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Mastercard Expands Stablecoin Strategy

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Mastercard has agreed to acquire stablecoin infrastructure firm BVNK in a deal valued at up to $1.8 billion, marking a major step in its push into blockchain-based payments.

The acquisition is expected to strengthen Mastercard’s capabilities in digital money movement, particularly for cross-border transfers and business payments.

BVNK provides infrastructure that connects traditional financial systems with blockchain networks, allowing companies to send and receive payments using stablecoins across multiple jurisdictions.

The transaction also reflects increasing competition among major payment networks to establish early leadership in the emerging digital asset payments market.

Executives said the deal would accelerate the rollout of new services that combine traditional financial rails with blockchain technology.

Industry analysts view the acquisition as part of a broader shift toward faster, lower-cost digital payment systems.

Revolut Tests Pound Stablecoin

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Revolut is set to begin testing a pound-denominated stablecoin as part of a regulatory trial overseen by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority.

The initiative will take place within the regulator’s sandbox framework, which allows financial firms to experiment with new products under controlled conditions. The pilot will involve a limited group of participants and focus on potential applications such as payments and settlement processes.

Stablecoins are digital tokens designed to maintain a fixed value by being linked to traditional currencies. Interest in such instruments has grown globally, although major UK financial institutions have taken a cautious stance.

Regulators have indicated that trials like this are intended to explore how emerging technologies might enhance efficiency in financial services while maintaining safeguards.

Revolut plans to begin work on the project in the coming months, reflecting continued efforts to expand digital asset capabilities within established oversight structures.

Circle Tops Profit Estimates as Stablecoin Circulation Surges

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Circle (CRCL.N) reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter profits on Wednesday, driven by surging adoption of its flagship USDC stablecoin and higher reserve income amid expanding global use of digital dollars.

The company said USDC’s circulation more than doubled from a year earlier to $73.7 billion, as stablecoins — digital tokens backed by safe assets such as U.S. Treasuries — continue to gain traction with traditional financial institutions and regulators worldwide.

Circle earned an adjusted 36 cents per share, easily beating analysts’ expectations of 22 cents, according to LSEG data. Total revenue and reserve income rose 76% year-on-year to $739.8 million, surpassing forecasts of $700.5 million.

The gains come as the Trump administration’s Genius Act, introduced earlier this year, set the first clear legal framework for U.S. dollar-backed stablecoins, positioning the United States to become a leader in regulated digital payments.

Despite the upbeat earnings, Circle’s stock fell about 3% premarket after it raised its full-year operating expenses forecast to between $495 million and $510 million, citing new investments in platform growth and rising payroll taxes.

The company also faces the prospect of lower reserve income if interest rates decline, prompting efforts to diversify revenue streams through innovation. Earlier this year, Circle launched Arc, a new public blockchain designed to handle stablecoin transactions and support cross-border payments, merchant services, and DeFi integrations.