UK authorities have frozen nearly $7.7 million worth of illicit cryptocurrency assets in just one year, according to recent reports. The largest freeze, amounting to $2 million, targeted a wallet hosted on Coinbase.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) and police have been granted special powers to freeze, seize, and destroy cryptocurrencies connected to criminal organisations. The powers allow law enforcement to freeze crypto wallets for up to three years.
Despite the $7.7 million being small compared to global crypto transactions, experts believe UK authorities are making significant progress. The government devotes more resources to combating money laundering and terrorism financing.
However, challenges persist, as many suspects are foreign nationals. Additionally, criminals often use private wallets to hide illicit funds.
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The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has introduced new guidance, allowing FDIC-supervised institutions to engage in crypto-related activities without prior approval. It reverses the restrictions that previously limited banks’ involvement with crypto firms.
The updated guidance, outlined in Financial Institution Letter (FIL-7-2025), rescinds a 2022 directive. The previous directive required banks to notify the FDIC before engaging in digital asset activities.
The policy change follows the release of FDIC documents. These documents revealed efforts by the FDIC to pressure banks into severing ties with crypto businesses.
Acting FDIC Chairman Travis Hill welcomed the shift, stating it represents a break from past practices. He added that this new approach would allow banks to engage with crypto and blockchain activities. However, they must manage associated risks effectively.
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BlackRock’s launch of its European Bitcoin exchange-traded product (ETP) is considered a major moment in Bitcoin’s global adoption. Analysts, however, expect more modest inflows compared to its US counterpart.
The iShares Bitcoin ETP began trading on 25 March on Xetra, Euronext Amsterdam, and Euronext Paris, allowing European investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin.
Bitfinex analysts noted that the product is unlikely to mirror the success of the US-based iShares Bitcoin Trust exchange-traded fund (ETF). They pointed out that the US ETFs benefited from institutional demand and a larger capital market.
BlackRock’s global reputation and substantial assets under management may drive further interest in Bitcoin investment products across Europe.
Despite expectations of lower inflows, the company’s presence in the market may lead to long-term success. As regulatory clarity improves, more institutional capital may enter the crypto space.
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Panama has unveiled a new draft bill aimed at regulating cryptocurrencies and establishing a legal framework for blockchain-based services. The proposed law seeks to position the country as a leader in fintech in Latin America. It provides a clear structure for digital assets in financial transactions.
Under the bill, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and stablecoins are legally recognised as valid payment methods for goods, services, and debt settlements.
The legislation also mandates licensing requirements for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), including exchanges and wallets. These providers would need to register with Panama’s Financial Analysis Unit (UAF).
The bill addresses compliance measures, enforcing Know-Your-Customer (KYC) regulations. It enforces anti-money laundering (AML) regulations in line with international financial standards. Non-compliant entities face administrative sanctions or criminal penalties.
In addition to financial regulation, the bill encourages the use of blockchain technology in public administration. It includes digital identity systems and tokenized securities, promoting transparency and reducing inefficiencies.
The legislation also recognises smart contracts as legally enforceable, paving the way for innovative financial products and automated business processes.
The proposal marks a significant shift from previous crypto legislation in Panama, which faced partial vetoes in 2022. The draft bill is now under review in the National Assembly, with potential amendments before a final vote.
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The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) has proposed that insurance firms must fully back their cryptocurrency holdings with capital. The recommendations are intended to address the ‘inherent risks and high volatility’ associated with digital assets.
EIOPA presented four regulatory options, with its preferred choice requiring insurers to assume a total loss on crypto holdings. It would mean a far stricter standard than those applied to traditional assets such as stocks and real estate.
Stocks face capital charges ranging from 39% to 49% under existing solvency capital regulations. In contrast, real estate is subject to a lower charge of 25%.
The proposed measure aims to bridge a regulatory gap between the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) and the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). EIOPA stated that an 80% stress level for crypto holdings would not be ‘sufficiently prudent’.
Luxembourg and Sweden could be the most affected if the proposal is adopted. They account for the largest share of crypto-related insurance undertakings in Europe.
Despite crypto holdings currently making up just 0.0068% of total insurance-related assets in the EU, EIOPA stressed the potential for future growth and the need for stringent safeguards.
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US lawmakers introduced the Stablecoin Transparency and Accountability for a Better Ledger Economy (STABLE) Act. The aim is to strengthen the regulation of stablecoins.
A proposal aims to ensure that dollar-backed digital tokens comply with transparency standards, helping to protect consumers and enhance operational clarity.
The bill is a part of a larger push for stablecoin regulation, with bipartisan support from the Senate. It is under review by the Senate, while the House continues refining its version.
President Donald Trump urged lawmakers to pass stablecoin legislation before the August 2025 recess. A shift from informal issuance to formal financial infrastructure signals that stablecoins may soon face the same scrutiny as traditional financial products.
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A member of Kazakhstan’s lower house of parliament, Azat Peruashev, has proposed the creation of a ‘crypto bank‘ in the country. The aim is to provide a legal exchange and custody platform for digital assets.
Peruashev pointed out the absence of a proper legal infrastructure for cryptocurrency in Kazakhstan. It has led to the proliferation of illegal exchanges and the shadow economy. He suggested that a national crypto bank could prevent scams, protect citizens, and stop money from leaving the country illegally.
The lawmaker argued that, currently, 90% of cryptocurrency transactions occur outside the legal sector. He claimed that this gap in regulation has allowed criminals to use crypto for illicit activities. These activities include tax evasion and financing criminal operations.
Peruashev highlighted that billions of tenge worth of cryptocurrency are being transferred abroad without state control. His proposal envisions a legal framework for managing digital assets and preventing fraudulent activities.
Other lawmakers, including Ekaterina Smyshlyaeva, have shown support for crypto reform. Smyshlyaeva has suggested decriminalising crypto trading for individuals on licensed platforms. She is also calling for tighter control over licensed exchanges.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has also shown interest in expanding Kazakhstan’s crypto infrastructure to ensure the country remains competitive in the global crypto economy.
The country’s crypto mining sector was later impacted by power shortages. Despite this, global crypto operators continue to set up shop in Kazakhstan, attracted by its low energy costs.
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Microsoft has scrapped plans for over 2GW of data centre leases in the US and Europe, signalling a strategic shift in its AI infrastructure support.
The move appears linked to scaled-back OpenAI workloads and concerns over market oversupply.
The decision has sent shockwaves through US tech markets, with shares of AI players like Nvidia and Dell taking hits. Bitcoin mining stocks also slumped by up to 12%, as hopes for sustained AI-driven demand dimmed.
While Microsoft steps back, Google and Meta are ramping up their own capacity, trying to fill the gap.
Analysts warn that crypto miners, already facing profitability pressure, may need to rethink their business models in light of this new reality.
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The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially closed its investigation into Crypto.com without any enforcement action. In October 2024, Crypto.com filed a lawsuit against the agency, arguing that the SEC had overstepped its authority.
The case was dismissed in December, and the investigation has now ended without any penalties for the platform.
Crypto.com’s Chief Legal Officer, Nick Lundgren, welcomed the closure, criticising the prior SEC leadership for misusing its power against the crypto industry.
CEO Kris Marszalek echoed these sentiments, calling the previous administration’s regulatory approach a ‘war on crypto’. He claimed it aimed to restrict access to banking, auditors, and investors.
Crypto.com, with over 100 global regulatory approvals, is the only major exchange that has neither been sued nor settled with the SEC. The company continues to operate in compliance with key US agencies.
The development reflects a broader shift in the SEC’s approach under acting Chair Mark Uyeda. The agency has recently withdrawn lawsuits against several prominent crypto firms.
It has also established a Crypto Task Force, which will focus on industry regulation in upcoming public discussions.
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Katasonov described such a move as ‘laying landmines,’ suggesting it would pose significant risks to Russia’s economic stability.
He argued that cryptocurrencies are speculative tools, not fully-fledged money. He warned that they could lead to inflationary bubbles that may eventually burst, affecting the economy and creating numerous casualties.
Katasonov also expressed concern over crypto advocates pushing for the inclusion of digital assets in Russia’s official economic system. He labelled these individuals as ‘fifth columnists,’ accusing them of attempting to undermine the country’s financial security.
Despite the growing interest in digital currencies, Katasonov pointed out that no country has successfully launched a crypto reserve to date. He referenced scepticism about the feasibility of Bitcoin reserves, even in countries like the US.
While Russia’s Central Bank has ruled out the idea of a Bitcoin reserve, the country’s finance ministry has shown some openness. Despite this, the ministry continues to focus on gold and the Chinese yuan for the time being.
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