Italy’s central bank has expressed concerns over the growing divergence between the European Union and the United States regarding cryptocurrency regulation. In a recent report, officials emphasized that while the EU has adopted the comprehensive Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework to provide regulatory clarity, the U.S. continues to rely on enforcement actions rather than clear legislative guidelines. This disparity, they warn, could create market inefficiencies and regulatory arbitrage, where companies choose jurisdictions based on more favorable oversight.

The report also highlighted the risks posed by an uncoordinated regulatory approach, particularly in ensuring investor protection and financial stability. The Italian central bank stressed the importance of global cooperation, noting that the lack of a unified framework could leave gaps in oversight, making it easier for bad actors to exploit regulatory loopholes. Additionally, they pointed to the challenges of monitoring decentralized finance (DeFi) and stablecoins, which require cross-border regulatory alignment.

In contrast to the U.S., the EU’s MiCA regulation is set to introduce clear rules for stablecoin issuers, crypto exchanges, and custodial services, providing businesses with a structured compliance roadmap. While some industry participants have welcomed MiCA’s clarity, others remain concerned about excessive regulatory burdens that could stifle innovation. Meanwhile, the Italian central bank believes a more proactive regulatory approach in the U.S. could help align global standards and reduce uncertainty for crypto firms operating internationally.

As the global crypto market evolves, Italy’s central bank has urged policymakers to engage in more collaborative discussions to bridge regulatory gaps. They argue that without a coordinated international effort, the industry could face increasing fragmentation, making it harder to develop a stable and transparent digital asset ecosystem. Whether the U.S. will adopt a more structured regulatory approach or continue its enforcement-heavy stance remains a key question for the future of the global crypto industry.

Sergey Nazarov, co-founder of Chainlink Labs, recently spoke with CNBC Crypto World about a collaborative pilot program involving DTCC, Chainlink, and ten financial institutions. The initiative aims to bring Net Asset Value (NAV) data on-chain. Nazarov also discussed the tokenization of real-world assets and the financial and political developments in the crypto sector.

Source Credits: CNBC

Fantom, a leading blockchain platform, has announced the launch of the Sonic Foundation, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at developing the new Sonic Chain. This move represents Fantom’s latest effort to advance blockchain technology and expand its ecosystem.

The Sonic Foundation will focus on the research, development, and implementation of the Sonic Chain, which promises to enhance scalability, security, and interoperability within the blockchain space. The foundation aims to foster innovation by supporting projects and developers dedicated to leveraging the new chain’s capabilities.

Fantom’s CEO, Michael Kong, emphasized the significance of this initiative: “The Sonic Foundation is a strategic step towards pushing the boundaries of what blockchain technology can achieve. By introducing the Sonic Chain, we aim to address current limitations and pave the way for more efficient and robust decentralized applications.”

The Sonic Chain is expected to introduce a range of new features designed to optimize performance and user experience. These include advanced consensus mechanisms, improved transaction speeds, and enhanced security protocols. The chain will also be fully compatible with existing blockchain networks, facilitating seamless integration and interoperability.

The Sonic Foundation will provide grants, technical support, and resources to developers and projects that align with its mission. This support is intended to accelerate the adoption and utilization of the Sonic Chain, encouraging a diverse range of applications from decentralized finance (DeFi) to supply chain management and beyond.

Industry experts are optimistic about the potential impact of the Sonic Foundation. “Fantom’s initiative could significantly influence the blockchain landscape,” said blockchain analyst Laura Shin. “The focus on scalability and interoperability is particularly timely, addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by the industry today.”

As Fantom unveils this new initiative, the blockchain community is closely watching how the Sonic Foundation will shape the future of decentralized technology. With the backing of a robust support structure and a commitment to innovation, the Sonic Chain is poised to become a key player in the evolution of blockchain solutions.

The launch of the Sonic Foundation underscores Fantom’s dedication to driving progress and fostering a vibrant ecosystem. As the Sonic Chain develops, it is expected to attract a growing number of developers and users, further solidifying Fantom’s position as a leader in the blockchain industry.