Global Perspectives

Brazil’s central bank is introducing a 24-hour review window for certain outbound crypto transfers, raising a broader question: should crypto fraud controls slow transactions down, or become more targeted?

Binance has suspended transactions with 16 crypto platforms following the EU’s latest Russia sanctions, highlighting how sanctions enforcement is increasingly extending into crypto infrastructure.

The White House crypto meeting signals a shift toward clearer digital-asset rules in the U.S., but the bigger test now lies with Congress and the stalled CLARITY Act.

Goldman Sachs’ acquisition of NEOS Investments signals that crypto income strategies are moving deeper into mainstream asset management, with Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs becoming part of a broader options-based investment business.

The Bank of England’s Digital Pound Lab is testing whether stablecoins and a simulated digital pound can work together to settle cross-border trade payments.

Following Russia’s new digital currency legislation, Sberbank plans to launch crypto wallets, a digital depository, and trading infrastructure by December 2026, signaling a shift toward a regulated and institution-led crypto market.

Explore how the EU is advancing the digital euro while tightening crypto regulations through new sanctions, reinforcing Europe's digital finance strategy and monetary sovereignty.

Chris Woolard’s inaugural report sets out a delivery-focused strategy to accelerate tokenisation in UK wholesale financial markets through regulatory coordination, industry-led action, and modern digital market infrastructure.

California’s Digital Financial Assets Law requires crypto businesses serving state residents to obtain a DFPI license or submit a complete application, marking a major step toward stronger oversight of digital asset markets.

From 1 July 2026, Australia requires regulated crypto exchanges to collect and transmit sender and recipient information for every external crypto transfer, reinforcing financial crime controls and aligning digital assets with traditional banking standards.

Qatar has expanded its national HIMYAN payment card to Bahrain, strengthening payment sovereignty while advancing regional digital payment connectivity under the country's broader financial sector modernization strategy.

VARA’s new AML/CFT Business Risk Assessment Guidance provides licensed virtual asset service providers with a practical roadmap for strengthening governance, risk management, and compliance, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading regulated digital asset hub.

Japan has approved landmark legislation to regulate cryptocurrencies under its Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, introducing lower taxes, stronger market safeguards, and a framework that supports the growth of institutional digital asset markets.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance has proposed allowing SMEs to pledge digital assets, virtual assets, and intellectual property as loan collateral, marking a significant step toward modernizing credit access and supporting the country’s digital economy.

Taiwan’s evolving crypto framework combines robust AML standards, regulatory sandboxes, and a proposed Virtual Asset Service Act to support responsible innovation while strengthening consumer protection and financial stability.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has established a Tokenised Bond Expert Group to address legal, regulatory, and market challenges, building on the city's leadership in blockchain-based bond issuance and digital finance.

The BIS’s Project Agorá prototype demonstrates how tokenized central bank money and atomic settlement could reshape cross-border wholesale payments through faster settlement, embedded compliance, and interoperability without sacrificing national control.

DTCC and the Stellar Development Foundation have announced a partnership to bring tokenised stocks, ETFs, and US Treasury securities onto the Stellar public blockchain, signaling growing institutional adoption of blockchain-based financial infrastructure.

The FDIC’s 2026 stablecoin AML proposal highlights growing global convergence on anti-money-laundering standards for digital payment issuers and crypto regulation.

The UK FCA’s new cryptoasset regime introduces a structured authorization process, stronger consumer protection standards, and enhanced AML and operational resilience requirements for digital asset firms operating in the UK.