The global crypto market is wrapping up a transformative year. While Bitcoin has retreated from its October all-time high of $126,000, the industry is moving toward formal institutional integration.
United States: The GENIUS Act passed earlier this year, establishing the first federal stablecoin framework. The SEC has shifted from "litigation-based enforcement" to a "rules-first" approach. Currently, markets are reacting to potential 100% tariffs on China, which recently triggered a significant market liquidation.
European Union: The MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) regulation is now fully operational across all 27 member states. Austria has mandated that any crypto provider without a MiCA license must cease operations by today, Dec 31.
Switzerland: The country issued its first DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) trading facility license and is introducing new crypto tax reporting standards.
UAE: Dubai and Abu Dhabi have expanded licensing for major stablecoins, maintaining their position as a primary global crypto hub.
Australia: A landmark court ruling this year classified Bitcoin as cash rather than an investment asset, exempting it from capital gains tax.
Hong Kong: The region launched a benchmark stablecoin framework in August and is preparing major tax cuts to attract domestic crypto markets.
Philippines: The central bank (BSP) has extended its moratorium on new Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) licenses indefinitely due to risk concerns.
Market Sentiment: The "Fear & Greed Index" is currently at 21 (Extreme Fear), reflecting year-end caution following a volatile Q4.
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