Latest FinTech & Blockchain News
Federal Reserve Delivers Third Rate Cut, Markets Shrug with Bitcoin Reversing
The Fed cut rates by 25 basis points to 3.50%-3.75%, a fully priced-in move, but Chair Powell warned of a challenging outlook. Bitcoin surged pre-decision then sharply reversed. This reflects broader market caution despite the cut.
OCC Grants Conditional National Trust Bank Charters to Ripple, Circle, Paxos, and Others
The OCC approved charters for Ripple, Circle, Paxos, BitGo, and Fidelity Digital Assets, enabling 24/7 stablecoin settlement via Fed systems under the GENIUS Act. Critics like the ABA warn it blurs bank lines. This integrates crypto firms directly into traditional banking.
CFTC Launches Digital Assets Pilot for Bitcoin, Ether, USDC as Margin Collateral
Announced December 8, the pilot allows BTC, ETH, and USDC in regulated derivatives markets under tight monitoring. It enhances margin efficiency without expanding trading. This deepens crypto's U.S. market integration.
Coinbase to Launch Prediction Markets and Tokenized Stocks on December 17
Coinbase partners with Kalshi for prediction markets at its 'System Update' event, advancing its 'everything exchange' vision amid cooling sentiment. It competes with Robinhood and Kraken beyond tokens. Tokenized stock trading is also planned.
Bhutan Launches Gold-Backed TER Token on Solana
TER, backed 1:1 by audited gold at DK Bank, launches December 17 on Solana for transparent digital infrastructure. It blends traditional value with blockchain as part of Bhutan's strategy. Live date aligns with broader adoption push.
Crypto Markets Crash 5-10% on BOJ Rate Hike Fears and Global Liquidity Squeeze
Bitcoin drops below $92K toward $74K risk amid Japan policy tightening, options expiry, and thin liquidity amplifying sell-offs. Altcoins follow with broad risk asset pressure. Short-term bounces possible but volatility persists.
OCC Confirms Banks Can Engage in 'Riskless Principal' Crypto Transactions
In an interpretive letter, OCC allows national banks to act as principals in offsetting crypto trades without inventory holding, akin to brokerage. This clarifies intermediary roles. It supports banking-crypto convergence.
Ribbon Finance Hack Exposes $2.7M Loss from Oracle Manipulation and Reentrancy
Hackers exploited oracle flaws, access controls, and unchecked calls post-oracle upgrade, minting unlimited oTokens. Key lessons include validation and zero-trust models for DeFi. Asian fintechs urged MFA, AI detection.
WalletConnect CEO Highlights UX, Security, and Multi-Chain Interoperability Challenges
Focusing on Verify API against phishing, fewer clicks, and TON integration, WalletConnect tackles fragmentation. Privacy and stablecoin payments eyed for institutional adoption. It aims neutral infrastructure for Web3 entry.
Crypto Market Structure Bill Advances with Stablecoin Yield Prohibitions
Senate negotiations strengthen illicit finance rules, consumer protections, and ATM standards in crypto bill markup. Democrats push concessions from Republicans. Evolution signals regulatory progress.
Lost Crypto Wallet Recovery Market Booms to $18.96B in 2025 Amid Hacks
High-profile losses like 7,002 BTC drive $14.39B market with 31.7% CAGR; firms use MPC/HSMs cutting breaches 80%. Stablecoins at $290B and GENIUS Act boost custody demand. Regulatory clarity aids institutions.
Fifth Third Bank Partners Brex for AI-Native Commercial Finance
Multi-year deal brings Brex's AI for cards, expenses, payments to Fifth Third clients, automating workflows. Enhances fintech in traditional banking. Targets commercial businesses efficiency.