Flash News

TREE NEWS reports: The UK’s National Crime Agency has frozen $13.6 million that Sorare sent to the Premier League as the first payment under a $163 million deal. This comes amid a gambling prosecution against the Messi-backed fantasy card game, which is also facing regulatory scrutiny.

TREE NEWS reports: Brazilian presidential candidate Santos, known for his pro-Bitcoin stance, has had his campaign funds frozen. The move is seen as a setback for his campaign and the crypto-friendly political agenda in Brazil.

TREE NEWS reports: Russia’s new legal framework governing cryptocurrency trading, custody, and cross-border settlements has officially come into force. This marks a significant step in the country’s regulatory approach to digital assets, potentially impacting market participants and international transactions.

TREE NEWS reports: Gate Futures LLC has completed its registration as an Independent Introducing Broker with the U.S. CFTC and has become a member of the National Futures Association. This move marks a regulatory milestone for the crypto derivatives firm, expanding its compliance footprint in the U.S. futures market.

TREE NEWS update: Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has proposed a rule change to permit retail investors to trade regulated overseas crypto derivatives. This move aims to expand investment options while ensuring investor protection through oversight of foreign exchanges.

TREE NEWS update: Thailand’s SEC has proposed allowing retail investors to access overseas crypto derivatives, but only through qualifying, centrally cleared exchanges. The regulator is seeking public comments on the rules, which aim to provide a regulated pathway for retail participation while ensuring market safety.

TREE NEWS update: Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has publicly responded to Binance’s $4.3 billion fine, stating that he bears the pressure for the industry and believes it is worthwhile. His remarks highlight the ongoing regulatory scrutiny faced by major crypto exchanges.

TREE NEWS reports: The U.S. SEC is increasing scrutiny of special purpose vehicles (SPVs) that invest in private companies, requiring them to prove the authenticity of their assets. This move aims to enhance transparency and protect investors in the private investment space.

TREE NEWS update: Peach Bitcoin, a peer-to-peer bitcoin exchange, has temporarily suspended its non-KYC custody service. This move likely responds to regulatory pressure or security concerns, impacting users who relied on the service for anonymous transactions.

TREE NEWS update: Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered state agencies to cease funding for AI-powered license-plate readers made by Flock Safety, following mounting privacy complaints and scandals involving officer misuse. The decision marks a significant regulatory setback for the company’s surveillance technology in the state.

TREE NEWS update: North Korean hackers have transferred tens of millions of dollars on Hyperliquid, a decentralized exchange. Meanwhile, former President Trump is advocating for the platform to be based in the US, highlighting the intersection of crypto security and politics.

TREE NEWS update: Bitcoin treasury firm Strategy has criticized MSCI’s proposal to exclude it from its Global Investable Market Indexes, calling it ‘misguided’ and ‘flawed’. In a letter to MSCI, founder Michael Saylor and CEO Phong Le argued that the proposal discriminates against digital asset businesses, marking a second time such firms are being targeted.

TREE NEWS update: Bloomberg reports Hyperliquid is in advanced talks with Kraken’s parent, Payward, to route US traders through CFTC-regulated Bitnomial for perpetuals. Neither company has confirmed the deal, which would mark a major expansion of Hyperliquid’s derivatives offering into the US market.

TREE NEWS update: Kalshi has permanently banned former U.S. Representative George Santos for manipulating its prediction market on the State of the Union address. The exchange accused Santos of attempting to profit from insider knowledge, violating its terms of service.

TREE NEWS reports: Ireland’s planned investment accounts will offer tax benefits for stocks, bonds, and ETFs, but exclude crypto and derivatives due to their higher-risk nature. This decision reflects a cautious regulatory stance toward digital assets in retail investment products.

TREE NEWS update: Sberbank’s deputy chairman revealed that crypto trading volumes could reach 4 trillion rubles ($46B) in the first year, pending regulatory approval. The bank also plans to expand crypto-backed lending, including Ethereum and USDT-backed loans, once regulators sign off.

TREE NEWS update: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced today that they have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance cooperation and ensure market integrity. The agreement aims to assist both agencies in carrying out their respective missions. Further details were not immediately disclosed.