, this is less about experimentation and more about long-term infrastructure transformation. Ultimately, Visa’s push into onchain banking highlights how the next phase of fintech will be built on interoperable financial systems.
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The Global Payments Report 2026
Key Takeaways:
- A new wave of payment app growth in stores
Digital payment innovation first took off online while the in-store experience lagged. Today, payment apps are starting to follow the same trajectory in stores as they did online. QR codes and interoperability are pushing developments in the Asia-Pacific region, while regulatory changes stir in payment competition in Europe. Payment apps will account for 46% of global POS value in 2030 – or $15.6 trillion.
- Glocalization: Payments on the move
Many leading payment systems were designed for domestic use, causing friction for travelers and crossborder online shoppers that must adapt to unfamiliar payment options. Today, these points of friction are being reduced through the global expansion of direct acceptance and interoperability, while in Europe a new effort aims to unify countries’ domestic payment networks into one across the continent.
- Digital wallets are winning on multiple fronts
Digital wallets are now the leading payment method globally, accounting for 56% of e-commerce and 33% of POS value in 2025. Their rise reflects their inherent flexibility, serving the diverse needs of consumers around the world. Worldpay analysis explores where – and why – pass-through, staged and stored-value wallet models a
- BNPL competition follows the consumer
Transaction-specific installments continue to help shape payment landscapes. Prominent buy now, pay later brands boast growth in their installment businesses while expanding into broader services. Digital wallets are natural homes for BNPL, with several global brands integrating installment features directly into the wallet experience. Meanwhile, card issuers are turning to card-backed installments to win back share of consumer lending at checkout.
- Crypto for payments: Evolution, not revolution
Cryptocurrency enthusiasts promised revolution – a parallel structure to traditional finance of cash, card networks and other fiat-based payments. That revolution hasn’t arrived yet, with crypto having negligible direct use compared to traditional finance transaction values. Consumers are using it to pay more than they were, but through unexpected ways: via the traditional finance tools cryptocurrencies aspired to replace.
Curated News
💳 Payments
Virtual Cards Expand as Qolo and KeyBank Deepen Partnership
Qolo and KeyBank have launched a new virtual commercial card program, enhancing digital payment capabilities for businesses. The initiative reflects growing demand for flexible, software-driven expense management solutions.
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Usio Enables Branded Payments with Gift Card Platform
Usio has introduced a private-label gift card solution, allowing businesses to create customized payment experiences. This strengthens brand engagement while expanding embedded finance use cases.
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Partnerships Become Core to Corporate Payment Innovation
Mastercard highlights how collaboration is driving the next phase of corporate payment evolution. Fintech-bank partnerships are increasingly central to building scalable, enterprise-grade solutions.
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Nordics Push Forward Next-Gen Payment Infrastructure
At NextGen Nordics 2026, industry leaders are focusing on real-time, API-driven, and cross-border payment systems. The region continues to lead in modernizing payment infrastructure globally.
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🏦 Banking
Mercury Secures Conditional U.S. Bank Charter
Mercury has obtained a conditional OCC charter, bringing it closer to full banking status. This move could redefine how fintech firms operate within regulated financial frameworks.
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Superbank Turns Profitable, Signaling Digital Bank Maturity
Superbank reported a $5.8 million pretax profit in Q1, marking a key milestone. The result highlights improving sustainability across digital banking models.
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ANZ Doubles Down on AI with New Chief Data Role
ANZ has appointed its first chief data and AI officer, reinforcing its focus on data-driven banking. This reflects a broader shift toward AI as a core banking capability.
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📊 Fintech
Goldman Sachs Backs Kashable in $60M Funding Round
A Goldman Sachs unit has led a $60 million investment in Kashable, highlighting growing interest in employer-linked lending. The model is gaining traction as an alternative credit solution.
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LemFi Commits $100M to UK Expansion
LemFi is investing $100 million in the UK while relocating its headquarters to London. The move underscores London’s continued strength as a fintech hub.
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Peak XV Exits MobiKwik in Strategic Stake Sale
Peak XV has sold its stake in MobiKwik for $13.8 million, reflecting evolving investor strategies in fintech markets. The exit highlights changing dynamics in emerging market investments.
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Nuva Raises Seed Funding to Build Fintech Infrastructure
Nuva has secured $5.2 million in seed funding to develop software infrastructure solutions. The raise reflects continued interest in backend fintech innovation.
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🪙 Crypto
Block Launches Bitkey Wallet with Built-In Security Features
Block has introduced the Bitkey wallet, featuring a screen, automatic Bitcoin earning, and proof-of-reserves. The product aims to simplify secure self-custody for mainstream users.
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Chiliz Expands to New Chains to Boost Fan Token Ecosystem
Chiliz is expanding to Solana and Base to improve scalability and trading for fan tokens. This move enhances accessibility and performance for sports-focused crypto assets.
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Bitcoin Faces Key Inflection Point Amid Macro Uncertainty
Bitcoin’s price trajectory is tied to a critical $82K level as macroeconomic events unfold. This highlights increasing correlation between crypto markets and traditional finance.
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📈 WealthTech
Robinhood Shares Slide on Falling Crypto Revenue
Robinhood’s stock dropped בעקבות a 34% decline in crypto revenue. The performance underscores the platform’s sensitivity to crypto market cycles.
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24/7 Trading Platform Liquid Raises $18M
Liquid has secured $18 million to build an always-on trading platform. The model reflects growing demand for continuous market access.
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Plum Achieves Profitability in Milestone Moment
Personal finance app Plum has reached profitability, marking a key step toward sustainable growth. This highlights improving economics in consumer fintech.
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⚖️ Regulation
Stablecoins Move Closer to Mainstream Adoption in the U.S.
Regulatory clarity in the U.S. is accelerating stablecoin adoption in payments and finance. This shift strengthens their role as a bridge between crypto and traditional systems.
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Polymarket Seeks Regulatory Return to U.S. Market
Polymarket is pursuing approval to re-enter the U.S., signaling renewed efforts by crypto platforms to operate within regulatory frameworks.
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🌍 Other
Financial Fraud Hits 1 in 3 Adults in Ireland
A new report shows that one-third of Irish adults have experienced financial fraud. The data highlights the growing scale of digital financial crime risks.
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Airtel Plans $2B IPO for Mobile Money Business
Airtel is exploring a $2 billion IPO for its mobile money unit in London. The move signals strong investor appetite for telecom-driven fintech platforms.
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