Latest FinTech & Blockchain News
European Central Bank accelerates blockchain integration with Pontes pilot
The ECB is committing to DLT integration via the Pontes pilot to link distributed ledgers to TARGET services, enabling instant settlement in central bank money and supporting tokenized securities and real‑time euro settlement. The program aims to reduce foreign payment-rail dependence and spur bank–blockchain partnerships as pilots scale in 2026
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U.S. crypto tax framework draft proposes major taxpayer-friendly changes
A draft bipartisan U.S. crypto tax framework would exempt small regulated stablecoin payments (de minimis under $200), clarify tax treatment for lending, and permit up to five‑year deferral for mining and staking income. Sponsors say the plan modernizes rules to treat digital assets more like payments and financial services rather than only speculative property
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Bybit re-enters UK market under stricter compliance regime
Bybit relaunched in the UK offering 100+ spot trading pairs while aligning with stronger FCA-style rules, signaling that major exchanges are accepting regulated access as the cost of market re-entry. The move reflects broader industry compliance trends after prior market exits and enforcement actions
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SEC tightens crypto custody rules amid market volatility
U.S. regulators moved to tighten custody requirements for crypto custodians, increasing compliance burdens for custodial providers and institutional investors amid recent market instability. The changes aim to strengthen asset protection after several high‑profile incidents and market corrections in 2025
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Bybit hack underscores growing high‑value cyberattacks on exchanges
Analysis shows that a February Bybit exploit accounted for roughly 70% of Bybit‑related 2025 haul, illustrating a trend toward fewer but much higher‑value hacks that pressure exchanges and regulators to raise security standards. The pattern is prompting banks and fintech firms to re-evaluate wallet and custody controls
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Terra files $4 billion lawsuit against Jump Trading
Terra (Do Kwon‑related litigation matters referenced in coverage) filed a $4B suit against Jump Trading, intensifying legal battles tied to market crashes and alleged market‑manipulation events in crypto markets. The suit is part of a wave of large civil claims following collapses and exchange disputes in prior years
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Stablecoins gain institutional & policy momentum for agentic commerce
Industry analysis argues that the GENIUS Act and other regulatory clarity will accelerate stablecoin adoption for micropayments and AI 'agentic' commerce, enabling real‑time, low‑cost settlements required for autonomous agent payments. Major firms are exploring stablecoin rails for micropayments, with proponents citing large potential market sizes if regulation stabilizes
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Whale and institutional flows reshape crypto market structure
Research shows institutional investors and whales are diversifying away from pure Bitcoin holdings toward Ethereum and other assets, with Q3 2025 ETF and institutional flows materially increasing AUM and altering liquidity dynamics. This institutionalization reduces some retail-driven volatility but can concentrate risk around large on‑chain transfers
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Japan pushes regulated yen stablecoin and crypto tax reform plans
SBI Holdings and Startale Group plan a regulated yen stablecoin for global settlement, to be issued/ redeemed by Shinsei Trust & Banking and managed by SBI VC Trade under Japan's new stablecoin framework—targeting a 2026 launch. Separately, Japan is planning a 'separate declaration taxation' system for crypto assets by January 2028 to modernize taxation
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Sberbank pilots DeFi and tokenization products amid regulatory coordination
Russia’s Sberbank stated it is testing multiple DeFi products and exploring asset tokenization and connectivity to DeFi platforms, signaling convergence interest between traditional banking and decentralized finance. The bank emphasized cooperation with regulators and interest in mature smart‑contract platforms like Ethereum
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Malware 'SantaStealer' highlighted as rising wallet security threat
Security firms are warning about SantaStealer malware targeting crypto wallets, prompting fintech providers and custodians to adopt stronger security frameworks (NIST/ISO 27001) and potentially face heightened regulatory scrutiny. The trend could lead to stricter incident reporting and security obligations for wallet and exchange operators
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PayPal applies for U.S. banking license to expand fintech services
PayPal has applied for a U.S. banking charter to access deposits and lending directly, a move that would expand its fintech capabilities but expose it to stricter banking oversight and reshape competition across payment and crypto rails. The application reflects broader moves by large fintechs to combine banking and crypto-adjacent services
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