The crypto world is shifting fast, and this week’s headlines are packed with game-changing updates. If you watched our latest Crypto News Weekly short video, here’s the full breakdown of everything you need to know.
After regulatory hurdles forced it to exit in 2022, Coinbase is making a strong comeback in India. The company has officially registered with India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), allowing it to resume crypto trading services. With India emerging as a major global player in Web3, Coinbase sees significant potential as the country’s on-chain developer base grew from 3% in 2018 to 12% in 2023.
The exchange isn’t stopping there—it’s expanding globally, securing a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license in Argentina and investing in Layer 2 solutions, smart wallets, and stablecoins. Despite facing a 22.8% drop in stock value this year, Coinbase’s regulatory focus and expansion efforts make it a key player in the crypto space.
The U.S. SEC is reconsidering its strict crypto custody regulations introduced during the Biden administration. Acting SEC Chair Mark Uyeda suggests that the rules, which required investment advisors to follow more stringent asset-holding guidelines, could be overhauled or scrapped.
Additionally, the SEC is reexamining a rule that requires monthly financial disclosures for ETFs and mutual funds instead of quarterly reports. With leadership changes expected at the SEC, including the potential return of former Commissioner Paul Atkins, the crypto industry could soon see major regulatory shifts.
Cybersecurity remains a top priority, and OKX has been forced to act fast after reports that North Korea’s Lazarus Group attempted to launder $100 million through its DEX aggregator.
OKX temporarily disabled its DEX aggregator and implemented real-time tracking systems to detect and block hacker-linked addresses. The exchange also takes extra steps to ensure transactions are labelled correctly, partnering with blockchain explorers to reduce the risk of illicit funds slipping through.
According to a Forbes investigation, Russia has used Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins like Tether to continue global trade despite heavy sanctions. Russian oil companies reportedly convert rubles into yuan and rupees via digital assets, signalling a more extensive reliance on crypto for financial transactions.
Even if sanctions are lifted, sources say Russia’s oil sector will continue to use crypto for trade. Meanwhile, the Bank of Russia is considering allowing high-net-worth investors to buy and sell crypto, suggesting a possible shift in the country’s digital asset policies.
In a move that could shake up global finance, Russia and the BRICS nations are integrating Bitcoin and crypto into oil trade deals. Facing financial restrictions and Western sanctions, Russia is leading efforts to create a blockchain-based payment system for energy transactions.
Reports suggest that Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins are being used to convert foreign currencies into rubles, marking a significant departure from traditional banking systems. If this trend continues, it could accelerate crypto adoption in global trade.
Solana (SOL) has dropped 8% below its Realized Price for the first time in nearly three years, meaning most investors are now holding at a loss. Historically, this metric has signalled bearish trends, with previous drops leading to extended downturns.
A similar decline in 2022 marked the start of a crypto bear market. With Bitcoin short-term holders also in the red, some analysts believe market pressure could continue shortly.
This week’s developments highlight the growing influence of crypto in global finance, regulation, and security. Coinbase’s return to India signals a significant step toward broader adoption, while the SEC’s evolving stance could redefine how crypto custody operates in the U.S.
On the global stage, Russia’s increasing reliance on digital assets and BRICS’ adoption of Bitcoin for oil trade showcase the shifting dynamics of financial power. Meanwhile, Solana’s price movement is a crucial indicator of potential market trends.
Staying informed is essential as crypto continues to evolve. These trends could shape the future of digital finance.