The U.S. Senate has confirmed Paul Atkins as the new chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), marking a shift towards a more crypto-friendly regulatory environment. Despite his support for the crypto industry, some lawmakers, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, have expressed concerns about his past associations with controversial figures like Sam Bankman-Fried.

The White House has unveiled a detailed 168-page report providing recommendations for the regulation of digital assets, including stablecoins and a proposed crypto stockpile. This report, stemming from an executive order by President Trump, aims to create a regulatory framework that acknowledges the potential of blockchain technologies to transform financial systems.

Under Trump’s second presidential term, traditional financial institutions and crypto firms are increasingly collaborating due to regulatory rollbacks. Major banks like Bank of America are exploring stablecoins and seeking licenses to offer crypto services, indicating a significant shift in the finance sector's approach to digital assets.

Polymarket, a crypto-based prediction markets platform, has received approval from the CFTC to operate in the United States. The ruling follows a no-action letter regarding swap data reporting and recordkeeping regulations, paving the way for Polymarket's entry after a prior federal investigation was dropped.

Hong Joon-pyo, a candidate in South Korea's presidential primary, has vowed to reform regulations on blockchain and cryptocurrencies, aiming to foster the industry akin to the Trump administration's approach in the U.S. He also plans significant investments in AI and other advanced technologies, emphasizing the need for friendlier policies towards crypto.

The U.S. SEC and CFTC announced that registered trading platforms can now facilitate the trading of certain spot crypto assets, marking a shift in regulatory stance and aiming to establish a clearer framework for the crypto market ahead of pending legislation. The agencies are encouraging market participants to engage with them to navigate this new opportunity, highlighting their commitment to support growth in the crypto sector.

The finance industry is facing a crisis of trust characterized by aggressive pricing and risk-taking, as exemplified by JP Morgan's decision to impose fees for open banking access. This move has sparked controversy amid a backdrop of high inflation and a multi-polar world, highlighting the tensions between traditional banks and fintech companies. The article discusses the implications of these developments, including a record IPO for a crypto-holding company, and raises questions about the future of financial regulation and consumer trust in the industry.

SEC Chair Paul Atkins has announced a shift towards a more friendly regulatory approach to cryptocurrency, moving away from the previous administration's stringent policies. He plans to utilize existing frameworks to create standards for digital assets and promote innovation while ensuring investor protection. Atkins emphasizes collaboration with lawmakers to develop supportive regulations for the crypto industry.

Coinbase has urged the U.S. Department of Justice to establish uniform federal regulations for cryptocurrency, arguing that conflicting state laws hinder innovation and harm consumers. The plea comes amid a lawsuit filed by Oregon against Coinbase for unregistered securities, despite the SEC dropping its own case against the exchange.

A new U.S. Justice Department memo indicates a significant policy shift that may offer relief to cryptocurrency firms by easing enforcement actions against them. This change, contrasting with the previous administration's strict approach, focuses on prosecuting harmful practices rather than regulating the industry broadly, prompting concerns about potential misconduct among crypto platforms.

Nasdaq is enhancing its scrutiny of publicly listed companies that are raising funds to acquire cryptocurrencies, requiring shareholder votes and increasing disclosure demands. This move comes in response to a surge in capital raises aimed at digital asset accumulation, with over $98 billion announced since January 2025.

The Senate is set to vote on the GENIUS Act, which aims to establish clear regulations for stablecoins, promoting the U.S. Dollar and enhancing financial innovation. The article critiques various public interest groups that oppose this legislation, arguing that their influence has hindered bipartisan progress on crypto regulation and misled the public about the benefits of stablecoins. It highlights the need for Congress to take decisive action amidst the noise from these advocacy groups.

Crypto industry groups are calling on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to provide clearer guidance regarding the regulatory status of staking. These organizations argue that uncertainties surrounding staking could hinder innovation and investment in the cryptocurrency sector. They emphasize the need for regulatory clarity to foster a more secure environment for both companies and consumers involved in staking activities.

Nexo, the crypto lender, is set to reenter the U.S. market nearly two years after halting its services due to regulatory issues surrounding its Earn Interest Product. Following a $45 million settlement with U.S. regulators, Nexo plans to offer crypto savings accounts and loans to both retail and institutional clients, coinciding with a potential easing of regulatory scrutiny under the current administration.

The U.S. Department of Labor is reversing its previous warnings against including cryptocurrencies in retirement investments, arguing that it should not dictate which assets are deemed risky. This shift aligns with the Trump administration's broader embrace of digital assets and follows significant changes in the crypto market, where investments have seen substantial gains since the earlier caution was issued.

The article forecasts a robust crypto market in early 4Q25, driven by strong liquidity and favorable macro conditions, particularly for bitcoin. It challenges the belief in significant seasonal effects on crypto performance, particularly the "September effect," suggesting that historical trends lack statistical significance and may mislead investors.

U.S. CFTC Commissioner Kristen Johnson has announced her departure, leaving the agency with no sitting commissioners as it prepares for incoming chairman Brian Quintenz. Legal experts warn that the commission could face challenges if it operates with just one commissioner, raising concerns about its ability to effectively oversee the growing U.S. crypto market.

In a significant development for the cryptocurrency landscape, the U.S. House has passed three pivotal bills: the GENIUS Act, CLARITY Act, and Anti-CBDC Act. These legislative measures aim to establish clear regulatory frameworks for digital assets, addressing critical issues such as the classification of cryptocurrencies and the potential implementation of a digital dollar.

Ethereum's 10th anniversary prompts a reevaluation of the crypto landscape, highlighting the diverse nature of digital assets and the need for nuanced perspectives. While mainstream finance is increasingly engaging with crypto, the sector still grapples with significant risks, volatility, and regulatory challenges. Ultimately, both enthusiasts and skeptics must recognize the complexity of crypto’s role in the financial ecosystem.

Japan is reclassifying certain cryptocurrencies to align them with their legal framework, which may facilitate the approval of cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the country. Additionally, there is a proposed shift in tax regulations that could impact crypto investments, making the environment more favorable for both investors and companies in the crypto sector.

The U.S. Federal Reserve is discontinuing its "Novel Activities Supervision Program" aimed at overseeing banks involved in crypto, citing a strengthened understanding of those activities. This decision reflects a broader regulatory pullback and a shift in approach towards digital assets under the current administration.

Michelle Bowman from the Federal Reserve emphasizes the importance of embracing new technologies like crypto and AI to lead in financial innovation. She argues against an overly cautious approach and suggests that understanding these technologies is crucial for the banking system's evolution. Bowman also proposes that Fed staff should hold a small amount of crypto to gain firsthand experience.

The SEC has simplified the process for exchanges to list spot crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) by approving generic listing standards that eliminate the need for individual reviews. This decision also includes the approval of Grayscale's Digital Large Cap Fund and options linked to the Cboe Bitcoin U.S. ETF Index, potentially paving the way for more altcoin ETFs in the market. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins emphasized that this move aims to enhance access to digital asset products within regulated U.S. markets.

The Federal Reserve has eliminated 'reputational risk' from its bank examination procedures, potentially allowing banks to better serve digital asset firms and address complaints about "debanking" in the crypto industry. This move has been welcomed by pro-crypto lawmakers, though they emphasize that further action is necessary.

South Korea's Financial Services Commission has ordered Apple to remove 14 unregistered crypto apps, including KuCoin and MEXC, from its App Store, effective April 11. This action follows a similar ban on Google’s Play Store as the country intensifies regulatory measures against unregistered foreign crypto services. Violating these regulations can lead to severe penalties for providers.

The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has granted Erebor Bank a conditional national bank charter, allowing it to operate as a bank that offers both traditional and virtual currency-related services. OCC chief Jonathan Gould emphasized that this approval reflects the regulator's openness to digital asset activities in the banking sector. Erebor aims to serve technology companies and high-net-worth individuals in the digital currency space.

Twelve Senate Democrats are urging their Republican counterparts to establish a bipartisan authorship process for crypto market structure legislation, emphasizing collaboration rather than merely commenting on a GOP-drafted bill. They are advocating for a more significant role in shaping the legislation and closer coordination with the Senate Agriculture Committee.

A new draft of a major crypto market structure bill in the U.S. Senate proposes establishing a joint advisory committee between the SEC and CFTC to harmonize digital asset regulations. The bill includes protections for DeFi developers, clarifies the treatment of airdrops, and exempts Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks from securities laws.

Polymarket is set to raise $200 million in a new funding round that will value the platform at $1 billion, led by Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund. Despite facing regulatory challenges that resulted in banning US customers, Polymarket has maintained significant activity, particularly during the 2024 US presidential election, and is expanding its offerings through a partnership with Elon Musk's social network, X. The platform's cumulative betting volume is approaching $14.8 billion, with a notable decrease in user activity recently.

Kraken has acquired the derivatives platform Small Exchange from IG Group for $100 million, enabling the launch of a U.S.-based derivatives product suite. This acquisition will enhance Kraken's regulatory compliance and market structure by integrating various trading products under CFTC oversight. The deal is part of Kraken's broader strategy to expand its operations and improve trading efficiency in the U.S. market.

The House Agriculture and Financial Services Committees have both voted to advance the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, which aims to establish a regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies. The bill, which will be merged into a comprehensive legislation, includes provisions for disclosures from digital asset firms and clarifications regarding non-custodial platforms amid ongoing political tensions surrounding Trump's crypto interests.

President Donald Trump signed the GENIUS Act into law, establishing the first major regulatory framework for stablecoins in the U.S. The bipartisan support for the legislation signals a significant shift in the crypto industry's relationship with Washington, aiming to set clear rules for stablecoin issuers and pave the way for broader crypto regulation.

A coalition of ten major fintech and crypto trade groups is urging President Trump to intervene against JPMorgan's proposed fees for accessing consumer banking data, which they argue could stifle innovation and de-bank millions of Americans. The letter emphasizes that financial data should belong to consumers and warns that such fees threaten the adoption of stablecoins and self-custody wallets. The situation is complicated by ongoing legal battles over the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s open banking rule, which mandates free access to consumer data.

Coinbase is suing Oregon Governor Tina Kotek for public records related to the state's lawsuit against the exchange, claiming a sudden shift in policy regarding cryptocurrency regulation. The state had previously argued that cryptocurrencies were not classified as securities, but later filed charges alleging that Coinbase sold unregistered securities to Oregonians. Coinbase contends that these policy changes should involve public debate and transparency.

SoFi Technologies is set to reenter the crypto market, focusing on stablecoin issuance and tokenized loans, after pausing its crypto offerings two years ago. With favorable regulatory conditions under the Trump administration, SoFi aims to launch these services within the next two years, highlighting the financial advantages of blockchain technology.

Nasdaq has submitted a proposal to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to amend its rules, allowing the trading of listed stocks and exchange-traded products in both traditional and tokenized forms. This move aligns with rising global investor demand for tokenized assets and comes in the wake of the SEC's recent agenda to facilitate crypto trading on national exchanges.

€34 million in cryptocurrency has been seized from the eXch exchange for facilitating money laundering activities, including connections to North Korean hacking groups. The exchange reportedly lacked necessary anti-money laundering controls and was involved in laundering funds from high-profile thefts, prompting increased scrutiny as authorities investigate its operations.

Crypto companies like Circle and BitGo are planning to apply for bank charters as they aim to integrate more closely with the banking system. This move comes in response to regulatory pressures following past industry turmoil and amid renewed interest spurred by political support for cryptocurrency.

Stablecoins are rapidly expanding, with significant growth in yield-bearing options due to favorable regulatory changes following President Trump's election. Pendle's platform is a key player, facilitating the trading of these assets and capturing a substantial market share. The future outlook suggests a doubling of stablecoin issuance and increased adoption of yield-bearing stablecoins, positioning Pendle for continued success.

Coinbase is pursuing a national trust company charter from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to enhance oversight and innovation in integrating digital assets with traditional finance. The exchange emphasizes it does not aim to become a bank, highlighting the importance of regulatory clarity for confident innovation. Other cryptocurrency firms, including Paxos and Ripple, have also applied for similar charters.

President Donald Trump granted clemency to Changpeng Zhao, the former CEO of Binance, who had pleaded guilty to violating U.S. anti-money laundering laws. Zhao's pardon comes after he served four months in prison and highlights Binance's connections to the Trump family's financial ventures, particularly through their crypto platform, World Liberty Financial.