Tag: cryptocurrency regulation

  • SEC vs. CFTC: Understanding Crypto Regulation in the US

    SEC vs. CFTC: Understanding Crypto Regulation in the US

    Cryptocurrency regulation in the United States is divided among several authorities rather than controlled exclusively by one agency. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) have different statutory responsibilities, with oversight depending heavily on how an asset, transaction, or financial product is classified.

    SEC Oversees Securities

    The SEC administers federal securities laws. Its authority applies when crypto-related activities involve securities, including transactions structured as investment contracts.

    In March 2026, the SEC issued an interpretation explaining how federal securities laws apply to crypto assets and transactions. It established a taxonomy covering categories including digital commodities, digital collectibles, digital tools, payment stablecoins, and digital securities. The CFTC simultaneously provided guidance explaining that it would administer the Commodity Exchange Act consistently with the SEC interpretation.

    Importantly, a crypto asset that is not itself a security can still be involved in an investment contract depending on how it is offered and the surrounding circumstances.

    In August, the SEC also proposed Regulation Crypto Assets, which would establish a tailored securities-offering framework for certain investment contracts involving crypto assets. The proposal has not itself replaced existing federal law.

    The CFTC Oversees Commodity Derivatives

    The CFTC’s established authority includes derivatives markets involving commodities, including futures, options, and swaps tied to digital commodities.

    Spot markets are more complicated as the CFTC does not have the same comprehensive regulatory framework for ordinary spot commodity trading that it has over derivatives.

    In September 2025, SEC and CFTC staff clarified that SEC- and CFTC-registered exchanges are not prohibited from facilitating certain spot crypto commodity products. However, the statement itself did not change existing law or create new obligations.

    The CFTC continued updating its crypto guidance in September 2026. On September 24, staff revised FAQs covering matters including tokenized permitted investments and blockchain-based recordkeeping for registered market participants.

    Congress Has Not Finalized a Broader Framework

    Congress has considered legislation intended to create clearer statutory boundaries for digital-asset regulation.

    On September 15, the Senate failed to advance the CLARITY Act, with the procedural vote receiving a 49-50 majority but falling short of the 60 votes required to proceed. Four Republican senators joined Democrats in opposing advancement. Senator Thom Tillis moved to reconsider the vote, preserving the possibility that the measure could be reconsidered.

    For now, this leaves the SEC and CFTC operating largely through their existing statutory authorities rather than a newly enacted comprehensive crypto market-structure law.

    Classification Determines Oversight

    The key regulatory question is therefore not simply whether cryptocurrency belongs to the SEC or CFTC.

    A digital security or transaction involving an investment contract can fall under securities laws, while derivatives involving digital commodities fall within the CFTC’s established jurisdiction.

    Stablecoins, banking activities, anti-money-laundering requirements, and state licensing can bring additional regulators into the picture.

    The SEC added further clarification on September 25 through staff FAQs addressing its March crypto interpretation. The agency specifically notes that these FAQs represent staff views and have no legal force or effect.

    Why This Matters

    Whether a crypto product falls under SEC or CFTC oversight can affect registration, trading, disclosures, and compliance obligations. Clearer jurisdictional boundaries could therefore influence how exchanges, issuers, and financial institutions structure cryptocurrency products for the US market.

    Final Thoughts

    US cryptocurrency regulation remains divided between the SEC, CFTC, and other authorities. Recent guidance has clarified some boundaries, but it does not replace legislation establishing a comprehensive market structure. Future congressional action could further define how responsibilities are divided.

    Also Read: How the GENIUS Act Could Change Stablecoin Regulation

    FAQs

    1. Does the SEC or CFTC regulate cryptocurrency in the US? Both agencies have roles. The SEC administers securities laws, while the CFTC regulates commodity derivatives and has authority under the Commodity Exchange Act within its statutory jurisdiction.
    2. When does cryptocurrency fall under SEC oversight? SEC oversight can apply when a crypto asset is a security or a transaction involves an investment contract. The SEC issued a detailed interpretation of these classifications in March 2026.
    3. What cryptocurrency activities does the CFTC regulate? The CFTC regulates derivatives involving digital commodities, including relevant futures, options, and swaps. Its authority over ordinary spot commodity markets differs from its comprehensive derivatives oversight.
    4. What is the SEC’s Regulation Crypto Assets proposal? Proposed in August 2026, Regulation Crypto Assets would establish tailored offering exemptions and other rules for certain investment contracts involving crypto assets. The proposal is not yet a final rule.
    5. Why does crypto classification matter for regulation? Classification can determine which federal laws and regulatory requirements apply to an asset, transaction, or market participant. It can affect areas such as registration, disclosures, trading, and compliance obligations.
  • MiCA Explained: The EU’s Unified Rulebook for Crypto Exchanges, Stablecoins and Token Issuers

    MiCA Explained: The EU’s Unified Rulebook for Crypto Exchanges, Stablecoins and Token Issuers

    What MiCA Is and Why It Matters

    The Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, known as MiCA, is the European Union’s harmonized framework for crypto assets and related services. It replaces much of the fragmented national approach with a single set of requirements for issuing, trading, safeguarding and transferring crypto assets across member states.

    MiCA became generally applicable on December 30, 2024. Existing crypto-asset service providers could rely on transitional arrangements for a limited time. That EU-wide transition ended on July 1, 2026, so firms serving EU clients now need MiCA authorization or must stop covered activities.

    Scope: What MiCA Covers

    MiCA targets crypto assets and services that fall outside other EU financial-services laws. Its main categories include:

    • General crypto assets not already covered by EU financial rules.
    • Asset-referenced tokens (ARTs), which may track currencies, commodities or other assets.
    • E-money tokens (EMTs), which aim to hold a stable value against one official currency.
    • Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs), including custody providers, trading platforms, exchange services, order-execution venues and transfer services.

    Not every blockchain-based product falls under MiCA. Tokenized assets that qualify as financial instruments can be governed by existing securities legislation instead. That distinction matters for issuers and platforms deciding which authorization route applies.

    Authorization Rules for Crypto Companies

    CASPs must obtain authorization to provide covered services in the EU. The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) maintains a public register of authorized providers, token issuers and crypto-asset white papers. The register gives customers and counterparties a central place to verify regulatory status.

    After the transition period expired, ESMA stated that firms offering covered crypto services to EU clients without MiCA authorization would be in breach of EU law and required to cease those services. For businesses, the practical question is no longer whether a license is optional, but which services require one and how to demonstrate compliance.

    Stablecoin Requirements

    MiCA sets separate rules for ARTs and EMTs. Issuers face obligations around authorization, governance, disclosure and reserve management. The framework also creates redemption rights and adds requirements for tokens classified as significant because of their scale or potential impact on the financial system.

    These rules are intended to address the risks that stablecoins can pose to payments, liquidity and market confidence. They also affect how token issuers structure reserves and communicate with holders.

    Investor Protection and Disclosure

    MiCA introduces standardized disclosure requirements for many crypto offerings. Crypto-asset white papers must describe the issuer or offeror, the project, the underlying technology, investor rights and relevant risks. The information must be fair, clear and not misleading, and white papers cannot promise future value.

    Disclosure does not eliminate risk. Crypto assets can still lose value, face liquidity constraints or suffer operational and cybersecurity failures. MiCA aims to improve transparency and conduct standards, not to guarantee investment outcomes.

    A Framework Still Under Review

    MiCA is not static. In May 2026, the European Commission opened public and targeted consultations to assess whether the framework remains fit for purpose as crypto markets and international rules evolve. The consultation closed on August 31, 2026, and responses are expected to inform future EU policy and possible changes.

    The consultation itself did not finalize new legislation. It signals that supervisors and policymakers are evaluating how MiCA works in practice, including areas where crypto markets may have changed since the rules were drafted.

    Why MiCA Matters for Businesses and Users

    For crypto businesses, MiCA offers a common regulatory pathway across the EU instead of a country-by-country approach. For users, it provides standardized disclosures and clearer expectations about which firms are authorized to serve EU customers. With transitional arrangements over, authorization status is becoming a key signal of whether a company can legally provide covered services.

    Final Thoughts

    MiCA has moved EU crypto regulation toward a unified authorization and disclosure model. Its rules cover CASPs, crypto issuers and major stablecoin categories. The end of the transition period marks a more mature supervisory phase, while future reviews may adapt the framework as digital-asset markets continue to develop.

    FAQs

    What is MiCA?

    MiCA is the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation. It sets common requirements for crypto issuers, service providers and certain stablecoins across EU member states.

    When did MiCA take effect?

    MiCA became generally applicable on December 30, 2024. Eligible existing providers could use transitional arrangements, but the EU-wide transition period ended on July 1, 2026.

    Which crypto companies need MiCA authorization?

    CASPs offering services such as custody, trading platforms, exchange services, order execution and certain transfer services generally need authorization to serve EU clients.

    How does MiCA treat stablecoins?

    MiCA separates asset-referenced tokens and e-money tokens. Issuers face requirements on authorization, reserves, governance, disclosures and redemption, with extra obligations for significant tokens.

    Does MiCA prevent crypto losses?

    No. MiCA adds disclosure, governance and conduct requirements, but crypto assets remain volatile and exposed to liquidity, operational and cybersecurity risks.

    This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Conduct your own research before making any investment decisions.

  • Coinbase Surges 11.7% as Bitcoin Reclaims $80K; CEO Armstrong Reaffirms $400K Target for 2030

    Coinbase Surges 11.7% as Bitcoin Reclaims $80K; CEO Armstrong Reaffirms $400K Target for 2030

    Coinbase shares closed at USD 194.00 on September 18, 2026, surging 11.7% during the NASDAQ session. The rally followed renewed strength in Bitcoin, which reclaimed USD 80,000 and briefly moved above USD 81,000. Yahoo Finance placed Coinbase among the S&P 500’s strongest percentage gainers that day, while TradingKey recorded an 11.66% advance.

    Coinbase Global Inc. (ISIN US19260Q1076) far outperformed the broader market. TradingKey noted the NASDAQ Composite gained only about 0.40% on September 18. Crypto-related stocks, by contrast, formed one of the session’s strongest groups and posted several double-digit gains. The performance came as investors returned to digital-asset exposure, with Bitcoin’s rebound above USD 80,000 supporting interest in companies tied closely to crypto trading and digital-asset demand.

    Armstrong Renews USD 400,000 Bitcoin Target for 2030

    Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong also renewed a long-term Bitcoin projection. In a podcast shared on September 21, he said Bitcoin could reach USD 400,000 by 2030. Armstrong linked the forecast to expanding institutional adoption, clearer regulation, Bitcoin’s halving cycle, scarcity, and macroeconomic debasement. He stated that spot Bitcoin ETFs are purchasing Bitcoin at a rate 20 times higher than daily mining output, driving further demand.

    Regulation and New Coinbase Products Stay in Focus

    Armstrong said regulatory progress could continue even if the CLARITY Act fails to secure approval, expecting the CFTC and SEC to shape crypto rules. Coinbase also submitted a rulebook update with the SEC on September 18 regarding proposed single-stock perpetual contracts, adding a product-development angle for traders to watch.

    Market attention on September 21 centers on whether Bitcoin can hold above the USD 80,000 area after its latest recovery. COIN’s recent jump, Armstrong’s bullish outlook, and the derivatives filing now shape the immediate news flow around the company.

  • South Korea’s Digital Asset Bill on Track for November Review, Regulator Says

    South Korea’s Digital Asset Bill on Track for November Review, Regulator Says

    South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) said its digital asset legislation remains on track for a November review, as regulators and lawmakers work toward a broader rulebook for the sector. The planned framework is expected to cover issuance, distribution, stablecoins, disclosures, and requirements for virtual asset service providers.

    FSC: No Delays Planned

    Speaking at a National Assembly seminar in Seoul on September 22, Seo Na Yoon, head of the FSC’s virtual asset division, said the regulator shares lawmakers’ overall legislative direction and does not intend to slow the process. “The FSC is not dragging its feet at all. We share the same view,” Seo said.

    She acknowledged that disagreements remain over when the government will submit its draft, but said the November review remains on the timetable. She also said detailed talks may continue, while emphasizing that the regulator has no intention of delaying the legislation.

    Ten Bills Already Before Lawmakers

    Seo said the FSC wants lawmakers to pass the legislation quickly and expects discussions to use both the government’s draft and bills already introduced in the National Assembly. Ten digital asset and stablecoin bills are currently pending, giving legislators a foundation for negotiations before the government completes its own version.

    The FSC is working through detailed provisions while following the same broad direction as lawmakers, she added. The challenge now is how quickly those proposals can be consolidated into one workable framework.

    November Timeline Follows Pressure for Faster Action

    The November schedule comes after earlier calls for the FSC to speed up the process. In August, FSC Chairman Kim Byoung Hwan said the government would accelerate legislative consultations as lawmakers pushed to finish the framework during the fall.

    At a National Assembly Political Affairs Committee meeting, Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Kang Il asked when the government would submit its bill. The planned framework is expected to address stablecoin issuance, virtual asset service providers, and other parts of the market.

    Seo said personnel changes inside the FSC would not affect the timeline. “A change in the responsible official cannot cause a delay in the schedule,” she said, adding that the agency would work to keep discussions on the planned track.

    Lawmakers Build on Pending Proposals

    The FSC previously told the National Assembly that it planned to work with the ruling Democratic Party on a consolidated digital asset bill, incorporating input from the 10 proposals already before lawmakers. Several lawmakers have filed separate bills, including Rep. Min Byung Duk, Democratic Party lawmakers Ahn Do Geol, Kim Hyun Jung, Lee Kang Il and Park Sang Hyuk, as well as People Power Party lawmakers Kim Eun Hye, Kim Jae Seop, Choi Bo Yoon, Lee Sung Kwon and Kim Sung Won.

    Min recently told reporters that lawmakers expected a public hearing on the Digital Asset Framework Act at the end of September. South Korea currently regulates the sector through the Virtual Asset User Protection Act, which focuses mainly on user protection and unfair trading practices.

    Stablecoin Rules Still Under Discussion

    The second-stage framework is expected to cover issuance, disclosures and stablecoin regulation. Stablecoin issuer eligibility remains one of the key issues under discussion. The Bank of Korea has backed a bank-led structure for won-denominated stablecoins, citing possible effects on monetary policy, payments and financial stability.

    South Korea has also used regulatory sandbox programs to test blockchain technology and digital assets in several areas. New exemptions have supported trials involving real-world use cases, including public spending. The FSC’s latest statement did not specify which types of digital currency public institutions would use or the scale of the initial rollout, but authorities plan to monitor how digital currency payments operate within public spending.

  • India Declines Separate Crypto Law, Will Instead Regulate Under Existing Rules and Promote e-Rupee

    India Declines Separate Crypto Law, Will Instead Regulate Under Existing Rules and Promote e-Rupee

    The Indian government has confirmed it will not draft a standalone law to regulate cryptocurrency, opting instead to apply existing statutes on taxation, anti-money laundering, and financial stability. Officials worry that a dedicated crypto law could misleadingly imply government endorsement or safety, especially for novice investors.

    The Finance Ministry shared this position with the Standing Committee on Finance, emphasizing a strategy to promote the Reserve Bank of India’s digital currency, the e-Rupee, as a safer alternative. The government is also exploring the use of e-Rupee for direct benefit transfers to citizens.

    Why Is the Government Holding Back?

    The ministry’s Economic Affairs Division noted that cryptocurrency’s decentralized nature makes it difficult to regulate. Transactions often occur on platforms without intermediaries, and stricter rules on regulated exchanges could push activity to unregulated systems that are even harder to monitor.

    Officials also cautioned that formal regulations might give first-time investors a false sense of security, equating “regulated” with “safe,” despite the high volatility of crypto markets. They pointed out that global crypto regulations remain fragmented and incomplete.

    Instead of creating new legislation, India will leverage existing laws covering money laundering, taxation, consumer rights, and financial stability to monitor the sector. The government also plans to track international developments in crypto regulation.

    Tax Rules Stay Same

    Crypto remains illegal tender in India. Profits from digital asset transactions are subject to a 30% tax plus a 4% cess, and losses from one crypto trade cannot offset gains from another.

    The Financial Intelligence Unit already oversees crypto firms operating in India. More than 50 platforms, including CoinDCX and Binance, are registered with authorities.

    For now, the government’s approach is one of caution: manage crypto risks through existing laws while quietly building the e-Rupee as a trusted digital alternative.

  • Hong Kong Unveils 2026 Digital Asset Roadmap: Stablecoin Trading, Tokenized Gold, and 24/7 CBDC Settlement

    Hong Kong Unveils 2026 Digital Asset Roadmap: Stablecoin Trading, Tokenized Gold, and 24/7 CBDC Settlement

    Hong Kong has unveiled an ambitious digital-asset roadmap in its 2026 Policy Address, calling for expanded regulated stablecoin trading, tokenized gold and other real-world assets, and a 24-hour central bank digital currency settlement rail. The plans position the city as a global hub for tokenized finance while tightening oversight of custody, market activity, and anti-money laundering.

    Stablecoin Trading Expands on Licensed Platforms

    Under the new policy direction, the Securities and Futures Commission will strengthen licensing rules for virtual asset platforms. Regulated stablecoins are expected to trade on licensed venues and help settle tokenized money market funds.

    Hong Kong introduced a stablecoin issuer framework earlier, and the latest plans extend it to trading. Licensed issuers must maintain full reserves. One milestone is Anchorpoint Financial’s Hong Kong dollar-pegged HKDAP stablecoin, backed by Standard Chartered. The company opened beta access in August to institutional distributors and professional investors, and Standard Chartered has become the first bank distributor. The bank also plans to roll out subscription and settlement services for tokenized money market funds in the fourth quarter.

    Tokenized Gold and Digital Bonds

    The SFC will also update rules for tokenized investment products. This could allow tokenized gold and other eligible assets to be issued and traded on licensed platforms, though authorities have not yet published a complete list of approved asset types.

    Hong Kong is also making digital bond issuance a standard part of its financial market infrastructure. According to the policy address, Hong Kong-issued digital bonds accounted for nearly half of the global market between 2025 and the first half of 2026. In June, the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation priced a HKD 12 billion digital bond, worth about $1.5 billion, drawing orders of roughly HKD 24 billion from more than 100 institutional accounts.

    Plans include testing tokenized Exchange Fund Bills before the end of 2026, with more than HKD 1.3 trillion in bills potentially involved. Regulators also aim to explore digital currencies across the bond lifecycle, including settlement, interest payments, and redemption. CMU OmniClear Limited plans to launch a digital asset platform in 2026 for bond issuance and settlement. In addition, the HKMA’s Tokenised Bond Expert Group will conduct another legal review with the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau. Participants include JPMorgan Securities, HSBC, Standard Chartered, UBS, Ant Digital, and HashKey Group.

    EnsembleTX Targets 24-Hour CBDC Settlement

    The Hong Kong Monetary Authority intends to introduce 24-hour central bank digital currency settlement on its EnsembleTX platform around the end of 2026. The initiative supports wholesale CBDC, tokenized deposits, and settlement infrastructure.

    Meanwhile, the SFC plans to launch a digital asset custody surveillance system in the second half of 2026. Its CrypTech program is scheduled to add big-data market surveillance and anti-money laundering monitoring in 2027. The HKMA has also introduced a Quantum Preparedness Index to help financial firms assess cryptographic risks from advances in quantum computing.

    Together, the measures create a regulated framework spanning stablecoin trading, tokenized assets, digital bonds, and next-generation settlement infrastructure.

  • Trump Accepts Expanded Crypto Ethics Enforcement as CLARITY Act Heads to Senate Vote

    Trump Accepts Expanded Crypto Ethics Enforcement as CLARITY Act Heads to Senate Vote

    President Donald Trump has agreed to significantly tougher ethics provisions in the CLARITY Act, clearing the way for a critical Senate vote scheduled for Tuesday. The revised compromise grants state attorneys general a broader enforcement role, addressing concerns over potential presidential conflicts of interest in the crypto space.

    State Attorneys General Gain Broadened Enforcement Powers

    The original version of the bill barred federally elected officials, their spouses, and federal judges from issuing digital assets. Critics argued, however, that the language did not adequately address ethical questions tied to President Trump’s extensive crypto holdings and business interests.

    Republican Senator Thom Tillis and Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego, joined by several of their Democratic colleagues, pushed for stronger measures. Their proposal would allow state attorneys general to enforce the law in coordination with the U.S. Department of Justice.

    According to Republican Senators Cynthia Lummis, Tim Scott, and John Boozman, Trump accepted a substantial portion of the proposed framework. They confirmed that the revised text now gives state attorneys general a meaningful enforcement role.

    Presidential Conflict-of-Interest Questions Remain Central

    Senator Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland, considered a key swing vote, said state attorneys general must be able to step in and prosecute when the Justice Department fails to act. She added that she would not support any bill that left ethical risks unaddressed.

    White House crypto adviser Patrick Witt said the administration and Senate Republicans had remained responsive to Democratic policy demands throughout more than a year of negotiations.

    Presidents have historically been exempt from federal conflict-of-interest laws because they oversee the entire government. While some modern presidents have placed assets in blind trusts, Cabinet officials are generally expected to divest or recuse themselves from specific matters.

    Trump’s Crypto Business Draws Continued Scrutiny

    Last year’s stablecoin law prohibited members of Congress and their families from profiting from stablecoin activities, but the restrictions did not extend to President Trump or his family. The White House has said Trump recuses himself from family business decisions handled by his sons.

    According to data referenced in the bill debate, Trump’s crypto-related revenues reached $1.2 billion, with more than $600 million stemming from sales of his branded meme coins through CIC Digital LLC. In May, Trump hosted leading investors in the $TRUMP meme coin at his northern Virginia golf club; the White House said he attended the event in a personal capacity.

    What to Watch Before the Senate Vote

    With the Senate vote looming, the compromise appears designed to satisfy both Democratic critics and Republican supporters. The expanded role for state attorneys general is expected to be central to the debate. How senators align on the measure could determine whether the CLARITY Act advances to final passage.

  • XRP Faces Key Regulatory Test as CLARITY Act Vote Nears and ETF Use Grows in US Markets

    XRP Faces Key Regulatory Test as CLARITY Act Vote Nears and ETF Use Grows in US Markets

    XRP traders are closely watching the September 15 procedural vote on the CLARITY Act, a legislative milestone that could define the regulatory landscape for digital assets. Meanwhile, fresh inflows into XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and a Charles Schwab filing revealing XRP ETF shares used as collateral underscore the token’s expanding institutional footprint in the United States.

    CLARITY Act Vote: A Pivotal Moment for XRP

    The CLARITY Act aims to establish a comprehensive framework dividing oversight of digital assets between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). For XRP, a key question was resolved in March when the SEC classified it as a digital commodity—alongside Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, and Cardano—based on its network-driven value rather than managerial profit expectations.

    The September 15 Senate cloture vote on the motion to proceed to H.R. 3633 requires 60 votes to advance. While not final passage, a failure would significantly reduce the bill’s chances this year. Political hurdles remain, including an unresolved ethics dispute over government officials profiting from the crypto industry, as reported by Semafor. However, the National Sheriffs’ Association recently shifted from opposition to neutral, removing one obstacle.

    XRP ETFs Gain Traction with Schwab Collateral and New Inflows

    On September 8, a Charles Schwab Family of Funds filing with the SEC disclosed eight XRP ETF collateral line items valued at approximately $11.39 million. These entries—from Bitwise, Canary Capital, Franklin Templeton, and Grayscale—secured repurchase agreements involving Schwab’s Prime Advantage Money Fund and two Wall Street counterparties. The filing does not indicate Schwab directly buying or holding XRP, but rather using ETF shares as collateral.

    Separately, SoSoValue data shows five XRP products recorded nearly $2 million in net inflows during Tuesday’s session. An earlier estimate of $4.8 million had counted only three collateral entries, excluding five additional line items in the same Schwab filing.

    What to Watch Next

    XRP enters a critical week with the CLARITY Act vote and expanding ETF activity. The Senate’s decision could shape the token’s regulatory future, while institutional use cases continue to grow. Traders are also eyeing the Federal Reserve meeting and Friday’s CPI report for broader market cues.

  • Why Custody and Succession Planning Are Becoming Crypto’s Next Big Trust Challenge

    Why Custody and Succession Planning Are Becoming Crypto’s Next Big Trust Challenge

    India’s crypto market has evolved beyond early speculation. According to a June survey by Mudrex, over 41% of Indian crypto investors now identify as long-term, buy-and-hold investors. This shift toward long-term ownership brings a critical question: What happens to digital assets when the owner is no longer around to access them?

    From Speculation to Long-Term Ownership

    Prateek Gupta, Head of Business at Mudrex, noted a generational trend: short-term trading drops steadily with age. Nearly a third of investors aged 18-24 trade short-term, compared to below 8% among those aged 55 and above. “Crypto ownership in India has been shifting from short-term speculation to long-term wealth building,” he said.

    The Access Problem

    Legal ownership does not guarantee wallet access. “A family can have every legal right to a deceased holder’s assets and still be locked out without the private keys or a registered nominee,” Gupta explained. He urged platforms to build nomination, succession documentation, and estate-planning support directly into the product.

    Regulatory Framework Strengthens Investor Confidence

    As of mid-2026, 54 Virtual Digital Asset Service Providers are registered with the FIU-IND under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, including major exchanges like CoinDCX, CoinSwitch, Mudrex, ZebPay, WazirX, and Binance. The framework mandates strict KYC, suspicious transaction reporting, and continuous monitoring.

    Nomination: A Sign of Maturity

    CoinSwitch co-founder Ashish Singhal highlighted the platform’s nomination feature, comparing it to established practices in equities. “Just as nomination is an established practice across equities and other financial assets, crypto ownership needs the same level of preparedness,” he said. The feature allows investors to nominate a person for asset transfer in case of unforeseen circumstances.

    What Platforms Must Prioritize

    Building trust requires clear nomination processes, simplified documentation for legal heirs, secure key management, transparent communication, and regular audits of custody infrastructure.

    Final Words

    India’s crypto ecosystem has matured in compliance and investor behavior. The next phase hinges on solving the succession puzzle. Platforms that build robust nomination systems and transparent custody practices will earn deeper investor confidence.

  • Australia Strikes 45 Remittance and Crypto Providers from AML Register

    Australia Strikes 45 Remittance and Crypto Providers from AML Register

    Australia’s financial intelligence agency, AUSTRAC, has removed 45 remittance and virtual asset service providers from its anti-money laundering registers over the past year. The actions included cancellations, suspensions, and refusals to renew registrations, effectively barring these businesses from offering regulated services in the country.

    AUSTRAC did not provide a detailed breakdown of how many remittance firms versus cryptocurrency exchanges faced each type of action. However, it cited reasons such as dormancy, insolvency, registration failures, missed notifications, and elevated money laundering or terrorism financing risks as grounds for the decisions.

    Providers whose registrations are canceled can no longer continue operating. AUSTRAC also referred some individuals behind affected businesses to law enforcement and regulatory partners both in Australia and overseas.

    AUSTRAC Targets Registration and Financial Crime Risks

    The regulator emphasized its authority to refuse applications, impose registration conditions, suspend providers, or cancel registrations when it identifies unacceptable financial crime risks. It also acts when businesses fail to demonstrate sufficient capacity to start or continue trading.

    AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas stated that businesses in high-risk financial sectors must understand their exposure, maintain effective controls, and meet reporting obligations. “Otherwise, they may lose their ability to operate,” he warned.

    GetCoins Draws Scrutiny After Customer Complaints

    AUSTRAC singled out BA Digital Ventures Pty Ltd, trading as GetCoins, after complaints reached the National Anti-Scam Centre. The regulator then requested information about GetCoins’ operations and its ability to manage money laundering risks. AUSTRAC said organized cryptocurrency investment scams allegedly exploited GetCoins, though it did not disclose the number of complaints or financial losses involved. The regulator also did not accuse GetCoins of participating in the alleged scams.

    AUSTRAC’s virtual asset registration decisions show it canceled BA Digital Ventures’ registration on June 4. The same list records 14 other virtual asset service provider cancellations between November 2025 and March 2026.

    Public Registers Put Provider Status in Clear View

    Virtual asset providers and remittance businesses must enroll with AUSTRAC and obtain registration before offering covered services. Australia has made its VASP register public, allowing users to check a provider’s registration status directly.

    AUSTRAC has signaled that enforcement will continue. The agency’s actions underscore the increasing regulatory scrutiny on cryptocurrency and remittance firms operating in Australia.