The article outlines twelve predictions for 2026, focusing on the growing role of AI in business and finance. Key points include a shift towards AI agents over human labor, a surge in liquidity through major IPOs, and the adoption of stablecoins in international payments.

This article explores the profitability of stablecoins, particularly focusing on Tether's success and the limitations of its business model. It outlines three monetisation strategies: issuance, flow, and payment acceptance, concluding that payment acceptance offers the best long-term potential for sustainable growth in the stablecoin market.

The article discusses how AI chatbots, particularly through OpenAI's Instant Checkout with Stripe, are reshaping finance by enabling direct purchases in chat interfaces. It highlights partnerships between major payment platforms and AI developers, expanding the role of conversational AI beyond customer service to include commerce and personalized financial solutions.

This article discusses the rise of branded stablecoins from major companies and emphasizes that their success hinges on interoperability. It argues that for stablecoins to be considered real money, they must work seamlessly across different platforms and transactions.

Noah and Nala have partnered to create a fast, efficient payment network for cross-border transactions in Africa and Asia. Their system allows businesses to collect USD and make local currency payouts within minutes, addressing high fees and delays common in traditional banking.

JPMorgan Chase reported a 13% increase in payments revenue for Q3, reaching $4.9 billion. The bank continues to expand its services for corporate clients, including transaction processing and risk management, contributing to a record revenue from payments.

The article discusses various neo banks and crypto financial products, highlighting their key features and rewards. It points out the rise of companies like Ripple and the integration of crypto with traditional finance, emphasizing the growing interest from major payment networks like VISA and Mastercard.

The article explores how stablecoins are being integrated into traditional finance, highlighting companies like PayPal and Klarna that use them to cut costs and improve payment efficiency. It argues that simply issuing a stablecoin isn’t enough; firms must embed them into their existing systems to see real benefits.

Klarna now allows customers in France and Italy to use Apple Pay for purchases. Users can choose to pay in three interest-free installments or defer payment for up to 30 days. Klarna's underwriting ensures responsible lending, while transactions remain secure and private.

This article discusses how stablecoins are becoming mainstream for online and international payments, drawing parallels to the impact of WhatsApp on messaging costs. It explores the potential for stablecoins to transform financial transactions and reinforce the dollar's dominance in the global economy.

The partnership between Revolut and the NBA aims to enhance financial services for fans and players, integrating payment solutions within the league's ecosystem. This collaboration is expected to streamline transactions and offer unique financial products tailored to basketball enthusiasts.

Visa is exploring the integration of stablecoins into its payment systems, aiming to tap into the burgeoning $40 trillion credit market. The company believes that stablecoins could enhance transaction efficiency and reduce costs, providing a modern alternative to traditional payment methods. This shift aligns with the growing interest in cryptocurrencies and digital currencies across the financial landscape.

Western Union has announced its acquisition of Intermex, a company specializing in payment transfers to Latin America and the Caribbean, for approximately $500 million. The deal, which values Intermex shares at $16 each, is expected to enhance Western Union's earnings and facilitate expansion in high-growth markets.

The article discusses the potential for cryptocurrency to revolutionize real-world payment systems, emphasizing its benefits such as lower transaction fees, faster processing times, and increased accessibility. It also explores the challenges and regulatory hurdles that could impede widespread adoption in traditional financial markets.

Funding for stablecoin companies is expected to surge to $12.3 billion by 2025, driven by the entry of traditional financial institutions and the expansion of stablecoin use cases. A market map created by CB Insights highlights 172 key players within the stablecoin ecosystem, revealing significant growth in areas such as liquidity and yield, cross-border payments, and innovative stablecoin issuance strategies.