# Fintech Related Articles

HTX News Center provides the latest articles and in-depth analysis on "Fintech", covering market trends, project updates, tech developments, and regulatory policies in the crypto industry.

MUFG Considers Implementing Instant Repo Trades with Japanese Government Bonds Amid Blockchain Penetration into Bond Markets

Japanese banking giant MUFG is exploring the use of blockchain technology to enable instant repurchase (repo) transactions involving Japanese Government Bonds (JGBs). In collaboration with Digital Asset, Progmat, and other group entities, MUFG is conducting a proof-of-concept under Japan's Payments Innovation Project. The pilot aims to streamline repo settlements, which are crucial for short-term funding among financial institutions. Instead of tokenizing the JGBs themselves, the project will use the Canton blockchain to synchronize account ledger updates across institutions, while payments will occur simultaneously with asset delivery (Delivery versus Payment) using tokenized deposits or stablecoins. The process is supported by smart contracts from Secured Finance AG. By automating operational tasks and enabling near-real-time settlement, MUFG seeks to enhance funding efficiency, potentially unlock capital tied up in settlement delays, and facilitate intraday repo trading. This initiative is part of Japan's broader push toward digital financial infrastructure. While not guaranteeing a commercial launch, its future depends on regulatory alignment, market system integration, and wider industry participation.

cryptonews.ru08/13 16:06

MUFG Considers Implementing Instant Repo Trades with Japanese Government Bonds Amid Blockchain Penetration into Bond Markets

cryptonews.ru08/13 16:06

Ether.fi Launches Next-Gen Neobanking Services

Ether.fi, a leading crypto neobank, has announced its summer release, introducing a new generation of its fintech product. This update aims to replace traditional banking by offering tools for savings, earning, trading, lending, and seamless spending. The platform leverages decentralized systems to go beyond traditional finance, incorporating the latest trends like trading tokenized stocks, metals, and active crypto assets. The user app will integrate the Aave platform for lending and borrowing, and will add over 30 new fiat currencies and payment methods including Cash App and Apple Pay. According to CEO Mike Silagadze, the goal is to bridge DeFi with everyday financial needs, providing tools once reserved for institutions. The simplified app requires no special crypto knowledge and aims for a broader audience, moving beyond high-risk trading to offer balanced, secure asset management. As of August 2026, Ether.fi holds $3.5 billion in assets. The update introduces features like integration with xStocks for tokenized equity trading, self-custody benefits, lower fees, and a rewards program. It will also offer crypto-backed loans at rates around 4% and a cash-back card. Part of the revenue from new products will fund buybacks of the $ETHFI token, which traded around $0.38 in mid-August. The new features are available immediately to all users, though some services like tokenized asset trading may be restricted in regions like the US.

cryptonews.ru08/13 15:53

Ether.fi Launches Next-Gen Neobanking Services

cryptonews.ru08/13 15:53

Asia is Becoming a Testing Ground for Stablecoin-Based Payment Systems

Asia is emerging as the primary testing ground for stablecoin-based payment systems, with Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan leading the regulatory charge. These jurisdictions are moving from policy consultation to practical implementation, establishing legal frameworks that permit licensed stablecoins for payments and settlements. In 2026, Singapore has authorized major firms like Circle and Coinbase under its digital payment token regime. Hong Kong enacted its Stablecoin Law in 2025, issuing its first two licenses in April 2026. Japan has amended its rules to enhance transaction transparency for crypto exchanges. This regulatory push follows significant existing activity. Hong Kong-based Reap processes about $6 billion annually, with Asia's inter-enterprise stablecoin flows surging from under $100 million monthly in early 2023 to over $3 billion by 2025. The region accounted for $12.5 trillion in stablecoin volume in 2025, with the Singapore-China corridor being the most active. A key insight from a BIS study is that stablecoin transactions are complex; about 60% involve multi-step operations like trading and borrowing, not simple peer-to-peer transfers. This challenges regulators to view stablecoins as programmable settlement tools rather than just digital cash. While progress is uneven—South Korea's legislation is delayed due to debates over issuer eligibility—Asia's advanced banking infrastructure and experience with cross-border finance position it as the natural leader in building the global infrastructure for dollar-denominated stablecoins.

cryptonews.ru08/13 12:06

Asia is Becoming a Testing Ground for Stablecoin-Based Payment Systems

cryptonews.ru08/13 12:06

Securitize falls 16% after earnings miss, tokenization revenue drops

Securitize shares fell 16% in premarket trading after the tokenization platform reported Q2 revenue of $14.4 million, missing Wall Street estimates of $20.6 million and marking a 5% year-over-year decline. Revenue from its core tokenization business dropped 12% to $7.8 million. The company, backed by BlackRock, posted a widened net loss of $21.7 million and a swing to negative adjusted EBITDA. Despite the financial miss, it reported record average tokenized assets under management of $4.3 billion, a 16% increase.

cointelegraph08/13 08:44

Securitize falls 16% after earnings miss, tokenization revenue drops

cointelegraph08/13 08:44

Why Are Crypto Cards Struggling to Replace Visa?

Encrypted bank cards struggle to replace Visa due to fundamental differences in payment economics. Analysis reveals Visa’s fee is only about 7-9% of the total merchant discount rate (MDR), with the largest share (70-80%) going to issuing banks as interchange fees. Most crypto debit cards, operating on prepaid stablecoins like USDC, lack the credit-based revenue model of traditional reward credit cards. This results in significantly lower interchange income. Even with higher exempt rates for small banks, the total fee pool for a $100 stablecoin debit transaction is only about $0.62, leaving minimal room for profit sharing after covering network, processor, and bank costs. Stablecoins primarily innovate in the back-end settlement layer, enabling near real-time T+0 settlements on networks like Visa and Mastercard instead of the traditional T+2 cycle. This optimizes working capital for issuers but doesn't lower costs for merchants or improve the consumer checkout experience. Card networks are actively integrating stablecoins for settlement, seeing them as a system enhancement, not a threat. While stablecoins can reduce costs in cross-border payments by eliminating intermediaries and forex layers, this logic doesn't translate to domestic card payments where the cost structure is dominated by interchange fees. The core promise of bypassing card networks to save merchants money is flawed, as removing Visa only cuts the smallest fee component.

marsbit08/13 02:18

Why Are Crypto Cards Struggling to Replace Visa?

marsbit08/13 02:18

What is FINMA? Why Are Cryptocurrency Companies Continuing to Move En Masse to Switzerland

What is FINMA? Why are crypto companies moving to Switzerland in droves? The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) is a key regulator, established in 2009, overseeing banks, insurers, asset managers, and increasingly, digital asset firms. Switzerland's financial sector is a major economic driver, contributing 9% to GDP. FINMA's independence, funded by industry fees, ensures predictable oversight that mitigates risks for an economy reliant on international finance. A major draw is Switzerland's tiered regulatory "ladder," not a "wall." Companies face proportional rules based on their activity, from regulatory sandboxes for small deposits to simplified fintech licenses (accepting up to 100M CHF) and full banking licenses. FINMA encourages pre-application discussions, slashing fintech/DLT pre-authorization response times from 141 days in 2021 to 25 days in 2024. The system of Self-Regulatory Organizations (SROs) is another key layer. Certain financial intermediaries can join an FINMA-recognized SRO for AML oversight instead of direct FINMA supervision, providing a regulated pathway for specialized firms, including many in crypto. Regulation focuses on the actual business activity (e.g., custody, exchange, tokenization), not a one-size-fits-all "crypto license." This clarity has fostered a thriving ecosystem, with 1,766 blockchain companies in Switzerland by end-2025. The "Crypto Valley" in Zug exemplifies the cluster effect, attracting talent and investment. Switzerland has licensed crypto-native banks like Sygnum under traditional rules and approved the first licensed DLT-based exchange in 2025. Looking ahead, proposed reforms aim to introduce new license categories for payment and crypto institutions while strengthening FINMA's direct oversight powers. The core challenge is maintaining regulatory clarity, proportional entry mechanisms, and SRO specialization while enhancing safeguards as the industry matures.

cryptonews.ru08/12 11:47

What is FINMA? Why Are Cryptocurrency Companies Continuing to Move En Masse to Switzerland

cryptonews.ru08/12 11:47

Figure Valuation Mismatch: The Market Thinks It's a Lender; It's Become a Toll Collector

Figure is transforming from a traditional, balance-sheet-driven lender into a capital-light marketplace connecting loan originators with institutional buyers. This shift is driven by its Figure Connect platform, launched in June 2024. By Q1 2026, Connect volume surged to $1.6 billion, with partners now contributing 78% of platform flow. This model avoids customer acquisition costs and credit risk for Figure, which earns an approximate 3% platform fee. High-margin platform fees now constitute 28% of revenue, up from 5%, driving significant margin expansion. Despite this business model evolution towards a financial platform akin to Tradeweb or ICE, the market still values Figure like a traditional lender at around 12x EBITDA, overlooking the scalability and superior economics of its asset-light "toll road" strategy. Additional catalysts include the pending acquisition of Kiavi, which will double its first-lien business, and a recovering second-lien HELOC market. However, the thesis depends on sustained pricing power, healthy housing turnover, and the platform's competitive moat against potential AI-driven commoditization of underwriting.

marsbit08/12 09:16

Figure Valuation Mismatch: The Market Thinks It's a Lender; It's Become a Toll Collector

marsbit08/12 09:16

Win Up to 150 Grams of Gold at Forex Expo Dubai This September 2026

Forex Expo Dubai announces a Gold Lucky Draw for its 9th edition on September 22-23, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Exclusive to Verified Traders, Introducing Brokers, and Affiliates, the draw offers 33 winners a share of 150 grams of 24K gold, with prizes ranging from a 50-gram gold bar to 2-gram coins. The event will feature over 250 exhibitors and 100 speakers across five halls, including brokerages, fintech firms, and service providers. Attendees can explore new products, compare platforms, and gain market insights. Dedicated programs are available for different groups: Verified Traders access expert sessions and a lounge, while IBs can discuss partnerships in a dedicated program. Beyond networking, the expo includes live demonstrations, private meeting zones, and side events, aiming to foster learning and business growth in the online trading industry.

TheNewsCrypto08/12 08:57

Win Up to 150 Grams of Gold at Forex Expo Dubai This September 2026

TheNewsCrypto08/12 08:57

Shutting Down 8 ETFs, Laying Off 14% of Staff: Why is Bitwise Still Launching New Products?

Cryptocurrency asset management firm Bitwise reduced its workforce by approximately 14%, cutting around 25 positions, bringing total employees from about 180 to 155. The company did not disclose specific reasons for the layoffs or link them to AI efficiency, a trend cited by other crypto firms like Coinbase and Dune earlier in the year. Prior to the staff reduction, Bitwise's reported client assets fell by at least $40 billion between February and April, though the exact causes—market price changes, client redemptions, or shifts in product scope—remain unclear. Concurrently, Bitwise liquidated eight ETFs over roughly three months. These included a Web3-themed fund, a BTC/ETH/Treasuries rotation strategy ETF, and six single-stock or Ethereum-linked options income ETFs. Despite these cuts, Bitwise continues to launch new products. Recent additions include an Avalanche ETP with staking in Europe, the Hyperliquid ETF, and the acquisition of Superstate’s tokenized Crypto Carry Fund, valued over $267 million. This indicates a strategic shift away from certain thematic and complex options strategies toward products focused on direct crypto asset exposure, staking rewards, and tokenization. The company now manages 70 investment products for over 5,500 advisory teams and institutions. The simultaneous workforce reduction and product expansion create a more complex operational environment for the smaller remaining team, though Bitwise has not detailed how specific roles or costs are affected by these changes.

marsbit08/12 08:01

Shutting Down 8 ETFs, Laying Off 14% of Staff: Why is Bitwise Still Launching New Products?

marsbit08/12 08:01

DECTA Partners With OpenPayd to Enhance Global Treasury Operations

DECTA, a multinational payment technology firm, has partnered with OpenPayd to enhance its global treasury operations. Leveraging OpenPayd's regulated infrastructure, DECTA aims to improve the speed, efficiency, and resilience of its operational settlement and liquidity management. This move reflects the growing institutional use of stablecoins and other technologies for cross-border treasury functions. OpenPayd's platform provides integrated fiat infrastructure and digital asset capabilities, allowing DECTA to modernize its internal treasury while maintaining strict governance. The solution is for DECTA's proprietary use only and does not involve customer-facing crypto or FX services. DECTA offers a comprehensive suite of payment services to businesses across 32 countries.

TheNewsCrypto08/12 06:05

DECTA Partners With OpenPayd to Enhance Global Treasury Operations