Top 14 Developments in the Crypto Business World From May

The cryptocurrency landscape is evolving faster than ever. Over the past month, we’ve seen powerful partnerships take shape, major platforms shift their policies, and critical changes emerge in stablecoin and Bitcoin infrastructure.

From Apple’s surprising crypto move to Mastercard’s stablecoin-powered payment expansion, and a potential Bitcoin supply shortage on the horizon, this roundup breaks down the 14 most important crypto stories from the past month. Whether you’re a business leader, investor, or enthusiast, these updates are essential for staying informed in an industry that never stands still.

1. BVNK & Worldpay Partner on Global Stablecoin Payouts

BVNK has partnered with Worldpay to offer stablecoin payouts to clients in over 180 countries. This service allows Worldpay’s users to send payments via stablecoins without managing digital assets directly, simplifying global payouts for merchants and contractors. The pilot is set to launch in the second half of 2025, marking a significant step in mainstream stablecoin adoption.

2. Apple Removes Restrictions on In-App Crypto Transactions

In a significant shift, Apple has lifted its ban on in-app cryptocurrency payments. This change allows developers to direct users to external payment options without incurring Apple’s customary 30% commission. This development is particularly beneficial for apps involved in NFTs, decentralized finance (DeFi), and gaming, as they can now facilitate crypto transactions more freely.

3. Bitcoin OTC Balances Plunge, Risking Supply Shortage by 2026

Over-the-counter (OTC) Bitcoin balances have dropped sharply, falling from 486,000 BTC in 2021 to just 115,000 BTC—a 4.2-fold decrease. With daily withdrawals averaging 276 BTC, OTC reserves could be depleted by July 2026 if the current pace continues, signaling strong demand and a potential long-term supply squeeze.

4. Modern Treasury Launches Stablecoin Payment Accounts Powered by Brale

Modern Treasury, in partnership with Brale, has launched Stablecoin Payment Accounts (SPAs), allowing companies to send and receive USD via traditional rails and stablecoin networks. SPAs offer a faster, compliant alternative to traditional FBO accounts, supporting both fiat and stablecoin transactions with real-time reconciliation, role-based controls, and worldwide reach, all accessible through a unified API.

5. Mastercard and MoonPay Launch Stablecoin-Powered Cards for Global Payments

Mastercard has partnered with MoonPay to enable stablecoin payments at over 150 million merchants worldwide. Using MoonPay’s Iron API infrastructure, businesses and users can spend stablecoins via Mastercard-branded cards, which convert crypto to fiat at checkout. This partnership aims to turn crypto wallets into digital bank accounts and enhance cross-border transactions.

6. Robinhood to Acquire Canadian Crypto Leader WonderFi

Robinhood Markets has agreed to acquire WonderFi, a top Canadian digital asset firm operating two regulated crypto platforms with over C$2.1 billion in assets under custody. The all-cash deal, valued at approximately C$250 million, includes a 41% premium on WonderFi’s share price and is expected to close in the second half of 2025.

7. Major Banks Partner with Solana to Tokenize Real-World Assets

Leading financial institutions, including HSBC, Bank of America, and Euroclear, are collaborating with the Solana Foundation through UK-based software firm R3. This partnership integrates Solana’s high-speed, low-cost blockchain into their operations, enabling the tokenization of assets like stocks and bonds. The move marks a significant shift toward public blockchain adoption in traditional finance, promising faster settlements, reduced costs, and improved market access.

8. Major U.S. Banks Explore Joint Stablecoin for Faster Payments

Several major U.S. banks—including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo—are in early discussions to launch a joint stablecoin to streamline cross-border payments and compete with crypto. The dollar-backed stablecoin aims to enable faster, secure transactions, with progress depending on regulatory clarity and collaboration with payment networks like Early Warning Services.

9. Rain and Visa Pilot On-Chain Credit Card Settlement with USDC

Rain has partnered with Visa to pilot on-chain credit card settlements using USDC stablecoin. This enables instant, 24/7 transaction settlement for Rain-issued Visa cards, improving payment speed and transparency while bridging stablecoins with traditional credit card networks.

10. Visa and Bridge Launch Stablecoin-Linked Visa Cards

Visa has partnered with Bridge, a Stripe-owned stablecoin platform, to launch stablecoin-linked Visa cards. This new product lets fintech developers issue cards that draw from stablecoin balances via a single API. Initially rolling out in six Latin American countries, users can pay with stablecoins at over 150 million Visa merchants worldwide. The program will expand to Europe, Africa, and Asia soon, simplifying crypto payments globally.

11. Visa Ventures Invests in BVNK to Boost Stablecoin Payment Infrastructure

Visa Ventures has made a strategic investment in BVNK, a London-based fintech specializing in international stablecoin payment infrastructure for businesses. This move underscores Visa’s commitment to expanding digital asset settlement and cross-border crypto payments. BVNK’s platform enables fast, compliant, and scalable stablecoin transactions, connecting traditional finance and crypto-native companies. The investment follows BVNK’s $50 million Series B round and supports its expansion, especially in the U.S.

12. Stripe Launches Stablecoin-Powered Financial Accounts in 101 Countries

Stripe has introduced Stablecoin Financial Accounts, enabling businesses in 101 countries to hold, send, and receive USDC and USDB alongside traditional payment methods like ACH and SEPA. Powered by Bridge’s infrastructure, this service offers seamless, borderless money management for enterprises.

13. Mastercard Expands Stablecoin Payments with Nuvei and Circle

Mastercard has partnered with Nuvei and Circle to enable merchants to receive payments directly in stablecoins like USDC, regardless of how customers pay. Additional collaboration with Paxos is expected to scale this capability, aligning with Mastercard’s broader efforts to embed stablecoins into everyday commerce.

14. Kraken Launches Crypto-as-a-Service Platform with bunq Integration

Kraken has introduced Kraken Embed, a Crypto-as-a-Service platform providing banks and fintechs with regulated crypto infrastructure. Its first integration is live with bunq, a major European neobank, marking a key move toward mainstream financial services offering seamless crypto access.

About Paybis

Paybis is a global fiat-to-crypto gateway serving over 5 million users and the world’s leading businesses in 180+ countries. Since 2014, we’ve made crypto simple, helping companies accept, manage, and move digital assets with ease.

Our B2B solutions include fiat on/off ramps, API-based mass payouts (Paybis Send), Business Wallets, Wallet-as-a-Service, and crypto payment infrastructure. Built for simplicity, our products feature one-click Apple Pay, fast ID verification, and easy, customizable integrations, all backed by 24/7 expert support.

Wrapping Up

This month’s developments underscore the accelerating adoption of stablecoins and blockchain technology in mainstream finance. From strategic partnerships and new payment infrastructures to evolving regulatory landscapes, businesses must stay informed to harness the full potential of digital assets.

Whether you’re exploring stablecoin payouts, tokenization, or crypto-enabled payment cards, understanding these trends is essential for maintaining a competitive edge in today’s rapidly changing financial environment.