Stablecoin development took center stage as Ant Group’s international arm announced plans to seek stablecoin licenses in Hong Kong and Singapore. Institutional and regulatory momentum continued globally: the DTCC explored stablecoin integration for financial markets, Brazil saw live stablecoin FX swaps, and the US Senate advanced the GENIUS stablecoin bill amid projections of stablecoin supply surpassing $2 trillion by 2028.
Ant International, the overseas arm of Alibaba affiliate Ant Group and owner of Alipay, has announced plans to apply for stablecoin issuer licenses in both Hong Kong and Singapore. The initiative underscores Ant Group’s commitment to entering and competing in the region's burgeoning digital asset markets.
Coinbase plans to launch perpetual futures trading for US customers, ensuring compliance with Commodity Futures Trading Commission regulations. The move expands Coinbase's product offerings and marks a significant step for regulated crypto derivatives in the US market.
The U.S. dollar index (DXY) fell below 98 for the first time since early 2022, potentially boosting the crypto market as a weaker dollar often drives investors toward digital assets.
Anthony Pompliano is set to become CEO of a new Bitcoin investment firm aiming to raise $750 million through a SPAC deal, signaling continued institutional interest in Bitcoin.
Succinct has completed a proving pilot for Sam Altman-backed World Chain, potentially paving the way for the network to become a ZK rollup. This initiative could enhance scalability and security for World Chain, according to Succinct.
DTCC, the world’s largest financial clearinghouse, is considering integrating stablecoins to enhance use cases like cross-border treasury management and payment systems, reflecting growing institutional interest in stablecoin adoption.
Billionaire investor Philippe Laffont criticized non-yielding stablecoins as 'outrageous' while US lawmakers consider banning interest-bearing tokens. The discussion comes amid forecasts that the stablecoin market could exceed $2 trillion and reach a record $228 billion in 2025.
U.S. Treasury Sec. Scott Bessent forecasts stablecoins could grow eightfold and surpass $2 trillion by 2028, with 81% of Tether's USDT reserves held in U.S. Treasury bills. This signals strong institutional confidence and potential for rapid expansion in the stablecoin sector.
Conduit has partnered with Brazil's Braza Group to introduce real-time stablecoin-based FX swaps between the Brazilian real and major foreign currencies, aiming to streamline cross-border payments in Brazil.
Franklin Templeton's CEO highlights a swift move toward digital asset technology in traditional finance, as major firms like BlackRock, JPMorgan, and Franklin Templeton increase their involvement in the sector.
The National Crypto Alliance's 2025 report finds crypto ownership is now common across diverse professions, challenging the traditional image of crypto holders. From construction workers to artists, the data reveals a new normalcy in digital asset adoption.
Despite growing integration of AI into blockchain platforms, users struggle with practical adoption due to significant usability challenges. The proliferation of AI blockchain tools highlights the need for more accessible solutions before widespread use can be achieved.
FSB Chair Klaas Knot warns that stablecoins and ETFs are accelerating crypto’s integration into traditional finance, raising concerns about systemic risk as the sector approaches a critical tipping point.
The SEC has withdrawn over a dozen proposed rules from the Biden administration, including two that targeted DeFi and digital asset custody. This move marks a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for crypto oversight in the US.
CFTC acting chair Caroline Pham emphasized the agency will not ease regulatory scrutiny on crypto, even as the Trump administration voices support for the industry. The CFTC aims to maintain rigorous oversight and will not provide 'easy street' treatment to crypto firms.
Christopher Wong, a former FBI Supervisory Special Agent known for his cryptocurrency investigations, has joined blockchain intelligence firm TRM Labs to strengthen efforts against illicit finance in the crypto sector.
Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department is collaborating with the University of Hong Kong to create a crypto transaction tracking tool in response to rising digital asset money laundering cases.
Australia's ASIC banned Glenda Maree Rogan for a decade after she misled clients about high-yield investments, instead sending their funds to a crypto exchange identified as a scam.
President Donald Trump reiterated his support for cryptocurrency at major industry events, calling himself the 'first crypto president.' He addressed the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville in person and sent a video message to the Digital Asset Summit in New York City. At these events, Trump promised to implement clear and simple regulatory frameworks for the crypto sector, outlining his views and future plans for the industry.
The US Senate will hold a final vote on the GENIUS stablecoin bill on June 17. If approved, the legislation will proceed to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
Get access to institutional-grade market intelligence every weekday in your email: