Crypto markets saw major steps toward institutional adoption and regulatory clarity, as JPMorgan reportedly prepares to accept crypto ETFs as collateral for loans and the Moscow Exchange launched bitcoin futures tied to BlackRock’s IBIT, expanding regulated crypto access in Russia. MoonPay secured a BitLicense, enabling full US expansion.

Market Expansion and Institutional Adoption

Hong Kong to allow crypto derivatives trading for professional investors

Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission plans to permit professional investors to trade crypto derivatives, signaling a major expansion of the territory's virtual asset market.

Rails raises $14m to launch new crypto exchange

Rails has secured $14 million in a token sale, backed by investors including Kraken, to launch a crypto trading platform that combines self-custody with high-speed execution.

Moonpay secures BitLicense for full US expansion

MoonPay has received a coveted BitLicense and money transmitter license from the NYDFS, enabling the crypto payments firm to operate in all 50 US states. The approval marks a major milestone for MoonPay’s expansion in the US market.

Moscow Exchange launches IBIT-tied bitcoin futures

The Moscow Exchange has introduced bitcoin futures contracts linked to BlackRock's IBIT, signaling a gradual expansion of institutional cryptocurrency access in Russia. This move reflects growing interest in regulated crypto products within the country.

JPMorgan to accept crypto ETFs as collateral for loans

JPMorgan reportedly plans to allow clients to use crypto ETFs as collateral for loans. In some cases, the bank will consider crypto holdings when determining net worth, which may affect borrowing limits.

Bvnk partners with LianLian to expand stablecoin payments

London-based BVNK is collaborating with Chinese payments firm LianLian to help PSPs use stablecoins, leveraging LianLian's merchant network in over 100 countries.

Circle surges in NYSE debut with $6.2 billion valuation

Circle began trading on the NYSE under the ticker CRCL at $31 per share, surpassing expectations and valuing the stablecoin issuer at $6.2 billion. The debut signals strong investor interest in crypto infrastructure firms.

Innovations

Zodia Custody to safeguard tokenized emeralds

Zodia Custody, backed by Standard Chartered and SBI, will provide safekeeping for tokenized emeralds through a partnership with Swiss fintech GEMx, expanding its digital asset custody services.

Grvt brings retail price improvement orders onchain

Licensed hybrid crypto exchange GRVT has introduced retail price improvement orders, marking the first integration of this traditional finance feature into the decentralized ecosystem and bridging DeFi with TradFi.

Binance launches altcoin-only spot liquidity program for smaller market makers

Binance is set to launch the Altcoin LiquidityBoost Program, initially supporting 18 altcoins and targeting smaller market makers. The list of supported tokens will be updated regularly based on market demand.

Paradigm backs 3Jane's $5 million seed round for crypto credit innovation

Paradigm has led a $5 million seed round in 3Jane, a crypto credit startup that will assess and extend credit to crypto users using 'verifiable financial proofs' such as credit scores.

Analysis and Opinion

Blockchain and AI set to drive $3.5t DePIN market growth by 2028

A World Economic Forum report forecasts the decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) market could reach $3.5 trillion by 2028, fueled by the convergence of blockchain and AI technologies.

TradFi and digital asset markets converge as ecosystem matures

Traditional finance and digital asset markets are increasingly overlapping, signaling a maturing financial ecosystem. The convergence is accelerating as digital assets gain legitimacy and integration with established financial systems, redrawing boundaries between the two sectors.

Stablecoins seen as complementary financial tools

Stablecoins are highlighted as a major financial innovation, enabling capital movement beyond traditional systems. Rather than competing, branded and established stablecoins are positioned as a synergistic force in modern finance.

Regulation and Legal Developments

Crypto.com challenges Nevada gaming authority over sports contracts

Crypto.com has filed a lawsuit against Nevada's gaming regulator, asserting that it is fully regulated and that the CFTC, not the state, has jurisdiction over its sports event contracts.

SEC wins $1.1m default judgment in crypto fraud case

The SEC secured a $1.1 million default judgment against Keith Crews, who was accused of running a crypto fraud scheme and failed to respond to the regulator's lawsuit in court.

California advances bill to include crypto in unclaimed property laws

California is moving forward with a bill to update unclaimed property laws, ensuring crypto assets are not liquidated. The proposal has sparked online debate, with supporters like Satoshi Action Fund's Eric Peterson highlighting its protective intent for digital assets.

Australia targets crypto ATM providers to combat scams

Australia's anti-money laundering regulator, AUSTRAC, has introduced new measures for crypto ATM providers to address scams targeting elderly users. The crackdown aims to prevent misuse of crypto ATMs by fraudsters exploiting vulnerable populations.

GENIUS Act stablecoin bill faces scrutiny and amendment push

The GENIUS Act, a stablecoin bill advancing in the Senate, is under intense scrutiny with over 60 amendments proposed. Lawmakers, including Senator Warren, are targeting potential loopholes, especially around crypto wallets, as Congress debates how to create a smarter legal framework for digital assets.

Fed confirms Bowman as vice chair for supervision, Lummis sees crypto win

Michelle Bowman was confirmed by the Senate as the Federal Reserve's vice chair for supervision, a move Senator Lummis calls a win for crypto. Bowman's new role places her at the center of U.S. financial regulation, with potential implications for the crypto industry.

US seizes crypto and domains linked to BidenCash dark web marketplace

US authorities have seized cryptocurrency and 145 domains tied to the BidenCash dark web marketplace, which served 117,000 users and trafficked over 15 million stolen credit cards and personal data before being taken down.

Crypto payments to California state agencies advance

California moves closer to enabling crypto payments for state agencies as Assembly Bill 1180 receives unanimous backing, signaling potential transformation in government digital finance.

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