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Nigeria’s SEC to crack down on unregulated crypto exchanges

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Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced a crackdown on unregulated cryptocurrency transactions as part of its latest regulatory measures. The new regulations aim to bring greater oversight and transparency to the country’s rapidly growing digital asset market.

In a move designed to curb illegal and unregulated crypto activities, the SEC has introduced stringent rules requiring all cryptocurrency transactions to be conducted through licensed platforms. These regulations mandate that all digital asset exchanges, wallet providers, and other crypto-related businesses must obtain official licenses to operate within Nigeria.

The SEC’s new guidelines are part of a broader effort to protect investors and ensure market integrity amid increasing concerns over fraud and market manipulation in the cryptocurrency space. The regulations also include enhanced reporting requirements for crypto transactions and stricter anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) measures.

“The implementation of these regulations is crucial for safeguarding investors and ensuring that cryptocurrency activities are conducted in a transparent and regulated manner,” said Lamido Yuguda, the Director-General of the SEC. “Our aim is to create a safer and more structured environment for digital asset trading while addressing the risks associated with unregulated transactions.”

The SEC’s actions follow a series of high-profile incidents involving fraudulent crypto schemes and unlicensed trading platforms in Nigeria. By enforcing these new rules, the SEC seeks to mitigate risks and enhance consumer confidence in the cryptocurrency market.

Industry stakeholders have reacted positively to the SEC’s move, noting that clearer regulations could lead to increased legitimacy and stability in the sector. However, some crypto advocates have expressed concerns that the new rules could stifle innovation and limit access to digital asset trading for smaller investors.

The Nigerian government has been actively working to integrate cryptocurrencies into the formal financial system while addressing regulatory challenges. The SEC’s latest enforcement action is seen as a significant step toward achieving a balanced approach that promotes both innovation and regulatory compliance.

As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, the SEC’s regulations are expected to set a precedent for other countries grappling with similar issues related to digital asset oversight. The effectiveness of these measures will likely be closely monitored by global regulators and industry participants.

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Metaplanet shares jump after $5.4B plan to buy Bitcoin

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Tokyo-based Metaplanet has unveiled plans to significantly boost its Bitcoin reserves, targeting the acquisition of 100,000 BTC by the end of 2026—up from its previous goal of 21,000 BTC. The announcement, shared via X on June 6, follows a recent purchase increasing its holdings to 8,888 BTC and signals a bold move to expand its crypto presence .

The firm intends to buy at least an additional 91,112 BTC over the next 18 months. CEO Simon Gerovich emphasized that this accelerated acquisition is a deliberate response to global financial shifts, including geopolitical tensions, excessive sovereign debt, and growing doubts over traditional safe-haven assets like bonds and gold.

To fund this plan, Metaplanet will issue up to 555 million new shares via stock acquisition rights, supplementing its existing 210 million-share program. The issuance is expected to raise around ¥770.3 billion (approximately $5.32 billion) at an initial strike price of ¥1,388 per share.

Looking ahead, the company aims to hold over 210,000 BTC by the end of 2027—roughly 1% of Bitcoin’s fixed supply cap. This ambitious growth trajectory cements Metaplanet’s status as Asia’s leading corporate Bitcoin holder—a strategy that echoes the approach taken by U.S. firm MicroStrategy.

As Metaplanet positions itself for further expansion, its aggressive accumulation strategy and large-scale capital raising mark a transformative shift in how non-financial firms are using corporate treasury to gain exposure to cryptocurrencies.

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Coinbase says it’s tackling frozen accounts in ‘major issue’

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Coinbase announced it has cut back on unnecessary account freezes by 82%, following extensive user complaints about prolonged access limitations. CEO Brian Armstrong acknowledged this issue on June 6 via a post on X, describing account freezes as “a major issue” that had been tolerated for “longer than is acceptable.” He confirmed the problem is now being prioritized and urged affected users to contact Coinbase Support.

The improvement follows sustained frustration among users who reported being locked out of their accounts—sometimes for weeks or months—without clear explanations or timely support. Armstrong credited the swift progress to the recent hiring of product expert Dor Levi, whose team revamped Coinbase’s machine learning systems to minimize false positives in fraud detection.

Despite reducing “false positives,” both Armstrong and Levi cautioned that certain freezes will still occur in cases involving legal requirements or fraud prevention. Levi admitted the current level of support still “doesn’t meet [his] own bar” and pledged to continue refining the process. Meanwhile, user sentiment remains divided, as many continue to report lingering issues and slow customer service.

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Japan’s ‘Strategy,’ Metaplanet, to buy 91K Bitcoin in next 18 months

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Japanese investment firm Metaplanet has significantly expanded its Bitcoin acquisition strategy, announcing plans to hold 100,000 BTC by the end of 2026. This ambitious target represents a substantial increase from its previous goal of 21,000 BTC.

As of early June, Metaplanet holds 8,888 BTC, following a recent purchase of 1,088 BTC. To achieve its new objective, the company intends to acquire an additional 91,112 BTC over the next 18 months. This move is part of Metaplanet’s broader strategy to position itself as a leading corporate holder of Bitcoin globally.

The firm’s CEO, Simon Gerovich, cited global economic shifts and concerns over traditional financial assets as key motivators for this aggressive expansion. He emphasized Bitcoin’s attributes—such as scarcity, ease of custody, and lack of credit intermediaries—as increasingly valuable in the current financial landscape.

To fund these acquisitions, Metaplanet plans to issue up to 555 million new shares, supplementing the 210 million shares previously issued. This capital raise is expected to generate approximately 770.3 billion yen (around $5.32 billion) based on the initial share price. Looking further ahead, the company aims to hold over 210,000 BTC by the end of 2027, joining the exclusive group of entities that possess at least 1% of Bitcoin’s total supply.

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