# Licensing Related Articles

HTX News Center provides the latest articles and in-depth analysis on "Licensing", covering market trends, project updates, tech developments, and regulatory policies in the crypto industry.

Crypto dealmaking hits record pace in 2025 as regulatory clarity fuels consolidation

Crypto industry dealmaking reached record levels in 2025, with 267 deals totaling $8.6 billion—an 18% increase in volume and nearly four times the value from 2023. This surge was driven by clearer U.S. regulations under the Trump administration, including crypto-friendly policies and reduced legal uncertainty. Major acquisitions like Coinbase's $2.9 billion purchase of Deribit highlighted strategic moves for derivatives access and regulatory compliance. The IPO market also rebounded, with 11 crypto listings raising $14.6 billion. Looking ahead, stablecoins and compliance-driven mergers are expected to grow as new U.S. and UK regulations take effect in 2026.

ambcryptoYesterday 18:57

Crypto dealmaking hits record pace in 2025 as regulatory clarity fuels consolidation

ambcryptoYesterday 18:57

Hong Kong proceeds with licensing regimes for virtual asset dealers and custodians

Hong Kong regulators are moving forward with new licensing requirements for cryptocurrency dealers and custodians following the conclusion of consultations. The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) announced the decision, which is part of a broader effort to strengthen oversight of the digital asset sector. This builds on the city’s existing regulatory framework, which already mandates licensing for crypto trading platforms and recently enacted a stablecoin licensing regime. Hong Kong aims to position itself as a trusted crypto hub with comprehensive regulations covering stablecoins, tokenization, and now dealer and custody services. Separately, the SFC also launched a consultation for licensing crypto advisory and management service providers, linking the proposals to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing rules.

cointelegraphYesterday 14:09

Hong Kong proceeds with licensing regimes for virtual asset dealers and custodians

cointelegraphYesterday 14:09

Coinbase and Gemini Blocked in the Philippines Amid Crackdown on Unregistered Exchanges

The central bank of the Philippines (BSP) has ordered internet service providers to block access to unregistered cryptocurrency exchanges. Among the first to be affected are major global platforms Coinbase and Gemini. The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) acted on a BSP directive that identified 50 unlicensed Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs). This crackdown is part of the enforcement of the VASP licensing framework established by the BSP in 2021. Despite the regulations, many large offshore exchanges have not sought the necessary licenses to operate in the country. The action follows a similar block imposed on Binance in 2024. Other prominent exchanges on the regulator's list include OKX, Kraken, KuCoin, Bitget, and MEXC. As of now, only a few platforms, such as local exchanges Coins.ph and PDAX, are fully licensed to offer crypto services in the Philippines. Regulators have stated that foreign exchanges are welcome to apply for a license but must establish a local presence and comply with all regulatory requirements.

ccn.comYesterday 13:07

Coinbase and Gemini Blocked in the Philippines Amid Crackdown on Unregistered Exchanges

ccn.comYesterday 13:07

Philippines blocks Coinbase, Gemini amid wider crackdown on unlicensed VASPs

Amid a wider crackdown on unlicensed virtual asset service providers (VASPs), the Philippines has blocked access to major global cryptocurrency exchanges Coinbase and Gemini. The National Telecommunications Commission directed local internet service providers to restrict access to 50 platforms flagged by the central bank for operating without authorization. This action signifies a regulatory shift from informal tolerance to strict enforcement, making local licensing mandatory for market access. The country had previously banned Binance and identified other unlicensed exchanges like OKX, Bybit, and KuCoin. Meanwhile, regulated entities are expanding crypto services, with partnerships enabling stablecoin payroll and banking-integrated crypto trading.

cointelegraphYesterday 10:10

Philippines blocks Coinbase, Gemini amid wider crackdown on unlicensed VASPs

cointelegraphYesterday 10:10

Spain’s 2026 Crypto Laws: MiCA Licensing, DAC8 Tracking – End of Anon Trading?

Spain will implement two major crypto regulations in 2026, significantly tightening oversight and ending anonymous trading. Starting January 1, the DAC8 directive enforces strict tax reporting, requiring exchanges to automatically share user data with EU tax authorities—covering transactions, balances, and transfers, regardless of amount. This allows seizure of crypto for unpaid taxes. Then, by July, the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulation takes full effect, requiring exchanges and service providers to be licensed. Non-compliant firms may shut down. Over 60 Spanish entities, including banks like BBVA, are already registered under current rules. These changes aim to standardize crypto regulation across the EU and increase transparency.

ccn.comYesterday 08:31

Spain’s 2026 Crypto Laws: MiCA Licensing, DAC8 Tracking – End of Anon Trading?

ccn.comYesterday 08:31

Hong Kong Proposes New Rules To Allow Crypto Investments For Insurers – Report

Hong Kong's Insurance Authority has proposed new rules to allow insurers to invest in cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, as part of the city's broader strategy to become a global digital asset hub. The proposal, subject to public consultation from February to April 2026, would impose a 100% risk charge on crypto assets, requiring insurers to hold reserves equal to their crypto investments. Stablecoins would be treated differently, with risk charges based on the fiat currency they are pegged to. The move aims to support the insurance industry and economic development. Separately, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority is expected to issue its first stablecoin licenses in early 2026, though mainland China's strict stance against stablecoins may complicate applications involving Chinese institutions or the yuan.

bitcoinist2 days ago 07:01

Hong Kong Proposes New Rules To Allow Crypto Investments For Insurers – Report

bitcoinist2 days ago 07:01

Indonesia lists 29 licensed crypto platforms as big exchanges explore market

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has published a whitelist of 29 licensed cryptocurrency platforms, including major international players like Upbit, to help users identify legally authorized exchanges. The move comes as global firms such as Robinhood and OSL Group expand into Indonesia—one of the world’s fastest-growing crypto markets with over 17 million traders. The list follows stricter regulations (OJK Regulation No. 23/2025) that enhance oversight of digital assets, require prior approval for derivatives trading, and mandate investor knowledge tests. These measures aim to align with international standards and strengthen consumer protection in the rapidly expanding crypto economy.

cointelegraph12/22 09:53

Indonesia lists 29 licensed crypto platforms as big exchanges explore market

cointelegraph12/22 09:53

Tether, Binance, Circle Collectively Pivot to Abu Dhabi, Making It the Global "Crypto Heart"

Major crypto giants Tether, Binance, and Circle have recently secured key regulatory approvals in Abu Dhabi, signaling a strategic shift of institutional crypto capital toward the emirate. Tether’s USDT gained recognition as an “Accepted Fiat Reference Token” across nine major blockchains, granting it a regulated status for institutional use. Circle obtained a Financial Services Permission (FSP) and appointed a Visa veteran to lead its regional expansion. Binance received three separate licenses for exchange, custody, and OTC services, and will adopt a new compliant three-entity operational structure by 2026. Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), operating under a robust common-law framework, offers a clear and efficient regulatory environment tailored for institutional players—contrasting with Dubai’s retail-focused approach and slower Western regulatory processes. Backed by sovereign wealth funds like Mubadala, which has invested in Binance, ADGM is positioning itself as a global hub for compliant digital asset infrastructure, bridging traditional finance and crypto. With a $16 billion expansion plan for its financial district, Abu Dhabi is emerging as a new epicenter for regulated crypto finance.

marsbit12/11 09:27

Tether, Binance, Circle Collectively Pivot to Abu Dhabi, Making It the Global "Crypto Heart"