Category: crypto

Anchorpoint Financial Technology, backed by Standard Chartered Bank, HKT, and Animoca Brands, has obtained a licence to issue a regulated Hong Kong dollar stablecoin called HKDAP. The token will be backed 1:1 by Hong Kong dollar reserves and will be launched in Q2 2026. In Europe, the ECB supports transferring supervision of systemic crypto firms…

The U.S. CLARITY Act, a crypto market structure bill, is moving towards Senate Banking Committee markup in April. It differentiates between SEC and CFTC jurisdiction for digital assets, protecting DeFi. The bill restricts stablecoin issuers from providing passive yield, aiming to regulate stablecoin activities and protect users. This contrasts with the GENIUS Act, which treats…

The US has started a naval blockade of Iranian ports at the Strait of Hormuz, causing oil prices to rise above $100 per barrel and Iran to threaten Gulf ports. This move has also impacted Bitcoin prices. Concerns have been raised about breaching maritime law and deepening the world’s energy crisis.

The UK is finalizing a crypto regime for 2026-27 that excludes truly decentralized DeFi but requires FCA authorization for protocols with identifiable controlling entities. The regime distinguishes between decentralized systems and those with controllers, with large DeFi front-ends likely to be regulated under the new rules by 2027.

The American Bankers Association is concerned that interest-bearing payment stablecoins could lead to deposit flight from community banks, reducing local lending by billions of dollars. They challenge a White House report that downplays the risk, arguing that allowing stablecoin yield could have significant negative impacts on community banks and the economy.

Ondo Finance has requested SEC approval for tokens on Ethereum that mirror existing securities entitlements at U.S. broker-dealers. The firm argues that the tokens are an overlay on existing custody and do not change investor protections. This follows a previous SEC investigation closure and could set a precedent for tokenized stock settlement.

Foundry has launched an institutional Zcash pool in the U.S. that already controls around one-third of the network’s hashrate, attracting institutional miners interested in privacy coins while raising concerns about centralization. The pool offers compliance-focused services and aims to provide a regulated gateway for miners seeking exposure to Zcash.

Former CFTC chair J. Christopher Giancarlo has left his senior role at law firm Willkie to focus full-time on digital assets, AI, and policy work, including a new book on digital money under Trump’s second term. Known as “Crypto Dad,” he plans to expand strategic advisory work and promote crypto’s evolution.

William Blair states that Coinbase’s 26% decline has reduced risk in the stock, with weak trading already priced in. The bank sees surging USDC adoption as positive, estimating a 27% market share. Coinbase is evolving into a full-service platform with stablecoin revenue, providing potential for growth despite market conditions.

The US Navy blockaded Iranian ports, causing Brent crude to rise above $103 a barrel and keeping bitcoin near $70,000. Talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad collapsed, leading to the blockade. Bitcoin’s resilience at $70,000 is significant, with potential impacts on the market if oil prices continue to rise.