Recent developments across Asia include Jeonbuk Bank adopting Ripple for cross-border payments, Japan granting its first crypto exchange license in four years, and Pakistan opening a virtual asset licensing portal.

Applications are now open for the second season of Cypher Tank, a Bitcoin-focused pitch competition offering direct investment and incubation prizes.

Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) has become the first authorized bank to distribute the regulated HKDAP stablecoin, offering blockchain settlement options for institutional clients.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent launched Operation Economic Outcast, targeting Iranian digital assets and threatening secondary sanctions for foreign nations and enablers.

Webull CEO Anthony Denier reported a nearly 300% jump in buy-side orders for Bitcoin and ether over a week and a half, linking the surge to the repeal of the pattern day trading rule.

A crypto whale has deployed an $8.5 million long position using the Venus Protocol, helping Binance Coin maintain levels above $700 amid upcoming network upgrades.

BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes argues that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is utilizing monetary strategies similar to those used by Janet Yellen in 2023, drawing comparisons to past liquidity trends.

Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan highlights five structural factors supporting a bullish outlook for crypto in 2026, contrasting the current environment with previous market cycles.

A federal judge has allowed parts of an investor class-action lawsuit against Coinbase and certain executives to proceed, keeping allegations over risk disclosures alive.

Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino highlights the growing reliance on USDT in developing economies for domestic and international commerce, propelling the stablecoin's market capitalization past $180 billion.