Regulation & Policy

MTN Nigeria has suspended its Xtratime service due to new regulatory compliance from the FCCPC. While normal purchases continue, the suspension aims to align with upcoming digital lending rules. The company does not foresee significant financial impact and will monitor user response.

Pakistan's central bank has opened its banking system to licensed virtual asset service providers, reversing a previous ban. This change, following the Virtual Assets Act 2026, allows crypto businesses access to banking services under strict regulations.

Elon Musk 的金融產品 X Money 預計於 4 月推出，可能顛覆美國支付市場，並對 PayPal 施加壓力，瑞穗證券已下調 PayPal 評級至「中性」。不過，監管變數成為主要挑戰，特別是針對加密貨幣支付及收益型產品的法律未明朗。X 亦推出「Cashtags」功能，整合即時金融數據。

A South Korean cryptocurrency exchange has added the SPURS token to its trading alert list due to poor market performance and investor risks. Deposits are temporarily suspended while the token is reviewed until July 16, 2026.

According to Nicholas Anthony of the Cato Institute's Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives, spending Bitcoin on everyday purchases creates an unexpected tax compliance nightmare. The IRS treats Bitcoin as property, not currency, meaning every transaction—even a $5 coffee

Tensions escalated between Tron founder Justin Sun and Trump-backed WLFI over a controversial governance proposal that penalizes dissenting voters. Sun criticized the proposal as coercive and absurd, alleging WLFI attempted to monopolize power.

Decentralized finance (DeFi) is under pressure as lending yields drop to levels similar to traditional bonds, blockchain activity declines, and a significant hack raises security concerns, challenging claims of institutional-grade safety.

The UK FCA has released a consultation on regulating stablecoins, trading platforms, and related services, closing on June 3, 2026. The new framework aims for implementation in 2027, as crypto regulation in the UK currently lags behind Europe.

France is implementing new measures to protect cryptocurrency holders in response to rising crime, including a prevention platform and stricter protocols. The country has seen a significant increase in crypto-related kidnappings, leading global incidents.

The Cato Institute criticizes U.S. bitcoin tax policies for complicating transactions and hindering adoption. They propose reforms like eliminating capital gains taxes on small crypto payments and increasing exemption thresholds for better usability.

The Central African Republic's parliament approved a cryptocurrency regulation bill, legalizing its use in financial markets while imposing strict penalties for offenses. The regulation aims to streamline remittances and provide access to digital currencies, despite concerns over crime and donor disbursements.

Senator Elizabeth Warren warned Elon Musk about risks tied to X Money's launch, focusing on consumer protection, national security, and financial stability, particularly with cryptocurrency features potentially increasing volatility and illicit finance.

JPMorgan's recent report indicates that negotiations on the U.S. CLARITY Act are close to finalization, with only 2-3 issues remaining. The act seeks to clarify regulations for digital assets but lacks a formal text and scheduled vote, leaving its future uncertain, especially if political shifts occur in 2026.

《CLARITY法案》未被參議院銀行委員會主席Tim Scott列入4月20日的審議議程。參議員Tom Tillis即將發布最新草案，涉及穩定幣收益率的妥協條款，Coinbase已轉為支持，銀行集團仍持反對意見。法案需通過多項步驟方能成法。

英格蘭銀行行長Andrew Bailey在IIF活動中指出，穩定幣的有效運作依賴用戶對全額贖回機制的信心，呼籲制定國際標準。美國則發布GENIUS法案，要求支付穩定幣發行商符合合規要求。韓國方面，Circle執行長表示無計劃推出韓元掛鉤穩定幣，並正關注當地立法辯論。

The Cato Institute urges the U.S. to abolish capital gains taxes on cryptocurrencies to simplify tax filing and enhance monetary competition. This move aims to encourage cryptocurrency use in transactions by lessening tax-related complexities.

Senator Elizabeth Warren has asked Elon Musk for details on X Money, a payments feature for X, raising concerns about stablecoin risks, regulatory issues, financial stability, and data privacy, with a response due by April 21, 2026.

韓國財政與經濟部於 4 月 16 日宣布，「利用區塊鏈數位貨幣執行國庫資金試點專案」已獲選為 2026 年由國家事務協調辦公室主辦的監管沙盒計畫。根據財政與經濟部公告，試點方案允許政府部門以區塊鏈「存款代幣」執行部分商業推廣費用，取代現行政府採購卡，計畫於 2026 年第四季優先在世宗市啟動，並依成果評估後續擴大範圍。

BIP-361, proposed by co-authors including Jameson Lopp, aims to secure early Bitcoin by migrating 1.7 million coins from weak P2PK addresses to stronger formats, allowing 3-5 years for users before freezing untransferred coins. Community responses vary significantly.