Weekly Update: 14 Mar 2024
1) Coinbase met with SEC over spot Ethereum ETFs [Blockworks]
– According to documents about the meeting, Coinbase said that the ether ETFs would also be counted as commodity-based shares.
2) After US bitcoin ETFs, the UK fights for retail to have the same freedom [Blockworks]
– The success of bitcoin ETFs in the US has created pressure for the FCA to reconsider its stance, 21.co executive says.
3) Binance expands convert service with Japanese Yen integration [Blockchain News]
– Binance has introduced the Japanese Yen (JPY) to its Convert platform, allowing users to trade JPY with BTC, USDT, and other tokens without fees.
4) EU regulators publish batch of draft rules for stablecoins under MiCA [CoinDesk]
– The MiCA regulation focused heavily on requirements for stablecoin issuers. While MiCA as a whole is set to take effect in December, rules for stablecoins will come into force this summer.
5) Hong Kong’s central bank starts regulatory sandbox for stablecoin issuers [CoinDesk]
– The regulator invited applicants with a “genuine interest in developing a stablecoin issuance business” to join the sandbox.
6) Thailand’s SEC greenlights investment from institutional and wealthy individuals in crypto ETFs [CoinDesk]
– Earlier this year, the regulator had denied permission to trade bitcoin ETFs.
7) UK regulator to allow crypto-related securities [Financial Times]
– FCA softens stance on sector by permitting bitcoin and ethereum-backed exchange traded notes.
8) With Mastercard, MetaMask tests first blockchain-powered payment card [CoinDesk]
– It would be “the first ever truly decentralized web3 payment solution,” allowing users to spend their crypto “on everyday purchases, everywhere cards are accepted,” according to marketing materials CoinDesk reviewed.
