Visa taps BVNK to power stablecoin payouts on Visa Direct
Visa has chosen BVNK to power Visa Direct pilots using stablecoins, enabling pre-funded cross-border payouts to wallets in select markets.
Backpack exchange launches beta testing of prediction market platform
Backpack exchange launched an invite-only beta for its Unified Prediction Portfolio, letting users hedge and trade across markets in a single crypto account.
Galaxy warns Senate crypto bill gives US Treasury massive surveillance power
Galaxy says the draft crypto market structure bill would give the US Treasury new powers to freeze transactions and deploy Patriot Act–style measures.
Animoca buys Somo as NFT market rebounds early in 2026
Animoca’s Somo acquisition expands its digital collectibles strategy as NFTs show early signs of renewed trading activity.
UK rolls back digital ID for work checks as privacy fears drive backlash
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer scrapped plans to make digital ID mandatory for workers after a backlash over “Orwellian” surveillance fears.
France flags 90 unlicensed crypto companies ahead of MiCA cutoff: Report
Of the 90 crypto businesses registered in France without a MiCA license, 40% are not seeking the license, while 30% remain unresponsive as regulators warn of July shutdowns.
Ripple targets MiCA passporting in EU with Luxembourg e-money nod
The preliminary Luxembourg approval boosts Ripple’s EU expansion aims following its recent UK authorization, supporting its push toward full MiCA compliance.
Efforts to bulletproof Ethereum are paying off in user metrics
The Ethereum blockchain underwent a series of upgrades last year that have resulted in lower transaction fees and more active addresses.
Pakistan taps Trump-linked crypto firm for stablecoin payments deal: Report
Pakistan has signed an agreement with SC Financial Technologies, a firm linked to Trump-backed World Liberty Financial, to explore using its USD1 stablecoin for payments.
BitMine’s staked Ether reaches 1.5M, equating to 4% of total staked
BitMine staked another 186,560 Ether, bringing its total staked to 1.53 million, which is valued at over $5 billion.