Blockchain CBDC Digital Currency Regulatory Environment Stablecoins

Episode 287 - Fanning the Flames - State of Stablecoins 2026

Join Glenbrook’s Russ Jones and Ashley Lannquist for a detailed discussion on the state of stablecoins, focusing on market developments, regulatory and policy impacts, usage patterns, and competition from other improved payments systems.

Companies

Banks Caution Against Relaxing Standards for Fed Account Access to Preserve Financial Stability

The Clearing House

“The Bank Policy Institute, Financial Services Forum and The Clearing House Association responded to the Federal Reserve’s request for input on a special-purpose payment account, sometimes referred to as a “skinny master account.” This proposal would relax Federal Reserve master account access standards by introducing a new type of account aimed at payments companies. The […]

Tags: The Clearing House (TCH)

Companies

Jack Dorsey’s Cash App Eliminates Fees on Large Bitcoin Purchases and Recurring Buys

Crypto Briefing

“Jack Dorsey-backed Cash App is eliminating fees on Bitcoin purchases exceeding $2,000 and all recurring buys, according to a recent announcement. The policy change, which targets both transaction fees and spreads, is part of a set of Bitcoin-focused updates aimed at making the leading digital asset more practical for everyday use, the team stated.”

Tags: Block

Global

The Global Payments Reset Has Begun - And It’s Not Coming From Banks

Exchange Rates

“China’s central bank has signalled a major shift in digital-currency policy. Under a new action plan published by the People’s Bank of China, the digital yuan moves from “digital cash” to a form of deposit money: commercial banks will pay interest on e-CNY balances from 1 January 2026 and deposits will be covered by deposit […]

Tags: China

Global

India Weighing up to 25,000 Rupee Compensation for Digital‑Payment Frauds, RBI Governor Says

Yahoo Finance

“The Reserve Bank of India will propose a framework to compensate customers up ​to 25,000 rupees ($276) for losses incurred in small-value fraudulent ‌transactions, Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra said on Friday. This was among a ‌series of steps announced by the RBI to enhance customer protection and increase digital payments safety.  The […]

Tags: India

Artificial Intelligence Data ECommerce Payment Service Provider Payments Fraud

Episode 286 - Understanding Trust in the Modern Agentic and Digital Economy, with Jenny Hadlow and Rory O'Neill, Checkout.com

In this episode, Chris Uriarte welcomes Jenny Hadlow, COO, and Rory O’Neill, CMO, from Checkout.com to discuss the findings from their recent report “Trust in the Digital Economy 2025” and explore the interesting dimensions of trust that merchants, consumers, and service providers need to be aware of in today's ever changing digital (and agentic) economy.

Artificial Intelligence Card Networks Fast Payments Payments Fraud Regulatory Environment Stablecoins

Episode 285 - Fanning the Flames - What We're Watching in Payments in 2026

2026 is set to be another dynamic year in payments. Join our Glenbrook partners as they discuss their perspectives on industry trends and what they'll be keeping an eye on this year.

Global

Why Chinas Interest-Bearing CBDC Changes Global Playbook

India

“On January 1, 2026, China crossed a line most central banks have deliberately avoided. The digital yuan (e-CNY) began paying interest. According to Reuters, verified wallet holders will now earn interest at demand deposit rates under a new management framework that took effect the same day. This is a deliberate digital payments policy choice that […]

Tags: China

Industry

Banks Respond to Proposed Cap on Credit Card Interest Rates

Bank Policy Institute

“The Administration announced plans to issue an executive order imposing a temporary 10% cap on credit card interest rates. The Bank Policy Institute, American Bankers Association, Consumer Bankers Association, Financial Services Forum and Independent Community Bankers of America issued a joint statement: “We share the President’s goal of helping Americans access more affordable credit. At […]

Industry

4 Things to Know About Crypto Market Structure Legislation

Bank Policy Institute

“As the Senate prepares to consider crypto market structure legislation, here are four key things to know about the risks unregulated crypto poses to consumers and the banking system and how a comprehensive approach can solve for these risks while promoting responsible innovation.”

Industry

Stablecoin Interest Ban Puts US at Disadvantage Against China

MSN

“Coinbase’s Chief Policy Officer, Faryar Shirzad, warned U.S. lawmakers that they risked handing China a major advantage if they limited rewards on U.S.-issued stablecoins. The CPO emphasized China’s recent push to pay interest on its central bank digital currency (CBDC), the digital yuan, to increase stablecoin adoption in the country.”

Industry

Federal Reserve Withdraws Restrictive 2023 Policy Severely Limiting ‘Novel’ Crypto Activities

Finance Feeds

“The Federal Reserve Board took a step by officially withdrawing a restrictive 2023 policy statement that had effectively barred many state-chartered banks from the cryptocurrency sector. By rescinding this guidance, the central bank is creating a new pathway for both insured and uninsured state member banks to seek permission for “innovative activities,” signaling a broader […]

Industry

Key Takeaways from The Hill x BPI “Modern Money” Event

Bank Policy Institute

“BPI and The Hill collaborated to host an event, “Modern Money: The Next Chapter in Banking, Regulation and Financial Trust,” featuring discussions with lawmakers, experts and financial industry leaders on the future of financial services, policy and regulation as innovation advances. The event examined themes such as how innovation and oversight can advance to reinforce […]

Companies

Enhancing Cross-Border Payments: State of Play and Way Forward

BIS

“The G20 Roadmap for enhancing cross-border payments has created significant momentum. Most international policy actions are completed, providing a solid foundation for addressing persistent cross-border payment challenges and fostering a more inclusive global payments ecosystem. However, it is unlikely that the end-2027 targets envisaged by the G20 will be achieved on time, and improvements in […]

Tags: Bank for International Settlements

Industry

The Political Economy of Brazil’s Pix Payment System

ProMarket

“In July, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) initiated a Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s public instant-payment system, Pix, for discriminatory practices that harm U.S. commerce. Coming weeks after the USTR had flagged India’s and Indonesia’s public payment services in its Foreign Trade Barriers report, the move signals a new front in global trade […]