UAE Central Bank Mandates Licensing for Decentralized Finance and Web3 Platforms
UAE Federal Decree No. 6 mandates licensing for DeFi and Web3 services, eliminating the "just code" defense and setting a September 16, 2025 compliance deadline.
Citigroup Executes Live Ethereum Custody Pilot for Institutional Client Assets
Integrating native Ether custody into the core platform establishes a compliant institutional on-ramp, mitigating counterparty risk and unlocking new asset service revenue streams.
Citi Integrates Private Blockchain Token Services with Global 24/7 USD Clearing
Integrating the private DLT with USD clearing enables T+0 settlement for cross-border payments, optimizing corporate liquidity and eliminating time-zone friction.
Hong Kong SFC Eases Rules for Licensed Exchanges to Access Global Liquidity
The SFC's policy pivot on order book ring-fencing and track record requirements strategically unlocks global liquidity for licensed VATPs.
Mastercard Acquires Zerohash Securing Regulated Stablecoin Settlement Infrastructure Control
The $2 billion acquisition integrates a regulated, API-based crypto-settlement network, strategically repositioning Mastercard to coordinate T+0 institutional and B2B stablecoin payment flows.
European Commission Drafts Plan to Centralize Critical Crypto Exchange Oversight
Jurisdictional authority shifts to ESMA, mandating a unified, cross-border compliance architecture for systemic digital asset service providers.
EU MiCA Passporting System Threatened by Inconsistent National Licensing Implementation
National regulators' disparate MiCA transitional periods create critical regulatory arbitrage risk, jeopardizing the single-market passporting framework.
