BitcoinKE
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BitKE is a leading crypto and Web3 focussed media outlet in Africa publishing daily informative and investment news and content.
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‘The Days of Assuming Crypto Is Invisible to SARS Are Over,’ Cautions South African Tax SpecialistThe South African Revenue Service (SARS) has released its long-awaited Draft Guide to the Taxation of Crypto Assets offering what may be its clearest explanation yet of how existing tax laws apply to cryptocurrency transactions.
Rather than introducing a new tax regime, the draft outlines how current income tax and capital gains tax (CGT) rules apply to activities such as trading, mining, staking, donations and crypto-to-crypto transactions. The guide is open for public comment until Aug. 31, 2026.
REGULATION | South Africa Publishes Crypto Tax Guidance Draft, Clarifies Treatment Under Existing Law
According to Tertius Troost, a tax specialist at RSM South Africa, the draft’s main contribution is reducing uncertainty over how SARS is likely to assess crypto transactions. It replaces the tax authority’s brief 2018 guidance with a more comprehensive framework that gives taxpayers a clearer picture of how audits and assessments may be handled.
“The biggest value of the guide is that it reduces uncertainty,” says Troost.
“It gives taxpayers a better understanding of how SARS is likely to approach audits and assessments.”
A key issue remains whether crypto profits are taxed as ordinary income or capital gains. Troost said the distinction depends on the taxpayer’s intention rather than the asset itself.
Frequent traders seeking short-term profits are more likely to have their gains treated as ordinary income, while
investors who buy and hold crypto over the long term may qualify for capital gains treatment.
In practice, however, SARS is expected to examine factors such as
holding periods,
transaction frequency, and
overall trading patterns
before determining the appropriate tax treatment.
The draft also clarifies that several transactions commonly viewed as tax-free may trigger taxable events. Swapping one cryptocurrency for another is treated as a disposal, meaning a Bitcoin-to-Ether trade can create a tax liability even if no fiat currency changes hands. Similarly, using cryptocurrency to pay for goods or services is regarded as disposing of an asset rather than spending money.
However, the guide provides limited direction on decentralized finance (DeFi).
TAXATION | South Africa Revenue Service (SARS) Looking to Double Staff to Enforce Crypto Asset Transaction Disclosures
While SARS acknowledges the sector’s growing importance, it excludes detailed guidance on activities such as decentralized lending, staking, and other DeFi transactions leaving uncertainty in several areas. Troost said industry participants are likely to seek greater clarity during the public consultation process.
Troost also cautioned crypto investors against assuming their activities are hidden from the tax authority.
“The days of assuming crypto is invisible to SARS are over,” says Troost.
“Don’t make compliance decisions based on what SARS cannot see today.”
TAXATION | South Africa Revenue Service (SARS) Looking to Double Staff to Enforce Crypto Asset Transaction Disclosures
SARS has expanded its access to financial information through third-party reporting and international information-sharing frameworks making it increasingly difficult for taxpayers to avoid disclosure of crypto-related income and gains.
TAXATION | Don’t Make These SARS eFiling Auto-Assessment Mistakes, Including Crypto Errors
Stay tuned to BitKE on crypto taxation across Africa.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
_______________________________
‘The Days of Assuming Crypto Is Invisible to SARS Are Over,’ Cautions South African Tax Specialist
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has released its long-awaited Draft Guide to the Taxation of Crypto Assets offering what may be its clearest explanation yet of how existing tax laws apply to cryptocurrency transactions.
Rather than introducing a new tax regime, the draft outlines how current income tax and capital gains tax (CGT) rules apply to activities such as trading, mining, staking, donations and crypto-to-crypto transactions. The guide is open for public comment until Aug. 31, 2026.
REGULATION | South Africa Publishes Crypto Tax Guidance Draft, Clarifies Treatment Under Existing Law
According to Tertius Troost, a tax specialist at RSM South Africa, the draft’s main contribution is reducing uncertainty over how SARS is likely to assess crypto transactions. It replaces the tax authority’s brief 2018 guidance with a more comprehensive framework that gives taxpayers a clearer picture of how audits and assessments may be handled.
“The biggest value of the guide is that it reduces uncertainty,” says Troost.
“It gives taxpayers a better understanding of how SARS is likely to approach audits and assessments.”
A key issue remains whether crypto profits are taxed as ordinary income or capital gains. Troost said the distinction depends on the taxpayer’s intention rather than the asset itself.
Frequent traders seeking short-term profits are more likely to have their gains treated as ordinary income, while
investors who buy and hold crypto over the long term may qualify for capital gains treatment.
In practice, however, SARS is expected to examine factors such as
holding periods,
transaction frequency, and
overall trading patterns
before determining the appropriate tax treatment.
The draft also clarifies that several transactions commonly viewed as tax-free may trigger taxable events. Swapping one cryptocurrency for another is treated as a disposal, meaning a Bitcoin-to-Ether trade can create a tax liability even if no fiat currency changes hands. Similarly, using cryptocurrency to pay for goods or services is regarded as disposing of an asset rather than spending money.
However, the guide provides limited direction on decentralized finance (DeFi).
TAXATION | South Africa Revenue Service (SARS) Looking to Double Staff to Enforce Crypto Asset Transaction Disclosures
While SARS acknowledges the sector’s growing importance, it excludes detailed guidance on activities such as decentralized lending, staking, and other DeFi transactions leaving uncertainty in several areas. Troost said industry participants are likely to seek greater clarity during the public consultation process.
Troost also cautioned crypto investors against assuming their activities are hidden from the tax authority.
“The days of assuming crypto is invisible to SARS are over,” says Troost.
“Don’t make compliance decisions based on what SARS cannot see today.”
TAXATION | South Africa Revenue Service (SARS) Looking to Double Staff to Enforce Crypto Asset Transaction Disclosures
SARS has expanded its access to financial information through third-party reporting and international information-sharing frameworks making it increasingly difficult for taxpayers to avoid disclosure of crypto-related income and gains.
TAXATION | Don’t Make These SARS eFiling Auto-Assessment Mistakes, Including Crypto Errors
Stay tuned to BitKE on crypto taxation across Africa.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
_______________________________
Rather than introducing a new tax regime, the draft outlines how current income tax and capital gains tax (CGT) rules apply to activities such as trading, mining, staking, donations and crypto-to-crypto transactions. The guide is open for public comment until Aug. 31, 2026.
REGULATION | South Africa Publishes Crypto Tax Guidance Draft, Clarifies Treatment Under Existing Law
According to Tertius Troost, a tax specialist at RSM South Africa, the draft’s main contribution is reducing uncertainty over how SARS is likely to assess crypto transactions. It replaces the tax authority’s brief 2018 guidance with a more comprehensive framework that gives taxpayers a clearer picture of how audits and assessments may be handled.
“The biggest value of the guide is that it reduces uncertainty,” says Troost.
“It gives taxpayers a better understanding of how SARS is likely to approach audits and assessments.”
A key issue remains whether crypto profits are taxed as ordinary income or capital gains. Troost said the distinction depends on the taxpayer’s intention rather than the asset itself.
Frequent traders seeking short-term profits are more likely to have their gains treated as ordinary income, while
investors who buy and hold crypto over the long term may qualify for capital gains treatment.
In practice, however, SARS is expected to examine factors such as
holding periods,
transaction frequency, and
overall trading patterns
before determining the appropriate tax treatment.
The draft also clarifies that several transactions commonly viewed as tax-free may trigger taxable events. Swapping one cryptocurrency for another is treated as a disposal, meaning a Bitcoin-to-Ether trade can create a tax liability even if no fiat currency changes hands. Similarly, using cryptocurrency to pay for goods or services is regarded as disposing of an asset rather than spending money.
However, the guide provides limited direction on decentralized finance (DeFi).
TAXATION | South Africa Revenue Service (SARS) Looking to Double Staff to Enforce Crypto Asset Transaction Disclosures
While SARS acknowledges the sector’s growing importance, it excludes detailed guidance on activities such as decentralized lending, staking, and other DeFi transactions leaving uncertainty in several areas. Troost said industry participants are likely to seek greater clarity during the public consultation process.
Troost also cautioned crypto investors against assuming their activities are hidden from the tax authority.
“The days of assuming crypto is invisible to SARS are over,” says Troost.
“Don’t make compliance decisions based on what SARS cannot see today.”
TAXATION | South Africa Revenue Service (SARS) Looking to Double Staff to Enforce Crypto Asset Transaction Disclosures
SARS has expanded its access to financial information through third-party reporting and international information-sharing frameworks making it increasingly difficult for taxpayers to avoid disclosure of crypto-related income and gains.
TAXATION | Don’t Make These SARS eFiling Auto-Assessment Mistakes, Including Crypto Errors
Stay tuned to BitKE on crypto taxation across Africa.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
_______________________________
22
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REGULATION | UK Crypto Wallet Identification Rules Raise Compliance and Enforcement Risks for UsersNew UK rules linking wallet identification failures to criminal liability are a reminder that crypto users can no longer assume blockchain transactions exist in a legal gray area.
A recent legal change means UK-linked crypto firms must be able to demonstrate not only who they transacted with but also when they became aware that a wallet may have been linked to a sanctioned or designated organization. In some cases, knowingly receiving or retaining funds connected to such entities could carry prison sentences of up to 14 years.
While the rules primarily target crypto businesses, they also increase the importance of due diligence for individual traders, investors and companies that move digital assets across exchanges and self-custody wallets.
For legitimate crypto users, the biggest precaution is to know the source of incoming funds.
CASE STUDY | This UK Sanction Signals Early Separation of Legal and Illicit Crypto Ecosystems
Accepting payments from unknown wallets, OTC counterparties, or decentralized protocols that have been flagged for sanctions or illicit activity could expose users to account freezes, enhanced compliance reviews or law enforcement scrutiny even if they were not involved in the underlying crime. The legal standard in some circumstances extends beyond actual knowledge to what a person “ought reasonably to have known,” making record-keeping increasingly important.
Users should also retain transaction records, including exchange receipts, invoices, chat logs and the business purpose behind transfers. These records can help establish the legitimate origin of funds if an exchange, bank, or regulator later requests an explanation.
Another precaution is to avoid acting as an intermediary for third parties.
CASE STUDY | This Latest Indictment Action Sets a Precedent on How Prosecutors Treat Crypto Investment Scams
Receiving crypto on behalf of friends, businesses or online contacts without understanding where the assets originated can make it difficult to demonstrate that funds were obtained legitimately, particularly as blockchain analytics firms increasingly reconstruct transaction histories across multiple wallets.
Businesses accepting crypto payments should implement basic wallet screening and sanctions checks before settling high-value transactions. Many regulated exchanges already perform these checks automatically, but firms using self-custody wallets or decentralized payment flows may need additional compliance procedures as regulators increasingly expect companies to identify high-risk counterparties.
The UK’s latest measures also reinforce a broader global trend.
Regulators are shifting their focus from simply tracing blockchain transactions to proving what crypto firms knew, when they knew it, and whether they acted promptly after identifying suspicious wallets. That places greater emphasis on compliance systems, transaction monitoring, and documentation rather than blockchain analysis alone.
REGULATION | U.S. Court Dismisses Lawsuit Seeking Regulatory Protections for Non-Custodial Software Solutions
Stay tuned to BitKE on crypto regulation and enforcement globally.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
_____________________________
REGULATION | UK Crypto Wallet Identification Rules Raise Compliance and Enforcement Risks for Users
New UK rules linking wallet identification failures to criminal liability are a reminder that crypto users can no longer assume blockchain transactions exist in a legal gray area.
A recent legal change means UK-linked crypto firms must be able to demonstrate not only who they transacted with but also when they became aware that a wallet may have been linked to a sanctioned or designated organization. In some cases, knowingly receiving or retaining funds connected to such entities could carry prison sentences of up to 14 years.
While the rules primarily target crypto businesses, they also increase the importance of due diligence for individual traders, investors and companies that move digital assets across exchanges and self-custody wallets.
For legitimate crypto users, the biggest precaution is to know the source of incoming funds.
CASE STUDY | This UK Sanction Signals Early Separation of Legal and Illicit Crypto Ecosystems
Accepting payments from unknown wallets, OTC counterparties, or decentralized protocols that have been flagged for sanctions or illicit activity could expose users to account freezes, enhanced compliance reviews or law enforcement scrutiny even if they were not involved in the underlying crime. The legal standard in some circumstances extends beyond actual knowledge to what a person “ought reasonably to have known,” making record-keeping increasingly important.
Users should also retain transaction records, including exchange receipts, invoices, chat logs and the business purpose behind transfers. These records can help establish the legitimate origin of funds if an exchange, bank, or regulator later requests an explanation.
Another precaution is to avoid acting as an intermediary for third parties.
CASE STUDY | This Latest Indictment Action Sets a Precedent on How Prosecutors Treat Crypto Investment Scams
Receiving crypto on behalf of friends, businesses or online contacts without understanding where the assets originated can make it difficult to demonstrate that funds were obtained legitimately, particularly as blockchain analytics firms increasingly reconstruct transaction histories across multiple wallets.
Businesses accepting crypto payments should implement basic wallet screening and sanctions checks before settling high-value transactions. Many regulated exchanges already perform these checks automatically, but firms using self-custody wallets or decentralized payment flows may need additional compliance procedures as regulators increasingly expect companies to identify high-risk counterparties.
The UK’s latest measures also reinforce a broader global trend.
Regulators are shifting their focus from simply tracing blockchain transactions to proving what crypto firms knew, when they knew it, and whether they acted promptly after identifying suspicious wallets. That places greater emphasis on compliance systems, transaction monitoring, and documentation rather than blockchain analysis alone.
REGULATION | U.S. Court Dismisses Lawsuit Seeking Regulatory Protections for Non-Custodial Software Solutions
Stay tuned to BitKE on crypto regulation and enforcement globally.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
_____________________________
A recent legal change means UK-linked crypto firms must be able to demonstrate not only who they transacted with but also when they became aware that a wallet may have been linked to a sanctioned or designated organization. In some cases, knowingly receiving or retaining funds connected to such entities could carry prison sentences of up to 14 years.
While the rules primarily target crypto businesses, they also increase the importance of due diligence for individual traders, investors and companies that move digital assets across exchanges and self-custody wallets.
For legitimate crypto users, the biggest precaution is to know the source of incoming funds.
CASE STUDY | This UK Sanction Signals Early Separation of Legal and Illicit Crypto Ecosystems
Accepting payments from unknown wallets, OTC counterparties, or decentralized protocols that have been flagged for sanctions or illicit activity could expose users to account freezes, enhanced compliance reviews or law enforcement scrutiny even if they were not involved in the underlying crime. The legal standard in some circumstances extends beyond actual knowledge to what a person “ought reasonably to have known,” making record-keeping increasingly important.
Users should also retain transaction records, including exchange receipts, invoices, chat logs and the business purpose behind transfers. These records can help establish the legitimate origin of funds if an exchange, bank, or regulator later requests an explanation.
Another precaution is to avoid acting as an intermediary for third parties.
CASE STUDY | This Latest Indictment Action Sets a Precedent on How Prosecutors Treat Crypto Investment Scams
Receiving crypto on behalf of friends, businesses or online contacts without understanding where the assets originated can make it difficult to demonstrate that funds were obtained legitimately, particularly as blockchain analytics firms increasingly reconstruct transaction histories across multiple wallets.
Businesses accepting crypto payments should implement basic wallet screening and sanctions checks before settling high-value transactions. Many regulated exchanges already perform these checks automatically, but firms using self-custody wallets or decentralized payment flows may need additional compliance procedures as regulators increasingly expect companies to identify high-risk counterparties.
The UK’s latest measures also reinforce a broader global trend.
Regulators are shifting their focus from simply tracing blockchain transactions to proving what crypto firms knew, when they knew it, and whether they acted promptly after identifying suspicious wallets. That places greater emphasis on compliance systems, transaction monitoring, and documentation rather than blockchain analysis alone.
REGULATION | U.S. Court Dismisses Lawsuit Seeking Regulatory Protections for Non-Custodial Software Solutions
Stay tuned to BitKE on crypto regulation and enforcement globally.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
_____________________________
20
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Article
CBDC | Bank of Korea to Expand CBDC Pilot Rollout in Q3 2026 By Testing Deposit Tokens PaymentsThe Bank of Korea (BOK) is preparing to launch the second phase of its central bank digital currency (CBDC) pilot as early as September 2026, expanding real-world testing of blockchain-based deposit tokens as it pushes toward commercialization.
The next stage of Project Hangang, the BOK’s wholesale CBDC initiative, will move beyond limited trials to an open-ended pilot designed to test deposit tokens in everyday payments. The rollout comes as legislative discussions on a Won-denominated stablecoin framework remain stalled, prompting the central bank to accelerate work on deposit token infrastructure.
STABLECOINS | South Korea Accelerating Efforts for Local Currency Alternatives to Counter Dollar-Pegged Stablecoin Dominance
Under the project, the Bank of Korea issues a wholesale CBDC while participating commercial banks create deposit tokens backed by the digital currency for use by consumers in retail payments.
The first phase, conducted between April and June 2025, involved more than 81,000 digital wallet users and processed nearly 115,000 transactions.
The second phase expands participation from seven to nine banks, adding Kyongnam Bank and iM Bank. It will introduce:
peer-to-peer transfers,
biometric authentication,
automatic deposits and withdrawals,
simplified onboarding, and
a broader network of merchants
through partnerships established by participating banks.
STABLECOINS | South Korea’s Largest Bank Successfully Completes Local Stablecoin Pilot
As part of Phase 2 of Project Han River, an attempt is also being made to execute government subsidies using deposit tokens. The government fund pilot project being pursued this time also includes a project to pay public sector business expenses using deposit tokens. It appears that a pilot ministry for this project will be selected within the year following consultations with the Ministry of Finance and Economy.
“The Bank of Korea will provide the infrastructure for the institutional CBDC, and each bank will conduct its own business using deposit tokens,” said a Bank of Korea official.
“From the second phase, we will lay the groundwork for commercialization.”
Unlike the first phase, the new pilot will run indefinitely.
The Bank of Korea also plans to test the use of deposit tokens for government payments beginning with subsidies for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Public-sector expense reimbursements are also being considered while South Korea’s finance ministry separately plans to launch a tokenized government bond pilot linked to the BOK’s wholesale CBDC next year.
CBDC | European Central Bank Selects 36 Payment Providers for Digital Euro Pilot Ahead of 2027 Trial
Stay tuned to BitKE on CBDC developments globally.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
____________________________
CBDC | Bank of Korea to Expand CBDC Pilot Rollout in Q3 2026 By Testing Deposit Tokens Payments
The Bank of Korea (BOK) is preparing to launch the second phase of its central bank digital currency (CBDC) pilot as early as September 2026, expanding real-world testing of blockchain-based deposit tokens as it pushes toward commercialization.
The next stage of Project Hangang, the BOK’s wholesale CBDC initiative, will move beyond limited trials to an open-ended pilot designed to test deposit tokens in everyday payments. The rollout comes as legislative discussions on a Won-denominated stablecoin framework remain stalled, prompting the central bank to accelerate work on deposit token infrastructure.
STABLECOINS | South Korea Accelerating Efforts for Local Currency Alternatives to Counter Dollar-Pegged Stablecoin Dominance
Under the project, the Bank of Korea issues a wholesale CBDC while participating commercial banks create deposit tokens backed by the digital currency for use by consumers in retail payments.
The first phase, conducted between April and June 2025, involved more than 81,000 digital wallet users and processed nearly 115,000 transactions.
The second phase expands participation from seven to nine banks, adding Kyongnam Bank and iM Bank. It will introduce:
peer-to-peer transfers,
biometric authentication,
automatic deposits and withdrawals,
simplified onboarding, and
a broader network of merchants
through partnerships established by participating banks.
STABLECOINS | South Korea’s Largest Bank Successfully Completes Local Stablecoin Pilot
As part of Phase 2 of Project Han River, an attempt is also being made to execute government subsidies using deposit tokens. The government fund pilot project being pursued this time also includes a project to pay public sector business expenses using deposit tokens. It appears that a pilot ministry for this project will be selected within the year following consultations with the Ministry of Finance and Economy.
“The Bank of Korea will provide the infrastructure for the institutional CBDC, and each bank will conduct its own business using deposit tokens,” said a Bank of Korea official.
“From the second phase, we will lay the groundwork for commercialization.”
Unlike the first phase, the new pilot will run indefinitely.
The Bank of Korea also plans to test the use of deposit tokens for government payments beginning with subsidies for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Public-sector expense reimbursements are also being considered while South Korea’s finance ministry separately plans to launch a tokenized government bond pilot linked to the BOK’s wholesale CBDC next year.
CBDC | European Central Bank Selects 36 Payment Providers for Digital Euro Pilot Ahead of 2027 Trial
Stay tuned to BitKE on CBDC developments globally.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
____________________________
The next stage of Project Hangang, the BOK’s wholesale CBDC initiative, will move beyond limited trials to an open-ended pilot designed to test deposit tokens in everyday payments. The rollout comes as legislative discussions on a Won-denominated stablecoin framework remain stalled, prompting the central bank to accelerate work on deposit token infrastructure.
STABLECOINS | South Korea Accelerating Efforts for Local Currency Alternatives to Counter Dollar-Pegged Stablecoin Dominance
Under the project, the Bank of Korea issues a wholesale CBDC while participating commercial banks create deposit tokens backed by the digital currency for use by consumers in retail payments.
The first phase, conducted between April and June 2025, involved more than 81,000 digital wallet users and processed nearly 115,000 transactions.
The second phase expands participation from seven to nine banks, adding Kyongnam Bank and iM Bank. It will introduce:
peer-to-peer transfers,
biometric authentication,
automatic deposits and withdrawals,
simplified onboarding, and
a broader network of merchants
through partnerships established by participating banks.
STABLECOINS | South Korea’s Largest Bank Successfully Completes Local Stablecoin Pilot
As part of Phase 2 of Project Han River, an attempt is also being made to execute government subsidies using deposit tokens. The government fund pilot project being pursued this time also includes a project to pay public sector business expenses using deposit tokens. It appears that a pilot ministry for this project will be selected within the year following consultations with the Ministry of Finance and Economy.
“The Bank of Korea will provide the infrastructure for the institutional CBDC, and each bank will conduct its own business using deposit tokens,” said a Bank of Korea official.
“From the second phase, we will lay the groundwork for commercialization.”
Unlike the first phase, the new pilot will run indefinitely.
The Bank of Korea also plans to test the use of deposit tokens for government payments beginning with subsidies for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Public-sector expense reimbursements are also being considered while South Korea’s finance ministry separately plans to launch a tokenized government bond pilot linked to the BOK’s wholesale CBDC next year.
CBDC | European Central Bank Selects 36 Payment Providers for Digital Euro Pilot Ahead of 2027 Trial
Stay tuned to BitKE on CBDC developments globally.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
____________________________
48
·
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TAXATION | Don’t Make These SARS EFiling Auto-Assessment Mistakes, Including Crypto ErrorsMillions of South Africans are reviewing their South African Revenue Service (SARS) tax assessments as the 2026 filing season continues with taxpayers urged not to rush through their returns or assume pre-populated information is always accurate.
While SARS auto-assessments have simplified the filing process for millions, accepting an assessment without checking the details could result in delayed refunds, penalties, additional tax liabilities, or verification requests.
One of the biggest mistakes taxpayers make is accepting an auto-assessment without verifying that all the information is correct.
REGULATION | The South Africa Revenue Service (SARS) Begins Issuing Tax Notices to Crypto Traders
Although SARS receives data from employers, banks, medical schemes, and other third parties, some information may still be missing or inaccurate. Taxpayers should compare their assessment against documents such as IRP5s, medical aid tax certificates, retirement annuity certificates, and investment statements before accepting it.
Another common error is failing to declare all sources of income.
TAXATION | South Africa Revenue Service (SARS) Widens Tax Compliance to Include Influencers Paid in Cash and Non-Cash
While SARS receives extensive third-party data, additional earnings from freelance work, rental properties, consulting, side businesses or certain foreign income may still need to be disclosed. Taxpayers who sold property, shares, unit trusts or cryptocurrencies during the tax year should also ensure any applicable capital gains or taxable crypto income is correctly reflected.
You Should Declare If You were in Any Way Paid in Crypto, Says South Africa Revenue Service (SARS)
Taxpayers are also warned against claiming deductions they do not qualify for.
Home office expenses remain one of the most misunderstood deductions, with SARS requiring a dedicated workspace used exclusively and regularly for work. Travel deductions require an accurate logbook, while personal expenses cannot be claimed as business costs.
At the same time, some taxpayers fail to claim legitimate deductions or credits, including retirement annuity contributions, qualifying medical expenses not covered by medical schemes and donations to approved public benefit organisations.
Administrative errors continue to delay tax processing.
These include
incorrect banking details,
outdated contact information,
incomplete or illegible supporting documents, or
submitting certificates from the wrong tax year.
Taxpayers should also respond promptly to any SARS requests for verification or supporting documents to avoid delays, estimated assessments, or administrative penalties.
TAXATION | South Africa Revenue Service (SARS) Looking to Double Staff to Enforce Crypto Asset Transaction Disclosures
Leaving submissions until the final days before the filing deadline is another common mistake as it leaves little time to correct errors, respond to SARS queries, or obtain missing documentation.
To avoid unnecessary complications, taxpayers should carefully review every auto-assessment before accepting it, declare all income, ensure deductions are supported by documentation, verify banking and personal details, respond promptly to SARS requests, and retain supporting tax records for at least five years in case they are required for verification.
With filing season now under way for taxpayers who need to submit or amend their returns, taking a few extra minutes to review the information before filing could help avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary delays.
REGULATION | South African Revenue Service (SARS) to Pursue South Africans Not Declaring Crypto Asset Trades
Stay tuned to BitKE on crypto developments across Africa.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
_______________________________
TAXATION | Don’t Make These SARS EFiling Auto-Assessment Mistakes, Including Crypto Errors
Millions of South Africans are reviewing their South African Revenue Service (SARS) tax assessments as the 2026 filing season continues with taxpayers urged not to rush through their returns or assume pre-populated information is always accurate.
While SARS auto-assessments have simplified the filing process for millions, accepting an assessment without checking the details could result in delayed refunds, penalties, additional tax liabilities, or verification requests.
One of the biggest mistakes taxpayers make is accepting an auto-assessment without verifying that all the information is correct.
REGULATION | The South Africa Revenue Service (SARS) Begins Issuing Tax Notices to Crypto Traders
Although SARS receives data from employers, banks, medical schemes, and other third parties, some information may still be missing or inaccurate. Taxpayers should compare their assessment against documents such as IRP5s, medical aid tax certificates, retirement annuity certificates, and investment statements before accepting it.
Another common error is failing to declare all sources of income.
TAXATION | South Africa Revenue Service (SARS) Widens Tax Compliance to Include Influencers Paid in Cash and Non-Cash
While SARS receives extensive third-party data, additional earnings from freelance work, rental properties, consulting, side businesses or certain foreign income may still need to be disclosed. Taxpayers who sold property, shares, unit trusts or cryptocurrencies during the tax year should also ensure any applicable capital gains or taxable crypto income is correctly reflected.
You Should Declare If You were in Any Way Paid in Crypto, Says South Africa Revenue Service (SARS)
Taxpayers are also warned against claiming deductions they do not qualify for.
Home office expenses remain one of the most misunderstood deductions, with SARS requiring a dedicated workspace used exclusively and regularly for work. Travel deductions require an accurate logbook, while personal expenses cannot be claimed as business costs.
At the same time, some taxpayers fail to claim legitimate deductions or credits, including retirement annuity contributions, qualifying medical expenses not covered by medical schemes and donations to approved public benefit organisations.
Administrative errors continue to delay tax processing.
These include
incorrect banking details,
outdated contact information,
incomplete or illegible supporting documents, or
submitting certificates from the wrong tax year.
Taxpayers should also respond promptly to any SARS requests for verification or supporting documents to avoid delays, estimated assessments, or administrative penalties.
TAXATION | South Africa Revenue Service (SARS) Looking to Double Staff to Enforce Crypto Asset Transaction Disclosures
Leaving submissions until the final days before the filing deadline is another common mistake as it leaves little time to correct errors, respond to SARS queries, or obtain missing documentation.
To avoid unnecessary complications, taxpayers should carefully review every auto-assessment before accepting it, declare all income, ensure deductions are supported by documentation, verify banking and personal details, respond promptly to SARS requests, and retain supporting tax records for at least five years in case they are required for verification.
With filing season now under way for taxpayers who need to submit or amend their returns, taking a few extra minutes to review the information before filing could help avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary delays.
REGULATION | South African Revenue Service (SARS) to Pursue South Africans Not Declaring Crypto Asset Trades
Stay tuned to BitKE on crypto developments across Africa.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
_______________________________
While SARS auto-assessments have simplified the filing process for millions, accepting an assessment without checking the details could result in delayed refunds, penalties, additional tax liabilities, or verification requests.
One of the biggest mistakes taxpayers make is accepting an auto-assessment without verifying that all the information is correct.
REGULATION | The South Africa Revenue Service (SARS) Begins Issuing Tax Notices to Crypto Traders
Although SARS receives data from employers, banks, medical schemes, and other third parties, some information may still be missing or inaccurate. Taxpayers should compare their assessment against documents such as IRP5s, medical aid tax certificates, retirement annuity certificates, and investment statements before accepting it.
Another common error is failing to declare all sources of income.
TAXATION | South Africa Revenue Service (SARS) Widens Tax Compliance to Include Influencers Paid in Cash and Non-Cash
While SARS receives extensive third-party data, additional earnings from freelance work, rental properties, consulting, side businesses or certain foreign income may still need to be disclosed. Taxpayers who sold property, shares, unit trusts or cryptocurrencies during the tax year should also ensure any applicable capital gains or taxable crypto income is correctly reflected.
You Should Declare If You were in Any Way Paid in Crypto, Says South Africa Revenue Service (SARS)
Taxpayers are also warned against claiming deductions they do not qualify for.
Home office expenses remain one of the most misunderstood deductions, with SARS requiring a dedicated workspace used exclusively and regularly for work. Travel deductions require an accurate logbook, while personal expenses cannot be claimed as business costs.
At the same time, some taxpayers fail to claim legitimate deductions or credits, including retirement annuity contributions, qualifying medical expenses not covered by medical schemes and donations to approved public benefit organisations.
Administrative errors continue to delay tax processing.
These include
incorrect banking details,
outdated contact information,
incomplete or illegible supporting documents, or
submitting certificates from the wrong tax year.
Taxpayers should also respond promptly to any SARS requests for verification or supporting documents to avoid delays, estimated assessments, or administrative penalties.
TAXATION | South Africa Revenue Service (SARS) Looking to Double Staff to Enforce Crypto Asset Transaction Disclosures
Leaving submissions until the final days before the filing deadline is another common mistake as it leaves little time to correct errors, respond to SARS queries, or obtain missing documentation.
To avoid unnecessary complications, taxpayers should carefully review every auto-assessment before accepting it, declare all income, ensure deductions are supported by documentation, verify banking and personal details, respond promptly to SARS requests, and retain supporting tax records for at least five years in case they are required for verification.
With filing season now under way for taxpayers who need to submit or amend their returns, taking a few extra minutes to review the information before filing could help avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary delays.
REGULATION | South African Revenue Service (SARS) to Pursue South Africans Not Declaring Crypto Asset Trades
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Article
DeFi | AllBridge Urges Liquidity Providers to Withdraw Pool Funds in Latest Bridge ExploitCross-chain bridge protocol, AllBridge, has suspended its Core bridge after attackers exploited a vulnerability that drained about $1.65 million marking the latest security breach to hit blockchain interoperability infrastructure in 2026.
The protocol said it paused Allbridge Core and urged liquidity providers to withdraw funds while it investigates the incident. Blockchain security firm, CertiK, said the attacker used a flash-loan attack to manipulate liquidity pool ratios before stealing funds and bridging the assets to Ethereum.
The exploit adds to a string of attacks targeting cross-chain bridges, one of decentralized finance’s most vulnerable pieces of infrastructure.
LATEST |@gravity_bridge, a decentralized blockchain facilitating cross-chain transfers between Ethereum and Cosmos, has reportedly been drained of ~$5.4 million prompting validators to halt the bridge.
A portion of the funds were reportedly laundered through @ChangeNOW_io and… pic.twitter.com/MHdhjc04ur
— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) May 31, 2026
Security researchers estimate bridge exploits have accounted for roughly $328.6 million in losses across eight major incidents so far in 2026 underscoring the persistent security risks facing protocols that move assets between blockchains.
DeFi | Nigeria’s Polkadot Project, HyperBridge, Compromised, Minting ~$2 Billion in Tokens, Loosing ~ $2.5 Million (Updated)
Cross-chain bridges have historically been among crypto’s biggest attack targets because they hold large pools of locked assets while relying on complex mechanisms to verify transactions across multiple blockchains.
2025 was an especially bad year for crypto hacks overall. Security firms reported around $2.5 billion lost due to hacks, scams, and exploits during the first half of 2025 alone.
In early 2025, bridges were used extensively not just as targets but as laundering channels for stolen assets.
Major exploits in recent years, including
Ronin Bridge (March 2022) – over $625 million stolen
Nomad Bridge (August 2022) – ~$190 million
Wormhole Exploit – ~$325 million
collectively resulted in more than $1 billion in losses prompting the industry to invest heavily in bridge security.
Researchers estimate that since 2021, attacks on bridges alone have cost users and protocols over $3 billion in assets, a figure reinforced by academic analyses.
These vulnerabilities, especially private key management and smart contract bugs, explain why hackers repeatedly target bridge logic and why stolen funds can move through bridges faster than they can be traced or stopped.
REPORT | Crypto Exploit Losses at ~$70 Million in May 2026 as Bridge Attacks Remain Key Risk
Stay tuned to BitKE for the latest crypto updates.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
________________________
DeFi | AllBridge Urges Liquidity Providers to Withdraw Pool Funds in Latest Bridge Exploit
Cross-chain bridge protocol, AllBridge, has suspended its Core bridge after attackers exploited a vulnerability that drained about $1.65 million marking the latest security breach to hit blockchain interoperability infrastructure in 2026.
The protocol said it paused Allbridge Core and urged liquidity providers to withdraw funds while it investigates the incident. Blockchain security firm, CertiK, said the attacker used a flash-loan attack to manipulate liquidity pool ratios before stealing funds and bridging the assets to Ethereum.
The exploit adds to a string of attacks targeting cross-chain bridges, one of decentralized finance’s most vulnerable pieces of infrastructure.
LATEST |@gravity_bridge, a decentralized blockchain facilitating cross-chain transfers between Ethereum and Cosmos, has reportedly been drained of ~$5.4 million prompting validators to halt the bridge.
A portion of the funds were reportedly laundered through @ChangeNOW_io and… pic.twitter.com/MHdhjc04ur
— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) May 31, 2026
Security researchers estimate bridge exploits have accounted for roughly $328.6 million in losses across eight major incidents so far in 2026 underscoring the persistent security risks facing protocols that move assets between blockchains.
DeFi | Nigeria’s Polkadot Project, HyperBridge, Compromised, Minting ~$2 Billion in Tokens, Loosing ~ $2.5 Million (Updated)
Cross-chain bridges have historically been among crypto’s biggest attack targets because they hold large pools of locked assets while relying on complex mechanisms to verify transactions across multiple blockchains.
2025 was an especially bad year for crypto hacks overall. Security firms reported around $2.5 billion lost due to hacks, scams, and exploits during the first half of 2025 alone.
In early 2025, bridges were used extensively not just as targets but as laundering channels for stolen assets.
Major exploits in recent years, including
Ronin Bridge (March 2022) – over $625 million stolen
Nomad Bridge (August 2022) – ~$190 million
Wormhole Exploit – ~$325 million
collectively resulted in more than $1 billion in losses prompting the industry to invest heavily in bridge security.
Researchers estimate that since 2021, attacks on bridges alone have cost users and protocols over $3 billion in assets, a figure reinforced by academic analyses.
These vulnerabilities, especially private key management and smart contract bugs, explain why hackers repeatedly target bridge logic and why stolen funds can move through bridges faster than they can be traced or stopped.
REPORT | Crypto Exploit Losses at ~$70 Million in May 2026 as Bridge Attacks Remain Key Risk
Stay tuned to BitKE for the latest crypto updates.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
________________________
The protocol said it paused Allbridge Core and urged liquidity providers to withdraw funds while it investigates the incident. Blockchain security firm, CertiK, said the attacker used a flash-loan attack to manipulate liquidity pool ratios before stealing funds and bridging the assets to Ethereum.
The exploit adds to a string of attacks targeting cross-chain bridges, one of decentralized finance’s most vulnerable pieces of infrastructure.
LATEST |@gravity_bridge, a decentralized blockchain facilitating cross-chain transfers between Ethereum and Cosmos, has reportedly been drained of ~$5.4 million prompting validators to halt the bridge.
A portion of the funds were reportedly laundered through @ChangeNOW_io and… pic.twitter.com/MHdhjc04ur
— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) May 31, 2026
Security researchers estimate bridge exploits have accounted for roughly $328.6 million in losses across eight major incidents so far in 2026 underscoring the persistent security risks facing protocols that move assets between blockchains.
DeFi | Nigeria’s Polkadot Project, HyperBridge, Compromised, Minting ~$2 Billion in Tokens, Loosing ~ $2.5 Million (Updated)
Cross-chain bridges have historically been among crypto’s biggest attack targets because they hold large pools of locked assets while relying on complex mechanisms to verify transactions across multiple blockchains.
2025 was an especially bad year for crypto hacks overall. Security firms reported around $2.5 billion lost due to hacks, scams, and exploits during the first half of 2025 alone.
In early 2025, bridges were used extensively not just as targets but as laundering channels for stolen assets.
Major exploits in recent years, including
Ronin Bridge (March 2022) – over $625 million stolen
Nomad Bridge (August 2022) – ~$190 million
Wormhole Exploit – ~$325 million
collectively resulted in more than $1 billion in losses prompting the industry to invest heavily in bridge security.
Researchers estimate that since 2021, attacks on bridges alone have cost users and protocols over $3 billion in assets, a figure reinforced by academic analyses.
These vulnerabilities, especially private key management and smart contract bugs, explain why hackers repeatedly target bridge logic and why stolen funds can move through bridges faster than they can be traced or stopped.
REPORT | Crypto Exploit Losses at ~$70 Million in May 2026 as Bridge Attacks Remain Key Risk
Stay tuned to BitKE for the latest crypto updates.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
________________________
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Article
STABLECOINS | Major Japanese Logistics Firm Explores JPYC Yen Stablecoin for PaymentsAZ-COM Maruwa Holdings, a Japanese logistics company is considering using the Yen-backed JPYC stablecoin to pay truck drivers in a move that could help address labor shortages and improve payment efficiency in the country’s freight sector.
Maruwa Holdings, which lists Amazon Japan as a client, says it will introduce JPYC stablecoin payments to around 2,300 business partners, including individual truck drivers, to allow for faster and more frequent payments.
INTRODUCING | One of Japan’s Largest Financial Conglomerates, SBI Holdings, Launches Yen Stablecoin Lending Service
The JPYC stablecoin has no transfer fees.
The initiative is expected to be trialed in partnership with JPYC and convenience store chain, Lawson, which plans to accept JPYC payments at selected locations.
JPYC CEO, Noritaka Okabe, said Maruwa Holdings had invested into JPYC, reportedly for over 1 billion Japanese Yen (~$6.2 million).
“We will continue to advance the integration of logistics and commercial payment flows with JPYC,” said Noritaka Okabe, founder and CEO of JPYC Inc.
The proposed system would allow drivers to receive wages more quickly through digital payments reducing reliance on traditional bank transfers while enabling faster settlement of work-related expenses.
The move comes as Japan expands the use of regulated stablecoins following the introduction of a legal framework for fiat-backed digital currencies with companies increasingly exploring blockchain-based payments for everyday commercial use.
REGULATION | Sony Gets Regulatory Approval to Issue Dollar-Backed Stablecoins
Stay tuned to BitKE on stablecoins updates globally.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
_______________________________
STABLECOINS | Major Japanese Logistics Firm Explores JPYC Yen Stablecoin for Payments
AZ-COM Maruwa Holdings, a Japanese logistics company is considering using the Yen-backed JPYC stablecoin to pay truck drivers in a move that could help address labor shortages and improve payment efficiency in the country’s freight sector.
Maruwa Holdings, which lists Amazon Japan as a client, says it will introduce JPYC stablecoin payments to around 2,300 business partners, including individual truck drivers, to allow for faster and more frequent payments.
INTRODUCING | One of Japan’s Largest Financial Conglomerates, SBI Holdings, Launches Yen Stablecoin Lending Service
The JPYC stablecoin has no transfer fees.
The initiative is expected to be trialed in partnership with JPYC and convenience store chain, Lawson, which plans to accept JPYC payments at selected locations.
JPYC CEO, Noritaka Okabe, said Maruwa Holdings had invested into JPYC, reportedly for over 1 billion Japanese Yen (~$6.2 million).
“We will continue to advance the integration of logistics and commercial payment flows with JPYC,” said Noritaka Okabe, founder and CEO of JPYC Inc.
The proposed system would allow drivers to receive wages more quickly through digital payments reducing reliance on traditional bank transfers while enabling faster settlement of work-related expenses.
The move comes as Japan expands the use of regulated stablecoins following the introduction of a legal framework for fiat-backed digital currencies with companies increasingly exploring blockchain-based payments for everyday commercial use.
REGULATION | Sony Gets Regulatory Approval to Issue Dollar-Backed Stablecoins
Stay tuned to BitKE on stablecoins updates globally.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
_______________________________
Maruwa Holdings, which lists Amazon Japan as a client, says it will introduce JPYC stablecoin payments to around 2,300 business partners, including individual truck drivers, to allow for faster and more frequent payments.
INTRODUCING | One of Japan’s Largest Financial Conglomerates, SBI Holdings, Launches Yen Stablecoin Lending Service
The JPYC stablecoin has no transfer fees.
The initiative is expected to be trialed in partnership with JPYC and convenience store chain, Lawson, which plans to accept JPYC payments at selected locations.
JPYC CEO, Noritaka Okabe, said Maruwa Holdings had invested into JPYC, reportedly for over 1 billion Japanese Yen (~$6.2 million).
“We will continue to advance the integration of logistics and commercial payment flows with JPYC,” said Noritaka Okabe, founder and CEO of JPYC Inc.
The proposed system would allow drivers to receive wages more quickly through digital payments reducing reliance on traditional bank transfers while enabling faster settlement of work-related expenses.
The move comes as Japan expands the use of regulated stablecoins following the introduction of a legal framework for fiat-backed digital currencies with companies increasingly exploring blockchain-based payments for everyday commercial use.
REGULATION | Sony Gets Regulatory Approval to Issue Dollar-Backed Stablecoins
Stay tuned to BitKE on stablecoins updates globally.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
_______________________________
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REGULATION | France Gambling Regulator Labels Polymarket Illegal, Orders Internet Service Provide...France has ordered internet service providers to block access to crypto-based prediction market Polymarket marking the latest regulatory crackdown on the platform as governments tighten oversight of online betting markets.
The country’s National Gambling Authority (ANJ) said it instructed internet service providers on July 16, 2026 to block access to the website, arguing that Polymarket was offering illegal gambling services and could expose users to significant losses while some of its markets were vulnerable to manipulation.
REGULATION | ‘Gambling by Another Name is Still Gambling,’ Says New York as It Sues Coinbase, Gemini Over Prediction Markets Offerings
The website will remain blocked until regulators determine it complies with French gambling laws, the watchdog said. Polymarket did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The move follows growing scrutiny of prediction markets worldwide.
REGULATION | Brazil Blocks 27 Prediction Markets – Including Polymarket and Kalshi
Spain temporarily banned Polymarket and rival, Kalshi, in May 2026 while U.S. regulators proposed new draft rules for the sector in June 2026 amid concerns that some event contracts lack economic purpose and could harm the public interest.
French regulators also cited concerns that insider information may have been used in weather-related prediction markets.
As reported by BitKE in May 2026, incident involving a weather-linked prediction market has highlighted growing concerns over the reliability of real-world data used to settle such contracts.
CASE STUDY | This Bet Demonstrates Why Prediction Markets Have an Oracle Problem
The case centers on a bet tied to temperatures recorded in France where irregular data readings triggered scrutiny over whether the underlying information could have been manipulated. Authorities are investigating abnormal temperature spikes recorded at a weather station near Paris which coincided with profitable trades linked to the event.
Well-timed Polymarket bets on the temperature in Paris saw traders walk away with more than $35,000 triggering a police complaint from France’s national weather agency.
The action comes as Polymarket’s annualized revenue has surpassed $1 billion, according to a source familiar with the matter.
INSIGHTS | Prediction Markets Have an Insider Trading Problem That Needs Fixing
Stay tuned to BitKE for regulatory updates into the prediction markets space.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
___________________________________
REGULATION | France Gambling Regulator Labels Polymarket Illegal, Orders Internet Service Provide...
France has ordered internet service providers to block access to crypto-based prediction market Polymarket marking the latest regulatory crackdown on the platform as governments tighten oversight of online betting markets.
The country’s National Gambling Authority (ANJ) said it instructed internet service providers on July 16, 2026 to block access to the website, arguing that Polymarket was offering illegal gambling services and could expose users to significant losses while some of its markets were vulnerable to manipulation.
REGULATION | ‘Gambling by Another Name is Still Gambling,’ Says New York as It Sues Coinbase, Gemini Over Prediction Markets Offerings
The website will remain blocked until regulators determine it complies with French gambling laws, the watchdog said. Polymarket did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The move follows growing scrutiny of prediction markets worldwide.
REGULATION | Brazil Blocks 27 Prediction Markets – Including Polymarket and Kalshi
Spain temporarily banned Polymarket and rival, Kalshi, in May 2026 while U.S. regulators proposed new draft rules for the sector in June 2026 amid concerns that some event contracts lack economic purpose and could harm the public interest.
French regulators also cited concerns that insider information may have been used in weather-related prediction markets.
As reported by BitKE in May 2026, incident involving a weather-linked prediction market has highlighted growing concerns over the reliability of real-world data used to settle such contracts.
CASE STUDY | This Bet Demonstrates Why Prediction Markets Have an Oracle Problem
The case centers on a bet tied to temperatures recorded in France where irregular data readings triggered scrutiny over whether the underlying information could have been manipulated. Authorities are investigating abnormal temperature spikes recorded at a weather station near Paris which coincided with profitable trades linked to the event.
Well-timed Polymarket bets on the temperature in Paris saw traders walk away with more than $35,000 triggering a police complaint from France’s national weather agency.
The action comes as Polymarket’s annualized revenue has surpassed $1 billion, according to a source familiar with the matter.
INSIGHTS | Prediction Markets Have an Insider Trading Problem That Needs Fixing
Stay tuned to BitKE for regulatory updates into the prediction markets space.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
___________________________________
The country’s National Gambling Authority (ANJ) said it instructed internet service providers on July 16, 2026 to block access to the website, arguing that Polymarket was offering illegal gambling services and could expose users to significant losses while some of its markets were vulnerable to manipulation.
REGULATION | ‘Gambling by Another Name is Still Gambling,’ Says New York as It Sues Coinbase, Gemini Over Prediction Markets Offerings
The website will remain blocked until regulators determine it complies with French gambling laws, the watchdog said. Polymarket did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The move follows growing scrutiny of prediction markets worldwide.
REGULATION | Brazil Blocks 27 Prediction Markets – Including Polymarket and Kalshi
Spain temporarily banned Polymarket and rival, Kalshi, in May 2026 while U.S. regulators proposed new draft rules for the sector in June 2026 amid concerns that some event contracts lack economic purpose and could harm the public interest.
French regulators also cited concerns that insider information may have been used in weather-related prediction markets.
As reported by BitKE in May 2026, incident involving a weather-linked prediction market has highlighted growing concerns over the reliability of real-world data used to settle such contracts.
CASE STUDY | This Bet Demonstrates Why Prediction Markets Have an Oracle Problem
The case centers on a bet tied to temperatures recorded in France where irregular data readings triggered scrutiny over whether the underlying information could have been manipulated. Authorities are investigating abnormal temperature spikes recorded at a weather station near Paris which coincided with profitable trades linked to the event.
Well-timed Polymarket bets on the temperature in Paris saw traders walk away with more than $35,000 triggering a police complaint from France’s national weather agency.
The action comes as Polymarket’s annualized revenue has surpassed $1 billion, according to a source familiar with the matter.
INSIGHTS | Prediction Markets Have an Insider Trading Problem That Needs Fixing
Stay tuned to BitKE for regulatory updates into the prediction markets space.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
___________________________________
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Verified
Article
FUNDING | Leading Crypto Brokerage Infrastructure Provider Raises Over $100 Million to Expand On-...Crypto brokerage infrastructure provider, Alpaca, has raised $135 million in an equity funding round led by Peak XV to expand the infrastructure that enables exchanges and tokenization platforms to offer U.S. stocks on blockchain networks, the company said on Thursday.
The round included participation from Elefund, BNP Paribas’ Opera Tech Ventures and Unbound, bringing Alpaca’s total funding to about $435 million, including debt financing.
Alpaca said it has previously cleared or held in custody about 94% of tokenized U.S. equities and now holds more than $1.5 billion in the underlying stocks, including products connected to leading entities like:
Binance
Ondo
Dinari
The fresh capital will be used to expand its brokerage infrastructure for tokenized securities and AI-native financial services.
Tokenized equities grew nearly 3,000% in 2025, reaching almost $1 billion in market value by January 2026, up from just $32 million a year earlier.
Despite the massive growth, the market is highly concentrated among a few players with
Ondo dominating the market with over 200 tokenized stocks and funds,
followed by
xStocks, and
Securitize
representing most of the remainder.
Due to the increased counterparty risk, and the benefits, that Alpaca holds as a single provider, Binance holds a stake in the entity while enabling 50% of its order-flow revenue and 65% of its stock-lending profit to go through the entity.
Stay tuned to BitKE updates on tokenization developments.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
_________________________
FUNDING | Leading Crypto Brokerage Infrastructure Provider Raises Over $100 Million to Expand On-...
Crypto brokerage infrastructure provider, Alpaca, has raised $135 million in an equity funding round led by Peak XV to expand the infrastructure that enables exchanges and tokenization platforms to offer U.S. stocks on blockchain networks, the company said on Thursday.
The round included participation from Elefund, BNP Paribas’ Opera Tech Ventures and Unbound, bringing Alpaca’s total funding to about $435 million, including debt financing.
Alpaca said it has previously cleared or held in custody about 94% of tokenized U.S. equities and now holds more than $1.5 billion in the underlying stocks, including products connected to leading entities like:
Binance
Ondo
Dinari
The fresh capital will be used to expand its brokerage infrastructure for tokenized securities and AI-native financial services.
Tokenized equities grew nearly 3,000% in 2025, reaching almost $1 billion in market value by January 2026, up from just $32 million a year earlier.
Despite the massive growth, the market is highly concentrated among a few players with
Ondo dominating the market with over 200 tokenized stocks and funds,
followed by
xStocks, and
Securitize
representing most of the remainder.
Due to the increased counterparty risk, and the benefits, that Alpaca holds as a single provider, Binance holds a stake in the entity while enabling 50% of its order-flow revenue and 65% of its stock-lending profit to go through the entity.
Stay tuned to BitKE updates on tokenization developments.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
_________________________
The round included participation from Elefund, BNP Paribas’ Opera Tech Ventures and Unbound, bringing Alpaca’s total funding to about $435 million, including debt financing.
Alpaca said it has previously cleared or held in custody about 94% of tokenized U.S. equities and now holds more than $1.5 billion in the underlying stocks, including products connected to leading entities like:
Binance
Ondo
Dinari
The fresh capital will be used to expand its brokerage infrastructure for tokenized securities and AI-native financial services.
Tokenized equities grew nearly 3,000% in 2025, reaching almost $1 billion in market value by January 2026, up from just $32 million a year earlier.
Despite the massive growth, the market is highly concentrated among a few players with
Ondo dominating the market with over 200 tokenized stocks and funds,
followed by
xStocks, and
Securitize
representing most of the remainder.
Due to the increased counterparty risk, and the benefits, that Alpaca holds as a single provider, Binance holds a stake in the entity while enabling 50% of its order-flow revenue and 65% of its stock-lending profit to go through the entity.
Stay tuned to BitKE updates on tokenization developments.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
_________________________
197
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REGULATION | Nigerian President Signs the Virtual Assets Coordination, 2026 Presidential Executiv...Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, has signed an executive order creating a coordinated regulatory framework for Nigeria’s virtual assets industry seeking to close regulatory gaps, combat fraud, and encourage responsible innovation in one of Africa’s largest cryptocurrency markets.
Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, has signed the Presidential Executive Order on Virtual Assets Coordination, 2026, establishing a new framework to coordinate the regulation of virtual assets across government agencies as Nigeria seeks to curb fraud while supporting innovation in… pic.twitter.com/BhnioshPqo
— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) July 17, 2026
The Presidential Executive Order on Virtual Assets Coordination, 2026, takes immediate effect and establishes a Virtual Asset Council chaired by
the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), with
the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), and
the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
serving as vice-chairs, according to a statement from the presidency.
REGULATION | SEC Nigeria Raises Minimum Capital Requirements, Sets Higher Bar for Crypto, Fintech, and Capital Market Operators
The council will also include
the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit and
the Office of the National Security Adviser,
and will coordinate oversight across agencies as virtual assets increasingly blur the lines between currencies, commodities and securities.
REGULATION | ‘We Will Not Allow Unlicensed Crypto Businesses to Operate Within Our Space,’ Warns SEC Nigeria
The government said fragmented regulation had exposed the country to money laundering, terrorism financing, cybercrime, fraud and revenue losses.
The order also establishes a Virtual Asset Office within the CBN to serve as the council’s operational secretariat, facilitating information sharing, licensing applications, and regulatory reporting among participating agencies. Existing regulators will retain their statutory powers, with the new framework designed to improve coordination rather than replace their mandates.
Nigeria has moved steadily toward formal oversight of the crypto sector after years of regulatory uncertainty. The government said the executive order aims to protect consumers while providing greater regulatory clarity for digital asset businesses operating in the country.
OPINION | What the Passing of the Nigeria ISA 2025 Crypto Law Means for Web3 Projects
Stay tuned to BitKE on regulation in Africa.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
___________________________
REGULATION | Nigerian President Signs the Virtual Assets Coordination, 2026 Presidential Executiv...
Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, has signed an executive order creating a coordinated regulatory framework for Nigeria’s virtual assets industry seeking to close regulatory gaps, combat fraud, and encourage responsible innovation in one of Africa’s largest cryptocurrency markets.
Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, has signed the Presidential Executive Order on Virtual Assets Coordination, 2026, establishing a new framework to coordinate the regulation of virtual assets across government agencies as Nigeria seeks to curb fraud while supporting innovation in… pic.twitter.com/BhnioshPqo
— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) July 17, 2026
The Presidential Executive Order on Virtual Assets Coordination, 2026, takes immediate effect and establishes a Virtual Asset Council chaired by
the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), with
the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), and
the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
serving as vice-chairs, according to a statement from the presidency.
REGULATION | SEC Nigeria Raises Minimum Capital Requirements, Sets Higher Bar for Crypto, Fintech, and Capital Market Operators
The council will also include
the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit and
the Office of the National Security Adviser,
and will coordinate oversight across agencies as virtual assets increasingly blur the lines between currencies, commodities and securities.
REGULATION | ‘We Will Not Allow Unlicensed Crypto Businesses to Operate Within Our Space,’ Warns SEC Nigeria
The government said fragmented regulation had exposed the country to money laundering, terrorism financing, cybercrime, fraud and revenue losses.
The order also establishes a Virtual Asset Office within the CBN to serve as the council’s operational secretariat, facilitating information sharing, licensing applications, and regulatory reporting among participating agencies. Existing regulators will retain their statutory powers, with the new framework designed to improve coordination rather than replace their mandates.
Nigeria has moved steadily toward formal oversight of the crypto sector after years of regulatory uncertainty. The government said the executive order aims to protect consumers while providing greater regulatory clarity for digital asset businesses operating in the country.
OPINION | What the Passing of the Nigeria ISA 2025 Crypto Law Means for Web3 Projects
Stay tuned to BitKE on regulation in Africa.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
___________________________
Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, has signed the Presidential Executive Order on Virtual Assets Coordination, 2026, establishing a new framework to coordinate the regulation of virtual assets across government agencies as Nigeria seeks to curb fraud while supporting innovation in… pic.twitter.com/BhnioshPqo
— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) July 17, 2026
The Presidential Executive Order on Virtual Assets Coordination, 2026, takes immediate effect and establishes a Virtual Asset Council chaired by
the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), with
the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), and
the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
serving as vice-chairs, according to a statement from the presidency.
REGULATION | SEC Nigeria Raises Minimum Capital Requirements, Sets Higher Bar for Crypto, Fintech, and Capital Market Operators
The council will also include
the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit and
the Office of the National Security Adviser,
and will coordinate oversight across agencies as virtual assets increasingly blur the lines between currencies, commodities and securities.
REGULATION | ‘We Will Not Allow Unlicensed Crypto Businesses to Operate Within Our Space,’ Warns SEC Nigeria
The government said fragmented regulation had exposed the country to money laundering, terrorism financing, cybercrime, fraud and revenue losses.
The order also establishes a Virtual Asset Office within the CBN to serve as the council’s operational secretariat, facilitating information sharing, licensing applications, and regulatory reporting among participating agencies. Existing regulators will retain their statutory powers, with the new framework designed to improve coordination rather than replace their mandates.
Nigeria has moved steadily toward formal oversight of the crypto sector after years of regulatory uncertainty. The government said the executive order aims to protect consumers while providing greater regulatory clarity for digital asset businesses operating in the country.
OPINION | What the Passing of the Nigeria ISA 2025 Crypto Law Means for Web3 Projects
Stay tuned to BitKE on regulation in Africa.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
___________________________
161
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CASE STUDY | Prediction Markets Insider Trading Enters White HousePrediction markets continue to confront insider trading challenges with the latest high-profile White House incident.
A U.S. federal investigation into a White House teleprompter operator accused of making more than $100,000 by betting on the contents of President Donald Trump’s speeches has highlighted how access to non-public information can be monetized through event-based contracts. According to reports, the employee allegedly used advance knowledge of speech drafts to place wagers on markets tied to specific words and topics mentioned in Trump’s public appearances.
Kalshi flagged the suspicious trading and referred the matter to regulators.
The White House reported that the subject was placed on unpaid administrative leave after the report with Trump reportedly calling the alleged conduct a ‘disgrace.’
The case underscores how prediction markets are becoming increasingly vulnerable as they expand beyond elections and sports into contracts linked to
political speeches,
corporate announcements,
entertainment events, and
geopolitical developments.
REGULATION | A Google Engineer Becomes Latest Arrest for Insider Trading
Unlike conventional financial markets where insider trading laws are well established, event contracts create new opportunities for people with privileged access to information – speechwriters, production staff, company employees, or government officials – to profit before information becomes public.
The alleged trades also illustrate the scale at which insider information can influence these markets.
Rather than relying on broad economic trends, traders with advance knowledge can gain a near-certain edge on highly specific contracts raising concerns over market integrity as prediction markets attract more retail participants and institutional attention.
The incident is the latest in a series of insider trading investigations involving prediction markets in 2026 suggesting the industry is beginning to face the same surveillance, compliance, and enforcement challenges that have long shaped equity and derivatives markets.
REGULATION | PolyMarket Updates Own Rules to Curb Insider Trading and Market Manipulation
Stay tuned to BitKE for deeper insights into the prediction markets space.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
_________________________________________
CASE STUDY | Prediction Markets Insider Trading Enters White House
Prediction markets continue to confront insider trading challenges with the latest high-profile White House incident.
A U.S. federal investigation into a White House teleprompter operator accused of making more than $100,000 by betting on the contents of President Donald Trump’s speeches has highlighted how access to non-public information can be monetized through event-based contracts. According to reports, the employee allegedly used advance knowledge of speech drafts to place wagers on markets tied to specific words and topics mentioned in Trump’s public appearances.
Kalshi flagged the suspicious trading and referred the matter to regulators.
The White House reported that the subject was placed on unpaid administrative leave after the report with Trump reportedly calling the alleged conduct a ‘disgrace.’
The case underscores how prediction markets are becoming increasingly vulnerable as they expand beyond elections and sports into contracts linked to
political speeches,
corporate announcements,
entertainment events, and
geopolitical developments.
REGULATION | A Google Engineer Becomes Latest Arrest for Insider Trading
Unlike conventional financial markets where insider trading laws are well established, event contracts create new opportunities for people with privileged access to information – speechwriters, production staff, company employees, or government officials – to profit before information becomes public.
The alleged trades also illustrate the scale at which insider information can influence these markets.
Rather than relying on broad economic trends, traders with advance knowledge can gain a near-certain edge on highly specific contracts raising concerns over market integrity as prediction markets attract more retail participants and institutional attention.
The incident is the latest in a series of insider trading investigations involving prediction markets in 2026 suggesting the industry is beginning to face the same surveillance, compliance, and enforcement challenges that have long shaped equity and derivatives markets.
REGULATION | PolyMarket Updates Own Rules to Curb Insider Trading and Market Manipulation
Stay tuned to BitKE for deeper insights into the prediction markets space.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
_________________________________________
A U.S. federal investigation into a White House teleprompter operator accused of making more than $100,000 by betting on the contents of President Donald Trump’s speeches has highlighted how access to non-public information can be monetized through event-based contracts. According to reports, the employee allegedly used advance knowledge of speech drafts to place wagers on markets tied to specific words and topics mentioned in Trump’s public appearances.
Kalshi flagged the suspicious trading and referred the matter to regulators.
The White House reported that the subject was placed on unpaid administrative leave after the report with Trump reportedly calling the alleged conduct a ‘disgrace.’
The case underscores how prediction markets are becoming increasingly vulnerable as they expand beyond elections and sports into contracts linked to
political speeches,
corporate announcements,
entertainment events, and
geopolitical developments.
REGULATION | A Google Engineer Becomes Latest Arrest for Insider Trading
Unlike conventional financial markets where insider trading laws are well established, event contracts create new opportunities for people with privileged access to information – speechwriters, production staff, company employees, or government officials – to profit before information becomes public.
The alleged trades also illustrate the scale at which insider information can influence these markets.
Rather than relying on broad economic trends, traders with advance knowledge can gain a near-certain edge on highly specific contracts raising concerns over market integrity as prediction markets attract more retail participants and institutional attention.
The incident is the latest in a series of insider trading investigations involving prediction markets in 2026 suggesting the industry is beginning to face the same surveillance, compliance, and enforcement challenges that have long shaped equity and derivatives markets.
REGULATION | PolyMarket Updates Own Rules to Curb Insider Trading and Market Manipulation
Stay tuned to BitKE for deeper insights into the prediction markets space.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
_________________________________________
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CASE STUDY | This Latest Indictment Action Sets a Precedent on How Prosecutors Treat Crypto Inves...A federal indictment against a South Dakota cryptocurrency investor is the latest example of how U.S. prosecutors are increasingly treating crypto investment scams under traditional financial crime statutes rather than creating crypto-specific offenses.
The U.S. Department of Justice charged the investor with 29 counts of wire fraud, money laundering, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft, alleging he orchestrated a $20 million scheme that defrauded dozens of crypto investors across South Dakota, Minnesota, and neighboring states. Prosecutors claim he solicited funds for purported cryptocurrency investments while misrepresenting how the money would be used.
The case reinforces a growing enforcement precedent in which authorities frame crypto investment fraud as conventional financial fraud.
REGULATION | PGI CEO Sentenced to 20 Years as Global Crypto Fraud Case Highlights Cross-Border Enforcement
Rather than focusing on the digital assets themselves, indictments center on allegations that investors were deceived through false promises, misappropriation of funds and laundering of proceeds. Similar legal theories have been used in prosecutions involving schemes such as HyperFund, SafeMoon and other high-profile crypto investment fraud cases.
The charges also demonstrate how law enforcement is layering multiple offenses into crypto fraud cases.
Wire fraud remains the primary charge because it targets deceptive schemes carried out through electronic communications, while
money laundering addresses the movement of illicit proceeds through financial systems.
Bank fraud and identity theft charges are added where investigators allege misuse of banking infrastructure or stolen identities,
increasing the potential penalties if convictions are secured.
REGULATION | How U.S Prosecutors Look at #Bitcoin Investment Fraud Schemes
In February 2026, U.S. prosecutors in the Eastern District of Virginia convicted the dual U.S. – Philippine citizen on wire fraud and money-laundering charges tied to a #Bitcoin investment operation… pic.twitter.com/vF087wiMnQ
— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) July 17, 2026
For the crypto industry, the indictment underscores that prosecutors increasingly view investment scams involving digital assets as financial crimes first and crypto cases second, signaling that existing fraud laws remain the primary tool for pursuing alleged offenders.
CASE STUDY | This Latest Enforcement Action Sets a Precedent into How Crypto Trading Will Be Regulated
Stay tuned to BitKE on crypto regulation and enforcement globally.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
___________________________________________
CASE STUDY | This Latest Indictment Action Sets a Precedent on How Prosecutors Treat Crypto Inves...
A federal indictment against a South Dakota cryptocurrency investor is the latest example of how U.S. prosecutors are increasingly treating crypto investment scams under traditional financial crime statutes rather than creating crypto-specific offenses.
The U.S. Department of Justice charged the investor with 29 counts of wire fraud, money laundering, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft, alleging he orchestrated a $20 million scheme that defrauded dozens of crypto investors across South Dakota, Minnesota, and neighboring states. Prosecutors claim he solicited funds for purported cryptocurrency investments while misrepresenting how the money would be used.
The case reinforces a growing enforcement precedent in which authorities frame crypto investment fraud as conventional financial fraud.
REGULATION | PGI CEO Sentenced to 20 Years as Global Crypto Fraud Case Highlights Cross-Border Enforcement
Rather than focusing on the digital assets themselves, indictments center on allegations that investors were deceived through false promises, misappropriation of funds and laundering of proceeds. Similar legal theories have been used in prosecutions involving schemes such as HyperFund, SafeMoon and other high-profile crypto investment fraud cases.
The charges also demonstrate how law enforcement is layering multiple offenses into crypto fraud cases.
Wire fraud remains the primary charge because it targets deceptive schemes carried out through electronic communications, while
money laundering addresses the movement of illicit proceeds through financial systems.
Bank fraud and identity theft charges are added where investigators allege misuse of banking infrastructure or stolen identities,
increasing the potential penalties if convictions are secured.
REGULATION | How U.S Prosecutors Look at #Bitcoin Investment Fraud Schemes
In February 2026, U.S. prosecutors in the Eastern District of Virginia convicted the dual U.S. – Philippine citizen on wire fraud and money-laundering charges tied to a #Bitcoin investment operation… pic.twitter.com/vF087wiMnQ
— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) July 17, 2026
For the crypto industry, the indictment underscores that prosecutors increasingly view investment scams involving digital assets as financial crimes first and crypto cases second, signaling that existing fraud laws remain the primary tool for pursuing alleged offenders.
CASE STUDY | This Latest Enforcement Action Sets a Precedent into How Crypto Trading Will Be Regulated
Stay tuned to BitKE on crypto regulation and enforcement globally.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
___________________________________________
The U.S. Department of Justice charged the investor with 29 counts of wire fraud, money laundering, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft, alleging he orchestrated a $20 million scheme that defrauded dozens of crypto investors across South Dakota, Minnesota, and neighboring states. Prosecutors claim he solicited funds for purported cryptocurrency investments while misrepresenting how the money would be used.
The case reinforces a growing enforcement precedent in which authorities frame crypto investment fraud as conventional financial fraud.
REGULATION | PGI CEO Sentenced to 20 Years as Global Crypto Fraud Case Highlights Cross-Border Enforcement
Rather than focusing on the digital assets themselves, indictments center on allegations that investors were deceived through false promises, misappropriation of funds and laundering of proceeds. Similar legal theories have been used in prosecutions involving schemes such as HyperFund, SafeMoon and other high-profile crypto investment fraud cases.
The charges also demonstrate how law enforcement is layering multiple offenses into crypto fraud cases.
Wire fraud remains the primary charge because it targets deceptive schemes carried out through electronic communications, while
money laundering addresses the movement of illicit proceeds through financial systems.
Bank fraud and identity theft charges are added where investigators allege misuse of banking infrastructure or stolen identities,
increasing the potential penalties if convictions are secured.
REGULATION | How U.S Prosecutors Look at #Bitcoin Investment Fraud Schemes
In February 2026, U.S. prosecutors in the Eastern District of Virginia convicted the dual U.S. – Philippine citizen on wire fraud and money-laundering charges tied to a #Bitcoin investment operation… pic.twitter.com/vF087wiMnQ
— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) July 17, 2026
For the crypto industry, the indictment underscores that prosecutors increasingly view investment scams involving digital assets as financial crimes first and crypto cases second, signaling that existing fraud laws remain the primary tool for pursuing alleged offenders.
CASE STUDY | This Latest Enforcement Action Sets a Precedent into How Crypto Trading Will Be Regulated
Stay tuned to BitKE on crypto regulation and enforcement globally.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
___________________________________________
124
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Verified
Article
DeFi | ~85% of Concentrated Liquidity on Decentralized Exchanges in H1 2026 Was Idle, Says StudyA Dune Analytics study commissioned by decentralized exchange aggregator, 1inch, has found that roughly 85% of concentrated liquidity deployed across major decentralized exchanges remains idle leaving liquidity providers to miss out on an estimated $150 million in annual trading fees.
The research analyzed liquidity positions across seven blockchain networks and found that most capital in concentrated liquidity pools sits outside the active trading range for extended periods, meaning it does not earn fees despite remaining locked in the protocol.
Concentrated liquidity, popularized by Uniswap V3, allows liquidity providers to allocate capital within specific price ranges instead of across an entire trading curve. While the model improves capital efficiency when positions are actively managed, it also requires frequent rebalancing as asset prices move.
DEVELOPER PERSPECTIVE | Swimming with The Big Fish – A Deep Dive into Uniswap V3’s Liquidity Magic
According to the study, inactive positions have become a widespread issue, with many liquidity providers either failing to adjust their ranges or lacking the tools to automate the process. The report estimates that this idle capital results in approximately $150 million in forgone fee revenue each year across the analyzed chains.
The study noted:
Most of the idle sits in individual wallets. Automated managers and bots tend to keep their positions in range. On Base Uniswap v3, contracts hold about half the capital but carry little of the idle, and individuals account for 82% of it.
About a third of the idle has gone untouched for more than 90 days, heaviest on Uniswap. On incentivized venues like Aerodrome it turns over more often, though that turnover alone does not keep it in range.
The study found that what drives idleness is mostly the asset pair and its volatility, more than the venue itself. Even stablecoin pairs ran around 30% out of range over the period, a sign that ranges drift for everyone.
Interestingly, the study says the venues that predate concentrated liquidity leave about 98.7% of capital underutilized. Concentrated liquidity is a large step up.
In short, capital efficiency is still the open frontier, and that is where the next design wins are.
MARKET ANALYSIS | Why Depth of Capital and Liquidity Matter Most When Choosing On-Chain Infrastructure
Idle capital and fragmentation are two inefficiencies on the same market: much of the capital is out of range, and even the capital in range is split across more venues than any single LP or router reaches. This report rebuilds that picture, but to act on the whole market at once, an LP or a router needs to see it as it happens, which pool holds the depth and where volume is clearing, across every venue.
The findings come as DeFi protocols increasingly focus on improving capital efficiency through automated liquidity management strategies, vaults, and rebalancing tools designed to keep liquidity within active trading ranges and maximize fee generation.
CASE STUDY | How a Crypto Investor Lost $50 Million in a Single Transaction Due to Illiquidity in DeFi Markets
Stay tuned to BitKE on blockchain adoption globally.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
__________________________
DeFi | ~85% of Concentrated Liquidity on Decentralized Exchanges in H1 2026 Was Idle, Says Study
A Dune Analytics study commissioned by decentralized exchange aggregator, 1inch, has found that roughly 85% of concentrated liquidity deployed across major decentralized exchanges remains idle leaving liquidity providers to miss out on an estimated $150 million in annual trading fees.
The research analyzed liquidity positions across seven blockchain networks and found that most capital in concentrated liquidity pools sits outside the active trading range for extended periods, meaning it does not earn fees despite remaining locked in the protocol.
Concentrated liquidity, popularized by Uniswap V3, allows liquidity providers to allocate capital within specific price ranges instead of across an entire trading curve. While the model improves capital efficiency when positions are actively managed, it also requires frequent rebalancing as asset prices move.
DEVELOPER PERSPECTIVE | Swimming with The Big Fish – A Deep Dive into Uniswap V3’s Liquidity Magic
According to the study, inactive positions have become a widespread issue, with many liquidity providers either failing to adjust their ranges or lacking the tools to automate the process. The report estimates that this idle capital results in approximately $150 million in forgone fee revenue each year across the analyzed chains.
The study noted:
Most of the idle sits in individual wallets. Automated managers and bots tend to keep their positions in range. On Base Uniswap v3, contracts hold about half the capital but carry little of the idle, and individuals account for 82% of it.
About a third of the idle has gone untouched for more than 90 days, heaviest on Uniswap. On incentivized venues like Aerodrome it turns over more often, though that turnover alone does not keep it in range.
The study found that what drives idleness is mostly the asset pair and its volatility, more than the venue itself. Even stablecoin pairs ran around 30% out of range over the period, a sign that ranges drift for everyone.
Interestingly, the study says the venues that predate concentrated liquidity leave about 98.7% of capital underutilized. Concentrated liquidity is a large step up.
In short, capital efficiency is still the open frontier, and that is where the next design wins are.
MARKET ANALYSIS | Why Depth of Capital and Liquidity Matter Most When Choosing On-Chain Infrastructure
Idle capital and fragmentation are two inefficiencies on the same market: much of the capital is out of range, and even the capital in range is split across more venues than any single LP or router reaches. This report rebuilds that picture, but to act on the whole market at once, an LP or a router needs to see it as it happens, which pool holds the depth and where volume is clearing, across every venue.
The findings come as DeFi protocols increasingly focus on improving capital efficiency through automated liquidity management strategies, vaults, and rebalancing tools designed to keep liquidity within active trading ranges and maximize fee generation.
CASE STUDY | How a Crypto Investor Lost $50 Million in a Single Transaction Due to Illiquidity in DeFi Markets
Stay tuned to BitKE on blockchain adoption globally.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
__________________________
The research analyzed liquidity positions across seven blockchain networks and found that most capital in concentrated liquidity pools sits outside the active trading range for extended periods, meaning it does not earn fees despite remaining locked in the protocol.
Concentrated liquidity, popularized by Uniswap V3, allows liquidity providers to allocate capital within specific price ranges instead of across an entire trading curve. While the model improves capital efficiency when positions are actively managed, it also requires frequent rebalancing as asset prices move.
DEVELOPER PERSPECTIVE | Swimming with The Big Fish – A Deep Dive into Uniswap V3’s Liquidity Magic
According to the study, inactive positions have become a widespread issue, with many liquidity providers either failing to adjust their ranges or lacking the tools to automate the process. The report estimates that this idle capital results in approximately $150 million in forgone fee revenue each year across the analyzed chains.
The study noted:
Most of the idle sits in individual wallets. Automated managers and bots tend to keep their positions in range. On Base Uniswap v3, contracts hold about half the capital but carry little of the idle, and individuals account for 82% of it.
About a third of the idle has gone untouched for more than 90 days, heaviest on Uniswap. On incentivized venues like Aerodrome it turns over more often, though that turnover alone does not keep it in range.
The study found that what drives idleness is mostly the asset pair and its volatility, more than the venue itself. Even stablecoin pairs ran around 30% out of range over the period, a sign that ranges drift for everyone.
Interestingly, the study says the venues that predate concentrated liquidity leave about 98.7% of capital underutilized. Concentrated liquidity is a large step up.
In short, capital efficiency is still the open frontier, and that is where the next design wins are.
MARKET ANALYSIS | Why Depth of Capital and Liquidity Matter Most When Choosing On-Chain Infrastructure
Idle capital and fragmentation are two inefficiencies on the same market: much of the capital is out of range, and even the capital in range is split across more venues than any single LP or router reaches. This report rebuilds that picture, but to act on the whole market at once, an LP or a router needs to see it as it happens, which pool holds the depth and where volume is clearing, across every venue.
The findings come as DeFi protocols increasingly focus on improving capital efficiency through automated liquidity management strategies, vaults, and rebalancing tools designed to keep liquidity within active trading ranges and maximize fee generation.
CASE STUDY | How a Crypto Investor Lost $50 Million in a Single Transaction Due to Illiquidity in DeFi Markets
Stay tuned to BitKE on blockchain adoption globally.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
__________________________
621
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Article
REALITY CHECK | ‘I’m Going to Be a Very Disappointing Follow,’ AirBnB Tells Crypto FollowersAirbnb Chief Executive, Brian Chesky, said his X account was hacked after it published a series of AI-generated posts promoting the tokenization of real-world assets, distancing himself from the messages after regaining control of the account.
In a message after recovering his account, Chesky wrote:
“To the person who hacked my account earlier this week: thanks for all the new crypto followers. To my new crypto followers: I’m going to be a very disappointing follow.”
The now-deleted thread argued that tokenization could make ownership of assets such as real estate, bonds and investment funds more liquid and accessible through blockchain technology. The posts however did not include cryptocurrency wallet addresses, token sales, or phishing links, differing from the scams that typically accompany high-profile social media account compromises.
EXPERT OPINION | Tokenization Alone Will Not Fix Illiquid Assets, Say Industry Experts
The posts quickly drew scrutiny from crypto users, many of whom described the writing as “AI slop” because of its repetitive style. AI detection tool Pangram reportedly classified the thread as entirely AI-generated.
After recovering the account, Chesky confirmed it had been compromised and joked that anyone who had started following him for crypto content would likely be disappointed. (CoinDesk)
The incident comes as tokenization of real-world assets has gained hype-like momentum across traditional finance, with major financial institutions and crypto firms exploring on-chain versions of stocks, bonds and other financial instruments.
EDITORIAL | The AI Hype Feels Just Like the Blockchain Craze – Here’s What Happens When the Buzz Fades
Stay tuned to BitKE for the latest into crypto hacks.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
REALITY CHECK | ‘I’m Going to Be a Very Disappointing Follow,’ AirBnB Tells Crypto Followers
Airbnb Chief Executive, Brian Chesky, said his X account was hacked after it published a series of AI-generated posts promoting the tokenization of real-world assets, distancing himself from the messages after regaining control of the account.
In a message after recovering his account, Chesky wrote:
“To the person who hacked my account earlier this week: thanks for all the new crypto followers. To my new crypto followers: I’m going to be a very disappointing follow.”
The now-deleted thread argued that tokenization could make ownership of assets such as real estate, bonds and investment funds more liquid and accessible through blockchain technology. The posts however did not include cryptocurrency wallet addresses, token sales, or phishing links, differing from the scams that typically accompany high-profile social media account compromises.
EXPERT OPINION | Tokenization Alone Will Not Fix Illiquid Assets, Say Industry Experts
The posts quickly drew scrutiny from crypto users, many of whom described the writing as “AI slop” because of its repetitive style. AI detection tool Pangram reportedly classified the thread as entirely AI-generated.
After recovering the account, Chesky confirmed it had been compromised and joked that anyone who had started following him for crypto content would likely be disappointed. (CoinDesk)
The incident comes as tokenization of real-world assets has gained hype-like momentum across traditional finance, with major financial institutions and crypto firms exploring on-chain versions of stocks, bonds and other financial instruments.
EDITORIAL | The AI Hype Feels Just Like the Blockchain Craze – Here’s What Happens When the Buzz Fades
Stay tuned to BitKE for the latest into crypto hacks.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
In a message after recovering his account, Chesky wrote:
“To the person who hacked my account earlier this week: thanks for all the new crypto followers. To my new crypto followers: I’m going to be a very disappointing follow.”
The now-deleted thread argued that tokenization could make ownership of assets such as real estate, bonds and investment funds more liquid and accessible through blockchain technology. The posts however did not include cryptocurrency wallet addresses, token sales, or phishing links, differing from the scams that typically accompany high-profile social media account compromises.
EXPERT OPINION | Tokenization Alone Will Not Fix Illiquid Assets, Say Industry Experts
The posts quickly drew scrutiny from crypto users, many of whom described the writing as “AI slop” because of its repetitive style. AI detection tool Pangram reportedly classified the thread as entirely AI-generated.
After recovering the account, Chesky confirmed it had been compromised and joked that anyone who had started following him for crypto content would likely be disappointed. (CoinDesk)
The incident comes as tokenization of real-world assets has gained hype-like momentum across traditional finance, with major financial institutions and crypto firms exploring on-chain versions of stocks, bonds and other financial instruments.
EDITORIAL | The AI Hype Feels Just Like the Blockchain Craze – Here’s What Happens When the Buzz Fades
Stay tuned to BitKE for the latest into crypto hacks.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
74
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REALITY CHECK | Polygon Lays Off Workforce As It Pivots to Payments BusinessPolygon Labs has announced another round of layoffs as the company completes its acquisition of cryptocurrency exchange, CoinMe, with CEO, Marc Boiron, saying the restructuring is part of its transition from a blockchain foundation to a blockchain-enabled payments company.
In a post on X, Boiron said Polygon would be saying “goodbye to many” of its employees as it reshapes the organization around its new payments-focused strategy.
“These changes are about the company we’re building, not the quality of the people leaving,” Boiron wrote.
“A blockchain foundation and a blockchain-enabled payments company do not operate the same way. This transition means changing how we’re organized and the talent we need, not just what we build.”
AI | Another Large Crypto Company Cuts 12% Workforce as it Integrates AI into Operations
The layoffs come as Polygon finalizes its $250 million acquisition of CoinMe and wallet infrastructure platform, Sequence, announced in January 2026. The deal is expected to expand Polygon’s workforce overall as CoinMe employees are integrated into the company even as existing roles are eliminated as part of the restructuring.
The latest job cuts add to several rounds of layoffs over the past three years that have affected more than 200 employees. Polygon has not disclosed how many workers were impacted in the latest round.
REALITY CHECK | This ‘Big 4’ Crypto Custodian and Infrastructure Company Lays Off Workforce as AI Reshapes Sector
Stay tuned to BitKE on crypto developments globally.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
______________________________
REALITY CHECK | Polygon Lays Off Workforce As It Pivots to Payments Business
Polygon Labs has announced another round of layoffs as the company completes its acquisition of cryptocurrency exchange, CoinMe, with CEO, Marc Boiron, saying the restructuring is part of its transition from a blockchain foundation to a blockchain-enabled payments company.
In a post on X, Boiron said Polygon would be saying “goodbye to many” of its employees as it reshapes the organization around its new payments-focused strategy.
“These changes are about the company we’re building, not the quality of the people leaving,” Boiron wrote.
“A blockchain foundation and a blockchain-enabled payments company do not operate the same way. This transition means changing how we’re organized and the talent we need, not just what we build.”
AI | Another Large Crypto Company Cuts 12% Workforce as it Integrates AI into Operations
The layoffs come as Polygon finalizes its $250 million acquisition of CoinMe and wallet infrastructure platform, Sequence, announced in January 2026. The deal is expected to expand Polygon’s workforce overall as CoinMe employees are integrated into the company even as existing roles are eliminated as part of the restructuring.
The latest job cuts add to several rounds of layoffs over the past three years that have affected more than 200 employees. Polygon has not disclosed how many workers were impacted in the latest round.
REALITY CHECK | This ‘Big 4’ Crypto Custodian and Infrastructure Company Lays Off Workforce as AI Reshapes Sector
Stay tuned to BitKE on crypto developments globally.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
______________________________
In a post on X, Boiron said Polygon would be saying “goodbye to many” of its employees as it reshapes the organization around its new payments-focused strategy.
“These changes are about the company we’re building, not the quality of the people leaving,” Boiron wrote.
“A blockchain foundation and a blockchain-enabled payments company do not operate the same way. This transition means changing how we’re organized and the talent we need, not just what we build.”
AI | Another Large Crypto Company Cuts 12% Workforce as it Integrates AI into Operations
The layoffs come as Polygon finalizes its $250 million acquisition of CoinMe and wallet infrastructure platform, Sequence, announced in January 2026. The deal is expected to expand Polygon’s workforce overall as CoinMe employees are integrated into the company even as existing roles are eliminated as part of the restructuring.
The latest job cuts add to several rounds of layoffs over the past three years that have affected more than 200 employees. Polygon has not disclosed how many workers were impacted in the latest round.
REALITY CHECK | This ‘Big 4’ Crypto Custodian and Infrastructure Company Lays Off Workforce as AI Reshapes Sector
Stay tuned to BitKE on crypto developments globally.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
______________________________
290
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Article
INTRODUCING | VISA Unveils Enterprise Stablecoin Platform for Minting, Moving, and Managing Stabl...
VISA has unveiled the VISA Stablecoin Platform (VSP) designed to help financial institutions, fintechs, and crypto natives issue, manage and integrate stablecoins.
The initiative builds on VISA’s broader crypto strategy that gives institutions and payment providers a simple way to access, store, and redeem stablecoins, beginning with Open USD, a new stablecoin recently introduced by Open Standard. This includes onchain wallet infrastructure through a newly introduced Wallet-as-a-Service offering and connectivity for minting and burning Open USD.
The enterprise platform provides banks and fintech firms with infrastructure to
mint and burn stablecoins,
manage treasury operations, and
connect on-chain wallets to existing payment systems.
“Stablecoins are opening up a new layer of programmable money, but for most institutions the hard part isn’t the concept, it’s the operational reality,” said Jack Forestell, VISA’s Chief Product and Strategy Officer, in a statement.
“With the Visa Stablecoin Platform, we’re giving our clients a single place to mint, move and manage stablecoin operations with the controls, security and network reach they already expect from Visa. It’s how we help them turn interest in stablecoins into real products and real payment flows.”
The platform will initially support Open USD, the dollar-backed stablecoin developed by the Open Standard consortium, with additional stablecoins expected to be added over time.
INTRODUCING | Leading Global Payments, Banking Firms Launch the Open USD Stablecoin and Infrastructure
How to Get Started
Onboard and Operate: Institutions can onboard into a VISA-managed wallet stack or connect existing wallets creating a single home to manage stablecoin mint, burn, and transfer activity.
Connect Bank Accounts and Controls: Clients can link bank accounts and configure approvals, users, and policies to govern who can initiate and approve stablecoin movements.
Mint, Move and Manage Stablecoin Operations: From the start, VSP supports minting, redeeming, holding, and transferring stablecoins, beginning with Open USD, as part of treasury, settlement, and liquidity workflows.
VISA is one of more than 140 companies backing Open USD alongside MasterCard, Stripe, BlackRock, Coinbase, and several global financial institutions. The consortium is positioning the stablecoin as open infrastructure for enterprise payments allowing partners to share reserve income while eliminating minting and redemption fees for businesses.
The launch adds pressure on Circle whose USDC has long dominated the regulated stablecoin market. Analysts say Open USD directly targets Circle’s business model by redistributing reserve earnings to ecosystem participants instead of concentrating them with the issuer.
STABLECOINS | Circle CEO Says USDC’s Network Scale Gives it an Edge as OUSD Enters Crowded Stablecoin Race
The development comes just days after Circle secured approval to establish a U.S. national trust bank allowing it to directly manage reserves backing USDC under federal oversight. While the approval strengthens Circle’s regulatory standing, the company is facing increasing competition from new institutional stablecoin initiatives backed by traditional financial firms.
INTRODUCING | VISA Unveils New Global Stablecoins Advisory Practice
Stay tuned to BitKE on stablecoin developments.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
____________________________________
Related posts:
INTRODUCING | Leading Global Payments, Banking Firms Launch the Open USD Stablecoin and Infrastructure
REGULATION | Sony Gets Regulatory Approval to Issue Dollar-Backed Stablecoins
INTRODUCING | One of Japan’s Largest Financial Conglomerates, SBI Holdings, Launches Yen Stablecoin Lending Service
VISA has unveiled the VISA Stablecoin Platform (VSP) designed to help financial institutions, fintechs, and crypto natives issue, manage and integrate stablecoins.
The initiative builds on VISA’s broader crypto strategy that gives institutions and payment providers a simple way to access, store, and redeem stablecoins, beginning with Open USD, a new stablecoin recently introduced by Open Standard. This includes onchain wallet infrastructure through a newly introduced Wallet-as-a-Service offering and connectivity for minting and burning Open USD.
The enterprise platform provides banks and fintech firms with infrastructure to
mint and burn stablecoins,
manage treasury operations, and
connect on-chain wallets to existing payment systems.
“Stablecoins are opening up a new layer of programmable money, but for most institutions the hard part isn’t the concept, it’s the operational reality,” said Jack Forestell, VISA’s Chief Product and Strategy Officer, in a statement.
“With the Visa Stablecoin Platform, we’re giving our clients a single place to mint, move and manage stablecoin operations with the controls, security and network reach they already expect from Visa. It’s how we help them turn interest in stablecoins into real products and real payment flows.”
The platform will initially support Open USD, the dollar-backed stablecoin developed by the Open Standard consortium, with additional stablecoins expected to be added over time.
INTRODUCING | Leading Global Payments, Banking Firms Launch the Open USD Stablecoin and Infrastructure
How to Get Started
Onboard and Operate: Institutions can onboard into a VISA-managed wallet stack or connect existing wallets creating a single home to manage stablecoin mint, burn, and transfer activity.
Connect Bank Accounts and Controls: Clients can link bank accounts and configure approvals, users, and policies to govern who can initiate and approve stablecoin movements.
Mint, Move and Manage Stablecoin Operations: From the start, VSP supports minting, redeeming, holding, and transferring stablecoins, beginning with Open USD, as part of treasury, settlement, and liquidity workflows.
VISA is one of more than 140 companies backing Open USD alongside MasterCard, Stripe, BlackRock, Coinbase, and several global financial institutions. The consortium is positioning the stablecoin as open infrastructure for enterprise payments allowing partners to share reserve income while eliminating minting and redemption fees for businesses.
The launch adds pressure on Circle whose USDC has long dominated the regulated stablecoin market. Analysts say Open USD directly targets Circle’s business model by redistributing reserve earnings to ecosystem participants instead of concentrating them with the issuer.
STABLECOINS | Circle CEO Says USDC’s Network Scale Gives it an Edge as OUSD Enters Crowded Stablecoin Race
The development comes just days after Circle secured approval to establish a U.S. national trust bank allowing it to directly manage reserves backing USDC under federal oversight. While the approval strengthens Circle’s regulatory standing, the company is facing increasing competition from new institutional stablecoin initiatives backed by traditional financial firms.
INTRODUCING | VISA Unveils New Global Stablecoins Advisory Practice
Stay tuned to BitKE on stablecoin developments.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
____________________________________
Related posts:
INTRODUCING | Leading Global Payments, Banking Firms Launch the Open USD Stablecoin and Infrastructure
REGULATION | Sony Gets Regulatory Approval to Issue Dollar-Backed Stablecoins
INTRODUCING | One of Japan’s Largest Financial Conglomerates, SBI Holdings, Launches Yen Stablecoin Lending Service
INTRODUCING | VISA Unveils Enterprise Stablecoin Platform for Minting, Moving, and Managing Stabl...
VISA has unveiled the VISA Stablecoin Platform (VSP) designed to help financial institutions, fintechs, and crypto natives issue, manage and integrate stablecoins.
The initiative builds on VISA’s broader crypto strategy that gives institutions and payment providers a simple way to access, store, and redeem stablecoins, beginning with Open USD, a new stablecoin recently introduced by Open Standard. This includes onchain wallet infrastructure through a newly introduced Wallet-as-a-Service offering and connectivity for minting and burning Open USD.
The enterprise platform provides banks and fintech firms with infrastructure to
mint and burn stablecoins,
manage treasury operations, and
connect on-chain wallets to existing payment systems.
“Stablecoins are opening up a new layer of programmable money, but for most institutions the hard part isn’t the concept, it’s the operational reality,” said Jack Forestell, VISA’s Chief Product and Strategy Officer, in a statement.
“With the Visa Stablecoin Platform, we’re giving our clients a single place to mint, move and manage stablecoin operations with the controls, security and network reach they already expect from Visa. It’s how we help them turn interest in stablecoins into real products and real payment flows.”
The platform will initially support Open USD, the dollar-backed stablecoin developed by the Open Standard consortium, with additional stablecoins expected to be added over time.
INTRODUCING | Leading Global Payments, Banking Firms Launch the Open USD Stablecoin and Infrastructure
How to Get Started
Onboard and Operate: Institutions can onboard into a VISA-managed wallet stack or connect existing wallets creating a single home to manage stablecoin mint, burn, and transfer activity.
Connect Bank Accounts and Controls: Clients can link bank accounts and configure approvals, users, and policies to govern who can initiate and approve stablecoin movements.
Mint, Move and Manage Stablecoin Operations: From the start, VSP supports minting, redeeming, holding, and transferring stablecoins, beginning with Open USD, as part of treasury, settlement, and liquidity workflows.
VISA is one of more than 140 companies backing Open USD alongside MasterCard, Stripe, BlackRock, Coinbase, and several global financial institutions. The consortium is positioning the stablecoin as open infrastructure for enterprise payments allowing partners to share reserve income while eliminating minting and redemption fees for businesses.
The launch adds pressure on Circle whose USDC has long dominated the regulated stablecoin market. Analysts say Open USD directly targets Circle’s business model by redistributing reserve earnings to ecosystem participants instead of concentrating them with the issuer.
STABLECOINS | Circle CEO Says USDC’s Network Scale Gives it an Edge as OUSD Enters Crowded Stablecoin Race
The development comes just days after Circle secured approval to establish a U.S. national trust bank allowing it to directly manage reserves backing USDC under federal oversight. While the approval strengthens Circle’s regulatory standing, the company is facing increasing competition from new institutional stablecoin initiatives backed by traditional financial firms.
INTRODUCING | VISA Unveils New Global Stablecoins Advisory Practice
Stay tuned to BitKE on stablecoin developments.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
____________________________________
Related posts:
INTRODUCING | Leading Global Payments, Banking Firms Launch the Open USD Stablecoin and Infrastructure
REGULATION | Sony Gets Regulatory Approval to Issue Dollar-Backed Stablecoins
INTRODUCING | One of Japan’s Largest Financial Conglomerates, SBI Holdings, Launches Yen Stablecoin Lending Service
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REALITY CHECK | Malaysia Probe Shows Why Crypto States Is a UtopiaBalaji Srinivasan’s vision of the ‘Network State’ has long been one of crypto’s most ambitious ideas: digitally native communities that build their own institutions, economies and governance before eventually gaining recognition as sovereign entities. His Network School in Malaysia’s Forest City is perhaps the closest attempt yet to bring that vision into the physical world.
That experiment is now facing one of its biggest tests.
Following an investigation by Malaysian authorities into the Network School over allegations involving Israeli nationals entering the country on second passports, Srinivasan has proposed negotiating a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Malaysian government to provide legal certainty for the project. He warned that without such guarantees, the community could move its investment elsewhere. Initial checks by Malaysia’s Immigration Department found that all 266 foreign residents held valid travel documents but the probe has exposed the legal uncertainty surrounding the initiative.
EDITORIAL | In Crypto We Trust? Why Credibility Is the Real Currency (or Token) in the Age of Decentralization
For many in the crypto industry, the story goes far beyond immigration.
The Network School represents the latest evolution of crypto’s long-standing ambition to build parallel societies.
Bitcoin challenged state-issued money.
Decentralized finance attempted to recreate banking without banks.
DAOs experimented with internet-native governance.
The network state takes the concept one step further by asking whether digital communities can eventually develop into real-world jurisdictions with their own institutions, economies, and even diplomatic recognition.
These ideas have become increasingly popular among crypto entrepreneurs seeking environments with lighter regulation, crypto-native financial systems and communities built around shared technological values rather than geography.
But Malaysia’s investigation highlights a reality that crypto projects cannot easily escape.
No matter how decentralized a community becomes online, people still need visas, residency permits, property rights, telecommunications infrastructure, banking access and legal recognition. Members remain subject to immigration laws, national security concerns, taxation, and local politics. Digital governance can coordinate a community internally, but it cannot replace the legal authority of the country hosting it.
POLITICS | United States Seizes ~$500 Million in Crypto Linked to Iran
That dependence became evident almost immediately. Rather than relying on blockchain governance or community consensus, Srinivasan’s response was to seek a formal agreement with the Malaysian government – an acknowledgement that even digital-native communities ultimately require the support of conventional states to operate with certainty.
The episode also illustrates how quickly geopolitical realities can overtake technological ideals. The investigation was triggered by allegations surrounding Israeli nationals and Malaysia’s longstanding diplomatic position on Israel – issues that exist entirely outside blockchain technology but nonetheless directly affect a crypto-native community operating within the country’s borders.
The broader lesson is that crypto’s utopian vision has practical limits.
REALITY CHECK | Why DeFi is Increasingly Moving Toward Permissioned Structures and Controls Over Ideological Decentralization
Building digital institutions is relatively straightforward. Building physical communities requires navigating the laws, politics, and sovereignty of existing nations. While blockchain networks can create borderless financial systems, the people participating in them remain citizens, residents, and taxpayers governed by nation states.
Rather than replacing governments, projects like the Network School may ultimately demonstrate that the future lies in partnership with them. Special economic zones, regulatory agreements and government-backed innovation hubs could prove more durable than attempts to operate independently.
For crypto’s network state movement, Malaysia serves as a reminder that decentralization may reduce reliance on traditional financial infrastructure, but it has yet to eliminate dependence on the institutions of the real world.
CASE STUDY | This Leading DAO Exploit Shows the Biggest Risk to On-Chain Governance is Governance Itself
Stay tuned to BitKE on crypto updates.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
____________________________________
REALITY CHECK | Malaysia Probe Shows Why Crypto States Is a Utopia
Balaji Srinivasan’s vision of the ‘Network State’ has long been one of crypto’s most ambitious ideas: digitally native communities that build their own institutions, economies and governance before eventually gaining recognition as sovereign entities. His Network School in Malaysia’s Forest City is perhaps the closest attempt yet to bring that vision into the physical world.
That experiment is now facing one of its biggest tests.
Following an investigation by Malaysian authorities into the Network School over allegations involving Israeli nationals entering the country on second passports, Srinivasan has proposed negotiating a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Malaysian government to provide legal certainty for the project. He warned that without such guarantees, the community could move its investment elsewhere. Initial checks by Malaysia’s Immigration Department found that all 266 foreign residents held valid travel documents but the probe has exposed the legal uncertainty surrounding the initiative.
EDITORIAL | In Crypto We Trust? Why Credibility Is the Real Currency (or Token) in the Age of Decentralization
For many in the crypto industry, the story goes far beyond immigration.
The Network School represents the latest evolution of crypto’s long-standing ambition to build parallel societies.
Bitcoin challenged state-issued money.
Decentralized finance attempted to recreate banking without banks.
DAOs experimented with internet-native governance.
The network state takes the concept one step further by asking whether digital communities can eventually develop into real-world jurisdictions with their own institutions, economies, and even diplomatic recognition.
These ideas have become increasingly popular among crypto entrepreneurs seeking environments with lighter regulation, crypto-native financial systems and communities built around shared technological values rather than geography.
But Malaysia’s investigation highlights a reality that crypto projects cannot easily escape.
No matter how decentralized a community becomes online, people still need visas, residency permits, property rights, telecommunications infrastructure, banking access and legal recognition. Members remain subject to immigration laws, national security concerns, taxation, and local politics. Digital governance can coordinate a community internally, but it cannot replace the legal authority of the country hosting it.
POLITICS | United States Seizes ~$500 Million in Crypto Linked to Iran
That dependence became evident almost immediately. Rather than relying on blockchain governance or community consensus, Srinivasan’s response was to seek a formal agreement with the Malaysian government – an acknowledgement that even digital-native communities ultimately require the support of conventional states to operate with certainty.
The episode also illustrates how quickly geopolitical realities can overtake technological ideals. The investigation was triggered by allegations surrounding Israeli nationals and Malaysia’s longstanding diplomatic position on Israel – issues that exist entirely outside blockchain technology but nonetheless directly affect a crypto-native community operating within the country’s borders.
The broader lesson is that crypto’s utopian vision has practical limits.
REALITY CHECK | Why DeFi is Increasingly Moving Toward Permissioned Structures and Controls Over Ideological Decentralization
Building digital institutions is relatively straightforward. Building physical communities requires navigating the laws, politics, and sovereignty of existing nations. While blockchain networks can create borderless financial systems, the people participating in them remain citizens, residents, and taxpayers governed by nation states.
Rather than replacing governments, projects like the Network School may ultimately demonstrate that the future lies in partnership with them. Special economic zones, regulatory agreements and government-backed innovation hubs could prove more durable than attempts to operate independently.
For crypto’s network state movement, Malaysia serves as a reminder that decentralization may reduce reliance on traditional financial infrastructure, but it has yet to eliminate dependence on the institutions of the real world.
CASE STUDY | This Leading DAO Exploit Shows the Biggest Risk to On-Chain Governance is Governance Itself
Stay tuned to BitKE on crypto updates.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
____________________________________
That experiment is now facing one of its biggest tests.
Following an investigation by Malaysian authorities into the Network School over allegations involving Israeli nationals entering the country on second passports, Srinivasan has proposed negotiating a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Malaysian government to provide legal certainty for the project. He warned that without such guarantees, the community could move its investment elsewhere. Initial checks by Malaysia’s Immigration Department found that all 266 foreign residents held valid travel documents but the probe has exposed the legal uncertainty surrounding the initiative.
EDITORIAL | In Crypto We Trust? Why Credibility Is the Real Currency (or Token) in the Age of Decentralization
For many in the crypto industry, the story goes far beyond immigration.
The Network School represents the latest evolution of crypto’s long-standing ambition to build parallel societies.
Bitcoin challenged state-issued money.
Decentralized finance attempted to recreate banking without banks.
DAOs experimented with internet-native governance.
The network state takes the concept one step further by asking whether digital communities can eventually develop into real-world jurisdictions with their own institutions, economies, and even diplomatic recognition.
These ideas have become increasingly popular among crypto entrepreneurs seeking environments with lighter regulation, crypto-native financial systems and communities built around shared technological values rather than geography.
But Malaysia’s investigation highlights a reality that crypto projects cannot easily escape.
No matter how decentralized a community becomes online, people still need visas, residency permits, property rights, telecommunications infrastructure, banking access and legal recognition. Members remain subject to immigration laws, national security concerns, taxation, and local politics. Digital governance can coordinate a community internally, but it cannot replace the legal authority of the country hosting it.
POLITICS | United States Seizes ~$500 Million in Crypto Linked to Iran
That dependence became evident almost immediately. Rather than relying on blockchain governance or community consensus, Srinivasan’s response was to seek a formal agreement with the Malaysian government – an acknowledgement that even digital-native communities ultimately require the support of conventional states to operate with certainty.
The episode also illustrates how quickly geopolitical realities can overtake technological ideals. The investigation was triggered by allegations surrounding Israeli nationals and Malaysia’s longstanding diplomatic position on Israel – issues that exist entirely outside blockchain technology but nonetheless directly affect a crypto-native community operating within the country’s borders.
The broader lesson is that crypto’s utopian vision has practical limits.
REALITY CHECK | Why DeFi is Increasingly Moving Toward Permissioned Structures and Controls Over Ideological Decentralization
Building digital institutions is relatively straightforward. Building physical communities requires navigating the laws, politics, and sovereignty of existing nations. While blockchain networks can create borderless financial systems, the people participating in them remain citizens, residents, and taxpayers governed by nation states.
Rather than replacing governments, projects like the Network School may ultimately demonstrate that the future lies in partnership with them. Special economic zones, regulatory agreements and government-backed innovation hubs could prove more durable than attempts to operate independently.
For crypto’s network state movement, Malaysia serves as a reminder that decentralization may reduce reliance on traditional financial infrastructure, but it has yet to eliminate dependence on the institutions of the real world.
CASE STUDY | This Leading DAO Exploit Shows the Biggest Risk to On-Chain Governance is Governance Itself
Stay tuned to BitKE on crypto updates.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
____________________________________
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CRYPTO CRIME | FATF Calls for Tougher Crypto AML Enforcement Following Travel Rule ImplementationThe Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has urged countries to accelerate enforcement of anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) rules for the crypto industry, warning that stablecoins are increasingly becoming the preferred digital asset for illicit activity.
In its July 2026 review of virtual asset regulations, the global watchdog said jurisdictions have made progress in implementing its standards for virtual asset service providers (VASPs), but enforcement remains uneven.
The FATF warned that regulatory gaps continue to create opportunities for criminals to exploit cross-border crypto markets.
“Jurisdictions continue to face difficulties in identifying individuals and entities that conduct VASP activities, with many jurisdictions yet to translate legal frameworks into effective supervision and enforcement in practice.”
REGULATION | FATF Warns Offshore Virtual Asset Service Providers (oVASPs) Pose Illicit Finance Risks
The report noted that stablecoins now account for the majority of illicit on-chain transaction volume reflecting their growing role in cybercrime, fraud, sanctions evasion, and terrorist financing. It also highlighted the increasing use of peer-to-peer transfers through unhosted wallets which remain difficult for regulators to monitor.
FATF called on governments to strengthen supervision of crypto service providers, improve implementation of the ‘Travel Rule,’ and enhance international cooperation to identify, freeze, and recover illicit digital assets. The watchdog also urged the private sector to adopt stronger risk management and compliance controls as stablecoin usage continues to expand.
Crypto-related money laundering and fraud has seen #Kenya remain on the #FATF grey-list and is now driving COMPLIANT ENTITIES out of the market. pic.twitter.com/O0xpemULq7
— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) July 13, 2026
According to the FATF, while most major jurisdictions have introduced virtual asset regulations, many have yet to fully enforce them leaving significant weaknesses in the global AML framework that criminals continue to exploit.
REGULATION | ‘Proceeds of Crime Are Laundered and Concealed Within Real Estate or Cryptocurrency in Kenya,’ Says Kenyan Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
Stay tuned to BitKE on regulatory developments globally.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
___________________________________________
CRYPTO CRIME | FATF Calls for Tougher Crypto AML Enforcement Following Travel Rule Implementation
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has urged countries to accelerate enforcement of anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) rules for the crypto industry, warning that stablecoins are increasingly becoming the preferred digital asset for illicit activity.
In its July 2026 review of virtual asset regulations, the global watchdog said jurisdictions have made progress in implementing its standards for virtual asset service providers (VASPs), but enforcement remains uneven.
The FATF warned that regulatory gaps continue to create opportunities for criminals to exploit cross-border crypto markets.
“Jurisdictions continue to face difficulties in identifying individuals and entities that conduct VASP activities, with many jurisdictions yet to translate legal frameworks into effective supervision and enforcement in practice.”
REGULATION | FATF Warns Offshore Virtual Asset Service Providers (oVASPs) Pose Illicit Finance Risks
The report noted that stablecoins now account for the majority of illicit on-chain transaction volume reflecting their growing role in cybercrime, fraud, sanctions evasion, and terrorist financing. It also highlighted the increasing use of peer-to-peer transfers through unhosted wallets which remain difficult for regulators to monitor.
FATF called on governments to strengthen supervision of crypto service providers, improve implementation of the ‘Travel Rule,’ and enhance international cooperation to identify, freeze, and recover illicit digital assets. The watchdog also urged the private sector to adopt stronger risk management and compliance controls as stablecoin usage continues to expand.
Crypto-related money laundering and fraud has seen #Kenya remain on the #FATF grey-list and is now driving COMPLIANT ENTITIES out of the market. pic.twitter.com/O0xpemULq7
— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) July 13, 2026
According to the FATF, while most major jurisdictions have introduced virtual asset regulations, many have yet to fully enforce them leaving significant weaknesses in the global AML framework that criminals continue to exploit.
REGULATION | ‘Proceeds of Crime Are Laundered and Concealed Within Real Estate or Cryptocurrency in Kenya,’ Says Kenyan Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
Stay tuned to BitKE on regulatory developments globally.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
___________________________________________
In its July 2026 review of virtual asset regulations, the global watchdog said jurisdictions have made progress in implementing its standards for virtual asset service providers (VASPs), but enforcement remains uneven.
The FATF warned that regulatory gaps continue to create opportunities for criminals to exploit cross-border crypto markets.
“Jurisdictions continue to face difficulties in identifying individuals and entities that conduct VASP activities, with many jurisdictions yet to translate legal frameworks into effective supervision and enforcement in practice.”
REGULATION | FATF Warns Offshore Virtual Asset Service Providers (oVASPs) Pose Illicit Finance Risks
The report noted that stablecoins now account for the majority of illicit on-chain transaction volume reflecting their growing role in cybercrime, fraud, sanctions evasion, and terrorist financing. It also highlighted the increasing use of peer-to-peer transfers through unhosted wallets which remain difficult for regulators to monitor.
FATF called on governments to strengthen supervision of crypto service providers, improve implementation of the ‘Travel Rule,’ and enhance international cooperation to identify, freeze, and recover illicit digital assets. The watchdog also urged the private sector to adopt stronger risk management and compliance controls as stablecoin usage continues to expand.
Crypto-related money laundering and fraud has seen #Kenya remain on the #FATF grey-list and is now driving COMPLIANT ENTITIES out of the market. pic.twitter.com/O0xpemULq7
— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) July 13, 2026
According to the FATF, while most major jurisdictions have introduced virtual asset regulations, many have yet to fully enforce them leaving significant weaknesses in the global AML framework that criminals continue to exploit.
REGULATION | ‘Proceeds of Crime Are Laundered and Concealed Within Real Estate or Cryptocurrency in Kenya,’ Says Kenyan Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
Stay tuned to BitKE on regulatory developments globally.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
___________________________________________
62
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REALITY CHECK | Regulatory Clarity Is No Longer the Primary Obstable to Crypto IPOsThe market for cryptocurrency initial public offerings (IPOs) remains largely closed despite improved regulatory clarity with investors rotating capital toward artificial intelligence and broader infrastructure plays while macro-economic uncertainty continues to weigh on risk assets.
According to Christian Lopez, Head of Blockchain and Digital Assets at Cohen & Company Capital Markets, the challenge for crypto companies is no longer regulation but convincing investors they can generate durable, diversified revenue beyond trading activity.
“That’s less relevant than before. Companies went public before there was regulatory clarity,” he said.
“For companies like Bullish, Circle or BitGo, it’s more about access to capital than regulation.”
INSTITUTIONAL | BitGo Q1 2026 Losses More Than Double Despite Over 40% Growth in Client Base
According to Lopez, the October 2025 liquidity event was the turning point for the current drain in capital across the virtual assets ecosystem.
The event erased billions in leveraged positions across the crypto markets.
Bitcoin fell by over 10%
Ethereum similarly dropped by over 10%
Solana suffered significantly steeper losses at over 30%
MILESTONE | Crypto Markets Record the Largest Single-Day Liquidation Event in History
That shift is reshaping how crypto firms position themselves.
Rather than relying on exchange fees or token-related businesses, many companies are expanding into infrastructure businesses such as stablecoin payments, custody, tokenization, blockchain infrastructure, institutional services, lending, and payments. The goal is to build businesses with recurring revenue streams that are less dependent on crypto market cycles and more attractive to public market investors.
CASE STUDY | U.S Crypto Exchange Pivots to Stablecoin Infrastructure Provider After ~80% Drop in Crypto Revenue in Q1 2026
The change mirrors a broader trend across the industry.
Exchanges are becoming financial platforms, custodians are adding settlement and tokenization services, while infrastructure providers are positioning themselves as the backbone for banks, fintechs, and enterprises entering digital assets.
Even so, the IPO market shows little sign of reopening in the near term. Investors continue to favor AI companies which are attracting a disproportionate share of new capital while persistent macro-economic uncertainty, elevated interest rates, and cautious public market sentiment have reduced appetite for new listings across high-growth sectors.
INSIGHTS | Why the Market Has No Appetite for Crypto IPOs
The result is a higher bar for crypto firms seeking public markets. Companies are increasingly expected to demonstrate predictable cash flows, diversified business models, and enterprise-grade infrastructure rather than growth driven primarily by crypto trading volumes.
“A lot of crypto companies trying to raise capital in the private markets are finding it difficult because of their singular focus on one product offering,” says Lopez.
“The right thing to do is become more diversified rather than being just a crypto trading business,”
CASE STUDY | This Asian Deal Signals Upcoming Market Demand at Scale for Stablecoin Infrastructure
The $600 million acquisition marks the company’s first infrastructure deal in Asia.
Details: https://t.co/J5b8f6Wsbd @krakenfx #Stablecoin #CaseStudy #BitKECaseStudies… pic.twitter.com/yryh12xDbl
— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) May 13, 2026
Lopez said the current slowdown reflects market conditions rather than a lack of interest in the sector. Firms with strong fundamentals are expected to continue preparing for eventual listings but most are likely to wait until capital markets improve and investor demand for new IPOs returns.
For the industry, the message is becoming increasingly clear:
Building critical financial infrastructure may prove to be a more compelling public market story than operating a business centered on crypto trading alone.
INSTITUTIONAL | The Largest Asset Management Firm Globally Bets Bitcoin Investors Want Income, Not Just Price Gains
Stay tuned to BitKE updates on crypto markets developments.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
________________________
REALITY CHECK | Regulatory Clarity Is No Longer the Primary Obstable to Crypto IPOs
The market for cryptocurrency initial public offerings (IPOs) remains largely closed despite improved regulatory clarity with investors rotating capital toward artificial intelligence and broader infrastructure plays while macro-economic uncertainty continues to weigh on risk assets.
According to Christian Lopez, Head of Blockchain and Digital Assets at Cohen & Company Capital Markets, the challenge for crypto companies is no longer regulation but convincing investors they can generate durable, diversified revenue beyond trading activity.
“That’s less relevant than before. Companies went public before there was regulatory clarity,” he said.
“For companies like Bullish, Circle or BitGo, it’s more about access to capital than regulation.”
INSTITUTIONAL | BitGo Q1 2026 Losses More Than Double Despite Over 40% Growth in Client Base
According to Lopez, the October 2025 liquidity event was the turning point for the current drain in capital across the virtual assets ecosystem.
The event erased billions in leveraged positions across the crypto markets.
Bitcoin fell by over 10%
Ethereum similarly dropped by over 10%
Solana suffered significantly steeper losses at over 30%
MILESTONE | Crypto Markets Record the Largest Single-Day Liquidation Event in History
That shift is reshaping how crypto firms position themselves.
Rather than relying on exchange fees or token-related businesses, many companies are expanding into infrastructure businesses such as stablecoin payments, custody, tokenization, blockchain infrastructure, institutional services, lending, and payments. The goal is to build businesses with recurring revenue streams that are less dependent on crypto market cycles and more attractive to public market investors.
CASE STUDY | U.S Crypto Exchange Pivots to Stablecoin Infrastructure Provider After ~80% Drop in Crypto Revenue in Q1 2026
The change mirrors a broader trend across the industry.
Exchanges are becoming financial platforms, custodians are adding settlement and tokenization services, while infrastructure providers are positioning themselves as the backbone for banks, fintechs, and enterprises entering digital assets.
Even so, the IPO market shows little sign of reopening in the near term. Investors continue to favor AI companies which are attracting a disproportionate share of new capital while persistent macro-economic uncertainty, elevated interest rates, and cautious public market sentiment have reduced appetite for new listings across high-growth sectors.
INSIGHTS | Why the Market Has No Appetite for Crypto IPOs
The result is a higher bar for crypto firms seeking public markets. Companies are increasingly expected to demonstrate predictable cash flows, diversified business models, and enterprise-grade infrastructure rather than growth driven primarily by crypto trading volumes.
“A lot of crypto companies trying to raise capital in the private markets are finding it difficult because of their singular focus on one product offering,” says Lopez.
“The right thing to do is become more diversified rather than being just a crypto trading business,”
CASE STUDY | This Asian Deal Signals Upcoming Market Demand at Scale for Stablecoin Infrastructure
The $600 million acquisition marks the company’s first infrastructure deal in Asia.
Details: https://t.co/J5b8f6Wsbd @krakenfx #Stablecoin #CaseStudy #BitKECaseStudies… pic.twitter.com/yryh12xDbl
— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) May 13, 2026
Lopez said the current slowdown reflects market conditions rather than a lack of interest in the sector. Firms with strong fundamentals are expected to continue preparing for eventual listings but most are likely to wait until capital markets improve and investor demand for new IPOs returns.
For the industry, the message is becoming increasingly clear:
Building critical financial infrastructure may prove to be a more compelling public market story than operating a business centered on crypto trading alone.
INSTITUTIONAL | The Largest Asset Management Firm Globally Bets Bitcoin Investors Want Income, Not Just Price Gains
Stay tuned to BitKE updates on crypto markets developments.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
________________________
According to Christian Lopez, Head of Blockchain and Digital Assets at Cohen & Company Capital Markets, the challenge for crypto companies is no longer regulation but convincing investors they can generate durable, diversified revenue beyond trading activity.
“That’s less relevant than before. Companies went public before there was regulatory clarity,” he said.
“For companies like Bullish, Circle or BitGo, it’s more about access to capital than regulation.”
INSTITUTIONAL | BitGo Q1 2026 Losses More Than Double Despite Over 40% Growth in Client Base
According to Lopez, the October 2025 liquidity event was the turning point for the current drain in capital across the virtual assets ecosystem.
The event erased billions in leveraged positions across the crypto markets.
Bitcoin fell by over 10%
Ethereum similarly dropped by over 10%
Solana suffered significantly steeper losses at over 30%
MILESTONE | Crypto Markets Record the Largest Single-Day Liquidation Event in History
That shift is reshaping how crypto firms position themselves.
Rather than relying on exchange fees or token-related businesses, many companies are expanding into infrastructure businesses such as stablecoin payments, custody, tokenization, blockchain infrastructure, institutional services, lending, and payments. The goal is to build businesses with recurring revenue streams that are less dependent on crypto market cycles and more attractive to public market investors.
CASE STUDY | U.S Crypto Exchange Pivots to Stablecoin Infrastructure Provider After ~80% Drop in Crypto Revenue in Q1 2026
The change mirrors a broader trend across the industry.
Exchanges are becoming financial platforms, custodians are adding settlement and tokenization services, while infrastructure providers are positioning themselves as the backbone for banks, fintechs, and enterprises entering digital assets.
Even so, the IPO market shows little sign of reopening in the near term. Investors continue to favor AI companies which are attracting a disproportionate share of new capital while persistent macro-economic uncertainty, elevated interest rates, and cautious public market sentiment have reduced appetite for new listings across high-growth sectors.
INSIGHTS | Why the Market Has No Appetite for Crypto IPOs
The result is a higher bar for crypto firms seeking public markets. Companies are increasingly expected to demonstrate predictable cash flows, diversified business models, and enterprise-grade infrastructure rather than growth driven primarily by crypto trading volumes.
“A lot of crypto companies trying to raise capital in the private markets are finding it difficult because of their singular focus on one product offering,” says Lopez.
“The right thing to do is become more diversified rather than being just a crypto trading business,”
CASE STUDY | This Asian Deal Signals Upcoming Market Demand at Scale for Stablecoin Infrastructure
The $600 million acquisition marks the company’s first infrastructure deal in Asia.
Details: https://t.co/J5b8f6Wsbd @krakenfx #Stablecoin #CaseStudy #BitKECaseStudies… pic.twitter.com/yryh12xDbl
— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) May 13, 2026
Lopez said the current slowdown reflects market conditions rather than a lack of interest in the sector. Firms with strong fundamentals are expected to continue preparing for eventual listings but most are likely to wait until capital markets improve and investor demand for new IPOs returns.
For the industry, the message is becoming increasingly clear:
Building critical financial infrastructure may prove to be a more compelling public market story than operating a business centered on crypto trading alone.
INSTITUTIONAL | The Largest Asset Management Firm Globally Bets Bitcoin Investors Want Income, Not Just Price Gains
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REGULATION | Leading Fintech Giant, Revolut, Secures Preliminary Approval to Offer Crypto Service...British fintech giant, Revolut, has secured in-principle approval from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to offer cryptocurrency services in the United Arab Emirates marking another step in its global expansion into regulated digital assets.
The approval covers
broker-dealer,
management and investment, and
exchange services,
although Revolut must still obtain final regulatory clearance before launching the offerings.
The company said eligible UAE customers will eventually be able to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies through its main app and its standalone crypto exchange, Revolut X, within a regulated framework.
REGULATION | Leading European Fintech, Revolut, to Delist USDT from August 2026 Over Regulatory and Risk Concerns
The move builds on Revolut’s earlier approval from the Central Bank of the UAE to provide payment services and strengthens its ambitions to establish a fully regulated financial ecosystem in the country. The fintech, which serves more than 75 million customers globally, has been expanding its regulated footprint after obtaining a UK banking licence in early 2026 while pursuing additional licences in markets including the United States and Peru.
Dubai has positioned itself as one of the world’s leading crypto hubs under VARA’s dedicated regulatory framework. The regulator has licensed dozens of virtual asset firms and granted several companies in-principle approvals as it continues to attract global digital asset businesses.
REGULATION | South African Crypto Exchange, VALR, Makes Critical Step Towards Global Expansion Following Dubai Regulatory Approval
Sign up to BitKE for all the regulatory updates globally.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
_________________________________________
REGULATION | Leading Fintech Giant, Revolut, Secures Preliminary Approval to Offer Crypto Service...
British fintech giant, Revolut, has secured in-principle approval from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to offer cryptocurrency services in the United Arab Emirates marking another step in its global expansion into regulated digital assets.
The approval covers
broker-dealer,
management and investment, and
exchange services,
although Revolut must still obtain final regulatory clearance before launching the offerings.
The company said eligible UAE customers will eventually be able to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies through its main app and its standalone crypto exchange, Revolut X, within a regulated framework.
REGULATION | Leading European Fintech, Revolut, to Delist USDT from August 2026 Over Regulatory and Risk Concerns
The move builds on Revolut’s earlier approval from the Central Bank of the UAE to provide payment services and strengthens its ambitions to establish a fully regulated financial ecosystem in the country. The fintech, which serves more than 75 million customers globally, has been expanding its regulated footprint after obtaining a UK banking licence in early 2026 while pursuing additional licences in markets including the United States and Peru.
Dubai has positioned itself as one of the world’s leading crypto hubs under VARA’s dedicated regulatory framework. The regulator has licensed dozens of virtual asset firms and granted several companies in-principle approvals as it continues to attract global digital asset businesses.
REGULATION | South African Crypto Exchange, VALR, Makes Critical Step Towards Global Expansion Following Dubai Regulatory Approval
Sign up to BitKE for all the regulatory updates globally.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
_________________________________________
The approval covers
broker-dealer,
management and investment, and
exchange services,
although Revolut must still obtain final regulatory clearance before launching the offerings.
The company said eligible UAE customers will eventually be able to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies through its main app and its standalone crypto exchange, Revolut X, within a regulated framework.
REGULATION | Leading European Fintech, Revolut, to Delist USDT from August 2026 Over Regulatory and Risk Concerns
The move builds on Revolut’s earlier approval from the Central Bank of the UAE to provide payment services and strengthens its ambitions to establish a fully regulated financial ecosystem in the country. The fintech, which serves more than 75 million customers globally, has been expanding its regulated footprint after obtaining a UK banking licence in early 2026 while pursuing additional licences in markets including the United States and Peru.
Dubai has positioned itself as one of the world’s leading crypto hubs under VARA’s dedicated regulatory framework. The regulator has licensed dozens of virtual asset firms and granted several companies in-principle approvals as it continues to attract global digital asset businesses.
REGULATION | South African Crypto Exchange, VALR, Makes Critical Step Towards Global Expansion Following Dubai Regulatory Approval
Sign up to BitKE for all the regulatory updates globally.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
_________________________________________
73
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CASE STUDY | Another DeFi Exploit Takes Place After an Oracle Infrastructure ManipulationOstium, a decentralized perpetuals trading platform, has suffered an approximately $18 million exploit after an attacker manipulated its oracle infrastructure, marking the latest in a series of oracle-related attacks targeting decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols.
The exploit targeted Ostium’s liquidity vault on the Arbitrum network. Blockchain security firm Blockaid said the attacker used a registered PriceUpKeep forwarder alongside future-dated authorized oracle reports to generate artificial trading profits, resulting in a payout of roughly $18 million in USDC from the protocol’s vault.
Ostium uses a custom price-feed system to track asset prices in real-time with the Gelato 3rd-party automation network pushing this real-time data on-chain. The PriceUpKeep smart contract sits at the center acting as a trigger that write the latest price data on the blockchain when a trade needs to be executed.
EDITORIAL | Why Accounting and Price Discovery Remain the Biggest Hurdles to Capital Markets Tokenization
Following the incident, Ostium halted trading while it investigates the exploit. The team said users’ funds remain secure outside of the affected liquidity vault and that it is working with security researchers to assess the attack and determine the next steps.
The attack adds to a growing wave of oracle-related exploits hitting DeFi in 2026, highlighting persistent vulnerabilities in external price feed infrastructure that many decentralized applications rely on to settle trades and value collateral.
CASE STUDY | This Latest Crypto Exploit Reveals Vulnerabilities Within DeFi Oracles
In 2025, Ostium raised $27.8 million. As per the Ostium website, the platform has already processed over $50 billion in cumulative volume across over 26,000 traders since its 2024 debut.
In early 2026, the decentralized exchange became the first on-chain trading platform to offer perpetual futures tied to individual U.S. equities using live Nasdaq price data, marking another step in the growing convergence between traditional finance and crypto markets.
MILESTONE | DeFi Exchange Becomes First Platform to Offer On-Chain Perpetual Futures Tied to a Leading U.S Stock Exchange
Ostium allows the trading of real-world assets like commodities, forex, and equity indices with up to 200x leverage making an exploit expensive. Winnings are settled in USDC.
A recent incident involving a weather-linked prediction market has similarly highlighted growing concerns over the reliability of real-world data used to settle on-chain contracts.
The incident illustrates what analysts describe as a key structural weakness in decentralized prediction systems:
While on-chain markets are designed to be tamper-resistant, they remain dependent on real-world inputs that may be vulnerable to manipulation.
CASE STUDY | This Bet Demonstrates Why Prediction Markets Have an Oracle Problem
Stay tuned to BitKE on DeFi developments.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
___________________________________________
CASE STUDY | Another DeFi Exploit Takes Place After an Oracle Infrastructure Manipulation
Ostium, a decentralized perpetuals trading platform, has suffered an approximately $18 million exploit after an attacker manipulated its oracle infrastructure, marking the latest in a series of oracle-related attacks targeting decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols.
The exploit targeted Ostium’s liquidity vault on the Arbitrum network. Blockchain security firm Blockaid said the attacker used a registered PriceUpKeep forwarder alongside future-dated authorized oracle reports to generate artificial trading profits, resulting in a payout of roughly $18 million in USDC from the protocol’s vault.
Ostium uses a custom price-feed system to track asset prices in real-time with the Gelato 3rd-party automation network pushing this real-time data on-chain. The PriceUpKeep smart contract sits at the center acting as a trigger that write the latest price data on the blockchain when a trade needs to be executed.
EDITORIAL | Why Accounting and Price Discovery Remain the Biggest Hurdles to Capital Markets Tokenization
Following the incident, Ostium halted trading while it investigates the exploit. The team said users’ funds remain secure outside of the affected liquidity vault and that it is working with security researchers to assess the attack and determine the next steps.
The attack adds to a growing wave of oracle-related exploits hitting DeFi in 2026, highlighting persistent vulnerabilities in external price feed infrastructure that many decentralized applications rely on to settle trades and value collateral.
CASE STUDY | This Latest Crypto Exploit Reveals Vulnerabilities Within DeFi Oracles
In 2025, Ostium raised $27.8 million. As per the Ostium website, the platform has already processed over $50 billion in cumulative volume across over 26,000 traders since its 2024 debut.
In early 2026, the decentralized exchange became the first on-chain trading platform to offer perpetual futures tied to individual U.S. equities using live Nasdaq price data, marking another step in the growing convergence between traditional finance and crypto markets.
MILESTONE | DeFi Exchange Becomes First Platform to Offer On-Chain Perpetual Futures Tied to a Leading U.S Stock Exchange
Ostium allows the trading of real-world assets like commodities, forex, and equity indices with up to 200x leverage making an exploit expensive. Winnings are settled in USDC.
A recent incident involving a weather-linked prediction market has similarly highlighted growing concerns over the reliability of real-world data used to settle on-chain contracts.
The incident illustrates what analysts describe as a key structural weakness in decentralized prediction systems:
While on-chain markets are designed to be tamper-resistant, they remain dependent on real-world inputs that may be vulnerable to manipulation.
CASE STUDY | This Bet Demonstrates Why Prediction Markets Have an Oracle Problem
Stay tuned to BitKE on DeFi developments.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
___________________________________________
The exploit targeted Ostium’s liquidity vault on the Arbitrum network. Blockchain security firm Blockaid said the attacker used a registered PriceUpKeep forwarder alongside future-dated authorized oracle reports to generate artificial trading profits, resulting in a payout of roughly $18 million in USDC from the protocol’s vault.
Ostium uses a custom price-feed system to track asset prices in real-time with the Gelato 3rd-party automation network pushing this real-time data on-chain. The PriceUpKeep smart contract sits at the center acting as a trigger that write the latest price data on the blockchain when a trade needs to be executed.
EDITORIAL | Why Accounting and Price Discovery Remain the Biggest Hurdles to Capital Markets Tokenization
Following the incident, Ostium halted trading while it investigates the exploit. The team said users’ funds remain secure outside of the affected liquidity vault and that it is working with security researchers to assess the attack and determine the next steps.
The attack adds to a growing wave of oracle-related exploits hitting DeFi in 2026, highlighting persistent vulnerabilities in external price feed infrastructure that many decentralized applications rely on to settle trades and value collateral.
CASE STUDY | This Latest Crypto Exploit Reveals Vulnerabilities Within DeFi Oracles
In 2025, Ostium raised $27.8 million. As per the Ostium website, the platform has already processed over $50 billion in cumulative volume across over 26,000 traders since its 2024 debut.
In early 2026, the decentralized exchange became the first on-chain trading platform to offer perpetual futures tied to individual U.S. equities using live Nasdaq price data, marking another step in the growing convergence between traditional finance and crypto markets.
MILESTONE | DeFi Exchange Becomes First Platform to Offer On-Chain Perpetual Futures Tied to a Leading U.S Stock Exchange
Ostium allows the trading of real-world assets like commodities, forex, and equity indices with up to 200x leverage making an exploit expensive. Winnings are settled in USDC.
A recent incident involving a weather-linked prediction market has similarly highlighted growing concerns over the reliability of real-world data used to settle on-chain contracts.
The incident illustrates what analysts describe as a key structural weakness in decentralized prediction systems:
While on-chain markets are designed to be tamper-resistant, they remain dependent on real-world inputs that may be vulnerable to manipulation.
CASE STUDY | This Bet Demonstrates Why Prediction Markets Have an Oracle Problem
Stay tuned to BitKE on DeFi developments.
Join our WhatsApp channel here.
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
___________________________________________
188
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#BitcoinReclaims$65K 🚨 Bitcoin is going up to $70,000? The people who were betting against Bitcoin are losing money now.
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