🇺🇸 Revolut Eyes U.S. Bank

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Hey Fintech Explorers—Welcome back to Money Explored, the essential Sunday newsletter to stay ahead in fintech!

March is already heating up, and the fintech chessboard is shifting fast. Digital banks are pushing deeper into U.S. regulation, crypto platforms are blurring the line with traditional markets, and a major crypto institution has just stepped directly onto the Federal Reserve’s payment rails.

Here’s what we’re diving into:

• Revolut makes a bold second push for a U.S. banking license. 🇺🇸

• Coinbase merges stock trading with crypto investing. 🚀

• Kraken gains historic access to the Federal Reserve’s payments system. 🤯

Plus: stablecoins expanding across global card networks, agentic tech entering wealth management, and fresh capital pouring into next-gen payments infrastructure.

You’ll also want to keep reading for a message from The Deep View, and how decision-makers like you are staying ahead of AI developments in just five minutes a day.

It’s all happening—and that’s just the start…

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Let’s dive in!

🌎 3 Major Stories

Dive into this week’s top Fintech developments.

Revolut's Bold Second Shot at US Bank License 🇺🇸

The Big Story 📰: Revolut, the London-based fintech giant, is making a second attempt to secure a US banking license following stagnation in its UK permit efforts. Founded and led by CEO Nik Storonsky, the company aims to build a globally recognized banking platform, stating that obtaining the US bank charter will enable them to innovate more rapidly and expand their customer base in North America. The appointment of Cetin Duransoy, a former Visa executive, as the new US chief underscores this strategic push. Revolut's initial bid for a US license in 2021 was fraught with issues, including a significant financial loss and regulatory challenges, leading to its withdrawal. With approximately 1.2 million users in the US, this new push for a charter could allow seamless operations across all states.

Key Takeaway ⚡️: Revolut's renewed efforts to secure a banking charter in the US highlight the growing trend of fintech companies looking to leverage deregulated markets for expansion. The significance of this move cannot be overstated, as it demonstrates Revolut's determination to cement its presence in the lucrative North American market. As other fintech players like Bunq and PayPal also eye US banking licenses, this competitive landscape could bring about a surge in innovation and customer-centric financial services. For industry watchers and investors, this is a signal that the fintech race is intensifying, and those firms that successfully adapt to regulatory challenges stand to gain significantly in market share and customer trust.

Coinbase Transforms: Stocks Meet Crypto 🚀

The Big Story 🗞️: February was a transformative month for Coinbase, marking its evolution into a comprehensive financial hub. The platform introduced stock trading for U.S. customers, blurring the lines between traditional finance and cryptocurrency. Traders can now access over 8,000 stocks with zero commission and 24/5 trading, consolidating both stocks and crypto in one portfolio. Furthermore, users can earn Bitcoin rewards by holding USDC and leverage crypto-backed loans on various tokens. The addition of agentic wallets signifies Coinbase's commitment to the emerging agent economy, allowing AI to handle transactions autonomously. With these advancements, Coinbase is solidifying its place as a leader in the fintech revolution.

Key Takeaway ⚡️: Coinbase's recent innovations are reshaping how users engage with financial assets, making investing more accessible and integrated. By enabling trading in both stocks and crypto, alongside unique features like Bitcoin rewards and agentic wallets, Coinbase draws in a broader audience. The introduction of crypto-backed loans offers liquidity without sacrificing asset holdings, a game-changer for investors. This move positions Coinbase ahead in a competitive landscape, as it not only caters to individual traders but also accommodates the growing demand for automation in finance, paving the way for a more dynamic and user-friendly financial ecosystem.

Kraken Makes History with Fed Payment Access 🤯

The Big Story 📰: Kraken has made history by becoming the first digital asset bank to secure a limited purpose account with the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. This groundbreaking move grants Kraken direct access to the U.S. central bank’s payment infrastructure, a feat previously exclusive to licensed banks. By obtaining this account, Kraken can now facilitate transactions via payment systems that have long been dominated by traditional lenders. This development signifies a major shift in how crypto and fintech companies can operate, as they usually depend on partner banks for essential services like compliance and money transfers.

Key Takeaway ⚡️: Kraken's achievement marks a pivotal moment for the cryptocurrency industry, potentially reshaping the landscape of financial services. By gaining direct access to central bank payment systems, Kraken distinguishes itself and sets a precedent for other digital asset firms. This change allows for greater operational efficiency and independence, removing the reliance on third-party banks for crucial infrastructure. As cryptocurrency continues to gain traction, Kraken’s move may lead to increased competition within the banking sector, paving the way for more innovative financial products and services in the fintech space.