The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially approved options trading on spot Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
The approval covers several spot Ethereum ETFs, including BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust, Bitwise Ethereum ETF, Grayscale’s Ethereum Trust, and the Ethereum Mini Trust.
Options trading allows investors to speculate on the future price of Ethereum without owning the asset directly. The new development enables traders to employ strategies like covered calls or buffered exposure, adding depth to the Ethereum market.
The move follows the SEC’s green light for spot Ethereum ETFs last year, which have seen significant net inflows of $2.34 billion.
Ethereum’s market has faced challenges recently, with a 45% drop in value during the first quarter of 2025. Despite this, the introduction of options trading on Ethereum ETFs could provide fresh momentum for the asset. The approval is expected by October.
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The ECB has renewed its push for a digital euro to counter the growing dominance of US dollar-backed stablecoins in Europe. Piero Cipollone, an ECB executive board member, has raised concerns over the growing popularity of these stablecoins.
He argues that a central bank digital currency (CBDC) would protect the eurozone’s monetary sovereignty. Cipollone argued that a digital euro would prevent foreign currency stablecoins from becoming widely used in the euro area.
He warns that Europe’s reliance on foreign payment systems undermines its financial sovereignty. Concerns have arisen over the US’s push for dollar-backed stablecoins.
ECB called for a public-private partnership to create a digital euro, preserving European monetary independence under EU law.
Despite these efforts, the digital euro faces opposition, particularly over concerns around data privacy and consumer adoption. ECB acknowledges that digital payments are becoming increasingly prevalent, especially for online transactions.
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Ukraine’s securities regulator has outlined a new framework to tax crypto income at a combined rate of up to 23%. The proposal excludes crypto-to-crypto transactions and stablecoins. The aim is to offer lawmakers a basis for creating informed and balanced regulation.
Under the suggested model, crypto income would face an 18% tax and a 5% military levy. It would apply only when crypto is converted to fiat or used for goods and services.
Stablecoins backed by foreign currencies may be exempt or taxed at a reduced rate of 5% or 9%. Ukraine’s approach aligns with the tax policies of countries such as France, Austria, and Singapore.
The framework also addresses mining, staking, hard forks, and airdrops. Mining is considered a business activity, though a tax-free threshold is under consideration.
Staking could be taxed only when converted to fiat, while hard forks and airdrops may be taxed at receipt or conversion. Exemptions are being considered for crypto donations, family transfers, and long-term holders, though they may not apply to non-custodial wallets.
A draft bill to legalise cryptocurrencies has been under review since late 2023 and is expected to be finalised this year.
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Paul Atkins has been officially confirmed as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) following a 52–44 vote in the Senate. His appointment marks a significant leadership change at the regulator, mainly as reforms to digital asset rules are underway.
Atkins brings extensive experience to the post, having previously served as an SEC commissioner from 2002 to 2008. Since then, he has worked as a regulatory adviser to financial and crypto firms. He has also co-chaired the Token Alliance and consistently advocated for blockchain innovation.
Ethics filings revealed that he and his wife held millions in crypto-related assets. However, he has pledged to divest from all such holdings upon assuming office.
The appointment has not been without criticism. Senator Elizabeth Warren opposed the appointment, citing his industry ties and role in the 2008 financial crisis.
Many within the digital asset sector expect a shift in the SEC’s approach. They anticipate greater emphasis on regulatory clarity, fewer legal actions against crypto companies, and broader support for blockchain development.
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Hackers are using bogus Microsoft Office extensions uploaded to SourceForge to spread malware. Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has warned that the malware is designed to steal cryptocurrency.
One listing, posing as ‘officepackage,’ contains genuine Office add-ins. However, it also hides ClipBanker — a virus that swaps copied crypto wallet addresses with those belonging to attackers.
The malware tricks users by mimicking legitimate Office add-in pages, complete with download buttons and developer-style layouts. Once installed, ClipBanker monitors the clipboard and replaces wallet addresses without users’ knowledge.
It also gathers IP addresses, usernames, and system data, which it sends to the attackers via Telegram. In some cases, the virus checks for antivirus software or previous infections and self-deletes if detected.
Kaspersky noted that the malicious files are suspiciously small or padded with junk data to appear legitimate. While the primary goal is to steal cryptocurrency, attackers may sell access to infected systems to other malicious actors.
The malware’s interface is in Russian, and most victims so far — over 4,600 — have been located in Russia.
To stay safe, Kaspersky advises downloading software only from trusted sources. The company noted a growing trend of hackers hiding malware in pirated or unofficial software to exploit users chasing free apps.
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A blockchain analytics firm has alleged that the team behind the Melania Meme (MELANIA) cryptocurrency moved $30 million worth of tokens. These were taken from community reserves without explanation.
Bubblemaps revealed that the tokens were transferred to a single wallet. They were then dispersed across multiple addresses, with millions already sold or sent to exchanges. Neither the team nor co-creator Hayden Davis has commented on the transfers.
MELANIA was launched in January to coincide with Donald Trump’s return to the political spotlight. Since then, the token has plummeted by more than 96%, dropping from a high of over $13 to just $0.51.
The controversy comes amid declining enthusiasm for memecoins. Both the number of new launches and tokens maturing on Solana-based platforms have dropped significantly since January. The trend highlights a broader cooling in the once-hyped sector.
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Russia’s Federal Tax Service (FTS) has introduced a new online tool to assist crypto miners in calculating their taxes. The tool offers exchange rate data for cryptocurrencies. It helps miners calculate income based on the minimum closing price in rubles on specific dates.
While the tool currently includes data from seven exchanges, such as Binance and ByBit, some major coins like Ethereum (ETH) are missing from the database.
Despite its limitations, the resource aims to simplify the calculation of tax liabilities for digital currency transactions. The FTS emphasises that taxpayers must independently verify the information.
Since the legalisation of crypto mining in Russia, miners must comply with a two-tiered tax system introduced in 2024. Miners earning up to 2.4 million rubles are taxed at 13%, while those exceeding this threshold face a 15% tax.
Miners using over 6,000 kWh of electricity per month must register with the FTS. Fines will be imposed for non-compliance.
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Michael Saylor’s firm, Strategy, may be forced to sell part of its Bitcoin reserves to meet mounting financial obligations. A recent filing warned that the company may struggle to meet obligations without new equity or debt funding.
Strategy holds over 528,000 BTC, acquired for more than $35 billion at an average price of $67,458. Despite this, the company expects an unrealised loss of nearly $6 billion in Q1 2025.
With $8 billion in debt, $35 million in annual interest, and $150 million in dividends, the firm faces significant pressure.
In March, Strategy announced plans to raise $2.1 billion through a perpetual preferred stock offering an 8% dividend. It would fund company operations and allow further Bitcoin purchases. Still, its future hinges on Bitcoin’s market performance.
Bitcoin is currently trading around $76,000, down 10% over the week. While Trump’s tariffs have affected market sentiment, analysts suggest Bitcoin could reach $110,000 as global interest rates fall.
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The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has reiterated concerns about potential financial risks posed by cryptocurrencies. The warning comes as the sector experiences rapid growth and increasing links with traditional finance.
ESMA executive director Natasha Cazenave addressed the European Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee on 8 April. She highlighted the need for continued vigilance.
Cazenave warned that instability in even minor markets could spread through the wider financial system. She noted that most EU banks still avoid the crypto market, with over 95% having no involvement.
The latest warning follows ESMA’s earlier call to delist stablecoins that failed to comply with the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulation. In January 2025, the regulator signalled its intent to enforce the new rules strictly.
As the EU strengthens oversight, a contrasting stance is emerging in the United States. Regulators under President Trump have shifted towards supporting crypto innovation.
The US SEC has taken steps to ease regulatory pressure, while the Justice Department recently disbanded its National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team.
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The US Justice Department has officially disbanded its National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET). The move signals a significant change in approach under the Trump administration.
Initially formed in 2022 during Biden’s presidency, the team was responsible for investigating crypto-related fraud and financial crimes. Its closure reflects a broader move away from aggressive regulatory enforcement.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche was recently confirmed as the department’s second-in-command. He issued new guidelines directing prosecutors to prioritise cases involving terrorism, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.
Blanche criticised the previous administration’s policy of ‘regulation by prosecution’. He called for charges only where there is clear evidence of intentional legal violations.
The Justice Department will now avoid targeting crypto exchanges, mixers, and digital wallets based on their users’ actions or minor regulatory issues. Agencies such as the SEC have already paused several high-profile cases in response to this shift.
Trump’s support for crypto also extends to personal ties. His family reportedly holds a significant stake in token sales by World Liberty Financial. Trump has also previously launched his digital tokens.
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