The SEC’s Crypto Task Force is about to go on a five-month tour of the US, in a new series of roundtables. Hester “Crypto Mom” Peirce is looking for small entrepreneurs nationwide to help inform federal crypto policy. Meanwhile, the Commission is also building a new Task Force to tackle AI questions. So far, its…
On August 1, Hong Kong’s Stablecoin Ordinance officially came into effect. The HKMA released detailed licensing guidelines covering capital, custody, KYC, reserves, and governance requirements. Banks Lead the Race Top banknote-issuing banks like BOCHK and Standard Chartered are expected to apply first. They hold regulatory and institutional advantages under Hong Kong’s currency system. Each stablecoin…
Hong Kong officially enforces its comprehensive Stablecoin Ordinance today, August 1, 2025. This regulatory milestone transitions stablecoins from speculative crypto narratives into programmable financial infrastructure. The framework positions Hong Kong as a strategic hub for compliant digital finance. Regulatory Transformation and Market Dynamics Why Important: The passage of the GENIUS Act legitimizes dollar-backed stablecoins in…
A new report claims that Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss asked President Trump to remove Brian Quintenz’s nomination as CFTC Chair. If these rumors are true, they highlight a key tension in crypto politics. The Commission is set to have more authority over crypto regulation, and Quintenz wants to increase its budget to meet these challenges….
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…