🌐 Institutional and Regulatory Developments
- South Korea’s Stock Exchange Urges Crypto Institutionalization: The Korea Exchange CEO emphasized the need for clear institutional frameworks to integrate cryptocurrencies into mainstream financial markets, suggesting it could enhance investor confidence. Read more here.
- FCA Pushes for Crypto Transparency in UK: The UK Financial Conduct Authority seeks industry feedback on new measures to boost transparency in the crypto sector, aiming for better investor protection and market integrity. Read more here.
- India Advocates Global Crypto Regulation Framework: Indian officials highlighted the need for a coordinated international approach to crypto regulations while noting no immediate timeline for domestic rules. Read more here.
- Rep. French Hill Promotes Pro-Crypto Legislative Agenda: Newly appointed House Financial Services Chair French Hill shared his plans for advancing pro-crypto policies, focusing on regulatory clarity and fostering innovation. Read more here.
💱 Stablecoin Innovations and Launches
- Ripple Introduces RLUSD Stablecoin: Ripple launched its RLUSD stablecoin on December 17, designed to enhance liquidity and settlement speed in its ecosystem. Read more here.
- Ethenas Launches BlackRock-Backed USDTB Stablecoin: Ethenas introduced the USDTB stablecoin, backed by BlackRock’s BUIDL token, marking a significant entry in the evolving stablecoin market. Read more here.
- Usual Adopts M0 Infrastructure for Stablecoin: Usual, a growing stablecoin issuer, is leveraging M0’s infrastructure to launch a new token, enhancing its blockchain capabilities. Read more here.
- Tether Expands to Europe with Stablr Investment: Tether backs Stablr, a Euro-denominated stablecoin startup, to strengthen its position in the European market. Read more here.
- MiCA-Compliant Stablecoins Dominate European Markets: Kaiko’s report reveals that stablecoins adhering to Europe’s MiCA regulations are driving growth and regulatory compliance across the region. Read more here.
🌍 Global Crypto Strategies and CBDCs
- Indonesia Completes Digital Rupiah Pilot: Indonesia successfully tested its digital rupiah’s proof of concept using distributed ledger technology, advancing its CBDC development. Read more here.
- El Salvador Limits Bitcoin for IMF Deal: To secure a $1.4 billion agreement with the IMF, El Salvador announced restrictions on Bitcoin activities, despite its pro-crypto stance. Read more here.
- Russia Sets Digital Ruble Launch Date Amid Bank Concerns: The Russian central bank confirmed the rollout timeline for its digital ruble, despite skepticism from commercial banks. Read more here.
- Societe Generale Completes First CBDC Repo Transaction: Societe Generale and Banque de France executed a repo transaction using a central bank digital currency, advancing institutional use cases. Read more here.
🛠️ Blockchain Infrastructure and Projects
- ENS Launches Layer-2 Network with NameChain: Ethereum Name Service integrated Linea’s technology stack to roll out its Layer-2 network, enhancing scalability for blockchain naming services. Read more here.
- Dynamic Blockchain ETP Debuts on Stuttgart Exchange: DDA and Heliad introduced a pioneering blockchain exchange-traded product on the Stuttgart Börse, offering dynamic exposure to the sector. Read more here.
🏦 Crypto Investment and Adoption Trends
- Brazilians Allocate Up to 35% of Assets in Crypto: A new survey reveals that Brazilian investors dedicate 7-35% of their portfolios to cryptocurrencies, reflecting growing trust in digital assets. Read more here.
- El Salvador Plans Bitcoin Buys Despite IMF Concerns: In parallel to its IMF negotiations, El Salvador disclosed plans to continue purchasing Bitcoin as part of its national investment strategy. Read more here.
