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A leading payments industry news source for more than 17 years. Glenbrook curates the news and keeps you abreast of the important daily headlines in payments.
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December 8, 2025
On the web
Ethiopia: Ethswitch Nears Launch of International Card Payment Connectivity Pending NBE Approval
2Merkato
"Ethswitch, the entity responsible for operating Ethiopia’s national payment system infrastructure, has reached the final phase of integrating its domestic card schemes with 32 international card networks through a partnership with the Discover Global Network. The integration includes India’s rupee-based payment network and is pending regulatory clearance to begin operations."
Visa to Start Operations in Syria Under New Payments Framework
IBS Intelligence
"Visa is preparing to re-enter the Syrian market following an agreement with the Central Bank of Syria to develop a national digital payments framework and restore international connectivity to the country’s financial system. The partnership marks the first major move by a global payments company to engage with Syria since sanctions and geopolitical isolation disconnected the nation from global banking networks more than a decade ago."
South Korea Plans Stricter Rules for Crypto Exchanges
Tech In Asia
"South Korea’s government is planning stricter rules on cryptocurrency exchanges after a recent hack at Upbit, a Seoul-based exchange run by Dunamu. Authorities want to introduce bank-level, no-fault compensation, requiring exchanges to cover user losses from hacks or system failures, regardless of fault. This standard currently applies only to banks and electronic payment firms in Korea. The move follows a November 27 breach that reported 44.5 billion won (US$30.1 million) in Solana-based coins moved from Upbit to external wallets in under an hour."
December 5, 2025
On the web
Proposed Rules from the Bank of England to Regulate Systemic Stablecoins
Mayer Brown
"This update explains the Bank of England’s proposed regime for regulating sterling‑denominated systemic stablecoin issuers and payment system operators (and other service providers recognised as systemic in the supply chain) as set out in its consultation paper issued on 10 November 2025; in particular its impact on banks and other participants in wholesale financial markets."
England Enacts Law Recognizing Digital Assets as Property
Ledger Insights
"The Property (Digital Assets, etc) Act 2025 has received Royal Assent, creating a new category of property under English law. Digital assets such as cryptocurrency did not fit neatly into existing laws, resulting in the courts creating a new category, which is now recognized in the legislation. If an asset is not recognized as property, it becomes tricky to recover the asset if it’s stolen or enforce ownership rights."
December 3, 2025
On the web
PhonePe Integrates ChatGPT Into UPI App
Startupro News
"PhonePe announced a pioneering collaboration with OpenAI to embed ChatGPT-powered AI features directly into its UPI app ecosystem, marking a major step in integrating generative AI into India’s digital payment landscape. This partnership will enable users to access AI-driven assistance across PhonePe’s consumer and business offerings, allowing for interactions related to payments, product research, travel planning, and merchant discovery all within the app."
December 2, 2025
On the web
Wise Receives Conditional Regulatory Approval to Launch in South Africa, Marking Company's First License in Africa
Wise Newsroom
"Wise has secured conditional approval from the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) to operate as a Category 2 Authorised Dealer in Foreign Exchange with Limited Authority (ADLA). This approval marks Wise's first-ever regulatory approval in Africa and paves the way for its entry into South Africa, enabling it to offer transfers for personal customers in the country."
China Closes Door on Stablecoin Adoption
Ledger Insights
"The People’s Bank of China announced it convened a meeting of several Chinese agencies to combat speculation in cryptocurrencies, and especially stablecoins. Most of China’s justice and legal agencies were involved alongside the regulators for markets, securities and foreign exchange. The key message is that there is no change in stance on cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, so the crackdown announced in 2021 is still in force and inter-agency coordination should be enhanced. “Virtual currency-related business activities constitute illegal financial activities,” according to the central bank statement."
December 1, 2025
On the web
China’s Central Bank Reaffirms Crypto Ban, Flags Stablecoin Risks Following Multi-Agency Meeting
The Block
"China’s central bank reaffirmed its stance that digital assets have no legal status in the country following a multi-agency meeting on Friday. The PBoC specifically flagged stablecoins as failing to meet anti-money laundering and customer identification requirements, calling them a threat to financial stability."
November 26, 2025
On the web
BHIM Launches UPI Circle Full Delegation, Allowing Senior Citizens, Young Adults to Make Payments Independently Within Set Limits
The Economic Times
"The NPCI BHIM Services Limited on Tuesday announced the introduction of UPI Circle Full Delegation on the BHIM Payments App, allowing primary users to authorise their trusted contacts to make UPI payments on their behalf of up to Rs 15,000. The move is expected to be a game-changer for senior citizens who have their own bank accounts but often hesitate from making digital payments and young adults who can manage their daily or educational expenses with safe, parent-controlled access."
Wise Becomes First Non-Bank to Go Live on Japan's Zengin System via API and Settle Directly With Bank of Japan
Fintech Finance
"Wise is now the first non-bank operating in Japan to connect via the newly established API method rather than the existing Relay Computer system. Additionally, Wise is now the first Funds Transfer Service Provider to settle payments directly with the Bank of Japan, making domestic yen payments almost instant by eliminating the need for intermediary banking partners."
Introducing One Click Payments: A Simpler, Faster Way to Pay by Bank in Europe
Plaid
"One click streamlines the open banking payment journey for Pay by Bank users through a cleaner, more accessible experience. For returning users and those who’ve selected their bank earlier in the onboarding journey, one click automatically recalls their preferred bank and removes the selection pane entirely."
November 24, 2025
On the web
ECB Calls Stablecoins a Threat to Global Financial Stability… Again
Cryptopolitan
"The European Central Bank just flagged stablecoins as a global threat. Again. On Monday, the bank put out a pre-release of its financial stability review, warning that the sudden rise in these tokens needs serious attention. Even though things look fine right now, the bank says that could change real fast if stablecoins get adopted for more uses. One of the biggest issues? If people start swapping bank deposits for stablecoins, banks could lose a big source of funding."
OCBC Rolls Out In-App Calls for Retail Customers
Asian Banking & Finance
OCBC is rolling out in-app calls on its digital banking apps, enabling customers to call the bank’s contact centre even when they travel outside Singapore. OCBC said that it expects in-app calls to be especially valuable to customers who need urgent assistance while abroad, such as in cases of suspected credit card fraud or account security concerns. The in-app capability also prevents impersonation fraud, OCB said, noting that security questions and SMS One-Time Passwords (OTPs) to verify customers who call banks’ hotlines may be increasingly susceptible.
Eurosystem Moves Forward on Work to Connect Tips With India’s Unified Payments Interface and With Nexus Global Payments
European Central Bank
The Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) has decided to further advance the ongoing initiatives to interlink the Eurosystem’s TARGET Instant Payment Settlement (TIPS) service with other fast payment systems globally. The decision is part of the Eurosystem’s overall efforts to make it easier for businesses and consumers in Europe to send and receive payments to and from other countries, including remittances.
November 21, 2025
On the web
Africa’s Digital Payments Gain Momentum: SIIPS 2025 Reveals $2 Trillion in Instant Payments Driving Growth and Inclusion
AfricaNenda
"Africa’s digital payments landscape is expanding at a record pace, marking a turning point towards more inclusive interoperable financial systems. The State of Inclusive Instant Payment Systems (SIIPS) 2025 Report, released by the AfricaNenda Foundation, in partnership with the World Bank and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), reveals how instant payment systems (IPS) are driving economic participation, innovation, and opportunity across the continent."
November 20, 2025
On the web
Central Bank of Brazil Clarifies Rules for Rejecting Transactions Suspected of Fraud
Finsiders Brasil
"The Central Bank [of Brazil] published clarifications regarding the rejection of payment transactions whose recipients are accounts identified as having " founded suspicion of involvement in fraud. According to Communiqué No. 44,253, the responsibility for rejecting suspicious transactions does not lie solely with the institutions where the funds ended up. "Sending institutions must also reject the transfer of funds to the recipient account if there is a well-founded suspicion of fraud," the text states."
Eurosystem Moves Forward on Work to Connect Tips With India’s Unified Payments Infrastructure and With Nexus Global Payments
European Central Bank
"The Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) has decided to further advance the ongoing initiatives to interlink the Eurosystem’s TARGET Instant Payment Settlement (TIPS) service with other fast payment systems globally. The decision is part of the Eurosystem’s overall efforts to make it easier for businesses and consumers in Europe to send and receive payments to and from other countries, including remittances."
November 19, 2025
On the web
Peru To Roll Out UPI-Like Payment System By Next Year
MSN
"Peru will implement by next year the UPI-like real-time digital payments system, according to Peruvian Ambassador Javier Manuel Paulinich Velarde. NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and the Central Reserve Bank of Peru (BCRP) had first announced a landmark partnership to introduce the real-time payments system in Peru in 2024. Once implemented, it will make Peru the first South American country to adopt the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) technology."
On the wires
Nuvei and European Payments Initiative Launch Wero Payments for European eCommerce Merchants
Cision
"Nuvei announced that its eCommerce merchants have started processing transactions via Wero, the innovative digital wallet of the European Payments Initiative (EPI). Wero is designed to deliver instant, secure account-to-account payments across Europe. Wero enables instant account-to-account (A2A) payments through SEPA Instant Credit Transfer protocols, allowing consumers to pay securely and directly from their bank accounts in seconds."
November 18, 2025
On the web
Canada Approves Budget That Advances Policy for Stablecoins
CoinDesk
"Parliament narrowly passed Prime Minister Mark Carney's first budget. A section governs the issuance of stablecoins, overseen by the Bank of Canada. Issuers in Canada must maintain one-to-one reserves "composed exclusively of the reference currency or other high-quality liquid assets," allow immediate redemptions and meet a suite of requirements on risk management in times of failure. The Bank of Canada will supervise and maintain the registry of approved applicants. The non-bank stablecoin issuers wouldn't be allowed to grant "any form of interest or yield in respect of that stablecoin, whether in cash, digital assets or other consideration" to their customers."
Brazil Eyes Taxing Crypto for Cross-Border Payments, Sources Say
Reuters
"Brazil is looking at taxing the use of cryptocurrencies for international payments, two officials with direct knowledge of the discussions told Reuters, closing a loophole in the country's usual levy on foreign-exchange transactions. One of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity about the confidential talks, said the Finance Ministry is looking at expanding its financial transaction tax (IOF) to some cross-border transfers using virtual assets and stablecoins that the central bank classified this month as forex operations."
November 17, 2025
On the wires
Pix to Approach 8 Billion Monthly Transactions as It Marks Five-Year Milestone, Ebanx Study Finds
GlobalNewswire
"Marking its fifth anniversary on November 16, Brazil’s instant payment system, Pix, is on course to surpass seven billion monthly transactions for the first time, potentially reaching 7.9 billion in December. In this month, holiday shopping typically drives peak volumes—an expected 15% increase from September. This growth is expected to push Pix’s total transaction volume in 2025 to USD 6.7 trillion. No other instant payment system worldwide has achieved this milestone so quickly—not even India’s real-time payment method, UPI."
November 14, 2025
On the web
Africa’s Digital Payments Gain Momentum: SIIPS 2025 Reveals $2 Trillion in Instant Payments Driving Growth and Inclusion
AfricaNenda
"Africa’s digital payments landscape is expanding at a record pace, marking a turning point towards more inclusive interoperable financial systems. The State of Inclusive Instant Payment Systems (SIIPS) 2025 Report, released by the AfricaNenda Foundation, in partnership with the World Bank and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), reveals how instant payment systems (IPS) are driving economic participation, innovation, and opportunity across the continent."
On the wires
Visa Expands Visa Intelligent Commerce Across Asia Pacific, Prepares for AI Commerce Pilot by Early 2026
PR Newswire
"Visa today announced significant strides in expanding Visa Intelligent Commerce across Asia Pacific, accelerating the region's push into agentic commerce – a new era where AI-powered agents shop and pay on behalf of consumers."
November 13, 2025
On the web
ChatGPT Joins PhonePe: AI To Transform UPI Payments Across India
Patna Press
"In a major leap for India’s fintech sector, PhonePe has announced a strategic partnership with OpenAI, aiming to integrate ChatGPT-powered AI features into its digital payments app. The move marks the beginning of a new era where artificial intelligence meets everyday transactions, making UPI interactions smarter, faster, and more conversational. Through this collaboration, users will be able to access AI-driven suggestions and assistance directly within the app."
November 11, 2025
On the web
Bank of England Launches Consultation on Regulating Systemic Stablecoins
Bank of England
"The Bank of England published a consultation paper setting out its proposed regulatory regime for sterling-denominated systemic stablecoins. Such stablecoins are a new type of digital money designed to maintain a stable value and could be used for retail payments and wholesale settlement in the future. This marks a significant step in preparing for a future where new forms of digital money may be widely used for payments alongside existing ones."
Brazil Puts Stablecoins Under FX Rules
Disrupt Africa
"Brazil’s central bank will treat stablecoin payments as foreign-exchange operations while extending consumer-protection standards and licensing to crypto providers. Stricter rules typically reduce scams and increase mainstream comfort, laying groundwork for broader crypto adoption as regulated on-ramps mature."
November 10, 2025
On the web
Italy’s Banks Support Ecb’s Digital Euro Plan, but Want to Spread Out Costs Over Time: Reuters
The Block
"Italy’s banks support the European Central Bank’s plan to introduce a digital euro but want its required investments to be spread out over time, a top official of Italy’s banking association said, per Reuters. The ECB in recent weeks has advanced its plan to introduce a digital euro, finalizing a roadmap with EU finance ministers to develop the central bank digital currency (CBDC), projected to launch in 2029 given EU approval next year."
Paytm Unveils All-New App With AI Features to Enhance Payment Experience
Business Standard
"Paytm, India's full-stack merchant payments leader, has launched a redesigned version of its flagship app, integrating artificial intelligence-driven features to personalise everyday transactions for its users. The update introduces a cleaner user interface alongside over 15 new features. One of the standout innovations is the launch of "Gold Coins," a first-of-its-kind initiative that rewards users with digital gold on every payment, adding a valuable savings dimension to regular transactions."
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