ECB chooses 36 providers to test digital euro functions, operations, and payment systems. Pilot will assess online, offline, mobile, and merchant payment capabilities across Europe. Results will guide digital euro development before a possible 2029 issuance decision. The European Central Bank has selected 36 payment service providers to participate in...
UK Ends Crypto Lending Tax Trap With New HMRC Rules Starting 2027
HMRC will apply no gain, no loss treatment to qualifying crypto lending arrangements from April 2027. New rules could benefit around 700,000 crypto users involved in lending and liquidity pools. Tax charges will apply when users make economic disposals instead of initial crypto deposits. The UK government will introduce new...
Former LA Deputy Jailed for Obstructing Crypto Mogul Extortion Probe
Former LASD deputy Scott Simpkins admitted lying during a federal investigation into Adam Iza. Prosecutors linked Simpkins to a 2021 incident involving an alleged $25,000 extortion demand. Adam Iza faces multiple federal cases involving fraud, robbery, and crypto-related crimes. A former Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputy has been sentenced...
South Korea to Tokenize Government Bonds in Major Blockchain Finance Initiative
New reforms will introduce tokenized government bonds, stablecoin laws, and CBDC integration across South Korea. South Korea is moving ahead with plans to expand blockchain technology across its financial system. Government officials have outlined a broader economic strategy that centers on digital assets, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing for future...
XRP Sellers Still Rule Binance as CVD Score Refuses to Turn
XRP selling pressure holds firm on Binance as fresh CVD data and a 0.84 confirmation score point to more downside risk, per CryptoQuant. XRP touched above $2.00 back in the early part of this year. Binance’s order books don’t seem to remember that anymore. The token now trades near $1.07,...
White House Crypto Adviser Takes Leave as CLARITY Act Hits Critical Stage
Patrick Witt leaves for JAG training as CLARITY Act negotiations reach a critical phase. Harry Jung will oversee crypto council duties during Witt’s months-long military leave. Senate lawmakers race to advance crypto market structure rules before August recess. White House crypto adviser Patrick Witt is set to take a months-long...
Binance US Targets 20% U.S. Crypto Market Share After Regulatory Setback
Binance.US aims to recover its previous 20% U.S. crypto market share after regulatory challenges. The exchange uses near-zero fees and liquidity incentives to attract traders and rebuild activity. Binance.US plans derivatives, futures, and prediction markets pending additional regulatory approvals. Binance.US is targeting a return to 20% of the U.S. crypto...
Cardano Whales Hit 3.5-Year High as Retail Dumps ADA
Cardano wallets holding 100K-100M ADA top 25.6B coins, highest since Feb 2023, as sub-100 ADA wallets fell 0.7%. Cardano’s larger holders have raised their ADA balances to a 3.5-year high. The move comes as retail wallets reduce exposure. Santiment Intelligence said wallets holding 100,000 to 100 million ADA now hold...
OFAC Sanctions FirstVPN, Exposes Crypto Links to Top Ransomware Gangs
OFAC sanctions VPN provider FirstVPN and two operators tied to top ransomware gangs hiding attacks using malware-disguising tools. The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned a VPN provider and two individuals on July 13, 2026. The action names FirstVPN Service, also called 1VPNS, along with administrator Dmytro Rashevskyi...
Bolivia Eyes USDT Integration as Dollar Shortage Drives Stablecoin Adoption
Bolivia is evaluating USDT integration into its national payment system as the government responds to a foreign currency shortage and rising stablecoin adoption. Bolivia is exploring a major step in digital payments. The government is considering incorporating USDT into the national payment system. The stablecoin would be able to be...