Regulatory Policy

Russia Weighs Stablecoin Shift Amid Policy Rethink

Russia's central bank is reconsidering its opposition to stablecoins, marking a potential shift in its digital asset policy. First Deputy Chairman Vladimir Chistyukhin confirmed the bank will study the feasibility of issuing a domestic stablecoin. While not an approval, this reflects a deeper strategic reassessment, influenced by global regulatory developments like the U.S. GENIUS Act and E.U. MiCA framework. A Russian stablecoin would likely be state-controlled, focusing on monetary compliance, trade settlements, and reducing dependence on Western financial infrastructure. This move could institutionalize stablecoins further, fragment the market dominated by dollar-backed alternatives, and carry geopolitical implications for digital currency competition. The initiative remains exploratory but underscores stablecoins' growing strategic role in global finance.

TheNewsCrypto02/14 12:55

‘We’ll get it done’: White House calls CLARITY Act a regulatory unlock

The White House, through Trump's digital assets advisor Patrick Witt, expresses strong commitment to passing the CLARITY Act, a crypto market structure bill, before the midterm elections. Witt acknowledges that stablecoin yield remains the key sticking point but believes regulatory clarity is crucial to unlock trillions in institutional capital waiting to enter the crypto space. A third meeting is planned for next week to broker a compromise between crypto and traditional finance industries after some progress was made in recent negotiations. While the U.S. Treasury Secretary notes the bill's positive momentum would boost market sentiment, prediction markets are skeptical, pricing only a 36% chance of passage by June.

ambcrypto02/14 11:17

US Treasury Secretary Urges Congress To Pass Crypto Market Structure Bill This Spring

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has urged Congress to pass the stalled crypto market structure bill, the CLARITY Act, this spring to provide market reassurance amid recent volatility. He noted that some industry opposition has contributed to instability and emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation to advance the legislation. Bessent warned that the opportunity could diminish if Democrats gain control of the House in November. Patrick Witt of the Crypto Council also discussed the bill's progress, highlighting that the Senate Agriculture Committee portion has passed, but the Banking Committee's section remains pending. He called for compromise to address issues like stablecoin regulations without derailing the broader bill, which includes key measures on regulatory clarity and developer protections.

bitcoinist02/14 11:02

Crypto Group Pushes Back on CLARITY Act Bank Plan

The Digital Chamber, a crypto trade association, has pushed back against proposals from major U.S. banks in the ongoing debate over the CLARITY Act. While acknowledging the banking sector's concerns about stablecoin yields potentially undermining traditional deposits, the group rejected automatic regulatory rules following a proposed two-year study. CEO Cody Carbone indicated openness to compromise, such as limiting interest-like features, but insisted on preserving incentives for transactions and innovation. Recent White House meetings between industry and banking stakeholders failed to produce an agreement, with both sides maintaining their positions. Patrick Witt of the President’s Council of Advisors warned that the narrowing legislative window before midterm elections adds urgency to reaching a compromise. The core dispute remains whether yield-paying stablecoins threaten financial stability or represent technological progress. With time running out, the fate of the CLARITY Act—which aims to provide regulatory clarity for digital assets—hangs in the balance.

TheNewsCrypto02/14 10:09

Binance’s CZ slams $1B Iran sanction allegations as ‘paid FUD’

Binance faces new allegations of compliance failures, with a Fortune report claiming the exchange processed $1 billion in transactions for sanctioned Iranian entities in 2025 and fired investigators who uncovered the activity. Founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) dismissed the report as "paid FUD" or the work of a disgruntled ex-employee, while CEO Richard Teng called it irresponsible but acknowledged compliance is an ongoing challenge. The allegations come despite Binance's 2023 plea deal with the DOJ, which included independent monitoring until 2027. Iran's crypto activity surged to $10 billion in 2025, half linked to its government, raising U.S. Treasury concerns. Despite the claims, Binance saw stable reserves and no significant outflows, with BTC holdings even increasing.

ambcrypto02/14 10:02

French Police Arrest Trio After Attempted Kidnapping of Binance Leader

On February 12, 2026, an armed group attempted to kidnap Binance's French president, David Princay, near Paris. The hooded assailants, armed and searching for him at his residence, fled upon finding him absent but stole two mobile phones. Hours later, a similar assault occurred nearby, with investigators linking both incidents via CCTV footage of the same vehicle. French police coordinated a search, leading to the arrest of all three suspects on a train to Lyon later that day. Binance co-founder Yi He confirmed Princay and his family are safe. Authorities noted a rise in real-world crimes targeting crypto executives, shifting from online hacks to physical kidnapping attempts, emphasizing the growing need for personal security in the crypto industry.

TheNewsCrypto02/14 09:38

Crypto’s Dark Side: Funds To Suspected Human Traffickers Climb 85% In 2025

bitcoinist02/14 04:02

White House Crypto Adviser Warns Time Is Running Out To Pass CLARITY Act

White House crypto adviser Patrick Witt warns that time is running out to pass the CLARITY Act, a key crypto market structure bill, as the 2026 midterm elections approach and political focus shifts. Bipartisan consensus remains elusive, with stablecoin regulation—particularly whether they should be allowed to offer yield—being a major sticking point. Banking industry leaders fear deposit outflows without clear rules. Despite delays, the administration continues to refine the proposal. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong remains optimistic, predicting legislation within months and calling for a "win-win" outcome for banks, crypto firms, and the public.

bitcoinist02/14 00:31

Goldman Sachs Reveals $152 Million Bet On XRP

Goldman Sachs disclosed a $152 million investment in XRP through Spot XRP ETFs, as revealed in a recent SEC filing. The bank holds these positions via products from issuers like Bitwise, Franklin Templeton, and Grayscale, with its largest stake being $39.8 million in the Bitwise XRP ETF. This move, alongside a $108 million investment in Solana Spot ETFs, signals a significant shift toward altcoin adoption by traditional financial institutions. The disclosure comes just before a key White House meeting on stablecoin regulation, leading some analysts to view it as strategic positioning for potential regulatory changes and a major step in institutional crypto adoption.

bitcoinist02/13 21:11

Cardano, Avalanche, Sui And IOTA Submit Joint UK Crypto Rules Response

Cardano, Avalanche, Sui, and IOTA have jointly responded to the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s crypto consultation, advocating for regulations that clearly distinguish between custodial and non-custodial crypto activities. They argue that rules should target intermediaries who control user assets—requiring disclosures, consent, and record-keeping—while exempting developers and infrastructure providers who don’t hold custody or exercise unilateral control. The submission emphasizes that staking and DeFi should be regulated uniformly, and obligations should align with actual risks. The goal is to protect consumers without stifling non-custodial, decentralized innovation, ensuring the UK remains a competitive jurisdiction for blockchain technology.

bitcoinist02/13 20:01