Coinbase Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal has defended the exchange’s decision to list Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC), following a lawsuit that challenges the delisting of the asset. Speaking on Nov. 21, Grewal asserted that Coinbase’s listing practices adhere to strict due diligence processes and regulatory standards. The lawsuit, filed by an institutional investor, accuses the platform of removing WBTC prematurely, causing financial losses.

WBTC, a tokenized version of Bitcoin on the Ethereum network, was delisted by Coinbase earlier this year amid declining demand and liquidity concerns. The plaintiff argues that the delisting was abrupt and lacked sufficient communication, resulting in adverse financial impacts for traders and institutions using WBTC. Grewal countered these claims, stating that delisting decisions are made in the best interest of platform integrity and user safety.

The case sheds light on the growing legal complexities surrounding asset listings and delistings in the cryptocurrency industry. Exchanges like Coinbase face increasing scrutiny over how they select and manage digital assets, especially as regulatory frameworks evolve. Grewal emphasized that Coinbase remains committed to transparency and compliance while balancing the dynamic nature of the crypto market.

This legal challenge comes as the cryptocurrency sector grapples with heightened regulatory oversight and market volatility. Analysts suggest that the outcome of the lawsuit could set a precedent for how exchanges handle delistings and communicate with stakeholders. Coinbase’s defense highlights the challenges of operating in a rapidly changing industry where legal and market expectations continue to converge.

European investment platform Bitpanda has received regulatory approval from the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) in Dubai, paving the way for its expansion in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Announced on Nov. 21, the license allows Bitpanda to provide its full suite of digital asset services to retail and institutional clients in the region. This move marks a significant milestone in Bitpanda’s strategy to grow its presence in the Middle East.

VARA’s approval enables Bitpanda to offer services such as cryptocurrency trading, custody, and digital asset management under Dubai’s robust regulatory framework. The company’s entry into the UAE aligns with Dubai’s vision to become a global hub for blockchain and digital assets, supported by clear regulations that attract international firms. Bitpanda plans to establish a strong local presence by collaborating with UAE-based partners and institutions.

Bitpanda CEO Eric Demuth highlighted the UAE’s forward-thinking approach to digital asset regulation, calling it a key factor in the company’s decision to expand in the region. “Dubai has set a global benchmark for fostering innovation in the crypto space while ensuring investor protection. We are excited to bring our trusted platform to this dynamic market,” Demuth stated.

The approval reflects the UAE’s commitment to attracting leading players in the cryptocurrency and fintech sectors. Analysts believe Bitpanda’s entry will enhance competition and drive innovation in the local market. As the Middle East continues to embrace digital transformation, Bitpanda’s presence is expected to boost adoption and further solidify Dubai’s position as a global leader in the digital asset economy.

Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has sent a cease-and-desist letter to decentralized finance (DeFi) platform Peanut & Squirrel, alleging unauthorized use of Binance’s intellectual property (IP). Announced on Nov. 21, the legal action accuses the platform of infringing on Binance’s trademarks and misleading users about its association with the exchange. Binance has demanded that Peanut & Squirrel cease all activities involving its brand immediately.

The dispute centers around Peanut & Squirrel’s use of Binance’s name and branding in its promotional materials and platform features. Binance claims these actions create confusion among users, potentially harming its reputation and brand equity. A Binance spokesperson stated, “We take the protection of our intellectual property very seriously and will take appropriate action to ensure its integrity.”

Peanut & Squirrel has yet to issue an official response to the allegations, but the case highlights the challenges in managing intellectual property in the decentralized finance space. DeFi projects often operate without formal regulatory oversight, leading to disputes over branding, copyrights, and user safety. Binance’s legal team has indicated that failure to comply with the cease-and-desist could result in further legal action.

This incident underscores the increasing need for clear guidelines and enforcement mechanisms within the rapidly evolving DeFi ecosystem. As the sector grows, disputes over IP and branding are expected to become more common, raising questions about accountability and compliance. Binance’s proactive stance signals its intent to protect its brand while setting a precedent for handling similar conflicts in the cryptocurrency industry.