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.

European Central Bank Backs EU’s Plan For Centralized Crypto Firms Oversight

The European Central Bank (ECB) has endorsed the EU's proposal to centralize oversight of crypto asset service providers (CASPs) and other key financial market participants under the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). This move, supported by France and Germany, aims to harmonize regulation and boost the competitiveness of the EU's capital markets. The ECB emphasized the need for ESMA resources and a gradual transition to minimize disruption. However, the plan faces opposition from smaller EU nations and industry participants who argue it undermines national regulators' efforts and the credibility of the existing Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). Critics warn that reopening MiCA now could create legal uncertainties and delay implementation. The proposal will now undergo negotiations between EU governments and the European Parliament.

bitcoinist04/11 12:32

European Central Bank Backs EU’s Plan For Centralized Crypto Firms Oversight

bitcoinist04/11 12:32

Japan Moves Crypto Under Financial Law, Toughens Penalties For Fraud

Japan has officially shifted its regulatory approach to cryptocurrencies by approving an amendment to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (FIEA), moving crypto from the Payment Services Act to be treated as financial products, similar to stocks and bonds. This change introduces stricter rules, mandatory disclosures, explicit bans on insider trading, and enhanced investor protections. Penalties for unlicensed operators are significantly toughened, with prison terms increasing from up to three years to ten years and fines rising from ¥3 million to ¥10 million. The new law, which renames registered firms as "crypto asset trading operators," is expected to take effect in fiscal 2027 if passed in the current parliamentary session.

bitcoinist04/11 08:01

Japan Moves Crypto Under Financial Law, Toughens Penalties For Fraud

bitcoinist04/11 08:01

Hong Kong Issues First Stablecoin Licenses To HSBC, Standard Chartered JV

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued its first stablecoin licenses to The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) and Anchorpoint Financial Limited, a joint venture between Standard Chartered, Animoca Brands, and Hong Kong Telecom. This follows the implementation of Hong Kong’s Stablecoins Ordinance in August 2025, which established a licensing framework for fiat-backed cryptocurrency issuers. The HKMA received 36 applications but approved only two in this initial phase, as anticipated by Chief Executive Eddie Yue. Amid a broader downturn in digital assets, the stablecoin market has remained resilient, with its combined market cap holding near all-time highs since Q4 2025. Meanwhile, Bitcoin has declined over 42% in the same period. At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading around $72,200, up more than 8% over the past week.

bitcoinist04/11 07:02

Hong Kong Issues First Stablecoin Licenses To HSBC, Standard Chartered JV

bitcoinist04/11 07:02

All about why blockchain firms will now become part of U.S Treasury’s cybersecurity program

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has launched a new initiative through its Office of Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection (OCCIP) to include blockchain and crypto firms in a cybersecurity program. This move aims to share timely cyber threat intelligence to help these firms prevent and respond to attacks. The announcement comes amid ongoing security challenges in the crypto industry, highlighted by incidents like the 2026 Drift Protocol attack, which resulted in approximately $285 million in losses and was linked to state-backed cyber operations. The article underscores that security vulnerabilities remain a critical systemic risk in crypto, capable of triggering prolonged market downturns, as seen during the 2022 crash following the collapse of FTX. By providing early warnings and fostering coordinated risk management, the Treasury’s program seeks to strengthen institutional confidence and reduce the likelihood of future large-scale market disruptions.

ambcrypto04/10 23:02

All about why blockchain firms will now become part of U.S Treasury’s cybersecurity program

ambcrypto04/10 23:02

CFTC launches innovation task force as crypto policy push accelerates

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has established an Innovation Task Force (ITF), led by Michael J. Passalacqua, to develop regulatory approaches for emerging technologies including crypto assets, artificial intelligence, and prediction markets. This initiative aims to provide clearer rules as these sectors evolve, though the task force itself does not have rulemaking authority. The move reflects a shift from reactive oversight to proactive preparation, aligning with broader U.S. policy momentum, including legislative efforts like the CLARITY Act, to create a defined regulatory framework for digital assets and related technologies.

ambcrypto04/10 19:38

CFTC launches innovation task force as crypto policy push accelerates

ambcrypto04/10 19:38

Circle defends USDC freeze policy after Drift exploit, calls for faster legal frameworks

Circle has responded to criticism regarding its handling of illicit funds, particularly after the Drift Protocol exploit where over $270 million was drained. The company stated that it cannot freeze USDC assets without legal authorization from relevant authorities, emphasizing that freezing is a legal obligation, not a discretionary action. This follows a report alleging $420 million in compliance lapses due to delayed or absent freezes, including $230 million in USDC during the Drift incident. Circle argues that the mismatch between blockchain speed and legal processes creates structural gaps exploited by bad actors. The company calls for updated legal frameworks, such as the GENIUS and CLARITY Acts, to enable faster intervention while preserving due process and property rights.

ambcrypto04/10 15:47

Circle defends USDC freeze policy after Drift exploit, calls for faster legal frameworks

ambcrypto04/10 15:47

Trump Memecoin Event Fine Print Says He May Not Show Up — Senators Want Answers

Buried in the terms of the Official Trump memecoin website is a disclaimer stating that former President Trump "may not be able to attend" a scheduled luncheon on April 25 and that the event could be canceled for any reason. Despite this, organizers are aggressively promoting the event around his potential appearance. Three Democratic senators—Elizabeth Warren, Richard Blumenthal, and Adam Schiff—sent a letter to the event's organizer, Bill Zanker, demanding clarity on whether Trump plans to attend. They accuse organizers of using Trump's name to drive purchases of the memecoin, which generates transaction fees for Trump and his family. The situation is complicated by a scheduling conflict, as Trump had previously announced he would attend the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, DC, on the same day. This controversy raises broader questions about tying access to the president to a financial product from which he benefits.

bitcoinist04/10 15:32

Trump Memecoin Event Fine Print Says He May Not Show Up — Senators Want Answers

bitcoinist04/10 15:32

HSBC Bank and Anchorpoint Financial win Hong Kong’s first stablecoin licenses – Details

Hong Kong has issued its first stablecoin licenses to institutional, bank-backed entities HSBC Bank and Anchorpoint Financial (backed by Standard Chartered, Animoca Brands, and HKT). This marks the formal launch of the city's strict stablecoin regulatory framework, which prioritizes established players with strong compliance, capital reserves, and regulatory respect. The cautious, limited approval process may slow broader market participation and innovation in the near term but is designed to ensure user protection, risk management, and overall trust. The regime, which came into effect in August 2025, includes stringent rules on reserves, governance, and anti-money laundering controls.

ambcrypto04/10 14:02

HSBC Bank and Anchorpoint Financial win Hong Kong’s first stablecoin licenses – Details

ambcrypto04/10 14:02

SEC Chair Presses Congress On Crypto Market Structure, Wants Bill To Reach President’s Desk

SEC Chair Paul S. Atkins urged Congress to pass the CLARITY Act, which aims to establish a clear regulatory framework for crypto markets in the U.S. He emphasized the need to move away from "regulation by enforcement" and enable coordinated oversight by the SEC and CFTC. His comments follow similar calls from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who warned that the U.S. risks losing its leadership in financial innovation without such legislation. The push comes amid ongoing disputes between banks and crypto firms over provisions in the already-passed stablecoin bill (GENIUS Act), particularly regarding restrictions on interest payments for stablecoin holders. Despite bipartisan efforts, no compromise has been reached.

bitcoinist04/10 10:22

SEC Chair Presses Congress On Crypto Market Structure, Wants Bill To Reach President’s Desk

bitcoinist04/10 10:22

After Two Years and 36 Applicants Narrowed to 2! Hong Kong's First Batch of Stablecoin Licenses Issued, HSBC and Standard Chartered Successfully Break Through

Hong Kong has issued its first batch of stablecoin licenses to two institutions after a two-year regulatory process. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) granted approval to HSBC and AnchorFin Tech Limited, a joint venture involving Standard Chartered Bank, HKT, and Animoca Brands. The licensed entities are expected to launch regulated stablecoins by mid-to-late this year. The move marks a major milestone in Hong Kong’s digital asset development, following the introduction of a sandbox arrangement in March 2024 and the formal enactment of the Stablecoin Ordinance in August 2025. Initially, over 70 companies showed interest in applying, but only 36 eventually submitted applications. The HKMA emphasized a cautious and quality-focused approach to licensing. This development is seen as a key step in strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international digital asset hub. It is expected to promote the use of compliant stablecoins in areas such as cross-border payments, tokenized securities, and decentralized finance (DeFi), while ensuring user protection and risk management. The issuance of the first licenses is viewed not as an endpoint, but as the beginning of a broader expansion of Hong Kong’s stablecoin ecosystem.

Odaily星球日报04/10 09:56

After Two Years and 36 Applicants Narrowed to 2! Hong Kong's First Batch of Stablecoin Licenses Issued, HSBC and Standard Chartered Successfully Break Through