Regulation news

02:15 Regulation

OSL Opens XRP Trading to Hong Kong Retail Investors on Licensed Exchange

OSL launches XRP trading for Hong Kong retail investors OSL Digital Securities has started XRP trading for retail investors in Hong Kong, becoming the first licensed exchange in the city to offer the token to retail customers. Trading began July 29 through OSL’s Flash Trade and OTC services, with XRP/USD available on Flash Trade and XRP/USD and XRP/HKD on OTC, giving local investors regulated access through an SFC-licensed platform.

23:16 Regulation

Brazil crypto purchases hit $14.68B in H1 as stablecoins account for over 90% of demand

Brazil crypto demand jumps 135% to $14.68B in H1 2026 The Central Bank of Brazil said purchases of crypto assets through registered virtual asset service providers reached $14.68 billion in the first half of 2026, up 135% from $6.24 billion a year earlier. The bank said dollar-pegged stablecoins accounted for more than 90% of demand, overtaking bitcoin and other volatile tokens as a proxy for payments and cross-border settlements. Brazil’s central bank also said VASPs will be moved into Class 3 from January 2027, putting them under requirements similar to securities and FX brokerage firms to improve oversight of where these assets go.

06:31 Regulation

US sanctions Iranian maritime insurers over alleged Bitcoin-linked payment scheme

US sanctions Iranian insurer HormuzSafe over alleged Bitcoin payments The US Treasury on July 29 sanctioned Iranian maritime insurers HormuzSafe and another firm, alleging they supported an IRGC-linked scheme that forced vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz to buy approved insurance. Treasury said HormuzSafe, developed by Iran’s Ministry of Economy, accepted Bitcoin and other digital assets to bypass Western restrictions; the release did not name wallet addresses, transactions, payment amounts, or customers. OFAC also designated eight shipping firms and blocked eight tankers tied to Iran’s petroleum sector.

04:33 Regulation

Russia Seeks Pavel Durov’s Arrest Over Alleged Terrorism-Linked Telegram Activity

Russia issues international arrest warrant for Telegram founder Durov Russia’s FSB said it has accused Telegram founder Pavel Durov of enabling terrorism, issued an international arrest warrant, and plans to add him to the international most-wanted list. The agency claims Telegram was used by Ukrainian intelligence to recruit Russians, including minors, for cybercrimes and attacks inside Russia; investigators say 46 people aged 12 to 22 were arrested over the past year in related cases. Durov has previously said Telegram complies with valid legal requests but rejects measures that invade privacy or enable censorship.

04:31 Regulation

HashKey Seeks Full Acquisition of Singapore-Regulated APEX Exchange

HashKey plans acquisition of Singapore’s dual-licensed APEX HashKey Holdings said it plans to acquire 100% of Asia Pacific Exchange through its Singapore subsidiary HKDAG, in a deal that would add a Singapore-regulated derivatives exchange and clearing house to its institutional business. APEX is one of only three operators in Singapore with both exchange and clearing licenses, but the transaction is still subject to due diligence, final agreements, and MAS approval.

04:30 Regulation

OSL HK Opens XRP Trading to Hong Kong Retail Investors

OSL HK opens XRP trading to Hong Kong retail investors OSL HK has opened XRP trading to retail investors for the first time, expanding access beyond professional clients on Hong Kong’s SFC-licensed platform. Retail users can trade XRP/USD via Flash Trade, while OTC services support XRP/USD and XRP/HKD, with deposits and withdrawals available through the XRP Ledger. The move widens regulated access to XRP in one of Asia’s most tightly regulated crypto markets.

23:31 Regulation

PLDT Restores Binance Access in Philippines as Exchange Returns via BlockShoals

PLDT restores access to Binance in the Philippines PLDT has restored access to Binance’s website across its network, following Globe, as the exchange re-enters the Philippines through local partner BlockShoals Technologies Inc. Binance had been blocked since March 2024 after the NTC and SEC said it was offering unregistered securities and operating without a local license; its local services are now being routed through SEC-approved Crypto Asset Intermediary BlockShoals under the StratBox sandbox.

21:30 Regulation

Lummis Accuses Democrats of Delaying Clarity Act Ahead of August Recess

Lummis presses Democrats to move Clarity Act before August recess Sen. Cynthia Lummis on Wednesday accused Democrats of stalling the Clarity Act, saying on the Senate floor that after 11 months of negotiations she does not know what more is needed to advance the bipartisan crypto market structure bill. Republicans are pushing for support this week before the August recess; an updated draft introduced last week added an ethics ban on government officials and their families issuing or promoting crypto.

20:45 Regulation

Hawkins County votes again to bar crypto mining and data centers in unincorporated areas

Hawkins County approves new ban on crypto mining and data centers Hawkins County commissioners in Tennessee voted 12-0 on Monday to ban the establishment, construction, expansion and operation of crypto mining facilities and data centers in unincorporated areas, passing a second restriction after a similar 2025 ban. The move comes as the county is still dealing with a lawsuit and proposed January settlement with ExoticRidge over its planned mining site.

18:01 Regulation

Expanded IRS crypto reporting increases need for wallet-level tax records

IRS crypto reporting rules raise pressure for wallet-level tax records US brokers will start reporting gross proceeds on Form 1099-DA for the 2025 tax year, with basis reporting for covered assets starting in 2026, increasing pressure on crypto investors to keep wallet-level records across exchanges, self-custody, staking and DeFi. Broker forms may show only part of a taxpayer’s history, making transfers, basis and income records critical to avoid overstated gains or mismatches with IRS data.

16:34 Regulation

OSL launches XRP spot trading for Hong Kong retail investors on licensed platform

OSL opens XRP spot trading to Hong Kong retail investors OSL Digital Securities said it opened XRP trading to retail investors in Hong Kong on July 29, becoming the first SFC-licensed platform to offer direct retail spot access to the token. Retail users can trade XRP/USD via Flash Trade and XRP/USD or XRP/HKD OTC, giving local investors a regulated Hong Kong dollar fiat on-ramp. XRP is now OSL’s fourth retail asset after Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana.

11:31 Regulation

New Zealand Rejects Blanket Crypto ATM Ban and Moves Toward Targeted Restrictions

New Zealand drops blanket crypto ATM ban in favor of targeted controls New Zealand will pursue targeted crypto ATM rules instead of a nationwide ban, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee said on July 9 after Cabinet reviewed further policy analysis. The government plans to add powers in the AML/CFT Omnibus Amendment Bill that could cap cash transactions or ban cash use for high-risk virtual assets, aiming to curb criminal misuse while preserving lawful access.

10:16 Regulation

Hungary removes crypto conversion checks as CoinCash secures MiCA authorization

Hungary drops mandatory crypto conversion checks as CoinCash wins MiCA approval Hungary’s parliament has repealed the mandatory third-party validation for certain crypto conversions, rolling back a rule officials said disrupted the market. The change removes an extra approval step but keeps broader licensing and compliance requirements. Separately, the National Bank of Hungary authorized CoinCash operator Tiwala Solutions under MiCA on July 20, clearing the way for a gradual service restart.

09:39 Regulation

Myanmar parliament clears anti-scam bill targeting crypto fraud and scam compounds

Myanmar Parliament approves anti-scam bill with up to life terms for crypto fraud Myanmar’s Parliament approved the Anti-Online Scam Bill on July 28 after reconciling changes between its two chambers, advancing legislation that would impose 10-year-to-life prison terms for crypto scams and scam-centre operations based on the May draft text. The final amended law, presidential assent and start date were still not publicly available as of July 29, leaving the exact penalties and enforcement details unconfirmed.

09:34 Regulation

Philippine SEC Issues VERITAS Rules for Blockchain-Signed Corporate Filings

Philippine SEC sets rules for blockchain signing platform VERITAS The Philippine SEC has issued Memorandum Circular No. 23, Series of 2026, setting rules for VERITAS, a blockchain-based platform for digitally signing and verifying corporate filings. Documents signed through VERITAS carry the same legal force as signed and notarized paper records under the Electronic Commerce Act, and hard copies are no longer required unless other laws or SEC rules specifically require them.

09:24 Regulation

Nexo Reworks EEA Setup Under MiCAR Through Two BaFin-Regulated German Partners

Nexo shifts EEA operations to German MiCAR partners Nexo has restructured its European Economic Area operations to meet the EU’s MiCAR rules by routing client services through two BaFin-regulated German partners instead of seeking a single direct license. Tangany will handle custody infrastructure and DLT Finance will provide brokerage and execution, allowing Nexo to keep all EEA services live without pauses after a testing phase.

08:50 Regulation

South Korean Committee Takes Up Bill to Scrap Crypto Tax Ahead of 2027 Deadline

South Korea panel to review bill scrapping crypto tax South Korea’s National Assembly Strategy and Finance Committee is set to formally take up an Income Tax Act amendment that would abolish taxation on virtual asset income, opening a broader fight over whether the tax should start in January 2027. The bill, introduced March 19 by People Power Party lawmaker Song Eon-seok, removes the legal basis for taxing crypto income and will next go to the committee’s tax subcommittee for detailed review.

08:29 Regulation

Bank of Russia Sets Capital Rules for Crypto Depositories Ahead of September Rollout

Bank of Russia sets capital rules for crypto depositories ahead of market rollout Russia’s central bank has introduced standards for digital depositories and organized crypto trading as it prepares a regulated market before broader legislation takes effect this fall. The rules require depositories to hold ₽50 million to ₽250 million in capital plus liquid, high-credit-quality assets, with most measures starting on Sept. 1, 2026 and full compliance due by July 2027.

18:46 Regulation

Bitget reports 122% reserve ratio in latest proof-of-reserves update

Bitget reports 122% reserve ratio in latest Proof of Reserves Bitget said its latest Proof of Reserves shows an average reserve ratio of 122% across BTC, ETH, USDT and USDC, above the 1:1 benchmark. The exchange reported user holdings of 26,856 BTC, 112,242 ETH, 1.68 billion USDT and 113.8 million USDC, with month-on-month changes of 15%, 50%, 13% and 28% respectively versus June. Bitget also published wallet addresses and cryptographic attestations for verification.

15:16 Regulation

Bank of Russia proposes capital rules for digital depositories before September rollout

Bank of Russia proposes capital rules for digital asset platforms The Bank of Russia has published draft rules for an organized digital asset market, requiring regulated “digital depositories” to hold 50 million to 250 million rubles in capital — up to about $2.8 million — depending on their services and asset types. The framework extends securities-market rules to digital assets, adds liquidity and credit-quality standards, and would put depositories, exchange operators and issuers on central bank registers ahead of Russia’s planned September rollout.

12:47 Regulation

Binance policy change slows foreign police requests for user data, NYT reports

Binance policy change slows foreign police requests for user data: NYT Binance adopted a policy in April 2025 that sends most foreign law enforcement requests for user data through the UAE and Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties, slowing access for investigators, The New York Times reported. European police and U.S. prosecutors told the paper the shift is making it harder to track scams, money laundering and freeze assets, while Binance said it has not reduced cooperation and still responds directly in child abuse, terrorism and imminent threat cases.

11:47 Regulation

Nexo says EEA crypto services remain live through Tangany and DLT Finance

Nexo keeps EEA crypto services live via Tangany and DLT Finance Nexo said its EEA products remain available after the MiCA transition deadline through two German partners: Tangany for custody and DLT Finance for brokerage and execution. The setup matters because the EU-wide transition ended on July 1 and covered crypto services now need authorised providers, while Nexo said Earn rewards and crypto-backed loans sit outside those partners’ MiCA and MiFID licences.

09:16 Regulation

India Sets CARF-Based Crypto Reporting Rules for Exchanges and Brokers

India issues CARF-based crypto reporting rules for exchanges India has introduced new guidelines under the Income Tax Act requiring crypto exchanges, brokers and other reporting crypto-asset service providers to report transaction details to the Income Tax Department under the OECD’s Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework. The move adds reporting obligations, not new taxes, and is aimed at improving tax transparency and enabling information sharing with participating jurisdictions.

08:01 Regulation

IMF says Brazil needs tighter crypto oversight as stablecoin flows accelerate

IMF flags gaps in Brazil crypto rules as cross-border flows outpace traditional rails The IMF said in its latest Financial System Stability Assessment that Brazil’s crypto market has grown so large that cross-border crypto flows have surpassed traditional alternatives since 2017, with stablecoins driving most of the activity. It urged Brazil to fully implement AML/CFT rules, including the travel rule, and close gaps in customer protections and custody asset segregation as crypto becomes more intertwined with the traditional financial system.

07:45 Regulation

Pennsylvania bills target sportsbook ties to prediction market infrastructure

Pennsylvania bill targets sportsbook role in prediction markets Pennsylvania lawmakers introduced a bipartisan bill, HB 2711, that would block gambling companies from acting as liquidity providers or market makers for prediction markets, while adding insider-trading rules, fraud safeguards and a 21+ age limit. A separate bill, HB 2497, would require state licenses and impose a 22% tax on revenue, but neither measure has yet received a committee hearing or House vote.

03:01 Regulation

OFAC Sanctions Three El-Kahira Operators and Seven TRON Addresses in Hamas Finance Case

OFAC sanctions Hamas-linked El-Kahira operators and 7 TRON addresses The US Treasury’s OFAC on July 23 designated Zaid Issam Ahmed al-Jebouri, Abdulla Issam Ahmad al-Jebouri and Khaldun Khamis Zakaria Alden as Specially Designated Global Terrorists over a Hamas financing network tied to El-Kahira for General Trading, a Turkish OTC exchange office. The action also names seven TRON addresses that have received about $38.6 million.

01:00 Regulation

SECZ Admits Seven Fintech Firms to Zimbabwe Sandbox for Tokenization and Trading Tests

Zimbabwe approves 7 fintech firms for SECZ regulatory sandbox Zimbabwe’s Securities and Exchange Commission has cleared seven fintech solutions to test products under its supervised sandbox, including blockchain platforms, synthetic trading, crowdfunding and tokenization services. The cohort includes Zimbabwe Entrepreneurship Exchange, Ndarama Standard, Questview Brokers, Crowdaxe Capital, Procode Platforms, Financial Securities Exchange and Colmin Resources Zimbabwe, with SECZ set to monitor the trials and issue directives if needed.

22:00 Regulation

Franklin Templeton Backs CLARITY Act, Adding to Wall Street Support

Franklin Templeton backs CLARITY Act as Wall Street support broadens Franklin Templeton said July 27 it supports the CLARITY Act, joining BlackRock, Fidelity Investments, Goldman Sachs and Charles Schwab in backing the crypto market-structure bill. The firm, which reported $1.79 trillion in assets under management as of June 30, said the legislation would clarify digital-asset rules, investor protections and which federal regulators oversee companies.

21:01 Regulation

New York AG urges Senate to reject crypto bill backed by Coinbase

New York AG urges Senate to reject Clarity Act over state enforcement limits New York Attorney General Letitia James asked a Senate investigations panel to oppose the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, arguing it would shift most crypto oversight to the CFTC and override state investor-protection laws, leaving scam victims with fewer options as fraud rises. Coinbase is pushing for a vote as early as Aug. 3, but Senate Majority Leader John Thune said on July 23 the bill does not yet have the votes.

14:25 Regulation

Ripple Emerges as One of the Largest U.S. Corporate Political Donors in 2026 Cycle

Ripple becomes one of America’s biggest corporate political donors Ripple has spent about $48 million this U.S. election cycle through the Fairshake super PAC network, making it the second-largest corporate political donor in America behind Andreessen Horowitz. Fairshake, Protect Progress and Defend American Jobs went into the 2026 cycle with about $193 million, as crypto firms supplied roughly 37% of all corporate election money to shape the regulatory environment beyond XRP itself.

14:19 Regulation

Binance Android app vanishes from Google Play in parts of the EU

Binance Android app disappears from Google Play in some EU markets Binance’s Android app is no longer visible on Google Play in some EU countries, including Spain, while remaining available in others such as Poland, pointing to a partial regional restriction. The move comes amid scrutiny over the exchange’s MiCA compliance after OKX Europe CEO Erald Ghoos said last week the app had been removed over licensing requirements; Binance had not commented by publication.

14:12 Regulation

Securitize adds SEC investment adviser registration as tokenization business grows

Securitize wins SEC investment adviser registration Securitize said Monday its subsidiary Securitize Capital registered with the SEC as an investment adviser, expanding the tokenization firm's regulated stack beyond its broker-dealer, ATS, transfer agent and fund administration businesses. The license broadens Securitize’s ability to work with asset managers and institutions on onchain investment strategies as U.S. regulators weigh how adviser rules apply to blockchain-based products.

12:01 Regulation

Bitget Tightens Canadian Access After CSA Guidance on Stablecoin Custody

Bitget restricts Canadian accounts after CSA guidance Bitget has stopped accepting new Canadian KYC, disabled Interac and bank wire funding, put existing positions into reduce-only mode and is force-closing open trades over 90 days after a Jan. 12, 2026 notice tied to updated Canadian Securities Administrators guidance on stablecoin custody. Canadian users can still withdraw to external wallets for now.

11:16 Regulation

ESMA MiCA register expands to 309 with BNY Belgium among 15 new crypto firms

ESMA adds 15 firms to MiCA register, including BNY’s Belgian unit ESMA has added 15 crypto-asset service providers to its MiCA register, taking the total to 309 after the July 1 transition deadline. New approvals include BNY SA/NV in Belgium for crypto custody and transfer services, while Germany added four entries and Denmark three, showing licensing activity is continuing even after the deadline.

08:45 Regulation

Japan Weighs Easing 2x Crypto Leverage Cap as Broader Market Reforms Advance

Japan moves closer to easing 2x crypto leverage cap Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party is considering loosening the country’s 2x cap on crypto leverage trading after senior lawmaker Seiji Kihara said the limit is “too strict” and hurts liquidity and price discovery, Nikkei reported. Kihara’s team is preparing policy changes as part of a broader crypto overhaul that recently reclassified digital assets as financial products, though no timeline for new leverage rules was given.

04:46 Regulation

Argentina draft bill would bring crypto and tokenization into capital markets

Argentina draft bill would open capital markets to crypto and tokenization An early deregulatory bill prepared by Deregulation Minister Federico Sturzenegger would let investment funds buy digital assets if their policies allow it and the CNV approves, while also permitting the issuance, custody, transfer and sale of negotiable securities via decentralized technologies. The proposal would bring crypto and blockchain into Argentina’s national financial markets if enacted.

04:16 Regulation

BitMEX, BitMart and AscendEX move to shut down amid industry pressure

BitMEX, BitMart and AscendEX move to shut down in July Three crypto exchanges announced closures this month as pressure builds from regulation, weak trading activity and competition. BitMEX said on July 23 it will wind down by Sept. 23 after halting new registrations, while BitMart said on July 26 it had begun an orderly shutdown, with trading ending Aug. 26 and withdrawals open until January 2027. AscendEX said it closed after failing to secure a MiCA license.

22:48 Regulation

Bank of Russia Chief Defends Crypto Caps, Says Law Does Not Bar Overseas Transfers

Bank of Russia says new crypto law does not block transfers abroad Bank of Russia Governor Elvira Nabiullina defended Bill No. 1194918-8 after criticism over its split between qualified and non-qualified investors, saying the approach is standard risk protection and does not restrict sending crypto abroad. The law, due to take effect on September 1, caps non-qualified investors at 300,000 rubles in purchases, while assets moved overseas will not be protected by Russian law if disputes arise.

18:00 Regulation

CFTC repeats warning to prediction markets over broad self-certification filings

CFTC renews warning to prediction markets on broad self-certifications The CFTC on July 24 told prediction market operators for the second time this year to stop filing broad, template-style self-certifications for event contracts without detailed terms for each permutation and a concise compliance analysis. The advisory comes days before the agency’s July 27 deadline for comments on proposed rule changes that would tighten how it decides whether certain event contracts are against the public interest.

06:00 Regulation

Wise to refile for U.S. trust bank charter using GENIUS Act stablecoin framework

Wise to refile for U.S. national trust bank charter under GENIUS Act Wise plans to submit a new application for a U.S. national trust bank charter after the OCC rejected its first bid over weak anti-money laundering controls, management gaps and limited national banking experience in its U.S. operations. The company said the new filing will use the GENIUS Act framework for payment stablecoins instead of its original plan tied to Federal Reserve payment system access, and that it has strengthened financial-crime controls.

22:16 Regulation

Sberbank aims to launch regulated crypto trading infrastructure by Dec. 1, 2026

Sberbank targets Dec. 1, 2026 launch for regulated crypto platform Russia’s Sberbank said it plans to launch the infrastructure for licensed cryptocurrency trading, including a digital depository, by Dec. 1, 2026. First Deputy Chairman Alexander Vedyakhin said the system will record clients’ crypto rights, process transfers and account for off-chain transactions, as Russia moves toward a new legal framework for crypto exchanges, brokers, custodians and depositories.

20:15 Regulation

Mirae Asset Completes Korbit Takeover and Rebrands Exchange as Digital X

Mirae Asset takes 97.15% of Korbit, rebrands exchange as Digital X Mirae Asset Consulting has closed its 141.4 billion won acquisition of a 97.15% stake in Korbit after South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission approved the deal on July 9, making it the first affiliate of a major Korean financial group to control a domestic crypto exchange. Korbit, which holds about 0.5% market share, is being rebranded as Digital X to link stablecoins, tokenized real-world assets and traditional securities under Mirae Asset’s “3.0” strategy.

15:16 Regulation

Massachusetts Senate Backs Crypto ATM Ban After Nearly $6.8M in Reported 2025 Losses

Massachusetts Senate backs crypto ATM ban in economic bill The Massachusetts Senate voted Thursday to prohibit crypto ATMs by adding the measure to an omnibus economic development bill, after the FBI logged 296 kiosk-scam complaints and $6,834,561 in reported losses statewide in 2025. The ban is not law yet: similar House language failed twice before, and its fate now depends on House-Senate negotiations over the final bill.

05:01 Regulation

India finance panel backs interim self-regulatory body for crypto oversight

India finance panel proposes interim SRO for crypto oversight India’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has proposed a temporary Self-Regulatory Organisation to oversee cryptocurrencies and virtual digital assets until a full law is passed, weeks after the RBI renewed its warnings on crypto risks. In Report No. 36 filed on July 23, 2026, the panel said the SRO should be supervised by the RBI or SEBI and enforce investor protection, disclosures, customer fund segregation and complaint handling.

03:46 Regulation

Naver-Dunamu merger clears FIU rule issue, but antitrust review remains

Naver-Dunamu merger clears FIU rule hurdle but faces antitrust review South Korea’s Regulatory Reform Committee recommended easing a proposed major-shareholder rule under the Special Financial Transactions Act, potentially reducing concerns over Naver Financial’s eligibility in a merger with Dunamu. But the Korea Fair Trade Commission said that change is separate from its review and it will closely examine whether combining Naver’s platform, payments and data with Upbit operator Dunamu could restrict competition or create a monopoly.

01:00 Regulation

Fraternal Order of Police Endorses Revised CLARITY Act After Law Enforcement Changes

Fraternal Order of Police backs revised CLARITY Act The 382,000-member Fraternal Order of Police endorsed the latest CLARITY Act after lawmakers added protections for criminal investigations, suspicious transaction holds, and digital asset seizures. The revised bill also shields certain digital asset entities from liability for voluntarily delaying suspicious transactions and includes support for state and local crypto crime enforcement, even as Senate Democrats withheld support and negotiations continue.

22:16 Regulation

EU adds crypto exchange HTX to sanctions package tied to Russia restrictions

EU adds crypto exchange HTX to Russia sanctions list The European Union has sanctioned HTX, formerly Huobi Global, adding it to a list of 18 non-EU entities accused of providing crypto-asset or payment services that undermine the bloc’s restrictions on Russia over the war in Ukraine. The move bars transactions between EU operators and the listed entities under the amended measures adopted Thursday. The package also includes a ban on Belarusian nationals and residents owning, controlling or managing crypto exchanges and digital asset service providers under the EU’s MiCA framework.

12:49 Regulation

OCC rejects Wise’s US trust bank charter application, sending shares down 11%

OCC rejects Wise’s US trust bank charter application Wise said the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency denied its US national trust bank charter application on July 23, citing anti-money-laundering deficiencies, a 2025 Multi-State Consent Order and concerns over fiduciary experience. The London-based payments firm’s shares fell 11% in under 24 hours, and Wise said it plans to refile under the GENIUS Act while continuing US operations under money transmitter licenses.

10:46 Regulation

MiCA deadline forces unauthorised crypto firms to leave or restructure in the EU

MiCA transition ends, forcing unauthorised crypto firms out of the EU Europe’s final MiCA transition period expired on July 1, 2026, meaning crypto-asset service providers that had operated under national regimes now need MiCA authorisation or must wind down EU activities. The deadline has already cut the number of firms serving European users, increased the value of an EU licence and pushed customers to check ESMA’s register as some platforms restrict services, transfer clients or leave the region.

08:50 Regulation

Seoul court says stablecoin exchange services need VASP registration in South Korea

Seoul court backs FIU on stablecoin exchange registration A Seoul court ruled that companies cannot offer exchange services for stablecoins or other cryptocurrencies in South Korea without registering as a virtual asset service provider, siding with the FIU in its case against fintech firm Darwin KS. The court said Darwin KS’s ATM business, which exchanged BTC, ETH and USDT from foreign tourists into won for a fee, qualified as virtual-asset exchange activity even though customer assets were held by registered custodian KODA. Darwin KS plans to appeal.