PYMNTS AM Radar: Crypto Pioneer IPO; 27% Connected; Money Mobility; Changing Winds of Antitrust; Sticker Shock

In 2011, bitcoin was $1 and just about no one was talking about it. Fast forward a decade and there are now more than 18,000 cryptocurrencies, and the rise and fall of bitcoin prices were responsible for the creation and demise of plenty of multi-millionaires. Blockchain.com was one of the first companies on the front lines of digital assets, and now it’s mulling a public offering. It’s Tuesday (April 19) and here’s what should be on your radar this morning.

Crypto Pioneer: Blockchain.com launched in 2011 at a time when bitcoin, cryptocurrency and the blockchain were words spoken only in trailblazing tech circles. London-based Blockchain.com was one of the earliest pioneers and developed infrastructure central to the bitcoin community. Now, with 37 million verified users worldwide and more than $1 trillion transacted, the company is interviewing banks to go public. READ MORE

27% Connected: It seems like everyone is plugged into the internet all of the time and there’s hardly a manual process left. But digital engagement worldwide has only reached 27% of its full potential. While 87% of consumers studied are connected to the internet, only 19% are highly engaged in digital activities. The report Benchmarking The World’s Digital Transformation, The ConnectedEconomy Index Q1 2022, created in collaboration with Stripe, offers an exclusive, in-depth analysis of the trends fueling digital transformation around the world. READ MORE

Money Mobility: Of all the ways digital has changed how everyday life is managed, money and payments are among the biggest game-changers. When it comes to digital account opening, 62% said they are comfortable shopping online to open checking and savings accounts. In the latest Mobile Mobility Tracker®, PYMNTS takes an in-depth look at why FinTechs and neobanks have to be experts at balancing regulatory hurdles and financial partners to maximize their own digital capabilities. READ MORE

Changing Winds of Antitrust: Antitrust laws and the agencies that oversee and enforce those mandates are in the midst of major change. Not only are new laws being enacted to promote competition in several sectors, but new antitrust enforcers have been sprinkled across numerous federal agencies. In an interview with PYMNTS, Jon Roellke, partner at Morgan Lewis, said that this is the most significant antitrust moment in the last 35 years of his career. READ MORE

Sticker Shock: Inflation is at the highest level since 1982, and there are no signs that runaway prices will disappear anytime soon. Anuj Nayar, financial health officer at LendingClub, told PYMNTS that sticker shock is affecting everyone regardless of income, and for those people living paycheck-to-paycheck, the hit is especially hard.  READ MORE