In a significant move within the fintech landscape, Capital One has announced its agreement to acquire Brex, a technology and stablecoin firm, in a deal valued at $5.15 billion. This acquisition stands as one of the most substantial transactions in the fintech sector in recent years, underscoring Capital One”s strategic interest in stablecoin-based payment systems.
The deal, which is set to be structured as a mix of cash and stock, aims to enhance Capital One”s capabilities in business payments amid increasing competition from various fintech players. The transaction is anticipated to close in mid-2026, contingent upon regulatory approvals and standard closing conditions.
As part of this acquisition, Capital One will integrate Brex”s advanced payments technology, including its stablecoin infrastructure. This move aligns with the bank”s objective of expanding its offerings in the business payments domain. Richard Fairbank, the founder and CEO of Capital One, emphasized the company”s goal of being at the forefront of technological advancements in payments.
Brex has gained recognition for its corporate cards and spend management solutions, positioning itself at the nexus of traditional finance and cryptocurrency. Notably, the company recently announced plans to become the first global corporate card provider to support native stablecoin payments, starting with USDC. This development places Brex alongside a select group of fintech companies exploring blockchain-based settlement for daily business transactions.
Pedro Franceschi, co-founder and CEO of Brex, confirmed his continuing leadership role following the acquisition. He expressed optimism that the collaboration would enable both organizations to expedite their initiatives and invest further in innovative financial tools for underserved businesses.
The backdrop for this acquisition is a renewed interest in stablecoins across Wall Street. Following the passage of comprehensive stablecoin legislation in the United States last year, major financial institutions are increasingly examining how tokenized dollars can be utilized in payments, treasury management, and cross-border transactions.
According to data from CoinGecko, the total market capitalization of stablecoins has surged by 18.6% since the enactment of the GENIUS Act in July 2025, reaching a record $314 billion. This growth has intensified interest from banks aiming to modernize their payment systems while adhering to regulatory frameworks.
Furthermore, global stablecoin transaction values skyrocketed to $33 trillion in 2025, reflecting a 72% increase from the previous year. USDC emerged as the dominant stablecoin by transaction volume, processing $18.3 trillion, while Tether”s USDT handled $13.3 trillion. This surge in stablecoin activity is attributed to the newly established regulatory clarity that has encouraged broader institutional adoption.
In conclusion, Capital One”s acquisition of Brex not only signifies a strategic expansion into the fintech space but also highlights the growing importance of stablecoins in modern financial transactions.
