With 2021 coming to an end, let’s reflect on the year’s most popular news stories and community engagement initiatives.
Top News Stories of 2021
January
Bitcoin may ‘break down altogether’ – BIS chief
BIS general manager Agustin Carstens warned that Bitcoin might "break down altogether" and raised concerns about stablecoin initiatives, advocating for central bank-issued digital currencies.
February
Ripple formally responds to SEC lawsuit
Ripple countered the SEC’s claims in its lawsuit regarding the status of its cryptocurrency, XRP, asserting that the facts have been misrepresented.
March
Chime investigating $30bn listing
Chime, the American digital banking platform, has engaged in discussions with investment banks about a potential IPO valuing the company at $30 billion.
April
Revolut packs a punch with new glow-in-the-dark debit card
Revolut introduced a glow-in-the-dark debit card, collaborating with boxing champion Anthony Joshua to support independent boxing gyms across the UK.
May
Controversial fintech Lanistar scores FCA approval
Lanistar secured approval from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority, marking a comeback after facing scrutiny the previous year.
June
Big banks back Swift’s new platform and ISO 20022 roadmap
Swift gained support from six major global banks for its upcoming transaction management platform, set to launch in November 2022.
July
Chase customers become instant billionaires
A technical glitch at Chase Bank resulted in several customers unexpectedly receiving massive deposits, briefly making them billionaires.
August
GlobaliD and Uphold launch XRP rewards debit card
GlobaliD partnered with Uphold to introduce a Mastercard debit card that offers cashback rewards in XRP.
September
IOTA tapped by EU to enable region’s blockchain infrastructure
The IOTA Foundation was selected by the EU to support the development of the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (ESBI).
October
Accenture acquires BCS Consulting
Accenture expanded its advisory capabilities by acquiring BCS Consulting, enhancing its expertise in financial services.
November
Amazon to ban Visa credit cards in the UK
Amazon UK announced it will no longer accept Visa credit cards, citing the ‘high cost of payments’.
December
Lloyds on-site technology deemed “not fit for purpose” in leaked video
A leaked video revealed that a senior banker at Lloyds criticized the bank’s existing technology as inadequate.
Most Commented
Amazon to ban Visa credit cards in the UK
Lloyds gives users control over contactless limits amid fraud fears
Mastercard hikes interchange fees for UK online purchases from the EU
UBS: Fingerprint cards will generate $5bn in bank revenues by 2026
[Tony Craddock: FCA’s ‘Dear CEO letter likely to destabilise the e-money sector’](http://Tony Craddock: FCA’s ‘Dear CEO letter likely to destabilise the e-money sector’)
Blogs
Crypto forecast for the first half of 2021
There is no reason to sell. What will happen to Bitcoin and Ethereum?
Blockchains comparison: what is the actual difference? Cardano, Elrond, Polkadot and Ethereum 2.0
Everything you need to know about Crypto Trading Bots
Understanding Tokenomics: The Real Value of Crypto