Coin Bytes Archives - Timescrypto

SEC Clears Path for State Trusts to Custody Crypto Assets

The SEC has given a green signal for custody crypto assets. The government stated in a recent no-action letter that advisers are not limited to using traditional banks or federally regulated corporations as qualified custodians for digital assets, but can also employ state-chartered trust companies. The move comes as a significant milestone because one of the most challenging aspects of regulating crypto has been custody. In order to protect client assets, advisers have frequently had difficulty locating trustworthy, compliant partners. The SEC is expanding the market while maintaining investor protections by recognising state trust organisations. The action might accelerate institutional adoption in the United States by making it considerably simpler for advisors to include cryptocurrency in client portfolios.

Republic to Tokenize Animoca Brands Equity on Solana

Investment platform Republic is planning to tokenize Animoca Brands’ equity on the Solana blockchain. This means that shares in the company can now be represented as blockchain-based tokens, making ownership easier to access. The new rollout can also aid in trading and make tracking transactions easier. Using Solana’s fast and low-cost network, Republic can offer smoother and quicker transfers of these tokenized shares. One of the biggest perks is fractional ownership, which lets smaller investors get a piece of high-profile companies like Animoca Brands without needing to buy a full share. The move is part of a growing trend to blend traditional finance with blockchain technology, opening up new ways for people to invest, increasing liquidity, and making private company ownership more inclusive and accessible.

The SEC Halts Trading For Nasdaq Listed QMMM Holdings

The SEC has paused trading of Nasdaq-listed QMMM Holdings after its shares soared nearly 10-fold in under three weeks. The surge appears to have been fuelled by anonymous social media hype, raising red flags for regulator. The SEC’s main concerns stem around market manipulation and investor safety. The spike followed QMMM’s announcement of a $100 million crypto treasury which was going to be used to invest in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. While the news generated excitement among investors, the SEC stepped in to halt trading and prevent further wild swings that could hurt shareholders. The halt comes amid SEC’s efforts to curb social media hype around fraudulent tokens. Additionally, crypto-related announcements can drive market frenzy which often leads to a FOMO affect making regulators like the SEC closely watch trading for a fair and transparent experience.

BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust Surpasses Deribit as Top Bitcoin Options Venue

In a significant move that illustrates Wall Street’s expanding influence in crypto markets, BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has surpassed Deribit as the top venue for Bitcoin options. After Friday’s expiration, open interest in IBIT-related options was close to $38 billion, while on Deribit, it was $32 billion, Bloomberg reported. Less than a year has passed since the November 2024 debut of IBIT options. The market was previously dominated by Deribit, which was established in 2016 and has long been the leading offshore centre.
This breakthrough signifies a fundamental shift in how Bitcoin is accessed by traders. Liquidity is currently moving more and more towards regulated products at the core of US financial markets, which were previously controlled by offshore exchanges that specialised on leverage.

Turkey to Expand Masak’s Powers to Freeze Crypto Accounts and Blacklist Illicit Addresses

In a surprising turn of events, Turkey is moving to tighten its grip on financial crime with new powers for its Financial Crimes Investigation Board (Masak). The plan would allow Masak to freeze both bank and crypto accounts, while setting limits on suspicious transactions,. The new amendments will also allow the regulator to blacklist crypto addresses tied to fraud. A key target for the new rollout is the so-called “rented accounts,” often used for illegal gambling and laundering funds. Turkey hopes to demonstrate its commitment to maintaining the safety and transparency of its financial system by bringing itself into compliance with international standards set forth by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). These actions are included in the nation’s eleventh package of judicial reform, which will be presented to parliament for consideration.

Poland Passes Bill to Regulate Crypto Market, Sets Up Dedicated Watchdog

Poland is receiving backlash for a strict crypto law. A new regulation enacted by lawmakers establishes defined guidelines for crypto companies, imposing limitations on their operations and ensuring greater investor protection. The establishment of a specialised watchdog to monitor the sector is at the core of the legislation. This new body will monitor crypto service providers, enforce anti-money laundering regulations, and try to reduce fraud and other issues that regulators have been concerned about. Poland is keeping up with broader European attempts to appropriately regulate digital assets while simultaneously sending a message that it wants to make crypto safer and more reliable by strengthening oversight.

SWIFT to Integrate Blockchain-Based Ledger, Enhancing Digital Finance in 200+ Countries

The top payment network in the world, SWIFT, is integrating a blockchain-based ledger into its infrastructure. New tools will be accessible in across more than 200 nations and territories. The update seeks to improve the security and ease of digital finance. SWIFT can eliminate errors, expedite cross-border payments, and provide banks and other financial institutions with a transparent view of transactions. The change was implemented in response to the growing need for faster and more reliable international money transfers. The infrastructure upgrading of SWIFT shows that even well-established banking systems can embrace innovation. This modification might fundamentally alter international money transfers, making them safer, faster, and easier for all parties involved.

eToro Teams Up with Lean to Offer Instant AED Bank Transfers for UAE Users

Lean Technologies and Lean Technologies and eToro have partnered to make funding accounts in the UAE quicker and simpler than before. have partnered to make funding accounts in the UAE quicker and simpler than before. Now, users can make quick AED bank transfers directly from their local banks without leaving the eToro app. Through this partnership, eToro becomes one of the first international investing platforms in the United Arab Emirates to use an open-banking provider that is subject to local regulations. By connecting their bank accounts, users can save time and reduce errors by avoiding time-consuming tasks like navigating between apps or entering card information. Everyone in the UAE can invest more easily, safely, and conveniently because it only takes seconds to deposit money rather than minutes.

Singapore and UAE Top Global Rankings as Most Crypto-Focused Nations

The most recent assessment by ApeX Protocol has identified Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the countries with the greatest concentration on crypto adoption. The UAE came in second with a score of 99.7, representing 25.3% ownership, while Singapore received a perfect score of 100, with over 24.4% of its citizens owning crypto. The list demonstrates how both nations have established solid reputations as crypto-friendly hotspots as a result of regulatory support. The two countries have also inculcated sophisticated financial systems and expanding institutional use for digital assets. The success reflects a larger global trend in which countries with entrepreneurial economies and open policies are leading the way in the development of blockchain technology and the acceptance of digital assets. This puts the UAE and Singapore in a position to determine financial trends in the future.

Qatar National Bank Adopts JPMorgan Blockchain Platform

Qatar National Bank (QNB) is adopting JPMorgan’s blockchain platform to handle corporate U.S. dollar payments within Qatar. The shift means businesses using QNB can expect payments that are faster and more secure. The move aims to help users with more cost-efficient methods of payments than traditional banking methods. Instead of relying on multiple intermediaries, the blockchain system allows transactions to move almost instantly. This adds transparency at every stage. For QNB’s corporate clients, this could ease cash flow management and improve trust in cross-border and domestic transactions. The decision also shows Qatar’s growing focus on financial innovation, joining a global wave of banks turning to blockchain to modernize how money moves.

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