Japan advances tougher crypto regulation, transitioning oversight from the Payment Services Act to investment-focused Financial Instruments Exchange Act. The move aims to enhance investor protection as crypto markets expand rapidly. FSA Initiates Strategic Regulatory Recalibration Amid Market Evolution The Financial Services Agency (FSA) convened the first meeting of its Crypto Assets Working Group on July…
Jurors have begun deliberating over Tornado Cash founder Roman Storm’s guilt or innocence, as both parties made their closing arguments. This critical case could have serious repercussions for crypto privacy. The defense essentially argued that Storm’s commitment to privacy prevented him from taking aggressive measures against criminals using his software. Prosecutors contended that he indirectly…
Trump’s Digital Assets Working Group just published its report on the US crypto industry, full of assessments and recommendations. The report thoroughly examined crypto tax policy, and suggested closing a swath of loopholes. This attitude comes off as somewhat surprising, especially considering Trump’s general laissez-faire attitude. Still, the report doesn’t advocate for harsher rules across…
Japan’s Osaka Exchange is exploring cryptocurrency derivatives trading as part of a broader strategic assessment of digital asset markets. The exchange is conducting preliminary research on futures and options products while monitoring regulatory developments domestically and internationally. Institutional Integration Signals Market Maturation Why Important: Japan’s institutional embrace of cryptocurrency derivatives represents a paradigm shift from…
The White House paused the process to advance Brian Quintenz’s nomination as Chair of the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). In early February, President Trump tapped Quintenz, the head of policy at venture capital firm a16z, to head the CFTC. Conflict Concerns Emerge Over Kalshi Ties During CFTC Transition Reports cite growing concerns over…
Tornado Cash founder Roman Storm’s legal team is on the back foot as another key witness decided to plead the Fifth. Court reporters claimed that the jury appeared “overwhelmed” at the remaining jargon-heavy testimony. As the trial continues, it seems like the DOJ’s biggest victories have come from disrupting Storm’s roster of witnesses. Trump appointees…
Roman Storm’s landmark trial is still ongoing, and federal prosecutors admitted that they’re considering charges against employees at Dragonfly Capital, a VC that backed Tornado Cash. The presiding Judge sealed a statement describing the specific employees in question. However, the possible charges wouldn’t be directed at Dragonfly or the entire firm. General Partner Tom Schmidt…
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino shared a glimpse into the stablecoin issuer’s investment bucket, revealing a diverse portfolio. However, despite the crypto firm’s expansive venture, its foray into the European market remains impeded by MiCA’s stringent demands. Tether Ventures Signals Strategic Shift Beyond Stablecoins Ardoino shared part of Tether’s long-term vision, revealing a sprawling investment portfolio….
President Trump announced a massive trade agreement with Japan, calling it “perhaps the largest Deal ever made.” “We just completed a massive Deal with Japan, perhaps the largest Deal ever made,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. Japan will invest $550 billion in the US and face 15% tariffs on imports while opening…
New York’s viral mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has caused a social media storm with his ‘social democratic’ political ideology and engaging campaign approach. However, his crypto stance still remains in the grey. Meanwhile, Mamdani’s opposition is already turning to the crypto industry to swing public opinion. Zohran Mamdani’s Silence on Crypto New York City, a…