Keeta Network has unveiled major infrastructure upgrades featuring multi-currency accounts (25+ fiat), SWIFT transfers, instant stablecoin deposits/withdrawals, and integration with Visa Direct for near-real-time payments to nearly 200 countries. The platform now supports ACH, wire transfers, cross-chain USDC/EURC, and plans Bitcoin/Ethereum support. Users can also invest in U.S. Treasury bills and stocks directly on-chain.

OMR Festival 2026 in Hamburg drew over 70,000 attendees, focusing on AI's shift from reactive tools to proactive agents and the critical theme of data sovereignty. OpenAI noted Germany leads in ChatGPT usage in Europe; the event will expand to three days in 2027.

Coinstar launches CINQ digital wallet with Zero Hash, allowing cash purchases of crypto and stablecoins at 9,500 kiosks across the US, with plans to expand in 2025 to lower remittance costs and promote financial inclusion.

The Federal Reserve insists its Fednow instant payment service is neither a digital currency nor a step toward eliminating cash. Yet critics and lawmakers remain concerned it could pave the way for a U.S. CBDC, fueling ongoing debate.

MetaMask launches a 'Sell' feature allowing users in the US, UK, and parts of Europe to convert ETH into USD, GBP, or EUR, with funds sent to bank accounts or PayPal. Plans to support Layer 2 tokens soon.

Square has launched bitcoin payments for over 4 million U.S. merchants, excluding New York, using the Lightning Network for near-instant checkout and offering zero processing fees through 2026.

DoorDash is preparing to offer Dasher drivers stablecoin payments through the Tempo blockchain, enabling near-instant settlement and reduced fees. The roll-out timeline remains unconfirmed, with USDC as a likely candidate.

The OCC issued an interpretive letter clarifying that national banks and federal savings associations may use public blockchains and stablecoins for payment activities. Experts say this is a huge win for Bitcoin and crypto.