Regulatory Policy

Focuses on global regulatory developments, policy changes, and compliance requirements. It provides in-depth analysis of government regulations and their impact on the cryptocurrency and blockchain industries, helping businesses and investors proactively manage policy-related risks.

Bitcoin Drops to $91K as EU–US Tariff Tensions Trigger Crypto Crash

The European Union announced plans to retaliate against the U.S. in response to new tariffs imposed by President Trump, triggering a significant cryptocurrency market crash. Bitcoin dropped from approximately $95,000 to $91,000 in early Monday trading, erasing recent gains and leading to over $850 million in liquidations. The overall crypto market cap fell by 3%, with altcoins following Bitcoin’s decline. The market has lost over $110 billion since mid-January. Trump’s tariff announcement, which includes a 10% levy on goods from major EU countries starting February 1 and a potential increase to 25% by June 1 if a deal on Greenland is not reached, was met with threats of retaliation from the EU. The legality of the tariffs is still under review by the U.S. Supreme Court, adding to market uncertainty.

TheNewsCrypto01/19 09:36

Bitcoin Drops to $91K as EU–US Tariff Tensions Trigger Crypto Crash

TheNewsCrypto01/19 09:36

Why Must Banks Ban Stablecoin Yields?

The article explores why U.S. banks are strongly opposing interest-bearing stablecoins, despite claims that such assets could cause bank deposit outflows. It argues that funds flowing into stablecoins like USDC do not leave the banking system—instead, they are held as reserves in highly liquid assets like cash or Treasury bills, which eventually return to banks. The real concern for large banks is not the total volume of deposits, but a shift in deposit structure. U.S. megabanks rely heavily on low-cost transactional deposits (used for payments and transfers), which pay near-zero interest. These deposits allow banks to profit from the spread between the Fed funds rate and what they pay depositors, as well as from transaction fees. Interest-bearing stablecoins threaten this model. They offer similar transactional utility but also provide yield, incentivizing users to move funds out of traditional bank transactional accounts. While the money may return to the banking system, it would likely be placed in higher-yielding deposit accounts, increasing banks’ funding costs. Additionally, stablecoins could disrupt banks’ fee income from payment services. The core issue is profit redistribution: stablecoins—especially those offering yield—could reduce banks’ low-cost funding advantage and erode their transaction revenue, explaining the fierce opposition to interest-bearing models in proposed legislation like the CLARITY Act.

Odaily星球日报01/19 09:26

Odaily星球日报01/19 09:26

Crypto Rules Are Coming — And Moldova Is Following The EU

Moldova plans to introduce its first comprehensive cryptocurrency law by the end of 2026, closely mirroring the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations. The legislation will legalize crypto holding and trading but prohibit its use for everyday payments. It will require platforms to obtain licenses, enforce user protection and anti-money laundering measures, and clarify which firms can convert crypto to local currency. The government aims to reduce risks for savers while providing legal clarity for businesses. The drafting process involves multiple authorities and is seen as a cautious step toward financial openness and alignment with EU standards.

bitcoinist01/19 07:31

Crypto Rules Are Coming — And Moldova Is Following The EU

bitcoinist01/19 07:31

Fed Chair Race Takes Sudden Turn: Hassett Hints at Exit, Warsh's Odds Surge

White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett indicated that President Trump is likely to keep him in his current role, effectively removing him from contention for the next Federal Reserve Chair. This development has shifted the odds in the race to succeed current Chair Jerome Powell, with former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh now emerging as the clear favorite. Prediction markets show Warsh’s probability rising to 60%, while Hassett and Fed Governor Christopher Waller have fallen to around 15%. Another candidate, Rick Rieder of BlackRock, is also in consideration, with some supporters believing he may have a smoother path to Senate confirmation. The selection process, led by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, has gained additional complexity due to a Justice Department investigation into the Fed’s headquarters renovation. Powell has accused the DOJ of using the probe to pressure the central bank for rate cuts, raising concerns about political interference in Fed independence. Despite the controversy, Mnuchin expressed confidence that the Senate would confirm any of the four candidates under consideration. Powell’s term ends on May 15, and Trump has said he will announce his nominee this month.

marsbit01/19 05:28

Fed Chair Race Takes Sudden Turn: Hassett Hints at Exit, Warsh's Odds Surge

marsbit01/19 05:28

The United States Will Not Reject Stablecoins

The article argues that the U.S. has no fundamental reason to reject stablecoins, despite regulatory friction. The debate centers on the "passive yield" mechanism, with traditional banks fearing massive deposit outflows—potentially up to $6 trillion—from community banks into yield-bearing stablecoins like USDC, which could raise lending costs. Coinbase counters that yield is a tool for user benefit and efficiency, helping users escape near-zero bank interest rates. Stablecoin issuers like Tether and Circle have become significant buyers of U.S. Treasury bonds, holding $1700 billion in Treasuries and accounting for a small but growing share of the money supply. With foreign demand for U.S. debt declining, stablecoins help sustain Treasury markets. The piece traces the rapid evolution of on-chain yield mechanisms, from Ethena’s USDe—which surged then contracted after deleveraging events—to more mature vault-based models like those on Morpho. While on-chain yield products have advanced, real-world adoption in payments remains limited. The solution proposed is integrating yield into payment systems, making yield a default feature during transactions—not just when holding or idling—thus benefiting users, merchants, and platforms. Examples like Airwallex’s yield products and travel platform partnerships show the potential. The conclusion is that stablecoins must expand utility and user base to succeed, with the next challenge being the governance of yield vaults to prevent systemic risks.

marsbit01/19 03:37

The United States Will Not Reject Stablecoins

marsbit01/19 03:37

Google Play Drops International Crypto Exchange Apps In South Korea

Starting January 28, 2026, Google Play will prohibit downloads and updates for overseas cryptocurrency exchange and wallet apps in South Korea unless they provide proof of registration with the country’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). Developers must submit FIU acceptance evidence via the Google Play Console to maintain their app's availability. This policy shift directly links app distribution to regulatory compliance. As a result, major international crypto platforms without FIU registration will be removed from the Korean Play Store, while 27 domestic exchanges—including Upbit and Bithumb—remain compliant. Users of unregistered apps may face increased security risks and operational difficulties, as web access remains an alternative though less convenient and secure. The registration process for foreign exchanges involves establishing a local entity, implementing anti-money laundering systems, and obtaining security certifications—steps that are both costly and time-intensive. Analysts suggest this move may redirect trading volume to locally registered platforms but could also encourage risky user behavior, such as downloading apps from third-party sources or using VPNs.

bitcoinist01/18 22:02

Google Play Drops International Crypto Exchange Apps In South Korea

bitcoinist01/18 22:02

Scoop: White House Rift With Coinbase Puts Crypto Clarity Act On Shaky Ground

The White House is reportedly considering withdrawing its support for the Crypto Clarity Act due to a growing rift with Coinbase. The legislation aims to establish a clear regulatory framework for digital assets, defining oversight and operational rules for crypto companies. The dispute centers on stablecoin yield provisions and finding a compromise that satisfies both crypto firms and traditional banks, particularly community banks. Sources claim the White House was caught off guard by what it characterizes as a unilateral move by Coinbase, akin to a "rug pull," and officials have pushed back against the idea that a single company can speak for the entire industry. They emphasized the bill reflects President Trump's policy agenda. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong publicly denied the relationship has soured, stating negotiations with the administration have been constructive and that the company is actively working to find common ground with banks on yield-related issues. Despite this, the standoff places the future of the crucial legislation on shaky ground as both sides attempt to shape crypto regulation without fracturing industry support.

bitcoinist01/18 20:32

Scoop: White House Rift With Coinbase Puts Crypto Clarity Act On Shaky Ground

bitcoinist01/18 20:32

Nigerian SEC Partners With Police To Tackle Crypto Ponzi Schemes – Details

Nigerian SEC Partners With Police To Tackle Crypto Ponzi Schemes – Details The Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is intensifying its focus on the local cryptocurrency industry. It has formed an alliance with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to combat cryptocurrency fraud and other illegal operations. SEC Director-General Dr. Emomotimi Agama, meeting with the Inspector General of Police, expressed deep concern over malicious actors exploiting investors' trust through the "glamorous but misunderstood language of cryptocurrency and forex trading." He described these actions as a social menace that erodes public confidence. To close the enforcement gap, Dr. Agama proposed creating a specialized SEC-NPF team with financial and tactical intelligence to curb investment fraud. The IGP approved the collaboration. This initiative follows significant crypto scams in Nigeria, most notably the crash of the Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) in April 2025, which resulted in over $916 million in lost user funds. Alongside this new partnership, the SEC has implemented other protective measures, including revised minimum capital requirements for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) and publishing a list of identified fraudulent businesses. This regulatory push is crucial for Nigeria, a fast-growing crypto hub where approximately 22 million people hold digital assets.

bitcoinist01/18 12:01

Crypto Regulation: Nigerian SEC Raises Capital Requirement For Exchanges To N2 Billion

The Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has significantly raised the minimum capital requirements for cryptocurrency exchanges and other virtual asset service providers (VASPs). The new rules, announced on January 16, 2026, increase the capital threshold for digital asset exchanges (DAX) and custodians from N500 million to N2 billion ($1.4 million). Platforms for issuing digital assets (DAOP) must now hold N1 billion. The regulations also now cover ancillary service providers (AVASPs), who must maintain a minimum capital of N300 million. The SEC states these changes aim to boost operational resilience and market stability. All entities must comply by June 30, 2027, or face penalties. This move is part of a broader government effort to regulate the crypto industry, including new tax identification mandates.

bitcoinist01/18 06:51

Crypto Regulation: Nigerian SEC Raises Capital Requirement For Exchanges To N2 Billion

bitcoinist01/18 06:51

Prediction Markets Don't Predict Truth, They Only Reward Those Who Bet Correctly

The article challenges the core narrative surrounding prediction markets, arguing they do not discover "truth" but merely reward those who bet correctly on future outcomes. It uses two key examples to illustrate this: the profitable bet on Venezuelan President Maduro's arrest, which suggests markets can monetize insider information rather than aggregate public knowledge, and the "Zelensky suit" market, where the outcome was manipulated by large token holders, revealing a failure of governance incentives. The piece contends that as prediction markets grow, attracting Wall Street capital and handling billions in volume, they face increased regulatory scrutiny. This is not due to inaccuracy, but because their accuracy can stem from problematic sources like privileged access. The author asserts that the fundamental activity is simply betting on narratives, and that dressing it up as a superior form of truth-discovery creates unrealistic expectations and philosophical dilemmas. The conclusion is that recognizing prediction markets as high-stakes betting tools, rather than epistemological engines, would lead to healthier development, clearer regulations, and more honest design.

marsbit01/18 06:38

Prediction Markets Don't Predict Truth, They Only Reward Those Who Bet Correctly