Politics, Legal & Regulation

Policy and regulations impacting innovations in Finance.

European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) Aims to Increase Oversight of Crypto Custody Operations

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has announced a comprehensive EU-wide supervisory initiative aimed at strengthening the digital operational resilience of crypto-asset service providers, particularly those involved in custody activities. This move underscores the regulator’s commitment to addressing emerging risks in the fast-growing digital… Read More

Bitcoin Policy Institute Intervenes in Lawsuit Seeking Control of Inactive Bitcoin Wallets, Including Potential Satoshi Holdings

The Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI) has taken formal steps to join a prominent New York Supreme Court proceeding as a defendant. This action aims to counter efforts by anonymous claimants to assert ownership over a vast array of long-inactive Bitcoin addresses. The move highlights growing… Read More

MiCA Transitional Period Ends July 1, 2026 : Key Implications for Crypto Businesses

Elliptic has pointed out that on July 1, 2026, the transitional arrangements under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation (MiCA) officially conclude. This development represents a major shift for the cryptocurrency sector, as full authorization becomes mandatory for any crypto-asset service provider serving clients… Read More

CFTC Urged To Clarify Rules For Fintech Access To Sports Prediction Markets

ProphetX, America’s first sports-native prediction market, has asked the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to clarify how registration requirements should apply to technology companies that give customers access to federally regulated sports event contracts. The company made the request in a comment letter responding… Read More

Philippine SEC Warns Vs. Illegal Lenders Charging Exorbitant Interest Rates

The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has urged Filipinos to borrow only from registered lenders, warning that illegal operators may charge exorbitant interest rates and resort to unfair collection practices. The corporate regulator said consumers should use safe, transparent and regulated loan products, including… Read More

UK Financial Regulators Launch Oversight of Key Tech Providers Supporting the Sector

The United Kingdom’s financial authorities are set to implement a landmark supervisory framework starting next week, marking the first direct regulatory scrutiny of major technology and service suppliers that form the backbone of the country’s financial infrastructure. The Bank of England, Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA),… Read More

US Justice Department Expected to Dismiss Charges Against Alleged Mastermind of BitClub Crypto Fraud

Federal prosecutors are reportedly preparing to abandon criminal proceedings against the alleged leader of one of the largest cryptocurrency-related investment schemes in recent years. The move comes after years of legal proceedings and on the eve of a scheduled trial, marking a notable shift in… Read More

Bipartisan Housing Legislation Enacted, Imposing Temporary Restrictions on CBDC Development 

A comprehensive bipartisan bill designed to tackle America’s persistent housing affordability challenges has officially become law without President Donald Trump‘s official signature. The legislation, known as the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, cleared both chambers of Congress with strong support earlier in the summer… Read More

SEC Regulatory Agenda a Big Change from Previous Administration

The Securities and Exchange Commission has published its Regulatory Agenda for the coming year, marking a significant shift from the previous administration. During the Biden presidency, former SEC Chairman Gary Gensler placed much of the focus on political ambitions like ESG, such as climate disclosure…. Read More

A Week Late: Reports Indicate that Updated Language of the CLARITY Act Arrives Next Week

The CLARITY Act remains in legislative purgatory as elected officials haggle over the bill’s language. The crypto market infrastructure framework will determine the trajectory of the US market and could fuel digital asset innovation and US dominance in this sector of  Fintech. Yet an updated… Read More

Coinbase’s Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal to Depart After Six Years of Leading Regulatory Battles 

Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN) announced a significant leadership transition in its legal department as Chief Legal Officer and Secretary Paul Grewal prepares to leave his executive role at the end of July 2026. Grewal, who joined the cryptocurrency exchange in 2020, has been instrumental in navigating the… Read More

Block Reaches $45 Million Settlement with 46 States Over Cash App Fraud Allegations [U]

Fintech firm Block Inc. (NYSE: XYZ), the company behind the popular peer-to-peer payment platform Cash App, has agreed to pay $45 million and implement significant operational changes to resolve a multistate investigation. Attorneys general from 46 US states accused the firm of misleading consumers about… Read More

UK Framework for Crypto Regulation Represents Global Move to Adopt Digital Assets

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) recently released rules to oversee the digital assets market, a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to create a regulatory environment for crypto. The rules include regulations for trading platforms/intermediaries, custody, lending/borrowing, staking, and more. These measures, scheduled to… Read More

“Last Chance” Crypto Supporting Senator Warns About the CLARITY Act Approval Delay

The CLARITY Act, crypto market infrastructure legislation, was approved in the US House of Representatives a year ago in July of 2025. Today, the vital legislation is mired in discussion in the US Senate as traditional finance, crypto detractors and industry supporters battle to create… Read More

‘Agentic Regulation’ Hackathon Supported by Global Organizations Aims to Build AI Tools for Regulators

The Cambridge Digital Innovation and Regulation Initiative (C:>DIR) will host was is described as the “first of its kind” Agentic Regulator hackathon. While the financial industry is quite keen on Fintech and artificial intelligence (AI) to support its services and drive efficiency, the regulatory side… Read More

Federal Court Rejects Kalshi’s Request to Block New York Gambling Rules Enforcement

A federal judge in Manhattan has denied prediction market operator Kalshi’s effort to stop New York from enforcing its gambling laws against the platform’s sports-related offerings. The July 7, 2026 ruling by US District Judge Analisa Torres clears the way for state regulators to proceed… Read More

Kraken Secures Arbitration Win Against Ex- Auditor Mazars Over Abrupt Withdrawal from Auditing During Operation Chokepoint 2.0

Payward Inc., the parent company of cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, has prevailed in arbitration against its former auditor, Mazars USA, receiving a $22 million award after the firm unexpectedly pulled out of a nearly completed financial review. The decision marks a notable legal victory for the… Read More

Coinbase Secures Key Regulatory Approval in the UK to Offer Equities and Derivatives

Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN) announced that it has received authorization from the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to provide investment services. This approval, commonly described in the industry as a MiFID license, marks an important expansion for the cryptocurrency exchange in one of its major international… Read More

Bitcoin Suisse Subsidiary Secures Full Regulatory Approval in Abu Dhabi

Swiss digital assets firm Bitcoin Suisse has taken a major step in its international growth by securing full regulatory authorization for operations in Abu Dhabi. Its regional subsidiary, BTCS (Middle East) Ltd., received the Financial Services Permission from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of the… Read More

President Trump’s Positive Stance on Crypto Signals Potential Bitcoin (BTC) Inclusion in New Child Savings Accounts

President Donald Trump recently voiced strong support for cryptocurrency during a press event. When asked about the possibility of incorporating Bitcoin into the newly launched Trump Accounts program, he described himself as having become “a big crypto guy” and indicated that “something could happen” in… Read More

Send this to a friend