Day: 9 January 2026

Quick Breakdown  FCA requires crypto firms to obtain FSMA authorisation before the new UK regulatory regime begins. Pre-application support and information sessions will guide firms on compliance and permission variations. Transitional and saving provisions allow continued operations for firms while applications are under review.   The UK Financial Conduct Authority ...

Quick Breakdown  South Korea plans to allow crypto spot ETFs in 2026, opening regulated access to Bitcoin and other digital assets. New digital asset legislation will introduce stricter rules for stablecoin issuance, reserves, and redemptions. Authorities will also set standards for cross-border stablecoin transfers and blockchain-based payment systems.   South ...

Quick Breakdown  South Korea’s Supreme Court ruled that Bitcoin held on domestic crypto exchanges qualifies as a seizable asset under the Criminal Procedure Act. The decision affirms that virtual assets with economic value and practical control can be seized during criminal investigations. The ruling is expected to guide future crypto-related ...

Quick Breakdown  Crypto and traditional finance are expected to converge, with exchanges and banks offering both digital and traditional assets in a unified market. Stablecoins are projected to evolve into core global settlement infrastructure for payments, remittances, and cross-border commerce. The next phase of crypto growth is likely to be ...

Quick Breakdown  Over 56% of Bitcoin mining now runs on sustainable energy, up from 34% in 2021. Bitcoin miners are helping unlock stalled renewable projects and stabilize power grids. Mining is increasingly used to cut methane emissions and provide clean heating solutions.   More than half of the Bitcoin network ...

Quick Breakdown  Regulatory green light: Bitnomial received a CFTC no-action letter allowing it to launch U.S.-based prediction markets Narrow but meaningful relief: The exemption applies only to specific event contracts and limited reporting rules Broader implications: The approval brings regulated prediction markets closer to the U.S. mainstream   Bitnomial has ...

Quick Breakdown  Donald Trump has ruled out a pardon for Sam Bankman-Fried, ending months of speculation. Unlike other crypto cases Trump pardoned, FTX’s collapse caused widespread investor losses, limiting political sympathy. With clemency off the table, Bankman-Fried’s appeal remains his sole option for relief.   U.S. President Donald Trump has ...

PRNewswire, PRNewswire, 9th January 2026, Chainwire

Quick Breakdown: Ripple-backed Evernorth teams with Doppler Finance to enhance XRPL liquidity, treasury management, and institutional XRP adoption. Initiative professionalizes XRP use through yield generation, risk management, and DeFi integration for corporate treasuries. ​Follows Evernorth's $1 billion raise via SPAC merger, funding XRP purchases and validator operations on XRPL. ​ ...

Quick Breakdown  Former ECC developers are launching a new Zcash wallet, cashZ, using the Zashi codebase The team says the move was driven by governance issues and a desire to return to cypherpunk values ZEC saw a minor price recovery but remains far below historical highs   Developers behind the ...