Author: Ian Mutwiri

OpenSea evolves beyond NFTs, aiming to become a universal onchain trading platform. Half of $SEA’s supply goes to users, reinforcing community-driven token distribution. Cross-chain integration and mobile features signal OpenSea’s shift toward seamless decentralized trading. OpenSea is embarking on a different era that is way beyond NFTs. The CEO of the company has claimed that the company is turning the platform into a universal destination to tokenized trading, a place to trade everything. After reaching its first milestone this month of trading volume of 2.6 billion, OpenSea solidified intentions to roll out its first native token, $SEA, along with one…

GESPA accuses FIFA Collect of running unlicensed gambling through NFT-based competitions. Only licensed operators like Sporttip can legally offer gambling in Switzerland. FIFA’s NFT platform faces growing legal scrutiny amid its blockchain transition plans. The Gambling Supervisory Authority of Switzerland (GESPA) has pressed criminal charges on the FIFA NFT platform based on blockchain technology, FIFA Collect. The regulator charges FIFA with the provision of gambling services without the relevant Swiss licenses. It states that the NFT competitions through the platform entail paid entry and winning based on luck. Hence, GESPA views such actions as gambling under the Federal Act on…

OKX expands collateral mirroring service with Standard Chartered to strengthen European crypto security. The partnership integrates bank-grade custody and exchange access, enhancing institutional trading confidence. MiCA license and regulated custody framework reinforce OKX’s long-term European market commitment. OKX Strengthens European Presence with Standard Chartered The move to open an alliance with Standard Chartered in the European Economic Area (EEA) is a major milestone by crypto exchange OKX in consolidating conventional banking norms with digital asset markets. The expansion builds on a pilot service launched in Dubai earlier this year, where OKX and Standard Chartered introduced a collateral mirroring program allowing…

FIU approval ends Binance’s two-year wait to finalize the GOPAX acquisition. Binance regains South Korean market access after resolving U.S. compliance disputes. GOPAX under Binance may challenge Upbit’s dominance in South Korea’s crypto sector. FIU Approval Ends Two-Year Delay in GOPAX Takeover The acquisition to acquire the South Korean virtual asset exchange GOPAX by Binance officially closed a long regulatory standstill. Industry sources officially noted on October 16 that the Financial Intelligence Unit sanctioned the long-awaited executive change request late Wednesday night, which completed the deal. Binance is potentially now the majority stakeholder, with 67% in GOPAX, having operational control…

Solana and Wavebridge partner to launch Korea’s first compliance-ready won-pegged stablecoin. The collaboration targets institutional adoption through regulated tokenization of KRW and MMF assets. South Korea’s new stablecoin framework accelerates blockchain integration across traditional financial institutions. Solana Foundation has collaborated with a blockchain infrastructure firm based in South Korea, Wavebridge, to develop a Korean won-pegged stablecoin to serve regulated financial markets. The partnership is expected to build a digital asset infrastructure that is ready to comply and can be used by institutions. The project would support the future stablecoin law in South Korea as well as the rising need of…

Crypto.com becomes first VASP in UAE to gain Central Bank payment approval. License enables digital government payments in dirhams and dirham-backed stablecoins. Approval strengthens UAE’s position as a regulated hub for digital asset innovation. UAE Central Bank Approves Crypto.com’s Payment License Operating under the brand name Crypto.com, Foris DAX Middle East FZ-LLC was considered to have the In-Principle Approval (IPA) of a Stored Value Facilities (SVF) license granted by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). This is the first Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in UAE to have such recognition. Upon the completion of the license, Crypto.com will settle…

Crypto ATM scams in Massachusetts surged, costing victims millions in unrecoverable losses. South Hadley officials propose a full ban to curb growing crypto-related fraud locally. State lawmakers advance bills to license operators and impose stricter consumer protections. The scam of crypto ATMs is rapidly spreading in Massachusetts, which is a concern among the local and state authorities. Fraudsters using these machines have stolen thousands of dollars owned by victims since they are operated using minimal supervision. According to law enforcers, the frauds are almost immeasurable and irreversible, and hence people may not have a chance to recover their money. Consequently,…

South Korea targets hidden crypto assets as cold wallet tax evasion cases rise. NTS uses advanced tracking software to trace and seize concealed digital wealth nationwide. Overseas crypto transfers complicate enforcement as 78.9 trillion won leaves domestic exchanges. South Korea Intensifies Crypto Tax Enforcement South Korea tax The National Tax Service (NTS) is increasing its crackdown on cryptocurrency-related tax evasion. The agency announced that it will now be able to trace coins in cold wallets and said that concealing the digital possessions offline would not make them unseizable. NTS representatives assured that they are able to search households and seize…

Abu Dhabi Airports and Al Hail Holding to pilot stablecoin and digital wallets. The initiative supports UAE’s digital economy vision through AI and cashless innovation. Xare’s technology enables seamless payments, enhancing traveler experience from arrival to departure. Abu Dhabi Airports and Al Hail Holding drive fintech innovation Abu Dhabi Airports and Al Hail Holding have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to consider the next-generation payment methods with the help of stablecoins and digital assets. The partnership aims at enhancing the reputation of the UAE as a global destination of tourism, fintech, and sustainable mobility. It is also in…

Roger Ver agrees to pay $48 million to settle U.S. tax fraud case. The deferred prosecution deal could drop charges if Ver meets all terms. Trump administration continues easing crypto enforcement amid political and legal controversies. Roger Ver Strikes Tentative Deal with U.S. Prosecutors The New York Times reported that Roger Ver, the notorious crypto investor, commonly referred to as the Bitcoin Jesus, entered into a provisional deal with the U.S. Department of Justice to settle a criminal tax offense. In 2024, the 46-year-old businessman was charged with not paying his taxes on his cryptocurrency assets, amounting to 48 million…