Payment Expert’s Fintech Unwrapped delivers the latest and developing news that has shaped the sector over the course of the week.
This week, crypto exchange Bitget tapped into the growing Brazilian crypto market by launching a new Mastercard crypto card, while Visa made two strategic moves to bolster its emphasis on cybersecurity.
Bitget launches cards in Brazil & new conversion service
Bitget launched a new Mastercard crypto payment card in Brazil on August 7 to be spent directly from Bitget non-custodial wallets at more than 150 million merchants which accept Mastercard.
On the same day, Bitget also launched a new crypto-to-fiat conversion payout feature. This service supports peer-to-peer transactions off-ramp, enabling customers to deposit more than 140 fiat currencies to their Visa and Mastercard wallets and offers an alternative traditional bank transfers.
“Integrating crypto into daily life means making it as simple to use as traditional money,” said Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget. “Visa and Mastercard are among the most widely accepted payment methods worldwide.
“Giving our users the ability to convert crypto and access funds instantly on these platforms is a crucial step toward making digital assets more functional for real life utility.”
Visa places greater focus on cybersecurity
Visa has embarked on a new push for greater cybersecurity after launching a newCybersecurity Advisory Practice on August 6. The payment firm has appointed Jeremiah Dewey as Global Head of Cyber Products to help lead the service.
The new practice will help Visa clients with the management and risk aversion of cybersecurity by leveraging its global network of consultants to deliver insights needed to evaluate and mitigate cybersecurity threats.
James Mirfin, Global Head of Risk and Identity Solutions at Visa, said: “Our clients – which range from small mom-and-pop shops to larger enterprises – need comprehensive resources that can be scaled to meet the unique needs of their business.
“We’re excited to welcome Jeremiah to the team as we continue developing innovative offerings that help clients of all sizes understand their risks and stay cybersecure.”
Ripple continues stablecoin dominance with $200 acquisition of Rail
Ripple has announced a $200 million agreement to acquire Rail, a Canadian-based stablecoin-powered global payments platform. The deal aims to create one of the most comprehensive stablecoin payment solutions available.
Ripple currently offers a wide-reaching payout network, deep liquidity, and more than 60 licenses to manage compliant payment flows. Rail adds complementary capabilities, including virtual accounts and automated back-office systems that streamline payment operations.
The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approval.
“Stablecoins are quickly becoming a cornerstone of modern finance, and with Rail, we are uniquely positioned to drive the next phase of innovation and adoption of stablecoins and blockchain in global payments,” said Monica Long, Ripple President.
Crypto.com customers gain new investment opportunity
Crypto.com partnered with Plaid on August 6 to enable its customers to transfer investments from other platforms.
The service integrates Plaid’s service Investments Move, which automates brokerage account transfers while reducing the complexity of the process, allowing for a reduced time for investments to be submitted in less than a minute.
“Enhancing the customer experience with innovative products and partnerships are critical to our overall growth, and utilising Investments Move is just another step in creating a best in-class platform,” said Travis McGhee, Managing Director, Global Head of Capital Markets at Crypto.com.
Paymentology eyes mobile wallet growth in South Africa
On August 5, Paymentology launched a new mobile-first card management platform, PayoCard, to help South African financial institutions digitise their card services.
PayoCard aims to simplify the mobile card service, which relies on long development cycles, by providing a plug-and-play platform which onboards issuers quicker to offer self-managed card features that supports mobile interfaces.
Shahez Shwana, Group Product Manager of Paymentology, commented: “For many cardholders, accessing basic card functions still means standing in a queue or waiting on hold, a far cry from what a digital card experience should be. With PayoCard, we’re helping digital banks and fintechs offer a truly mobile-first experience that gives customers control, confidence, and convenience.”
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