News linked to this event type.
According to Edaily, Kim Hyun-jung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea’s Digital Asset Task Force, stated that the “Digital Asset Basic Act”—which covers stablecoin regulation—is expected to be submitted after the June local elections, and related committee deliberations may also commence around the same time. The bill aims to regulate the entire digital asset ecosystem, including issuance, circulation, information disclosure, and listing of virtual assets. Kim Hyun-jung added that the party and government have yet to fully reach consensus on issues such as bank-led consortiums and equity oversight of digital asset exchanges; however, with Bank of Korea Governor Shin Hyun-song sending positive signals regarding stablecoins, related legislation is still expected to move forward.
According to The Block, Russia’s State Duma has approved the cryptocurrency regulation bill at its first reading. The bill proposes classifying cryptocurrencies as “property,” designating the Central Bank of Russia as the authority responsible for licensing and supervising market participants, and introducing a tiered access framework for both qualified and non-qualified investors. The bill explicitly prohibits the use of cryptocurrencies for domestic payments—while the ruble remains the sole legal settlement currency—yet permits Russian companies to use cryptocurrencies for settlements with foreign counterparties in cross-border trade, thereby circumventing sanctions restrictions. The bill still requires approval at the second and third readings, followed by review by the Federation Council, before being submitted to the President for signature. If formally enacted, it is expected to enter into force on July 1, 2026.
According to Hong Kong media outlet HK01, before attending the Executive Council meeting, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region John Lee addressed journalists’ questions regarding the suspension of the basketball betting tax policy. He stated that the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau must conduct regular reviews, and before continuing with the basketball betting tax policy, the government hopes to manage associated risks—a move he considers appropriate. Lee emphasized that the suspension is not solely due to gambling concerns but also relates to virtual currencies. The Hong Kong government has observed a sharp rise in trading volume on illegal gambling “prediction markets,” which are linked to the ability to place bets using cryptocurrencies; therefore, the policy should not be advanced blindly.
According to the Financial Times, UK-based startup Stratiphy will offer both cryptocurrency exchange-traded notes (ETNs) and innovative finance ISAs (IF ISAs), enabling investors to hold crypto assets within capital gains tax-free accounts. Stratiphy provides three ETNs issued by 21Shares—the largest European crypto ETP issuer—which track Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a Bitcoin-and-gold composite product. The platform currently manages approximately £4 million in assets and serves around 2,000 clients. In October last year, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority lifted its four-year ban on retail investors purchasing exchange-traded notes (ETNs).
Odaily News According to Etherealize's latest research report, which proposes the "Productive Money" theory, if Ethereum captures the combined monetary premium of approximately $31 trillion currently held by gold and Bitcoin, its implied price could exceed $250,000, far above the current level of around $2,300.The report points out that ETH not only possesses traditional monetary attributes such as scarcity, verifiability, and censorship resistance but can also generate an annualized yield of about 2%–4% through staking, achieving an "interest-bearing" monetary characteristic, thereby distinguishing it from non-productive assets like gold and Bitcoin.Furthermore, within the DeFi system, ETH serves a triple demand source as a "collateral asset + fee-burning mechanism + staking lock-up," forming a mechanism for supply contraction and value accumulation. The report believes that with the development of on-chain finance and asset tokenization, ETH is expected to simultaneously possess the dual attributes of a "store of value + productive asset."However, the report also notes that ETH's path to achieving this valuation still faces multiple uncertainties including regulation, technology, and competition. Its long-term value revaluation depends on the market's recognition of its monetary properties.
According to Caixin, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) released a consultation paper on April 17, 2026, proposing more accommodating regulatory capital guidelines for crypto assets on permissionless blockchains (i.e., public blockchains) ahead of implementing the Basel Committee’s new capital requirements for crypto assets. The current Basel framework is viewed as overly stringent in its classification of public blockchain-based assets, potentially stifling banking-sector innovation. MAS plans to abandon a “one-size-fits-all” classification approach and instead allow public blockchain-based crypto assets that meet a set of principle-based criteria to be classified as Group 1 crypto assets—carrying lower risk weights and less stringent prudential requirements—to achieve regulatory technology neutrality.
According to bits.media, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree establishing the Besqala Mining Valley Special Economic Zone in the Republic of Karakalpakstan. Miners operating within the zone will enjoy tax incentives, valid until January 1, 2035. The zone will be connected to a unified power system powered by renewable energy and hydrogen. Cryptographic assets mined within the zone may be sold or exchanged via domestic Uzbek exchanges or overseas platforms. Mining licenses will be issued by the State Agency for Perspective Projects. Currently, Uzbekistan mandates that cryptocurrency transactions be conducted exclusively through state-licensed service providers; peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions are explicitly prohibited by law, digital assets cannot be used for payment or settlement, and only legal entities are permitted to engage in mining activities. The country introduced its mining licensing regime in 2023, with the first license officially issued only at the end of February 2026.
According to bits.media, Russia’s State Duma approved the government-submitted “Digital Currency and Digital Rights” bill at first reading, with 327 votes in favor, 5 against, and 8 abstentions. The bill stipulates that cryptocurrency transactions must be conducted exclusively through licensed intermediaries or exchanges. Ordinary investors must pass a test before purchasing cryptocurrencies included on a list designated by the Central Bank of Russia, with an annual purchase limit of 300,000 rubles; professional investors, after passing the test, may purchase any cryptocurrency without restriction. Banks are prohibited from transferring funds to domestic or foreign cryptocurrency platforms not authorized by the Central Bank. Russian residents must declare their foreign cryptocurrency assets and wallet information to the tax authorities. Furthermore, using cryptocurrencies for payments within Russia will incur administrative fines, while organizing illegal cryptocurrency circulation may carry a maximum prison sentence of seven years. The bill has previously drawn criticism from the banking sector and two State Duma committees, and regulatory treatment of non-custodial wallets remains contentious.
Odaily News Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a decree establishing the "Besqala Mining Valley" special cryptocurrency mining zone, aiming to develop green energy mining and attract international investment. Miners can sell crypto assets on local and overseas exchanges, with proceeds directly entering domestic bank accounts. Regarding policies, participants in the mining zone are exempt from income tax until 2035, only required to pay a 1% management fee on revenue; electricity prices are set at 1800 som per kilowatt-hour, with exceptional incentives provided for investment projects exceeding $100 million. Regarding access, only locally registered enterprises are eligible to apply, and they must possess power facilities and pass approval processes, with relevant personnel having no record of economic crimes. (Lex.uz)
Odaily News The Russian State Duma (the lower house of parliament) has passed the "Digital Currency and Digital Rights Bill" in its first reading, marking a crucial step towards the legalization of crypto assets in the country. According to the bill, the Bank of Russia will become the core regulatory body for the crypto market, responsible for issuing licenses, approving or prohibiting related transactions, and defining the legality of transactions.The bill intends to recognize cryptocurrencies as "property" but explicitly prohibits their use as a means of payment within the country, with the ruble remaining the sole legal tender. However, against the backdrop of Western sanctions, crypto assets can be used for cross-border trade settlements, including scenarios such as service payments and intellectual property transfers.Furthermore, the bill allows Russian residents to legally invest in crypto assets through licensed institutions, but will implement an investor classification system, setting up tests and annual investment quota limits (with a suggested cap of 300,000 rubles) for ordinary investors. Initially, only high-market-cap mainstream assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum will be permitted for trading, with a whitelist to be established by the central bank.The bill is expected to be formally passed and take effect no later than July 2026. However, some lawmakers and banking industry figures have criticized it for being overly strict in regulation, potentially affecting market activity and even leading to funds remaining in the gray market. Simultaneously, supporting legislation is also planned to introduce criminal penalties, with illegal crypto transactions potentially punishable by up to 7 years in prison. (Cryptopolitan)
The Economic Daily published an article titled “Leveraging China’s Token Advantages,” which points out the need to clearly recognize potential risks associated with tokens, including identity theft due to token leakage, unauthorized access and theft of sensitive data through forged permissions, and user exploitation via agent-based commission schemes. Some lawbreakers have begun targeting tokens, setting up consumer traps disguised as “discounted token packages” or “token agents.” It is essential to continuously improve policy frameworks, regulations, and standards, and to standardize token trading秩序 by cracking down on price monopolies, false advertising, and illegal financial activities. Illegal and non-compliant activities—including speculative “hoarding for appreciation” and over-the-counter trading—must be resolutely curbed, guiding tokens back to their fundamental roles in technical services, value settlement, and rights transfer.
Odaily News Wall Street investment bank Jefferies' analysis indicates that the approximately $293 million attack on Kelp DAO on April 18 exposed critical infrastructure risks, which may prompt traditional financial institutions to reassess the pace of blockchain and tokenization advancement.Jefferies believes the attacker triggered market sell-offs and liquidity stress by minting unbacked tokens and borrowing across platforms. The incident is suspected to be potentially linked to the Lazarus Group and also highlights the single point of failure in the validation mechanisms of cross-chain bridges. As institutions accelerate the tokenization of assets (such as funds, bonds, and deposits), related risks may cause some banks and asset management firms to temporarily pause deployments, prioritizing a review of system security. Especially in scenarios reliant on cross-chain infrastructure, security vulnerabilities could lead to market fragmentation, undermining the practical utility of tokenized assets.Despite short-term confidence being shaken, Jefferies still emphasizes that the long-term trend remains unchanged. Against the backdrop of regulatory progress and continuous infrastructure improvement, use cases like stablecoins still hold growth potential. However, the industry as a whole is still in its early development stage and requires time to enhance system robustness. (CoinDesk)
According to an official announcement by Volo, a security vulnerability occurred today on the Sui network involving Volo—a BTCFi and LST protocol—resulting in the theft of approximately $3.5 million in assets (including WBTC, XAUm, and USDC) from three specific vaults. Immediately after the incident, the team notified the Sui Foundation and ecosystem partners and froze all vaults to prevent further losses. Volo stated that the vulnerability affected only these three vaults; the remaining vaults are not exposed to the same attack vector, and the other ~$28 million in TVL remains secure. The official announcement emphasized that Volo will bear the loss entirely and will not pass it on to users. A comprehensive post-mortem report and remediation plan will be released upon completion of the investigation.
According to CoinDesk, citing the Financial Times, Revolut—the largest fintech company in Europe and a crypto-friendly platform—has informed investors that its target valuation range for its IPO is $150 billion to $200 billion, with the earliest possible listing date no earlier than 2028. Previously, in November 2025, the company completed a share sale at a valuation of $75 billion—representing over a 125% increase from that figure. Meanwhile, Revolut is reportedly preparing for a secondary share sale in the second half of 2026, with an expected valuation of approximately $100 billion. Financially, the company’s pre-tax profit for 2025 rose 57% year-on-year to £1.7 billion (approximately $2.3 billion). On the operational front, Revolut obtained a full UK banking license in March this year and has applied to the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) for a U.S. banking license, accelerating its global market expansion. However, insiders indicate that a formal valuation target has not yet been finalized.
According to CoinDesk, the U.S. Senate’s Digital Asset Market Clarity Act has been delayed by several months, though a path forward remains amid a tight legislative calendar. Sources indicate that the bill’s original April timeline is now largely unattainable; the earliest it could reach committee review in the Senate is May. If the Senate manages to complete its vote before July, the bill could still become law in 2026. However, analysts note that, given the limited legislative window and overlapping political priorities, the probability of the bill passing in 2026 stands at approximately 50%. Should significant disagreements emerge later, the bill risks further delay—or even being shelved entirely.
According to Cointelegraph, bipartisan U.S. lawmakers jointly unveiled the “PACE Act,” which proposes to establish a unified national payment license for fintech and cryptocurrency companies, to be regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).
Odaily News Trump's pick for Fed Chair, Powell, went all out during his confirmation hearing: refusing to answer whether Trump lost the election, being angrily called a "puppet" by Warren; countering by blasting the Fed for "losing its way and playing politics"; and repeatedly denying promising low interest rates to the President. Nick Timiraos, often referred to as the "Fed's mouthpiece," wrote that Massachusetts Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, in her opening statement, characterized Powell as both Trump's "puppet" and an opportunist. Warren's argument was that a Fed Chair who wouldn't even dare state a simple fact that might displease the President who nominated him would not stand up to that President at critical moments. This theme ran throughout the hearing, with Democrats returning to it multiple times.Powell also stated that the Fed needs "fundamental policy reform," including a new inflation framework, new tools, and new communication methods. While Powell sidestepped Trump's public attacks on the Fed, he repeatedly denied to senators from both parties that Trump had ever sought any promises on interest rates. "The President never asked me to pre-determine, promise, commit to, or decide on any interest rate decision, not in any of our discussions, and I would never agree to do so." (WSJ)
According to The Block, New York State Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit against Coinbase and Gemini on Tuesday, accusing both companies of violating New York’s gambling laws through their prediction market platforms and permitting users aged 18 to 21 to participate—despite New York law requiring participants in mobile sports betting to be at least 21 years old. The state is seeking at least $2.2 billion in damages from Coinbase and at least $1.2 billion from Gemini, along with civil penalties, refunds to users, and forfeiture of illicit proceeds. In response, Coinbase Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal stated that prediction markets fall under the regulatory authority of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and the company will continue defending federal regulatory jurisdiction. The dispute over regulatory authority for prediction markets has now increasingly moved into the judicial arena; the CFTC has previously sued several state governments attempting to shut down such platforms.
According to The Wall Street Journal, prediction market platforms Polymarket and Kalshi have both announced plans to launch perpetual futures contracts. Polymarket posted a video on X on Tuesday stating it will list perpetual futures products tied to crypto tokens, U.S. equities, and commodities; Kalshi has a similar plan. Perpetual futures are crypto-native derivatives with no fixed expiration date. It remains unclear whether Polymarket will offer these products in the U.S. market, as such products face relatively strict regulatory restrictions in the United States.
Odaily News: According to sources, UK-based digital bank Revolut plans to seek a valuation between $150 billion and $200 billion in its future IPO, a significant increase from its previous $75 billion valuation. The company's CEO, Nik Storonsky, also revealed that Revolut is preparing for a new round of secondary share sale in the second half of 2026, with a potential valuation exceeding $100 billion. (Financial Times)Previously, Nik Storonsky stated that the company's listing timeline is at least two years away, potentially delayed until 2028 at the earliest, with no immediate IPO plans. He pointed out that Revolut is currently focusing on expanding its presence in the US market, including applying for a banking license to gain access to the Federal Reserve's payment system and expand its lending and credit card businesses. Meanwhile, the company has already obtained a full banking license in the UK.