The chair of the Basel Committee is calling for a rework of capital rules for banks holding cryptocurrencies. With the U.S. and U.K. rejecting the current framework, which inadequately addresses stablecoins, there's a push for a new approach to reflect the evolving crypto landscape.

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition is urging the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to reject Stripe's application for a national trust banking charter. They argue that Stripe's history of legal issues and inadequate consumer protections make it unfit for banking services. If approved, the charter would allow Stripe to operate with less regulatory oversight.

The article discusses a significant increase in bank charter applications from fintech companies in the U.S., driven by improved profitability and a favorable regulatory environment. It details different types of charters and their implications for fintechs, highlighting the strategic value of gaining direct banking capabilities.

The NCUA has introduced rules for federally insured credit unions to license subsidiaries as payment stablecoin issuers under the GENIUS Act. Issuers must obtain a PPSI license and comply with standards on reserves and liquidity, while the agency has a 120-day window to approve applications. Stakeholders can comment on the proposed rules for 60 days before finalization.

The article argues that the stagnant growth of non-USD stablecoins stems from banking regulations, particularly Basel III, which create disincentives for banks to hold non-USD inventories. It highlights the need for decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions to address liquidity issues in non-USD corridors, as traditional banking methods are no longer viable.

China plans to intensify its crackdown on virtual currencies, including stablecoins, which officials say lack legal status and pose financial risks. The central bank raised concerns about money laundering and fraud associated with stablecoins during a recent meeting. Meanwhile, Hong Kong continues to support the crypto industry, contrasting with mainland policies.

This article discusses the state of crypto venture capital funding as it entered 2026. It highlights a shift toward later-stage investments, the decline in early-stage funding, and the impact of regulatory clarity on future capital formation. Investors also express interest in areas like stablecoins, payments, and tokenized real-world assets.

The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to advance the GENIUS bill, which aims to establish a regulatory framework for stablecoins, alongside the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act for broader crypto regulation. The vote came after a contentious procedural week, and the bills could be heading to President Trump's desk soon. No Democrats supported the measures, with concerns raised about potential overreach and privacy implications.

Analysts predict that Bitcoin's price could reach $200,000 by the end of 2025, driven by factors such as supportive regulations, increasing interest from traditional investors, and potential Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. Key developments include the introduction of stablecoins and a surge in corporate adoption of Bitcoin as an asset.