🚀 Visa Powers Stablecoins

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

Mid-January momentum is already building, and fintech isn’t easing into 2026 quietly. Stablecoins are moving deeper into global payment rails, AI is tightening its grip on commerce, and political pressure is back on consumer credit.

Here’s what we’re diving into:

• Visa pushes stablecoins into real-time payments with BVNK. 🚀

• Google turns Gemini into a checkout-ready shopping engine. 🛍️

• U.S. banks face renewed pressure over credit card rate caps. 💳

Plus: card fee battles in the UK, market surveillance goes real-time, and China’s digital currency quietly scales cross-border volume.

You’ll also want to keep reading for this week’s sponsor, Attio, and how AI-native CRMs are reshaping how modern teams manage relationships.

It’s all happening fast—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.

Visa & BVNK Unleash Stablecoin Power 🚀 Transforming $1.7T Payments Network

The Big Story 📰: BVNK is set to revolutionize payments by powering stablecoin transactions for Visa Direct, Visa's expansive real-time payments network worth an impressive $1.7 trillion. This new partnership allows Visa Direct customers to fund payouts and receive payments in stablecoins, effectively placing digital dollars directly into users’ wallets. Both companies recognize the transformative potential of stablecoin technology as a vital layer of payment infrastructure. With the stablecoin market approaching a staggering $300 billion in cap, this collaboration aims to bring faster, more flexible payment options to businesses worldwide by integrating BVNK’s robust infrastructure into Visa's already established network.

Key Takeaway ⚡️: This partnership represents a significant leap forward in the fintech space, showcasing the growing demand for stablecoin solutions in a global economy. BVNK, already processing over $30 billion in stablecoin payments annually, is ready to enhance Visa's offerings, giving businesses an edge in transaction efficiency. As Visa begins rollout in markets eager for digital asset payments, this could set the stage for widespread adoption of stablecoins, fostering a payment landscape where speed, compliance, and accessibility take center stage. The impact on fintech companies and stakeholders should not be underestimated, as this integration could redefine the future of digital transactions in both local and international markets.

Google's Gemini Gets AI Shopping Upgrade 🛍️

The Big Story 📰: Google is significantly reshaping the future of online shopping by introducing buy buttons on its Gemini platform and launching a Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) in collaboration with major retailers like Shopify, Walmart, and Target. This initiative was unveiled at the National Retail Federation’s annual conference, as Google aims to enhance AI capabilities for seamless purchasing experiences. The UCP will standardize communication between AI agents and retailers, making it easier for consumers to discover products and complete purchases without navigating away from the platform. This move positions Google’s tools alongside competitors such as Microsoft and OpenAI in the emerging AI-driven shopping arena, where the stakes are high to prove the value of generative AI.

Key Takeaway ⚡️: Google’s introduction of the UCP and buy buttons marks a pivotal moment in the transformation of e-commerce, fostering competition and innovation in AI shopping solutions. By establishing a common framework, Google not only simplifies the shopping process for users but also encourages other retailers and payment providers to adopt this standard. As consumer reliance on AI for purchasing grows, the potential for increased revenue and engagement for retailers is massive. For fintech and tech enthusiasts, this development signals a critical evolution in how ecommerce and payments will be conducted, underlining the importance of agility and adaptability in a tech-driven market. Embracing these advancements can lead to new opportunities for collaboration and growth within the financial technology landscape.

Trump's Credit Card Rate Cap: Banks in a Bind 💳

The Big Story 📰: U.S. banks are grappling with a political challenge following President Trump's call to cap credit card interest rates at 10% for one year. While this prompted shares to dip and raised concerns over consumer access to credit, the specific mechanism for enforcing such a cap remains unclear. Regulatory experts suggest that Congress would need to legislate the change, as it cannot be enacted via executive power. Banks are discussing potential responses, including offering lower-interest cards voluntarily, but with less appealing features. This dilemma underscores the precarious balance between political demands and industry profitability.

Key Takeaway ⚡️: Trump's interest rate cap is a significant test for banks, forcing them to reconsider their offerings amid political pressure. The potential for legislation could reshape credit access and affect profitability, making this a critical moment for financial institutions. Unsure of how to proceed, banks may lean toward innovation in card products to appease regulatory expectations while maintaining profitability. For fintech enthusiasts and industry professionals, watching how banks navigate this dilemma could offer insightful lessons on regulatory compliance and consumer engagement strategies in the volatile financial landscape.