China and Russia have reportedly started using Bitcoin for settling certain energy transactions. It is a development that signals a shift away from the US dollar in global trade.
The move comes amid growing trade tensions and increasing interest in decentralised digital assets. According to Matthew Sigel, Head of Digital Assets Research at VanEck, Bitcoin’s role in trade is evolving beyond speculation.
The report highlights a growing trend of using digital assets in practical commerce, particularly in energy markets. Bitcoin’s neutral and decentralised nature makes it an appealing option for countries facing financial restrictions.
The shift may reinforce Bitcoin’s role as a hedge against monetary instability as international players are seeking alternative settlement methods.
Bolivia also plans to use cryptocurrency for power imports, while EDF is exploring Bitcoin mining to monetise surplus electricity.
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A Russian logistics firm, ETE Group, has requested that the Prime Minister establish a regulatory framework for using cryptocurrency in international trade. In a letter to the Prime Minister, the company called for changes to Russia’s Civil and Tax Codes to allow crypto transactions with foreign suppliers.
ETE Group, based in Moscow and Vladivostok, noted that the lack of regulation creates risks for businesses seeking to use cryptocurrency for payments. The firm has observed a significant rise in interest in crypto payments, with business sector interest increasing by 40% in 2024.
ETE Group believes that introducing regulations for crypto issuance, circulation, and accounting will help resolve ongoing issues with international payments. The firm particularly highlights delays caused by sanctions and the disconnection of Russian firms from the SWIFT network.
Russia’s sanctions, imposed after the war in Ukraine, have disrupted trade with countries like China and Kazakhstan, with payment delays often extending from weeks to months. ETE Group has stated that using crypto could offer a solution, bypassing traditional financial systems.
The company also highlighted that while Russian law currently prohibits crypto payments for goods, growing interest in the technology could prompt a policy change.
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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 President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Zhaparov, announced a new collaboration between the National Investment Agency and Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the founder of Binance. The agreement focuses on developing the cryptocurrency and blockchain technology ecosystem within the Kyrgyz Republic.
The partnership will see CZ provide infrastructural and technological support. It will also include consultancy on crypto and blockchain initiatives. Additionally, educational programmes will be implemented to support the country’s development in these fields.
Zhao expressed his excitement about advising Kyrgyzstan, emphasising the importance of expanding crypto adoption globally. In a post on X, he highlighted his role in advising several governments on crypto regulatory frameworks and blockchain solutions.
He also clarified that his involvement is strictly related to cryptocurrency and does not extend to politics. The advisory role forms part of CZ’s broader strategy to enhance blockchain’s reach beyond just trading.
President Zhaparov views this collaboration as a significant step towards strengthening the country’s technological capabilities. The partnership aims to drive innovation, build expertise, and boost economic growth and security.
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Bybit, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges, has announced the discontinuation of its NFT marketplace. The platform will also shut down its Initial DEX Offering (IDO) product pages.
The decision comes shortly after the platform suffered a devastating security breach in February 2025. During the breach, it lost approximately $1.5 billion to North Korean hackers.
Although Bybit has cited ‘efforts to streamline our offerings’ as the reason for the shutdown, many believe it is a direct consequence of the hack and subsequent security concerns.
The discontinuation will take effect on 8 April 2025, at 16:00 UTC. Users have been urged to manage their assets before the deadline.
The exchange provided alternative NFT trading platforms, including OpenSea, Blur, and Magic Eden, for Ethereum-based assets. IDO participants have also been advised to transfer their airdropped tokens to private Web3 wallets.
The platform’s decision to shut down its NFT and IDO services is seen as a move to mitigate further risks and potential compliance issues. Bybit’s shutdown follows a broader trend in the NFT market, where many platforms have closed.
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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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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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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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As Canada nears a federal election, Coinbase urges the next government to prioritise clear crypto regulations. Coinbase’s Canadian country director highlighted that while Canada has been a leader in crypto adoption, regulatory uncertainty could hinder further progress.
Matheson cited statistics showing that five million Canadians already hold crypto. According to Coinbase, 86% of Canadians see room for improvement, 80% feel the system is unfair, and 76% view it as outdated. The growing dissatisfaction signals the need for forward-thinking financial policies.
Regulatory challenges have forced several crypto exchanges to exit Canada following stricter rules. Meanwhile, Mark Carney, a Liberal Party leader, has expressed scepticism towards Bitcoin, favouring central bank digital currencies instead.
Coinbase calls for reforms, including a government crypto task force within 100 days, federal stablecoin regulations, and clearer asset definitions.
The company also advocates for a national Bitcoin reserve and fewer barriers for mining. It further supports enabling banks to integrate crypto into their services. Without swift action, Canada risks falling behind in the global digital landscape.
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Litecoin is now available in Telegram’s Wallet, expanding the app’s growing cryptocurrency ecosystem. Non-US users can buy, sell, and trade LTC within the wallet, alongside Bitcoin, Toncoin, and Tether.
With Telegram boasting nearly 1 billion monthly users, the integration could boost Litecoin’s adoption. However, external transfers are currently unavailable, meaning users cannot send LTC outside the wallet at this time.
Telegram continues expanding its cryptocurrency offerings, recently announcing plans to support more tokens, including meme coins. Passive rewards for holding TON and USDT will also be introduced.
To encourage adoption, Telegram is offering fee-free Litecoin purchases for the first seven days, making it easier for users to explore the new feature.
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