South Korea Regulator Supports Ownership Caps for Crypto Exchanges

South Korea’s top financial regulator said crypto exchanges should face shareholder limits similar to securities markets as lawmakers finalize new digital asset legislation.

By Julia Sakovich Updated 1 min read

South Korea’s Financial Services Commission is backing ownership limits for crypto exchanges, signaling a tougher stance on governance as the country prepares a new regulatory framework for digital assets. FSC Chair Lee Eog-weon said exchanges should be treated as public-market infrastructure rather than ordinary private companies, aligning them more closely with securities platforms.

The proposal under discussion would cap major shareholders’ stakes at roughly 15% to 20%, a shift that could significantly reshape ownership structures at leading domestic exchanges. The measure is part of the broader Digital Asset Basic Act, which would move exchanges from a renewable registration system to a formal authorization regime with stricter oversight and governance standards.

Lawmakers are still negotiating sensitive provisions ahead of a mid-February deadline, including shareholder limits and stablecoin oversight. While capital requirements for stablecoin issuers appear close to agreement, ownership caps remain one of the most contested elements of the bill.

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.

DeFi & FinTech, Markets & Trading, News

ECB Executive Backs Digital Euro as Payments Sovereignty Tool

An ECB executive said the digital euro is becoming a strategic necessity as geopolitical tensions expose Europe’s reliance on non-European payment systems.

By Julia Sakovich Updated 1 min read

The digital euro is increasingly central to Europe’s financial sovereignty as global tensions turn payment systems into strategic infrastructure, according to ECB executive board member Piero Cipollone. He described the digital euro as public money in digital form, designed to complement cash and modernize payments as e-commerce and digital transactions continue to grow.

Cipollone said Europe’s heavy reliance on non-European payment providers creates structural vulnerabilities in a world where financial tools can be weaponized. He argued that a European-controlled system, built on domestic technology and standards, would reduce dependencies while ensuring continuity of payments under stress scenarios.

The ECB official also emphasized that the digital euro would carry legal tender status, requiring acceptance by merchants that already support digital payments. He said a single, open standard could encourage banks and fintechs to build a unified European payments layer, addressing fragmentation while preserving public oversight of money in an increasingly digital economy.

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.

DeFi & FinTech, News

WisdomTree Expands Tokenized Fund Offering to Solana

WisdomTree has added Solana to its multi-chain strategy, making its full lineup of tokenized funds available on the high-speed blockchain for institutional and retail users.

By Julia Sakovich Updated 1 min read

WisdomTree said it has expanded its tokenized fund offerings to the Solana blockchain, adding the network to its regulated multi-chain distribution strategy. The move allows users to mint, trade, and hold the firm’s full suite of tokenized funds directly on Solana, including money market, equity, fixed income, alternative, and asset allocation products.

The asset manager already offers tokenized funds across several other networks, including Ethereum, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Base, and Optimism. Adding Solana reflects a growing focus among asset managers on diversifying blockchain infrastructure to improve efficiency while maintaining regulatory standards for digital asset products.

Solana currently ranks as the fourth-largest network for distributed tokenized assets, with about $1.3 billion in on-chain value. WisdomTree cited Solana’s transaction speed as a key factor in the expansion, positioning the network as a complementary venue for scaling regulated real-world asset distribution as institutional participation in on-chain markets continues to develop.

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.

DeFi & FinTech, Markets & Trading, News

Ripple Launches Treasury Platform for Cash and Digital Assets

Ripple has introduced a new corporate treasury platform that integrates cash management with digital asset operations following its acquisition of GTreasury.

By Julia Sakovich Updated 1 min read

Ripple has unveiled Ripple Treasury, a corporate treasury platform that brings together traditional cash management and digital asset operations in a single system. The launch marks the first major product integration since Ripple’s $1 billion acquisition of treasury software provider GTreasury in October, extending Ripple’s push into enterprise financial infrastructure.

The platform is designed to address common frictions in corporate treasury operations, including delayed cross-border settlements and fragmented reconciliation processes. Ripple said the system enables three- to five-second international settlements using its RLUSD stablecoin and provides a unified interface for managing both fiat and digital assets through API-based integrations.

The rollout comes as Ripple expands its regulated footprint across key markets, including recent licensing approvals in the UK and Luxembourg. The company is positioning the platform as a bridge between legacy treasury systems and onchain liquidity, reflecting growing institutional demand for integrated digital finance tools.

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.

DeFi & FinTech, Markets & Trading, News

Wallet Linked to Alleged US Seizure Theft Launches Memecoin

A Solana memecoin launched from a wallet linked to an alleged theft of US government-seized crypto collapsed 97%, raising fresh concerns over memecoin launch practices.

By Julia Sakovich Updated 1 min read

A wallet linked by blockchain investigators to an alleged theft of crypto assets seized by the US government has launched a Solana-based memecoin that quickly collapsed. The token, John Daghita (LICK), was created on Pump.fun and briefly reached a market capitalization of about $915,000 before falling below $25,000 within a day.

Blockchain investigator ZachXBT said the wallet is connected to addresses holding large sums of crypto believed to originate from US government-controlled seizures in 2024 and 2025. The US Marshals Service has confirmed the matter is under investigation, though no charges have been announced.

Onchain data shows the deployer controlled roughly 40% of the token supply at launch, according to Bubblemaps, a level of concentration often viewed as a structural risk. The episode adds to broader concerns around memecoin tokenomics, insider activity, and the lack of standardized protections in open launch environments.

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.

Altcoins, DeFi & FinTech, News, Technology & Security

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.

By Julia Sakovich Updated 1 min read

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.

DeFi & FinTech, News, Regulation & Policy

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.

By Julia Sakovich Updated 1 min read

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.

DeFi & FinTech, News

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.

By Julia Sakovich Updated 1 min read

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.

Altcoins, DeFi & FinTech, News

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.

By Julia Sakovich Updated 1 min read

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.

Bitcoin, Markets & Trading, News

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.

By Julia Sakovich Updated 1 min read

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.

DeFi & FinTech, News, Regulation & Policy

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.

By Julia Sakovich Updated 1 min read

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.

DeFi & FinTech, Markets & Trading, News

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.

By Julia Sakovich Updated 1 min read

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.

Bitcoin, Markets & Trading, News, Regulation & Policy

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.

By Julia Sakovich Updated 1 min read

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.

DeFi & FinTech, Markets & Trading, News

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.

By Julia Sakovich Updated 1 min read

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.

DeFi & FinTech, News

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.

By Julia Sakovich Updated 1 min read

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.

DeFi & FinTech, News, Regulation & Policy