Chainalysis’ crypto crime report found that illicit transaction activity reached all-time high in value—but an all-time low as a share of all crypto activity.

A Bankrate survey found it’s the main reason why US consumers don’t switch their accounts to another bank. Regulatory action could help, but marketing and product differentiation remain critical.

A US neobank is offering a simple onramp to crypto that targets Hispanic users. Could it pave the way for using digital assets in cross-border payments?

Interest has revived on the business-customer side, supported by the rise of stablecoins and pressure to compete with bigger banks. Expanding to consumers could accelerate payments and deposits.

JPMorgan kept its eye on technology and the crypto trend—no matter what Jamie thought personally: The banking giant’s 2021 featured a UK digital-only launch, fintech acquisitions, crypto offerings for retail clients, and advocating for staff in branches to become licensed advisors.

Confirming speculations, Meta is enabling P2P payments within WhatsApp through its digital wallet app, Novi.

Payments are set to break physical and digital borders in 2022. Innovations will make payments accessible across regions; super apps will address consumers’ financial needs all in one place; and lending will extend credit to once-inaccessible segments.

Mainstreaming of digital asset adoption won’t happen without regulation and compromise.

Spurred by shifts in customer expectations, incumbents will race to personalize services and enhance distribution strategies. Fintechs will focus their attention on tapping opportunities that first emerged in 2021.

Latin America leads in cryptocurrency ownership, with 30% of adults there holding the digital assets. Within the region, ownership jumps as high as 45% in Argentina.

It's teaming up with Amber Group, Bitkub, and CoinJar in a region where 45% of consumers plan to use cryptos in the next year.

Its focus on attracting large and diverse businesses cushioned revenues and volume. Now, it's looking to BNPL, cryptos, and Cash App.

The SEC’s green light means investors can gain exposure to crypto with a Bitcoin futures-linked ETF, though many will likely wait for one backed by actual cryptos.

China’s central bank made crypto transactions and exchanges illegal, potentially in an effort to encourage digital yuan adoption.

eToro launched a DeFi portfolio to give retail investors exposure to the new asset class as the industry matures and more players look to get in on the action.

Here’s a look at some of the latest news from our Payments & Commerce analysts.

Among US adults, cryptocurrency owners and non-owners alike are most interested in using the digital assets to enhance the privacy or security of their online purchases.

Crypto exchange Bitpanda—which recently opened a B2B arm—raised $263M, as investors continue to target players that provide infrastructure to third parties.

The retail giant’s new job opening for a crypto experts suggests it’s looking to enable crypto payment acceptance and build out its fintech business.

Asset management apps’ 200% crypto boost