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Bitget Names Oliver Stauber to Lead EU MiCA Expansion
Bitget has appointed former Bitpanda legal chief Oliver Stauber as CEO of Bitget EU to oversee its MiCA licensing process and establish a Vienna-based hub.
Bitget has appointed Oliver Stauber, former chief legal officer at Bitpanda, as CEO of Bitget EU to lead its expansion under Europe’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation. The exchange is building a regional headquarters in Vienna and expects to receive regulatory approval in Austria by mid-2026.
Under Stauber’s leadership, Bitget EU will operate a broker-led model, ring-fencing European Economic Area users from its offshore platform through enhanced KYC and IP controls. The company said it will not onboard EU users until authorization is granted, aligning with MiCA’s requirements for licensing, disclosure, and consumer protection.
The move reflects intensifying competition among global exchanges to secure regulated EU footholds as MiCA reshapes the market. Vienna’s selection as a compliance hub positions Bitget alongside peers building localized governance structures to meet Europe’s stricter standards for digital-asset services.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
OKX Launches EU Stablecoin Payment Card
OKX has introduced a Mastercard-linked payment card in Europe that allows verified users to spend USDC and USDG through a regulated issuer.
OKX has launched a stablecoin payment card for European users, allowing spending of USDC and USDG at merchants that accept Mastercard. The card is issued through Monavate, a regulated electronic money institution, and is available to users who complete identity verification.
The rollout comes as crypto firms expand payment offerings under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation. OKX operates as a regulated crypto-asset service provider in the EU, while Monavate provides the licensing and compliance framework for card issuance across the European Economic Area.
The product highlights growing competition among exchanges to integrate stablecoins into everyday payments. By combining exchange access, self-custody wallets, and regulated payment rails, OKX is positioning stablecoins as a practical settlement tool while aligning with stricter compliance standards for consumer-facing crypto services.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Coinbase Advances Plans for Custom Stablecoins
Coinbase is testing Flipcash’s USDF stablecoin as it develops tools that would allow businesses to issue branded, dollar-backed tokens.
Coinbase is moving closer to launching custom stablecoins after enabling backend testing of Flipcash’s USDF token on its exchange infrastructure. The test is part of Coinbase Custom Stablecoins, a feature introduced in December to support business-issued, dollar-backed tokens collateralized by USDC.
The initiative reflects growing institutional interest in stablecoins for payments, treasury management, and cross-border settlement. Coinbase has positioned the product as infrastructure rather than a consumer-facing asset, with testing limited to internal operations and no trading or transfers currently available.
Strategically, the move deepens Coinbase’s exposure to the stablecoin economy while complementing its existing partnership with Circle. Stablecoins already represent a meaningful revenue stream for the exchange, and the broader market continues to expand amid regulatory scrutiny and rising demand for programmable, dollar-denominated settlement assets.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Arthur Hayes: Fed Backstop of Japan Bonds Could Lift Bitcoin
Arthur Hayes argues potential US intervention in Japan’s bond market could expand global liquidity, creating supportive conditions for Bitcoin.
BitMEX founder Arthur Hayes said potential Federal Reserve intervention to stabilize Japan’s bond market could become a liquidity catalyst for Bitcoin. He pointed to rising Japanese government bond yields alongside a weakening yen as signs of stress that may force coordinated action by the Bank of Japan and the Fed.
Hayes suggested Japanese investors could sell US Treasuries to rotate into higher-yielding domestic bonds, creating spillover risks for global markets. In response, he believes the Fed could expand its balance sheet by creating dollar reserves, intervening in currency markets, and indirectly supporting Japanese bonds, increasing overall dollar liquidity.
From Hayes’ perspective, Bitcoin tends to benefit from periods of monetary expansion rather than tightening. While he framed the scenario as conditional on central bank action, the comments reflect broader market sensitivity to cross-border liquidity dynamics and the role of Bitcoin as a potential hedge during periods of currency and sovereign debt stress.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
UK Regulator Bans Coinbase Ads Over Risk Messaging
The UK advertising watchdog has banned several Coinbase ads, citing concerns that they downplayed crypto investment risks amid economic stress.
The UK Advertising Standards Authority has banned a series of Coinbase advertisements, saying they irresponsibly portrayed cryptocurrency as a response to cost-of-living pressures while minimizing investment risks. The ads included a satirical musical-style video and posters displayed across major transit hubs.
According to the regulator, the campaigns used humor and social commentary to frame crypto as an accessible alternative to economic hardship without adequate disclosure of potential losses. The decision builds on an earlier rejection of the video for television broadcast, though the ads continued to circulate online and in public spaces.
The ruling underscores the UK’s tightening approach to crypto promotion, aligning with broader Financial Conduct Authority rules requiring prominent risk warnings. As regulators seek to balance innovation with consumer protection, the decision highlights the increasing scrutiny facing crypto firms marketing to retail audiences in traditional media channels.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Kalshi Expands Washington Presence with New Policy Office
Prediction markets platform Kalshi has opened a Washington, D.C. office to strengthen federal and state-level policy engagement amid ongoing regulatory disputes.
Kalshi has established a new office in Washington, D.C., signaling a more formal push into US policy engagement as regulatory scrutiny around prediction markets intensifies. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission-regulated platform appointed veteran political strategist John Bivona as its first head of federal government relations to lead outreach with lawmakers and regulators.
The company also hired Blake Bee, a former Amazon public policy executive, to oversee state-level engagement. The expansion comes as Kalshi reports rapid growth in trading activity, with monthly volumes reaching $6.58 billion in December, driven in part by demand for sports-related event contracts.
Despite its federal approval, Kalshi faces enforcement actions from multiple US states that argue its sports contracts amount to unlicensed gambling. Court rulings have varied by jurisdiction, underscoring unresolved tensions between federal oversight and state gaming laws as prediction markets seek broader acceptance.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Majority of Top US Banks Prepare Bitcoin Services
A growing share of leading US banks are offering or planning Bitcoin-related services, signaling a shift in institutional attitudes toward crypto.
More than 60% of the largest US banks have either launched or announced plans for Bitcoin-related services, according to data shared by Bitcoin financial services firm River. These offerings include trading, custody, and lending products tied to digital assets, marking a notable shift from earlier industry resistance.
The trend was echoed by Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, who said discussions with bank executives at the World Economic Forum in Davos suggested growing openness to crypto. Several senior banking leaders reportedly view digital assets as strategically important, with some describing crypto adoption as a competitive necessity rather than an optional experiment.
While institutions such as JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citigroup have moved forward with crypto initiatives, others remain cautious. Concerns around stablecoins, regulatory clarity, and systemic risk continue to limit broader adoption, indicating that while momentum is building, the banking sector’s embrace of crypto remains uneven.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Polymarket Signs Multi-Year Prediction Market Deal with MLS
Polymarket has secured a multi-year partnership with Major League Soccer to integrate prediction markets into fan engagement experiences around matches and tournaments.
Prediction market platform Polymarket has signed a multi-year agreement with Major League Soccer, becoming the league’s exclusive prediction market partner for MLS competitions and the Leagues Cup. The partnership aims to introduce data-driven fan engagement tools, including second-screen experiences tied to real-time market sentiment around games and season narratives.
The deal comes as soccer viewership in the United States continues to expand, supported by upcoming international tournaments hosted in North America. MLS and Polymarket said the collaboration will include safeguards to protect match integrity, including independent monitoring of trading activity linked to league events.
The agreement reflects broader momentum for prediction markets following regulatory clarity from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, even as several US states challenge the sector in court. As volumes on platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi reach record levels, partnerships with major sports leagues signal growing institutional acceptance alongside ongoing legal and regulatory debate.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Bitwise to Launch Onchain Yield Vaults with Morpho
Bitwise is entering decentralized finance with non-custodial onchain vaults built on Morpho, targeting institutional-style yield through overcollateralized lending.
Digital asset manager Bitwise plans to launch non-custodial onchain vaults through decentralized lending protocol Morpho, marking a deeper push into decentralized finance. The first strategy targets a 6% annual percentage yield by allocating capital to overcollateralized lending pools managed directly by Bitwise.
The vaults will be curated and risk-managed by Bitwise’s multi-strategy team, allowing users to deposit and withdraw assets without lockups. The structure mirrors traditional investment funds while relying on automated smart contracts rather than intermediaries, reflecting broader institutional interest in programmable finance.
The move follows Bitwise’s recent forecast that onchain vaults could double assets under management in 2026 as demand grows for transparent, yield-generating crypto products. For Morpho, the partnership reinforces its position as infrastructure for institutional-grade DeFi, as competition intensifies with established lending platforms such as Aave.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Australia Flags Crypto Oversight Gaps as 2026 Risk
Australia’s financial regulator has identified gaps in crypto oversight as a key risk, as the government advances long-awaited digital asset licensing laws.
Australia’s corporate regulator has placed regulatory gaps around crypto firms on its 2026 risk outlook, warning that fast-growing digital asset platforms are operating at the edge of existing rules. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission said the gaps expose consumers to unlicensed advice and misleading conduct, complicating enforcement.
The warning comes as Canberra advances the Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025, which would require crypto custody and trading platforms to hold an Australian Financial Services Licence. The proposed regime aims to bring digital asset businesses under clearer supervisory boundaries while strengthening consumer protections across custody and exchange services.
ASIC said some firms are deliberately remaining outside regulation, increasing uncertainty for markets and investors. Industry experts argue clearer licensing definitions and expanded regulatory sandboxes could balance innovation with oversight, positioning 2026 as a pivotal year for Australia’s broader technology and financial regulation agenda.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Riyad Bank’s Jeel Partners with Ripple on Blockchain Payments
Riyad Bank subsidiary Jeel has partnered with Ripple to explore blockchain-based payments, custody, and tokenization within Saudi Arabia’s regulated financial framework.
Jeel, an innovation subsidiary of Riyad Bank, has signed a partnership with blockchain firm Ripple to explore advanced applications in payments, custody, and tokenization across Saudi Arabia. The collaboration reflects rising institutional interest in blockchain infrastructure as the Kingdom continues to modernize its financial system.
The partnership will focus on evaluating blockchain-enabled cross-border payments, with an emphasis on improving speed, cost efficiency, and transparency across regional trade and remittance corridors. Jeel and Ripple will also assess digital asset custody frameworks and tokenization models, areas increasingly viewed as foundational to next-generation capital markets.
Testing will take place within Jeel’s regulatory sandbox, allowing proofs-of-concept to be developed under controlled and compliant conditions. For Ripple, the agreement provides strategic access to Saudi Arabia’s regulated banking ecosystem, while Jeel strengthens its role in piloting emerging financial technologies aligned with national digital transformation goals.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Japan Crypto ETFs Seen Trading by 2028
Japan’s financial regulator is moving toward allowing crypto ETFs, with products potentially reaching markets by 2028 as major institutions prepare offerings.
Japan’s Financial Services Agency is preparing to classify cryptocurrencies as eligible assets for exchange-traded funds, potentially opening the door for crypto ETFs to trade by 2028, according to Nikkei. The move would allow digital assets to be included under the country’s Investment Trust Act, expanding regulated access for retail investors.
Industry estimates cited by Nikkei suggest crypto ETFs in Japan could attract up to 1 trillion yen, or about $6.4 billion, in assets. A 2028 launch would place Japan several years behind the US, where spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs have already accumulated significant institutional inflows since debuting in 2024.
Major financial groups including SBI Holdings and Nomura Holdings have indicated interest in launching crypto ETF products, though any offering would still require approval from the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The initiative reflects Japan’s broader effort to integrate digital assets into traditional capital markets under a regulated framework.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
First Avalanche ETF Launches in US Markets
VanEck has launched the first US-listed ETF offering exposure to Avalanche’s AVAX token, including potential staking rewards.
VanEck has launched the first US-listed exchange-traded fund tied to Avalanche’s native token, AVAX, marking another step in the expansion of crypto-linked investment products. The fund, trading under the ticker VAVX, began trading on Monday, January 26, and includes exposure to both AVAX price movements and staking rewards.
The ETF provides regulated access to Avalanche, an EVM-compatible blockchain developed by Ava Labs that focuses on scalability, interoperability, and smart contract functionality. AVAX is currently the 33rd-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, positioning the fund outside the dominant bitcoin and ether-focused ETF category.
VanEck said it will waive sponsor fees on the first $500 million in assets or until late February, after which a 0.20% fee will apply. The launch adds to VanEck’s growing lineup of crypto ETFs and reflects increasing institutional interest in diversified blockchain exposure beyond core assets.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Snowstorm Delays Senate Crypto Bill Markup
Severe winter weather in Washington has pushed back a key Senate Agriculture Committee vote on sweeping crypto market structure legislation.
A markup of comprehensive cryptocurrency legislation by the Senate Agriculture Committee has been postponed due to snowstorms in Washington, D.C. The committee rescheduled the session for Thursday morning (January 29), delaying what would be the Senate’s first formal move to amend and vote on a broad crypto market structure bill.
The legislation would expand the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s authority over digital assets, positioning the panel at the center of congressional crypto oversight. The delay follows earlier disruptions in the Senate Banking Committee, which oversees the Securities and Exchange Commission and has struggled to advance its own crypto bill amid internal disagreements.
The Agriculture Committee’s proposal has already faced political headwinds, with limited Democratic backing and amendments filed to address concerns around conflicts of interest tied to Donald Trump’s crypto ventures. The pause highlights ongoing legislative uncertainty as lawmakers attempt to align regulatory responsibilities across agencies.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Kraken Launches DeFi Earn across Major Markets
Kraken has rolled out its DeFi Earn product across the US, EU, and Canada, offering onchain yield through managed DeFi vaults.
Kraken has introduced its DeFi Earn product in Canada, the European Economic Area, and most US states and expanded access to decentralized finance yield through its centralized platform. The offering allows users to earn variable returns, with advertised yields reaching up to 8%, while maintaining the operational interface of a traditional exchange.
The product is built on vault infrastructure provided by Veda, with initial USDC vaults managed by risk specialists Chaos Labs and Sentora. Funds are allocated to established onchain lending and liquidity protocols, including Aave, Morpho, Sky, and Tydro, with returns generated from borrower demand rather than incentives.
Kraken’s launch reflects a broader industry push to bridge centralized access with decentralized yield as exchanges and custodians seek compliant, scalable DeFi integrations. The model aims to address institutional concerns around transparency, risk management, and liquidity while expanding retail participation in onchain financial products.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
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