This week, crypto has seen a rollercoaster. Price fluctuations, global changes, and powerful regulatory moves.
It’s the mix of progress and pressure that defines the moment.
Here are the key moves you may have missed.
#1 Nine European Banks Join Forces for Euro Stablecoin
Nine major European banks – including ING, UniCredit, CaixaBank and Danske – are teaming up to launch a euro-denominated stablecoin under Europe’s MiCAR framework. A new consortium based in the Netherlands will seek approval from the Dutch Central Bank, with the launch set for late 2026. The stablecoin aims to power 24/7 cross-border payments, programmable finance and digital asset settlements.
As ING’s Floris Lugt put it: “This development requires an industry-wide approach, and it’s imperative that banks adopt the same standards.”
Crypto.com has denied fresh claims that it hid a 2023 data breach from regulators. Bloomberg quoted hacker Noah Urban of Scattered Spider, who said the group phished into an employee account and exposed user details. On X, investigator ZachXBT accused the exchange of a “cover-up.”
Crypto.com insists the incident was minor, contained within hours, and reported through official filings. CEO Kris Marszalek pushed back harder, calling the allegations “misinformation from uninformed sources” and stressing no customer funds were at risk.
#3 Sam Bankman-Fried Resurfaces Online
Sam Bankman-Fried is back in the spotlight after a sudden “gm” post from his account drew 6.5 million views. The message, later confirmed to be from a friend, sparked immediate speculation and pushed FTT up more than 50% before easing back. Some saw a pardon campaign in the making – analyst Conor Grogan suggested it could be strategic – while Arthur Hayes joked “Wen memecoin?” and ZachXBT called SBF undeserving of “human rights.”
The post comes days before FTX begins $1.6 billion creditor payouts.
Also Read: FTX Creditors Left ‘Rekt’ Despite $1.6B Payout? ZachXBT Points Out Outdated Valuations
#4 Ripple Opens 24/7 RLUSD Access for BlackRock, VanEck Funds
Ripple is tightening the link between Wall Street and crypto. CEO Brad Garlinghouse announced a new smart contract that allows holders of BlackRock’s BUIDL and VanEck’s VBILL tokenized funds to redeem shares for Ripple USD (RLUSD) anytime, day or night.
“Enterprise-grade instant onchain liquidity at your fingertips. That’s real utility,” Garlinghouse wrote.
Built on Securitize’s platform, the feature gives institutions a regulated off-ramp into crypto, faster settlements, and a bridge into DeFi without compromising compliance.
#5 Interpol Seizes $97M in Crypto in Global Crackdown
Interpol has seized $97 million in cryptocurrencies and assets in a global operation targeting cybercrime. Operation HAECHI VI, which ran from April to August across 40 countries, focused on fraud, money laundering, and phishing schemes.
Authorities blocked 68,000 bank accounts, froze 400 wallets, and recovered $16 million directly from digital assets. In Portugal, 45 suspects were arrested for defrauding social security funds. Interpol’s Theos Badege said the results prove that stolen funds “can be recovered” through global cooperation.
#6 UK–US Launch Taskforce to Shape Crypto Future
The U.K. and U.S. are moving closer on crypto policy with the launch of a Transatlantic Taskforce for Markets of the Future. Announced on Sept. 22, the group will coordinate on digital assets and capital markets while rules are still taking shape. The timing is notable: Bitcoin ETNs are set to return to the U.K. in October, marking a cautious reopening for retail investors.
As Riccardo Tordera of The Payments Association put it, “the government has been listening” to industry calls for stronger transatlantic cooperation.
#7 Stablecoins May Soon Count as Collateral, Says CFTC
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission is moving to let stablecoins serve as collateral in derivatives markets, a step that could reshape global finance. Acting chair Caroline Pham called collateral management the “killer app” for stablecoins, saying tokenized markets are “the future.”
Major players Circle, Ripple, and Tether welcomed the plan, pointing to lower costs, faster settlement, and deeper liquidity. With nearly $300B in stablecoins already in circulation, industry voices say the move could strengthen America’s financial edge.
#8 Michael Saylor Sees Bitcoin Rally by Year-End
Michael Saylor says the market is underestimating Bitcoin’s next move. Speaking to CNBC, the Strategy chair explained that companies and ETFs are buying far more Bitcoin than miners produce, creating constant upward pressure.
“Companies that are capitalizing on Bitcoin are buying even more than the natural supply being created,” he said.
With traders hit by nearly $2B in liquidations this week, Saylor pointed to strong fundamentals and predicted Bitcoin will “move up smartly again toward the end of the year.”
#9 China Halts RWA Push in Hong Kong
China’s top securities regulator has asked some brokerages to pause their real-world asset (RWA) tokenization work in Hong Kong, Reuters reported. The move comes as projects in the city – from digital bonds to property-linked tokens – have gained momentum, sparking sharp swings in related stocks. Beijing’s message is clear that growth must not outpace control.
While Hong Kong regulators continue their legal review, China’s stance highlights the tension between innovation offshore and its broader risk-first approach.
This Might Interest You: Will China Reverse Its Crypto Ban? Jiuzi Holding’s $1B Crypto Reserve Sparks Debate
#10 SEC, FINRA Probe Crypto Treasury Stock Spikes
The SEC and FINRA have opened investigations into over 200 public companies announcing crypto treasury plans in 2025. Regulators flagged unusual stock surges, in some cases rising 20-40%, just before these announcements went public. Firms like Trump Media, GameStop, and SharpLink Gaming saw abnormal trading patterns, raising suspicions of insider leaks.
FINRA has already sent warning letters reminding companies of disclosure rules. As former SEC lawyer David Chase noted, such letters are often the “first step” toward deeper probes.
In the Spotlight
Here’s a few quick hits you shouldn’t miss!
Circle Weighs Undo Option for USDC: Circle president Heath Tarbert says the firm is exploring ways to roll back transfers hit by fraud or hacks, a move that clashes with crypto’s one-way ethos.
Coinbase Adds AUDD and XSGD: Starting Sept. 29, users can trade Australia’s AUDD and Singapore’s XSGD on Coinbase. Locals can convert fiat to stablecoins for free, signaling a push beyond dollar dominance.
Singapore Tops Global Crypto Rankings: A new ApeX study crowns Singapore the world’s most crypto-obsessed nation, edging out the UAE and US. High ownership and search activity drove its perfect score, with adoption soaring.
Brazil Hosts DAC 2025: Mercado Bitcoin’s Digital Assets Conference in São Paulo gathered BlackRock, CME, Tether, and regulators to debate adoption, stablecoins, and tokenization – cementing Latin America’s rise as a digital finance hub.
Buterin Backs Fusaka Upgrade: Vitalik Buterin says Ethereum’s Dec. 3 Fusaka fork could be its biggest leap yet. With PeerDAS tackling blob congestion, fees may drop below $0.1, opening doors for mass adoption.
What’s Next for Crypto?
Major shifts to expect ahead
- Stablecoins are stepping into the financial mainstream, from CFTC collateral rules to Europe’s planned euro token.
- Regulators are syncing up across borders, with crackdowns and taskforces leaving fewer safe zones.
- Tokenized funds are becoming institutional infrastructure linking Wall Street and DeFi.
- China’s halt on RWAs highlights how geopolitics can quickly reshape innovation paths.
- Bitcoin’s supply squeeze is tightening, raising the odds of a sharp year-end rally.
That’s all for now – check back next week for the shifts you can’t afford to miss.
