EU authorities are advancing plans for a digital euro with a likely launch in 2029, aiming to compete with stablecoins and global card networks. The move could reshape payments, cut fees, and reinforce European financial sovereignty.
Anchorage Digital is offering U.S.-compliant stablecoin rails to international banks to speed cross-border transfers and reduce reliance on correspondent banking. The move bundles custody, tokenized USD settlement and compliant onboarding for institutional clients.
Bundesbank chief and ECB Governing Council member Joachim Nagel said a wholesale CBDC and euro‑pegged stablecoins could bolster the euro and help reduce global dollar dependence. He framed both tools as complementary in strengthening Europe’s monetary sovereignty.
Deutsche Bank has signaled readiness to integrate infrastructure linked to Ripple Labs, according to an update shared by a developer on X. The move marks another institutional nod toward Ripple's payment technology.
Steak 'n Shake reports same-store sales rose significantly in the nine months since it began accepting Bitcoin and has accumulated roughly 161 BTC, using part of the reserve to pay employee bonuses.
BlackRock and Mastercard are jointly evaluating integration of the XRP Ledger to support payments and settlement, signaling growing institutional interest in ledger-based rails. The review is exploratory and focused on technical and compliance feasibility rather than a committed product launch.
ECB policymaker Cipollone said the digital euro will be structured to protect European card networks and keep banks central to the euro-area payments system, aiming to preserve incumbent infrastructure and stability.
Cash App, led by Jack Dorsey’s Block, has cut Bitcoin payment fees to 0% for certain purchases and rolled out changes to its BTC withdrawal rules to promote everyday spending. The update aims to reduce friction for using Bitcoin as a payment method.
Steak 'n Shake says sales have surged since it began accepting Bitcoin (BTC) nine months ago, calling the move one of the fast‑food industry's boldest crypto initiatives. The national burger chain announced the jump on Tuesday but did not disclose exact figures.
The Federal Reserve is advancing a plan to grant cryptocurrency exchanges and fintechs direct access to its payment infrastructure via tailored "payment accounts," a proposal pushed by Governor Christopher Waller in late 2025. The move proceeds despite strong resistance from traditional banks.