Bank Mergers, PayPal’s Reset & Global Fintech Crossroads

It’s a busy tab at the fintech bar. Fifth Third and Comerica officially merge as markets cheer consolidation, PayPal stumbles on earnings and swaps CEOs, Brazil returns to Nasdaq with PicPay’s IPO, Varo raises fresh capital while still in the red, and a Silicon Valley crypto startup walks a fine line between financial inclusion and sanctions scrutiny. We break down what it all means for banks, builders, and the global money system — one drink at a time.