<h2>OCC Clears Regulatory Path for Banks to Enter Crypto Services</h2>National banks and federal savings associations in the United States can now offer cryptocurrency custody and stablecoin services without requiring prior approval from regulators, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.occ.treas.gov/news-issuances/news-releases/2025/nr-occ-2025-16.html">new guidance</a> issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). The announcement, outlined in Interpretive Letter 1183, confirms that banks can engage in these activities under existing banking laws, eliminating a previous requirement to seek supervisory nonobjection before offering crypto-related services. This shift significantly lowers regulatory barriers for traditional financial institutions looking to expand into digital asset custody and stablecoin-related services.OCC Acting Comptroller Rodney E. Hood emphasized that banks must uphold rigorous risk management practices akin to those applied in conventional banking operations. He underscored that the agency expects financial institutions to maintain the same level of oversight when handling digital assets as they do with traditional banking products. The move, Hood noted, not only streamlines the process for banks to engage with crypto but also ensures consistency in regulatory treatment, regardless of the underlying technology. The decision marks a notable shift in how federal regulators approach digital asset services within the banking sector.Alongside the new guidance, the OCC has also rescinded its participation in previous joint regulatory statements that warned banks about the risks associated with crypto assets, including liquidity concerns and market volatility. This withdrawal signals a broader effort to integrate digital asset activities into the U.S. banking system within an established regulatory framework.&nbsp;By rolling back prior cautionary statements and removing additional oversight requirements, the OCC is setting the stage for banks to engage in crypto-related services without facing additional compliance hurdles beyond standard banking regulations. The latest update reflects a growing regulatory acknowledgment that digital assets are becoming an integral part of the financial landscape, with traditional banks expected to play a key role in their adoption.This article has been refined and enhanced by ChatGPT.

Robot unlocks glowing stablecoin pillars in a grand banking hall

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U.S. Banks Can Now Offer Crypto Custody Without Pre-Approval: OCC

<h2>NYSE Arca Files for Bitwise Dogecoin ETF Amid Price Drop and Market Volatility</h2>On March 3, 2025, NYSE Arca&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/markets/nyse-arca/rule-filings/filings/2025/SR-NYSEArca-2025-19.pdf">filed</a> to list the Bitwise&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/dogecoin-doge">Dogecoin</a> ETF, marking a significant step towards creating a regulated investment product for Dogecoin. The SEC is expected to make a decision by mid-October 2025, with market predictions showing a 67% to 75% likelihood of approval. The ETF aims to simplify crypto investing by partnering with&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/review/coinbase">Coinbase</a> for asset custody and Bank of New York Mellon for cash management.&nbsp;Despite this optimism, Dogecoin's price has fallen 15% to $0.19 amid broader market volatility, with trading volume decreasing by 16.80%. Alongside the Bitwise ETF, the SEC is also reviewing Grayscale’s Dogecoin Trust and other altcoin ETFs, suggesting a growing trend towards regulation in the cryptocurrency space. Approval of these products could further legitimize Dogecoin as an investment, yet market instability continues to challenge its price stability.<div class="page-break" style="page-break-after:always;">&nbsp;</div><h2>NASDAQ Files to List Grayscale Hedera (HBAR) ETF</h2>NASDAQ has filed a 19b-4 form with the SEC to list the Grayscale&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/hedera-hashgraph-hbar">Hedera</a> (<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/hedera-hashgraph-hbar">HBAR</a>) ETF, aiming to enhance crypto investment options in traditional finance. If approved, this ETF would facilitate investor access to Hedera, a blockchain network noted for its speed, security, and cost-efficiency. Grayscale, a major player in crypto asset management known for its successful&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/bitcoin-btc">Bitcoin</a> ETF, seeks to leverage the growing interest in digital assets through this new offering. The SEC will review NASDAQ's filing, a crucial step toward potential approval, and it remains uncertain whether the ETF will meet regulatory standards.&nbsp;The introduction of the HBAR ETF would simplify the process for investors, enabling them to buy and sell HBAR shares without the complexities of setting up crypto wallets or navigating exchanges. This move represents a significant development in crypto adoption within traditional financial markets, appealing to a wider range of investors.<div class="page-break" style="page-break-after:always;">&nbsp;</div><h2>Bitwise Files for Spot Aptos ETF, Targeting 36th Largest Cryptocurrency&nbsp;</h2>Bitwise has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2059135/000121390025020626/ea0232442-s1_bitwise.htm">filed</a> to list a spot&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/aptos-apt">Aptos</a> exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the US on March 5, 2025, following the registration of a related trust in Delaware on February 28. Aptos, developed by two former Facebook employees, ranks as the 36th largest cryptocurrency with a&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/glossary/market-capitalization">market capitalization</a> of $3.8 billion. The Aptos blockchain, launched in October 2022, aims to be a high-speed, low-cost alternative, although its current&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/glossary/market-capitalization">market cap</a> is significantly smaller than&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/solana-sol">Solana</a>'s.&nbsp;The proposed Aptos ETF will not feature a staking option, and Coinbase Custody is designated as its custodian, with specific stock exchange details and fees yet to be disclosed. Bitwise, which offers spot ETFs for Bitcoin and&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/ethereum-eth">Ether</a>, also plans additional filings for&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/glossary/altcoin">altcoins</a> like Solana,&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/xrp-xrp">XRP</a>, and Dogecoin. Aptos has a total value locked of $1.03 billion and has seen a 14.4% increase in value over the past 24 hours, trading at approximately $6.25.<div class="page-break" style="page-break-after:always;">&nbsp;</div><h2>Canary Capital's Axelar ETF Filing Sparks Surge in AXL Token Price</h2>Canary Capital has filed an S-1 form with the SEC for the first exchange-traded fund (ETF) tracking&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/axelar-axl">Axelar</a>’s&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/axelar-axl">AXL</a> token, leading to a 15% surge in AXL's price, reaching $0.44. This development signals potential increased demand for AXL among investors. Axelar is focused on cross-chain interoperability, facilitating seamless asset and data transfers across networks like&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/ethereum-eth">Ethereum</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/arbitrum-arb">Arbitrum</a>. The platform has garnered support from major investors, including&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/review/binance">Binance</a> and Coinbase, and achieved over $1 billion in total value locked (<a href="https://coin360.com/glossary/understanding-tvl-defi">TVL</a>), highlighting growing institutional interest.&nbsp;The successful filing of multiple altcoin ETFs by Canary Capital, including for Solana and&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/litecoin-ltc">Litecoin</a>, indicates a rising trend in crypto-based ETFs, which allow investors to engage in the crypto market without directly holding cryptocurrencies. Regulatory clarity is essential for fostering institutional adoption, according to co-founder Sergey Gorbunov, positioning Axelar favorably for future growth amidst expanding partnerships and compliance focus.<div class="page-break" style="page-break-after:always;">&nbsp;</div><h2>Canary Capital Registers 'Sui ETF' in Delaware, Signaling Potential SEC Filing</h2>A new entity titled "Canary&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/sui-sui">Sui</a> ETF" has been registered in Delaware, indicating that Canary Capital may be preparing to file an S-1 registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for a new exchange-traded fund (ETF). This registration follows Canary's recent S-1 filing for an AXL ETF and its intentions to launch additional ETFs that track cryptocurrencies such as Hedera, Litecoin, XRP, and Solana. The registration of the Sui ETF on March 6 raises questions about its legitimacy, especially given past instances of false filings, notably the "iShares XRP Trust."&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Sui Foundation announced <a href="https://coin360.com/news/trump-wlfi-crypto-expansion">plans to collaborate</a> with the World Liberty Financial crypto project, associated with former President Donald Trump. In terms of performance, Sui has outperformed its competitors, boasting a one-year gain of 79%, with its current price at $2.83 following a 5.4% increase over the past 24 hours.<div class="page-break" style="page-break-after:always;">&nbsp;</div><h2>21Shares Pushes Forward Polkadot ETF Plans with Updated SEC Filing</h2>21Shares has advanced its plans for a spot&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/polkadot-dot">Polkadot</a> ETF by submitting an updated S-1 registration statement to the SEC on March 6, following its initial application on January 31. The ETF would potentially trade on the Cboe BZX Exchange, with Coinbase as the custodian. This initiative reflects a growing trend in the crypto industry as more firms, like Grayscale, file for altcoin ETFs. However, Polkadot's performance faces challenges, having seen a 56% decline in the past year and a 2.9% drop in the last month, directly impacting the ETF's expected success.&nbsp;Regulatory uncertainties persist, particularly regarding&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/polkadot-dot">DOT</a>'s classification as a security. The upcoming Polkadot 2.0 upgrade aims to enhance scalability and adoption. With shifting SEC dynamics and increased ETF filings following the resignation of SEC Chair Gary Gensler, the landscape for crypto ETFs is evolving, potentially paving the way for broader institutional investment in digital assets.This article has been refined and enhanced by ChatGPT.

Abstract robot surfs ETF wave, gripping glowing SEC approval

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Crypto ETF Weekly: Dogecoin, Hedera, Sui, Aptos, Axelar, and More

<h2>Australia Rules Out Strategic Crypto Reserve, Focuses on Regulation Instead</h2>Australia's government has no plans to establish a strategic crypto reserve, unlike the Trump administration's recent initiative to stockpile major cryptocurrencies such as&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/xrp-xrp">XRP</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/solana-sol">Solana</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/cardano-ada">Cardano</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/ethereum-eth">Ether</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/bitcoin-btc">Bitcoin</a>. The Albanese government is currently focused on regulating digital asset platforms, emphasizing opportunities presented by blockchain technology for the economy. While recent polling indicates a potential shift in government power, with the center-right Coalition leading 51% to 49%, the crypto reserve concept is acknowledged as complex, potentially leading to concentration risk.&nbsp;Industry experts suggest that the emergence of a long-only sovereign wealth fund to hold crypto may be more feasible. Notably, Australia ranks third globally in Bitcoin and crypto ATMs, with over 1,453, up from 67 in August 2022. 2025 will see intensified regulatory focus on the cryptocurrency industry, driven by new guidance and compliance requirements from Australian authorities.<div class="page-break" style="page-break-after:always;">&nbsp;</div><h2>Belarus Explores Bitcoin Mining to Utilize Surplus Electricity, Says President Lukashenko</h2>Belarus, under President Alexander Lukashenko's directive, is&nbsp;<a href="https://belta.by/president/view/lukashenko-poruchil-razvivat-v-belarusi-majning-700004-2025/">exploring</a> Bitcoin mining to utilize its surplus electricity, as reported by state-owned news agency BeITA. Lukashenko emphasized the potential profitability of crypto mining amid increasing demand during the appointment of Energy Minister Alexei Kushnarenko. The President outlined two approaches: either leveraging state resources for direct mining or selling excess electricity to investors for their operations. This initiative aligns with a global trend of government engagement in the crypto sector, similar to Russia's regulatory actions.&nbsp;A study by the Perryman Group highlights the economic impact of mining, indicating over 31,000 jobs and $4.1 billion in annual output in the U.S. Moreover, environmentalist Daniel Batton noted that Bitcoin mining could promote sustainable energy practices by using wasted or renewable energy, framing it as a mechanism for resource optimization and waste reduction, challenging the notion of mining as merely energy-intensive.<div class="page-break" style="page-break-after:always;">&nbsp;</div><h2>Russia Plans Controlled Crypto Trading for High-Network Investors</h2>On March 5, 2025, Russia's Ministry of Finance and Central Bank announced plans to establish a controlled crypto trading framework for "super-qualified" investors, which includes individuals and corporations with over 24 million rubles ($250,000) in assets. This initiative aims to create a structured legal environment for digital asset trading, although it is still under development. Aleksey Yakovlev, from the Ministry of Finance, indicated that the project will likely be implemented through an experimental legal regime, as comprehensive crypto legislation is currently lacking.&nbsp;The authorities emphasize the importance of mitigating risks and ensuring investor protection in the integration of cryptocurrencies into the financial system. This move aligns with Russia's efforts to regulate the crypto industry; in 2024, the government enabled traditional stock exchanges to facilitate digital asset trading and established a taxation framework for cryptocurrencies, imposing rates between 13% and 15% based on income.<div class="page-break" style="page-break-after:always;">&nbsp;</div><h2>Russia Dismisses Crypto for National Wealth Fund, Citing Volatility Risks</h2>Russia’s Deputy Finance Minister, Vladimir Kolychev, has firmly rejected the idea of including cryptocurrencies in the National Wealth Fund (NWF), citing concerns over their volatility. Kolychev emphasized the need for stability in sovereign reserves, stating that assets must be easily liquidated without significant price fluctuations. As of March 1, 2025, the NWF managed 11.88 trillion rubles ($135.47 billion), with 3.394 trillion rubles ($38.7 billion) in liquid assets, constituting 1.6% of Russia's projected GDP.&nbsp;Despite some lawmakers advocating for a strategic Bitcoin reserve to enhance economic resilience amid geopolitical challenges, Kolychev clarified that he has not heard of discussions regarding a government-backed crypto reserve. He suggested any potential plans would fall under the central bank’s jurisdiction, highlighting a contrast between the finance ministry’s cautious stance and the broader Russian embrace of cryptocurrencies for navigating Western sanctions.<div class="page-break" style="page-break-after:always;">&nbsp;</div><h2>Vietnam to Launch Digital Asset Exchange Pilot in March, Fostering Crypto Regulation</h2>Vietnam is set to pilot a digital asset exchange in March, as announced by Deputy Finance Minister Nguyen Duc Chi. This initiative aims to establish a regulatory framework for digital assets, with the exchange to be managed by state-licensed units to safeguard participants' rights. Both the Ministry of Finance and the State Bank are working on regulations for digital currencies, with a government report expected this month. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's Directive No. 05 seeks to boost economic growth to at least 8% by 2025, accelerating the regulatory timeline originally planned for May.&nbsp;The Ministry of Finance is also developing regulations that enable Vietnamese enterprises to issue virtual assets, aligning them with the global trend towards cryptocurrencies. Despite the lack of regulation leading to increased instances of crypto fraud, Vietnam continues to be a significant player in the crypto space, emphasizing the need for a legal framework to enhance capital access for businesses.<div class="page-break" style="page-break-after:always;">&nbsp;</div><h2>Japan’s LDP Proposes 20% Crypto Capital Gains Tax Amid Regulatory Reforms</h2>Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is pursuing ambitious regulatory reforms for cryptocurrencies, proposing to cut capital gains tax on digital assets from its current rate to 20%. This initiative will classify cryptocurrencies as a distinct asset class, separate from traditional securities, under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. Key proposals include equal tax treatment for cryptocurrency derivatives and deferring taxes on crypto-to-crypto swaps, with taxes only applied when converting to fiat currency. These reforms reflect Japan's evolving stance on digital assets, shifting towards a more investment-friendly environment.&nbsp;The LDP is soliciting public feedback on these changes until March 31, 2025. By embracing innovation with caution, Japan aims to balance consumer protection while fostering digital asset investment, moving away from its previous cautious approach. Additionally, discussions around potential Bitcoin reserves highlight the government’s interest in remaining competitive on the global stage, despite hesitations expressed by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.<div class="page-break" style="page-break-after:always;">&nbsp;</div><h2>South Korea's Ruling Party Considers Approving Spot Crypto ETFs Amid Soaring Trading Volume</h2>On March 7, 2025, Kweon Seong-dong, leader of South Korea's ruling People Power Party, announced intentions to consider approving spot crypto-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs) following necessary revisions. During a meeting with officials and cryptocurrency exchange heads, he emphasized the importance of reviewing global trends and infrastructure before moving forward. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) has been engaged in discussions regarding Bitcoin ETF approval since late 2024 but has taken a cautious approach.&nbsp;Notably, during November 5-28, 2024, South Korean crypto exchanges reported an average daily trading volume of approximately $9.4 billion, surpassing the KOSPI's $7 billion, highlighting the significant interest in cryptocurrencies. Financial leaders warn that South Korea risks falling behind other nations in adopting crypto ETFs, underscoring the need for user protection and market development amid growing trading volumes.This article has been refined and enhanced by ChatGPT.

Robot navigates glowing tunnels of crypto laws with futuristic compass

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Global Crypto Policies Weekly Shift: Australia, Russia, Vietnam, and Japan Lead Changes

<h2>Trump Signs Executive Order to Create U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve; Bitcoin Drops</h2>On March 7, 2025, Donald Trump signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/news/trump-bitcoin-reserve-executive-order">executive order</a> establishing the U.S. Strategic&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/bitcoin-btc">Bitcoin</a> Reserve (SBR), making the U.S. government the largest sovereign Bitcoin holder with approximately 200,000&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/bitcoin-btc">BTC</a> valued at $16.92–$18 billion. The order also created the Digital Asset Stockpile (DAS) for seized&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/glossary/altcoin">altcoins</a> like&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/ethereum-eth">Ethereum</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/solana-sol">Solana</a>. Bitcoin in the reserve will not be sold, and no taxpayer funds will be used for acquisitions. Despite expectations of a bullish market, Bitcoin fell 5.7% post-announcement.&nbsp;Concurrently, Trump’s first White House Crypto Summit disappointed the community. While executives praised his regulatory stance, critics decried excessive deference and the event’s lack of substantive policy commitments. Trump briefly addressed crypto regulations, hinted at helping FIFA launch a token, and delayed favorable legislative timelines. The summit lasted just over 20 minutes, sparking backlash for its lack of depth and overt political posturing, leading Bitcoin’s price to decline further.<div class="page-break" style="page-break-after:always;">&nbsp;</div><h2>OCC Allows Banks to Offer Crypto Custody and Stablecoin Services Without Prior Approval</h2>The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has confirmed that national banks can now offer crypto custody and stablecoin services without requiring prior regulatory approval. This change, articulated in Interpretive Letter 1183, allows banks and federal savings associations to engage in these activities under existing banking regulations. The OCC mandates that banks implement robust risk management controls akin to those in traditional banking when carrying out crypto-related tasks. Acting Comptroller Rodney E. Hood emphasized the importance of maintaining strong risk management for novel banking activities.&nbsp;Furthermore, the OCC has removed prior requirements for supervisory nonobjection related to crypto activities and withdrawn earlier joint statements warning about crypto-asset risks. This regulatory update signals a significant shift towards integrating crypto activities within the federal banking system, promoting a consistent regulatory approach across various technologies while reducing the operational burdens on banks.<div class="page-break" style="page-break-after:always;">&nbsp;</div><h2>White House Backs Resolution to Overturn IRS DeFi Reporting Rule Amid Privacy Concerns</h2>The White House supports a congressional resolution, S.J. Res. 3, aimed at repealing an IRS rule that imposes significant disclosure requirements on decentralized finance (<a href="https://coin360.com/glossary/decentralised-finance">DeFi</a>) platforms. Introduced by Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Mike Carey, the rule expands the definition of "broker" to include software processing DeFi transactions, requiring detailed reporting of crypto sales and taxpayer data. This has raised privacy concerns within the crypto industry, prompting a backlash from organizations like the&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/glossary/blockchain">Blockchain</a> Association, which argue it misinterprets DeFi technology and threatens innovation.&nbsp;The White House warns that the rule, deemed a burdensome regulation issued at the end of the previous administration, stifles American innovation and raises privacy issues. With the Senate poised to vote this week on revoking this and another regulation related to digital assets, the President's advisors are prepared to support the resolution if passed.<div class="page-break" style="page-break-after:always;">&nbsp;</div><h2>SEC Drops Lawsuit Against Crypto Exchange Kraken, Signaling Regulatory Shift</h2>The SEC has agreed to drop its lawsuit against the crypto exchange&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/exchange/kraken">Kraken</a>, which was originally filed in November 2023 for alleged securities law violations, claiming Kraken operated as an unregistered online trading platform and mishandled customer funds. The agreement comes without any admission of wrongdoing, penalties, or changes to Kraken's business model. Kraken views this decision as a significant victory, stating it marks a turning point for the future of cryptocurrency in the U.S. by lifting regulatory uncertainties that hinder innovation and investment.&nbsp;The dismissal adds to a series of recent SEC actions, including the withdrawal of lawsuits against other exchanges such as&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/review/coinbase">Coinbase</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/exchange/table">Gemini</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/review/metamask">MetaMask</a>, OpenSea, Robinhood, and UniSwap. This trend suggests a potential shift in regulatory approach, highlighting a growing recognition of the need for a stable and forward-thinking framework for the evolving crypto market.<div class="page-break" style="page-break-after:always;">&nbsp;</div><h2>SEC Closes Investigation into Yuga Labs After Three Years</h2>Yuga Labs has announced that the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has concluded its investigation into the company after more than three years. The news, shared on March 3 via a post on X, is considered a significant victory for the&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/nft">NFT</a> sector and its creators. The SEC's investigation, initiated in October 2022, aimed to determine whether certain&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/glossary/non-fungible-tokens">NFTs</a> from Yuga Labs were operating like traditional stocks and thus should be classified as securities. The inquiry began under former Chairman Gary Gensler as part of a larger examination of the NFT market.<div class="page-break" style="page-break-after:always;">&nbsp;</div><h2>Texas Senate Passes SB 21, Establishing a $500 Billion Bitcoin Reserve</h2>On March 7, 2025, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 21 (SB 21), establishing the Texas Bitcoin Reserve, a significant bipartisan initiative led by Senator Charles Schwertner and supported by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. This legislation positions Texas, the 8th largest economy globally, as a leader in digital finance. The bill enables the Texas Comptroller to manage an initial reserve of at least $500 billion in Bitcoin, with potential for further investments.&nbsp;The strategic reserve, linked to President Trump's vision for U.S. cryptocurrency leadership, may discourage Bitcoin bans and encourage other nations to adopt similar reserves. The establishment of such a reserve could accelerate global adoption, legitimizing Bitcoin as a viable asset in international finance. This historic legislation signifies a milestone in integrating cryptocurrency into state finance and reflects a unifying approach in a divided political environment.This article has been refined and enhanced by ChatGPT.

Faceless robot overturns Kraken lawsuit in futuristic glass courtroom

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US Crypto Regulation Weekly Roundup: Major Legal Shifts Reshape Industry

<h2>China Asset Management Launches $107M Tokenized Money Market Fund on Ethereum</h2>On March 3, 2025, China Asset Management, one of Asia's largest fund managers, launched a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/coinbureau/status/1896203836731130332">$107 million</a> tokenized money market fund on the&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/ethereum-eth">Ethereum</a> blockchain, marking a significant development for retail investors in the Asia-Pacific region. This fund allows for digital buying and trading of shares, eliminating traditional paperwork and intermediaries, thereby enhancing transaction efficiency and accessibility. By leveraging Ethereum's robust capabilities in decentralized finance (<a href="https://coin360.com/glossary/decentralised-finance">DeFi</a>), the fund can seamlessly integrate with various DeFi applications, fostering an environment for interest-bearing tools.&nbsp;This initiative also signals increased legitimacy for blockchain-based financial products, as institutional investment interest in cryptocurrencies continues to rise. Comparatively, MicroStrategy's 13F filings illustrate this trend, with filings jumping from 196 in Q3-2020 to 1,051 by Q4-2024, underscoring growing institutional engagement in crypto investments. Overall, China AMC's fund represents a pivotal move in the evolving landscape of digital finance in Asia.<div class="page-break" style="page-break-after:always;">&nbsp;</div><h2>SBI VC Trade Launches USDC Stablecoin Service in Japan on March 12</h2>SBI VC Trade, the cryptocurrency arm of SBI Group, is set to launch its&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/usd-coin-usdc">USDC</a> stablecoin service on March 12, 2025, becoming the first licensed stablecoin provider in Japan. The firm has secured approval from the Kanto Regional Financial Bureau to operate as an “electronic payment instrument business operator,” which adds to its existing licenses for type 1 financial instruments and cryptocurrency exchange operations. Initially, the service will be in beta, available only within the SBI Group to assess business flow before a public rollout.&nbsp;The platform will allow individual and corporate clients to buy, sell, deposit, and withdraw USDC, with Shinsei Trust Bank managing security for customer deposits. Additionally, trading pairs such as&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/bitcoin-btc">BTC</a>/USDC and&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/ethereum-eth">ETH</a>/USDC will be introduced, enhancing opportunities in Japan's slow-stabilizing crypto market, which has faced regulatory hurdles. This move follows SBI VC Trade's recent launch of its digital asset lending service.<div class="page-break" style="page-break-after:always;">&nbsp;</div><h2>BankPozitif Partners with Taurus to Launch Cryptocurrency Custody Services in Turkey</h2>Turkish digital bank BankPozitif is set to launch cryptocurrency custody services in partnership with Swiss platform Taurus, marking its entry into the crypto space. The announcement was made on March 4, with services expected to roll out by June, initially supporting the top five cryptocurrencies by&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/glossary/market-capitalization">market cap</a>:&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/bitcoin-btc">Bitcoin</a> (BTC),&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/ethereum-eth">Ether</a> (ETH),&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/tether-usdt">Tether</a> USD (<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/tether-usdt">USDT</a>),&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/xrp-xrp">XRP</a> (XRP), and&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/solana-sol">Solana</a> (<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/solana-sol">SOL</a>).&nbsp;BankPozitif has received a temporary crypto custody license from the Capital Markets Board of Turkey (CMB), with its subsidiary PozitifKripto also secured a service provider license. Chairman Erkan Kork highlighted that the bank will establish internal processes and rules to facilitate this service. Taurus, already collaborating with three other Turkish banks, aims to enhance Turkey's financial sector's engagement with compliant digital asset solutions. This initiative aligns with Turkey's new crypto regulations introduced in late 2024 focusing on Anti-Money Laundering and client identification.<div class="page-break" style="page-break-after:always;">&nbsp;</div><h2>Sygnum Bank Integrates Deribit into Custody Platform for Enhanced Security and Liquidity Access</h2>Sygnum Bank, based in Switzerland, has expanded its off-exchange custody platform, Sygnum Protect, to integrate with Deribit, the world's largest crypto derivatives exchange. Launched in early 2024, Sygnum Protect allows institutional traders to securely store assets with a regulated bank while accessing Deribit’s liquidity through Fireblocks’ technology, which enables mirroring of assets held in custody. This integration addresses counterparty risk in crypto trading, heightened by recent cyber-attacks, by separating custody from exchange trading.&nbsp;Deribit CEO Luuk Strijers emphasized the added security and transparency for institutional clients trading derivatives. Additionally, Deribit plans to expand into Hong Kong, tapping into the region's ambition to be a leading virtual asset hub, especially among family offices and asset managers, following the introduction of tailored virtual asset derivatives by Hong Kong's Securities and&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/glossary/futures-contract">Futures</a> Commission for high-net-worth investors.<div class="page-break" style="page-break-after:always;">&nbsp;</div><h2>Emirates NBD Launches Crypto Trading Services via Liv App in Partnership with Aquanow</h2>Emirates NBD Bank in Dubai has launched crypto trading services through its digital subsidiary, Liv, in partnership with licensed crypto provider Aquanow. This initiative commenced on March 5, 2025, aligning with Dubai’s ambition to establish itself as a global cryptocurrency hub. Customers can buy, hold, and sell digital assets directly via the Liv X app, supplemented by custody solutions from Zodia Custody, backed by a strategic investment from Emirates NBD in late 2024.&nbsp;The move is indicative of rising mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies in the UAE, which boasts the highest crypto adoption rates in the region. Marwan Hadi, Head of Retail Banking, emphasized the bank’s commitment to innovation in response to increasing demand for digital assets. This development coincides with UAE's Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify its economy and enhance technological innovation, showcasing a proactive approach towards integrating traditional banking with cryptocurrencies.<div class="page-break" style="page-break-after:always;">&nbsp;</div><h2>Bitwise Partners with Maple Finance to Offer Institutional Clients DeFi Credit Investment Opportunities</h2>Bitwise, a cryptocurrency index fund manager, has partnered with&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/maple-mpl">Maple Finance</a> to facilitate its first DeFi allocation, providing institutional clients access to compliant onchain credit investment opportunities. This strategic alliance reflects a trend of institutional capital shifting towards structured, transparent, and yield-generating digital asset ventures.&nbsp;Maple Finance, which has approximately $620 million in total value locked, offers both over- and under-collateralized loans backed by digital assets, managing to deliver consistent risk-adjusted yields since its inception in 2021. The protocol allows clients to choose risk profiles by segregating loan pools based on asset backing. Notably, Maple launched a "Lend + Long" product aimed at institutional investors in January 2025. Bitwise, launched in 2017, manages $12 billion in client assets and serves thousands of institutional clients, recently raising $70 million to support its push for alternative crypto ETFs.This article has been refined and enhanced by ChatGPT.

Impressionist robot jumps across floating institutional finance islands

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Weekly Institutional Crypto Adoption Update: $107M Fund, DeFi, and Banking

<h2>Stablecoin Trading Restrictions Set as Binance Aligns with MiCA</h2><a href="https://coin360.com/review/binance">Binance</a> is preparing to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.binance.com/en/support/announcement/detail/bcaa1f68d6a6450099056ff694ad6c46">remove</a> nine&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/glossary/stablecoin">stablecoins</a> from its platform in the European Economic Area (EEA) by March 31, 2025, as part of its efforts to comply with the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA).&nbsp;The affected stablecoins include&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/tether-usdt">Tether</a> (<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/tether-usdt">USDT</a>),&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/dai-dai">Dai</a> (<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/dai-dai">DAI</a>), First Digital USD (<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/first-digital-usd-fdusd">FDUSD</a>),&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/trueusd-tusd">TrueUSD</a> (<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/trueusd-tusd">TUSD</a>), Pax Dollar (<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/pax-dollar-usdp">USDP</a>), Anchored Euro (<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/anchored-coins-aeur-aeur">AEUR</a>), TerraUSD (<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/terra-classic-usd-ustc">UST</a>), TerraClassicUSD (<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/terra-classic-usd-ustc">USTC</a>), and PAX Gold (<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/pax-gold-paxg">PAXG</a>). While Binance users in the region will still be able to deposit, withdraw, and hold these assets, they will no longer have access to spot trading pairs involving them.The exchange will continue offering Binance Convert, allowing users to swap these non-compliant stablecoins for MiCA-approved alternatives such as&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/usd-coin-usdc">USD Coin</a> (<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/usd-coin-usdc">USDC</a>) and Eurite (EURI). A Binance spokesperson assured that while affected stablecoins will remain available for custody and withdrawal, they will be restricted from being used in any other Binance products or services. With the March 31 deadline approaching, Binance has urged users to convert their holdings in advance to prevent potential disruptions.Regulatory scrutiny surrounding non-MiCA-compliant stablecoins remains intense. The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has mandated that by the compliance deadline, all non-compliant stablecoins must be removed from trading access, including “sell-only” modes. Juan Ignacio Ibañez, a member of the Technical Committee of the MiCA Crypto Alliance, emphasized that “no trace of USDT should remain” by the deadline. While Binance continues its MiCA licensing process, it has yet to confirm whether a full removal of these stablecoins will be necessary once approval is secured.ESMA addressed market uncertainty, clarifying that the custody and transfer of non-MiCA-compliant stablecoins&nbsp;<a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/european-securities-and-markets-authority">do not violate</a> European cryptocurrency laws. Under MiCA, these actions are not classified as “offering to the public” or “seeking admission to trading.”&nbsp;However, the regulator has advised crypto asset service providers (CASPs), including Binance, to limit their support for non-compliant assets strictly to “sell-only” functionality until the transition period ends. Despite these clarifications, concerns persist regarding USDT’s continued availability in the region, as well as broader regulatory gaps within MiCA, such as the treatment of tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) and staking.MiCA’s enforcement has sparked debate over whether certain stablecoins, including USDT, could qualify for a “grandfathering clause” that would allow an extended transition period. With Binance’s compliance strategy and ESMA’s regulatory approach under close watch, the outcome of this transition will set a critical precedent for how stablecoin issuers and exchanges navigate the evolving European regulatory landscape.This article has been refined and enhanced by ChatGPT.

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Binance to Delist Nine Stablecoins in Europe Amid MiCA Compliance

Stablecoin Trading Restrictions Set as Binance Aligns with MiCA

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