SEC’s Crypto Custody Proposal Could Change How Funds Hold Digital Assets
TL;DR: The SEC has proposed a tailored crypto custody framework for advisers and regulated funds, but the changes are not yet final. The conversation about crypto access inside conventional investment funds is increasingly focused on custody. An SEC proposal released October 1 would modernise parts of the federal rules affecting how registered advisers and regulated…
ESMA Draws a Hard Line Around Non-Compliant Stablecoins in EU Services
TL;DR: ESMA says EU-licensed crypto service providers should cease services involving stablecoins that do not meet MiCA requirements. A stablecoin does not need to be issued in Europe to create a European compliance problem. ESMA’s October 8 opinion tells authorised crypto-asset service providers to stop offering clients services involving asset-referenced or e-money tokens that fall…
Britain’s Crypto Licensing Clock Is Already Running Ahead of 2027 Start
TL;DR: The FCA opened its crypto authorisation gateway on September 30 and asks firms planning to continue operating to apply by February 28, 2027. For crypto businesses serving UK customers, next October’s rulebook begins to matter this autumn. The Financial Conduct Authority opened its authorisation gateway on September 30, starting the period in which firms…
Bitwise Asks SEC To Protect Funds Relying On Token Status Filings
TL;DR: Bitwise filed a supplemental SEC comment seeking clearer protection for firms that rely on token-status filings. The October 21 letter develops its earlier proposal; it is an industry request, not an adopted rule. Bitwise is pressing the Securities and Exchange Commission to answer a question that matters to fund managers: when can a firm…
Google’s Updated UAE Crypto Advertising Rules Take Effect
TL;DR: Google’s updated rules for UAE-targeted crypto exchange and wallet ads took effect October 21. Advertisers need an accepted local license and Google certification; the policy is not blanket permission for all crypto promotions. Crypto exchanges and software-wallet providers targeting customers in the United Arab Emirates now face the licensing and certification conditions set out…
Latvia Changes Crypto Tax Treatment And Opens A 2027 Declaration Window
Latvia has passed a change to the way crypto investment-account gains are taxed, shifting attention from individual trades to what an investor ultimately withdraws from an eligible account. TL;DR: New Latvian legislation taxes qualifying account withdrawals above deposits and provides a one-time 2027 process for declaring older holdings. The country is also considering crypto tax…
Fidelity Pays $500,000 In California Crypto Withdrawal Settlement
California has secured a $500,000 settlement with Fidelity Digital Asset Services over restrictions that previously prevented some crypto customers from moving purchased coins to their own wallets. TL;DR: Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the settlement on October 16. California challenged historical withdrawal restrictions; Fidelity disputes that its conduct breached state law, and transfers were enabled…
European Banking Authority Puts USDC Under Significant-Token Supervision
The European Banking Authority has designated USDC as the EU’s first significant e-money token under MiCA, setting up an additional layer of supervision for Circle’s euro-area issuing entity. TL;DR: The classification was announced on October 14. From November 12, the EBA takes direct responsibility for specified prudential areas of USDC supervision, while French regulators retain…
South Korea Faces Fresh Push To Delay Crypto Gains Tax Until 2029
South Korea is approaching another decision point on its long-delayed cryptocurrency gains tax, with exchanges and policymakers preparing to discuss whether the January 2027 start date is realistic. TL;DR: The country’s planned crypto tax has already been deferred three times. A new proposal would push implementation toward 2029, but no additional delay has been enacted.…
Crypto Giants Feature In $210 Million Political Donations Report As Regulatory Scrutiny Grows
TL;DR: An October 8 Public Citizen report links corporations and individuals benefiting from cancelled federal enforcement actions to approximately $210.5 million in donations and pledges to Trump-aligned political committees. Major cryptocurrency companies feature among the reported contributors. A report examining corporate political donations and changes to federal enforcement has placed several major cryptocurrency businesses under…