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Live · Today’s Edition · April 20, 2026

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Story 01

Visa Accelerates Bank AI Adoption With Infrastructure Overhaul Initiative

Visa launches a major upgrade to bank infrastructure, embedding AI capabilities directly into payment rails and moving banks off legacy systems. By driving this modernization, Visa aims to set new standards for AI-powered banking services and operational resilience. Banks that partner with Visa can roll out AI-driven products faster, while those sticking to outdated systems risk losing market share as AI becomes essential.

Source: PYMNTS
Also Worth Knowing
№02

Coinbase Expands USDC-Backed Loans to UK, Deepening Crypto Credit Market

Coinbase introduces its USDC borrowing facility in the UK, letting users borrow up to $5 million in USDC against bitcoin, ether, and cbETH via Morpho on Base. This expansion strengthens Coinbase’s UK footprint and gives crypto investors new liquidity options without selling assets. UK regulators now face pressure to clarify crypto-backed lending rules, especially around consumer protection and capital requirements, as competition intensifies among crypto platforms.

Source: The Block
№03

Stablecoins Cement Role in Payments as Regulation Spurs Mainstream Adoption

Stablecoins now play a central role in payments, as new regulations prompt banks, payment processors, and fintechs to integrate stablecoin rails for faster, cheaper transactions. Regulatory clarity enables these actors to launch new payment and treasury services, challenging traditional networks. Banks and processors that delay stablecoin adoption risk losing lucrative cross-border and B2B payment flows to more agile competitors.

Source: Banking Dive
№04

Cobo Launches Agentic Wallet With Guardrails for AI-Driven Onchain Transactions

Cobo, based in Singapore, launches the Cobo Agentic Wallet, allowing AI agents to execute onchain transactions with built-in safety controls. Developers and users gain programmable automation for crypto tasks, while the wallet’s risk mitigation features set new standards for AI governance. As agentic wallets spread, exchanges and DeFi platforms may introduce automated portfolio management and compliance monitoring powered by AI.

Source: The Block
№05

Payments Modernization Emerges as Key Margin Lever for Insurance Carriers

Insurance companies prioritize payment modernization to improve slim margins, often just 1–2%. By upgrading payment systems, insurers enhance customer experience and unlock new pricing models. Payment technology firms win new business as insurers invest in embedded payments and digital disbursements, while insurers that delay modernization risk margin erosion and losing customers to more agile rivals.

Source: PYMNTS
The Long Memory
“Despite stablecoins’ reputation for speed, a 2023 study found that over 60% of stablecoin transactions settled outside traditional banking hours, highlighting their role in 24/7 global commerce.

Filed under: Payments History · The Long Memory

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