The US SEC explored a streamlined process for crypto ETF listings, the FATF signaled heightened scrutiny for stablecoins and DeFi, and the ECB approved research into DLT-based settlement with central bank money. Malaysia's crypto trading hit a record $2.9 billion amid proposed reforms, while Paxos launched a MiCA-compliant stablecoin in the EU with support from major industry players.
Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) now account for 8% of total futures trading volume, marking a new all-time high. This represents a significant increase from the previous record of 6.84% set last month and is up from 4.78% recorded at the same time last year, indicating growing DEX dominance in the futures market.
The crypto sector is currently engaged in a debate over the merits of monolithic distribution compared to modular technology, with many emphasizing that effective distribution strategies can be more crucial to business success than the underlying technology itself.
Malaysia's crypto trading volume hit a record $2.9 billion as the country's regulator proposed comprehensive reforms for digital asset exchanges, aiming to enable faster digital asset movement while strengthening safeguards to support responsible market growth.
Australia-based crypto exchange Swyftx is set to acquire crypto brokerage Caleb & Brown for $66 million, marking the largest crypto merger and acquisition deal in the Australia-New Zealand region. The acquisition aims to help Swyftx expand its presence in the U.S. market and target high-net-worth clients.
Deutsche Bank plans to launch a crypto custody service in 2026, partnering with Bitpanda and Taurus to develop a digital custody platform for storing and safeguarding tokenized assets and cryptocurrencies. This initiative marks the bank's entry into the crypto sector and follows a broader institutional shift toward digital assets, supported by clearer EU regulations under MiCA.
Competition is increasing among cryptocurrency exchanges as more firms establish operations in Europe, driven by the introduction of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework, which provides new standardized rules for the industry.
Publicly traded firms are expanding their altcoin treasuries, providing investors with interim exposure to these assets while they await regulatory approval for exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and staking products.
Mizuho has increased its price target for Robinhood to $99, citing the company's recent expansion into tokenized equities, crypto perpetual futures, and its plans to launch an Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain as key drivers for a potential rerating of the stock.
Gate, a leading cryptocurrency trading platform, has officially reached over 30 million registered users worldwide. This milestone reflects the platform's expanding influence in international markets and highlights its progress in strategic transformation, brand enhancement, and ecosystem development.
Cryptography firm Zama has joined the ranks of unicorns, achieving a valuation of at least $1 billion. Meanwhile, prediction market platforms Polymarket and Kalshi are also nearing the $1 billion valuation mark, amid heightened competition among crypto brands to secure unicorn status in the web3 sector.
Mastercard is strengthening its focus on digital assets and blockchain by planning to hire two senior leaders dedicated to driving its crypto initiatives.
Robinhood has entered into a sponsorship agreement with French soccer team OGC Nice, with its branding set to appear on team jerseys and in a dedicated financial web series. The partnership is part of Robinhood's broader strategy to expand its crypto offerings within the European Union.
XYRO 2.0 has launched, offering over 40 player-versus-environment (PvE) games, instant cashback rewards, and zero-delay payouts, as well as tournaments and referral rewards aimed at enhancing the iGaming experience.
The European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council has endorsed research initiatives aimed at using central bank money to settle transactions conducted via distributed ledger technology (DLT), as part of efforts to enhance the efficiency of its payment systems.
The Katana mainnet has officially launched, introducing a new decentralized finance (DeFi) platform aimed at enhancing liquidity and yield opportunities. The platform promises higher DeFi yields and offers incentives to attract users.
Vooi, a perps DEX backed by YZi Labs, has launched its V2 mainnet, introducing cross-chain transaction functionality through the use of OneBalance's chain abstraction toolkit. This upgrade aims to remove the need for users to interact with traditional concepts such as chains, bridges, or native gas fees.
OppiWallet has integrated its services with Visa and Mastercard networks, enabling broader global acceptance of its crypto payment solutions through these major card platforms.
South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Upbit is collaborating with payments company Naver Pay to advance a won (KRW) stablecoin initiative, according to a report from KBS that cites an unnamed official from Dunamu, Upbit's parent company.
Citigroup has initiated coverage of Circle (CRCL) with a buy rating, stating in a research report that the company's valuation is not stretched and highlighting its opportunity to become a leading facilitator of stablecoin adoption.
Paxos has launched its Global Dollar (USDL) stablecoin in the European Union, claiming compliance with the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. The launch is supported by major industry players including Kraken, Robinhood, and Mastercard as part of the Global Digital Network (GDN) initiative.
Chief economist Li Xunlei has suggested that China could narrow the gap between its economic influence and the international use of its currency by launching yuan-pegged stablecoins. He proposed pilot programs in free-trade zones and Belt and Road Initiative countries, emphasizing the need for clear reserve requirements and oversight by the People's Bank of China.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has vetoed House Bill 2324, which proposed establishing the Bitcoin and Digital Assets Reserve Fund to manage cryptocurrency assets seized by law enforcement, with proceeds to be split between law enforcement and the state.
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is reportedly working with US exchanges to develop a simplified, generic listing framework for token-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This new process could eliminate the need for issuers to file individual rule-change requests and may reduce the listing time to as little as 75 days, provided the tokens meet certain requirements.
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is influencing the development of global cryptocurrency regulations, with its latest checklist indicating that stablecoins and decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms are expected to face increased regulatory scrutiny in the near future.
The US Senate has passed former President Trump's budget bill without including a provision on cryptocurrency taxes. Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis had proposed addressing double taxation for cryptocurrency miners and stakers in the legislation, but this was not included in the final bill. Senator Cynthia Lummis criticizes Jeff Merkley's crypto amendment On June 30, Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) criticized a proposed amendment from Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) that would ban elected officials from offering or promoting digital assets.
New York Attorney General Letitia James has warned Congress that the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins of 2025 (GENIUS) Act, a Trump-backed bill mandating full reserve backing for stablecoins, does not currently include sufficient protections for investors or national security. In her statement to lawmakers, James called for the addition of FDIC-like insurance, capital requirements, and identity verification measures before the bill proceeds to a House vote.
The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on a Russian hosting provider accused of facilitating ransomware, infostealers, and darknet drug markets involving cryptocurrency. Additionally, OFAC sanctioned a Tron-based crypto address linked to the same bulletproof hosting service, which is known for providing servers that evade law enforcement and cybersecurity measures.
The US Treasury has imposed sanctions on a cryptocurrency wallet holding $350,000, which is connected to the alleged cybercrime hosting service Aeza Group. The wallet is reportedly associated with ransomware and infostealer operations.
Russian police have shut down an illegal cryptocurrency mining farm operating in an industrial zone in St. Petersburg. The raid comes as the Ministry of Internal Affairs has warned of a new wave of crypto trading-themed scams sweeping across Russia.
Get access to institutional-grade market intelligence every weekday in your email: