Blockchain.com has secured a pivotal Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) license in Malta, positioning the island nation as its European operational hub while joining peers like Gate and Gemini in leveraging Malta’s gateway to the EU market. This strategic move unfolds against a backdrop of heightened regulatory scrutiny from European authorities, who have raised alarms about inconsistent supervision and potential ‘forum shopping’ within the new crypto regime.
about Blockchain.com Secures MiCA License in Malta Amid EU ScrutinyEuropean Banking Authority
0 in Finance and 0 in Crypto last weekFSB Warns Crypto Regulatory Gaps Threaten Financial Stability
Global financial watchdog the Financial Stability Board has identified dangerous inconsistencies in cryptocurrency oversight across nearly 40 jurisdictions, warning that fragmented regulations are enabling widespread regulatory arbitrage and creating systemic risks to the global financial system. The FSB’s comprehensive review reveals crypto firms are actively exploiting regulatory gaps through ‘forum shopping’ while major financial institutions increase their exposure to crypto assets, raising concerns about cascading failures during market stress.
about FSB Warns Crypto Regulatory Gaps Threaten Financial StabilityCoinbase Launches x402 Bazaar for AI Micropayments
Coinbase’s x402 Bazaar introduces a machine-readable catalog of services that accept pay-per-request USDC payments, specifically designed for AI agents and developers. The system revives the HTTP 402 ‘Payment Required’ status code with a signed payment payload flow, settling through Coinbase’s hosted facilitator with zero fees for USDC on Base. With 200-millisecond preconfirmations via Base’s Flashblocks feature, the platform enables practical micropayments as low as $0.0002 per call. The initiative emerges amid favorable regulatory developments, including the recent GENIUS Act in the US and MiCA regulations in Europe, while stablecoin market capitalization has doubled to $280 billion in 18 months. The platform could potentially scale to $1 million in daily payment volume at high adoption levels.
about Coinbase Launches x402 Bazaar for AI MicropaymentsTether Appoints New CFO and Commits to Full Audit for Transparency
Tether has appointed Simon McWilliams as its new CFO, marking a significant move towards transparency with plans for a full audit. This initiative aims to enhance financial integrity and compliance, especially following recent regulatory challenges in the EU. McWilliams replaces Giancarlo Devasini, who transitions to Chairman of the Group.
about Tether Appoints New CFO and Commits to Full Audit for TransparencyEU Regulator Orders Delisting of Non-Compliant Stablecoins by 2025
The European Union’s securities regulator has mandated that crypto firms must delist non-compliant stablecoins by the end of Q1 2025 under the new Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) framework. This legislation categorizes stablecoins as asset-referenced tokens (ARTs) or electronic money tokens (EMTs) and aims to enhance supervision, consumer protection, and combat financial crimes. Compliance measures, including sufficient liquid reserves for stablecoin issuers, are now in effect, with Circle’s USDC having already aligned with MiCA standards.
about EU Regulator Orders Delisting of Non-Compliant Stablecoins by 2025Portuguese Bank BiG Blocks Fiat Transfers to Cryptocurrency Platforms
Banco of Investimentos Globais (BiG), one of Portugal’s largest banks, has begun blocking fiat transfers to crypto platforms, citing compliance with European Central Bank guidelines and local laws against money laundering and terrorism financing. This decision has drawn criticism, with some arguing it reflects an outdated view of the inevitable rise of cryptocurrency. Meanwhile, other banks in Portugal, like Caixa Geral de Depósitos, continue to allow such transfers.
about Portuguese Bank BiG Blocks Fiat Transfers to Cryptocurrency Platforms