Latest FinTech & Blockchain News
Canada’s National Bank buys $273M in MicroStrategy Bitcoin exposure
Canada’s National Bank has acquired 1.47 million MicroStrategy shares, giving it indirect Bitcoin exposure worth about $273 million, signaling growing institutional interest in crypto through traditional equities .
Bank of America advises 1%-4% crypto allocation for wealth clients
Bank of America now recommends its wealth clients allocate 1%-4% of portfolios to crypto, with advisers allowed to recommend Bitcoin ETFs starting in January, reflecting Wall Street’s increasing acceptance of digital assets .
South Korea advances bank-led stablecoin regulatory framework
South Korea is moving forward with its second-phase Digital Asset Basic Act, requiring stablecoin issuers to be bank-controlled consortiums with at least 51% bank ownership, with final legislation expected in early 2026 .
Coinbase partners with major U.S. banks on stablecoin and custody pilots
Coinbase is working with several major U.S. banks, including Citi, JPMorgan and PNC, on pilot programs for stablecoins, custody and crypto trading, signaling deeper integration of crypto into traditional finance .
Celsius sets aside $476M for largest creditor payout to date
Celsius is preparing a $476 million payout for creditors, more than double its previous round, with $531 million in net assets and $55 million reserved for winding down operations .
U.S. DOJ seizes domain of Southeast Asian crypto scam syndicate
The U.S. Department of Justice seized a domain used by a Southeast Asian crypto scam syndicate, an early win for the new national Scam Center Strike Force targeting fraud and scams .
U.S. regulators advancing GENIUS Act rules for bank-issued stablecoins
U.S. prudential regulators confirmed they are moving forward on rules implementing the GENIUS Act, enabling banking organizations to issue and transact in stablecoins, though the post-GENIUS landscape remains uncertain .
China’s CSRC pushes fintech innovation with AI and blockchain in capital markets
CSRC Chairman Wu Qing emphasized that fintech, especially AI, big data and blockchain, is reshaping capital markets and called for more innovation pilots, regulatory sandboxes and stronger risk frameworks .
China’s regulatory sandboxes drive blockchain and AI fintech funding
China’s CSRC-backed regulatory sandboxes are enabling blockchain and AI fintechs like Du Xiaoman Financial and Harmonic to secure major funding and test tokenized assets and AI credit scoring in controlled environments .
ESMA may gain direct supervision over EU crypto firms under new plan
The European Commission proposes giving ESMA direct oversight of crypto service providers and trading venues, aiming to close the regulatory gap with the U.S., though experts warn it could slow innovation for startups .