Core Insights - The Federal Reserve is considering the creation of a limited-use payments account aimed at eligible banks and credit unions, which would not provide all the benefits of current master accounts [3][7] - This initiative reflects a shift in the Federal Reserve's perspective towards fintech and decentralized finance, indicating a willingness to embrace innovation rather than resist it [5][6] Group 1: Federal Reserve's Proposal - Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller introduced the concept of a "skinny" account that would limit the central bank's risk while catering to emerging financial technologies [3][5] - The account is intended for clearing and settling payment activities of eligible institutions, focusing on payments innovation [7] Group 2: Industry Reactions and Context - Fintech companies have been advocating for direct access to central bank accounts, but Waller clarified that the new account would primarily be available to financial institutions [4] - The Federal Reserve Board voted 6-1 to seek public comment on the proposed account, with one dissenting vote expressing concerns about potential misuse for illicit activities [7]

Ghana’s parliament has passed legislation legalizing the widespread use of cryptocurrencies, creating a regulatory framework for digital assets and virtual asset service providers. The move aims to formalize crypto adoption, address central bank concerns over unregulated use, and strengthen oversight of exchanges and related platforms. https://t.co/lbMuEhKUYw ...

Core Viewpoint - Hong Kong's insurance regulator is considering a new capital framework that would allow insurers to invest in cryptocurrencies while imposing stringent risk charges to mitigate market volatility and risk [1][3]. Group 1: Capital Framework Proposal - The Hong Kong Insurance Authority (IA) plans to apply a 100% risk charge to insurers' exposure to crypto assets, requiring full capital backing for any crypto holdings [3]. - The proposal aims to channel insurance capital into assets that align with government priorities, such as infrastructure projects, while limiting crypto exposure to insurers with robust balance sheets [5]. Group 2: Treatment of Stablecoins - Stablecoins will be treated differently, with risk charges linked to the fiat currency backing each token, provided they are regulated within Hong Kong [4]. - This approach indicates a clear distinction between unbacked crypto assets and stablecoins designed to maintain price stability [4]. Group 3: Regulatory Context and Future Steps - The draft framework is subject to revision and is expected to undergo public consultation between February and April, followed by legislative consideration [6]. - The initiative aligns with Hong Kong's efforts to establish itself as a regional hub for digital assets, including licensing regimes for virtual asset trading platforms and regulations for stablecoin issuers [7].

According to Bloomberg, bipartisan House lawmakers Max Miller and Steven Horsford are drafting a crypto tax framework that would exempt capital gains on regulated, dollar-pegged stablecoin transactions under $200 and allow staking and mining rewards to be taxed on a deferred basis for up to five years. The proposal would also bring digital assets under securities-related tax rules, permit eligible traders to use mark-to-market accounting, and extend wash-sale restrictions to cryptocurrencies. https://t.co/W ...

Swift is an absolute giant. They have over 11,500 institutional clients tied back to their network. And this is the dominant network where money is moving over it every single day. And this is the global rails essentially. This is one of the dominant players around our global financial systems rails.And they are innovating. They are changing the way that they are moving money. Now, I will say this, Swift basically just gave the green light to XRP and the entire space, but not in the way that most people are ...

Core Insights - BlackRock is expanding its digital asset offerings globally and is actively hiring for leadership roles in crypto [1][2] Group 1: Hiring and Job Openings - BlackRock's global head of digital assets announced multiple leadership roles are available within the digital assets team [2] - The company is seeking candidates for positions in the U.S., Singapore, England, and Ireland, focusing on crypto assets, stablecoins, and tokenization [2] - Leadership roles require over 12 years of experience, while associate roles require 3-6 years [2] Group 2: Job Details and Salary - The Managing Director role in New York offers a salary range of $270,000-$350,000 and involves leading major digital asset initiatives [3] - Current employee work requirements include at least 4 days in the office and 1 day working from home [3] Group 3: Expansion of Digital Assets - BlackRock is the largest issuer of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs and has launched the BlackRock USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund on Ethereum [1] - The company is not only expanding its digital asset offerings in the U.S. but also in Europe and Asia [3]

New York, NY, Dec. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Launchpad Cadenza Acquisition Corp I (the “Company”) announced today the closing of its initial public offering of 23,000,000 units, which includes 3,000,000 units issued pursuant to the exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option in full. The offering was priced at $10.00 per unit, resulting in gross proceeds of $230,000,000. The Company’s units began trading on December 18, 2025 on The Nasdaq Global Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) under the ticke ...

Core Insights - The People's Bank of China has raised concerns about the risks of stablecoins being used for illegal activities, prompting market speculation on the impact this may have on Hong Kong's stablecoin initiatives [1] - The Hong Kong Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, announced that as of the end of September, 36 applications for stablecoin licenses have been received from various sectors, with plans to issue some licenses early next year, prioritizing robust reserve management, price stability, and anti-money laundering measures [1] - The Hong Kong government aims to create a clear compliance pathway to protect investors and reduce ambiguities that could lead to trading conflicts, thereby addressing potential disputes [1] Regulatory Developments - The licensing framework for virtual asset trading and custody service providers is being developed in collaboration with the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, with plans to submit the regulatory framework to the Legislative Council next year [1] - The regulatory framework will cover key aspects of the virtual asset industry, striving to balance risk management and innovation [1] - The Hong Kong government is meticulously crafting policies to align with Web 3.0 and digital asset standards, ensuring investor protection, regulatory clarity, and international alignment to foster an environment that promotes innovation without compromising stability [1] Stablecoin Regulations - The Hong Kong Stablecoin Ordinance came into effect in August this year, with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority stating in October that it would review application materials and approve them according to the Stablecoin Ordinance and related regulatory requirements [2] - The initial phase of the licensing process has high entry barriers, with only a limited number of licenses expected to be issued [2]

RT BetterPaymentNetwork.BPN (@bpn_network)We aim to help digital asset holders integrate blockchain value directly into real-world business operation🙌 ...

Key Points The S&P 500 is up 15%, and Bitcoin is down 5% year to date. Not since 2014 has the S&P 500 generated positive returns while Bitcoin generated negative returns. Analysts at Standard Chartered and Bernstein expect Bitcoin to reach $150,000 in 2026, a forecast that implies 74% upside from its current price of $86,000. More institutional investors are adding Bitcoin to their portfolios due to the improving regulatory environment and the simplicity of spot Bitcoin ETFs. 10 stocks we like bette ...