‍Circle Secures Abu Dhabi License, Expands MENA Presence Circle, the issuer of USD Coin (USDC), has obtained a Money Services Provider license from the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). This authorization allows Circle to offer regulated payment services and stablecoin products in the region. The company has appointed Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, formerly of Visa, to lead its Middle East and North Africa (MENA) operations. Industry experts view this move as validation of the UAE's robust regulatory framework for digital assets. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7520/circle-gets-abu-dhabi-license-hires-ex-visa-exec-for-mena-push

‍Bitcoin Tests $83K Support Amid Slowing ETF Inflows and Fed Decision Bitcoin faces a critical test at the $83,000 support level, coinciding with the ETF buyers' average break-even price. This comes as institutional inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs slow and the market awaits a Federal Reserve interest rate decision. Recent data indicates that weekly net inflows for Bitcoin ETFs have turned negative. U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs currently hold $117.67 billion in BTC, approximately 6.55% of the total supply, creating a significant demand zone. Analysts await the FOMC meeting, with a quarter-point rate cut largely priced in. The focus remains on the Fed's forward guidance. Shivam Thakral of BuyUCoin stated, "A sustained bounce hinges on renewed ETF inflows and macro stability." Mark Pilipczuk of CF Benchmarks added that potential for further rate cuts beyond June could boost upside. Bitcoin's near-term trajectory depends on the $83,000 support and the Fed's signaling. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7519/bitcoin-tests-key-83k-support-amid-slowing-etf-inflows-and-fed-cut

‍ChatGPT Assists in Unmasking $1M Crypto Romance Scam A San Jose widow, Margaret Loke, was saved from further financial loss by ChatGPT after falling victim to a "pig-butchering" cryptocurrency scam. The scammer, known as "Ed," cultivated a romantic relationship online before convincing Loke to invest approximately $1 million in a fraudulent crypto scheme. Loke described her situation to ChatGPT, which unequivocally identified it as a scam. This AI-assisted discovery prompted her to contact authorities. "Pig-butchering" scams, which involve building trust through affection before financial exploitation, are a growing threat, with Americans losing at least $10 billion to such scams originating from Southeast Asia in 2024. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7518/chatgpt-unmasks-1m-crypto-romance-scam-saving-widow-from-further-loss

‍OCC Head: No Justification for Treating Crypto Banks Differently The head of the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), Jonathan Gould, stated there is "no justification" for treating crypto companies seeking a federal bank charter differently from other financial institutions. He emphasized the need for the banking system to evolve with technology. Gould revealed a significant increase in bank charter applications, with 14 submissions this year, many from "novel or digital asset activities." This surge indicates growing interest from crypto firms seeking to operate within the federal regulatory framework. Despite concerns from traditional finance groups, Gould believes these worries risk "reversing innovations." He pointed to the OCC's experience with Anchorage Digital and Erebor as evidence of their supervisory capability, expressing confidence in a "fair and even-handed" approach to new entrants and activities. The OCC's stance suggests a clear path for digital asset entities into the federally supervised banking system. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7517/occ-head-no-reason-to-treat-crypto-banks-differently-than-tradfi

‍HashKey Aims to Be Hong Kong's First Publicly Traded Crypto Exchange HashKey Holdings Limited has filed for an IPO in Hong Kong, potentially becoming the city's first publicly listed crypto exchange. The company plans to offer 240.57 million shares, with a maximum price of HK$6.95 per share. Trading is set to begin on December 17 under stock code 3887. HashKey emphasizes its regulatory credibility and compliance-focused products, aiming to build a digital asset ecosystem. The company also plans to generate revenue from its HashKey Chain Layer-2 network for RWAs and institutional finance. Despite revenue growth, HashKey has reported increasing losses, primarily due to investments in research and marketing. However, losses narrowed in early 2025 due to reduced administrative expenses. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7516/hashkey-aims-to-be-hong-kong-s-first-publicly-traded-crypto-exchange

‍Fitch Ratings Issues Warning to US Banks on Crypto Risks International credit rating agency Fitch Ratings has cautioned that US banks with significant cryptocurrency exposure may face a negative reassessment. While acknowledging potential benefits like new revenue streams and operational efficiencies through digital assets and blockchain technology, Fitch highlighted substantial reputational, liquidity, operational, and compliance risks. Major banks including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo are noted for their involvement in the crypto sector. Fitch stressed the need to manage volatility, pseudonymity, and security concerns. The agency also raised concerns about stablecoins potentially introducing systemic risks if their market grows significantly. This aligns with Moody's view on stablecoins potentially undermining the US dollar and complicating monetary policy through "cryptoization." Despite some regulatory progress, significant challenges remain for banks. A downgrade by Fitch could impact investor confidence and borrowing costs, potentially slowing digital asset adoption by traditional finance. Banks must balance innovation with robust risk management. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7515/fitch-ratings-warns-us-banks-of-risks-in-crypto-asset-exposure

‍India Freezes $465 Million in Crypto in Major Crackdown Indian authorities have intensified their efforts against illicit cryptocurrency activities, freezing approximately $465 million USD (41.9 billion rupees) in assets linked to financial crimes. One individual has been declared a fugitive economic offender in connection with these crypto-related offenses. The Enforcement Directorate, investigating virtual digital assets (VDAs) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), has conducted nationwide search and seizure operations. Additionally, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) identified undeclared income of about $100 million USD from VDA transactions, issuing notices to 44,057 taxpayers. These actions signal India's firm stance on crypto compliance, with the government focusing on international cooperation and capacity building. The crackdown, including 29 arrests and 22 prosecution complaints, indicates a move towards greater oversight and potential regulation for the digital asset market. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7514/india-seizes-465m-in-crypto-and-declares-fugitive-in-major-crackdown

‍Bank CEOs to Meet US Senators on Crypto Legislation Major U.S. bank CEOs will meet with senators this Thursday to discuss cryptocurrency market structure legislation. Key topics include stablecoin regulations and ensuring fair competition between traditional banks and crypto firms. The meeting signals a critical engagement between Wall Street and the evolving digital asset economy as lawmakers work towards comprehensive federal oversight. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7513/bank-ceos-to-meet-us-senators-on-crypto-market-structure-legislation

‍US Crypto Bill Stalled Amidst Senatorial Frustration Ohio Republican Senator Bernie Moreno expressed significant frustration with ongoing negotiations for a comprehensive cryptocurrency market structure bill, highlighting deep disagreements between Democrats and Republicans. The Senate's proposed legislation, aiming to clarify regulatory authority between the SEC and CFTC, faces challenges in achieving consensus. Senator Moreno stated, "No deal is better than a bad deal," indicating a cautious approach to avoid a rushed or flawed bill. Key points of contention include defining digital assets as securities or commodities and the approach to regulating Decentralized Finance (DeFi). The path to a unified legislative package remains uncertain as lawmakers grapple with complex definitions and regulatory oversight, with prospects for passage before year-end deemed "extremely challenging." https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7512/us-crypto-bill-in-limbo-as-senator-moreno-voices-frustration

‍Michael Saylor Proposes Bitcoin-Backed National Digital Banking Michael Saylor has proposed that governments create national digital banking systems backed by Bitcoin. Speaking at the Bitcoin MENA conference, Saylor outlined a vision where nations could leverage Bitcoin to offer high-yield, low-volatility financial products, potentially attracting trillions in global capital. His proposed system involves overcollateralized Bitcoin reserves and tokenized credit instruments, enabling regulated digital banks to offer accounts with yields significantly higher than traditional deposits. This could attract substantial capital flows, positioning nations as global digital banking hubs. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7511/michael-saylor-urges-governments-to-adopt-bitcoin-backed-banking

‍Tether Invests in Humanoid Robotics Startup Generative Bionics Tether, issuer of the largest stablecoin, has participated in a €70 million funding round for Italian robotics startup Generative Bionics. This move diversifies Tether's portfolio into "Physical AI" and strengthens global digital and physical infrastructure. Generative Bionics, a spinoff from the Italian Institute of Technology, will use the funds for industrial testing and production, aiming to deploy Italian-made humanoid robots in sectors like manufacturing and healthcare by early 2026. The company plans to debut its robot at CES 2026. The investment occurs amid significant growth in the humanoid robotics market, with projections estimating its value at $5 trillion by 2050. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7510/tether-dives-into-humanoid-robotics-with-generative-bionics-investment

‍CFTC Approves Bitcoin & Ethereum as Collateral for Derivatives The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has launched a pilot program allowing Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and USDC to be used as margin collateral for regulated derivatives. This initiative aims to integrate digital assets into supervised U.S. markets. Participating firms must adhere to strict safeguards, including weekly reporting. The CFTC also issued new guidance for tokenized real-world assets, reinforcing its technology-neutral stance. This marks a significant step in the evolving U.S. regulatory approach to cryptocurrencies. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7509/cftc-greenlights-bitcoin-ethereum-as-collateral-for-derivatives

‍Bitcoin Approaches $93K Amidst Institutional Bullishness and Short Seller Liquidation Zones Bitcoin (BTC) is demonstrating renewed momentum, testing the $90,000 level, driven by improved market sentiment and significant corporate accumulation. Institutional players, including sovereign wealth funds, are reportedly establishing long-term Bitcoin positions. Strategy recently acquired 10,624 BTC for approximately $962.7 million. Despite this, BTC faces strong resistance between $90,000 and $93,000, with larger holders selling into rallies. A potential catalyst for a significant upward move lies in the liquidation levels for short sellers between $94,000 and $95,300, which could trigger a short squeeze and propel Bitcoin towards $100,000. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7508/bitcoin-price-rally-institutions-bullish-shorts-await-at-93k

‍SEC Closes Investigation Into Ondo Finance Without Charges The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has concluded a multi-year probe into Ondo Finance, a platform for tokenizing real-world assets (RWAs), without taking any enforcement action. This outcome is seen as a significant development for Ondo and the broader digital asset sector, potentially indicating a clearer regulatory path for tokenization in the U.S. The investigation, which began in 2024, examined Ondo's operations and whether its ONDO token should be classified as a security. The SEC's decision aligns with a perceived shift in its approach to digital assets, moving away from "regulation by enforcement" toward developing a framework for tokenized securities. This follows similar actions, such as Nasdaq's proposed rule change to allow trading of tokenized stocks. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7507/sec-closes-multi-year-probe-into-ondo-finance-with-no-charges

‍Tether's USDT Secures Key Regulatory Approval in Abu Dhabi's ADGM Tether's USDT stablecoin has been officially recognized as an "Accepted Fiat-Referenced Token" (AFRT) by the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). This designation allows licensed financial institutions within ADGM to integrate USDT into services like trading, custody, and settlement across multiple blockchains. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino stated, "Introducing USD₮ within ADGM's regulated digital asset framework reinforces the role of stablecoins as essential components of today’s financial landscape." This move solidifies Abu Dhabi's position as a global hub for digital assets, attracting crypto firms and fostering innovation in the evolving financial technology sector. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7506/tether-s-usdt-gains-key-regulatory-approval-in-abu-dhabi-s-adgm

‍Moca Network Launches MocaProof Beta for Digital Identity Moca Network, an Animoca Brands initiative, has launched MocaProof beta, introducing a gamified system for digital identity verification and rewards. The platform aims to enhance data privacy and user sovereignty using blockchain technology and zero-knowledge proofs. Users can verify credentials without exposing sensitive data, with their identity visualized through a virtual companion, Mocat, whose traits unlock rewards. Verified users will be eligible for MOCA Coin, partner airdrops, and AIR SP loyalty points. The beta is live on Moca Chain Testnet, with a mainnet transition expected in 2026. A launch campaign offers US$50,000 in rewards. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7505/moca-network-unveils-mocaproof-beta-for-digital-identity-verification

‍Windows 11 AI Features Face User Backlash Over Privacy Concerns A community-developed script, "RemoveWindowsAI," is gaining traction as users express concern over integrated AI features in Windows 11, particularly the "Recall" screenshot tool. The open-source script targets features like Copilot and Recall, aiming to disable and delete AI components. This development highlights a philosophical clash between big tech's vision of an "agentic OS" and user demands for data privacy and control, echoing principles central to the cryptocurrency and Web3 communities. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7504/windows-11-ai-under-scrutiny-viral-script-sparks-privacy-debate

‍Bitcoin Dips Below $90K Amidst Significant Exchange Outflows Despite nearly 35,000 BTC being withdrawn from exchanges in two weeks, indicating strong long-term holder accumulation, Bitcoin experienced a price drop below $90,000 as the U.S. market opened. Analyst Michaël van de Poppe highlights $86,000 as a critical support level. Trading firm QCP Capital notes this shift signifies supply migrating into longer-term custody, tightening the available float. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7503/bitcoin-dips-below-90k-as-35-000-btc-exits-exchanges-in-two-weeks

‍UK Intensifies Scrutiny on Crypto in New Anti-Corruption Strategy The United Kingdom has unveiled a comprehensive Anti-Corruption Strategy that explicitly targets the use of crypto-assets for evading international sanctions and facilitating financial crime. This initiative, set to be further addressed at an international summit in June 2026, signals a strengthened regulatory approach toward digital currencies. The strategy focuses on cracking down on corrupt actors' finances, strengthening UK institutions, and enhancing international cooperation. The National Crime Agency estimates over $133 billion is laundered through the UK annually, with recent disruptions of Russian money laundering networks seizing over $27 million in cash and cryptocurrency. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7502/uk-targets-crypto-in-new-anti-corruption-and-sanctions-evasion-strategy

‍Strategy Acquires Over 10,000 BTC in Nearly $1 Billion Purchase Strategy has announced its largest Bitcoin acquisition in over 100 days, purchasing 10,624 BTC for $963 million. This move brings the firm's total holdings to approximately 660,600 BTC, valued at around $60 billion, solidifying its position as the leading corporate holder of Bitcoin. The acquisition, funded primarily through common stock issuance, occurred as Bitcoin's price neared $90,000, with an average purchase price of $90,615 per BTC. While Strategy's stock saw minimal immediate reaction, analysts remain divided on the implications, considering both investor concerns and the company's prudent cash reserve management. https://cryptovka.ru/en/news/7501/strategy-s-massive-bitcoin-buy-nearly-1b-for-over-10-000-btc