Luxembourg flags crypto companies as high risk for money laundering

Luxembourg classified virtual asset service providers (VASPs) as high-risk entities for money laundering in its 2025 National Risk Assessment (NRA), highlighting concerns over the crypto industry’s exposure to financial crime. According to the report, the inherent risk level of VASPs is deemed “High,” driven by factors including transaction volume, client reach, distribution channels, legal structures …

Metaplanet’s Bitcoin 'premium’ nears $600k per BTC

Japanese investment firm Metaplanet’s Bitcoin premium is almost $600,000 per coin, as Asia’s leading Bitcoin treasury firm pushes forward with its plan to purchase 21,000 BTC by 2026. Metaplanet’s stockholders are paying a more than fivefold premium on Bitcoin’s (BTC) price when investing in the Japanese company, according to a report by 10x Research published …

Bitget enters real-world asset race with yield-bearing BGUSD stable asset

Crypto exchange Bitget has entered the expanding market for crypto investment products with the launch of BGUSD, a yield-bearing stable asset backed by tokenized real-world assets. The company announced that BGUSD offers an annual yield of 4%, which is credited daily to users’ spot accounts. Subscriptions to BGUSD can be made using either USDC (USDC) …

Blockchain.com expands in Africa as local crypto rules take shape

Blockchain.com is stepping up its presence in Africa, targeting markets where governments are beginning to implement crypto regulations. The UK-based exchange plans to open a physical office during the second quarter in Nigeria — its “fastest-growing market” in West Africa — along with broader expansion efforts in Ghana, Kenya and South Africa, according to a …

How central banks are testing blockchain-based monetary policy

Why are central banks looking at blockchains? Central banks are tiptoeing into the world of blockchain not because it is fashionable but because every part of the money-making machine, from settlement rails to asset custody, is slowly being rewritten as code. The financial industry is already tokenizing money-market funds, Treasurys and even bank deposits. According …

Thailand to allow crypto spending for tourists, eyes regulatory reform

Thailand is preparing to let tourists spend cryptocurrency via credit card-linked platforms as part of a broader strategy to modernize its financial system and embrace digital assets. The plan was announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira during an investment seminar in Bangkok on May 26, according to reports from Bangkok Post …

France arrests over 12 suspects linked to crypto kidnappings: Report

French authorities have arrested more than 12 people who have been linked to two high-profile crypto kidnapping cases in Paris, France, local media reports. Those arrested include several minors, with charges against them including kidnapping, attempted kidnapping and criminal conspiracy, Le Parisien reported on May 26. French investigators are exploring the possibility that a criminal …

Humanoid AI-powered robots duke it out in China fight comp

Four artificial intelligence-enhanced robots have been put through their paces in a Chinese robot fighting competition, duking it out in kickboxing matches until one was declared the champion. The World Robot Competition Mecha Fighting Series had four human-controlled robots built by China-based firm Unitree compete in three, two-minute rounds with winners crowned through a points …

Former CFTC Chair Christopher Giancarlo joins crypto bank Sygnum

Christopher Giancarlo, former chairman of the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), has joined Sygnum in an advisory role, where he will help the crypto bank navigate global regulations amid growing institutional interest in digital assets.  Giancarlo’s appointment as senior policy adviser places him alongside 11 other members of Sygnum’s Advisory Council, the company disclosed …

Bitcoin long-term holders ‘quietly capitalizing’ with drop to $109K

Bitcoin markets recently experienced two major liquidation events, causing a cascade of forced selling from over-leveraged traders, but analysts say a distinct pattern has emerged. “Overleveraged short-term traders were flushed out, long-term holders have been quietly capitalizing on the reset,” CryptoQuant analyst Amr Taha said on May 26.  They noted the first flush occurred when …