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Austrian crypto unicorn Bitpanda receives MiCA license in Germany

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Austrian fintech company Bitpanda has solidified its position as a European crypto leader by obtaining a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license in Germany. This milestone allows Bitpanda to operate as a regulated crypto custody and trading platform under Germany’s Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin). As one of the first firms to achieve compliance with MiCA regulations, Bitpanda is aligning itself with the EU’s evolving framework for digital assets.

Bitpanda’s MiCA license enables it to legally provide custody and trading services for crypto assets across all EU member states. The company has described this achievement as a major step forward in establishing trust and security for its users. By meeting MiCA’s stringent regulatory requirements, Bitpanda seeks to offer transparency and protection for retail and institutional investors in an increasingly regulated market.

Germany, recognized for its proactive approach to digital asset regulation, has become a key focus for crypto firms aiming to expand within the EU. The MiCA framework, set to come into effect in 2024, establishes standardized rules across the bloc for crypto asset issuance, trading, and custody. Bitpanda’s early compliance gives it a competitive edge, positioning the company as a leader in shaping Europe’s regulated crypto landscape.

Bitpanda’s CEO highlighted the license as a validation of the company’s long-standing commitment to compliance and customer safety. With its MiCA certification, Bitpanda is not only preparing for the future of crypto regulation but also setting a precedent for other firms seeking to operate within the EU’s evolving legal framework. The move underscores the increasing importance of regulatory alignment as the crypto industry matures in Europe and beyond.

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7-Eleven South Korea to accept CBDC payments in national pilot program

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7-Eleven is set to participate in the testing phase of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) initiative, running from April to June. The retail giant’s involvement highlights the growing push for digital currency integration in everyday transactions.

The pilot program will assess the feasibility of CBDC payments at 7-Eleven stores, allowing customers to make purchases using the digital currency. The initiative is part of a broader effort to explore the real-world application of CBDCs in retail environments, potentially shaping future payment systems.

As central banks worldwide accelerate their digital currency research, private sector collaboration is seen as crucial for widespread adoption. If successful, 7-Eleven’s participation could pave the way for broader CBDC usage across retail and commercial sectors.

The outcome of the testing phase will provide valuable insights into consumer adoption, transaction efficiency, and potential regulatory considerations, influencing how CBDCs are integrated into mainstream financial systems.

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SEC and Gemini ask to pause lawsuit to explore ‘potential resolution’

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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and crypto exchange Gemini have agreed to pause legal proceedings as both sides explore a potential resolution to their ongoing lawsuit. The move signals a possible settlement in the high-profile case, which centers around Gemini’s now-defunct Earn program.

The SEC initially sued Gemini, alleging that the Earn program—designed to offer users yield on crypto deposits—operated as an unregistered securities offering. Gemini has pushed back against the claims, arguing that its operations complied with regulatory standards.

By pausing litigation, both parties may be looking for a compromise that could set a precedent for crypto lending products in the U.S. A settlement could also provide regulatory clarity for similar platforms navigating SEC scrutiny.

While the outcome remains uncertain, the crypto industry is closely watching the case, as its resolution could impact future enforcement actions and the broader regulatory approach toward digital asset lending services.

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GameStop finishes $1.5B raise to add Bitcoin to its balance sheet

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GameStop has successfully completed a debt offering, raising capital that may be used to acquire Bitcoin, signaling the company’s deeper foray into digital assets. The move aligns with its broader strategy to diversify beyond traditional retail operations and into emerging financial technologies.

While GameStop has not confirmed the exact allocation of the funds, market speculation suggests that a portion could be used to buy Bitcoin, following in the footsteps of companies like MicroStrategy. The potential investment would reinforce GameStop’s ongoing pivot toward blockchain and digital assets, an effort that began with its NFT marketplace and crypto-related initiatives.

Analysts see this development as part of a growing trend of corporations exploring Bitcoin as a reserve asset amid concerns over inflation and monetary policy. If GameStop proceeds with the acquisition, it could further validate Bitcoin’s role as a strategic investment for publicly traded companies.

The company’s board will ultimately decide how the newly raised capital is deployed. Investors and the broader crypto market are watching closely for any official announcements regarding GameStop’s Bitcoin strategy.

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