# Regulation Related Articles

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

Strategy Takes a Hardline Stance Against MSCI: What's in the 12-Page Open Letter of Defense?

In October 2024, MSCI proposed excluding companies with over 50% of their assets in digital assets from its global investable market indices, directly threatening Digital Asset Treasury (DAT) companies like MicroStrategy. Analysts warned this could trigger up to $8.8 billion in outflows, with MicroStrategy alone facing $2.8 billion in passive selling pressure. In response, MicroStrategy submitted a 12-page public letter to MSCI, strongly opposing the proposal as "misleading and destructive." The company argued that digital assets represent a revolutionary financial technology, comparable to historic infrastructure investments like oil or telecommunications. It emphasized that DATs are operational businesses with active revenue models, not passive funds, and criticized the 50% threshold as arbitrary, discriminatory, and impractical due to Bitcoin's volatility. MicroStrategy also accused MSCI of violating index neutrality and contradicting the U.S. government's pro-digital asset strategy. The company demanded MSCI withdraw the proposal or extend the consultation period. It is not alone—over 300 entities, including Strive and Bitcoin for Corporations, have joined opposition efforts, suggesting alternative indices instead of exclusion. The outcome, expected by January 2026, will significantly impact the integration of digital asset companies into traditional financial markets.

marsbit12/11 19:52

Strategy Takes a Hardline Stance Against MSCI: What's in the 12-Page Open Letter of Defense?

marsbit12/11 19:52

Can Strategy's Strong Defense Prevent MSCI from Excluding Digital Asset Companies?

Global index provider MSCI has proposed excluding companies with digital assets exceeding 50% of their total assets from its global investable market indices, a move that could trigger significant capital outflows—estimated at up to $8.8 billion—from firms like MicroStrategy. In response, MicroStrategy submitted a detailed rebuttal, arguing that the proposal is discriminatory, operationally impractical, and undermines both investor interests and U.S. strategic goals for digital asset leadership. The company emphasized that digital asset treasuries (DATs) are active businesses, not passive funds, and should be treated like other single-asset-focused firms such as oil or REIT companies. MicroStrategy urged MSCI to withdraw the proposal or extend the consultation period. The outcome, expected by January 2026, could significantly impact the integration of digital asset firms into traditional financial markets.

比推12/11 13:09

Can Strategy's Strong Defense Prevent MSCI from Excluding Digital Asset Companies?

比推12/11 13:09

LDPR Calls for Not Banning Cryptocurrencies "Under a Far-Fetched Pretext"

The Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) has called for cryptocurrencies not to be banned "under a far-fetched pretext." Party leader Leonid Slutsky stated that cryptocurrencies should be legalized and regulated, framing the issue as one of technological and financial sovereignty. He argued it is impossible to "endlessly prohibit what the whole world is using" and that citizens should be provided with necessary tools for development. Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) estimates there are about 1 million qualified investors in the country who could be permitted to trade cryptocurrencies after passing a test. The CBR proposes restricting non-qualified ordinary Russians from purchasing crypto to protect them from risks, though bans on holding or selling are not planned. The CBR reported an 18% decline in Russian transactions on foreign crypto exchanges in Q2 and Q3 of 2025 compared to the previous two quarters. The estimated monthly balance of Russians' funds on crypto exchanges fell by 20% to 933 billion rubles, and traffic from Russia to crypto platforms dropped by 28%. The regulator deems it crucial to legalize the crypto market but, according to First Deputy Chairman Vladimir Chistyukhin, also advocates for laws with strict restrictions and prohibitions to be adopted quickly.

RBK-crypto12/11 12:23

LDPR Calls for Not Banning Cryptocurrencies "Under a Far-Fetched Pretext"

RBK-crypto12/11 12:23

"The Market in Russia is Only Just Emerging": Anton Popov on Sber's Crypto Strategy

Sberbank is increasing its activity in the digital finance sector, offering clients investment products linked to crypto assets and developing its own blockchain platform. In an interview, Deputy Chairman Anatoly Popov discussed the bank's strategy, which is focused on expanding its range of digital financial assets (DFAs), participating in the development of regulations for decentralized finance (DeFi), and integrating with public blockchains. Sber is in constant dialogue with Russian regulators to build a secure infrastructure. It currently offers qualified investors products like structured bonds and DFAs that provide exposure to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum within the Russian legal framework, with a total issuance volume of 1.5 billion rubles. The bank sees these regulated, ruble-based products as a safer alternative to direct purchases on unregulated crypto exchanges. While Sber plans to be an active player and liquidity provider on future regulated crypto platforms, it will act conservatively, prioritizing client interests and financial system stability. It does not view crypto as a vehicle for its own speculative investments. Looking forward, Sber believes a key trend is the convergence of traditional finance and DeFi. Its in-house blockchain lab has evolved into a full product unit, and its proprietary platform for issuing DFAs is already operational. The bank is exploring tokenization of real-world assets like movable property and shares in LLCs, pending new legislation. For the future, Sber anticipates the institutionalization of blockchain technology. Bitcoin will likely remain a core asset, while networks like Ethereum will form the technological base for tokenization and smart contracts. A crucial step is the legalization of a broad range of blockchain-based digital assets, starting with pilot projects to demonstrate utility and manage risks. The bank is interested in stablecoins and their potential future use in the Russian legal field, emphasizing the need for collaborative work with the central bank.

RBK-crypto12/11 11:16

"The Market in Russia is Only Just Emerging": Anton Popov on Sber's Crypto Strategy

RBK-crypto12/11 11:16

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"

marsbit12/11 09:27

American Federation Of Teachers Opposes Crypto Market Structure Bill In New Letter

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) has formally opposed a proposed crypto market structure bill, urging the Senate Banking Committee to reconsider the legislation. In a letter, AFT President Randi Weingarten called the bill “irresponsible” and “reckless,” warning it could endanger pension funds and retirement plans like 401(k)s by exposing them to volatile and potentially fraudulent crypto assets. She highlighted a provision allowing non-crypto companies to issue stock on blockchain, bypassing existing securities regulations, which could lead to “disastrous outcomes.” The AFT’s opposition aligns with concerns from other groups, including the AFL-CIO and several Democratic senators, who fear the bill may weaken investor protections and potentially trigger another financial crisis. Progress on the bill has been delayed, but a new draft is expected for review soon.

bitcoinist12/11 08:43

American Federation Of Teachers Opposes Crypto Market Structure Bill In New Letter

bitcoinist12/11 08:43

Strategy Takes a Hard Line Against MSCI: The Ultimate Defense of DAT

In a significant industry clash, digital asset treasury company Strategy has issued a forceful 12-page public letter to MSCI opposing its proposal to exclude companies with over 50% digital asset holdings from its global investable market indices. Strategy argues the move is discriminatory, misleading, and threatens billions in capital flow, potentially causing up to $2.8 billion in passive outflows from its stock alone. The company defends its business model, asserting that digital asset treasuries (DATs) are operational companies—not passive funds—with active strategies like issuing digital debt instruments to fund Bitcoin acquisitions and generate shareholder returns. It compares its role to historic infrastructure builders like Standard Oil and AT&T, emphasizing Bitcoin’s transformative potential in finance. Strategy highlights four key objections: the proposal is arbitrarily discriminatory against digital assets; it violates index providers' neutrality principles; it is impractical due to Bitcoin's volatility and accounting disparities; and it contradicts the U.S. government’s pro-digital asset strategy. The firm demands MSCI withdraw the proposal or extend consultations. Backed by industry advocates and data showing over 200 public companies hold more than 5% of Bitcoin’s supply, Strategy urges MSCI to let markets—not biased rules—determine the value of digital asset companies. The decision, expected by January 2026, could redefine the role of crypto-native firms in traditional finance.

深潮12/11 08:38

Strategy Takes a Hard Line Against MSCI: The Ultimate Defense of DAT

深潮12/11 08:38

Mars Morning Post | After Fed Rate Cut, US Dollar Records Worst Single-Day Performance Since September; Trump: Rate Cut Too Small, Could Have Been Doubled

Mars News, Dec 11 — Following the Fed’s decision to cut interest rates by 25 basis points, the US dollar recorded its worst single-day performance since September, with the dollar index falling 0.4%. Fed Chair Powell emphasized labor market risks and downplayed inflation concerns, contributing to the decline. President Trump criticized the move, calling the cut “too small” and suggesting it should have been doubled. In other developments, Stripe acquired the team behind crypto wallet Valora to expand its stablecoin services. The CFTC launched an innovation council with members including Polymarket, Kraken, and Gemini. GameStop reported a $9.4 million decrease in its Bitcoin holdings in Q3. Elon Musk hinted at a potential SpaceX IPO, while Michael Saylor argued that limiting passive Bitcoin investment would be counterproductive. A new wallet accumulated 1,200 BTC, and the crypto fear and greed index rose to 29, a one-month high. Meanwhile, the Norwegian central bank announced it sees no current need for a CBDC, citing an already efficient payment system. Paxful agreed to plead guilty to U.S. charges and will pay $7.5 million in fines. a16z Crypto opened its first office in Seoul. Analysts noted the Fed’s dovish tone, projecting 100 basis points in rate cuts next year, though internal divisions remain. Powell stated that further rate hikes are not the base case, and the focus is on whether to hold or cut rates.

marsbit12/11 05:39

Mars Morning Post | After Fed Rate Cut, US Dollar Records Worst Single-Day Performance Since September; Trump: Rate Cut Too Small, Could Have Been Doubled

marsbit12/11 05:39

Crypto Morning Brief: Fed Cuts Rates by 25 Basis Points, Yi He Promises Compensation for Users Affected by WeChat Hack

Fed cuts rates by 25 bps as expected; Binance's Yi He pledges BNB airdrop to users affected by hacked WeChat account. U.S. Senate may delay crypto market structure bill to 2026. OCC allows banks to intermediate crypto trades. Silk Road-linked wallets move $3.14M in dormant BTC. HashKey IPO heavily oversubscribed; Surf AI raises $15M. Market analysts debate crypto cycle shifts and regulatory outlook.

深潮12/11 01:35

Crypto Morning Brief: Fed Cuts Rates by 25 Basis Points, Yi He Promises Compensation for Users Affected by WeChat Hack