DFSA Bans Privacy Coins and Tightens Stablecoin Rules in Dubai Crypto Overhaul

Binance plans to secure five additional operational licenses across the Asia-Pacific by the end of 2026, intensifying its regional expansion and regulatory engagement. The move follows the exchange's broader strategy to normalize local operations and grow product access.

A Bitcoin Policy Institute study of 36 AI models published March 3, 2026 found Bitcoin was the top monetary choice in 48% of responses, while payment-specific prompts saw over half of models favor stablecoins.

Donald Trump urged banking groups on March 3 to “strike a favorable deal” with the crypto industry and warned any effort to weaken the GENIUS Act is “unacceptable.” His intervention raises political pressure as lawmakers negotiate the stalled bill.

SoFi and Mastercard will support settlement in SoFiUSD across Mastercard’s global payments network, marking a move to integrate regulated U.S. dollar stablecoins into mainstream card infrastructure. The integration aims to speed settlement and expand on‑ramp/off‑ramp options for merchants and payment providers.

FATF warns stablecoins now account for the majority of illicit crypto activity, with peer-to-peer transfers enabling sanctions evasion and money laundering. The report signals a need for stronger AML controls and closer scrutiny of off-ramps and decentralized rails.