BitcoinKE

Stablecoin issuer, Tether, has reported a net profit of $1.04 billion in the first quarter of 2026 even as global markets experienced heightened volatility, according to its latest attestation report.

The company said its excess reserve buffer rose to an all-time high of $8.23 billion during the period reinforcing its ability to maintain stability for its flagship USDT stablecoin.

 

Highlights:

~1.04B in net profits for Q1 2026

~183.5B total issued USDT, end of Q1 2026

~191.7B total assets/reserves, end of Q1 2026

~8.2B excess reserves, on top of the 100% reserves in liquid assets that back all issued tokens, end of Q1 2026

~141B in US treasuries (direct + indirect exposure), end of Q1 2026.

 

MILESTONE | Tether is Now One of the Largest Holders of Gold Globally

 

Tether maintained a reserve composition heavily weighted toward U.S. Treasuries continuing its strategy of backing issued tokens with highly liquid, dollar-denominated assets. This approach has helped the firm generate significant income from interest-bearing instruments while supporting the 1:1 peg of USDT to the U.S. dollar.

 

Speaking on the latest attestation report, Paolo Ardoino, CEO, Tether, said:

“Our responsibility is to make sure USD₮ works without compromise.

That means building a system that behaves the same way in any market condition, not just when things are stable. The focus is on keeping the structure simple, liquid, and resilient by design, so it does not depend on favorable environments or external support. People should not have to question whether the system works; it just has to work.

As of April[2026], USD₮ continues to trade at or near all-time highs in circulation, with an increase of more than 5 billion USD₮, reflecting sustained demand into the second quarter, reinforced also by the release of the Tether Wallet, The People’s Wallet, a self-custody application built for the hundreds of millions of people in the world that use USD₮ daily as their lifeline.”

 

INTRODUCING | Tether Launches a Self-Custodial Wallet for USDT, Bitcoin, and Tokenized Gold

 

The results come despite turbulent macro-economic conditions and ongoing fluctuations across crypto markets highlighting the firm’s resilience and the profitability of its reserve management model.

Tether remains the largest stablecoin issuer globally with its business model centered on investing reserves, primarily in short-term government debt, and retaining the yield as profit while ensuring sufficient liquidity for redemptions.

 

2025 RECAP | Tether (USD₮) Reports Over 500 Million Users and Over $10 Billion in Profit for 2025

 

 

 

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___________________________________________

Global venture capital funding for crypto firms fell sharply in April 2026 dropping to its lowest level of 2024 as investor appetite continued to cool, according to industry data.

Crypto companies raised just $659 million during the month, marking a steep decline (74%) from March 2026 at $2.6 billion signaling a broader slowdown in capital inflows to the sector. The figure represents one of the weakest monthly totals in 2026 reflecting cautious sentiment among venture investors amid ongoing market uncertainty.

DeFi protocols attracted the most funding.

Blockchain services and intelligence-linked crypto projects followed.

The downturn comes after a stronger start to the year when funding activity had shown signs of recovery. However, April’s figures suggest that momentum has faltered, with fewer large deals and a noticeable pullback in early-stage investments.

Analysts point to a combination of factors behind the decline, including

tighter financial conditions,

reduced risk appetite, and

lingering concerns over regulatory clarity in key markets.

Since October 2025, crypto projects have raised $3.84 billion amid a 37% drop in the global crypto market cap.

 

STATISTICS | Crypto Flows Collapse by 1/3 YoY in Q1 2026 as Institutional Demand Weakens, Says JPMorgan

 

These pressures have made venture firms more selective, focusing on projects with clearer revenue models and long-term viability.

Despite the drop, some notable deals still went through indicating that capital has not fully dried up but is being deployed more cautiously. Investors appear to be prioritizing

infrastructure,

compliance-focused startups, and

projects aligned with institutional adoption trends.

The April 2026 slowdown underscores a broader recalibration in the crypto venture landscape as firms adjust expectations following previous boom cycles. While funding remains below earlier highs, market participants continue to watch for signs of stabilization in the months ahead.

 

MARKET ANALYSIS | Over 80 Crypto Apps Shutter in Q1 2026 as Capital Shifts to Bitcoin ETFs, Stablecoins

 

 

 

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___________________________________________

 

By Blake Player, Chief Commercial Offiver, VALR

An overdue conversation South Africans should be having: why do we still have exchange control in 2026, and why is crypto now being pulled inside it?

National Treasury published the draft Capital Flow Management Regulations, 2026 on April 17 2026 to replace the Exchange Control Regulations of 1961. Public comment closes on May 18 2026. For the first time, crypto assets would be formally brought inside South Africa’s capital control perimeter. By walling South Africa off, we risk being left behind in the new global, 24/7 programmable money era.

Money needs to move like information if we want to take part in the internet of value.

 

REGULATION | South Africa’s Draft Capital Flow Management Regulations, 2026, to Demand Limited Crypto Holdings, Mandatory Resales

 

A quick history lesson

South Africa’s exchange control regime was substantially tightened in 1961 after Sharpeville and used through the apartheid years to defend the rand against capital flight.

More than three decades into democracy, the bones of this 1961 regime are still very much alive and shapes how we interact financially with rest of the world.

 

What exchange control means in practice today

At a high level, exchange controls mean that if you’re living, working or running a business in South Africa, you cannot freely move your after-tax money offshore.

A bank acts as an ‘authorised dealer,’ policing limits on Treasury’s behalf. Individuals are capped at R2 million discretionary plus R10 million foreign investment per year. Companies face approvals and lengthy paperwork for cross-border transfers and offshore loans, turning a 5-minute task into potentially weeks. Foreign investment in South Africa is also made more challenging as removing your funds is adminstratively difficult and slow.

 

What the draft proposes for crypto

Crypto assets are classified as ‘capital,’ placing them firmly inside the exchange control regime.

REGULATION | Crypto Assets To Be Formally Incorporated into the South Africa Capital Flow Management – via @BitcoinKE: @OzowPay and @MoneyBadgerPay welcome the commitment to formalising the crypto asset framework. Learn more here: https://t.co/l5iNNgGmMT #bitcoinregulations…

— MoneyBadger (@MoneyBadgerPay) March 2, 2026

Transacting above a yet to be defined threshold would only be permitted through licensed ‘authorised crypto asset service providers.’

Holders must file written declarations of crypto holdings within 30 days. Each transaction would require a stated purpose, and using crypto outside that purpose could trigger a mandatory sale. In forfeiture scenarios, holders could be compelled to hand over passwords and private keys so the state can take control of self-custodied assets.

Penalties of up to R1 million and 5 years’ imprisonment are proposed.

 

REGULATION | The South Africa Crypto Capital Controls Demand Declarations, Tough Penalities for Non-Compliance

 

Why is it important to talk about this?

Consumers pay the price indirectly as South Africa becomes a harder place to do business.

Research shows capital controls are typically only useful for short-term volatility. In the long term, the cost of friction is borne in lost investment, expensive payments, and a South African discount on every asset priced in rand.

For crypto holders, this materially changes how you will be able to purchase, hold, and use your crypto assets, and it is important to raise your concerns publicly.

 

INSIGHTS | Why South Africa is Re-Writing Decades-Old Money Rules

 

 

 

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_________________________________________

Meta Platforms has begun piloting payouts to content creators using the USDC stablecoin, a move that could redirect tens of billions of dollars in creator economy payments onto blockchain rails, according to industry analysis.

The pilot, launched in April 2026, enables select creators in Colombia and the Philippines, markets with meaningful creator economies and cross-border payouts frictions, to receive earnings in USDC via the Solana and Polygon networks with payments processed through fintech firm, Stripe.

 

STABLECOINS | Meta Rolls Out USDC Stablecoin Payments via Stripe for Selected Content Creators

 

The initiative marks Meta’s most concrete return to crypto-based payments since abandoning its Libra (later Diem) project in 2022 amid regulatory pressure. Instead of issuing its own token, the company is relying on existing infrastructure and a dollar-pegged stablecoin issued by Circle.

Analysts say even modest adoption could shift significant volumes.

If just 10% of the estimated $250 billion (as of 2023) creator economy flows through stablecoins, that would represent about $25 billion annually. By 2027, that figure could rise to $48 billion if the broader market expands as projected, equivalent to a notable share of real-world stablecoin payments today.

Stablecoins are increasingly used for cross-border payments due to their speed and lower costs compared with traditional banking systems. Transactions can settle in minutes allowing creators, particularly in emerging markets, to receive dollar-denominated income without delays or high fees associated with wire transfers.

With ~98% of stablecoins being dollar-denominated, stablecoin creator payouts would happen over the existing rails effectively moving the internet income onto existing dollar infrastructure. Stablecoin payouts would simply result in fewer intermediaries between creators and payers.

 

STABLECOINS | Meta is Quietly Testing 3rd-Party Stablecoin Payments for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp @Meta hasn’t publicly disclosed which #stablecoins are being used in these tests, but the aim appears to be exploring real-world payment flows such as @stripe, rather than… pic.twitter.com/fX8pj63z14

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) February 28, 2026

Stripe now explicitly promotes USDC stablecoin payouts for

creators

freelancers, and

remote teams

Meta paid nearly $3 billion to creators across its platforms in 2025 suggesting that scaling stablecoin payouts across its global user base could channel billions more through blockchain-based payment systems.

The company said it plans to expand the feature to additional markets, potentially reaching more than 160 countries, as it explores integrating stablecoins into its broader payments ecosystem.

 

STABLECOINS | YouTube Quietly Adds PayPal Stablecoin Payouts to Its $100 Billion Creator Economy

 

 

 

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___________________________________________

Following a recent announcement, Binance will be suspending trading with Ethiopian Birr (ETB) starting on May 15 2026, protest among Binance P2P users in Ethiopia has emerged revealing the scale of use for the service.

Ethiopian protests have started to emerge following the announcement with many claiming this was the only available channel for them to access dollars to pay for services.

 

REGULATION | Binance Suspends Trading in Ethiopian Birr Following Regulatory Pressure

 

The suspension comes after months of government crackdowns across the economy on services and activities. The crackdown stems from a wide-ranging intelligence effort to disrupt networks involved in illegal forex trading, money laundering, tax evasion, and unauthorised money transfers, including through unregulated digital and cryptocurrency platforms.

 

CRYPTO CRIME | #Ethiopia Revokes All Sports #Betting Licenses Following Illicit Financial Flows Through Crypto and Hawala Services

Officials said the illegal foreign exchange activities not only deprive the formal banking sector of revenue but also undermine the government’s… pic.twitter.com/2JJojXLY6L

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) December 19, 2025

Based on user testimonials online, it is now emerging that Binance P2P trading was used massively by:

freelancers

small business owners

remote workers

traders, and

countless Ethiopians

as a financial tool.

According to one user, the USDT-Birr market size in Ethiopia could be over $1 million daily with:

The most important component being the Birr-USDT P2P market – small compared to Kenya and Nigeria, but significant in Ethiopian context

The market is primarily driven by FX shortage, Birr depreciation/devaluation, remittances, and freelance payments

There’re about 1.5 million crypto users in Ethiopia

The P2P crypto market is facilitated by the development of electronic payment systems such as TeleBirr, CBirr and others

Government concern over P2P crypto markets reportedly include:

their use for illegal money laundering

acting as parallel markets for FX thus driving dollar volatility, and

the lack of control over these channels

have been highlighted as part of the crackdown.

 

REPORT | Stablecoin Transfers Account for 43% of All Crypto Transfers Across Africa, Ethiopia is Fastest-Growing Market, Says Chainalysis

 

BitKE compiled a list of some of these complaints to understand the scale of use for Binance P2P in the country and the level of disruption alarm it is causing to the crypto space in Ethiopia.

 

“If you are from Ethiopia, then you already know Binance is one of the very few practical ways freelancers and remote workers can receive income. When platforms like PayPal and Wise are unavailable, dismissing that reality in the name of “logic” ignores how people are actually surviving.”

“P2P allowed us to pay for Server costs, APIs, Meta Ads, Google Ads, hosting, domains, eCom, subscriptions for our businesses without depending on anyone with our hard earned money. Unfortunately the biggest obstacle for the youth is our own government. Time to leave.”

 

“Banning Binance P2P would not be economic reform. It would be a direct attack on financial access, personal freedom, and the civil rights of Ethiopians already struggling under severe economic pressure.”

 

REGULATION | Bank of Ethiopia Warns ‘Birr-Paired P2P Crypto Transactions Are Prohibited’

 

“I’ll just leave this country & do my business from aboard, I need dollars for facebooks ads & there is no legal way!!!”

 

“Once again, fear and control mania taking over. The youth need to earn, improve their lives and liberate their economic status. The govt benefits nothing from zeroing them out. They will either find other means or leave the country entirely.”

 

“The thing is, the money launderers will find other means like they have always done. There is nothing that will stop them. What this will stop is freelancers earning a living while living in Ethiopia.”

 

“I understand concerns about P2P trading influencing the USD/ETB parallel market. But Binance P2P has become the largest and fastest gateway for thousands of Ethiopian youths to access global crypto markets and earn a living. Cryptocurrency is now deeply integrated into the world’s financial system, recognized by governments and institutions like the IMF. Instead of outright restrictions, let’s focus on spreading awareness, building safer frameworks, and creating a regulated environment that protects users, supports platforms, and accelerates Ethiopia’s digital economy. Our youth deserve better opportunities, not barriers.”

 

“I don’t know what kind of date the government has but there is huge unavoidable number of youth working remotely & Binance P2P is almost the only viable way to exchange USD for ETB Why block the access and force the skilled youth to migrate.”

 

REGULATION | Binance Reportedly Freezing P2P User Accounts in Kenya at the Request of Law Enforcement

 

 

 

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_________________________________________

The United States has seized nearly $500 million in cryptocurrency linked to Iran as part of an intensified economic pressure campaign, Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, said describing the effort as pushing Tehran into a ‘crisis.’

Bessent said the seizures were carried out under ‘Operation Economic Fury,’ a broader U.S. strategy aimed at cutting off Iran’s access to financial networks and limiting its ability to move funds internationally.

MILESTONE | #Iran’s Move to Charge Strait of Hormuz #Crypto Tolls a ‘Significant Milestone’ for State Level Adoption, Says @chainalysis

From petro-dollar to petro-crypto

Iran’s reported move to charge crypto tolls on ships passing through the #StraitofHormuz marks a major…

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) April 11, 2026

Part of the frozen funds were in USDT when Tether froze over $340 million in coordiation with the  U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and U.S. law enforcement agencies in one of the largest enforcement actions involving the cryptocurrency to date.

 

MILESTONE | Tether Freezes Over $300 Million in USDT – The Largest on Record – in Coordination with U.S Law Enforcement

 

Under a maximum economic pressure campaign, Washington has been targeting digital wallets and financial channels tied to Iran, part of a wider sanctions regime designed to curb revenue streams linked to the government.

The campaign reportedly began in March 2025 leading to the collapse of the nation’s largest bank and massive inflation that saw the currency down by about 60-70% against the U.S dollar.

In early April 2026, Secretary Bessent revealed how they engineered the Iran Protests in early 2026 creating a dollar shortage in the country in order to drive the Iranian currency into free fall.

Weaponizing the #Dollar |

U.S Treasury Secretary reveals how they engineered the #IranProtests:

“We created a #dollar shortage in the country.

The Iranian currency went into free fall, inflation exploded, hence we saw the #Iranian people out on the streets.”

We will… pic.twitter.com/nGOzk2Rotk

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) April 9, 2026

The latest figure marks an escalation from earlier actions, including the freezing of about $344 million in cryptocurrency assets connected to Iran announced in recent days.

U.S. officials say the campaign is intended to disrupt Tehran’s ability to generate and transfer funds amid heightened geopolitical tensions and ongoing economic restrictions.

 

CASE STUDY | How Spain’s Largest Crypto Exchange Pivot from Retail to Infrastructure for Banks and Law Enforcement is Proving Successful

 

 

 

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Spain has emerged as the leading retail market in Europe for euro-denominated stablecoin transactions driven by growing consumer adoption and seamless crypto-to-fiat usability, according to new data from Brighty, a digital banking platform.

Data cited shows that Spain accounted for roughly 36% of all retail transactions using Circle’s EURC stablecoin between 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, alongside about 25% of total transaction volume across Europe.

The average transaction size stood at around 49 euros ($57), indicating a strong focus on everyday retail payments rather than large transfers.

Brighty Co-Founder, Nick Denisenko, said Spanish users increasingly treat EURC as equivalent to traditional euros, particularly due to its ease of use and low-friction conversion with dollar-pegged stablecoin USDC.

The growth comes as euro-backed stablecoins gain traction in the region with EURC accounting for nearly half (49%) of the total market capitalization of euro-pegged digital assets, which stands at approximately $887 million, according to CoinGecko data.

Spain’s lead highlights a broader shift toward stablecoins for retail payments in Europe as calls for dollar-pegged stablecoin alternatives increase.

 

CASE STUDY | How Spain’s Largest Crypto Exchange Pivot from Retail to Infrastructure for Banks and Law Enforcement is Proving Successful

 

In April 2026, the Finance Minister of France urged on Europe to develop more Euro-denominated stablecoins urging banks to step up efforts to counter the dominance of U.S. dollar-backed digital assets in global payments.

 

STABLECOINS | Europe Should Develop More Euro-Backed Stablecoins to Counter Dollar-Pegged Assets, Says French Finance Minister

 

2 months ago, a consortium of major European banks announced plans to launch a Euro-denominated stablecoin in the second half of 2026 in a push to offer a regulated alternative to U.S. dollar-linked digital tokens.

The stablecoin, designed to be fully backed 1:1 by Euros, is expected to hold reserves comprising bank deposits and high-quality short-term euro-area sovereign bonds, a structure intended to support continuous redemption and liquidity from the outset.

 

STABLECOINS | A Euro Stablecoin is Coming in H2 2026

 

 

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) recently announced the selection of 4 companies to participate in a new stablecoin testing cohort in its regulatory sandbox allowing them to trial their stablecoin-related services under proposed regulatory frameworks in a safe, live setting.

The stablecoin sandbox cohort forms part of the FCA’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and growth in UK financial services.

 

REGULATION | Here Are the 4 Firms Selected to Test Stablecoin Innovation in UK Regulatory Sandbox

 

The above developments come 2 months after the European Central Bank warned that increased dominance and use of dollar-pegged stablecoins is likely to import foreign monetary conditions and weaken the monetary policy of the EU.

 

STABLECOINS | The European Central Bank Warns Increased Stablecoin Use May Weaken Monetary Policy Flows

 

 

 

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_______________________________________________

Counterfeit cryptocurrencies are already circulating in Hong Kong even as the city’s first regulated stablecoins have yet to launch, regulators warned this week.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) said tokens using tickers such as “HKDAP” and “HSBC” are being marketed as if they are linked to licensed issuers, despite no approved stablecoins currently in circulation.

The warning comes as Hong Kong rolls out its new stablecoin regime, introduced in 2025, with authorities aiming to position the city as a regulated hub for digital assets. While licenses have been granted to select applicants, none of the approved entities have issued live products yet creating a gap that fraudulent actors appear to be exploiting.

 

PRESS RELEASE | The Hong Kong Monetary Authority Grants First Stablecoin Licenses to HSBC and AnchorPoint

 

Both firms referenced in promotional materials tied to the fake tokens have publicly stated they have not launched any stablecoins, the HKMA said, urging investors to rely only on official communications and regulated channels.

The regulator warned the public to remain vigilant against scams highlighting the risks of premature market activity ahead of official launches. Industry participants expect the first compliant Hong Kong dollar-backed stablecoins to go live later in 2026, potentially around a major fintech event, likely the Hong Kong fintech week in November 2026.

 

STABLECOINS | The Fastest Growing Stablecoin in 2025 Pushes into Africa

 

 

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________________________________________________

Decentralized finance (DeFi), once pitched as a system to replace traditional intermediaries, is facing mounting pressure as security failures, capital flight and growing institutional influence reshape the sector, according to a recent analysis.

The original promise of DeFi – that users could control their own assets through transparent, code-driven systems without reliance on banks – helped fuel rapid growth after 2020. But that vision is now under strain as the ecosystem struggles to deliver on key expectations, the report said.

 

REALITY CHECK | Lack of On-Chain Privacy Risks Holding Back Business, Corporate Payments, Says Founder, Binance

“Imagine a company pays employees in crypto on-chain. With the current state of crypto, you can pretty much see how much everyone in the company is paid by clicking…

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) February 16, 2026

A surge in exploits has eroded confidence with DeFi hacks costing significantly more per dollar moved than breaches in traditional finance highlighting structural vulnerabilities in smart contract systems and liquidity pools.

Since 2023, DeFi has lost ~$7 billion to hacks with losses rising in recent years.

The sector has also seen sharp outflows following major incidents with billions of dollars withdrawn in recent weeks amid what analysts describe as ‘bank-run’ dynamics triggered by large-scale exploits and cascading losses across protocols.

 

DeFi | AAVE TVL Drops Over 50% After the Kelp DAO Exploit

 

At the same time, large financial institutions are increasingly entering the space bringing

tokenization,

regulated products and

institutional capital

that mirror traditional financial structures.

Critics argue this shift risks undermining DeFi’s founding principles by reintroducing centralized control into systems designed to avoid it. DeFi’s promise of an alternative trust model is further eroded by the introduction of intermediate and 3rd-parties that are increasingly starting to intervene to save the industry while centralization.

 

DeFi | Arbitrum Freezes Over 30, 000 ETH Tied to Kelp DAO Exploit Sparking Decentralization Debate

 

The growing overlap between DeFi and traditional finance is raising concerns that the industry is evolving into a hybrid model, rather than a true alternative, with

governance,

liquidity and

infrastructure

increasingly influenced by large players.

While some analysts maintain that decentralized finance remains a critical innovation, the current trajectory suggests the sector may be moving away from its original ethos toward a more institutionalized framework.

The coming years will likely determine whether DeFi can rebuild trust and decentralization or whether it becomes absorbed into the very financial system it set out to replace.

 

INSTITUTIONAL | ‘DeFi Exploits, Limited Growth Are Holding Back Institutional Adoption,’ Says America’s Largest Bank

 

 

 

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___________________________________________

Decentralized finance (DeFi), once pitched as a system to replace traditional intermediaries, is facing mounting pressure as security failures, capital flight and growing institutional influence reshape the sector, according to a recent analysis.

The original promise of DeFi – that users could control their own assets through transparent, code-driven systems without reliance on banks – helped fuel rapid growth after 2020. But that vision is now under strain as the ecosystem struggles to deliver on key expectations, the report said.

 

REALITY CHECK | Lack of On-Chain Privacy Risks Holding Back Business, Corporate Payments, Says Founder, Binance

“Imagine a company pays employees in crypto on-chain. With the current state of crypto, you can pretty much see how much everyone in the company is paid by clicking…

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) February 16, 2026

A surge in exploits has eroded confidence with DeFi hacks costing significantly more per dollar moved than breaches in traditional finance highlighting structural vulnerabilities in smart contract systems and liquidity pools.

Since 2023, DeFi has lost ~$7 billion to hacks with losses rising in recent years.

The sector has also seen sharp outflows following major incidents with billions of dollars withdrawn in recent weeks amid what analysts describe as ‘bank-run’ dynamics triggered by large-scale exploits and cascading losses across protocols.

 

DeFi | AAVE TVL Drops Over 50% After the Kelp DAO Exploit

 

At the same time, large financial institutions are increasingly entering the space bringing

tokenization,

regulated products and

institutional capital

that mirror traditional financial structures.

Critics argue this shift risks undermining DeFi’s founding principles by reintroducing centralized control into systems designed to avoid it. DeFi’s promise of an alternative trust model is further eroded by the introduction of intermediate and 3rd-parties that are increasingly starting to intervene to save the industry while centralization.

 

DeFi | Arbitrum Freezes Over 30, 000 ETH Tied to Kelp DAO Exploit Sparking Decentralization Debate

 

The growing overlap between DeFi and traditional finance is raising concerns that the industry is evolving into a hybrid model, rather than a true alternative, with

governance,

liquidity and

infrastructure

increasingly influenced by large players.

While some analysts maintain that decentralized finance remains a critical innovation, the current trajectory suggests the sector may be moving away from its original ethos toward a more institutionalized framework.

The coming years will likely determine whether DeFi can rebuild trust and decentralization or whether it becomes absorbed into the very financial system it set out to replace.

 

INSTITUTIONAL | ‘DeFi Exploits, Limited Growth Are Holding Back Institutional Adoption,’ Says America’s Largest Bank

 

 

 

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___________________________________________

Canada has proposed banning cryptocurrency automated teller machines (ATMs), saying the devices have become a key channel for fraud and money laundering rather than a convenient tool for retail users, according to the government’s latest economic update.

The proposal, outlined in the Spring Economic Update 2026 released on April 28 2026, describes crypto ATMs as a ‘primary method‘ used by scammers to defraud victims and by criminals to move illicit proceeds into the digital asset ecosystem.

Officials said the move is part of a broader push to curb financial crime and tighten oversight of high-risk areas within the crypto sector as fraud cases involving such machines continue to rise.

Canada currently hosts nearly 4,000 crypto ATMs, one of the highest concentrations globally, a factor authorities say has increased the country’s exposure to scams targeting individuals.

Under the proposal, Canadians would still be able to purchase cryptocurrencies through regulated, in-person money service businesses, even as standalone kiosks in locations such as convenience stores and gas stations are phased out.

The government has not yet provided detailed timelines for the ban but signaled it forms part of a wider crackdown on illicit financial activity linked to digital assets.

 

REGULATION | Second U.S State Bans Crypto ATMs Due to Fraud

 

 

 

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___________________________________________

Meta Platforms has begun paying some content creators using a dollar-pegged stablecoin in a pilot program supported by payments firm, Stripe, marking its latest push into digital payments after past regulatory setbacks.

The company is offering payouts in USDC, a stablecoin issued by Circle, with transactions running on the Solana and Polygon blockchains, according to reports.

The feature is being rolled out initially to selected creators in countries, including Colombia and the Philippines, where traditional cross-border payouts can be slow or costly.

 

STABLECOINS | Meta is Quietly Testing 3rd-Party Stablecoin Payments for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp

 

Payments are processed through Stripe’s infrastructure allowing creators to receive funds directly in crypto wallets which can later be converted into local currency via exchanges.

The move underscores Meta’s shift toward partnering with external providers rather than issuing its own cryptocurrency following the collapse of its earlier Libra (later Diem) project amid regulatory opposition.

Stablecoins, which are designed to maintain a fixed value typically pegged to the U.S. dollar, have gained traction for cross-border payments due to their speed and lower costs compared to traditional banking rails.

Meta is expected to expand the stablecoin payout option to more users and markets over time, potentially leveraging its billions of users across Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp to scale digital payments globally.

 

REGULATION | USDC Stablecoin Issuer, Circle, Already in Talks with Kenyan Government to Launch its Payments Network

 

 

 

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___________________________________________

Japan has told real estate firms and cryptocurrency businesses to tighten anti-money laundering (AML) checks on property transactions involving digital assets, citing growing risks that such deals could be used to move illicit funds.

In a joint notice,

The Financial Services Agency,

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism,

National Police Agency, and

Ministry of Finance

called for stricter oversight of crypto-linked property deals, marking a coordinated push across regulators.

 

REGULATION | South Korean Exchange, CoinOne, Fined ~3.5 Million and 3-Month Suspension Over AML, KYC Failures

 

Authorities said cryptocurrencies pose a “high risk” in real estate transactions because they can be transferred quickly across borders and are harder to trace than traditional bank payments, making them attractive for money laundering.

Under the guidance, real estate agents must

conduct identity checks on buyers and sellers,

verify the source of funds and

file suspicious transaction reports,

aligning their obligations with bank-level AML standards.

 

CASE STUDY | AML Lessons from the OKX Penalty of Over $500 Million

 

The agencies also warned that intermediaries converting crypto into yen on behalf of clients could be deemed to be operating unregistered exchanges under Japan’s Payment Services Act, exposing them to enforcement action.

Crypto exchanges were instructed to monitor large or unusual transfers linked to property sales and flag activity inconsistent with customers’ financial profiles.

The move comes as regulators globally step up scrutiny of digital assets, particularly in sectors such as real estate that have historically been vulnerable to money laundering due to the size and opacity of transactions.

Japan has also reiterated existing reporting requirements, including rules mandating disclosure of large cross-border crypto transfers, as part of a broader effort to align its financial system with international AML standards.

 

REGULATION | ‘Proceeds of Crime Are Laundered and Concealed Within Real Estate or Cryptocurrency in Kenya,’ Says Kenyan Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI)

 

 

 

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Binance has announced it is disabling trading in Ethiopian Birr starting on May 15 2026.

Accoding to the announcement, Binance said the suspension comes following regulatory pressure.

The suspension comes just 2 months after the the Ethiopian National Intelligence and Security Service accused the Tigray People’s Liberation Front of facilitating human trafficking networks and other activities such as gold smuggling, narcotics trade and fuel contraband across parts of the country with significant funds channelled into digital wallet platforms and crypto exchanges, including Binance.

The suspension also comes barely 2 months after the National Bank of Ethiopia said Birr-paired P2P transactions are prohibited and illegal in the country.

 

REGULATION | Bank of Ethiopia Warns ‘Birr-Paired P2P Crypto Transactions Are Prohibited’

 

In a public notice, the National Bank of Ethiopia (which is the Central Bank of Ethiopia), said:

“Under the current regulatory framework, the use of Bill-paired P2P arrangements on trading platforms, exchanges, or similar services and products is not permitted unless explicitly authorized by the National Bank of Ethiopia.

Any form of Birr denominated P2P trading or exchange involving cryptocurrencies is prohibited.”

 

The bank listed some of the risks associated with P2P trading including:

Significant volatility of virtual assets

Exposure to foreign exchange price manipulation

Fraud

Scams

Operational risks, and

The absence of key safeguards such as Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism protections commonly found in regulated financial systems.

 

The notice went further and warned:

“Recent international experiences have also shown that certain P2P platforms and crypto asset exchanges have faced financial and technical challenges, in some cases restricting users’ access to their funds.

Such developments highlight the need for the public to carefully assess whether these assets are consistent with their financial objecties and risk tolerance.”

 

Binance runs the largest crypto P2P platform across Africa and has recently faced legal action over AML an CFT deficiencies.

In April 2026, multiple Binance accounts were frozen at the request of law enforcement following AML and TF violations.

 

REGULATION | Binance Reportedly Freezing P2P User Accounts in Kenya at the Request of Law Enforcement

 

 

 

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The Central Bank of Kenya is hiring for senior and mid-level roles focused on licensing and compliance of virtual asset firms as the country prepares to implement its first comprehensive crypto regulations.

The regulator has advertised four positions within its Digital Payment Services Division, including a manager for virtual asset service provider (VASP) licensing, deputy managers for licensing and oversight, and a senior business analyst. The roles close on May 18, according to listings on the bank’s careers portal.

The hiring marks the first time the central bank has created roles dedicated specifically to supervising VASPs, signalling efforts to build internal capacity ahead of a formal regulatory rollout.

 

REGULATION | Draft Rules for Stablecoin Issuance in Kenya Stipulate ~$4 Million Minimum Paid-Up Capital

 

The manager-level roles will lead

licensing efforts,

reviewing applications,

recommending approvals or rejections, and

helping develop operating procedures for the new regime.

The @CBKKenya advertises open positions for managerial-level roles ahead of the upcoming #VASPKE regulations.

> Link to Opportunities: https://t.co/LrzrOOUx82

> Draft Regulations: https://t.co/K7daiqq1Gf#CryptoKE #VirtualAssetsKE #VASPActKE #BitcoinKE pic.twitter.com/mGsJq1G71G

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) April 29, 2026

Deputy managers and analysts will handle

application reviews,

product approvals and

compliance oversight, including risk-based supervision and anti-money laundering checks.

The @CBKKenya advertises open positions for #analytical-level roles ahead of the upcoming #VASPKE regulations.

> Link to Opportunities: https://t.co/LrzrOOUx82

> Draft Regulations: https://t.co/K7daiqq1Gf #CryptoKE #VirtualAssetsKE #VASPActKE #BitcoinKE pic.twitter.com/Tqm4W4HpeA

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) April 29, 2026

The recruitment drive follows the passage of Kenya’s Virtual Asset Service Providers Act in October 2025, which created a legal framework for crypto-related activities. However, detailed regulations needed to operationalise the law are still pending after a public consultation process led by the National Treasury earlier this year.

Under the proposed framework, the central bank will oversee virtual assets used for payments, working alongside agencies such as the Capital Markets Authority and the Financial Reporting Centre in a multi-agency coordination structure.

The new roles require experience in banking, payments or financial services, with emphasis on risk management, compliance and familiarity with emerging digital asset technologies, reflecting the technical demands of supervising the sector.

Kenya joins a growing number of African countries moving to regulate virtual assets, even as gaps between legislation and implementation persist across the region.

 

REGULATION | ~50 Virtual Asset Firms Looking to Set up Regional HQs in Kenya, Says Nairobi International Finance Center (NIFC)

 

 

 

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Public blockchains may be exposing more than they protect, according to a new opinion piece, which argues that the transparency underpinning crypto networks could hand competitors valuable business intelligence.

In a recent article, Paul Brody, the Founder & CEO of Nightfall Networks, a blockchain tech firm focussed on building robust privacy systems for enterprise users, said every blockchain transaction effectively reveals operational data – from payment flows to supplier relationships – creating what amounts to an ‘open book’ for rivals.

Paul Brody at EY

Unlike traditional financial systems, where transaction data is largely private, blockchain-based systems record activity on publicly accessible ledgers. That transparency, long promoted as a trust-building feature, may instead expose sensitive commercial patterns, including

pricing strategies,

customer behavior and

treasury movements.

The piece argues that as artificial intelligence tools become more advanced, the ability to analyze on-chain data at scale will intensify these risks. Firms could increasingly use automated systems and AI agents to extract insights from competitors’ blockchain activity, potentially eroding any informational advantage.

 

AI | Crypto is Built for AI Agents, Not Humans, Says Leading Blockchain Infrastructure Firm

 

This is not new. It is about to get much, much faster.

Companies have always leaked intelligence. iFixit has built a business around tearing apart every major new electronics product within days of launch, exposing components, likely bill-of-materials costs, and manufacturing approaches for anyone to study. Satellite imagery firms already track everything from warehouse activity to crop yields to oil tanker movements, selling the insights to hedge funds and competitors alike. Specialized competitive intelligence firms have long mapped supply chains and reverse-engineered pricing strategies.

What’s different now is the synthesis. Each of these data streams, taken alone, tells a partial story. An agentic system can pull them all together — public filings, onchain transaction flows, satellite data, job postings, patent applications, shipping records — and deliver not just raw data about your competition but a coherent picture of their strategic road map, updated continuously.

The question this forces is not whether competitors will know more. They will. The question is: what should companies do about it?

 

REALITY CHECK | Lack of On-Chain Privacy Risks Holding Back Business, Corporate Payments, Says Founder, Binance

 

This dynamic presents a growing challenge for companies experimenting with blockchain-based payments, treasury management or decentralized finance. While such systems can reduce reliance on intermediaries and improve efficiency, they may also force firms to weigh those benefits against the cost of revealing strategic data.

The author notes that this trade-off is becoming more significant as blockchain adoption expands beyond crypto-native firms into mainstream commerce and financial services.

 

What’s genuinely left to protect?

Strip away strategy, strip away the broad strokes of execution, and what remains is operational detail. Not what components are in a product, but what the company is paying for them. Not that a company has a supply chain, but the specific terms, conditions, volume commitments, and quality management processes that make one supply chain faster or cheaper than the next. The granular, day-to-day mechanics of how the machine actually runs.

This is the data that creates a durable competitive advantage. And in an era of agentic commerce, it’s precisely the data most at risk — because it’s flowing through the same blockchain infrastructure that agents use to transact.

 

The article concludes that businesses may need to rethink how they use public blockchains, or adopt privacy-enhancing technologies, if they want to avoid unintentionally sharing competitive intelligence in an increasingly data-driven market.

 

If enterprise agents are executing procurement contracts, managing supplier relationships, and orchestrating logistics on public blockchains without privacy, those enterprises are broadcasting their operational playbook to every competitor running an analytical agent. The very system designed to drive efficiency becomes the system that strips away the competitive moat.

The answer isn’t to avoid blockchains – the efficiency and automation benefits are too significant. The answer is to demand privacy as foundational infrastructure, built in from the start, not bolted on as an afterthought.

The companies that will thrive aren’t the ones that try to hide everything — that’s a losing game. They’re the ones that will clearly distinguish between what can’t be secret (strategy, product design, market positioning) and what must be (operational mechanics, pricing terms, supplier relationships), and then invest seriously in the infrastructure to protect what matters.

 

EXPERT OPINION | Why Purpose-Built Blockchains Are on the Rise

 

 

 

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Block Inc. has unveiled a Bitcoin proof-of-reserves system allowing users and investors to independently verify the company’s holdings on-chain in a move aimed at boosting transparency and trust in its crypto operations.

The system covers Block’s corporate Bitcoin treasury as well as balances tied to its Cash App and Square businesses enabling public verification through cryptographic signatures rather than relying on company disclosures alone.

Block said the initiative reflects a broader principle that users should not have to trust custodians blindly but should be able to verify asset holdings themselves.

The rollout comes amid a wider industry push toward proof-of-reserves, a mechanism that allows crypto firms to demonstrate they hold sufficient assets to back customer balances and corporate treasuries.

Demand for such transparency accelerated after the collapse of major crypto exchange FTX in 2022 which exposed gaps in how firms accounted for and safeguarded customer funds.

Proof-of-reserves systems use cryptographic methods to let users independently confirm that assets exist and are fully backed helping address a structural trust gap in crypto markets where traditional regulatory safeguards are limited.

Block joins a growing list of firms adopting the approach. Exchanges such as Kraken and Binance have introduced similar systems or audits to reassure users that deposits are fully backed and accessible.

 

Binance Releases Audit of Bitcoin Reserves and Launches Asset Verification Tool

 

For companies, publishing proof-of-reserves serves multiple purposes: rebuilding trust after industry failures, demonstrating solvency, and differentiating themselves in a market where transparency is increasingly seen as a competitive advantage.

By making its Bitcoin holdings publicly verifiable, Block is positioning itself at the forefront of that transparency push, as firms seek to attract both retail users and institutional capital wary of opaque balance sheets.

 

INSTITUTIONAL | Tether Reportedly Taps KPMG for First Full Audit in Bid to Boost Transparency

 

 

 

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African cross-border payments firm, JuicyWay, has been registered as a payment service provider under Canada’s Retail Payment Activities Act marking a step into one of the world’s most tightly regulated financial systems.

The approval, granted following a regulatory review by the Bank of Canada, allows the company to operate under a framework that came into force in 2024 and places retail payments directly under central bank supervision.

 

FUNDING | Nigerian Fintech, JuicyWay, Raises $3 Million to Provide FX Exchange Using Stablecoins

 

Canada’s regime requires firms to meet strict standards on operational risk management, safeguarding of user funds and business continuity. The rules have already been enforced with at least one provider ordered to halt operations earlier this year over failures in protecting customer funds.

JuicyWay said the registration reflects a strategy of building regulatory compliance ahead of launching products in new markets rather than adapting after entry. The company plans to roll out services tied to the Canadian corridor on infrastructure already reviewed by regulators.

Canada hosts one of North America’s largest African diaspora populations driving demand for cross-border payment services linking the country with African markets.

Founded in 2021, JuicyWay provides global payment and multi-currency services for businesses and individuals. The firm says it has processed more than $4 billion in transaction volume, serving over 2,200 enterprises and 17,000 users across Africa and international markets.

 

STABLECOINS | Nigerian Fintech, Kredete, Partners with VISA to Expand Stablecoin Card Innovation Across Africa and the Gulf

 

 

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South African Bitcoin payments firm, MoneyBadger, has welcomed the release of draft Capital Flow Management Regulations, 2026 but raised concerns about aspects of the public consultation process and the scope of the proposed rules.

REGULATION | South Africa’s Draft Capital Flow Management Regulations, 2026, to Demand Limited Crypto Holdings, Mandatory Resales

The company, a licensed Crypto Asset Service Provider(CASP), said it supports efforts by National Treasury to formalise a regulatory framework for crypto assets, particularly measures aimed at clarifying rules for cross-border transactions and reducing uncertainty for service providers.

PRESS RELEASE | Scan to Pay Enables Direct Crypto Payments Through MoneyBadger Integration to Over 650,000 Merchants in South Africa

However, MoneyBadger said inconsistencies in submission deadlines and contact details for the consultation process were creating confusion among stakeholders seeking to provide feedback.

It also noted that some elements of the draft lack clarity, including unspecified thresholds and implementation details, making it difficult for businesses and the public to fully assess the potential impact of the proposals.

The firm expressed broader concerns that parts of the draft regulations extend beyond their stated focus on cross-border capital flows. According to MoneyBadger, the current proposals could restrict peer-to-peer Bitcoin transactions above an unspecified value unless conducted through a licensed provider, and could limit merchants’ ability to accept Bitcoin payments directly above that threshold.

 

The draft rules also require individuals to declare all crypto asset holdings within 30 days, with no minimum threshold, and would restrict the transfer or sale of those assets without Treasury approval. MoneyBadger said it remains unclear whether such requirements would apply to assets already held in self-custody.

In addition, the company highlighted provisions that may allow authorities, banks or licensed providers to require individuals to convert crypto holdings into rand under certain circumstances, raising questions about user control over digital assets.

MoneyBadger urged Treasury to align the regulations more closely with a risk-based approach focused on high-impact cross-border transactions, warning that overly broad rules could unintentionally affect everyday crypto use by individuals and merchants.

The company said it is engaging with industry participants and legal advisors and intends to submit a formal response as part of the consultation process.

 

REGULATION | Is Regulation Slowing Down South Africa’s Crypto Momentum?

 

 

 

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Western Union is exploring the launch of its own stablecoin as part of a broader push to overhaul how it settles cross-border payments, with CEO, Devin McGranahan, signaling the firm’s intent to move away from the traditional SWIFT network.

The 175-year-old money transfer company plans to use the stablecoin, expected to be a U.S. dollar–backed token, to handle internal settlement between agents and partners, rather than for direct consumer use. The initiative is aimed at replacing legacy correspondent banking rails with blockchain-based infrastructure that can process transactions faster and more continuously.

 

REGULATION | Western Union Signals Strong Move to Offer Crypto Services

 

McGranahan said the effort is focused on modernizing the underlying payment system, describing the shift as less about retail crypto adoption and more about improving the back-end mechanics of global transfers.

The stablecoin, reportedly called USDPT and built on the Solana blockchain, is in its final stages and could launch as early as May 2026. It would enable near-instant settlement, including outside traditional banking hours, addressing long-standing delays associated with cross-border payments.

 

STABLECOINS | Western Union Targets May 2026 for its USDPT Stablecoin Rollout

Initially, the rollout will be limited to select markets and key partners, forming part of a wider digital asset strategy that also includes a “Digital Asset Network” linking crypto wallets with Western Union’s global retail infrastructure.

 

PRESS RELEASE | Western Union Announces USDPT Stablecoin on Solana and Digital Asset Network (https://t.co/Czd5LmgiXX)https://t.co/8BAWKDcA4H #Solana

— Kobocoin (@kobocoindev) October 29, 2025

The move reflects a broader industry trend of financial institutions experimenting with stablecoins to streamline payments, reduce costs, and improve efficiency—particularly in cross-border transactions where existing systems remain slow and expensive.

 

EDITORIAL | Western Union’s Regulated USDPT Stablecoin Could Redefine Remittances in Africa

 

 

 

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