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Bitpanda receives in-principle approval for UAE expansion

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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.

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US lawmakers advance anti-CBDC bill

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U.S. lawmakers have voted to advance a bill aimed at blocking the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC), marking a major step in the political pushback against the development of a digital dollar.

The bill, which passed through the House Financial Services Committee, would prohibit the Fed from directly offering accounts or issuing a CBDC to individuals, citing concerns over surveillance, privacy, and government overreach.

Supporters of the legislation argue that a digital dollar could pose significant risks to civil liberties, enabling real-time tracking of consumer transactions and expanding federal control over personal finances. They view the bill as a safeguard against what they describe as a “surveillance-style” monetary system.

Opponents of the bill, however, argue that restricting CBDC development could hinder U.S. innovation and global competitiveness in the evolving digital financial landscape.

The legislation now moves closer to a potential floor vote in Congress. Its progress underscores growing ideological divisions over the future of money in the United States, with CBDCs emerging as a new front in the broader debate over digital governance, financial freedom, and the role of government in the digital age.

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Gemini to open Miami office after judge stays SEC case

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Crypto exchange Gemini has opened a new office in Miami, reinforcing its commitment to expanding operations despite pausing its plans for an initial public offering (IPO) amid a continuing legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The Miami office signals the company’s long-term vision for growth in key U.S. markets, even as regulatory uncertainty clouds the broader crypto landscape. The expansion comes at a time when Gemini is facing heightened scrutiny from the SEC over its Earn program, which the regulator alleges involved unregistered securities.

While the IPO remains on hold, Gemini continues to strengthen its infrastructure and team, focusing on user growth, compliance, and regional outreach. The Miami hub is expected to play a strategic role in those efforts, leveraging the city’s growing status as a U.S. crypto hotspot.

Co-founders Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss remain vocal about the need for clear regulatory frameworks and have emphasized that Gemini will continue to fight for fair treatment while building responsibly in the U.S. and abroad.

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Coinbase Institutional files for XRP futures trading with CFTC

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Coinbase Institutional has officially filed with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to offer XRP futures trading, marking a significant move toward expanding institutional access to Ripple’s native token.

The filing, submitted through Coinbase Derivatives, signals the exchange’s intent to list XRP futures contracts in a regulated environment. If approved, it would allow institutional investors to gain exposure to XRP through derivative products, a key step in broadening the token’s presence in traditional financial markets.

This development comes amid a gradually improving regulatory climate for XRP, following a partial legal victory for Ripple in its ongoing case with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The outcome gave XRP a degree of legal clarity, opening the door for exchanges and financial institutions to re-engage with the asset.

Coinbase’s push to expand its derivatives offerings also aligns with its strategy to build a more robust institutional platform. Approval from the CFTC would position the exchange to capitalize on growing demand for regulated crypto investment vehicles.

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