Stablecoin settlement arrives on card networks as P2P options expand

Mastercard and SoFi shift settlement to stablecoins

SoFi Bank has begun settling its entire card portfolio across the Mastercard network using its proprietary stablecoin, SoFiUSD, according to Finextra. The programme replaces conventional interbank settlement flows with blockchain infrastructure to accelerate transaction finality. For European merchants selling online, this deployment illustrates how major payment schemes are seeking to shorten settlement cycles, an evolution closely tied to card routing modernisation.

Moov launches card-linked peer-to-peer payments

Moov Financial has announced Moov Money, a real-time peer-to-peer payment product developed alongside Visa and Mastercard, Finextra reported. The service allows customers to send and receive funds via integrated digital banking apps using solely an eligible debit card and an authenticated mobile connection. Teams operating an online payment gateway should monitor these developments, as seamless direct transfers continually redefine user friction expectations during checkout.

Pibank raises one-year deposit to 3.03% APR following ECB shifts

Pibank, an arm of Banco Pichincha, will lift its twelve-month deposit rate to 3.03% APR effective 29 September, according to Europa Press. The institution attributed the adjustment directly to interest rate policies set by the Banco Central Europeo. For digital sellers operating in Spain, yielding cash reserves becomes a more prominent factor in working capital management and in balancing funds held against chargeback risks.

Public discussion over tax burden and VAT thresholds

Automotive business owner and influencer Ángel Gaitán shared critical remarks concerning tax demands on sole traders in Spain, highlighting VAT obligations under sustained revenue volumes, as covered by Pymes y Autónomos. While the commentary tends to conflate gross indirect tax collection with commercial operating profit, it reflects broader concerns regarding overhead pressures on commercial enterprises. Online businesses evaluating their billing structures should verify specific rules with an accountant while reviewing broader market news.

What to watch tomorrow

• European banking appetite for digital asset and stablecoin clearing trials across established card rails.
• Potential counter-moves by competing retail banks on term deposit remuneration.
• Upcoming tax and reporting policy updates relevant to small enterprises and independent professionals.