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SEC looking to abandon effort requiring crypto firms to register as exchanges

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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is reportedly reconsidering its push to require cryptocurrency firms to register as exchanges, signaling a potential shift in the agency’s regulatory approach to the digital asset industry.

The move comes after years of legal battles and industry pushback against the SEC’s stance on crypto trading platforms. The commission has long argued that many crypto firms operate as unregistered securities exchanges, violating federal laws. However, enforcement efforts have faced resistance from both the industry and the courts, prompting a reassessment of the policy.

Critics within the crypto sector have argued that the SEC’s registration framework is not suited for decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and other blockchain-based businesses. They contend that applying traditional exchange regulations to crypto firms stifles innovation and drives businesses offshore.

If the SEC formally abandons its push for mandatory exchange registration, it could mark a significant regulatory shift, potentially opening the door for new crypto-friendly policies. While the commission has not made a final decision, the reconsideration suggests an evolving stance amid growing pressure for clearer and more practical regulations.

The potential reversal comes as the U.S. government faces increasing calls to provide a balanced regulatory framework that fosters innovation while ensuring investor protection. Any policy changes by the SEC will be closely watched by industry participants, lawmakers, and global regulators looking to align their approaches to the rapidly evolving crypto market.

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Paxos CEO urges US lawmakers to set cross-border stablecoin regulation

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Paxos CEO Charles Cascarilla has emphasized that U.S. legislation on stablecoins could serve as a blueprint for global regulatory frameworks, shaping the future of cross-border digital payments. His remarks come as policymakers increasingly focus on the role of stablecoins in the international financial system.

Cascarilla highlighted the growing need for clear and comprehensive regulations to govern stablecoin issuance and usage, particularly in cross-border transactions. He argued that regulatory clarity in the U.S. could influence global standards, fostering innovation while ensuring financial stability.

Stablecoins, which are pegged to traditional fiat currencies, have become a crucial part of the digital economy, enabling faster and more cost-effective international payments. However, concerns over financial oversight, consumer protection, and systemic risk have prompted regulators worldwide to push for stricter frameworks.

The Paxos CEO underscored the importance of a well-defined regulatory approach that balances innovation with risk mitigation. He suggested that a strong U.S. framework could encourage other jurisdictions to adopt similar measures, reducing regulatory fragmentation and promoting interoperability across financial markets.

As discussions around stablecoin legislation continue, the potential for a unified global regulatory standard remains a key consideration. Cascarilla’s comments reflect growing industry support for clear, enforceable policies that could drive mainstream adoption while maintaining financial integrity.

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EU watchdogs scrutinizing OKX over $100M in Bybit laundered funds

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European financial watchdogs are intensifying scrutiny of cryptocurrency exchanges OKX and Bybit amid allegations of their involvement in processing $100 million in illicit funds. The investigation highlights growing regulatory concerns over money laundering risks within the digital asset sector.

Authorities suspect that funds tied to criminal activities were funneled through these exchanges, prompting heightened oversight from EU regulators. The probe is part of a broader crackdown on unregulated crypto transactions, as financial enforcement agencies seek to curb illicit financial flows facilitated by digital assets.

OKX and Bybit have yet to issue detailed responses but have previously emphasized their commitment to compliance and anti-money laundering (AML) measures. Both platforms have expanded globally, navigating an evolving regulatory landscape while facing increasing pressure from authorities to enhance their oversight mechanisms.

The investigation signals the EU’s firm stance on crypto-related financial crimes, reinforcing the push for stricter regulations under frameworks such as the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) legislation. If wrongdoing is established, the exchanges could face penalties, regulatory restrictions, or enhanced compliance requirements.

As global regulators tighten their grip on crypto platforms, exchanges operating in the EU and beyond are under growing pressure to bolster AML protocols, ensuring compliance with stringent financial laws to avoid legal repercussions.

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Bitwise launches Bitcoin corporate treasury ETF

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Bitwise has introduced a new Bitcoin-focused exchange-traded fund (ETF) designed specifically for companies looking to allocate Bitcoin as part of their corporate treasury strategy. The launch comes as institutional interest in Bitcoin continues to grow amid evolving market dynamics and increased regulatory clarity.

The Bitcoin Corporate Treasury ETF aims to provide publicly traded companies and institutional investors with a regulated and efficient way to gain exposure to Bitcoin. The fund will track firms that hold Bitcoin on their balance sheets, reflecting the growing trend of corporations integrating digital assets into their financial strategies.

Bitwise’s new offering follows a wave of traditional financial institutions embracing Bitcoin, with major companies like MicroStrategy and Tesla already holding substantial BTC reserves. By creating a dedicated ETF for corporate treasuries, Bitwise seeks to streamline Bitcoin adoption for businesses while providing an alternative investment vehicle for institutional players.

With the rise of spot Bitcoin ETFs and increasing regulatory acceptance, the corporate treasury-focused fund signals another step toward mainstream integration of digital assets. As companies explore Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and an alternative store of value, Bitwise’s latest product could further accelerate institutional adoption in the evolving cryptocurrency landscape.

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