Latest FinTech & Blockchain News
2026 Lummis Act Establishes Framework for Digital Asset Banking
The 2026 Lummis Act creates a regulatory framework distinguishing digital assets as securities or commodities under SEC/CFTC oversight, balancing innovation and investor protection. Community banks gain authority to offer crypto custody and staking via compliance measures, with U.S. Bank expanding Bitcoin services.
Institutions allocate over $103B to Bitcoin ETFs and tokenized assets amid staking yields like 3.95% for Ethereum.
OECD CARF Tax Rules Take Effect January 1 Across 48 Jurisdictions
New OECD Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) rules launch on January 1, 2026, requiring platforms in 48 jurisdictions including UK and EU to report user data to tax authorities. This increases compliance burdens for exchanges and users.
The rules coincide with ongoing regulatory trends impacting crypto trading.
HashKey Capital Closes $250M Fourth Crypto Fund
HashKey Capital secures $250M from institutional investors, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals for its fourth crypto fund. The fundraising highlights continued VC interest in crypto despite market challenges.
It supports investments in promising blockchain projects.
Grayscale Files for Spot Bittensor ETF and Advances TAO Trust Listing
Grayscale files for a spot Bittensor ETF and moves toward exchange listing for its TAO trust. This follows institutional interest in AI-related crypto assets.
Bittensor represents growing convergence of AI and blockchain.
Mirae Asset in Talks to Acquire Korea's Korbit Exchange for $97.5M
Mirae Asset Financial Group negotiates to buy Korbit, South Korea's fourth-largest crypto exchange, for up to 140 billion won ($97.5 million). The deal underscores traditional finance entering crypto amid regulatory scrutiny.
Seoul considers ownership caps on crypto exchanges.
Hyperliquid Launches Portfolio Margin Trading
Hyperliquid introduces portfolio margin to enhance trading efficiency and risk management. This update aims to attract more sophisticated traders in the DeFi space.
It coincides with broader platform improvements into 2026.
Amplify ETFs Launch for Stablecoins and Tokenization
Amplify ETFs go live focusing on stablecoins and tokenization, providing regulated exposure to these assets. This launch caters to institutional demand for blockchain-based financial products.
It signals mainstream adoption of tokenized assets.
Multiple Crypto Startups Raise Millions in Funding
HPVideo raises $3M for decentralized AI video generation led by Helios Prime Capital; BOHR Chain secures $3M from Alpha Capital. Lucid Capital gets $2.5M seed with $200M commitments; HodlHer raises $1.5M for AI Web3 OS.
Rudiq platform attracts $1M led by Simya VC.
Mastercard and Visa Maintain Edge Over Stablecoins in Payments
Mastercard and Visa dominate due to consumer trust, credit, and protection layers that stablecoins lack despite programmability benefits. Stablecoins need better trust infrastructure via smart contracts and DeFi to compete.
Integrations by Coinbase, PayPal, and Stripe show growing but niche adoption.
Ethereum Sets Record with 8.7M Contracts Deployed
Ethereum achieves a record of 8.7 million contracts deployed, highlighting network activity. Offchain Labs boosts ARB stake amid ecosystem growth.
'Hegota' upgrade is slated for 2026 to further enhance scalability.
Fintechs Blur Lines with Banks via Charter Acquisitions in 2025
Fintech companies increasingly acquired or applied for bank charters in 2025, blurring boundaries with traditional banking. This trend continues into 2026 amid regulatory evolution.
It enables fintechs to offer broader financial services.
Bitmine Adds 44,463 ETH and Begins Staking
Bitmine Immersion Technologies adds 44,463 ETH to its holdings and starts staking operations. Winklevoss-backed Cypherpunk adds $29M in ZEC.
These moves reflect institutional accumulation strategies.