Breaking regulatory news, SEC actions, MiCA compliance, global crypto legislation and policy analysis that affects the market.
President signs the GENIUS Act into law, creating a regulatory framework for payment stablecoins. Tether and Circle must comply by Q4 2026. BTC rallied 3% on the news.
The SEC greenlights Franklin Templeton and Fidelity's new spot BTC ETF share classes. Combined inflows hit $2.1B in the first week of trading.
The EU's landmark Markets in Crypto Assets regulation has been in force for 12 months. We look at which exchanges, stablecoin issuers and service providers are compliant.
New broker reporting requirements mandate that crypto exchanges report all transactions over $600. DeFi protocols face compliance challenges in the decentralized context.
The UK Financial Conduct Authority has received 47 applications for crypto asset firm registration under its updated 2026 framework. The September deadline is creating urgency for smaller exchanges.
New IRS form 1099-DA takes effect January 2026, requiring all US-registered crypto exchanges to report customer capital gains. Failure to comply carries $250 per-record penalties.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore has granted licences to 8 crypto fund managers under its updated Digital Asset Framework. Singapore cements its status as Asia's leading regulated crypto hub.
FINMA has issued guidance classifying CHF-backed stablecoins as deposits under Swiss banking law. Issuers must hold full reserves with a licensed Swiss bank and publish monthly attestations.
The Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation's second phase mandates full licensing for CASP providers across EU member states. 40+ exchanges received approvals while 15 face potential closure if non-compliant.
Both Tether and Circle filed comprehensive reserve attestation reports with the OCC under the GENIUS Act's 18-month compliance window. The reports confirm full 1:1 USD backing for USDT and USDC.
The US Court of Appeals affirmed that XRP sold on secondary markets is not a security. Ripple Labs is fully exonerated after 4 years of litigation; the ruling sets a major precedent for altcoin classification.
Central bank digital currency development has accelerated globally. The EU's digital euro pilot is live with 5M test users while China's e-CNY has processed $1 trillion in retail transactions since launch.
The Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act has resolved years of regulatory uncertainty. Digital assets with decentralized networks fall under CFTC; those with central issuers fall under SEC oversight.
India's parliament passed comprehensive crypto regulation, finally legalizing all digital asset trading. The 30% capital gains tax and 1% TDS represent a pragmatic framework after years of regulatory ambiguity.
The Australian Securities Exchange lists spot BTC and ETH ETPs, the second major Asia-Pacific exchange after Hong Kong. Day-one volume exceeded $120M, reflecting pent-up institutional demand in the region.
Updated South Korean regulation introduces institutional investor access to crypto, staking regulations, and expanded VASP licensing. Upbit and Bithumb are now Asia's most comprehensively regulated crypto exchanges.
Brazil's Central Bank approved a $50M BTC reserve position. The historic decision follows a detailed risk analysis and congressional approval. Brazil's DREX CBDC will coexist alongside Bitcoin in the reserve framework.
Japan's shift from progressive taxation (up to 55%) to a flat 20% capital gains rate on crypto is now live. Domestic exchanges reported 3x new account registrations in the first month as retail investors returned.