Coinbase (COIN) revealed on Wednesday its plans to roll out a suite of new products intended to transform the platform into a comprehensive financial application, including the addition of stocks, advanced trading tools, and prediction markets.

Brian Armstrong’s Vision

CEO Brian Armstrong envisions his platform as the go-to destination for a diverse range of trades, including stocks, streamlined futures, and perpetual contracts, as well as prediction markets through its partnership with Kalshi. 

The prediction market remains defined by Kalshi and Polymarket. However, Armstrong emphasized that the appeal of prediction markets extends beyond mere trading.

“When looking at economic indicators or elections, people utilize prediction markets to gauge what might happen next month,” he explained in an interview with CNBC. 

“While only about 1% of users approach it as an asset class for trading, a striking 99% leverage it to obtain insights—almost as an alternative to traditional media or entertainment,” Armstrong further explained.

Recently, Robinhood (HOOD) has demonstrated a similar trajectory by broadening its prediction markets into sports-style contracts resembling parlays and prop bets, marking this category as one of its fastest-growing revenue streams. 

New Outcome Trading And Tokenization Strategy

Coinbase also aims to introduce its form of outcome trading into a wider ecosystem, betting on the future of brokerage services as a unified platform blending traditional assets, derivatives, and blockchain capabilities.

This trading expansion is closely linked to the cryptocurrency exchange’s tokenization strategy, which aims to bring more traditional assets onto the blockchain, including equities. 

The company is launching “Coinbase Tokenize,” an institutional-grade infrastructure designed to support the tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs). Armstrong sees this expansion as a stepping stone toward a more significant goal. 

“Trading stocks is a good starting point,” he noted, adding that the ultimate aim is to facilitate the trading of tokenized equities. Achieving this, according to him, could democratize access for individuals globally and unlock new structures in the US market, enhancing professional futures tied to equity trading.

Coinbase Targets All Asset Classes 

For businesses and developers, Coinbase is broadening its appeal beyond retail trading; the company has announced that Coinbase Business will now be accessible to eligible customers in the US and Singapore, along with an expanded API suite encompassing services like custody, payments, trading, and stablecoins.

Armstrong articulates a broader thesis: crypto is not merely a niche but rather a vital upgrade to the entire financial system. He asserts that all major asset classes, including prediction markets, equities, commodities, and, eventually, real-world assets like real estate, will transition to blockchain systems. 

Additionally, Coinbase plans to introduce “custom stablecoins” for companies that require branded stablecoin solutions, while also highlighting its x402 payments standard, which aims to simplify stablecoin payments associated with web requests.

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

In a new bipartisan initiative to regulate the cryptocurrency sector, Senators Elissa Slotkin and Jerry Moran have unveiled the “SAFE Crypto Act,” which aims to establish a federal task force designed to address the increasing risks associated with digital asset scams.

New Task Force Proposed

The SAFE Crypto Act seeks to create a comprehensive task force that will bring together the Treasury Department, law enforcement agencies, regulators, and private-sector experts. 

As outlined in the Senators’ announcement, the task force will enhance local law enforcement capabilities, improving their tools for combating crypto-related scams. 

“It’s critical we protect Americans against scams in all industries, but especially cryptocurrency as it becomes more popular,” Senator Slotkin emphasized. She believes empowering local law enforcement with the necessary resources to tackle these scams is essential. 

Slotkin added, “This task force, established by the SAFE Cryptocurrency Act, will allow us to draw upon every resource we have to combat fraud in digital assets.”

Senator Moran echoed her sentiments, stating, “With fraud and other payment scams continuing to grow, protecting the financial security and well-being of Kansans is critical.” 

He noted that their legislation would strengthen coordination among governmental agencies, law enforcement, and the financial services sector as they work together to identify and combat cryptocurrency fraud. 

Highlights Of The SAFE Crypto Act

The text of the SAFE Crypto Act outlines several key purposes for the task force. It will examine current trends in financial grooming scams involving digital assets, identify effective prevention methods, and issue recommendations to enhance efforts against these fraudulent activities. 

A cross-sector approach will ensure that the task force’s recommendations encompass the entire spectrum of the issue, given that scams affect individuals across multiple jurisdictions and industries, including financial services, telecommunications, and technology.

The task force will also include insights from stakeholders with direct experience supporting scam victims as well as industry participants who can provide valuable information about organized crime networks involved in these scams. 

Their work will involve evaluating best practices for countering various methods used by scammers, including Ponzi schemes, money laundering activities, and fraudulent Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs).

Additionally, the task force will be responsible for assessing international efforts to prevent scams involving digital assets and reviewing current scamming methods that target individuals through digital asset intermediaries. 

Furthermore, the task force will coordinate efforts to ensure that law enforcement can identify and pursue perpetrators of scams involving digital assets. It will consult with other relevant stakeholders, including state, local, and tribal agencies, as well as financial services providers. 

The task force will also determine whether additional federal legislation or resources would be beneficial in combating scams in the digital asset space.

Within one year of its establishment, the task force will submit a comprehensive report to various Senate and House committees, detailing its findings and recommendations. After the initial report, annual updates will also be provided to keep Congress informed of ongoing progress and emerging threats.

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com

In its latest report, asset manager and exchange-traded fund (ETF) issuer, Bitwise, has shared an optimistic 2026 outlook for the crypto market, anticipating significant growth, while predicting new all-time highs for Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL).

Megatrends In Crypto? 

Bitwise begins by asserting that Bitcoin is poised to break free from its traditional four-year price cycle, setting the stage for new records. Several factors contribute to this bullish forecast. 

The dynamics of past cycles, including the Bitcoin Halving, interest rate fluctuations, and market booms and busts fueled by leverage, are expected to be less impactful in the coming years. 

Notably, the entry of large institutions like Citi, Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo, and Merrill Lynch into the crypto space is anticipated to accelerate institutional allocations toward spot ETFs and enhance on-chain developments by 2026. 

As a result, Bitcoin is projected to become less volatile, even indicating that it has demonstrated lower volatility than tech giant Nvidia throughout 2025. 

The report also expresses strong optimism for Ethereum and Solana, particularly contingent upon the passing of the CLARITY Act. Bitwise believes that the growth of stablecoins and tokenization represents significant “megatrends,” with both Ethereum and Solana positioned to be the primary beneficiaries of this trend.

ETFs To Acquire New Market Supply

Institutional demand is forecasted to surge, with ETFs expected to acquire more than 100% of the new supply of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. By 2026, Bitwise expects that most institutional investors will have access to crypto ETFs. 

As Bitwise projects the new supply hitting the market, estimates indicate roughly 166,000 Bitcoin valued at $15.3 billion, 960,000 Ethereum around $3.0 billion, and 23 million Solana coins amounting to $3.2 billion. However, the firm anticipates that ETFs will likely purchase even more than these figures suggest.

The report further highlights that crypto equities are expected to outperform traditional tech stocks. While tech shares have surged by 140% over the past three years, crypto equities have significantly outpaced them. 

The Bitwise Crypto Innovators 30 Index, which tracks companies providing crucial infrastructure and services for crypto assets, has rocketed by 585% during the same time frame. Bitwise believes this momentum will persist into 2026, driven by potential revenue growth, mergers and acquisitions, and a favorable regulatory landscape.

Stablecoins As Scapegoats For Economic Woes

As stablecoins gain traction, Bitwise cautions that they may become scapegoats for destabilizing emerging market currencies. Currently valued at nearly $300 billion, the market for stablecoins, which include tokenized versions of the US dollar like USDT and USDC, is predicted to reach $500 billion by the end of 2026. 

With this rise, it’s anticipated that one or two countries may blame stablecoins for their financial troubles, despite the reality that people would not turn to stablecoins if their local currencies were stable.

Additionally, Bitwise forecasts the launch of over 100 crypto-linked ETFs in the United States, following the SEC’s issuance of new listing standards that enable these funds to enter the market under a unified regulatory framework. This regulatory clarity sets the stage for what Bitwise dubs “ETF-palooza” in 2026.

Lastly, the firm predicts that half of Ivy League endowments will likely invest in cryptocurrencies, and that on-chain vault assets under management will double in the coming years.

At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $86,165, having recorded major losses of 2% and almost 7% over the past 24 hours and seven days respectively. Currently, the leading crypto is trading 31.8% below its all-time high of $126,000. 

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

Amid significant regulatory shifts under President Trump’s administration, Binance is gearing up to relaunch in the United States, potentially reducing the stakes held by its former CEO, Changpeng Zhao (CZ). 

Following years of legal hurdles that culminated in Zhao serving time in prison, his recent presidential pardon has revitalized the exchange’s prospects within the US crypto landscape.

Binance’s Path To Re-Establish US Operations

According to a recent Bloomberg report, Binance has been exploring options to restart operations for its American affiliate, Binance.US. This includes discussions of a recapitalization that could dilute Zhao’s majority stake, which has complicated the company’s efforts to expand in the country. 

At a recent Binance Blockchain Week event, Zhao expressed his commitment to transforming the US into a central hub for cryptocurrency, dubbing it “an emerging land for us.” 

His remarks came in the wake of a challenging period for Binance.US, which has seen its market share plummet from an impressive 35% to virtually zero since US regulatory bodies charged Zhao and the cryptocurrency exchange two years ago. 

Several states have also rescinded Binance’s licenses, while others, notably New York, never granted one in the first place. Supporters of the exchange believe that a forthcoming market-structure bill could establish a federal licensing regime, potentially altering the operational landscape for companies like Binance. 

However, Bitcoinist has continuously reported that the bill’s progress has stalled amid political divisions, casting doubt on its future. For now, the anticipated markup has been delayed until January 2026. 

The report suggests that if Binance were able to buy back some or all of Zhao’s holdings, it might consider new leadership and strategies to drive growth while leveraging political connections in Washington. Sources familiar with the situation emphasize a sense of urgency for the exchange to make critical decisions. 

Potential Partnerships With BlackRock 

In a separate effort to bolster its standing, the exchange is reportedly aiming for a closer partnership with BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager and issuer of the largest Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the US. 

This relationship could involve the utilization of BlackRock’s tokenized money-market fund to support trades on Binance. Discussions regarding enhanced financial ties between the two have included the potential development of additional products and revenue-sharing opportunities.

Additionally, Binance is looking to strengthen its relationship with World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a crypto venture co-founded by members of the Trump family. 

These moves appear to have taken shape following Zhao’s pardon and signify the crypto company’s desire to recalibrate its presence in a more favorable political atmosphere.

To facilitate these efforts, Binance has promoted Yi He, Zhao’s partner, as a stabilizing force for the company. Over the past few months, she has assumed a prominent role, leading strategic initiatives and revitalizing Binance’s growth narrative. 

However, her elevation has sparked questions regarding the dynamics of power between her and Teng, the former regulator who has been instrumental in guiding the exchange’s outreach efforts.

At the time of writing, BNB, the exchange’s native token, is trading at $846. This represents a major correction of 38% over the past few months, following the cryptocurrency’s all-time high of $1,369. 

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com

On Wednesday, a bipartisan meeting of the Senate Banking Committee, led by Senator Tim Scott, offered a cautiously optimistic outlook for discussions surrounding the anticipated crypto market structure bill. 

Despite the absence of any markup hearings scheduled for this week, industry representatives and senators engaged in what many considered a productive dialogue regarding the evolving legislative landscape.

Senators Collaborate With Industry Leaders

Key figures from major crypto firms were among the attendees, including executives from Coinbase (COIN), Kraken, Chainlink, a16z, and Ripple, who have been increasingly involved in discussions aimed at fostering the positive growth of digital assets in the country. 

According to Eleanor Terret from Crypto In America, the atmosphere of the meeting was described as “constructive and collaborative.” Senators from both parties engaged actively with industry representatives, asking insightful questions and exploring the nuances of the proposed bill text.

Participating senators included Democrats Mark Warner and Catherine Cortez Masto, who were noted for their engagement and for posing significant questions to both the industry representatives and Senate Banking staff.

Three key areas of ongoing negotiation emerged from the discussions: the classification of tokens—distinguishing between securities and commodities, the roles of stablecoin interest versus rewards, and discussions surrounding decentralized finance (DeFi).

The meeting’s update follows earlier confirmation from a committee spokesperson that the Banking Committee will not conduct a markup hearing prior to the upcoming Christmas break. Instead, the committee intends to monitor the bill’s progress for potential action in early 2026.

Intensified Talks On Crypto Regulation

In a statement released earlier this week, Jeff Naft, spokesperson for Chair Scott, emphasized the committee’s commitment to pursuing a bipartisan approach to address the complexities of digital asset market legislation. 

“Chairman Scott and the Senate Banking Committee have made strong progress,” Naft noted, underscoring continued efforts to establish a new regulatory framework that would enhance clarity for the crypto sector and position the United States as a leader in the digital assets arena.

Negotiations have intensified over the past week, with Republican members of the Banking Committee working closely with their Democratic counterparts to seek a viable compromise. 

However, Democrats have also consistently called for additional time in the piece of legislation to address various concerns, particularly regarding financial stability, market integrity, and ethical considerations.

Specific ethics concerns have arisen related to President Donald Trump and his family’s involvement in crypto-related business ventures, which reportedly have added to their wealth. 

As Congress prepares to reconvene after the holiday break, immediate attention will shift to federal government funding, with the current funding bill set to expire on January 30.

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

As concerns about the potential risks posed by quantum computing to the cryptocurrency landscape grow, the Solana Foundation has taken new measures by announcing a collaboration with Project Eleven, which specializes in post-quantum security.

Solana’s Focus On Long-Term Security 

In a Tuesday press release, the Solana Foundation outlined its commitment to fortifying the cryptocurrency’s ecosystem against the implications of quantum computing. 

Through this initiative, Project Eleven has conducted a comprehensive threat assessment and successfully prototyped a functioning testnet utilizing post-quantum digital signatures. 

Under their engagement, Project Eleven undertook a risk analysis to evaluate how forthcoming breakthroughs in quantum computing could impact various facets of Solana’s infrastructure. Areas scrutinized included user wallets, validator security, and the foundational cryptographic assumptions that underpin the network. 

Moreover, Project Eleven has implemented a working post-quantum signature system on a Solana testnet, demonstrating that quantum-resistant transactions can be both practical and scalable.

Matt Sorg, VP of Technology at the Solana Foundation, emphasized the organization’s approach: “Our responsibility is to ensure Solana remains secure not just today, but decades into the future.” 

He noted that the culture of innovation within the Solana ecosystem would continue to thrive with the upcoming release of a second client and an advanced consensus mechanism this year. 

Alex Pruden, CEO of Project Eleven, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Solana didn’t wait for quantum computers to become a headline problem. They invested early, asked the hard questions, and took actionable steps today.” 

Industry Leaders Urge Speedy Action

Solana’s stance comes amid alarming reports indicating that quantum computers could potentially undermine blockchain security by developing algorithms capable of deciphering private keys. 

This scenario raises significant concerns for any digital assets operating on blockchain technology that rely on digital signatures, making them vulnerable to quantum hacking. As such, industry experts are actively exploring various measures to bolster cryptocurrency networks against these threats. 

Doug Finke, Chief Content Officer at Global Quantum Intelligence, pointed out that several groups are integrating the three post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms established by NIST into their platforms. 

He emphasized the uncertainty surrounding when a sufficiently powerful quantum computer might be developed, raising the stakes even further. Finke stated, “What’s worse, if an unfriendly party does develop such a computer, they may not let anyone know about it.”

Currently, several cryptocurrencies have already begun incorporating quantum-safe cryptography into their architecture, including Quantum Resistant Ledger (QRL), Cellframe, and Bitcoin Quantum from BTQ. 

Among those issuing warnings about the looming threats from quantum computing are notable figures such as Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko, Capriole Investment founder Charles Edwards, and representatives from major firms like BlackRock and Google.

Yakovenko has urged the Bitcoin community to accelerate efforts to implement quantum-resistant upgrades. He believes there is a 50% chance of a significant quantum breakthrough occurring within the next five years, further emphasizing the need for vigilance.

At the time of writing, SOL is trading at $127, which is a 6.7% decrease in price over the past seven days. Compared to the all-time high of $293 reached earlier this year, SOL is trading at almost 56% below this threshold. 

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially concluded its investigation into the decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol Aave (AAVE), marking a significant development in the ongoing evolution of regulatory approaches within the cryptocurrency industry. 

Stani Kulechov, the founder and CEO of the Aave protocol, confirmed the end of the four-year investigation in a post on social media, expressing relief and optimism about the future of DeFi.

Aave Founder Celebrates End Of SEC Investigation

In his announcement, Kulechov emphasized the considerable effort and resources invested by the Aave team throughout this process. He stated, “We are finally ready to share that the SEC has concluded its investigation into the Aave Protocol.” 

Highlighting the impact of regulatory scrutiny on DeFi, he added, “This process demanded significant effort… to protect Aave, its ecosystem, and DeFi more broadly.” 

Kulechov expressed hope for a new chapter in which developers can freely innovate and contribute to the future of finance, asserting, “DeFi will win.”

This conclusion is notable against the backdrop of heightened regulatory pressure that DeFi projects have faced in recent years. Under the previous SEC chair, Gary Gensler, the agency made a concerted effort to enforce regulations in the crypto space. 

In 2021, the SEC initiated 19 enforcement actions related to cryptocurrency in just the first nine months. However, recent patterns reveal a substantial shift in the commission’s stance on crypto enforcement.

SEC Eases Crypto Enforcement Actions By Over 60% 

Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House, the SEC has reportedly eased enforcement actions in over 60% of ongoing cryptocurrency cases. 

A New York Times investigation published recently analyzed thousands of government documents and court records, revealing that the SEC has either dismissed, paused, or reduced penalties for a significant majority of active crypto cases since January 20, 2021. 

While Trump’s first term saw an average of one high-profile cryptocurrency case per month—including the notable action against Ripple Labs—the current landscape indicates a less aggressive regulatory approach for major players like Binance, Ripple, and Gemini. 

Following the administration shift, enforcement actions against these companies have either been withdrawn or significantly softened.

Paul S. Atkins, the newly appointed SEC chair under the Trump administration, has labeled this regulatory shift a “new day” for the cryptocurrency industry. 

At the time of writing, the protocol’s native token, AAVE, was trading at $187, having only surged by 1% following the announcement. However, on a year-to-date basis, the AAVE token has seen a significant 52% drop, with prices currently 72% down from the all-time high of $661 reached in May 2021.  

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

Cantor Fitzgerald, one of the world’s leading asset management firms, has released an in-depth report highlighting the promising future of the decentralized exchange (DEX) Hyperliquid (HYPE). 

The 62-page analysis predicts significant growth for both the platform and its native token over the next decade, painting a bullish outlook for investors. 

Hyperliquid As ‘The Exchange Of All Exchanges’

As detailed in the report, Hyperliquid operates as a decentralized exchange specializing in trading perpetual futures and is built on a custom layer-1 blockchain. Currently, HYPE has a fully diluted market cap of approximately $15.8 billion. 

Year-to-date (YTD) 2025, the platform has generated an impressive $874 million in fees from a staggering $2.947 trillion in trading volume. 

A key feature that makes HYPE particularly attractive, and highlighted in the report, is its unique fee structure: approximately 99% of all fees generated by the protocol are allocated to repurchasing and burning the underlying token. 

This mechanism not only supports the value of HYPE but also reduces its circulating supply. In early 2025 alone, about 2.6% of all HYPE tokens expected to be in circulation, or roughly 5% of the current supply, were repurchased and burned. 

With the anticipation of new product launches, Cantor Fitzgerald views HYPE as “the exchange of all exchanges” and believes there’s a realistic path for annual fees to soar to $5 billion within the next decade.

Why Market Dynamics Favor HYPE

When it comes to the platform’s native token, HYPE has successfully captured considerable market share and emerged as one of the standout products in the cryptocurrency space over the past year. 

In addition to perpetual trading, Hyperliquid has launched spot trading and HIP-3 markets, enabling users to create new markets for a variety of assets including stocks and commodities.

Cantor Fitzgerald’s report emphasizes that the immediate determinant of HYPE’s market price will hinge on industry sentiment regarding competition. The ability of emerging rivals to challenge HYPE and affect its fee-generating capacity is paramount. 

However, the report argues that current fears surrounding competition may be overstated. It posits that “point tourists”—those who shift from platform to platform seeking incentives—are likely to return to the platform offering the deepest liquidity and best execution, which, according to Cantor Fitzgerald, is Hyperliquid.

A mere 1% increase in market share from CEX competitors in the perpetuals sector could translate to approximately $600 billion in trading volume. Based on existing perpetual fee rates, this could result in an additional $272 million in annual fees. 

By applying a conservative 25x valuation multiple to these fees, the potential market capitalization would rise to $6.8 billion.

HYPE Price To Reach $271?

Assuming moderate share gains over the next decade—projecting around 17% in perpetual trades and 18% in spot trading—Hyperliquid’s annual fees could surpass the $5 billion mark. 

A conservative valuation multiple of 25x, this would suggest a future market capitalization of approximately $125 billion. Given that nearly all generated fees will be used to repurchase HYPE tokens, a large portion of the circulating supply could potentially be bought back by the time the platform reaches these fee levels.

With a forecasted expansion of the fully diluted market cap from roughly $15.8 billion today to $125 billion in the future, combined with a declining supply of HYPE tokens, the projected share price is poised to increase at an even faster pace. 

If 20% of the Hyperliquid token float is repurchased—valued at around $3.5 billion today—the report suggests that the HYPE price could reach $271 at a fully diluted valuation of $125 billion.

The projections suggest that if HYPE captures just 1% of the market share annually and maintains consistent trading volumes from CEXs, the price of HYPE could grow substantially. 

By year 10, the asset manager believes that circulating supply could decrease from 577.2 million to approximately 144.9 million, while the market cap could remain around $16.1 billion based on conservative fee estimates excluding spot and HIP-3 revenues.

At the time of writing, Hyperliquid’s native token is trading at $26.49, having recorded major losses of almost 32% over the past month. This represents a 55% gap from the current trading levels and the all-time high of $59.30.

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

Bitcoin (BTC) has been struggling to regain momentum in the market, failing to surpass its nearest resistance level of $94,000 for over a month. The cryptocurrency is currently trading within a broad range between $85,000 and $93,000, leading to growing concerns about further price corrections in the upcoming months.

Amid this uncertainty, market expert NoLimit recently expressed on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that he anticipates Bitcoin could bottom out at around $40,000 sometime in 2026. This forecast implies a significant 54% decline from current levels, which are just above $87,860.

A Historical Perspective On Market Cycles

NoLimit’s analysis outlines several reasons for this predicted downturn. He points out that Bitcoin has a historical tendency to surprise investors, often when confidence in the market is high. While each price cycle may appear unique on the surface, NoLimit argues that the underlying mechanics remain largely unchanged.

He emphasizes the cyclical nature of Bitcoin, noting that it moves within a four-year cycle influenced by liquidity, leverage, and human behavior rather than mere sentiment. 

According to him, the market is currently late in this cycle, and Bitcoin has consistently followed a three-step process during past upward movements.

First, Bitcoin tends to surge in price following the Halving event. This is typically followed by an influx of maximum leverage and late-stage buyers. Finally, the cycle concludes with a sharp and often chaotic reset before the next significant price expansion occurs.

Historically, Bitcoin has experienced steep declines during these resets, such as an approximate 85% drop in 2013-2014, an 84% drop in 2017-2018, and a 77% drop during the 2021-2022 cycle. In each scenario, investors were convinced that the conditions were different, yet the outcomes remained consistent.

$40,000 As Foundation For Bitcoin’s Next Bull Run 

Considering the current market situation, NoLimit highlights several critical indicators. He notes that Bitcoin has already seen substantial price appreciation, with institutional interest and exchange-trade fund (ETF) approvals now part of the landscape. 

He also observes that many traders are over-leveraged, market volatility is compressed, and there exists widespread hope for further price increases. These factors often signal a heightened risk of downside movement in the market.

A potential drop toward the $40,000 range should not be viewed as an unforeseen disaster, according to NoLimit. He argues that significant price declines have historically preceded major upward movements. 

Additionally, this price target aligns well with several technical indicators, including previous resistance levels that have turned into support, long-term moving averages, and the liquidity gap created by ETF approvals. 

Such factors suggest that a move toward this region could exhaust forced sellers and provide a solid foundation for recovery.

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has announced a new framework that outlines how banks can apply to issue payment stablecoins through subsidiaries as part of the implementation of the country’s stablecoin bill, the GENIUS Act. 

FDIC’s First Move On GENIUS Act

In a statement, Acting Chair Travis Hill emphasized that the proposed process is tailored to allow the FDIC to thoroughly evaluate the safety and soundness of applications from banks seeking to enter the stablecoin market. 

According to a summary from FDIC staff, banks wishing to issue payment stablecoins will need to submit detailed applications outlining various aspects of their proposed activities.

Each application must include a description of the intended payment stablecoin, along with a comprehensive overview of the subsidiary’s activities. 

Additionally, institutions must provide financial information, details regarding the ownership and control structure of the subsidiary, and pertinent policies related to customer agreements, including provisions for custody. Applicants will need to submit an engagement letter from a registered public accounting firm.

30-Day Review Period For Stablecoin Applications

The FDIC aims to promptly review submissions, notifying stablecoin applicants within 30 days whether their application has been deemed substantially complete. Following that, the agency must make a decision on approval within 120 days from the time the application reaches this status.

“This proposed rule is the FDIC’s first action to implement the GENIUS Act,” stated Acting Chairman Travis Hill. He added that in the coming months, the agency plans to introduce proposals to establish the required management standards for subsidiaries of FDIC-supervised institutions that are approved to issue payment stablecoins. 

The FDIC is also committed to providing comprehensive regulatory clarity regarding activities associated with digital assets and tokenized deposits. The plan will undergo a public consultation period before it can be finalized.

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) recently sparked a wave of criticism from traditional finance groups following its approval of conditional bank charters for five cryptocurrency firms: Ripple, Circle, BitGo, Paxos, and Fidelity. 

Stablecoins Seen As Direct Threat

Following the OCC’s announcement, industry stakeholders quickly voiced their concerns. Traditional banks expressed apprehension that these approvals stretch the definition and historical purpose of the national trust bank charter. 

Rebeca Romero Rainey, president and CEO of the Independent Community Bankers of America, stated that the conditional approvals endanger consumers and create institutions that the OCC may not effectively manage. 

She further remarked that the new framework allows stablecoin operators access to the federal banking system without the rigorous capital and regulatory requirements that traditional banks must uphold.

Todd Phillips, a professor at Georgia State University and former attorney with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, also noted that stablecoins pose a direct threat to the conventional banking model. 

He remarked that banks are reacting aggressively to counter this emerging competition from stablecoins, which are perceived as encroaching on their market share.

In defense of the OCC’s actions, Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan Gould emphasized the benefits of new entrants in the federal banking sector, asserting that they would introduce fresh products and services while enhancing competition. He views this as a positive move for consumers and the broader banking industry.

Banks Raise Alarm Over OCC’s Crypto Trust Charters

One key difference between trust banks and conventional banks is their inability to accept deposits or make loans. Nonetheless, banks are wary that these newly chartered firms may venture beyond merely holding assets to back stablecoins. 

Rob Nichols, president and CEO of the American Bankers Association, expressed concern that this expansion of the trust charter blurs the lines defining banking activities and could lead to regulatory arbitrage.

The Bank Policy Institute (BPI) also raised questions about the OCC’s approval process, urging transparency to help the public understand the rationale behind these decisions. Greg Baer, the BPI’s president and CEO, emphasized the need for clarity around the applications.

The current conditional approvals for crypto trust banks present a more viable litigation landscape than earlier fintech charters, according to Andrew Grant, co-founder of Runway Group, a consultancy focused on financial technology. 

Many banks are reportedly unhappy about the momentum of the OCC’s recent decisions, suggesting they may take steps to introduce regulatory friction against these new entrants.

Furthermore, the provisions of the GENIUS Act permit the establishment of national banks without deposit insurance, which complicates the ability of traditional banks to mount effective legal challenges against the approved cryptocurrency firms. 

Todd Baker, a senior fellow at the Richman Center for Business, Law and Public Policy at Columbia Business School, noted that while litigation may yield some restrictions on crypto-related activities, it is unlikely to impact stablecoin issuance, redemption, or custody.

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com

The anticipated US crypto market structure bill, seen as a landmark piece of legislation following the GENIUS Act, is unlikely to pass this year as Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott announced the postponement of a committee vote. Instead, discussions regarding the bill are expected to resume in early 2026.

Pushing Crypto Bill Discussions To Next Year

In a statement released on Monday, a spokesperson for Chair Scott, a South Carolina Republican, noted that the Senate Banking Committee is actively negotiating with its Democratic counterparts in pursuit of a bipartisan approach to digital asset market legislation. 

“Chairman Scott and the Senate Banking Committee have made strong progress,” said spokesperson Jeff Naft, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to create a robust regulatory framework that would provide clarity for the crypto industry and position the US as a leader in the digital asset space.

The delay comes at a time when the committee has produced multiple draft versions of the bill. However, with Congress preparing to return from its holiday break, the immediate focus will shift to funding the federal government, as the current funding bill is set to expire on January 30. 

The negotiations had intensified over the past week, with Republicans from the Banking Committee collaborating with Senate Democrats to find a workable compromise. 

Democrats have advocated for additional time in discussions, reflecting concerns about various issues, including financial stability, market integrity, and ethical considerations. 

In particular, the ethics concerns have been linked to President Donald Trump and his family’s crypto-related business dealings, which have reportedly increased their wealth.

Regulators Intensify Oversight Of Digital Assets

Despite the legislative stall, federal regulators are continuing to engage with the cryptocurrency sector. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued multiple staff statements and convened roundtable discussions to explore how existing securities laws apply within the crypto market. 

In parallel, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has begun allowing licensed institutions to engage in spot crypto trading and recently granted no-action relief to specific prediction market operators regarding data requirements.

Additionally, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is set to take significant steps towards implementing the country’s stablecoin bill, or most commonly known as the GENIUS Act. 

The FDIC board is expected to review a proposed rule that will outline approval requirements for banks issuing payment stablecoins through their subsidiaries, opening the proposal for public commentary and discussion.

Travis Hill, the FDIC chair nominee, who may be confirmed by the Senate as soon as this week, highlighted that the FDIC is are already working on establishing prudential standards for stablecoin issuers under FDIC supervision. These standards would cover areas such as capital requirements, reserves, and risk management.

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

Bitcoin (BTC) has experienced a 4% drop, falling below the $86,000 mark on Monday, as market speculation grows regarding the cryptocurrency’s future following the Bank of Japan’s (BOJ) interest rate decision. 

In a recent poll conducted from December 2 to 9, an overwhelming 90% of economists—63 out of 70—predicted that the BOJ would increase short-term interest rates from 0.50% to 0.75% at this week’s planned meeting.

Experts Warn Of Impact From BOJ Rate Hikes

Experts on social media have noted a concerning trend: during the last three rate hikes by the BOJ, Bitcoin has typically dropped significantly. The statistics reveal the following declines: a 23% drop in March 2024, a 26% decline in July 2024, and a 31% dip in January of this year. 

Based on current prices just below $86,000, this would imply that if the cryptocurrency sees another 20% correction, it could drop all the way to 68,800. This would mean extending the gap compared to the all-time high of $126,000 by almost 46%. 

The group of experts further highlighted that the dynamics at play in Japan significantly impact Bitcoin’s performance as Japan holds the largest amount of US debt of any nation. 

When Japanese interest rates rise, capital tends to flow back to Japan, leading to reduced liquidity in dollars. This decrease in dollar liquidity often results in the selling of riskier assets like Bitcoin.

On November 30, a foreboding sign of this potential downturn appeared when confirmation of Japan’s impending rate hike caused Bitcoin to dip to around $83,000, erasing approximately $200 billion from the overall cryptocurrency market.

However, the bearish sentiment affecting Bitcoin is not solely the result of Japan’s actions. Market analyst known as NoLimit recently pointed to another critical factor: China’s renewed crackdown on Bitcoin mining. 

China’s Mining Crackdown Spurs Bitcoin Sell-Off

The analyst recently asserted that China has tightened regulations, particularly affecting operations in Xinjiang, where a significant number of crypto mining setups were shut down in December. This led to the abrupt offline status of roughly 400,000 miners.

The repercussions of such a sudden shift in mining activity are already evident. The Bitcoin network hashrate has fallen by about 8%, indicating that fewer miners are actively contributing to the network. 

NoLimit suggests that this sudden reduction creates immediate revenue-loss for miners, who may need to liquidate Bitcoin to cover operational costs or to relocate their equipment. Consequently, this generates actual selling pressure on the market, contributing to the downward price trend seen on Monday.

Despite the short-term pain this creates, the analysts clarified that it does not indicate a long-term bearish outlook for Bitcoin. Instead, he views it as a temporary supply shock driven by regulatory decisions rather than a shift in demand. 

Historical patterns support this notion: when China has previously cracked down on miners, the cycle follows a familiar trajectory: miners are forced offline, hashrate dips occur, prices fluctuate, and eventually, the network adapts before Bitcoin moves forward again.

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com

Ripple, the issuer of the fast-growing RLUSD stablecoin, has recently announced an ambitious multichain strategy aimed at enhancing its presence in the crypto space. 

This initiative will see RLUSD integrated into Layer-2 (L2) solutions on the Ethereum (ETH) blockchain, facilitated by a partnership with Wormhole, one of the largest protocols for cross-chain interoperability.

Ripple Targets Broader Blockchain Integration

In a press release issued on Monday, Ripple and Wormhole detailed their plans to initiate testing on several notable L2 networks, including Optimism (OP), Base, Ink, and Unichain. 

The collaboration will leverage Wormhole’s Native Token Transfers (NTT) standard, which is designed to ensure efficient movement of liquidity across various blockchain ecosystems while allowing Ripple to maintain native control over RLUSD.

Originally launched on both the XRP Ledger (XRPL) and Ethereum, RLUSD aims to enhance cross-chain functionalities and decentralized finance (DeFi) opportunities. 

Jack McDonald, Senior Vice President of Stablecoin at Ripple, emphasized the significance of stablecoins in the DeFi landscape, stating:

Stablecoins are the gateway to DeFi and institutional adoption. RLUSD is designed from the ground up to be the trusted, liquid medium necessary for users to seamlessly enter, interact with, and exit the entire digital asset economy.

The executive also highlighted that by launching RLUSD as the first US Trust Regulated stablecoin on these L2 networks, Ripple is also setting a standard where compliance meets on-chain efficiency. Looking toward, Ripple plans to launch RLUSD on additional chains, pending final regulatory approval. 

RLUSD Becomes Third-Largest US-Regulated Stablecoin

Notably, RLUSD has achieved a market capitalization of $1.3 billion in less than a year, making it the third-largest stablecoin among US-regulated options, according to CoinGecko data. 

Positioned for compliance with the GENIUS Act, RLUSD’s circulating supply surged by 28% in November alone, crossing the billion-dollar threshold. It currently ranks behind only Circle’s USDC and PayPal’s PYUSD in the US-regulated dollar tokens. 

In a significant development in November of this year, Ripple also initiated a new pilot program with traditional finance giants Mastercard, WebBank, and crypto exchange Gemini aimed at facilitating credit card transaction settlements using RLUSD on the XRP Ledger. 

This partnership allows WebBank to send RLUSD over the XRPL for instant settlement of daily payment obligations with Mastercard, eliminating the traditional delays associated with bank ACH transfers.

Ripple’s president, Monica Long, described this pilot as a “meaningful step” toward demonstrating how regulated digital assets can expedite institutional payment processes. 

XRP, which is also associated with the company, is trading at $1.90. This represents a 5% drop over the past 24 hours, in line with the broader correction in the crypto market cap, which has seen Bitcoin (BTC) and other leading altcoins resume the downtrend witnessed over the past two months. 

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

As the week began, the XRP price experienced a 4% decline, bringing it nearly 50% below its all-time highs. However, analysts forecast significant gains for one of the market’s leading altcoins in January 2026, citing three major catalysts that could reshape its market outlook.

A Major Step Towards Broader Access

In a recent analysis, Sam Daodu, a market expert from 24/7 Wall St., emphasized the importance of Vanguard’s decision to approve trading of XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Daodu emphasized that the real significance lies in the facilitation of distribution; with Vanguard’s advisors able to allocate XRP exposure through regulated ETFs without additional cumbersome processes.

He indicated that three interrelated factors are now at play: the influx of institutional capital through ETF investments, a reduction in supply, and the influence of Vanguard in altering the approach towards the asset.

Notably, the results of the token’s exchange-traded fund launch have already been notable, with XRP inflows hitting $1 billion within the first four weeks of trading, making it one of the fastest-growing crypto ETF launches to date. 

Additionally, XRP’s market supply has contracted significantly, dropping by 45% from approximately 3.9 billion tokens at the beginning of 2025 to about 1.6 billion by December. 

This contraction can be attributed to large holders refraining from distributing their tokens, leading to an accumulation in whale wallets and the removal of tokens from liquid markets due to ETF custody.

This decreased supply implies that smaller inflows now carry greater influence. With only 1.6 billion tokens available on exchanges, investments of $20-30 million in daily ETF purchases can have a substantive impact on market supply. 

A Key Driver For Price Appreciation 

The Vanguard XRP ETF launch is particularly significant in this context, as it locks tokens into regulated custody vehicles that are less likely to be sold frequently. 

Unlike tokens held on exchanges that can be quickly moved in and out, ETF custody tends to encourage a buy-and-hold strategy, fostering conditions for gradual price appreciation fueled by sustained institutional demand amid a diminishing available supply.

Given that the decision to provide ETF access came late in the year, year-end trading typically focuses on maintaining existing allocations rather than creating new positions. 

While the ETF adds credibility to XRP without causing immediate price pressure, its journey to a $3 valuation by January will depend on how swiftly advisory capital mobilizes, the durability of supply compression, and the overall stability of the markets.

XRP Price Path To $3

Three potential scenarios present themselves for XRP’s future. The most optimistic scenario sees advisory capital moving quicker than typical, perhaps allowing advisors to integrate small XRP allocations during January’s rebalancing. 

In this case, XRP ETF inflows could remain robust, ranging from $40-60 million daily, while the locked-up supply on exchanges supports a price increase that could see the XRP price surpass $2.25, aim for $2.60, and potentially test $3 by the end of January.

The middle-ground perspective suggests a more conventional institutional timing. In this scenario, while the XRP ETF access will gain attention in December, actual allocations might ramp up gradually, leading to a daily influx of about $20-30 million instead of the earlier expected pace. 

Here, the XRP price could establish higher lows and breach the $2.25 mark, facing resistance between $2.40 and $2.80. Price fluctuations would focus more on future adoption rather than immediate implications.

According to Daodu’s conclusions, and given these circumstances, the XRP price reaching $3 could take until the first or second quarter of 2026 rather than being an immediate milestone. 

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com

Hyperliquid (HYPE), one of the largest decentralized exchanges (DEXs) in the industry, has announced the pre-alpha launch of a portfolio margin system on its testnet, marking a significant advance for traders by unifying spot and perpetual (perps) trading to enhance capital efficiency. 

This system supports various trading strategies, such as carry trades, wherein spot balances can collateralize short perps. Additionally, idle assets will automatically earn yield, creating a more dynamic trading environment.

Hyperliquid’s New Upgrade

In this initial rollout, users can only borrow Circle’s USDC stablecoin, with the exchange’s native token HYPE designated as the sole collateral asset. However, Hyperliquid plans to introduce Native Market’s USDH and Bitcoin (BTC) before transitioning to the alpha version. 

The portfolio margin framework is designed to be applicable across all HIP-3 decentralized exchanges and is expected to extend to future asset classes under the HyperCore umbrella. 

An upcoming upgrade will provide smart contract access via CoreWriter, allowing developers to create on-chain strategies using ERC-20-based wrappers, which will further broaden the platform’s functionality.

Market expert Austin King recently articulated the importance of this launch in a post on X (formerly Twitter), noting on the historical significance of portfolio margin, reflecting on its introduction in traditional finance (TradFi) that added an impressive $7.2 trillion to the derivatives market within a few years.

The Essential Role Of Portfolio Margin

The expert recalled that the government had introduced margin requirements in 1934 in response to excessive leverage during the 1929 crash. 

While well-intentioned, these regulations simplified the complex nature of liquidity and often exacerbated volatility in markets. The inability to run delta-neutral strategies efficiently meant that significant margin was required for each position, presenting a challenge for traders.

The introduction of portfolio margin by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) in 1988 transformed this landscape by reducing margin requirements through a comprehensive analysis of overall risk across combined positions. 

Yet it wasn’t until 2006 that retail customers gained access to these benefits, as they had been historically limited to broker-dealers and market makers.

So, what does this mean for Hyperliquid? According to King’s thesis, the introduction of portfolio margin is poised to significantly enhance liquidity growth on the platform. 

Increased Open Interest and trading volume can be expected for every dollar of margin in the system. Effectively, this will create a substantial liquidity multiplier for every new dollar that enters Hyperliquid. Moreover, portfolio margining serves as an essential tool for large-scale liquidity providers in the traditional financial sector. 

The expert asserted that without this capability, it would be economically challenging for significant TradFi players to participate in providing liquidity on Hyperliquid, as the returns per dollar of margin would be considerably lower compared to traditional exchanges that offer portfolio margin. King concluded the following:

There is more work to be done, but with this rollout one of the biggest issues I repeatedly heard cited will no longer be a blocker.

At the time of writing, HYPE was trading at $28.83, having recorded significant losses of 18% and 25% over the fourteen- and thirty-day time frames, respectively. However, it is one of the few tokens that remains in the green zone on a year-to-date basis, with gains of 60% recorded in this period.

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

As Tether (USDT), the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin, USDT, prepares for a significant fundraising effort aimed at entering the US market, the company is actively seeking ways to bolster liquidity for its investors. 

This initiative comes in the wake of Tether’s intervention to prevent some existing shareholders from offloading their stakes at a substantial discount.

Tether In Talks With Major Firms

According to Bloomberg, Tether is contemplating various strategies, including share buybacks and the tokenization of the company’s shares on a blockchain once the fundraising deal is complete. 

These discussions have been prompted by concerns that the sale of shares by certain investors could jeopardize Tether’s ambitious fundraising goals. 

In response to inquiries from Bloomberg News, Tether confirmed that it has successfully halted plans from at least one shareholder seeking to divest their stock, emphasizing that it would be “imprudent” for any investor to attempt to bypass the established processes managed by top-tier global investment banks. 

Tether’s management is actively managing these situations to ensure that the forthcoming fundraising effort remains robust. Reports indicate that the company aims to attract “strategic” investors as part of its capital raise and has held discussions with firms such as SoftBank Group Corp. and Ark Investment Management LLC. 

However, Tether has not provided a timeline for a potential initial public offering (IPO), suggesting that both new and existing investors may face delays before any liquidity events occur.

Juventus Acquisition Proposal

Tether also announced on Friday a binding cash proposal to acquire Exor’s entire stake in the Italian Football giant, Juventus Football Club. This proposal aims to secure Exor’s shareholding, which represents 65.4 percent of Juventus’ total issued share capital. 

The completion of this acquisition is contingent upon Exor’s acceptance, the signing of final agreements, and the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals.

Tether intends to make a public tender offer for any remaining shares at the same price, fully backed by its own capital, reflecting a long-term commitment to Juventus. 

Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, expressed a deep personal connection to the club, emphasizing that his experiences with Juventus have instilled values of commitment, resilience, and responsibility in him.

With plans to invest €1 billion in the club’s development and support, the firm’s proposal extends beyond mere ownership; it aims to forge a meaningful partnership that reinforces Juventus’ legacy and enhances its global brand, the firm disclosed.

Ardoino articulated his belief in the club’s importance, stating that Juventus is more than just a football team; it represents a cultural and sporting identity that has inspired loyalty among fans worldwide.

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

According to a report from CNBC, Coinbase (COIN), the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the US, is preparing to launch its own prediction market in collaboration with Kalshi, one of the largest federally regulated financial exchanges in the country. 

Coinbase Teases Major Updates

The anticipation surrounding the prediction market has been building for nearly a month. Recently, a screenshot of what appears to be Coinbase’s prediction markets dashboard was shared by Silicon Valley researcher Jane Manchun Wong in a post on social media site X (previously Twitter), shedding some light on the features of the forthcoming product. 

The Information first indicated on November 19 that Coinbase planned to introduce these prediction markets powered by Kalshi, with a formal unveiling set for the “Coinbase System Update” event scheduled for December 17. Formal announcements regarding this new platform are expected soon, potentially as early as next week.

Bloomberg corroborated this report, stating that the cryptocurrency exchange is also likely to announce a tokenized stock offering during the same event, in line with Tether’s same vision reported earlier this week.

While Coinbase has refrained from confirming these developments directly to CNBC, the company has encouraged stakeholders to tune in to its upcoming event for more details. The firm did not disclose a specific timeline for when the prediction markets will become available to users.

‘Everything Exchange’ Status 

Coinbase’s push to launch a prediction market is part of a broader strategy to transform itself into an “everything exchange”—a comprehensive platform for trading a wide variety of assets, including cryptocurrencies, tokenized stocks, and event contracts. 

CEO Brian Armstrong articulated this vision earlier in May, stressing that the cryptocurrency exchange aims to evolve into a leading financial services application within the next decade.

This development comes as Coinbase faces increasing competition from rivals like Robinhood (HOOD), Gemini (GEMI), and Kraken, all of whom have introduced tokenized equity offerings for users outside the US and are exploring prediction markets to varying extents. 

Coinbase is expanding its range of financial instruments while making a series of acquisitions this year. These include major deals such as the purchase of the crypto derivatives exchange Deribit and the on-chain advertising firm Spindl, as well as seven other major acquisitions. 

This also follows a shift in investor sentiment in the digital asset space, with the largest cryptocurrencies — including Bitcoin (BTC) — having retraced by over 30% since October amid fears of a new bear market beginning. 

Over the past months, the exchange’s stock, which trades under the ticker name COIN, has also seen a significant drop of over 39%, with the current valuation standing at $267 per share. 

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

As Pakistan continues to deepen its involvement in the digital asset landscape, the country has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with crypto exchange Binance, aiming to explore the tokenization of up to $2 billion in sovereign bonds, treasury bills, and commodity reserves to enhance liquidity and attract foreign investors.

$2 Billion Asset Tokenization Initiative

According to Reuters, the agreement sets the stage for a potential collaboration focused on allowing the tokenization and blockchain-based distribution of various real-world assets (RWAs) held by the Pakistani government. 

These assets may include sovereign bonds, treasury bills, and a range of commodity reserves such as oil, gas, metals, and other raw materials. 

The country’s finance ministry, Muhammad Aurangzeb, indicated that while the initiative could involve assets valued at up to $2 billion, final approval is still pending. The goal is to improve liquidity, transparency, and access to international markets for these assets. 

Aurangzeb remarked that the memorandum of understanding signifies Pakistan’s commitment to a reform-oriented economic trajectory and establishes a long-term partnership with Binance.

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao expressed optimism about the agreement, calling it “a great signal for the global blockchain industry and for Pakistan.” He suggested that this partnership marks the beginning of a significant shift toward fully implementing the tokenisation initiative.

PVARA Provides Initial Clearance For Binance And HTX 

In addition to this MoU, Pakistan has granted initial clearance for Binance and cryptocurrency exchange HTX, to register with local regulators as part of their efforts to establish domestic subsidiaries. This step allows both companies to prepare applications for full exchange licenses. 

The Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) provided these early approvals after assessing the governance and compliance frameworks of both platforms.

Chairman Bilal bin Saqib indicated that these clearances initiate Pakistan’s phased licensing process, emphasizing that the strength of compliance will play a crucial role in determining which exchanges will proceed. 

This move comes as Pakistan accelerates its digital finance overhaul, which has included the formation of the Pakistan Crypto Council and the establishment of the PVARA, alongside the drafting of a formal licensing regime.

As Bitcoinist reported at the time, Pakistan’s growing involvement in digital assets drew the attention of industry leaders such as Michael Saylor, co-founder of the Bitcoin proxy firm Strategy, who praised the country’s efforts and described it as a sign that the country understands how to handle this new market. 

Notably, Pakistan ranks as the world’s third-largest cryptocurrency market by retail activity, according to Saqib. The government is also planning a pilot program for a central bank digital currency (CBDC) and a comprehensive Virtual Assets Act.

At the time of writing, the exchange’s native cryptocurrency, Binance Coin (BNB), is trading at $878, down 35% from all-time highs just above $1,369.

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com

On Friday, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) approved national trust charter applications from several key firms in the industry including Circle’s First National Digital Currency Bank, Ripple National Trust Bank, BitGo Bank & Trust, Fidelity Digital Assets, and Paxos Trust Company. 

OCC’s Approval Of Digital Asset Trust Banks

Once finalized and full approval is reached, these national trust bank charters would empower the crypto companies to manage and hold assets on behalf of their customers, enabling faster payment settlements. 

Currently, Anchorage Digital is the only digital asset company that holds a national trust bank charter from the OCC, which oversees a total of 60 such institutions. 

Comptroller Jonathan Gould emphasized that each application underwent a thorough and rigorous review process, underscoring the necessity for each entity to meet additional conditions before gaining full operational status. 

He explained that welcoming new entrants into the banking landscape aids in modernizing the system, diversifying offerings, and enhancing access to innovative financial products.

Ripple CEO Challenges Banking Lobbyists

Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple, commented on the approval via social media, highlighting it as a significant advancement for Ripple’s stablecoin, RLUSD. He stated that it sets a high standard for compliance under both federal and state regulation.

Garlinghouse also took a moment to address banking lobbyists who may have opposed this move, asserting that their “anti-competitive tactics” are evident.

The executive pointed out that while these lobbyists have argued that the crypto industry does not abide by the same regulations, the recent approvals demonstrate that the crypto sector is operating transparently under the supervision of the OCC. 

Stuart Alderoty, Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, noted that the firm is among the first entities to receive conditional approval following the enactment of the GENIUS legislation, ensuring the sustainability of Ripple’s stablecoin business for the long term.

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com