Payments are getting a serious upgrade. Affirm pushes BNPL straight into debit cards with Fiserv, applies for a banking charter, PayPal doubles down on agentic AI with its Cymbio acquisition, crypto payments get another swing from Square and Stripe, and Wyoming launches the first-ever state-issued stablecoin. We break down what it all means for banks, merchants, and the future of money — from checkout to the capitol.

Payments are heating up and compliance is tightening. Capital One scoops up Brex in a blockbuster fintech deal, Truist closes the book on a costly overdraft saga, a massive crypto scam marketplace collapses, and JPMorgan freezes stablecoin accounts tied to sanctioned markets. We break down what it all means for banks, builders, and the future of money — with a few sharp one-liners along the way.

Fintech keeps evolving — steadily, not loudly. Block passes $200 billion in lifetime credit with a data-driven lending model, Affirm pilots bi-weekly rent payments with Esusu, and Bermuda outlines a practical plan to bring parts of its economy onchain. Our hosts walk through what’s changing, what’s still experimental, and why these moves matter for borrowers, renters, and policymakers alike.

Banks are in the hot seat as Senate Democrats probe Venezuela-linked oil dealings, Trump floats voluntary “Trump cards” to cap credit rates, and the Fed hands MUFG a coveted primary dealer badge. Meanwhile, stablecoins edge closer to the checkout counter as Ingenico tests crypto payments at the point of sale. Fin & Tech break down what it all means for banks, politics, and the future of payments — with just enough gossip to keep things interesting.

Washington is stirring the pot. Trump floats letting Americans tap their 401(k)s for home down payments, escalates a public debanking fight with JPMorgan, and a Senate crypto bill unravels under pressure from bankers and Coinbase. Fin & Tech break down how politics, banking power, and stablecoins collided this week — and why the fallout could reshape the future of money.

Fin and Tech break down three major fintech developments shaping the moment — Klarna’s expansion into peer-to-peer payments across Europe and its push toward super-app status, Bilt’s new multi-tier credit card lineup featuring a 10% intro APR amid political and economic debate over rate caps, and Visa’s growing role in stablecoin-powered payouts through its partnership with BVNK.

Fintech’s moving fast in January. Steve Cohen reshuffles his fintech bets through a major liquidity move, FIS doubles down on AI-powered commerce with a blockbuster acquisition, and Brazilian fintechs Agibank and PicPay sprint toward Wall Street. Fin & Tech break down what it all means for capital flows, AI-driven payments, and the global fintech revival — with samba-level momentum.

Fin and Tech unpack three major fintech storylines shaping the start of 2026 — Trump’s push to cap credit card interest rates, the accelerating scramble among fintechs for bank charters, and Checkout.com’s Georgia charter win powering its U.S. expansion.

Fin and Tech unpack two major fintech storylines kicking off 2026 — Rain’s blockbuster Series C and what it means for stablecoins going mainstream, plus the most anticipated fintech IPO candidates of 2026, including Plaid, Revolut, and Monzo.

Fintech’s starting off 2026 with some serious plot twists. JPMorgan swoops in to take over the Apple Card from Goldman Sachs, Baltimore sues Dave over alleged debt traps, and the credit-building boom sparks a heated debate about innovation versus score manipulation. Fin & Tech break down what it all means for consumers, banks, and the future of credit — with just the right amount of snark.