Tag: UK crypto regulation

  • Crypto Weekly: Bitcoin ETFs See $2.38B Inflows, QNT Jumps 260%, UK Launches Crypto Licensing

    Crypto Weekly: Bitcoin ETFs See $2.38B Inflows, QNT Jumps 260%, UK Launches Crypto Licensing

    Bitcoin spot ETFs recorded $2.38 billion in weekly net inflows, while Quant (QNT) surged 260% to a five-year high. Meanwhile, the Bitget hacker began moving stolen funds, Wintermute-linked shorts on Hyperliquid reached $126 million, and the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) opened its new crypto licensing window.

    Bitcoin Spot ETFs Attract $2.38 Billion

    According to SoSoValue, Bitcoin spot ETFs saw a net inflow of $2.38 billion last week. BlackRock’s IBIT led with $1.158 billion, followed by Fidelity’s FBTC at $702 million. The total net asset value of Bitcoin spot ETFs now stands at $108.42 billion, with the ETF net asset ratio at 6.43% and cumulative net inflows totaling $57.55 billion.

    QNT Surges to Five-Year High

    QNT climbed roughly 260% weekly to a peak of about $370 before settling around $205. The rally was driven by The Clearing House selecting Quant for its On-Chain Money Initiative. Additional catalysts include Quant’s integration into Murex MX.3 and its selection by the European Central Bank for digital euro testing.

    Bitget Hacker Moves Stolen Funds

    The wallet linked to the September 24 Bitget hack began transferring Ethereum (ETH) into THORChain vaults and swapping assets into Bitcoin. Bitget confirmed the breach did not compromise private keys; instead, a critical backend component was exploited to pass fraudulent transaction data through the exchange’s authorization process.

    Wintermute’s Hyperliquid Shorts Reach $126 Million

    Onchain Lens reported that a Wintermute-linked wallet held roughly $126.25 million in short positions on Hyperliquid as of September 28, with a $46.92 million Ethereum short representing the largest position. The wallet showed approximately $963,600 in unrealized profit at the time and a lifetime P&L of around $197.22 million.

    UK Opens New Crypto Licensing Window

    The FCA began accepting crypto license applications at 7 am UK time on September 30. Firms have until February 28, 2027, to submit during the main application window. The new regime starts October 25, 2027. The FCA published a 73-page preview requiring details such as firm activities, regulated permissions, control structure, customer asset handling, and financial/operational standards.

    FAQs

    How much did Bitcoin spot ETFs attract last week?

    Bitcoin spot ETFs recorded $2.38 billion in weekly net inflows. BlackRock’s IBIT led with $1.158 billion, followed by Fidelity’s FBTC with $702 million.

    Why did QNT surge 260% in a week?

    The rally coincided with The Clearing House selecting Quant for its On-Chain Money Initiative. Other factors include Quant’s integration with Murex MX.3 and its involvement in digital euro testing.

    What happened to the funds stolen from Bitget?

    A wallet linked to the September 24 Bitget breach began moving ETH through THORChain and swapping into Bitcoin. The exchange attributed the breach to a compromised backend component.

    How large are the Wintermute-linked Hyperliquid short positions?

    On-chain tracking identified approximately $126.25 million in short positions. The largest was a roughly $46.92 million ETH short.

    When does the UK’s new crypto licensing window open?

    The FCA’s crypto authorization gateway opened on September 30, 2026. The main application window runs until February 28, 2027, with the new regime beginning October 25, 2027.

  • UK’s FCA Softens Crypto Regulations While Retaining Capital and Stress Test Requirements

    UK’s FCA Softens Crypto Regulations While Retaining Capital and Stress Test Requirements

    The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has eased certain aspects of its planned UK crypto regulatory framework following industry feedback. However, the revised rules still require firms to hold capital against risky assets, conduct annual stress tests, and implement consumer safeguards. The regime is scheduled to take effect in October 2027 and will cover trading, custody, customer service, and risk management.

    The FCA reduced compliance thresholds and simplified reporting duties for some crypto activities after extensive consultation with market participants. Capital requirements for certain cryptoassets, including fiat-backed stablecoins, were also lowered. Industry representatives had argued that overly stringent rules could stifle growth and push operations offshore. The regulator stated that the revised framework aims to protect consumers without unduly burdening compliant businesses.

    Under the new rules, crypto firms must maintain capital reserves proportional to the risk of assets on their balance sheets. They must also design and run annual stress tests, submitting results to the FCA. Unlike the Bank of England’s approach of prescribing specific scenarios for major banks, crypto companies will calculate their own exposure and determine necessary capital levels.

    David Geale, the FCA’s executive director for payments and digital finance, described the framework as the UK’s first comprehensive crypto regulation. He noted that it applies established financial principles where crypto activities present comparable risks. The FCA expects stronger oversight to reduce misconduct and questionable practices, though consumers will still be warned that crypto investments can lose all value.

    Industry reactions have been mixed. Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell, said regulation can strengthen protection and reduce scams and misleading promotions, but cannot eliminate risk entirely. Following the announcement, Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies traded within narrow ranges, showing little immediate price reaction.

    As the October 2027 effective date approaches, crypto businesses should review the final standards and prepare their systems accordingly. The FCA’s revised approach offers more flexibility while maintaining accountability, seeking to balance innovation with consumer protection.