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Bangladesh Bank opens market to global payment giants. The new framework marks one of the most significant reforms to Bangladesh's digital payments landscape in recent years, aiming to modernise cross-border transactions, support the country's rapidly growing freelancing and e-commerce sectors, and bring international payment practices under a regulated banking framework Bangladesh Bank (BB) has introduced a comprehensive regulatory framework for bank-mediated cross-border payments, paving the way for global payment platforms such as PayPal, Payoneer and Stripe to enter the country's financial system through partnerships with local banks. The new framework marks one of the most significant reforms to Bangladesh's digital payments landscape in recent years, aiming to modernise cross-border transactions, support the country's rapidly growing freelancing and e-commerce sectors, and bring international payment practices under a regulated banking framework. In a circular issued on Wednesday, the central bank's Foreign Exchange Policy Department authorised commercial banks designated as Authorised Dealers (ADs) to collaborate with foreign payment platforms, digital service providers, online payment gateway operators and other legitimate transaction solution providers, collectively termed Cross-Border Digital Payment Service Providers (CBDPSPs). The move allows banks to offer international digital payment services through globally recognised payment networks, subject to Bangladesh Bank's approval and regulatory oversight. Digital wallets introduced At the heart of the new framework is the introduction of Digital Value Accounts (DVAs) - bank-linked digital wallets that can be issued to individuals and businesses for eligible cross-border transactions. Each DVA must be linked to a master settlement account maintained by the partner bank, ensuring that all transactions remain under the banking system's supervision. Banks will be required to monitor transactions in real time, maintain parallel accounting records and ensure that any unused balances remain under their direct control for reconciliation and customer protection. Wider payment options The framework significantly expands the range of permissible international digital transactions. Individuals will be able to use the digital wallets for approved foreign exchange expenditures, including private, medical and official travel, visa fees, hotel bookings, membership subscriptions, information technology services and small-value online purchases of up to US$300 per transaction. The facility will also be available against balances held in Export Retention Quota (ERQ) and Resident Foreign Currency Deposit (RFCD) accounts. For businesses maintaining ERQ accounts, up to three authorised executives will be allowed to use Digital Value Accounts for eligible overseas business expenses. Boost for freelancers and exporters Industry participants expect the framework to provide a major boost to Bangladesh's expanding digital economy, particularly freelancers, exporters and e-commerce businesses that have long sought easier access to global payment platforms. The new system is expected to simplify the receipt and repatriation of foreign earnings while reducing reliance on intermediary payment arrangements that many freelancers and digital entrepreneurs currently use. Foreign tourists visiting Bangladesh will also be able to use the settlement system to make payments at local merchants, a measure expected to improve convenience for international visitors and encourage wider adoption of digital payments. Strict regulatory safeguards Bangladesh Bank said no bank will be permitted to launch cross-border digital payment services without prior acknowledgement from its Foreign Exchange Policy Department. Banks must submit detailed information on their partnerships with foreign payment providers, technology integration, operational arrangements and cybersecurity systems before receiving approval. They will also be required to comply fully with anti-money laundering (AML), combating the financing of terrorism (CFT), know-your-customer (KYC) and customer due diligence (CDD) regulations, while submitting regular transaction reports to the central bank. Major reform for digital payments The framework represents a significant expansion of Bangladesh's cross-border payment infrastructure. Previously, banks were largely limited to using Online Payment Gateway Service Providers (OPGSPs) for inward remittances and a narrow range of international payment services. The new rules establish a broader, bank-supervised ecosystem capable of supporting both inward and outward digital payments through internationally recognised payment platforms. Bankers and market analysts said the reform aligns Bangladesh's payment infrastructure more closely with global standards and is expected to improve the ease of doing business, facilitate international trade in services and strengthen the country's digital economy. The framework also lays the regulatory foundation for international payment companies, including PayPal and Payoneer, to formally expand their presence in Bangladesh by partnering with local banks, a development long sought by exporters, freelancers and technology businesses. by Shamiur Rahman

Payoneer reported Q2 CY2026 revenue of $274.3 million, beating analyst estimates of $271 million and marking 5.2% year-on-year growth. However, the cross-border payment platform posted a GAAP loss of $0.01 per share, significantly missing consensus estimates of $0.06. The company announced in June it has agreed to be acquired by Nuvei. Chief executive officer John Caplan said the transaction "validates the strength of the business our team has built" and would create "a financial infrastructure leader that powers global commerce at scale." Over the past five years, Payoneer has grown revenue at 22.6% compounded annually. Its recent two-year annualised revenue growth of 9.6% is below that longer-term trend. Following the results, Payoneer's stock remained flat at $7.11.

Robinhood stock and 2 Market Infrastructure picks for rising trading activity. July 25, 2026 Regulators are tightening market rules, central banks are lifting rates to tackle inflation, and geopolitical tensions are adding extra uncertainty to energy prices. For Financial Exchanges & Market Infrastructure Providers, that mix can reshape trading volumes, risk management needs, and demand for market data. Some stocks in this group may see fresh interest as investors look for ways to handle more complex market conditions, while others could face new pressures from regulation and funding costs. This article looks at 3 stocks from our screener that appear positively exposed to these news driven shifts. Overview: Robinhood Markets runs a mobile first financial services platform in the United States that lets retail investors trade stocks, ETFs, American depositary receipts and certain crypto assets, while also offering margin investing, retirement accounts, prediction and event contracts, and everyday money tools such as cards and spending accounts. Operations: Robinhood generates all of its US$4.6b in revenue from brokerage activities in the United States. Market Cap: US$91.5b Robinhood sits at the center of retail trading just as regulators tighten oversight, central banks raise rates and geopolitical tensions keep markets on edge, which can all feed into higher trading activity and a greater need for accessible platforms. Earnings growth over the last five years has been very strong, margins are currently high at around 41% and analysts see scope for further growth. However, the P/E multiple is well above both industry and peer averages, so expectations are already demanding. Combined with higher funding risk from relying on external capital instead of deposits and rising compliance and cybersecurity costs, Robinhood is a high potential, high scrutiny stock that warrants close attention to the details behind its premium valuation. Robinhood's rapid earnings growth and rich P/E suggest something big is already priced in, but the real question is whether that premium matches the story in the analyst forecasts for Robinhood Markets or hides a crucial twist. Overview: Coinbase Global runs one of the largest crypto trading platforms, giving consumers, institutions and developers a way to buy, sell, store and build around digital assets across the United States and overseas. Operations: Coinbase generates about US$6.3b in data processing revenue, with around US$5.5b from the United States and roughly US$1.1b from international markets. Market Cap: US$42.5b Coinbase Global sits at the intersection of rising regulatory scrutiny and growing demand for compliant crypto infrastructure, which is exactly where regulators, central banks and institutional investors are focusing attention. The company emphasizes risk management, transparency and cooperation with policymakers, and is pushing into areas like tokenized assets, stablecoin payments and its Base blockchain. These initiatives aim to build more recurring, service style revenue alongside trading. On the other hand, earnings have been volatile, trading volumes can fall when crypto activity cools, compliance and cybersecurity costs are material and the stock trades on a rich valuation with a high P/E relative to peers. For investors, the tension between that premium price tag and the story set out in management's own narrative and analyst expectations is where the real work starts. Coinbase Global is seeking to turn volatile crypto trading into steady, service-style revenue, but the real story lies in how the analyst forecasts for Coinbase Global stack up against that rich P/E and what they might be missing Overview: Payoneer Global runs a financial technology platform that gives small and medium sized businesses worldwide a multi currency account for cross border payables and receivables, plus services such as funds management, working capital and workforce payments. Operations: Payoneer generates about US$1.1b in data processing revenue, supported by a globally spread customer base across Greater China, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Latin America and North America. Market Cap: US$2.4b Payoneer Global is positioned for a backdrop of tighter regulation and higher rates, providing payment infrastructure that helps trading platforms and SMBs keep money moving across borders while earning interest income on customer balances. At the same time, it faces pressure from rising compliance costs, reliance on higher risk external funding and exposure to weaker economic activity in regions like Israel and China, along with a P/E above peer ranges and net margins that have moved from 11.3% to 6.8%. In addition, robust interest income, expanding B2B services, heavy share buybacks and the pending Nuvei acquisition at a premium cash price create a complex setup that may warrant a closer look at what might come next for Payoneer. Payoneer Global's rich P/E, shrinking net margin and heavy buybacks suggest that the headline story might be masking something more interesting in the analysis report for Payoneer Global as well as one underappreciated risk that could flip the script The three stocks in this article are just the starting point, with our full screener surfacing 39 more Financial Exchanges & Market Infrastructure Providers that carry equally compelling stories around regulation, trading technology and market data in key English speaking markets through the Financial Exchanges & Market Infrastructure Providers screener. Use Simply Wall St to identify and analyze the specific catalysts, financial traits and narratives that matter to you so you can focus on the highest conviction ideas in this corner of the market. Take control of your investment journey. If Robinhood Markets or any of these companies sound like a great opportunity, register for FREE with Simply Wall St and add your companies to a Watchlist to monitor the share price against the fair value the ideal entry point. Once you've made your move, manage your holdings with our Portfolio Command Center that filters out the noise to deliver only the most critical, actionable updates. Throughout your journey, our Community allows you to filter the best ideas from thousands of investor perspectives. By uncovering hidden catalysts and risks early, you'll accelerate your decision-making and stay one step ahead of the market. Seeking alternatives before the crowd moves. Fresh stock ideas can move from quiet to flying once momentum builds and screens catch up. 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We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. New: AI Stock Screener & alerts. Our new AI Stock Screener scans the market every day to uncover opportunities. - Dividend Powerhouses (3%+ Yield) - Undervalued Small Caps with Insider Buying - High growth Tech and AI Companies Or build your own from over 50 metrics. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email [email protected]