Japan’s financial regulators are actively exploring a landmark shift that could bring cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to the Tokyo Stock Exchange by 2028. In a move signaling a potential reversal of long-standing restrictions, the Financial Services Agency (FSA) is considering amendments to classify digital assets like Bitcoin and XRP as permissible underlying investments for ETFs. This regulatory evolution, backed by explicit support from the nation’s finance minister, has prompted two of Japan’s largest financial institutions—Nomura Holdings and SBI Holdings—to develop ready-to-launch ETF structures, positioning the country to join a global trend of regulated crypto investment vehicles.
about Japan Eyes 2028 Launch for Crypto ETFs, Major Banks ReadyNomura
0 in Finance and 0 in Crypto last weekTrump Blocks Venezuela Oil Tankers, Escalating Sanctions Pressure
The Trump administration has ordered a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, significantly escalating economic pressure on Caracas. Venezuela has denounced the move as a violation of international law and plans to raise the issue at the United Nations. This action directly targets the nation’s primary economic lifeline, coinciding with an increased US military presence in the region and marking a critical juncture in the geopolitical standoff.
about Trump Blocks Venezuela Oil Tankers, Escalating Sanctions PressureNomura’s Laser Digital Seeks Japan Crypto License
In a significant move signaling growing institutional acceptance of digital assets, Nomura Holdings is preparing to enter Japan’s cryptocurrency market through its Swiss subsidiary Laser Digital. The financial giant has confirmed it is in preliminary discussions with Japan’s Financial Services Agency to secure a crypto trading license specifically targeting institutional investors, marking a pivotal moment for traditional finance’s embrace of cryptocurrency in one of Asia’s most regulated markets.
about Nomura's Laser Digital Seeks Japan Crypto LicenseU.S. Government Shutdown Risk Rises, Threatens Markets
The United States is barreling toward a partial government shutdown as early as next week, with Congressional Democrats and Republicans locked in a damaging stalemate over federal funding. The escalating political impasse threatens to send ripples through financial markets by crippling the operations of key financial regulators and, critically, halting the flow of essential economic data that investors rely on to navigate the economic landscape. Analysts at Nomura have warned that a prolonged closure could postpone or cancel vital reports on employment and inflation, leaving market participants flying blind at a time of significant economic uncertainty.
about U.S. Government Shutdown Risk Rises, Threatens MarketsFalconX Launches First Ethereum Staking Rate Derivatives
FalconX has executed the first forward rate agreements benchmarked to the Treehouse Ethereum Staking Rate, creating a new class of derivatives for institutional investors. These products allow institutions to hedge or speculate on volatile staking yields, though they remain unavailable to U.S. clients. The launch comes amid record demand for Ethereum staking, with validator queues reaching two-year highs.
about FalconX Launches First Ethereum Staking Rate DerivativesChina’s Trade Surplus Hits $1.2T Despite US Tariffs
China’s export engine continues to defy US tariff pressures, driving the nation toward a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus. Manufacturers have successfully pivoted to markets like India and Southeast Asia amid restricted US access, demonstrating remarkable resilience in global trade patterns. As these developments unfold, financial institutions like Goldman Sachs and Nomura are closely monitoring the implications for global markets.
about China's Trade Surplus Hits $1.2T Despite US TariffsTurtle Launches Onchain Liquidity Leaderboard for Crypto
Turtle has launched a Liquidity Leaderboard designed to standardize how onchain liquidity is measured and rewarded across crypto protocols. The system evaluates participants through three metrics: Liquidity Score (time-weighted deposits), Distribution Score (user referrals), and Boosts (identity/activity multipliers). This initiative comes as Kaiko reports a 30% decline in altcoin liquidity in Q1 2025, highlighting the need for better capital allocation tracking. Unlike engagement-based leaderboards, Turtle’s framework uses verifiable capital that can’t be easily falsified. The company, which has coordinated over $4 billion in deposits since 2024, aims to make liquidity the central signal in DeFi. Future plans include white-label solutions for protocols and integrations merging financial contributions with cultural engagement.
about Turtle Launches Onchain Liquidity Leaderboard for CryptoDubai Leads Global Crypto Regulation with First Options License
Dubai has solidified its role as a global crypto hub with the approval of the first-ever cryptocurrency options license by the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). The license, granted to Laser Digital, a Nomura-backed firm, allows institutional investors to trade crypto options under a regulated framework, reinforcing Dubai’s commitment to innovation and compliance. Simultaneously, the US CFTC has launched a listed spot crypto trading initiative, aiming to bring spot and futures trading under unified federal oversight. These developments mark significant progress in institutionalizing crypto markets, offering investors greater clarity and security in both Dubai and the US.
about Dubai Leads Global Crypto Regulation with First Options LicenseTaleb & McElligott: Trading Titans Talk Food & Finance
Nassim Nicholas Taleb, famed for his work on risk and uncertainty, and Nomura strategist Charlie McElligott, a prominent trading voice, showcased their unexpected food obsessions in a live event. While Taleb champions squid ink pasta, McElligott is a devoted carnivore. The exclusive subscriber session blended finance banter with gastronomic debates, offering a rare personal glimpse into the lives of these market influencers. The event, recorded in New York, highlights how even financial thinkers indulge in culinary passions beyond charts and volatility.
about Taleb & McElligott: Trading Titans Talk Food & FinanceMarket Rebounds to All-Time Highs Post April Plunge
After a significant market downturn in early April, stocks have rebounded strongly, reaching all-time highs by late June. In a live discussion at a New York event, Nomura’s cross-asset strategist Charlie McElligott explained that the rally has been fueled by investors who initially sold off in April now chasing the market’s upward momentum. McElligott noted ‘relentless’ selling of volatility as a key factor driving the recovery, suggesting a shift in investor sentiment and strategy.
about Market Rebounds to All-Time Highs Post April PlungeGFO-X Launches UK’s First Regulated Bitcoin Futures Platform
GFO-X has become the UK’s first regulated platform for centrally cleared Bitcoin futures and options, receiving authorization from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The platform aims to bridge traditional finance and digital assets, addressing institutional demand for compliant crypto trading venues. CEO Arnab Sen revealed that dozens of Tier 1 institutions, including Nomura, are in onboarding discussions, with the first trade already executed between Virtu Financial and IMC. GFO-X differentiates itself from US competitors like CME and Deribit by offering 24/7 trading and Bitcoin index options rather than futures-based ones. The platform expects significant growth by late 2025, catering to the 90% of institutions currently sidelined due to regulatory concerns.
about GFO-X Launches UK's First Regulated Bitcoin Futures PlatformOpyn Names Andrew Leone CEO Amid CFTC Regulatory Actions
Opyn, a prominent decentralized finance (DeFi) options protocol, has undergone a major leadership transition with Andrew Leone, former head of research, stepping in as CEO. This change follows regulatory actions by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which filed charges against Opyn and other DeFi entities for registration failures. Co-founders Zubin Koticha and Alexis Gauba have departed, marking an unexpected end to their six-year crypto venture. Leone, with a strong background in traditional finance from Nomura, is expected to steer Opyn toward greater regulatory compliance. The CFTC’s actions highlight growing regulatory pressures on the crypto industry, with major players like FTX and Binance also facing scrutiny. Opyn’s leadership shift reflects broader challenges in DeFi as the sector adapts to evolving compliance demands.
about Opyn Names Andrew Leone CEO Amid CFTC Regulatory Actions