Latest FinTech & Blockchain News
FSB Announces 2026 Work Programme Prioritizing Digital Innovation
The Financial Stability Board released its 2026 work programme on February 3, focusing on digital innovation, AI, operational resilience, cross-border payments, and modernizing financial regulation. This sets key global priorities for FinTech and blockchain integration through public-private collaboration.
SEC and CFTC Relaunch Project Crypto for Unified Oversight
On January 29, the US SEC and CFTC re-launched Project Crypto as a joint initiative to update rules for blockchain technology and digital asset markets. This aligns with advancing federal frameworks in Congress, including statements from CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig.
ESMA Chair Discusses MiCA, Tokenisation and Digital Finance
ESMA Chair Verena Ross spoke on February 3 about the Markets Integration Package's impact on digital finance, tokenisation via DLT Pilot, and future MiCA supervision. This highlights EU progress in blockchain regulation.
China Introduces New AML Measures for FinTech on Feb 16
China will enforce special preventative measures against money laundering and terrorist financing on February 16, requiring institutions to monitor sanctions lists and apply enhanced controls. Non-compliance penalties include individual liability for employees.
EU Updates eIDAS Rules for Digital Signatures and Payments
The European Commission published Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/248 on February 3, updating technical rules for advanced electronic signatures and seals under eIDAS. This standardizes trust services for payments providers, with some provisions delayed until 2027.
Norway Implements Updated AML Rules on February 6
Norway will update AML regulations on February 6, incorporating EU high-risk third-country list changes for customer due diligence and transaction monitoring. Financial institutions must align risk assessments accordingly.
CIRO Sets Custody Expectations for Canadian Crypto Platforms
On February 3, the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization issued a notice on custody requirements for digital assets by dealer members operating crypto trading platforms. This aims to enhance security in Canada's FinTech sector.
CIMA Issues Market Conduct Rules for Cayman VASPs
The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority released a Rule and Statement of Guidance in February for Virtual Asset Service Providers, establishing minimum market conduct standards. This regulates blockchain service providers in the jurisdiction.
Stablecoins Evolving into Payments Infrastructure by 2026
Stablecoins are shifting from crypto trading tools to core financial infrastructure, with predictions for regulation, institutional adoption, and payments use cases reshaping the market. This pressures legacy rails while central banks lag on CBDCs.
Major US Institution Launches FIDD Stablecoin
A major U.S. financial institution announced the launch of FIDD, a stablecoin from its digital assets division. This marks growing institutional entry into blockchain-based digital currencies.
BBVA Joins Bank-Backed Euro Stablecoin Venture
BBVA has joined a bank-backed joint venture for a euro stablecoin, advancing tokenized assets in Europe. This reflects increasing collaboration in stablecoin development.
Bitcoin Price Tumbles to Fresh Lows in 2026
Bitcoin experienced a bad year with prices hitting new lows, amid predictions traders betting it falls below $65,000. Crypto market volatility persists despite regulatory progress.