ECB Sets Mid-2026 Deadline for Digital Euro Regulatory Framework

Published at 2026-03-25 12:00:32

The European Central Bank has advanced its digital euro project by announcing a framework of Europe-wide standards expected to be finalised by mid-2026. The framework is designed to help banks, payment processors and other financial service providers update systems, interfaces and compliance processes in anticipation of any formal decision to issue a digital euro.

While the announcement stops short of a commitment to issue a central bank digital currency, the clear timetable reduces market uncertainty and aims to limit fragmentation across member states. For the payments industry, clearer rules mean faster integration, better interoperability and a smoother operational path if policymakers later approve issuance.

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Exodus has launched 'Exodus Pay,' enabling users to spend BTC directly from their self-custodial wallet. The update aims to make holding and spending Bitcoin more seamless without moving funds to custodial services.

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Published at 2026-04-10 16:45:35

Circle Defends USDC Freezes Following $270M Drift Protocol Hack

Circle’s CEO defended the company’s authority to freeze USDC after the $270 million Drift Protocol exploit and urged faster legal frameworks to enable rapid, lawful responses to crypto hacks.

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Published at 2026-04-10 12:45:08

Russia to Ban Cash-for-Crypto Trades, Require Bank-Mediated Transactions

Russia will prohibit cash-for-crypto transactions and require trades to go through cashless, bank-mediated channels, a senior central bank official said. The measure is meant to increase oversight of crypto-related flows and clamp down on informal peer-to-peer markets.

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Published at 2026-04-10 11:30:09

Kraken's Federal Reserve master account raises U.S. financial risk concerns

Kraken has secured a master account with the Federal Reserve, but the risk-mitigation conditions tied to the account — and similar approvals that may follow — could introduce new vulnerabilities in the U.S. financial system.

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Published at 2026-04-10 10:15:08

HSBC, Standard Chartered Secure Hong Kong's First Stablecoin Licenses

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has granted HSBC and Standard Chartered Group the first licenses under the territory’s Stablecoins Ordinance, which took effect in August 2025. The approvals mark a regulatory milestone that could accelerate bank-led stablecoin activity in the region.