New Hampshire’s Bitcoin reserve bill, House Bill 302, has passed the state’s House of Representatives. It becomes the fourth state to advance such legislation.
The vote on 10 April was 192-179 in favour of the bill, following a 16-1 vote by the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee in March. The bill now moves to the Senate for further debate before potentially being signed by Governor Kelly Ayotte.
If approved, HB302 would allow the state treasurer to allocate up to 10% of New Hampshire’s general fund and other approved funds into digital assets. It would also cover Bitcoin and precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum.
To qualify for the reserve, a cryptocurrency must have a market capitalisation of at least $500 billion, a threshold currently met only by Bitcoin.
Supporters of the bill argue it could provide new revenue streams and diversify state finances. Republican Representative Jordan Ulery said it could generate significant earnings for the state through strategic investments in assets like Bitcoin.
Meanwhile, New Hampshire is also reviewing other blockchain-related proposals, including bills on stablecoins and broader blockchain regulations.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
A new study by the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA) has revealed that 55 million US adults, or 21% of the population, now use cryptocurrency. The survey highlights how digital assets are being adopted across different age groups, income levels, and industries.
Ownership remains highest among younger adults, with 67% of holders under 45. The study also found significant adoption among older Americans, with 15% of users over 55.
Women now represent 31% of all crypto holders. The adoption is notably strong in the construction sector (12%), surpassing financial services (7%).
Beyond investment, many users see cryptocurrency as a tool for learning, personal growth, and innovation. Forty-five percent value its role in education. The same percentage enjoys the excitement of being part of an emerging industry.
Nearly 40% use crypto for purchases, and 9% transact with it daily. Meanwhile, 81% want to expand their knowledge, particularly regarding security, regulation, and blockchain technology.
Regulation remains a key concern, with 64% supporting government oversight but 67% fearing it could hinder innovation.
Many users also see crypto’s broader societal benefits, with 45% citing its role in financial inclusion and digital transaction efficiency. Additionally, 33% recognise its potential to enhance global cooperation.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
A group of six UK trade bodies has called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government to take action on blockchain and crypto policy.
In a letter to Varun Chandra, Starmer’s business and investment adviser, the group made a call for government action. They urged the appointment of a special envoy and the creation of a national strategy to boost digital asset innovation.
The coalition includes leading industry groups like the UK Cryptoasset Business Council and Global Digital Finance. They believe that such measures could unlock job growth and establish the UK as a global leader in the sector.
The letter also pointed to the recent momentum in the US, where President Donald Trump appointed a crypto czar to lead policy on blockchain. The coalition believes that Britain can mirror this success, especially with its growing tech partnership with the US.
The trade bodies estimate that blockchain and digital assets could contribute £57 billion to the UK economy over the next decade. Globally, the sector is expected to add £1.39 trillion to GDP by 2030.
With digital assets becoming central to global finance, the UK’s actions now may determine its future as a competitive crypto hub.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
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.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
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.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
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.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
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.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Pakistan is set to legalise cryptocurrency trading, joining a growing list of nations embracing digital assets. According to Bilal bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council, a regulatory framework is in development to provide clarity on crypto-related activities.
The country’s shift highlights the rapid evolution of the cryptocurrency sector. Once associated with illicit activities, various nations are now exploring digital assets as reserves.
Pakistan’s interest in crypto reflects its ambition to attract foreign investment, leveraging its young, tech-savvy workforce. Saqib emphasised that Pakistan, with 60% of its population under 30, is well-positioned to become a Web3 hub.
With a projected population of 511 million by 2100, Pakistan ranks among the most populous countries. The nation already has 15 to 20 million cryptocurrency users, signalling strong domestic interest.
Saqib, recently appointed as the finance minister’s chief advisor for digital asset management, is leading efforts to integrate crypto and artificial intelligence into government operations.
Inspired by Donald Trump’s push to prioritise cryptocurrency in the US, Pakistan aims to follow suit. Saqib noted that as Trump advances a national crypto strategy, other countries will adopt similar approaches to remain competitive.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Minnesota has taken a significant step towards embracing digital assets with a newly introduced Bitcoin bill.
The Minnesota Bitcoin Act (SF2661), presented by Senator Jeremy Miller, seeks to modernise the state’s financial system and position it as a leader in the cryptocurrency space.
The proposed legislation would permit the Minnesota State Board of Investment to allocate state funds to Bitcoin and other digital assets, treating them similarly to stocks and bonds.
Additionally, state employees would have the option to include cryptocurrencies in their retirement plans, expanding their investment choices.
Under the bill’s provisions, residents could also pay state taxes and fees using Bitcoin. Furthermore, tax incentives would allow certain cryptocurrency gains to be deducted from taxable income, potentially encouraging further adoption of digital assets in the state.
Minnesota joins a growing number of US states considering cryptocurrency-related policies. Texas recently introduced a bill to invest $250 million in Bitcoin, while Senator Cynthia Lummis proposed expanding the US government’s Bitcoin holdings through an updated Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Singapore and Vietnam have signed an agreement to enhance cooperation on financial market regulation and digital asset oversight.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore and Vietnam’s State Securities Commission will exchange expertise on supervisory practices, anti-money laundering measures, and counter-terrorism financing as part of the deal. The move aligns with growing economic ties between the two nations.
The agreement is expected to support Vietnam in developing a more robust regulatory framework for digital assets while ensuring fair and transparent financial markets.
Singapore’s Assistant Managing Director for Capital Markets, Lim Tuang Lee, highlighted the importance of cross-border financial connectivity, reinforcing both countries’ commitment to market stability.
Vietnam’s SSC Chairperson Vu Thi Chan Phuong described the partnership as a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation.
The signing took place during an official visit to Singapore, attended by Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Vietnam’s General Secretary To Lam. The collaboration reflects a shared vision for stronger financial oversight and deeper regional integration.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
