FCA Opens a Stablecoins Cohort within Its Regulatory Sandbox
Hey Payments Fanatic!
The FCA has launched a dedicated stablecoins cohort inside its Regulatory Sandbox, giving issuers a controlled environment to test products under the UK’s upcoming regulatory regime.
The cohort supports firms preparing to issue stablecoins in the UK, offering guidance, feedback and the ability to test solutions live or using firm data. Participants also contribute insights that may shape future rules.
Stablecoins remain a priority as the UK refines its framework, building on recent consultations. The initiative complements broader innovation programs such as the Digital Securities Sandbox.
Applications are open until 18 January 2026, with selected firms published once the cohort begins.
Oh, there’s something else you really shouldn’t miss today…
Klarna hosted the world’s first card funeral 💳⚰️ when its CEO cut more than 100 cards on camera.
It all started with a tweet from a customer offering to switch if he cut their Amex.
Curious how it went? (👉) Check it out here!
Now let's dive into today's Payments headlines 👇, and I'll be back next week in your inbox!
Cheers,
INSIGHTS
📊 Average 3D Secure success rates per card scheme.
Let’s dive into Ravelin Technology’s latest report👇
NEWS
🇬🇧 The UK has opened a dedicated stablecoin cohort within its Regulatory Sandbox, inviting prospective issuers to test products, receive support, and help inform future rules as the country develops its stablecoin regime. The program offers a controlled testing environment, guidance from innovation officers, policy-shaping input, and public visibility for accepted participants.
🇦🇪 Visa partners with Aquanow to enable faster settlement using stablecoins. The integration of Aquanow’s digital asset infrastructure with Visa’s world-class technology stack will enable Visa’s network of issuers and acquirers to settle transactions using approved stablecoins such as USDC, reducing costs, operational friction, and settlement times.
🇨🇭 Swiss Bank AMINA trials Google Cloud's Ledger for instant payments. The pilot aimed to showcase the potential of distributed ledger technology to support traditional financial infrastructure without new digital currencies or regulatory changes.
🇧🇬 Revolut is outlining its phased transition from BGN to EUR in Bulgaria. BGN accounts and pockets will close on December 17, with balances automatically converted at the fixed EU rate. Outgoing BGN transfers ended on November 27 and incoming ones on December 10; after this date, any returns will be credited in EUR.
🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan launches $50M gold-backed USDKG stablecoin to modernize cross-border payments. The Kyrgyz initiative underscores a broader trend toward responsible digital-asset innovation in emerging markets. The government’s focus on regulatory discipline, transparency, and tangible reserves signals a pragmatic approach to blockchain-based modernization.
🇫🇷 Cegid acquires Shine to accelerate the path to becoming Europe's leading financial copilot for SMBs and accountants. Both companies share a clear vision: empowering entrepreneurs by removing the complexity of running a business. Cegid and Shine will enable small business owners to spend significantly less time on administration and more time focused on their craft.
🇮🇳 Paytm rolls out Gold Coins, allowing users to earn digital gold with every payment made. The initiative is designed to fold wealth-building into everyday transactions and tap India’s deep-rooted trust in gold as a store of value. Read more
🇪🇺 EU agrees on new rules for online fraud protection. The new set of rules would make payment service providers liable for covering customers' losses if they fail to implement appropriate fraud prevention mechanisms, and would force them to freeze suspicious transactions.
🇵🇹 InvoiceXpress launches free plan to support entrepreneurs and the national economy by removing barriers to issuing tax-certified invoices, allowing them to focus on growing their businesses. Rui Pedro Alves, Founder and Managing Director, added that the free plan aims to spur entrepreneurship, create jobs, and generate broader economic value for society.
🌍 Klarna set to take off with Lufthansa Group, bringing flexible payments to travellers across Europe and the U.S. Lufthansa Group customers will be able to choose Klarna’s flexible payment options at checkout when booking travel experiences by offering the choice to pay in full, pay later, or spread the cost of their journey over time.
🇹🇿 Vodacom Tanzania launches M-Pesa Global Payment to enable cross-border transactions. The initiative aims to cut costs, simplify trade, and boost financial inclusion, positioning M-Pesa as one of Africa’s most advanced digital payment platforms.
Want your message in front of 100.000+ FinTech fanatics, founders, investors, and operators?
Shoot me a message on LinkedIn or send me an e-mail.
Comments ()