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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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Israel’s financial regulator has approved the launch of a stablecoin pegged to the national currency marking a step toward integrating digital assets into the country’s regulated financial system.

The Israel Capital Market Insurance and Savings Authority said it had granted approval for the “BILS” stablecoin, developed by local crypto firm, Bits of Gold, following a roughly two-year pilot conducted on the Solana blockchain.

 

According to the Israel Capital Market Insurance & Savings Authority:

“The offering will take place in a limited format and in a predetermined scope.”

 

The token will be fully backed by reserves held in segregated accounts within Israel, according to the regulator, with oversight aimed at ensuring compliance and financial stability.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts by Israel’s Finance Ministry and Tax Authority to bring crypto-related activity under clearer regulatory frameworks, including permitting certain stablecoin use cases.

According to the regulator:

The currency is pegged in value to the shekel in a ratio of 1:1, with the reserve assets held in Israel in designated and separate accounts.

The activity will be carried out under the Authority’s strict conditions, including technology risk management, information security, business continuity and ongoing reporting obligations.

The move is a complementary step to the Memorandum of the Stablecoin Law, which will soon be distributed for public comments, with the aim of regulating the entire field.

 

STABLECOINS | The Stablecoin Market Cap Surpass $320 Billion as Yield-Bearing Stables Vastly Outpace the Market

 

“This is good news for the financial market in Israel.

The coin is expected to enable money transfers on the blockchain, fast accounting between entities, and the development of advanced services while maintaining financial stability and protecting the public.”

                – Israel Capital Market Insurance & Savings Authority

 

Bits of Gold said the shekel-linked stablecoin is designed to connect Israel’s currency to global digital asset markets, enabling real-time payments, on-chain trading and programmable financial services based on a regulated local unit.

Stablecoins, which are cryptocurrencies typically pegged to fiat currencies, have grown rapidly, though the market remains dominated by U.S. dollar-linked tokens.

 

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

 

 

 

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South Africa is betting that rewriting decades-old money rules could unlock one of the biggest investment opportunities in emerging markets.

The country is planning its most significant financial reform in decades, aimed at attracting global capital, strengthening Johannesburg’s position as Africa’s leading financial hub, and making it easier for international investors to deploy funds into its economy.

According to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), the proposed changes could unlock as much as 10 trillion rand (about $607 billion) in investment over time, a potentially major boost for an economy that has struggled with weak growth, power shortages, and logistics challenges in recent years.

At the core of the plan is a sweeping overhaul of capital flow regulations. The reforms would replace exchange control laws dating back to 1961, with some provisions rooted as far back as the 1930s – rules originally designed for an era when governments tightly controlled currency movements and protected domestic reserves.

 

Speaking to Reuters, Vukile Davidson, deputy director-general for financial policy at National Treasury, said:

“At the time, exchange control was principally used to deal with a wide range of issues beyond just capital flows management.”

 

South Africa’s National Treasury has already published draft Capital Flow Management Regulations for public comment, marking one of the most significant shifts in financial policy since the dismantling of apartheid-era controls.

The proposals include allowing foreign-currency funds to operate locally instead of offshore, a move that could bring capital and asset management activity back into the country.

For investors, this signals a more accommodating stance from a country whose markets already dominate much of sub-Saharan Africa. South Africa hosts the continent’s largest stock exchange, one of its deepest bond markets, and highly developed banking and legal systems.

The reforms would also, for the first time, formally incorporate crypto assets into the capital controls framework. Large crypto transactions would likely be required to pass through approved intermediaries while substantial holdings and transfers could be subject to disclosure requirements.

 

REGULATION | Crypto Assets To Be Formally Incorporated into the South Africa Capital Flow Management

 

The timing is important as South Africa is one of Africa’s leading crypto markets. This coincides with the need for global investors search for yield outside developed markets amidst geopolitical tensions and shifting supply chains that are ultimately restructuring capital flows.

Currently, funds that raise or report in dollars or euros must be domiciled offshore despite investment decisions being made in Johannesburg. This decision has helped financial hubs like

Mauritius

Dubai

Nairobi

Kigali

attract firms, skills, and tax revenue from South Africa.

Overall, the reform effort reflects a broader push by the government to

modernize its financial system,

attract long-term investment, and

better position South Africa

in an increasingly competitive global capital market.

 

TAXATION | The South African Revenue Service Publishes New Crypto Reporting Rules

 

 

 

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_________________________________________

Damisa, the B2B cross-border payment and settlement platform built for emerging-market corridors, has announced a strategic partnership with dLocal, the leading cross-border payment platform connecting global merchants to emerging markets, to expand local payment settlement across Asia-Pacific.

The partnership connects Damisa to dLocal’s established local payment rails across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region through a single integration. This gives Damisa’s merchant base access to local bank transfers across key markets through the same platform they already use. No additional technical integration is required for existing customers.

The expanded APAC coverage enables settlement directly into local bank accounts without the operational overhead of managing multiple provider relationships.

 

 

Emerging market challenges

Businesses operating across emerging-market corridors continue to face slow, unreliable, and costly cross-border settlement. Through this partnership, Damisa customers gain access to local APAC payment capabilities with one transparent fee, real-time tracking and settlement in hours, not days.

Damisa enables businesses to collect, hold and pay out in both fiat and stablecoins across more than 70 currencies, settling via regulated stablecoin rails while keeping the blockchain layer invisible to the end user.

dLocal enables businesses to pay and get paid across emerging markets through direct connections to local acquirers, giving access to 1,000+ local payment methods (cards, bank transfers, eWallets, and mobile money) without setting up local entities or managing separate processors. Their infrastructure handles the final mile of settlement, depositing funds directly into local bank accounts without the routing delays associated with traditional correspondent chains.

ACQUISITION | Latin American Payments Firm, dLocal, to Acquire Africa’s Crypto Remittance Fintech, AZA Finance (Formerly BitPesa)

dLocal brings proven local rail access and regulatory expertise in the APAC markets where it operates, accelerating Damisa’s regional expansion. In turn, Damisa’s growing B2B merchant base opens new settlement demand and commercial opportunity for dLocal’s network across the region.

Says Thomas Pinter, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer at Damisa:

 

“APAC represents one of the most significant opportunities in global B2B payments, and dLocal gives us the local rail access and regulatory footing in the APAC markets where it operates to move quickly and responsibly in the region. This partnership means our customers can reach new markets without any additional integration on their side. That is the kind of seamless expansion we are building Damisa to deliver.”

 

Says Richard Healy, Commercial VP (APAC) at dLocal:

 

“Cross-border settlement in APAC can be complex. Fragmented rails, local compliance requirements, in-country operational demands. That is exactly what our infrastructure is built to absorb. Damisa is building for corridors that have been underserved for too long, and this partnership gives them the foundation to do it at scale.”

 

 

The APAC cross-border commerce market is projected to exceed US$4 trillion by 2028, making it one of the most significant growth opportunities in global payments. With demand rising for fast, reliable, and compliant B2B settlement infrastructure, Damisa and dLocal are positioned to support businesses moving money at scale across the region.

 

 

___________

About Damisa

Damisa is a B2B cross-border payment and settlement platform built for emerging-market corridors. The platform enables businesses to collect, hold, and pay out in both fiat and stablecoins across 70+ currencies, with one transparent fee, real-time tracking, and settlement in hours, not days. Damisa is a regulated EU VASP with additional licences in progress.

 

 

About dLocal

dLocal builds financial infrastructure for markets of the future, connecting global enterprises with billions of emerging market consumers in more than 40 countries across high‑growth markets in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. Through the “One dLocal” concept (one direct API, one platform, and one contract), global companies can accept payments, send payouts, and settle funds globally without the need to manage multiple local entities and integrations.

For more information, visit www.dlocal.com.

 

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

 

 

 

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MiniPay, Opera’s self-custodial stablecoin wallet built on Celo, the Ethereum Layer 2, has introduced a new performance-based incentive program for Mini App developers, backed by up to $1 million in CELO and ecosystem grants.

The initiative is launching alongside the Mini App Roadshow, a global effort aimed at expanding support for local builders across emerging markets.

The program builds on MiniPay’s existing support for developers by adding structured financial incentives and increased in-person engagement as the ecosystem continues to scale beyond 400 million transactions.

At its core, the incentive model rewards builders based on actual onchain activity.

Developers who create Mini Apps that drive real transaction usage within MiniPay can qualify for grants distributed in CELO and other ecosystem resources. Unlike traditional funding models, there is

no committee review,

pitch competition, or

subjective selection process.

Instead, rewards are tied directly to measurable utility and usage.

In addition to financial incentives, selected builders receive

fully funded growth campaigns,

co-branded promotion across MiniPay and Opera platforms, and

hands-on support spanning product development, business strategy, and design.

The Mini App Roadshow extends this effort through in-person engagement, including community meetups, workshops, and curated founder events organized with Celo contributors and Opera teams. The goal is to identify and support local developers building products tailored to how users in their markets interact with digital financial tools.

These sessions are designed to help founders move from concept to launch while tapping into MiniPay’s user base of over 15 million wallets.

 

STABLECOINS | Tether Expands USDT Stablecoin Use in Emerging Markets Through MiniPay After LATAM Pilot

As of December 2025, @minipay reported 7 million phone-verified USDT wallets and saw roughly 300,000 unique USDT buyers in that month.

Recall that in November 2025, #MiniPay…

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) February 3, 2026

The initiative comes as stablecoin adoption continues to accelerate, with transaction volumes surpassing $33 trillion in 2025. Much of this growth is concentrated in emerging markets where currency volatility and limited access to traditional banking make stable digital money increasingly relevant.

 

[TECH] STABLECOINS | The Stablecoin Market Cap Surpass $320 Billion as Yield-Bearing Stables Vastly Outpace the Market: Dollar-pegged stablecoins have surged to a record $320 billion in supply, underscoring .. https://t.co/J4J50hPVqC via @BitcoinKE

— Top Kenyan Blogs (@Blogs_Kenya) April 20, 2026

MiniPay’s Mini App ecosystem is designed to expand financial access by embedding third-party services directly within the wallet. Users can pay bills, purchase airtime, access local commerce, and more without leaving the app. Since its launch in 2023, MiniPay has grown to more than 15 million activated wallets across over 66 countries, supporting around 50 Mini Apps and generating over 400 million transactions.

 

AFRICA TECH SUMMIT 2025 | MiniPay Wins Web3 Award as it Surpasses 5 Million Activations in the Global South

 

The company emphasizes that scale alone does not guarantee local relevance. Different regions have unique behaviors and needs, which are best addressed by builders who understand their own communities. The Mini App framework is intended to enable these local solutions.

Early traction in Africa highlights this approach. BitGifty, launched from a hackathon without a marketing budget, reached more than one million users across ten countries and recorded over 800,000 transactions within MiniPay.

Another example, the Buy Gold Mini App, attracted hundreds of thousands of users within weeks of launch.

With the roadshow, MiniPay aims to replicate this model across other emerging markets by identifying local founders and supporting them as they bring relevant products to market.

For early-stage developers, challenges such as distribution and payments infrastructure typically require months of effort before reaching users. MiniPay addresses this by providing an integrated ecosystem where these components are already in place, alongside product, business development, and marketing support from Opera’s global experience.

Combined with Celo’s infrastructure, the platform allows developers to launch with immediate access to a large user base. Through integrations with third-party partners, users can also access additional services such as on-ramps, off-ramps, and payment solutions within the MiniPay environment.

 

How Opera’s MiniPay is Serving as a Distribution Channel for African Blockchain Startups

 

 

 

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UK authorities have carried out their first coordinated crackdown on suspected illegal peer-to-peer crypto trading, sending a clear message: once crypto activity starts to look like a business, the state expects identification, monitoring, record-keeping, and accountability.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), working alongside police and tax officials, visited eight London addresses linked to suspected unregistered crypto trading and issued cease-and-desist letters. Evidence collected during the raids is now feeding into ongoing criminal investigations, and notably, there are currently no FCA-registered peer-to-peer crypto traders in the UK.

CRYPTO CRIME | The United Kingdom Regulatory Watchdog Carries Out First Crackdown on Illegal P2P Crypto Trading

 

The operation highlights a growing tension: peer-to-peer crypto has long represented both freedom and risk.

To regulators, it resembles a blind spot – a system with fewer identity checks, limited records, and easier movement between cash, bank transfers, wallets, and stablecoins.

To users, however, that same structure is often the point. It allows direct exchange without relying on banks or centralized platforms, preserving privacy and autonomy.

REGULATION | UK Government Strategy Paper Says Fraud Accounts for Almost 50% of Offences – Labels Crypto a ‘Growing Risk’

Why Authorities are Stepping In

The core issue is anti-money laundering enforcement. When crypto trading becomes a business, it falls into the same category as other financial services. That means firms are expected to:

Verify customer identities

Monitor transactions

Keep detailed records

Report suspicious activity

These requirements are designed to prevent stolen funds, fraud proceeds, sanctions evasion, and terrorist financing from moving through what appear to be ordinary transactions.

From the FCA’s perspective, an unregistered peer-to-peer desk poses the same risks as any unlicensed money-services business: it can convert illicit cash into digital assets and back again, with limited oversight.

The FCA’s anti-money-laundering (#AML) regime explicitly names “cryptoasset exchange providers,” including #P2P providers, as firms that can fall inside the rules.

A person who #repeatedly #buys and #sells #crypto for others, advertises a service, handles customer money, or… pic.twitter.com/ncRFWFk9CM

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) April 27, 2026

Crypto Ecosystem Slowly Resembling the Financial System 

The crackdown raises a broader concern. As crypto is forced into compliance with traditional financial rules, it begins to resemble the system it was originally built to bypass.

Making crypto safer, in practice, often means making it:

more traceable by holding and transferring value through recognized and permissioned institutions.

less accessible by making it available to the unbanked, those who lack standard documentation, those who live between jurisdictions, or work in cash-heavy industries.

less private by linking a real person to a wallet, a bank account, a device, and a trading history.

But reducing those controls would reopen the very risks regulators are trying to contain.

This creates a difficult trade-off:

More regulation brings legitimacy and safety

Less regulation preserves privacy and financial independence

The UK raids make that tension explicit. They don’t just target illegal activity, they also narrow the space where crypto can function outside the boundaries of the traditional financial system.

The UK is definitely right on the law and on enforcement that makes crypto more like a financial system that is easy to monitor, track, and control.

 

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

 

 

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Money transfer giant, Western Union, is targeting a May 2026 rollout for its USD-backed stablecoin, USDPT, as it accelerates its push into digital assets.

The company is preparing to launch the token as part of a broader strategy to modernize cross-border payments and compete with crypto-native remittance solutions. USDPT will run on the Solana blockchain and is being developed in partnership with infrastructure provider, Crossmint.

 

“At the foundation of our strategy is USDPT, our U.S dollar-backed stablecoin. USDPT is now in its final stages of readiness and is expected to go live next month,” said Western Union President and CEO, Devin McGranahan..

PRESS RELEASE | Crossmint Partners with Western Union to Support USDPT Stablecoin and Digital Asset Network on Solana

The stablecoin is designed to enable faster and cheaper global money transfers while also allowing users to hold and move digital dollars more efficiently. Western Union plans to integrate USDPT into its existing network, giving customers the ability to convert between digital assets and local currencies across its global payout system.

STABLECOINS | @WesternUnion to Introduce ‘Stable Cards’ in High-Inflation Economies as Part of its #Stablecoin Strategy

The stable card is envisioned for its value retention benefits for users in inflation-hit countries.https://t.co/hBr45y9a0b @solana @yellowcard_app pic.twitter.com/m5ZwoIGGv8

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) December 6, 2025

The rollout, expected as early as May 2026, reflects the company’s broader shift toward blockchain-based infrastructure as it looks to improve settlement speeds, reduce costs, and unlock new revenue streams tied to stablecoin usage.

PRESS RELEASE | Western Union Unveils ‘Beyond’ Strategy to Grow Revenue By 20%+ in 3 Years Partly Driven by its Stablecoin Strategy

Western Union has indicated that stablecoins could also help it manage liquidity more efficiently by earning returns on the funds backing the token, while maintaining compliance across the more than 200 countries where it operates.

While USDPT will debut globally, the company has long identified Sub-Saharan Africa, especially

Nigeria,

Kenya, and

South Africa

as strategically vital markets, ranking only behind the UAE and Saudi Arabia within its broader Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) network.

The move places the 175-year-old firm among a growing number of traditional financial players exploring stablecoins as a bridge between fiat and digital finance.

 

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

 

 

 

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_________________________________________

Decentralized finance (DeFi) has shed roughly $13 billion in value in April 2026 with the fallout from the Kelp DAO exploit highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of the ecosystem.

At the center of the response is a coordinated rescue effort that has already gathered tens of thousands of ETH, effectively acting as an industry-led recapitalization mechanism for rsETH. The initiative, organized under ‘DeFi United,’ represents the closest the sector has come to building a lender of last resort without relying on regulators, central banks, or formal mandates.

#DeFi lending platform, @aave, is rallying the DeFi ecosystem under a coordinated effort it’s calling “DeFi United” to help make users whole after the April 18, 2026 @KelpDAO bridge exploit left $rsETH – a liquid #restaking token – underbacked, putting funds at risk across…

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) April 24, 2026

Data from the initiative shows more than 100,000 ETH raised from hundreds of wallets across over a thousand transactions, all aimed at restoring the backing of rsETH.

The original shortfall tied to rsETH was estimated at around 163,000 ETH. However, a combination of recoveries and defensive actions, including

funds reclaimed from Kelp DAO, assets frozen by the Arbitrum Security Council,

proceeds from AAVE liquidations, and

contributions from other protocols

has reduced the remaining gap by over 90%.

Current commitments cover the majority of that deficit bringing the system close to full recapitalization on paper.

Still, much of the pledged support depends on pending governance approvals and undisclosed contributions leaving some uncertainty around the final outcome.

The broader crisis was triggered by a roughly $290 million exploit of Kelp DAO’s cross-chain infrastructure which allowed attackers to manipulate collateral and extract liquidity across multiple lending protocols. The incident led to a sharp contraction in DeFi total value locked with billions exiting the ecosystem in a matter of days.

While the rapid coordination among protocols demonstrates DeFi’s ability to respond collectively in times of stress, the episode also exposes persistent structural risks, particularly around cross-chain infrastructure, collateral design, and the system’s reliance on ad hoc interventions during crises.

 

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

 

 

 

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___________________________________________

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has warned that cryptocurrency exchanges are increasingly operating like “shadow banks,” offering services that resemble traditional banking but without comparable safeguards, according to a recent report.

The BIS said many crypto exchanges now provide lending and yield-generating products that function similarly to bank deposits, yet lack protections such as deposit insurance and prudential oversight.

These platforms are effectively

taking in customer assets,

promising returns, and then

deploying those funds into lending, trading, or other activities

exposing users to credit, liquidity and maturity risks typically associated with banking.

[TECH] REGULATION | Bank of International Settlements (BIS) Urges Regulation Amid Rising Systemic Risks from DeFi: The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has issued a stark warning in its April 15 repo.. https://t.co/M7npOwUGBA via @BitcoinKE

— Top Kenyan Blogs (@Blogs_Kenya) April 29, 2025

A key concern highlighted in the report is that so-called “yield” products are, in substance, unsecured loans from users to exchanges. This leaves customers with limited protection if a platform fails, unlike traditional bank depositors who benefit from regulatory safeguards.

DeFi | Liquid Restaking Protocol, Kelp DAO, Compromised Loosing ~$300 Million

The BIS also warned that the combination of

high leverage,

opaque balance sheets and

the reuse of customer collateral

could amplify systemic risks, drawing parallels to past financial crises.

Events such as the collapse of major crypto firms and large-scale market liquidations were cited as examples of how these vulnerabilities can materialize.

MILESTONE | Crypto Markets Record the Largest Single-Day Liquidation Event in History

The sudden crash exposed the structural weaknesses of the crypto market — where high leverage, thin order books, and concentrated liquidity often magnify price shocks.https://t.co/PsNw0oiFsW pic.twitter.com/aS8cbLyzw4

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) October 11, 2025

Ultimately, the BIS cautioned that as crypto exchanges expand their financial intermediation roles, they may replicate the risks of the traditional shadow banking system raising concerns for financial stability if left insufficiently regulated.

 

REGULATION | Why U.S Banks Want the Ban on Stablecoin Yields Extended to 3rd Party Entities

 

 

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_________________________________________

Cryptocurrency systems are better suited for artificial intelligence agents than human users, the chief executive of blockchain infrastructure firm, Alchemy, said, arguing that the design of digital assets aligns more closely with machine-based activity than traditional finance.

 

Nikil Viswanathan, Alchemy’s Co-Founder and CEO, said the global financial system was built around human constraints such as geography, banking hours and physical identity, which are increasingly incompatible with autonomous AI systems that operate continuously and without location.

“Crypto matches how agents operate,” Viswanathan said, describing blockchain networks as borderless, always-on and fully digital, making them a more natural fit for software-driven economic actors.

 

He added that AI agents, which can transact, manage funds and execute tasks independently, do not rely on traditional tools like bank accounts or credit cards, highlighting a growing mismatch between legacy financial infrastructure and emerging machine-led commerce.

EXPERT OPINION | Why AI Agents in Commerce Will Use Both Cards and Stablecoins

The comments come as industry players increasingly explore the role of AI in payments and decentralized finance with some firms already building systems that allow autonomous agents to carry out transactions without human intervention.

AI | VISA Unveils Platform Enabling AI Agents to Make Purchases and Payments

The move reflects a growing industry push to support AI-driven shopping where digital assistants can search for products, compare prices and execute payments automatically, a shift Visa expects to gain… pic.twitter.com/blCkQaALwz

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) April 9, 2026

Viswanathan’s remarks underscore a broader shift in the crypto sector where developers are beginning to design products not just for individual users but for AI systems expected to play a larger role in the digital economy.

 

INTRODUCING | Automated Payments for Crypto Using AI Agents Are Finally Here

 

 

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___________________________________________

Nigerian cryptocurrency startups are expanding beyond their core retail trading businesses as shrinking margins, rising competition and shifting user behavior force firms to diversify revenue streams, according to a report by tech outlet, TechCabal.

Startups in Africa’s largest crypto market initially built their models around helping individuals buy and sell digital assets with peer-to-peer (P2P) trading surging after the Central Bank of Nigeria restricted banks from facilitating crypto transactions in 2021.

REPORT | Most Nigerian Crypto Investors Earn Below ~$200 Monthly, Says Nigerian Crypto Exchange, Quidax

But intensifying competition from both local platforms and global exchanges has eroded profitability in retail trading pushing companies including

Busha,

Roqqu,

Dantown,

Luno and

Blockchain.com

to broaden their offerings.

REGULATION | Nigerian Crypto Exchange, Quidax, Reportedly Pulls Plug on P2P Trading Amid Nigeria’s Tightening Crypto Regime

Some firms are shifting toward business-focused services or abandoning retail trading altogether. Others are introducing payment-related features such as bill payments and airtime purchases aiming to generate steadier activity that is less dependent on crypto price cycles.

Over-the-counter (OTC) trading desks which cater to high-volume clients and institutions have also emerged as an alternative revenue stream. However, competition in that segment has compressed margins limiting its effectiveness as a profit buffer.

Industry operators say the move toward multiple product lines reflects a broader shift in Nigeria’s crypto sector where firms are seeking more predictable income sources in a market still marked by volatility.

The strategy underscores a growing consensus among startups that long-term sustainability will depend on building businesses beyond retail trading even as Nigeria remains one of the largest crypto markets in Africa by volume.

 

MARKET ANALYSIS | ‘There is No Retail Interest in Crypto Right Now,’ Say Analysts

 

 

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Brazil’s government has announced the blocking of prediction market platforms operating in the country arguing that these services fall outside the current legal framework and function similarly to illegal betting.

The decision, presented by the Ministry of Finance, confirms that prediction markets – platforms that allow users to wager on real-world events – are not permitted under Brazilian law. Authorities stated that these platforms do not comply with regulations governing betting and financial markets and therefore cannot operate legally in the country.

 

“We have been monitoring the evolution of this sector in Brazil, which suffered a period of anarchy because there were no rules, no oversight, from 2018 to 2022,” stated the Minister of Finance.

“Therefore, the conclusion reached by the Ministry of Finance, together with the other ministries of President Lula’s government, is that prediction markets are neither legal nor regulated in Brazil.”

REGULATION | ‘Gambling by Another Name is Still Gambling,’ Says New York as It Sues Coinbase, Gemini Over Prediction Markets Offerings

According to the government, enforcement has already begun with the national telecommunications regulator taking steps to block access to dozens of such platforms. Officials warned that any new services offering similar products would face the same measures.

The move is part of a broader effort to curb what authorities describe as ‘bet-like’ products disguised as financial instruments. Regulators argue that contracts tied to outcomes such as political events, sports, or other real-world developments resemble gambling and are not covered under existing legislation.

 

“The measure aims to prevent the consolidation of a new betting market, the so-called prediction market, to stop it from becoming uncontrolled.

From our point of view, if this were to happen, it would pose enormous risks to the Brazilian population,” highlighted the Chief of Staff, Miriam Belchior.

Finance Minister, Dario Durigan, said the platforms operate outside rules approved by Congress, emphasizing that prediction markets are neither regulated nor authorized in Brazil.

 

“The measure aims to prevent the consolidation of a new betting market, the so-called prediction market, to stop it from becoming uncontrolled.

From our point of view, if this were to happen, it would pose enormous risks to the Brazilian population,” highlighted the Chief of Staff, Miriam Belchior.

 

The government also framed the crackdown as a consumer protection measure citing risks such as financial losses and the unchecked growth of unregulated betting activities.

REGULATION | Gambling Rules Apply to Prediction Markets, Warns Major League Baseball of America

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What is Predictive Marketing?

The prediction market functions like a kind of “betting exchange” on future events. In it, people buy and sell financial contracts based on simple questions like “Will it happen or not?”

If the event happens, the person who bet wins money. If it doesn’t happen, they lose. These contracts are called derivatives in financial market jargon.

 

Leading Prediction Markets Platforms Moving into Mainstream Derivatives Trading

 

 

 

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South Africa’s National Treasury has published draft regulations aimed at tightening oversight of cryptocurrencies by bringing them under the country’s existing exchange control framework.

The proposed Capital Flow Management Regulations, 2026 seek to subject crypto transactions to similar rules that govern the movement of money across borders, marking a significant shift in how digital assets are regulated in Africa’s most developed economy.

REGULATION | Crypto Assets To Be Formally Incorporated into the South Africa Capital Flow Management

Under the draft rules, certain crypto transactions could face reporting requirements, limits, and compliance obligations, particularly for cross-border activity. Authorities say the move is intended to address risks such as money laundering, terrorist financing, and illicit financial flows linked to digital assets.

The proposal would also require clearer disclosure of crypto holdings and could impose administrative penalties for non-compliance, as regulators push to align crypto activity with traditional financial oversight mechanisms.

Breaching the rules attracts fines of ~$60,000 and prison terms of up to 5 years.

Additional provisions under discussion include stricter controls on large transactions and the possibility of requiring users to declare crypto assets above a certain threshold, though details on these limits have not yet been finalized.

Crypto holders above a yet-unspecified threshold would be required to declare investments to the treasury within 30 days.

An “enforcement officer” would be empowered to search any items in a person’s possession or control to determine whether they hold currency or crypto assets—raising the possibility that individuals could be compelled to disclose their seed phrases and reveal their digital asset balances.

The draft regulations are open for public comment for a limited period, after which revisions may be made before any final framework is adopted.

 

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

 

 

 

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Tennessee has banned cryptocurrency ATMs statewide, becoming the second U.S. state after Indiana to impose a full prohibition as authorities intensify efforts to combat fraud linked to the machines.

Governor Bill Lee signed the measure into law in early April 2026, with the ban set to take effect on July 1 2026. The legislation makes it a criminal offense to operate or host crypto ATMs, with violations classified as misdemeanors that could carry fines and potential jail time.

Lawmakers said the move targets a surge in scams tied to the kiosks which allow users to convert cash into digital assets. Officials have warned that such machines are frequently exploited by fraudsters, particularly in schemes targeting older residents who are pressured into sending funds that are difficult to recover.

The decision follows a similar ban in Indiana earlier in 2026, reflecting a growing trend among U.S. states to clamp down on crypto ATM-related fraud even as broader digital asset adoption expands.

While most states have opted for tighter regulations such as transaction limits and licensing requirements, outright bans remain rare, underscoring the increasing scrutiny of retail crypto access points amid rising consumer losses.

 

SOUTH AFRICA | Leading American Crypto ATM Firm, CoinFlip, Installs 9 Crypto ATMs in South Africa

 

 

 

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Stablecoins could transform Africa’s fragmented and costly payments landscape, but

weak infrastructure,

regulatory gaps and

limited real-world applications

risk slowing adoption, according to a new report by fintech firm Onafriq.

The whitepaper by the Pan-African fintech, Onafriq, argues that dollar-pegged digital currencies have the potential to make cross-border transactions faster, cheaper and more accessible, particularly in a region where sending money remains among the most expensive globally.

Average remittance costs to sub-Saharan Africa exceed 8%, well above the global average, the report said.

REPORT | Sub-Saharan Africa Remains the Most Expensive Region for Sending Remittances, Says Latest World Bank Research

Stablecoins can significantly reduce settlement times, enabling near-instant transfers compared with the days often required by traditional banking systems. However, the report highlights that users still face high “on-ramp” and “off-ramp” costs when converting between digital assets and local currencies, limiting their practical benefits.

 

“Users have simply traded one set of problems for another,” the authors noted, pointing to fees, delays and counterparty risks when converting stablecoins into usable cash.

 

Despite these challenges, adoption is growing. Stablecoins account for roughly 43% of cryptocurrency transaction volume in sub-Saharan Africa, driven largely by demand for faster and cheaper cross-border payments, according to industry data cited in the report.

REPORT | Stablecoins Now Account for 43% of All Sub-Saharan Africa Crypto Transactions, Says Quidax

The study compares the current state of stablecoins to the early internet era, arguing that infrastructure must mature before widespread adoption can occur. Key gaps include

inconsistent internet access,

complex blockchain protocols,

limited user-friendly wallets and

a lack of harmonised regulation across African markets.

Regulation remains the most critical barrier, the report said. While jurisdictions such as the United States, European Union and Japan have introduced frameworks for stablecoins, most African countries lack clear rules, creating uncertainty for businesses and consumers.

The absence of regulation also raises risks, including potential “digital dollarisation,” where widespread use of foreign-issued stablecoins could weaken local currencies and banking systems.

EXPERT ANALYSIS | ‘In Emerging Markets, High Penetration of USD-Linked Stablecoins in Particular, Weaken Monetary Transmission,’ Warns Moody’s Ratings

Still, the report outlines three potential high-impact use cases: a pan-African payment network enabling seamless cross-border trade, stablecoin-based savings products for the unbanked, and programmable money for sectors such as agriculture and supply chains.

To unlock these opportunities, the authors call for coordinated action between regulators, financial institutions and technology firms, including clearer licensing regimes, stronger infrastructure and the development of locally issued stablecoins.

“Stablecoins are having their ‘1995 internet moment,’” the report said, adding that Africa has a chance to shape the technology’s evolution rather than remain a passive adopter.

 

STABLECOINS | Africa Sees Highest Stablecoin Conversion Spreads, January 2026 Data Shows

 

 

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A hacked version of a popular password manager tool briefly exposed developers to a cyberattack that could have given criminals access to sensitive online accounts, security researchers said.

The affected tool, made by Bitwarden, was distributed through a public software library for about 93 minutes before it was removed.

Researchers said the malicious version did not steal stored passwords directly. Instead, it targeted the computers of people installing it, trying to collect login credentials such as access keys for GitHub and cloud services.

Those credentials could allow attackers to break into company systems, change code, or take control of software projects.

Bitwarden said there was no evidence that its core systems or user password vaults were affected.

Security experts say the incident highlights a growing trend where hackers target trusted software distribution channels, turning legitimate tools into entry points for wider attacks.

 

REPORT | Web3 Hacks Hit Over $480 Million in Losses in Q1 2026 Driven by Social Engineering Attacks, Says Hacken

 

 

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More than $5 billion worth of USDT has entered circulation in recent weeks providing fresh liquidity that traders say is flowing into crypto markets and helping lift prices. The expansion marks one of the fastest growth periods for the dollar-pegged stablecoin in months.

USDT market cap grew 5B+ in less than 15 days.

Mainstream media

— Paolo Ardoino (@paoloardoino) April 24, 2026

USDT is widely used as a primary on-ramp for crypto trading, particularly on offshore exchanges where it often substitutes for the U.S. dollar. Analysts note that increases in its supply have historically coincided with upward momentum in bitcoin and other digital assets.

Market participants say the latest issuance wave suggests renewed demand for crypto exposure, with investors deploying stablecoins as dry powder before rotating into higher-risk assets. This liquidity injection has helped push Bitcoin closer to key resistance levels putting it on course for its best monthly gain since early 2025.

~45% of the entire $USDT supply is on the #TRON network.@tether @paoloardoino pic.twitter.com/PYWR8Lbs1j

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) April 25, 2026

The growth in USDT supply also reflects improving sentiment following months of subdued activity with traders re-entering the market amid expectations of favorable macro conditions and continued institutional interest.

While some analysts caution that stablecoin issuance alone does not guarantee sustained price increases, the scale and growth of USDT expansion is being closely watched as a leading indicator of market direction.

Overall, the recent rebound underscores the outsized role of USDT in the crypto ecosystem where its liquidity continues to act as a key driver of price action across digital asset markets.

 

STABLECOINS | The Stablecoin Market Cap Surpass $320 Billion as Yield-Bearing Stables Vastly Outpace the Market

 

 

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The European Central Bank (ECB) is working to lower the cost of introducing a digital uEro by promoting the use of common technical standards, even as banks warn they could face billions of euros in implementation expenses.

The ECB said it has reached agreements with European standard-setting bodies to reuse existing payment frameworks, aiming to simplify how financial institutions integrate the planned central bank digital currency and create a uniform user experience across the euro area.

The standards include:

CPACE standards, developed by ECPC, support contactless “tap‑to‑pay” payments using near‑field communication between a payment device and a payment terminal;

Nexo standards specifications connect merchants’ systems with the back-end systems of payment service providers and acquirers. They are used, for example, to support payment acceptance and cash-machine transactions;

Berlin Group standards allow payments to be made using an alias (such as a mobile phone number) and support balance checks and reconciliation across mobile devices and payment acceptance in areas like digital euro transactions initiated in merchant apps on smartphones.

 

The move is designed to reduce one of the key barriers to adoption by allowing banks and payment providers to build on current infrastructure and enable the European payment schemes to expand geographically and diversify use cases rather than developing entirely new systems.

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

For example, a national card scheme could expand its operations to point-of-sale (POS) environments outside its home market without requiring technical POS terminal upgrades.

However, the central bank acknowledged that the initiative would only mitigate, not eliminate, the broader financial burden associated with the project. Banks are still expected to invest heavily in

upgrading core systems,

compliance processes and

payment infrastructure.

Earlier estimates cited by the ECB indicate that euro zone

banks,

merchants, and

payment service providers

could incur costs of between four to six billion euros over four years to prepare for a potential rollout.

STABLECOINS | Financial Institutions and Corporate Treasury Teams Driving Stablecoin Adoption in Europe

Rather than developing solutions in-house, banks are increasingly collaborating with crypto-native firms, custody providers, and payment infrastructure companies to… pic.twitter.com/aftgcS91be

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) April 13, 2026

The standards push comes as the ECB prepares the technical groundwork ahead of a possible pilot phase with officials seeking early coordination among payment providers, merchants and regulators.

Despite efforts to streamline implementation, industry groups have cautioned that the overall cost remains significant, with additional expenses tied to

software upgrades,

certification requirements and

changes to payment terminals and ATMs.

The digital Euro, first proposed in 2021, is intended to complement cash and existing electronic payments, with a potential launch later this decade pending legislative approval.

 

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

 

 

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