Fiat currency is government-issued money that is not backed by a physical commodity like gold. Examples include the US dollar, euro, and yen. In the crypto world, fiat currencies are often used as reference points for pricing and trading digital assets. They also serve as on- and off-ramps between traditional financial systems and cryptocurrencies. Despite the rise of digital assets, fiat currencies remain dominant in everyday economic activity.
Telegram has launched Mira, a blockchain-based AI assistant integrated into chats, as the platform expands into AI services alongside crypto payments and commerce infrastructure.
Universal Digital has introduced USDU, the first US dollar stablecoin registered by the UAE central bank, marking a milestone in the country’s regulated digital payments framework.
Barclays has made its first equity investment tied to stablecoins, backing Ubyx as global banks look for regulated exposure to tokenized cash infrastructure without issuing tokens themselves.
A new Coinbase-Ipsos survey shows younger US investors allocating significantly more of their portfolios to crypto and other non-traditional assets, signaling growing dissatisfaction with legacy finance.
Stripe has acquired the team behind Valora wallet to accelerate its stablecoin offerings, integrating talent while leaving the app’s IP with cLabs.
BMW Group has completed its first fully automated EUR-to-USD FX transaction using JPMorgan’s Kinexys Digital Payments.
Visa has partnered with Aquanow to expand stablecoin settlement capabilities across the CEMEA region, enabling issuers and acquirers to settle transactions using USDC for faster, lower-cost cross-border payments.