Sony Singapore has enabled cryptocurrency payments, allowing shoppers to use USDC for purchases on the Sony Store Online. It is Sony’s first direct engagement with crypto transactions in the region.
USDC provides secure transactions without price volatility concerns. While Sony currently supports only USDC, industry experts anticipate the company will expand its cryptocurrency payment options.
Sony Block Solutions Labs, a subsidiary of the tech giant, recently introduced Soneium. The Ethereum layer-2 network is designed for digital collectibles and gaming economies. Soneium previously integrated bridged USDC, further strengthening its role in Sony’s blockchain ambitions.
The expansion of crypto-friendly services reflects a growing trend. Crypto.com, the payment provider for Sony’s USDC transactions, has been actively expanding. It includes a recent deal with Trump Media and plans for cryptocurrency-backed ETFs.
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BlackRock has received approval from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to operate as a crypto asset firm. With this registration, BlackRock can now offer its new European Bitcoin exchange-traded product (ETP) in the UK.
The iShares Bitcoin ETP (IB1T) recently began trading on Euronext Paris and Amsterdam. Initially launched with a fee waiver reducing costs to 0.15% until the end of 2024, its expense ratio will increase to 0.25% next year.
Each IB1T share is backed by actual Bitcoin held by Coinbase. The product provides investors with regulated exposure to cryptocurrency.
The FCA’s approval process remains stringent, with only 14% of applications granted. BlackRock’s move follows the success of its US-listed iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT). The fund has accumulated over $48 billion in assets.
The company’s European expansion reflects growing demand for Bitcoin investment products beyond North America.
BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has suggested that mounting US debt could weaken the dollar’s dominance. It could reinforce Bitcoin’s appeal as a store of value. He highlighted a potential shift among investors seeking alternatives amid rising government expenditure.
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The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has withdrawn two key staff advisories. These advisories set distinct regulatory expectations for cryptocurrency derivatives.
The move aligns the oversight of crypto-based financial instruments with traditional financial products. It marks a significant step towards regulatory parity.
The CFTC decided to rescind Staff Advisory No. 18-14, which outlined guidance on virtual currency derivative product listings. Advisory No. 23-07, which addressed risks in expanded digital asset clearing, was also withdrawn as the digital asset market matures.
These withdrawals signal the agency’s growing confidence in the crypto market’s development. It also shows its readiness to treat crypto derivatives like traditional financial products.
By eliminating these advisory distinctions, the CFTC is aiming to foster greater institutional engagement with crypto derivatives markets. The agency’s shift toward harmonising regulatory practices is expected to reduce uncertainty. It is also likely to encourage broader market participation.
The decision aligns with broader regulatory trends in the US. Other agencies have also taken steps to reduce the regulatory gap between traditional finance and digital assets.
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Elon Musk has clarified that there are no plans for the US government to adopt Dogecoin. He addressed these concerns during a recent town hall in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Speaking at the 30 March event, Musk denied any government involvement with the cryptocurrency. He stated ‘There are no plans for the government to use Dogecoin or anything as far as I know.’
Dogecoin was initially created in 2013 as a parody. It gained unexpected popularity, peaking at a market cap of $84 billion in 2021.
Despite the Shiba Inu-themed coin’s rise, Musk emphasised that Dogecoin’s mission is unrelated to any government agency. It includes Trump’s newly created agency, DOGE, aimed at reducing regulatory red tape.
Musk’s growing visibility in government initiatives has attracted scrutiny, particularly over the potential downsizing of federal workers. Musk’s involvement with the America PAC has also raised concerns among Tesla shareholders. The CEO acknowledged a significant drop in Tesla stock value.
Meanwhile, questions remain about how Musk’s political alignment could impact the future of Dogecoin and government efficiency efforts.
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A recent survey commissioned by Coinbase and Hashdex has revealed that cryptocurrency has gained significant popularity in Brazil. It has surpassed traditional investment options like stocks and gold.
The survey found that savings accounts remain the most common investment tool for Brazilians. However, cryptocurrency has emerged as a strong contender, ranking ahead of both gold and the stock market.
Despite being the fifth most popular investment overall, cryptocurrency (16%) has outperformed other options such as dollars, foreign currency, and bonds.
Money under the mattress (24%) and investment funds (19%) are also ahead of crypto. The survey indicates that the growing acceptance of cryptocurrency is reshaping the Brazilian investment landscape.
Experts suggest that the high-risk, high-reward nature of cryptocurrency appeals to a significant portion of Brazilian investors. Many of them in Brazil are drawn to volatile assets, with 29% of participants viewing cryptocurrency similarly to betting.
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Gazprom, the majority state-owned Russian energy giant, has entered the growing market of digital financial assets (DFAs). The launch includes blockchain-powered DFAs, worth 2 billion rubles (around $23.5 million).
The tokens, issued by Gazprombank via the Moscow Exchange’s DFA platform, offer an annual yield of 21%. There are 2 million tokens in circulation, each worth 1,000 rubles ($11.77). They will mature in May 2025, exchanging for a fiat sum of 1024.74 rubles ($12.06).
Interestingly, these DFAs are open to non-qualified investors, allowing retail buyers to trade them. It is a rare feature in the DFA market, as many tokens are restricted to corporate or professional investors.
Gazprom’s move highlights the growing interest in digital assets within Russia’s energy sector. It joins other Russian giants such as Rostelecom, which recently launched its own DFAs.
The expansion of Russia’s DFA market is evident, with Sberbank reporting a cumulative trading volume of 684 billion rubles ($8 billion) in February. Gazprom is also investing heavily in the crypto space, with a subsidiary focused on crypto mining.
The company is building a mining centre in Veliky Novgorod, planning to invest around $500 million by 2028.
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Hut 8 Corp. has unveiled the launch of American Bitcoin Corp., a new venture focused on large-scale Bitcoin mining. The venture is in collaboration with Eric and Donald Trump Jr.
The goal is to become the largest and most efficient pure-play Bitcoin miner, while also establishing a strategic Bitcoin reserve. It marks a significant shift in Hut 8’s operations as it transfers most of its ASIC miners to American Bitcoin.
American Bitcoin is now the sole operator of Hut 8’s Bitcoin mining activities. Hut 8 remains serving as the exclusive partner for infrastructure and operations. The reorganisation is designed to support long-term growth.
The leadership of American Bitcoin includes Mike Ho as Executive Chairman, Matt Prusak as CEO, and Eric Trump as Chief Strategy Officer. Hut 8 will provide critical services such as ASIC colocation and managed services.
The partnership aims to significantly strengthen both companies’ positions in the rapidly growing Bitcoin sector.
Mati Greenspan, CFO of Quantum Expeditions, highlighted the significance of the Trump family’s involvement. He noted that it signals strong potential for investment in Bitcoin infrastructure.
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Binance has introduced Apple Pay and Google Pay as new payment options for depositing EUR via credit and debit cards. The feature is available on both the Binance website and mobile app, in Lite and Pro modes.
By integrating these popular digital wallets, Binance aims to offer users an easier way to fund their accounts for cryptocurrency trading.
To use these payment options, Binance users must log in and select the EUR deposit option. After choosing either Apple Pay or Google Pay, users can enter the amount they wish to deposit.
Mobile users must update their Binance app to the latest version to access the new payment methods.
In addition to this feature, Binance has been actively securing investments and enhancing its services. The exchange secured a USD 2 billion investment from Abu Dhabi’s MGX in March 2025.
It marks the largest institutional investment in a cryptocurrency firm. Binance has also been involved in a legal battle with the SEC, seeking a 60-day delay in the ongoing lawsuit.
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California has amended its money transmission bill to include significant protections for Bitcoin and crypto investors. The focus is on securing self-custody rights for the state’s 40 million residents.
Originally introduced as the Money Transmission Act, the bill has now been renamed ‘Digital Assets.’ It aims to ensure that digital assets are recognised as valid payment forms in private transactions.
The updated legislation guarantees Californians the right to self-custody their digital assets. It also prohibits public entities from restricting or taxing them based solely on their use as payment.
Additionally, it expands the state’s Political Reform Act to prevent public officials from engaging in digital asset transactions that could create conflicts of interest.
California’s bill positions the state as a potential leader in setting national policy for digital assets. Dennis Porter, CEO of Satoshi Action Fund, suggested that if successful, similar legislation could spread across the US.
Currently, 99 merchants in California accept Bitcoin payments. Major crypto firms, such as Ripple Labs and Solana Labs, are also based in the state.
Meanwhile, a stablecoin-related bill has been introduced to provide clearer regulations on stablecoin collateral and security audits. The rise in Bitcoin-related legislation continues across the country, with 95 bills introduced in 35 states.
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Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) is preparing to introduce a major regulatory shift by classifying cryptocurrencies as financial assets. The plan includes bringing digital assets under insider trading laws.
The changes will align cryptocurrencies with regulations for stocks and other traditional financial instruments. The FSA is currently working on amending the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act to implement these changes.
The proposed amendment may be submitted to the parliament of Japan as early as next year. It reflects a broader global trend of increasing regulatory oversight for digital assets.
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has taken similar steps. It recently announced that digital asset derivatives will be regulated like other financial products. The FDIC allows banks to engage in crypto transactions without prior approval if they manage risks effectively.
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has issued guidance for banks on cryptocurrency integration. Institutions must implement appropriate risk management measures in their operations.
FDIC Acting Chairman Travis Hill called it a shift toward a more secure crypto environment. The developments highlight a growing global recognition of digital assets and the need for comprehensive regulatory frameworks.
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