Core Insights - Nomura Holdings is set to launch crypto trading services for institutional clients in Japan, indicating a significant move towards digital assets in the country's largest brokerage [1] - The initiative is driven by expectations of regulatory reforms, increased trading volumes, and growing interest from domestic financial institutions, suggesting a shift towards mainstream acceptance of crypto in Japan [1] Market Momentum and Institutional Participation - Nomura's subsidiary, Laser Digital, aims to become a broker-dealer pending regulatory approval, targeting banks, financial institutions, and licensed exchanges in Japan [2] - The CEO of Laser Digital emphasized the company's readiness to leverage anticipated regulatory changes, reflecting confidence in Japan's digital asset landscape [2] Industry Trends - Other domestic players, such as Daiwa Securities, are also embracing crypto, with Daiwa offering services that allow customers to use Bitcoin and Ethereum as collateral for yen loans, indicating a gradual integration of crypto into Japan's financial system [3] - The simultaneous moves by Nomura and Daiwa highlight the adaptation of Japan's top securities firms to evolving market conditions and regulatory reviews [5] Company Developments - Nomura established Laser Digital in 2022 to create a comprehensive suite of digital asset services and secured a full crypto business license in Dubai in 2023, followed by the establishment of a Japanese subsidiary [4] - Despite these advancements, Laser Digital has faced challenges, contributing to losses in Nomura's European operations during the April–June quarter [4] Institutional Demand - A 2024 survey by Nomura and Laser Digital revealed that over half of institutional investors plan to allocate to digital assets within three years, typically in the 2–5% range of their portfolios, with ETFs, staking, and lending products identified as key entry points [6]

Core Insights - BBVA has launched 24/7 cryptocurrency trading for retail clients, becoming the first major bank in Spain to integrate Bitcoin and Ether into its mobile banking platform [1][2] - The launch is a significant application of the EU's MiCA framework, which is expected to influence other European banks that are cautious about retail crypto services [1][4] Company Developments - Customers can buy, sell, and custody Bitcoin and Ether directly through BBVA's mobile app, with trades executed using the same infrastructure as foreign exchange [2] - The integration aims to provide a familiar and regulated trading environment for users, reflecting the rising demand from everyday investors [2][3] Technological Support - The rollout is supported by SGX FX, which provides pricing, aggregation, and risk management technology, allowing banks to add crypto services without a complete system overhaul [3] Industry Implications - BBVA's early adoption may pressure other European banks to follow suit, as MiCA clarifies rules for digital assets [4] - Other banks, such as KBC and Deutsche Bank, have explored blockchain but have not yet launched 24/7 crypto trading [4] Client Advisory - BBVA Switzerland has advised wealthy clients to consider a 3%–7% allocation in cryptocurrencies [5]

Core Viewpoint - GSR is acquiring Equilibrium Capital Services to enhance its regulated presence in the U.S. cryptocurrency market, pending regulatory approval [1][4]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - GSR has signed an agreement to acquire Equilibrium Capital Services, a broker-dealer registered with the SEC and a member of FINRA [1]. - The terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed by GSR [1]. - The acquisition is part of GSR's strategy to deepen institutional ties in the U.S. [3]. Group 2: Regulatory Context - Equilibrium Capital's registration allows it to provide brokerage services under U.S. securities laws, enabling GSR to offer institutional clients a more direct route into digital assets [2]. - The acquisition aligns with ongoing regulatory developments in the U.S. regarding digital assets [4]. - GSR has engaged Compliance Exchange Group (CXG) for regulatory guidance during the acquisition process [4]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - GSR aims to serve both entrepreneurs and large investors seeking regulated access to crypto markets through this acquisition [3]. - The broker-dealer license could enable GSR to offer products that fall under securities oversight, expanding its service offerings [4]. - GSR has been building its regulated services portfolio, including partnerships and investments to enhance institutional access to digital assets [5].

Conflux Network, which claims to be the only regulatory-compliant public blockchain operator in mainland China, has been allowed to experiment with offshore yuan stablecoins as Beijing seeks to secure a position in the new global financial order, according to its founder. Conflux had received a tacit green light from Chinese authorities to explore the development of offshore yuan stablecoins, and was aiming to have up to 300 million yuan (US$42.1 million) worth of tokens issued on its blockchain by the en ...

Core Insights - Strive's acquisition of Semler Scientific for $1.3 billion represents a significant endorsement of the corporate Bitcoin treasury strategy, valuing Semler at a 210% premium to its previous closing price [1][2] - The acquisition is part of a broader strategy by Strive to accumulate Bitcoin, with plans to purchase an additional 5,816 Bitcoin for $675 million [1][2] Group 1 - The acquisition is seen as a validation of the Bitcoin treasury strategy, indicating a potential shift in corporate America's approach to cryptocurrency [2] - Vivek Ramaswamy, co-founder of Strive and a proponent of cryptocurrency, believes that companies holding Bitcoin will outperform those relying on traditional cash reserves [3] - The timing of the acquisition aligns with a 20.5% surge in Bitcoin's value this year, surpassing the S&P 500's 13.3% gain, aided by favorable regulatory developments [4] Group 2 - Semler Scientific operates a legitimate healthcare business, providing point-of-care tests, which adds a layer of cash flow diversification alongside Bitcoin exposure [4][5] - The combined entity plans to fund future Bitcoin purchases through a "preferred equity only" model, avoiding traditional debt financing methods [5] - Market reactions have been mixed, with Semler shares down over 20% from their recent high, and Strive shares falling 40%, indicating investor uncertainty regarding the aggressive expansion strategy [6]

Core Insights - Oxbridge Re Holdings Limited, a leader in digitizing reinsurance securities, will participate in TOKEN2049 Singapore on October 1-2, 2025 [1] - TOKEN2049 Singapore is a major event in the digital assets and Web3 space, attracting participants from over 160 countries, with more than 60% in senior leadership roles [2] - The event features over 1,000 side events, making it one of the largest gatherings in the blockchain and crypto industry [2] Company Overview - Oxbridge Re Holdings Limited is headquartered in the Cayman Islands and offers tokenized Real-World Assets (RWAs) as reinsurance securities and business solutions to property and casualty insurers through its subsidiaries [3] - The company’s licensed reinsurers, Oxbridge Reinsurance Limited and Oxbridge Re NS, provide property and casualty reinsurance to businesses in the Gulf Coast region of the United States [4] - SurancePlus Inc., a Web3-focused subsidiary, has developed the first "on chain" reinsurance RWA sponsored by a publicly traded company, democratizing access to reinsurance as an alternative investment [5] Leadership Perspective - Jay Madhu, Chairman and CEO of Oxbridge and SurancePlus, emphasized the importance of TOKEN2049 Singapore for engaging with leaders in the digital assets ecosystem and building new industry connections [3]

Photo by BeInCrypto Financial advisors seeking to diversify client portfolios with cryptocurrencies—without stepping away from traditional equities—may soon have a new vehicle to do so. On September 26, asset manager Cyber Hornet submitted filings to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for three crypto-linked exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Each fund is designed to blend exposure to the S&P 500 Index with Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and XRP. How The Funds Fuse S&P 500 With Ethereum, Solana, X ...

Core Insights - Regulatory easing and institutional acceptance are creating a favorable environment for cryptocurrency ETFs, with a focus on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins [1] - The GENIUS Act is a significant catalyst for the adoption of cryptocurrencies, particularly stablecoins, emphasizing consumer protection and regulatory frameworks [2][3] Group 1: Regulatory Developments - The GENIUS Act clarifies the regulatory landscape for stablecoin issuers, requiring compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering programs [3] - The act supports the notion of the U.S. as a leader in digital assets, promoting the growth of digital currencies [2] Group 2: Investment Opportunities - Stablecoins, originating on the Ethereum network, present investment opportunities through ETFs like the Invesco Galaxy Ethereum ETF (QETH), which offers regulated exposure to Ethereum's growth [4] - The performance of Ethereum is likely to positively influence Bitcoin, as both currencies tend to move in tandem [5] - A diversified cryptocurrency portfolio can be achieved by investing in both QETH and the Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (BTCO), which also provides regulated exposure to Bitcoin's price growth [6] Group 3: Fund Details - Both QETH and BTCO have an expense ratio of 25 basis points, equating to $25 for every $10,000 invested [7]

Core Insights - Coincheck Group N.V. is recognized as one of the best manufacturing stocks to buy currently [1] - The company operates a leading regulated cryptocurrency exchange in Japan, focusing on retail customers and offering products like Bitcoin and Ethereum [2] Expansion and Acquisition - In September 2025, Coincheck Group N.V. announced the acquisition of Aplo SAS, a French crypto prime brokerage, marking its entry into the European institutional market [3] - The acquisition is expected to close in October 2025 and Aplo has been recognized as "Prime Broker of the Year (EMEA)" 2025 [3] - This strategic move will enhance Coincheck's institutional offerings, including cross-margin financing and broader liquidity access [4] - Coincheck plans to leverage Aplo's platform to develop B2B2C solutions, allowing banks to offer crypto trading services to their clients [4] - The acquisition strengthens Coincheck's role as a bridge between traditional finance and digital assets, complementing its retail operations in Japan [4]

Core Insights - Asia Broadband Inc. (AABB) is making significant progress in the installation and integration of its Phase 2 production line at its new facility in Etzatlan, Mexico, aiming to enhance production capacity and extraction efficiencies [1][4] Group 1: Facility and Equipment - The new plant is designed to utilize advanced mining equipment automation to maximize processing throughput and metals extraction while minimizing production costs [2] - AABB received six containers of equipment from Mecru Heavy Industry Technology Co. Ltd., which includes various processing and thickening equipment, with additional deliveries expected soon [3] Group 2: Management and Operations - AABB's installation crews and plant management are rapidly integrating the new Phase 2 equipment, with anticipation for operational readiness to expand facility output [4] Group 3: Company Overview - Asia Broadband Inc. focuses on precious metals production and physical gold holdings, leveraging geographic expertise and industry contacts to enhance its operations in Mexico [5] - The company also has a digital assets segment, including a gold-backed cryptocurrency and NFT collections, aiming to establish a stable and trusted standard of exchange [5]