Things we're reading today include ...
Adyen is coming for agentic payments. Can startups keep up?
Stripe vet buys a bank for his fintech
Cryptocurrency Trading Volumes Near Three-Year Low
Lloyds reports first-half profit up 23%, outlines AI-driven cost-cutting plans
Central banks slashed their gold purchases in early 2026
Increase in mortgage debt 'doesn't indicate underlying demand'
Major bank faces legal action for forcing staff into office 3 days a week
Digital banks, social media, and the competition for deposits | CEPR
Chris M Skinner
Chris Skinner is best known as an independent commentator on the financial markets through his blog, TheFinanser.com, as author of the bestselling book Digital Bank, and Chair of the European networking forum the Financial Services Club. He has been voted one of the most influential people in banking by The Financial Brand (as well as one of the best blogs), a FinTech Titan (Next Bank), one of the Fintech Leaders you need to follow (City AM, Deluxe and Jax Finance), as well as one of the Top 40 most influential people in financial technology by the Wall Street Journal's Financial News. To learn more click here...