Category: crypto

UK lawmakers are investigating claims that banks are unfairly restricting banking services and payments for cryptocurrency firms. The inquiry will gather evidence and make recommendations to the government. This comes as the UK works on regulations for digital assets, stablecoins, and tokenized finance. The inquiry aims to understand the impact on consumers, businesses, and competition.

Senator Bernie Sanders criticized the crypto industry during a campaign event supporting Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan’s Senate bid. He grouped crypto with well-funded political interests and pledged to challenge the industry. Crypto-backed PACs have become significant spenders in elections, influencing policy debates and individual races. Sanders’ comments focused on political influence rather than specific…

Hanwha Group has become the largest shareholder in tokenization firm Securitize with a 9.6% stake across affiliates and investment vehicles. The South Korean conglomerate’s investment strategy in blockchain infrastructure and digital assets includes investments in Xangle, Kresus, Digital Asset, and Upbit through Hanwha Investment & Securities. Securitize continues to expand its tokenized securities business with…

Washington state court blocked Kalshi from offering sports-related prediction markets, citing violation of state gambling laws. Kalshi claims federal regulations override state laws, but Washington’s judge disagreed. Other states are also challenging Kalshi’s operations. The broader issue of federal versus state jurisdiction in prediction markets remains unresolved. Kalshi continues to grow despite legal battles.

South Korea conducted its first CBDC pilot without an independent government security inspection, with participating banks relying on their own pre-launch reviews. The absence of external oversight raised concerns about security and regulatory preparedness. South Korea continues to develop CBDCs and stablecoins under its digital asset roadmap.

Ant International has secured roughly $1.2 billion in Series A funding from Ant Group, Alibaba, existing shareholders, and global investment firms to expand its international fintech business and AI capabilities. The funding will support global expansion, AI investment, cross-border payments, and stablecoin initiatives, as the company continues to grow outside mainland China.

United Stables has adopted Chainlink as the official oracle and cross-chain infrastructure for its U stablecoin after surpassing $1 billion in supply. Chainlink Data Feeds and Proof of Reserve are now live to provide pricing data and reserve verification. The integration strengthens U’s security and interoperability as it expands across different blockchain networks.

CoinShares has launched a Bitcoin mining ETF in Europe’s €26.3 trillion UCITS fund market, allowing institutional investors access to digital asset strategies. The move aims to remove structural barriers for investors with mandates restricting investment in digital assets. The UCITS platform will introduce more regulated investment funds to European institutional investors.

Grayscale plans to introduce quarterly cash distributions from staking rewards earned by its Ethereum and Solana exchange-traded funds. The distributions will be based on rewards, expenses, fees, and tax treatment. The company aims to comply with IRS rules and provide investors with exposure to digital assets while earning network rewards.

ADI Chain and Tangem have launched a co-branded hardware wallet through Virgin Megastores in the UAE. The wallet supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, and ADI Chain ecosystem tokens, allowing users to manage assets through self-custody. This expansion of Tangem’s retail presence makes hardware wallets more accessible to mainstream consumers.