UstarPay launches beta to enable crypto-backed payments via cards for daily use and cross-border transactions, with stablecoins; pursuing US/Canada MSB licenses and using multi-signature plus cold-hot wallets for security, public version by May.

Visa unveils Intelligent Commerce Connect, enabling AI-initiated purchases via a single integration on the Visa Acceptance Platform, with payment initiation, tokenization, authentication, and controls; pilots with partners, rollout planned this year. Abstract: Visa introduces Intelligent Commerce Connect, a service that lets AI agents initiate purchases through a single integration on the Visa Acceptance Platform. It supports payment initiation, tokenization, authentication, and spending controls for both Visa and non-Visa cards, helping businesses accommodate AI-driven shopping. The service is currently piloted with partners such as Aldar, AWS, Diddo, Highnote, Mesh, Payabli, and Sumvin, with broader rollout planned later this year.

The Pokémon Trading Card Game marketplaces generated $5.38 million in weekly revenue as tokenized collectibles linked to physical cards surged. Courtyard led this growth with innovative custody and trading options, indicating a shift toward real-world asset utility.

A Korean counterfeit gang is selling forged documents via Telegram, accepting cryptocurrency and digital gift cards. They offer fake diplomas, licenses, and other legal documents, highlighting the role of cryptocurrency in facilitating anonymous transactions for illicit services. Arrests for forgery have nearly doubled in South Korea from 2021 to 2023.

Mastercard has teamed up with Lobstercash and Crossmint to facilitate AI agent payments via existing credit and debit cards, integrating into current financial systems with no new wallets needed. This partnership allows AI to automate transactions, enhancing efficiency and security.

Mastercard has launched support for cross-border transactions via Apple Pay for its bank cards issued in China, partnering with major banks. This rollout completes Mastercard's Apple Pay service in Greater China, enhancing payment options for cardholders.

Ether.fi has successfully migrated to the Optimism mainnet, boasting over 70,000 active cards, 300,000 accounts, and $220 million in total value locked (TVL).

EFP, an Ethereum-based social protocol, has integrated with Etherscan, enabling users to view ENS domain names, avatars, and social data through the "Cards" tab on account pages, including follower counts and profiles.

Egyptian fintech startup Masroofi raises $1.5 million to enhance digital payment services for children, targeting 2 million users in five years. It offers NFC bank cards and an e-wallet app, aligning with Egypt's financial inclusion goals.

Gate News reports that on March 29, the Canadian government introduced the "Strengthening Democracy Act" (Bill C-25) on March 26, which aims to prohibit political donations to parties and candidates in the form of cryptocurrencies, money orders, and prepaid cards. The government stated that such assets have pseudo-anonymity, making it difficult to verify the identity of donors, which poses risks to electoral integrity. The bill is currently in the first reading stage in the House of Commons. Previously, the UK also announced a suspension of accepting political donations in cryptocurrency.