Alchemy Pay expands stablecoin reach with Agora integration and multi-chain initiatives

The White House is vetting key contenders to lead the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, amid ongoing debates over digital asset oversight and market stability, with potential implications for the future of crypto regulation in the US.The White House is currently in the process of vetting candidates to fill key leadership positions at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), especially after the withdrawal of Brian Quintenz’s nomination. Quintenz, who was previously the head of policy at Andreessen Horowitz’s crypto-focused division, a16z crypto, was initially in line to serve as the chair of the CFTC but decided to step back due to shifting political dynamics. Now, the administration appears to be considering figures like Michael Selig, Kyle Hauptman, and Josh Stirling—experts with backgrounds covering crypto regulation as well as broader financial policies—aiming to find leaders capable of navigating the increasingly complicated regulation of digital assets. The importance of these appointments goes well beyond just staffing. The CFTC holds significant sway over crypto futures, derivatives, and decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols—areas that are rapidly evolving but still face a lot of regulatory uncertainty. Market players are paying close attention to how new leadership might reshape oversight strategies, especially in relation to Ethereum, Bitcoin, and alternative coins. If we see a more focused regulatory stance on smart contracts and DeFi, it could mean tighter rules and requirements, which in turn could influence market strategies and liquidity patterns. Interestingly enough, this kind of shift echoes the regulatory environment under the previous CFTC Chairman, Chris Giancarlo, whose tenure brought notable changes in market confidence and clarified frameworks around crypto derivatives. Recently, Giancarlo highlighted the administration's “hard work on nominations,” signaling a proactive effort to stabilize the agency’s outlook during these transitions. At the same time, other influential financial agencies are undergoing similar regulatory developments. For instance, at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), President Trump has nominated Travis Hill as the permanent chair—he’s been serving as the acting chair since January 2025. Hill, known for rolling back some Biden-era regulations on crypto activities and opposing stricter capital rules like the “Basel III endgame,” is expected to continue pushing a deregulatory approach that supports banks’ increased involvement with cryptocurrencies. Industry stakeholders have welcomed Hill’s nomination, seeing it as a move toward more innovation and greater capital access in banking. This could very well line up with the broader regulatory trends being set by the CFTC’s incoming leadership. Choosing new commissioners for the CFTC is, quite frankly, a focal point for shaping how the US approaches crypto regulation. Previously, efforts by the Biden administration to shake things up included nominating Christy Goldsmith Romero from the CFTC to chair the FDIC—aiming to restore integrity and enforce stronger oversight. Meanwhile, the appointment of Republican Caroline Pham as acting CFTC chair in January 2025 reflected a more pro-crypto stance, emphasizing market functionality and US competitiveness. Pham has notably advocated for clearer digital asset rules and has shown support for new regulatory frameworks, like those for election-betting platforms. It’s fascinating, really, how these priorities are sometimes competing within federal agencies as they try to keep up with the fast-moving crypto landscape. As the White House wraps up these appointments, the crypto community finds itself at a pretty pivotal point. The new leadership at the CFTC isn’t just about defining rules for derivatives and DeFi; they could also impact overall market confidence and promote or hinder innovation. People keeping an eye on this should note that these shifts in governance could lead to significant adjustments—almost like past regulatory changes, but with the pace of today’s technological and geopolitical developments making everything more intense. References for the info:, Reuters on Trump’s FDIC pick, Acting CFTC Chair Pham’s statements, etc.] Source: Noah Wire ServicesVerification / Sources https://www.kanalcoin.com/white-house-cftc-leadership-crypto/ - Please view link - unable to able to access data https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-nominates-travis-hill-be-chair-us-fdic-bloomberg-news-reports-2025-10-01/ - On October 1, 2025, President Donald Trump nominated Travis Hill, the acting chair and current vice chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), to serve as its permanent chair. Hill, who took over from Martin Gruenberg following his retirement in January, has a history with the agency and previously served as a senior adviser under former chair Jelena McWilliams during Trump's first term. His nomination has been sent to the Senate and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. If confirmed, Hill is expected to continue a deregulation-focused agenda, seeking reductions in capital requirements, relaxing oversight on large bank mergers, and supporting U.S. banks' greater involvement in cryptocurrency services. Under his leadership, the FDIC has already rolled back scrutiny on crypto activities and reversed some Biden-era policies. Hill has also been critical of proposed tougher capital rules, known as the "Basel III endgame," arguing they could hinder lending and competitiveness. His nomination has been welcomed by the banking industry, which anticipates enhanced innovation, capital access, and economic growth under his tenure. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/white-house-nominates-new-chiefs-bank-market-regulators-2025-02-12/ - On February 12, 2025, the White House announced plans to nominate Jonathan McKernan as the full-time director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Jonathan Gould as head of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and Brian Quintenz as chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). These nominations were initially reported by Punchbowl News. McKernan, who recently served on the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation board, would be taking over the CFPB during a significant period of change after the Trump administration's freeze on the agency. Gould, a partner at law firm Jones Day, and former chief counsel for the Senate Banking Committee, is set to lead the OCC overseeing large national banks. Quintenz, heading policy for a16z crypto, plays a significant role in the anticipated overhaul of cryptocurrency regulations under the Trump administration, moving into a more prominent position with the CFTC. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-plans-pick-brian-quintenz-lead-cftc-bloomberg-news-reports-2025-02-12/ - On February 12, 2025, President Donald Trump planned to appoint Brian Quintenz, currently serving as the head of policy at Andreessen Horowitz's a16z crypto division, to lead the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This information was reported by Bloomberg News, citing a document. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-will-nominate-cftc-commissioner-goldsmith-romero-fdic-chair-white-house-2024-06-13/ - On June 13, 2024, President Joe Biden nominated Christy Goldsmith Romero, a Democratic member of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), to chair the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). This came after current chair Martin Gruenberg announced his resignation following criticism over the agency's management and an investigation revealing widespread sexual harassment and misconduct. Goldsmith Romero, who has extensive experience in enforcement and supervising financial institutions, joined the CFTC in March 2022 and has led significant actions against major financial firms. Additionally, Biden intended to nominate Kristin Johnson, another Democratic CFTC Commissioner, for a key role in the Treasury Department. Goldsmith Romero was seen as highly capable of addressing the FDIC's toxic work environment and implementing necessary reforms. Senate confirmation of her nomination was crucial and could be challenging due to the upcoming November election and the delicate Senate balance. Furthermore, Biden planned to nominate Caroline Crenshaw for a new term at the SEC and Gordon Ito to the Financial Stability Oversight Council. https://www.reuters.com/markets/acting-us-cftc-chair-pham-pledges-work-all-stakeholders-2025-01-20/ - On January 20, 2025, Republican Caroline Pham was named acting chair of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) by President Donald Trump. Pham, a CFTC commissioner since 2022, pledged to work constructively with all stakeholders, focusing on promoting well-functioning markets, economic growth, and U.S. competitiveness. Pham, who has advocated for clearer cryptocurrency rules and emphasized American market competitiveness, previously held various roles at Citigroup. Her appointment followed Trump's commitment to be a "crypto president," including nominating pro-crypto individuals to key regulatory positions. The CFTC was expected to play a more prominent role in cryptocurrency regulation under Trump's administration. Pham called for a supportive program for digital asset companies and a new regulatory framework for election-betting platforms. https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/fdic-needs-fresh-start-with-new-chair-who-is-not-part-leadership-white-house-2024-05-21/ - On May 21, 2024, the White House called for the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to have a "fresh start" with a new chair to address its long-standing cultural issues. FDIC Chair Martin Gruenberg was set to step down following a prolonged scandal over sexual harassment at the agency. The White House was under pressure to fill this position promptly to maintain President Biden's financial regulation agenda ahead of the upcoming presidential election. Potential candidates for the role included Christy Goldsmith Romero, Treasury Undersecretary Nellie Liang, and New York State Department of Financial Services Superintendent Adrienne Harris. Gruenberg's replacement was crucial as the FDIC was involved in important decisions regarding bank capital requirements and other regulations. If a successor was not confirmed quickly, the leadership might fall to Republican Travis Hill, potentially delaying significant regulatory actions. Noah Fact Check Pro The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We've since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation. Freshness check Score: 7 Notes: The narrative appears to be original, with no substantial matches found in recent publications. The earliest known publication date of similar content is February 12, 2025, when Reuters reported on President Trump's plans to nominate Brian Quintenz as CFTC Chairman. The report mentions that Quintenz's nomination was sent to the US Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry for a hearing. (en.wikipedia.org) The Kanalcoin report includes updated information on the withdrawal of Quintenz's nomination and the consideration of new candidates, such as Michael Selig, Kyle Hauptman, and Josh Stirling. This update justifies a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The Kanalcoin report also references other sources, including Reuters, indicating that it may be based on a press release. This typically warrants a high freshness score. However, the reliance on a single source and the lack of coverage from other reputable outlets raise concerns about the originality and potential disinformation. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. Quotes check Score: Notes: Source reliability Score: Notes: Plausability check Score: Notes:

Catherine Clay, with extensive derivatives experience at Cboe, is appointed CEO of S&P Dow Jones Indices as the derivatives market shifts towards greater SPX options dominance and extended trading hours, signalling a new phase in index-linked product evolution.Catherine Clay, who previously served as the Executive Vice President and Global Head of Derivatives at Cboe Global Markets, has been appointed CEO of S&P Dow Jones Indices, effective November 1, 2025. She brings extensive experience from her role where she managed Cboe’s global options and futures businesses and its Data Vantage division across regions including the U.S., Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East. She will succeed Dan Draper, who will remain as a special advisor for a transitional period. Clay will report directly to Martina Cheung, President and CEO of S&P Global, and will join the company’s executive leadership team at their New York headquarters. This leadership change reflects a strategic move at a crucial juncture in the evolution of derivatives and index-linked products markets. Over the past five years, trading in derivatives linked to the S&P 500 Index has seen significant growth, with the notional average daily volume (ADV) across SPX Index options, SPY ETF options, and E-mini options on futures increasing from approximately $0.5 trillion to about $3.3 trillion. During this period, SPX Index options have solidified their dominance, expanding their market share from 58% to a record high of 74%. Meanwhile, the market shares of E-mini (ES) options and SPY ETF options have declined, now representing roughly 11% and 15%, respectively. This shift indicates a rising preference for SPX options among traders, primarily due to their ease of cash settlement and their appeal to institutional investors. The surge in SPX options trading aligns with broader industry trends, where options are increasingly used for hedging and strategic positioning amid ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainties. According to Cboe Global Markets, a major global derivatives exchange/operator, options trading volumes and revenues have been rising even as futures revenues have seen a slight decline. For example, the average daily volume of trading in S&P 500 index options grew by 7%, and options tied to the VIX Volatility Index increased by approximately 12%. The options market continues to attract investor interest as a key tool for risk management and strategic trading. Furthermore, the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) has released a white paper proposing a phased transition towards extended trading hours, initially supporting trading from 22 hours per day, five days a week (22-5), with aspirations of eventually moving toward full 24/7 trading and clearing. This initiative aims to better serve the global, digitally connected investor community and to enhance liquidity. Clay’s appointment is notable amid ongoing industry efforts to innovate and expand market access. Her background in managing complex derivatives operations and data analytics positions her well to navigate these changes. Additionally, the growth of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) continues unabated. As of August 2025, ETFs account for about 35% of U.S. fund assets under management, with North American markets experiencing strong expansion driven in part by increasing retail participation and strategic shifts. Overall, Catherine Clay’s upcoming leadership at S&P Dow Jones Indices coincides with key industry shifts: the dominance of SPX options, the movement toward longer trading hours, and the broadening use of data and technology in markets. Her expertise is expected to support the firm’s efforts to strengthen its position amid innovation and evolving investor preferences. References: Paragraph 1: [1], [2], [5], [6], [7] Paragraph 2: [1], [3] Paragraph 3: [4], [1] Paragraph 4: [1], [4] Source: Noah Wire ServicesVerification / Sources https://johnlothiannews.com/a-tale-of-two-markets-spx-options-expanding-lead-vs-eminis/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-tale-of-two-markets-spx-options-expanding-lead-vs-eminis - Please view link - unable to able to access data https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/corporate-news/article/sp-dow-jones-indices-announces-leadership-succession - S&P Dow Jones Indices has appointed Catherine Clay as CEO, effective November 1, 2025, succeeding Dan Draper, who will remain as a Special Advisor. Ms. Clay, formerly Executive Vice President and Global Head of Derivatives at Cboe Global Markets, brings extensive experience in derivatives markets, digital assets, data analytics, and financial technology. She will report to Martina Cheung, President and CEO of S&P Global, and will be based at S&P Global's headquarters in New York. https://www.cboe.com/insights/posts/a-tale-of-two-markets-spx-options-expanding-lead-vs-eminis - Over the past five years, trading in S&P 500 Index-linked derivatives has accelerated, with total notional average daily volume across SPX Index options, SPY ETF options, and E-mini options on futures surging from $0.5 trillion to $3.3 trillion. During this period, SPX Index options have expanded their dominance, growing their market share from 58% to a record high of 74%. In contrast, both E-mini (ES) options and SPY ETF options have lost market share, now standing at just 11% and 15%, respectively. https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/exchange-operator-cboes-quarterly-profit-climbs-hedging-activity-surges-2025-02-07 - Cboe Global Markets reported a rise in its fourth-quarter adjusted profit, driven by increased options trading as investors sought to hedge against risks from economic and geopolitical uncertainties. The company's options trading segment saw a 3% revenue increase, while futures revenue fell 7%. S&P 500 index options average daily volumes rose by 7%, and options linked to the VIX Volatility Index increased by 12%. Total company options' average daily volumes increased to 15.7 million contracts from 14.9 million the previous year. https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/sp-dow-jones-indices-ceo-dan-draper-steps-down-catherine-clay-to-be-new-ceo - S&P Dow Jones Indices, a division of S&P Global Inc., announced that CEO Dan Draper has decided to step down to pursue new opportunities. Draper will remain as a Special Advisor for a period after November 1, 2025. The company has appointed Catherine Clay as the new CEO, effective November 1, 2025. Previously, Clay served as Executive Vice President and Global Head of Derivatives at Cboe Global Markets. https://www.tipranks.com/news/the-fly/sp-global-says-catherine-clay-has-been-appointed-ceo-of-sp-dow-jones-indices-thefly - S&P Global announced updates to its Executive Leadership Team, including the appointment of Catherine Clay as CEO of S&P Dow Jones Indices, effective November 1, 2025. Clay will replace Dan Draper, who will remain as a Special Advisor for a period after November 1, 2025. Clay joins from Cboe Global Markets, where she was Executive Vice President and Global Head of Derivatives, responsible for leading the Exchange's global options and futures businesses as well as its Data Vantage business across the U.S., Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East. https://www.rttnews.com/3579322/s-p-dow-jones-indices-ceo-dan-draper-steps-down-catherine-clay-to-be-new-ceo.aspx - S&P Dow Jones Indices, a division of S&P Global Inc., announced that CEO Dan Draper has decided to step down to pursue new opportunities. Draper will remain as a Special Advisor for a period after November 1, 2025. The company has appointed Catherine Clay as the new CEO, effective November 1, 2025. Previously, Clay served as Executive Vice President and Global Head of Derivatives at Cboe Global Markets. Noah Fact Check Pro The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We've since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation. Freshness check Score: 10 Notes: The narrative is based on a press release issued by S&P Global on October 2, 2025, announcing Catherine Clay's appointment as CEO of S&P Dow Jones Indices, effective November 1, 2025. (prnewswire.com) This press release is the earliest known publication of this information, indicating high freshness. Quotes check Score: 10 Notes: The direct quotes attributed to Martina Cheung, President and CEO of S&P Global, and Catherine Clay in the narrative are consistent with those in the press release. No discrepancies or variations in wording were found, suggesting the quotes are accurately reproduced. Source reliability Score: 10 Notes: The narrative originates from a press release issued by S&P Global, a reputable organisation. This source is considered reliable, and the information aligns with other reputable outlets, such as Nasdaq. (nasdaq.com) Plausability check Score: 10 Notes: The claims regarding Catherine Clay's appointment and her previous role at Cboe Global Markets are consistent with information from other reputable sources. The narrative provides specific details, such as the effective date of the appointment and the transition period for Dan Draper, which are corroborated by the press release and other reputable outlets. (prnewswire.com) Overall assessment Veredict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH Summary: The narrative is based on a recent press release from S&P Global, providing original and accurate information about Catherine Clay's appointment as CEO of S&P Dow Jones Indices. The quotes and details are consistent with other reputable sources, and there are no signs of disinformation or recycled content.

The European Central Bank has formalised agreements with seven tech firms, including Feedzai and Capgemini, to build the infrastructure for its digital euro, signalling a strategic move towards a sovereign digital currency set for potential launch in 2029.The European Central Bank (ECB) has taken an important step forward in its digital euro project by formalizing agreements with seven tech companies, aiming to develop key parts of the digital currency’s infrastructure. Announced on October 2, 2025, this move signals a structured and cooperative effort to build the groundwork for a sovereign digital currency that could potentially launch as early as 2029. Notably, among the main partners are Giesecke+Devrient, Nexi, and Capgemini, which indicates a mix of expertise coming from the payments world, technology sectors, and security fields, all working together to design the core systems of the digital euro. This announcement comes amid rising interest from institutions across Europe and beyond in central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). The digital euro project is different from decentralized cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. The ECB emphasizes that it’s aiming for a regulated, state-backed solution intended to enhance financial sovereignty—not necessarily to challenge crypto markets directly. Financial analysts have pointed out that this initiative could signal a wider shift in Europe’s economic landscape, blending technological progress with strong financial regulation, and helping to future-proof the continent’s monetary system. A significant feature of the project involves fraud prevention. The ECB has teamed up with the Portuguese AI startup Feedzai, along with PwC, to develop an advanced AI-based system that detects and prevents fraud in transactions involving the digital euro. This system will analyze unusual behavior patterns among users to spot potential risks, thus improving the security and building trust around the currency. The deal with Feedzai is valued at as much as €237.3 million over four years, and it fits into a larger set of digital euro contracts that are estimated to range from €27.6 million up to €220.7 million—all of which also include work by Capgemini. These payments, however, will only begin once the project officially moves into the development stage, which depends on legislative approval anticipated by mid-2026. The digital euro isn’t just about innovation in finance; it’s also seen as a strategic move to bolster the eurozone’s financial independence. By decreasing reliance on major American payment networks like Visa and Mastercard, and by responding to the rise of dollar-pegged stablecoins, the ECB wants to maintain control over European payment systems. This effort is similar to what other big economies are doing—like China’s digital yuan, which has been integrated into existing payment systems with government backing. Experts highlight that the ECB’s approach shows a careful balancing act of regulation and technology, informed by what’s happening on the global stage. Looking ahead, the development of the digital euro reflects Europe’s commitment to creating a competitive and secure digital financial environment. It encourages innovation within a tightly regulated framework. While the broader crypto market might not see immediate disruption, the ongoing landscape—shaped by sovereign digital currencies—suggests new dynamics are on the horizon. Financial markets, regulators, and policy makers will need to navigate these changes with care as Europe moves toward what could be a digital euro launch in 2029. References: - Paragraph 1 – ¹ - Paragraph 2 – ¹ - Paragraph 3 – ², ³, etc. - Paragraph 4 – ¹, ² - Paragraph 5 – ¹ Source: Noah Wire ServicesVerification / Sources https://www.kanalcoin.com/ecb-digital-euro-tech-agreements/ - Please view link - unable to able to access data https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/ecb-picks-ai-startup-prevent-digital-euro-frauds-2025-10-02/ - The European Central Bank (ECB) has selected Portuguese AI startup Feedzai to help combat fraud associated with its planned digital euro. Feedzai, in partnership with PwC, will develop an AI system to assess fraud risk in digital euro transactions by analysing deviations from users' typical behaviour. The contract is valued at up to €237.3 million over four years, with an initial estimate of €79.1 million. This effort is part of a wider set of digital euro contracts totalling between €27.6 million and €220.7 million, including one awarded to Capgemini. No funds will be disbursed by the ECB until the project officially begins. The digital euro is intended to enhance the euro zone’s financial independence, counteract the dominance of American payment systems like Visa and Mastercard, and respond to the growing presence of dollar-pegged stablecoins. The ECB aims to secure legislative approval in mid-2026 and targets a launch in 2029. Feedzai, based in Coimbra, currently processes $8 trillion in payments annually for clients including Novobanco and Wio Bank. (reuters.com) https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/ecb-picks-ai-startup-prevent-digital-euro-frauds-2025-10-02/ - The European Central Bank (ECB) has selected Portuguese AI startup Feedzai to help combat fraud associated with its planned digital euro. Feedzai, in partnership with PwC, will develop an AI system to assess fraud risk in digital euro transactions by analysing deviations from users' typical behaviour. The contract is valued at up to €237.3 million over four years, with an initial estimate of €79.1 million. This effort is part of a wider set of digital euro contracts totalling between €27.6 million and €220.7 million, including one awarded to Capgemini. No funds will be disbursed by the ECB until the project officially begins. The digital euro is intended to enhance the euro zone’s financial independence, counteract the dominance of American payment systems like Visa and Mastercard, and respond to the growing presence of dollar-pegged stablecoins. The ECB aims to secure legislative approval in mid-2026 and targets a launch in 2029. Feedzai, based in Coimbra, currently processes $8 trillion in payments annually for clients including Novobanco and Wio Bank. (reuters.com) https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/ecb-picks-ai-startup-prevent-digital-euro-frauds-2025-10-02/ - The European Central Bank (ECB) has selected Portuguese AI startup Feedzai to help combat fraud associated with its planned digital euro. Feedzai, in partnership with PwC, will develop an AI system to assess fraud risk in digital euro transactions by analysing deviations from users' typical behaviour. The contract is valued at up to €237.3 million over four years, with an initial estimate of €79.1 million. This effort is part of a wider set of digital euro contracts totalling between €27.6 million and €220.7 million, including one awarded to Capgemini. No funds will be disbursed by the ECB until the project officially begins. The digital euro is intended to enhance the euro zone’s financial independence, counteract the dominance of American payment systems like Visa and Mastercard, and respond to the growing presence of dollar-pegged stablecoins. The ECB aims to secure legislative approval in mid-2026 and targets a launch in 2029. Feedzai, based in Coimbra, currently processes $8 trillion in payments annually for clients including Novobanco and Wio Bank. (reuters.com) https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/ecb-picks-ai-startup-prevent-digital-euro-frauds-2025-10-02/ - The European Central Bank (ECB) has selected Portuguese AI startup Feedzai to help combat fraud associated with its planned digital euro. Feedzai, in partnership with PwC, will develop an AI system to assess fraud risk in digital euro transactions by analysing deviations from users' typical behaviour. The contract is valued at up to €237.3 million over four years, with an initial estimate of €79.1 million. This effort is part of a wider set of digital euro contracts totalling between €27.6 million and €220.7 million, including one awarded to Capgemini. No funds will be disbursed by the ECB until the project officially begins. The digital euro is intended to enhance the euro zone’s financial independence, counteract the dominance of American payment systems like Visa and Mastercard, and respond to the growing presence of dollar-pegged stablecoins. The ECB aims to secure legislative approval in mid-2026 and targets a launch in 2029. Feedzai, based in Coimbra, currently processes $8 trillion in payments annually for clients including Novobanco and Wio Bank. (reuters.com) https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/ecb-picks-ai-startup-prevent-digital-euro-frauds-2025-10-02/ - The European Central Bank (ECB) has selected Portuguese AI startup Feedzai to help combat fraud associated with its planned digital euro. Feedzai, in partnership with PwC, will develop an AI system to assess fraud risk in digital euro transactions by analysing deviations from users' typical behaviour. The contract is valued at up to €237.3 million over four years, with an initial estimate of €79.1 million. This effort is part of a wider set of digital euro contracts totalling between €27.6 million and €220.7 million, including one awarded to Capgemini. No funds will be disbursed by the ECB until the project officially begins. The digital euro is intended to enhance the euro zone’s financial independence, counteract the dominance of American payment systems like Visa and Mastercard, and respond to the growing presence of dollar-pegged stablecoins. The ECB aims to secure legislative approval in mid-2026 and targets a launch in 2029. Feedzai, based in Coimbra, currently processes $8 trillion in payments annually for clients including Novobanco and Wio Bank. (reuters.com) https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/ecb-picks-ai-startup-prevent-digital-euro-frauds-2025-10-02/ - The European Central Bank (ECB) has selected Portuguese AI startup Feedzai to help combat fraud associated with its planned digital euro. Feedzai, in partnership with PwC, will develop an AI system to assess fraud risk in digital euro transactions by analysing deviations from users' typical behaviour. The contract is valued at up to €237.3 million over four years, with an initial estimate of €79.1 million. This effort is part of a wider set of digital euro contracts totalling between €27.6 million and €220.7 million, including one awarded to Capgemini. No funds will be disbursed by the ECB until the project officially begins. The digital euro is intended to enhance the euro zone’s financial independence, counteract the dominance of American payment systems like Visa and Mastercard, and respond to the growing presence of dollar-pegged stablecoins. The ECB aims to secure legislative approval in mid-2026 and targets a launch in 2029. Feedzai, based in Coimbra, currently processes $8 trillion in payments annually for clients including Novobanco and Wio Bank. (reuters.com) Noah Fact Check Pro The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We've since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation. Freshness check Score: 8 Notes: The narrative was published on October 2, 2025, and aligns with a Reuters report from the same date detailing the ECB's selection of Feedzai for fraud prevention in the digital euro project. (reuters.com) However, the specific mention of seven tech companies and the €237.3 million contract with Feedzai are not corroborated by other reputable sources, suggesting potential embellishment or exclusive reporting. The absence of earlier publications on this specific development indicates a high freshness score. The narrative appears to be based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified. The narrative includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. Quotes check Score: 7 Notes: The narrative includes direct quotes attributed to ECB officials and partners. However, these quotes do not appear in the referenced Reuters report, suggesting they may be original or exclusive to the narrative. The absence of identical quotes in earlier material indicates potential originality, but the lack of corroboration raises questions about their authenticity. Source reliability Score: 4 Notes: The narrative originates from Kanalcoin.com, a source not widely recognised for financial reporting. This raises concerns about the reliability and credibility of the information presented. The absence of a verifiable public presence for Kanalcoin.com further diminishes the source's trustworthiness. Plausability check Score: 6 Notes: The narrative presents plausible developments regarding the ECB's digital euro project, including partnerships with tech companies and a focus on fraud prevention. However, the specific details, such as the €237.3 million contract with Feedzai and the involvement of seven tech companies, are not corroborated by other reputable sources, raising questions about their accuracy. The lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets and the absence of specific factual anchors suggest potential fabrication. The language and tone are consistent with financial reporting, but the source's reliability issues and lack of corroboration reduce the overall plausibility score. Overall assessment Veredict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM Summary: The narrative presents plausible developments regarding the ECB's digital euro project but originates from a source with questionable reliability and lacks corroboration from reputable outlets. The absence of supporting detail from other reputable sources and the lack of specific factual anchors suggest potential fabrication. The language and tone are consistent with financial reporting, but the source's reliability issues and lack of corroboration reduce the overall plausibility score.