According to @StockMKTNewz, Affirm ($AFRM) and Kayak are expanding their exclusive Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) partnership into Canada, signaling a strategic move in the North American payments sector. This expansion could drive increased transaction volumes and user engagement for both companies, making Affirm a stronger player in cross-border digital payments. For crypto traders, this development highlights growing competition in alternative payment solutions, potentially accelerating adoption of crypto payment rails and partnerships as fintech firms look to diversify offerings and capture market share (source: @StockMKTNewz).

According to Fox News, a House staffer was the victim of an armed carjacking in a popular Washington neighborhood on May 13, 2025 (source: Fox News). The incident highlights rising urban security concerns, which may impact market sentiment around Washington-based blockchain and fintech firms, especially as regulatory discussions intensify. For traders, heightened uncertainty around geopolitical and local security events can lead to increased short-term volatility in cryptocurrencies tied to US policy decisions, such as stablecoins or tokens with legislative exposure. Monitoring security-related developments in key regulatory hubs like Washington is crucial for anticipating potential crypto market swings.