The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched a new consultation last week seeking feedback on proposals to govern how crypto firms do business in the country. The consultation focuses on how firms offering cryptoasset services should meet requirements around consumer protection, conduct standards and regulatory oversight. It forms part of the FCA’s wider crypto roadmap, which aims to align the treatment of cryptoassets more closely with traditional financial services. “These proposals continue ou ...

Core Insights - Britain is advancing towards a comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptoassets, with the FCA proposing new consumer protection rules that may limit the use of credit cards for purchasing digital assets [1][2] FCA Proposals - The FCA has initiated a consultation to prepare firms for upcoming legislation, with a regulatory "gateway" anticipated to open in September 2026 [3] - The regulator aims to foster a trustworthy, sustainable, and competitive crypto market while acknowledging that risks will persist [4] Areas Under Consultation - The FCA is seeking feedback on various proposed rules, including: - Consumer Duty application to crypto asset firms [5] - Redress and dispute resolution mechanisms [5] - Conduct of Business Standards for fairness and transparency [5] - Restrictions on using borrowed money for crypto purchases [5] - Standards for staff training and competence [5] - Senior Managers and Certification Regime [5] - Regulatory reporting requirements for supervision [5] - Safeguarding of crypto assets [5] - Retail collateral treatment open until March 12, 2026 [5] Credit Card Regulations - The U.K. has not implemented a complete ban on using credit cards for crypto purchases, but the FCA is proposing stricter rules due to concerns over consumers borrowing to invest in volatile assets [6]

Group 1 - The Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) reported that 40% of taxpayers using cryptoasset platforms are evading taxes or are at high risk of non-compliance, with significant tax recoveries amounting to $100 million over the past three years from audits [1] - The CRA has 35 auditors in its cryptoasset program, currently working on over 230 files to address tax compliance issues [1] - The CRA faces legal limitations in identifying taxpayers in the crypto space, which complicates compliance assessments [2] Group 2 - The government is particularly concerned about taxpayers using Dapper Labs to evade taxes, but the lack of clear regulations has limited accountability [3] - Dapper Labs did not fully comply with the CRA's investigation, with negotiations reducing the number of users under scrutiny from 18,000 to 2,500 [4] - New legislation is expected to be introduced by Spring 2026 to address these compliance challenges [5] Group 3 - The Minister of Finance emphasized the need for a rapid response to evolving fraud and financial crime, highlighting the government's commitment to financial security [6] - Canada's financial intelligence unit, FINTRAC, has been actively enforcing anti-money laundering laws, recently fining a crypto exchange over $19.5 million for failing to register as a foreign money services business [6]

Group 1 - The article discusses the anticipation for Ex-US equities to begin outperforming due to significant valuation differences compared to domestic equities [1] - The author has a background in the hedge fund industry, with experience as a Portfolio Manager and Domestic Equity Analyst, managing a Long/Short Equity product with gross assets exceeding 1 billion dollars [1] - The investment philosophy includes fundamental, bottoms-up value investing for long positions and catalyst-oriented short investing, complemented by technical analysis for risk management [1] Group 2 - The author expresses a beneficial long position in the shares of EDIV and DFIV through various investment vehicles [2] - The article is written independently, reflecting the author's personal opinions without external compensation [2] - There is a disclaimer regarding the lack of guarantee that past performance will predict future results, emphasizing that no specific investment advice is provided [3]

Core Insights - eToro Group Ltd. reported strong financial results for Q1 2025, highlighting an increase in net contribution and a focus on sustainable growth [1][3][4] Financial Highlights - Net contribution rose by 8% year-on-year to $217 million, up from $201 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to increased trading activity [6] - Net income (GAAP) was $60 million, a decrease from $64 million in Q1 2024, attributed to higher marketing and growth investments [6] - Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) was $80 million, down from $87 million in the prior year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 37%, compared to 43% in the previous year [6] - Funded accounts increased by 14% year-on-year to 3.58 million, driven by user acquisition and retention efforts [6] - Assets under Administration grew by 21% year-on-year to $14.8 billion, compared to $12.2 billion [6] Business Developments - eToro launched new products and services, including futures in Europe and options in the UK, expanding its range of over 130 cryptoassets [7] - The company introduced a commodities portfolio in partnership with WisdomTree and launched securities lending in Europe [7] - eToro began rolling out crypto to fiat services and partnered with local financial institutions to offer virtual bank accounts [7] - The company achieved a MiCA permit from CySec, allowing it to provide crypto services across the EU, marking a significant regulatory milestone [8] Market Positioning - eToro's CEO emphasized the importance of AI in transforming the investing landscape and the company's commitment to empowering retail investors [2] - The company aims to drive sustainable growth and profitability, creating value for shareholders [2]