TREE NEWS reports: OFAC has declared digital assets a sanctionable sector of Iran’s economy under the ‘Economic D-Day’ campaign, meaning any firm worldwide handling significant transactions for Iranian crypto businesses risks losing dollar access. This move escalates US pressure on Iran’s crypto industry.
TREE NEWS update: Visa has joined the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s BLOOM initiative to pilot stablecoin settlement solutions with Nium. The collaboration aims to enhance cross-border payment efficiency and explore the integration of stablecoins in traditional financial systems.
TREE NEWS update: A federal jury convicted Brent Kovar of wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering for running a $24 million crypto Ponzi scheme that defrauded at least 400 investors. He now faces up to 280 years in prison.
TREE NEWS reports: The Blockchain Association has voiced support for the GENIUS Act’s stablecoin companion rules while advocating for a narrower scope of customer identification requirements. The group argues that overly broad KYC measures could stifle innovation and burden smaller participants in the crypto ecosystem.
TREE NEWS update: Franklin Templeton received a no-objection position from the SEC, allowing its $2.6 billion tokenized money market fund BENJI to be used in ETFs and mutual funds. This marks a significant regulatory endorsement for RWA tokenization, bridging traditional finance with blockchain-based assets.
TREE NEWS update: Franklin Templeton plans to use its tokenized money market fund, Franklin Onchain U.S. Government Money Fund (BENJI), as holdings or collateral in ETFs and mutual funds, involving about $2.6 billion in assets, potentially starting in Q4. The SEC has granted a no-action position allowing this structure, pending board approvals. The firm manages over 130 ETFs and $82 billion in ETF assets.
TREE NEWS reports: A Las Vegas businessman has been convicted for orchestrating a $24 million cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme, facing up to 280 years in prison. The case underscores ongoing regulatory scrutiny of fraudulent crypto investment schemes.
TREE NEWS reports: Brent Kovar, a Las Vegas businessman, has been convicted by a jury for his role in a $24 million cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme. The DOJ stated that Kovar used investor funds to operate Profit Connect, paying old investors with new money under the guise of mining profits. He faces up to 280 years in prison.
TREE NEWS update: The US Treasury has broadened sanctions on Iran’s cryptocurrency sector, specifically targeting transactions linked to over $100 million in oil payments. This action underscores the government’s increasing scrutiny of digital assets used to bypass traditional financial sanctions.
TREE NEWS update: The US Treasury expanded sanctions to Iran’s digital asset sector, alleging a UAE-based broker processed over $100 million in crypto for oil sales. This move targets the use of cryptocurrencies to circumvent sanctions, highlighting regulatory scrutiny on crypto’s role in illicit finance.
TREE NEWS reports: India plans to issue its first tokenized bond in September, with a size exceeding $57 million. This move marks a significant step in the country’s adoption of blockchain for government securities.
TREE NEWS reports: The US Department of Justice announced the conviction of a San Francisco gaming industry founder for defrauding investors of nearly $1 million through a fake crypto trading fund. The individual misrepresented the fund’s performance and misappropriated funds for personal use. Sentencing is pending.
TREE NEWS update: Hyperliquid’s policy center has applied to the U.S. SEC and CFTC to confirm that equity perpetual contracts can be listed as security futures. This move could pave the way for regulated crypto derivatives tied to equities.
TREE NEWS reports: Asia’s major crypto hubs are competing with tax cuts, while Ripple partners with Korea’s Jeonbuk Bank for cross-border payments. Pakistan has also opened crypto licensing, signaling broader adoption in the region.
TREE NEWS reports: Upbit parent Dunamu confirmed discussions with the US SEC and CFTC and announced plans to form an IPO committee, addressing rumors of a US listing. The move signals potential regulatory engagement and a step toward a public offering.
TREE NEWS reports: Bitcoin briefly broke $80,000 this morning, with SOL surpassing $100 (up 7% in 24h). F2Pool co-founder Wang Chun reduced 23,378 ETH (~$55.06M) since the rally. NDRC proposes filing for overseas investments by individuals; Coinbase’s Stand With Crypto backs 32 House candidates ahead of midterms.
TREE NEWS reports: Data shows that US XRP spot ETFs recorded a total net inflow of $13.82 million in a single day. This indicates growing investor interest in XRP-related investment products.
TREE NEWS update: Japan’s Financial Services Agency plans to relax stablecoin regulations to facilitate large-value payments. The move aims to promote wider use of stablecoins in the country’s financial system.
TREE NEWS reports: Coinbase announced it will suspend trading of IOTX on September 23, 2026. The move is part of routine delisting procedures, affecting users holding the asset.
TREE NEWS reports: A US soldier allegedly used non-public information to profit over $400,000 on Polymarket, a prediction market platform. The CFTC’s involvement in the criminal case has been opposed, raising questions about regulatory jurisdiction.
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