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Cryptopay EU card provider loses license

The European Union debit card provider for Cryptopay has lost its Electronic Money Institution license, according to a June 22 email sent to its customers. The company recommends to EU cardholders that they should immediately spend or transfer funds from their cards. Funds held in the app’s accounts are safe.

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The European Union debit card provider for Cryptopay has lost its Electronic Money Institution license, according to a June 22 email sent to its customers. The company recommends to EU cardholders that they should immediately spend or transfer funds from their cards. Funds held in the app’s accounts are safe.

Cryptopay had been using UAB PayrNet, a licensed EMI in Lithuania, to provide its EU customers with debit card services. But PayrNet’s license was revoked by Lithuania’s central bank, leading to the risk that users’ funds may become temporarily stuck on their cards.

An email stated that only funds transferred to a user’s debit card would be affected. As for funds that have already been transferred to a card, Cryptopay recommends that they be spent or transferred away “as soon as possible.” This can be done by using the card to buy crypto, withdrawing it as cash from an ATM, transferring it to a different card or simply spending the money at a store.

Cryptopay also clarified that even if a customer’s card stops working, the user can still recover the card’s funds from UAB PayrNet directly. Cryptopay offered to help coordinate this process if this becomes necessary.

A Cryptopay representative clarified that the problem primarily affects users in the EU. However, users in the United Kingdom may be temporarily affected because the company has “switched off card services in order to maintain operational stability.” These services should be back up and running within “a couple of days” in the United Kingdom.

Debit card issuer Wirecard went bankrupt in June 2020. At the time, it had become one of the most used debit card providers for crypto companies, including Cryptopay. Cryptopay later relaunched its program with a different provider.

Despite continuing troubles in the crypto debit card industry, there are also signs that debit card companies are becoming more favorable to crypto. In March, Mastercard announced that it would integrate stablecoins into its payment network within the Asia-Pacific region, allowing them to be accepted in the region wherever Mastercard is.

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Celo, Chainlink, Hyperlane launch crosschain USDT on OP Superchain

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Celo, Chainlink, Hyperlane, and Velodrome have introduced a cross-chain version of Tether’s USDT on the OP Superchain. The newly launched “Super USDT” is backed by reserves locked on Celo and utilizes Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol and Hyperlane for seamless movement across networks. This innovation aims to enhance liquidity and reduce the fragmentation of stablecoins across the ecosystem.

The initiative aligns with Optimism’s goal of creating a unified, interoperable Superchain. Unlike traditional bridged USDT, which struggles with compatibility, Super USDT is designed to integrate with upcoming interchain standards and future native USDT upgrades. This is expected to simplify stablecoin transactions and increase adoption within the Superchain framework.

Chainlink’s business officer, Johann Eid, emphasized the significance of this development, noting that Chainlink’s Data Feeds have already secured billions in USDT lending markets. With the introduction of Super USDT, users will have greater flexibility in utilizing the stablecoin across multiple Optimism-based chains.

Tether’s USDT remains the dominant stablecoin, accounting for over 61% of the $231 billion stablecoin market. With stablecoin adoption surpassing Visa and Mastercard’s transaction volumes, interoperability solutions like Super USDT are becoming increasingly critical for ensuring seamless and efficient digital asset transfers. Read more.

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SEC Enforcement Division closes investigation into Robinhood Crypto

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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has closed its investigation into Robinhood Crypto, informing the company on February 21 that no enforcement action would be recommended. This decision comes less than a year after Robinhood received a Wells notice regarding potential securities violations.

Robinhood Markets’ compliance officer, Dan Gallagher, criticized the investigation, stating that the company has always adhered to federal securities laws. The SEC had been examining Robinhood’s crypto operations since issuing the Wells notice in May 2024, which suggested possible enforcement action.

In January 2025, Robinhood reached a $45 million settlement with the SEC over multiple securities law violations. The company admitted to some findings in the SEC’s order but has since urged regulators to move away from a “regulation by enforcement” approach.

This development reflects a broader shift in the SEC’s stance on crypto regulation, with growing calls for clearer guidelines. Some experts speculate that pending enforcement actions against other major crypto firms could also be reconsidered. Read more.

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Hong Kong investment firm’s board gives nod to more Bitcoin buying

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HK Asia Holdings Limited has expanded its Bitcoin holdings to nearly 9 BTC, following board approval for additional purchases. The Hong Kong-based investment firm acquired approximately 7.88 BTC on February 20, spending around $761,705. This comes after its initial 1 BTC purchase a week earlier, which significantly boosted its stock price.

The company financed its Bitcoin acquisition using internal resources, bringing its total investment in the asset to roughly $861,500. The firm emphasized its growing interest in digital assets amid increasing cryptocurrency adoption in the business world.

Following the Bitcoin purchases, HK Asia’s stock price surged by nearly 93% after its first acquisition and continued to rise by 5.7% on February 24. If the trend holds, the stock could surpass its all-time high from June 2019, reflecting strong investor confidence in the firm’s crypto strategy.

HK Asia voluntarily disclosed its Bitcoin acquisitions, even though they remained below the legal threshold requiring disclosure. This move aligns with a broader trend of publicly traded firms incorporating cryptocurrency into their asset holdings.

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