🚀 Fintech's $20B TikTok Bet, Walmart Speeds Payments, and Stablecoin Worries Heat Up | Top Finance News Roundup

For Watchers

In this episode: CXO Today, Crowdfund Insider, Morningstar, Congress.gov, The Paypers, CFPB, American Express | Forbes Insights, Digital Transactions, The Defiant, Reuters, ATM Marketplace, FinTech Futures, Finextra, This Week in Fintech, Mondaq, Payments Dive, Punchbowl News, Banking Exchange, Retail Banker International, TechCrunch, Semafor, The Global Treasurer

#Fintech #CryptoNews #Stablecoins #DigitalPayments #FinancialInnovation

For Readers:

"Welcome back to another episode of ‘Fintech & Funnies’—where we make digital payments and decentralized dreams sound almost... romantic. Today’s episode dives into the wild world of 2025 fintech. From AI telling your bank account you can’t afford that third latte, to shared boletos in Brazil making group budgeting feel like a financial group hug—innovation is everywhere!

We’ve got stories of women dominating startup funding, crypto creeping into luxury car dealerships, and DoorDash letting you ‘eat now, cry later’ when the bill hits... in installments. Oh, and let’s not forget—TikTok might be going full blockchain, which means your next dance challenge could be... decentralized.

So buckle up, or better yet, biometric-scan yourself into this episode. It’s going to be secure, speedy, and shockingly funny."

📢 Let’s get started with today’s Top Headlines

[CXOToday] is reporting that Fintech Innovations Are Redefining Finance in 2025. AI, blockchain, embedded finance, and DeFi are revolutionizing the way businesses and consumers interact with money. Security features like tokenization and AI-driven fraud detection are also improving both user experience and safety.

[Payments Dive] is reporting that Retailers Are Modernizing Checkout Systems to Improve Customer Experience. Retailers are adopting tap-to-pay, QR codes, and biometric authentication while phasing out cash and magnetic stripe readers. A KPMG survey reveals that improving speed and reducing friction are top priorities for businesses investing in checkout innovation.

[Crowdfund Insider] is reporting that Fintech Is the Top-Funded Sector for Female-Led Startups. In 2024, fintech attracted $3.44 billion in funding among women-led startups, despite an overall decline from 2022 levels. San Francisco, New York, and London were the top cities for investment, while early-stage investments remained relatively stable compared to past years.

[The Paypers] is reporting that Nubank Launches a Shared Boleto Feature on Its App. The new tool allows users to split and pay bills collaboratively using Brazil’s boleto system, supporting financial organization for groups. The feature is integrated within Nubank’s payment assistant and reflects the firm’s commitment to simplifying financial management.

[CFPB] is reporting that School Lunch Payment Platforms Are Charging Families Excessive Junk Fees. The agency highlights that fees can disproportionately impact low-income families, with some paying $0.60 in fees for every $1 spent on lunch. The report calls for greater transparency and accessibility of fee-free options in line with USDA policy.

🔥 Turning now to The BIG Story for today:

[American Express / Forbes Insights] is reporting that Consumers Value Security, Speed, and Choice in Payment Solutions Across Non-Retail Industries.

In an age where digital payments are evolving faster than a hummingbird on espresso, American Express and Forbes Insights have teamed up to spotlight what really matters to today’s consumers—and the message is clear: security, speed, and flexibility win the race. A recent survey reveals that 94% of consumers say security is their top priority when choosing a payment method, while nearly one in four would switch providers entirely if their preferred method isn’t accepted. This isn’t just a nudge for merchants—it’s a full-on shove toward smarter, faster, and more secure transactions.

But this trend isn’t just shaping retail—it’s redefining how consumers engage across non-retail sectors like healthcare, utilities, and rent. With recurring payments and seamless checkout experiences becoming the norm, businesses are being urged to adopt tools that match the pace of modern life. The report offers a treasure trove of actionable insights and resources tailored for merchants looking to stay ahead. From digital wallets to multi-channel payment strategies, the message is simple: adapt or risk becoming obsolete. For merchants ready to upgrade their playbook, the American Express resource center is more than just a guide—it’s a lifeline in an increasingly frictionless financial world.

 🎙️Checking in now on Crypto and Web3

[The Defiant] is reporting that Project Liberty Launched a $20 Billion Bid to Buy TikTok and Move 170M Users Onchain. Led by Frank McCourt and backed by Alexis Ohanian and Kevin O’Leary, the consortium seeks to build a decentralized social network using the Frequency blockchain. The initiative promises creator ownership, portability of social graphs, and data control—an ambitious vision for turning TikTok into Web3’s first killer app.

[Reuters] is reporting that Walmart has partnered with JPMorgan to expedite payments to online sellers. This collaboration aims to enhance the efficiency of transactions on Walmart's e-commerce platform. The initiative is expected to improve cash flow for sellers and streamline the payment process.​.

[Digital Transactions] is reporting that The Trump Administration Is Increasing Crypto Adoption by Supporting Blockchain Discourse. Luxury car dealers like ECD Auto Design are now accepting crypto amid rising consumer interest, spurred by favorable signals from the administration. BitPay reported a 36% increase in crypto transaction volume post-inauguration, with merchants drawn to benefits like lower fees, transparency, and fast settlement.

[FinTech Futures] is reporting that Crypto Payments Firm MoonPay Secures $200 Million Credit Line From Galaxy. MoonPay plans to use the funds to ensure liquidity, sustain service for over 30 million users, and respond to surging demand for digital assets. The firm recently became profitable, expanded with the acquisitions of Helio and Iron, and supports crypto transactions in 180 countries.

[Banking Exchange] is reporting that Trump-Era Policies Are Encouraging Fintech and Crypto Firms to Become Banks. Eased regulations have prompted renewed interest in acquiring banking licenses or national charters, especially through purchasing community banks. This shift enables firms to take deposits, gain customer trust, and expand beyond traditional fintech boundaries.

[Finextra] is reporting that Mobile-First Markets Are Embracing Stablecoins at Checkout. Countries in Africa and Asia are using stablecoins for fast, low-fee payments as an alternative to traditional card networks, especially in areas with limited banking infrastructure. Stablecoins offer near-instant settlement, reduce intermediaries, and allow merchants to accept payments via QR codes and smartphones, marking a leap forward in global financial inclusion.

[Finextra] is reporting that Fintech Trends in iGaming Include Instant Payments and Blockchain Integration. iGaming platforms are leveraging fintech to enhance user experience with faster payouts and decentralized ledgers. Real-time payments, open banking, and crypto integration are becoming core to building trust and convenience in online gambling.

[Finextra] is reporting that Digital Banks in LATAM Are Exploring Subscription Models. Inspired by Netflix-style pricing, fintechs in Latin America are offering bundled services (e.g., insurance, cashback, overdraft protection) for a fixed monthly fee. These models aim to build customer loyalty and create recurring revenue, especially in markets with high mobile banking penetration.

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 🎙️Checking in now on Crypto and Web3

[The Defiant] is reporting that Project Liberty Launched a $20 Billion Bid to Buy TikTok and Move 170M Users Onchain. Led by Frank McCourt and backed by Alexis Ohanian and Kevin O’Leary, the consortium seeks to build a decentralized social network using the Frequency blockchain. The initiative promises creator ownership, portability of social graphs, and data control—an ambitious vision for turning TikTok into Web3’s first killer app.

[Reuters] is reporting that Walmart has partnered with JPMorgan to expedite payments to online sellers. This collaboration aims to enhance the efficiency of transactions on Walmart's e-commerce platform. The initiative is expected to improve cash flow for sellers and streamline the payment process.​.

[Digital Transactions] is reporting that The Trump Administration Is Increasing Crypto Adoption by Supporting Blockchain Discourse. Luxury car dealers like ECD Auto Design are now accepting crypto amid rising consumer interest, spurred by favorable signals from the administration. BitPay reported a 36% increase in crypto transaction volume post-inauguration, with merchants drawn to benefits like lower fees, transparency, and fast settlement.

[FinTech Futures] is reporting that Crypto Payments Firm MoonPay Secures $200 Million Credit Line From Galaxy. MoonPay plans to use the funds to ensure liquidity, sustain service for over 30 million users, and respond to surging demand for digital assets. The firm recently became profitable, expanded with the acquisitions of Helio and Iron, and supports crypto transactions in 180 countries.

[Banking Exchange] is reporting that Trump-Era Policies Are Encouraging Fintech and Crypto Firms to Become Banks. Eased regulations have prompted renewed interest in acquiring banking licenses or national charters, especially through purchasing community banks. This shift enables firms to take deposits, gain customer trust, and expand beyond traditional fintech boundaries.

[Finextra] is reporting that Mobile-First Markets Are Embracing Stablecoins at Checkout. Countries in Africa and Asia are using stablecoins for fast, low-fee payments as an alternative to traditional card networks, especially in areas with limited banking infrastructure. Stablecoins offer near-instant settlement, reduce intermediaries, and allow merchants to accept payments via QR codes and smartphones, marking a leap forward in global financial inclusion.

[Finextra] is reporting that Fintech Trends in iGaming Include Instant Payments and Blockchain Integration. iGaming platforms are leveraging fintech to enhance user experience with faster payouts and decentralized ledgers. Real-time payments, open banking, and crypto integration are becoming core to building trust and convenience in online gambling.

[Finextra] is reporting that Digital Banks in LATAM Are Exploring Subscription Models. Inspired by Netflix-style pricing, fintechs in Latin America are offering bundled services (e.g., insurance, cashback, overdraft protection) for a fixed monthly fee. These models aim to build customer loyalty and create recurring revenue, especially in markets with high mobile banking penetration.

📊 It’s time for the Regulatory Round-Up

[Congress.gov] is reporting that Pandemics, Payments, and Digital Property Are Shaping the Regulatory Discourse on Fintech. While the page did not load detailed article content, it references legislative insights (P.L.95-630) and seems to address how public health crises impact digital payments and asset management frameworks. For a full summary, accessing the PDF version of the CRS report is recommended.

[Semafor] is reporting that The U.S. Treasury Is Attempting to Consolidate Regulatory Power, Sparking Tension With the Fed. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is pushing for more control over federal banking regulators and wants to influence rulemaking traditionally handled by the Federal Reserve. Though no official merger is planned, the effort reflects the Trump administration’s desire to make financial oversight less restrictive and more politically accountable.

[The Global Treasurer] is reporting that The U.S. Treasury Has Pulled Back on Anti-Money Laundering Rules for Domestic Firms. A new FinCEN rule exempts U.S. companies from disclosing beneficial ownership information under the Corporate Transparency Act, easing compliance but raising concerns about illicit finance. The rollback aligns with Trump’s deregulatory agenda and is expected to save $9 billion annually in compliance costs.

[The Global Treasurer] is reporting that Treasury’s Regulatory Shift May Weaken U.S. Financial Transparency Infrastructure. Critics argue the move undermines law enforcement’s ability to track criminal activity such as money laundering and sanctions evasion. While small businesses welcome the relief, transparency groups warn that exempting U.S. firms from ownership reporting guts one of the most important anti-corruption laws in recent history.

[Finextra] is reporting that FINRA Seeks Feedback on Modernizing Regulatory Requirements. The U.S. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority is reviewing outdated rules for broker-dealers and fintech members, aiming to align oversight with current technologies. Areas under review include communications, licensing, training, and recordkeeping, inviting public comment to support future regulatory reforms.

[The Global Treasurer] is reporting that Treasury’s Regulatory Shift May Weaken U.S. Financial Transparency Infrastructure. Critics argue the move undermines law enforcement’s ability to track criminal activity such as money laundering and sanctions evasion. While small businesses welcome the relief, transparency groups warn that exempting U.S. firms from ownership reporting guts one of the most important anti-corruption laws in recent history.

[Punchbowl News] is reporting that State Regulators Are Growing Concerned About Stablecoins. As stablecoins become more prominent in financial systems, regulators fear systemic risks due to inconsistent oversight, especially around reserve backing. The article outlines increasing calls for unified federal regulation and coordination between the Treasury and state agencies.

[Semafor] is reporting that The U.S. Treasury Is Attempting to Consolidate Regulatory Power, Sparking Tension With the Fed. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is pushing for more control over federal banking regulators and wants to influence rulemaking traditionally handled by the Federal Reserve. Though no official merger is planned, the effort reflects the Trump administration’s desire to make financial oversight less restrictive and more politically accountable.

[ATM Marketplace] is reporting that FinCEN Will Track Cash Transactions Over $200 Near the Mexico Border. The U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has mandated new reporting rules for cash deposits and withdrawals in seven southern U.S. counties to curb money laundering and cartel financing. Privacy advocates warn of overreach and burdens on consumers and small businesses, especially as Social Security numbers will be required for filings.

🎙️ Mr. X Whispers

“Well I’ll be… back in my day, if you didn’t have the money for a steak, you settled for beans and hoped tomorrow came with gravy. But now these young bucks are splittin’ taco payments like they’re buyin’ a new truck. DoorDash teamed up with Klarna so folks can ‘eat now, pay later.’ That’s right—buy now, burp later.

I reckon next we’ll be puttin’ hot sauce on layaway.

Now don’t get me wrong, I love me some brisket, but if you need four installments for chicken nuggets… maybe it's time to dust off the ol’ cookbook and learn the way of the crock pot. Just sayin’.”

“Now here’s a twist I didn’t see comin’. Chime—one of them newfangled digital banks—is handin’ out instant loans up to 500 bucks, no credit check. Flat fees, three months to pay it back. Sounds cleaner than a church pew on Sunday.

Back when I was drillin’ in West Texas, you had to sweet-talk a banker, offer up your grandma’s Buick as collateral, and still pray he’d say yes. Nowadays? Tap a button and boom—cash shows up faster than my ex-wife when she smells a settlement.

It ain’t bad if you use it smart. Just don’t go blowin’ it all on avocado toast and NFTs. That ain’t a retirement plan, that’s a fast pass to ramen noodles.”

💡 YILN's Quick Hits

[Retail Banker International] is reporting that Chime Has Launched Instant Loans for Pre-Approved Users. Members can access up to $500 instantly without a credit check, with flat fees and a repayment plan spread over three months. The feature is part of Chime’s broader strategy to offer flexible, transparent financial products that support credit-building and financial inclusion.

[TechCrunch] is reporting that Ant Group Claims It Cut AI Training Costs by 20% Using Only Chinese Chips. The Alibaba-backed fintech used chips from Huawei and Alibaba to achieve performance comparable to Nvidia’s, challenging the U.S. chipmaker’s dominance. The breakthrough, if scalable, could shift AI development dynamics in China amid ongoing export restrictions.

[TechCrunch] is reporting that 11x, a16z-Backed AI Startup, Allegedly Misrepresented Customer Base. The startup claimed partnerships with big tech clients it hadn’t secured, raising concerns about transparency in VC-backed AI companies. Benchmark and a16z have yet to comment on the allegations, which could affect investor confidence in early-stage AI ventures.

[Digital Transactions] is reporting that Galileo Is Top Among Digital Debit Issuers, According to Javelin. Galileo’s Digital First product received the highest score for its seamless card issuance, broad digital wallet compatibility, and advanced card management features. The report highlights Galileo's ability to allow card reissuance without requiring users to update payment credentials, offering enhanced security and convenience.

🎙️Outro

"And that’s a wrap on this episode of ‘Fintech & Funnies’—where your wallet gets smarter and your payment plans get... sassier. If you’ve learned one thing today, let it be this: the future of finance is fast, flexible, and full of surprises—like getting charged junk fees for school lunches, or paying your rent with a QR code while dodging crypto taxes.

Whether you're building a startup, splitting bills, or still figuring out what DeFi actually means (we see you), just remember—innovation waits for no one, but Klarna will let you pay for it in four easy installments.

Until next time, stay secure, stay savvy, and maybe… don’t buy that Lambo with Bitcoin just yet."

Links to the news sources from today's episode:

CXO Today | Unveiling the Future: Fintech Innovations Redefining Finance in 2025 | Live Link

Crowdfund Insider | Fintech top funded sector for female-led startups: Report | Live Link

Morningstar | HES FinTech and Scoreplex Partner to Advance Financial Inclusion Through Alternative Data | Live Link

Congress.gov | Financial Technology (Fintech): Overview of Innovative Developments and Regulatory Issues | Live Link

The Paypers | Nubank launches a shared boleto feature on its app | Live Link

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) | CFPB report highlights junk fees charged by school lunch payment platforms | Live Link

American Express | Forbes Insights | Tools and Resources for Merchants | Live Link

Digital Transactions | How the Trump Administration Is Stoking Interest in Crypto | Live Link

Digital Transactions | Galileo Is Tops Among Digital Debit Issuers, Javelin Says | Live Link

The Defiant | With $20B TikTok Bid, Project Liberty Wants to Port 170 Million Users Onchain | Live Link

Reuters | Walmart partners with JPMorgan to speed payments to online sellers | Live Link

ATM Marketplace | FinCEN to track money transactions near Mexico border | Live Link

FinTech Futures | Crypto payments firm MoonPay secures $200m credit line with Galaxy | Live Link

Finextra | Stablecoins at the checkout: how mobile-first markets are embracing a new way to pay | Live Link

Finextra | Fintech trends in iGaming: from instant payments to blockchain integration | Live Link

Finextra | DoorDash and Klarna let users 'eat now, pay later' | Live Link

Finextra | Today's episode: Subscription models in digital banks – LATAM | Live Link

This Week in Fintech | Marqeta: The future of self-service fintech innovation | Live Link

Mondaq | With an Eye Toward Modernization, FINRA Requests Comment on Regulatory Requirements | Live Link

Payments Dive | Retailers seek payment modernization at checkout: KPMG | Live Link

Punchbowl News | State regulators’ stablecoin worries | Live Link

Banking Exchange | Trump administration policy spurs crypto company and fintech firm interest in becoming banks | Live Link

Retail Banker International | Fintech Chime introduces instant loans | Live Link

TechCrunch | A Chinese tech giant says it slashed AI costs using only Chinese chips | Live Link

TechCrunch | a16z and Benchmark-backed 11x has been claiming customers it doesn't have | Live Link

Semafor | Treasury’s play for control over regulators puts it on collision course with Fed | Live Link

The Global Treasurer | Treasury pulls back enforcement of AML rules for U.S. firms | Live Link

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