Portugal's largest bank Banco de Investimentos Globais (BiG) has recently taken the step of blocking fiat transfers to cryptocurrency platforms, citing compliance with new European Union regulations. This marks a significant shift for Portugal, once regarded as a haven for crypto enthusiasts.

This year, crypto is pulling out all the stops. Technological development is the name of the game in 2025.

Standard Chartered has formed a new entity in Luxembourg to offer crypto and digital asset custody services in the European Union, as the global lender looks to cash in on the growing demand for digital security.

The Nigerian securities regulator has cautioned that some applicants for virtual asset service provider (VASP) licenses do not meet regulatory requirements.

Backpack Exchange's claim of acquiring FTX EU faces sharp opposition from the FTX bankruptcy estate. The Dubai based exchange announced a $32.7 million acquisition of FTX EU to boost its derivatives offerings but FTX's US estate claims ownership of the European unit remains unresolved.

Mastercard brings its Crypto Credential solution to the EEMEA region, starting with the UAE and Kazakhstan. Payments processor Mastercard has rolled out its Crypto Credential solution in the UAE and Kazakhstan, marking its first move into the EEMEA region.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recommended that Kenya create a clear regulatory framework for its cryptocurrency market. This call comes after rising concerns about consumer protection, anti-money laundering (AML), and combating terrorism financing (CFT). The IMF's advice highlights the growing need for Kenya to update its outdated laws to evolve its crypto sector.

The bankrupt FTX exchange has challenged the announced sale of its European subsidiary, FTX EU, to Backpack, a crypto platform founded by former FTX employees. In a Jan. 8 statement, FTX clarified that its subsidiary FTX Europe AG wholly owns FTX EU.

AI agents are entering the DeFi space through various projects and launchpads, with market projections suggesting growth from under $1B to $25-50B by 2025.

HashKey Group, a prominent digital asset provider in Asia, has officially entered the European market with its subsidiary, HashKey Europe Limited, securing a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Ireland's Central Bank.

Crypto airdrop's demand is consistent to this day, as traders await the free tokens from new coin launches. After the popularity of many Telegram-based mini-games airdrops, the eyes are now on the Zoo game and the launch of its native token.

Recent reports revealed that South Korea is set to ease its restrictions on institutional crypto investment. Secretary-General of South Korea's Financial Services Commission (FSC) announced the watchdog's plan to review its restrictions amid the ongoing changes in South Korea's regulatory approach.

Backpack also clarified that FTX EU would be rebranded as Backpack EU and would solely handle the redistribution of customer funds.

The Federal Reserve dropped its December meeting minutes, and let's just say the message wasn't pretty. Inflation is creeping higher, the Fed isn't feeling generous with rate cuts, and Trump's economic policies have everyone on edge—even if his name didn't make it into the official documents.

A 24-year-old Dutch law student has been arrested for allegedly operating a €4.5 million cryptocurrency investment scheme that defrauded 300 people through a Ponzi structure.

Outgoing SEC Chair Gary Gensler ends his tenure after completing 100 crypto enforcement actions, defending his strict regulatory approach as President-elect Trump nominates Paul Atkins, known for his crypto-friendly stance, as his successor.

Thailand demonstrates a dual approach to cryptocurrency, launching tourist-focused payment trials in Phuket while simultaneously combating illegal mining operations that steal electricity.

What factors are causing the downturn of the crypto market? And what is the downturn impact on the cryptocurrencies?

In 2024, Binance reached a milestone of 250M registered users.

Crypto investors faced a tough 2024 as hacks and scams exploited weaknesses, costing billions in losses. Crypto-related hacks and scams cost the industry $3.01 billion in 2024, reflecting a 15% rise from $2.

Are TikTok's crypto influencers prioritizing profit over your financial safety?

The crypto market presents investors with promising opportunities. These 5 crypto coins show strong potential for substantial growth in Jan 2025.

IMF recommends Kenya overhaul outdated regulations, address scams and align its crypto framework with global standards for financial stability.

The alleged crypto trader from Hengelo is suspected of defrauding nearly 300 investors, embezzling €4.5 million in the scheme. The post Police Arrest Dutch Law Student in Connection With $4.6M Crypto Investment Scheme appeared first on Cryptonews.

As Bitcoin bulls display sluggish behaviour, the altcoins have jumped into action. The prices of popular cryptos like ETH, XRP, ADA, SOL, etc. and a few more have been facing a significant rise in the selling pressure.

Last year, Lunar Strategy launched Crypto AI:CON, which made waves in the emerging Crypto + AI narrative in the year that was.

With just days left until his exit from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Chair Gary Gensler once again took aim at the cryptocurrency industry, arguing that it is "rife" with bad actors.

Grayscale Investments, a leading asset management firm known for its focus on crypto, recently made some important changes to its multi-asset funds. This adjustment comes after they review Q4 2024, and it involves updates to several key funds, including those focused on AI, DeFi, and smart contract platforms.

A Canadian crypto enthusiast has gone into hiding with his family after narrowly escaping an alleged kidnapping attempt.

Binance wrapped up 2024 with jaw-dropping numbers. The platform now boasts over 250 million registered users, adding a whopping 50 million in just six months. Its trading volume hit an eye-popping $100 trillion, showing just how much trust and activity it has in the crypto world.

Backpack clarified that it purchased FTX EU from the “former insiders” who bought the entity from the FTX bankruptcy estate. CySEC also approved the deal last month.

The most prominent AI Agent projects, including Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL) and ai16z (AI16Z), have recently experienced significant price surges. While the outlook for AI Agents remains positive, many investors missed opportunities to secure favorable positions.

Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) announced plans to launch its crypto accelerator program in San Francisco this spring, inviting visionary founders to apply by Feb. 7. The post VC Giant a16z Launches Spring 2025 Accelerator for Crypto Startups appeared first on Cryptonews.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has unveiled the "Supervisory Incubator for Distributed Ledger Technology" (DLT) to help banks safely adopt blockchain-based solutions. The post Hong Kong Launches Initiative to Accelerate Blockchain Adoption in Banking appeared first on Cryptonews.

Cryptocurrency exchange Backpack issued a statement addressing controversy surrounding its purchase of FTX EU.

A fake browser extension mimicking cryptocurrency exchange OKX has infiltrated the Firefox browser store. On Jan.

FTX.com and the FTX Recovery Trust have exposed Backpack's claims of acquiring FTX EU, calling them misleading and confusing. The statements also raised doubts about Backpack's involvement in repaying customers. FTX has now stepped in to reveal the real facts about FTX EU's ownership, the court's role, and the actual repayment process.

Europe faces mounting pressure to secure its financial future as reliance on U.S. and Chinese payment giants grows, with China's digital currency threatening dominance. Europe Risks Payment Dependence on China and U.S.

Grayscale Investments, a leading asset management firm, has updated the portfolios of four of its crypto investment funds.

Rostin Behnam, the outgoing Chair of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), made his final public remarks on January 8, 2025.

DeFi agent narrative has emerged with Griffain as the top contender.

According to FTX, Backpack is indirectly acquiring the Cypriot unit from former FTX employees who still do not own the division. Backpack also lacks authorisation to distribute funds to stressed FTX customers.

The crypto market experienced liquidations exceeding $524.8 million in the past 24 hours as bitcoin and ether continued to decline.

Gary Gensler, the outgoing Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), reiterated his critical view of the cryptocurrency industry, describing it as "rife with bad actors."

OKX confirms that it has not released any Firefox browser extension, asking users to transfer the wallet assets immediately if downloaded. The post OKX Warns Users of Fake Wallet Plugins on Firefox Browser Extension appeared first on Cryptonews.

Grayscale Investment, a top asset management firm with a focus on crypto products, has rebalanced most of its multi-asset funds after Q4 2024 reviews.

In the constantly evolving world of finance, crypto lending has emerged as a revolutionary alternative to traditional banking systems. Offering a blend of innovation and efficiency, it bridges the gap between DeFi (decentralized finance) and TradFi (traditional financial) systems.

Outgoing SEC Chair Gary Gensler warned that many crypto projects may fail, criticizing the industry for being driven more by sentiment than fundamentals. The post Gary Gensler Predicts Crypto Shakeout, Says Sentiment Outweighs Fundamentals appeared first on Cryptonews.