This Week's Top 10 News Stories
1. Hong Kong Advances Digital Asset Strategy with LEAP Framework
Hong Kong's government released Digital Asset Development Policy Declaration 2.0, reinforcing its commitment to becoming a global hub for digital assets. The LEAP framework focuses on:
- Legal & regulatory optimization
- Expansion of tokenized products
- Cross-sector collaboration
- Talent development
Financial Secretary Paul Chan emphasized balancing innovation with robust oversight to integrate digital assets into the real economy.
👉 Explore Hong Kong's crypto regulations
2. Korea’s Top Banks to Launch KRW Stablecoin Consortium
Eight major Korean banks—including KB Kookmin, Shinhan, and NH Nonghyup—are partnering with blockchain and financial institutions to develop a KRW-pegged stablecoin. The project will explore:
- Trust-based models
- Deposit-linked structures
Target launch: Late 2025.
3. Japan Moves to Regulate Crypto Under Financial Instruments Law
Japan’s FSA proposed classifying crypto assets under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, enabling:
- Bitcoin ETFs
- 20% flat tax rate (vs. current 55% max)
4. Powell Signals Caution Amid Strong U.S. Economy
Fed Chair Jerome Powell affirmed a "wait-and-see" approach, noting resilience in economic data but no imminent rate cuts.
5. Bhutan’s $1.3B Bitcoin Reserve Covers 40% of GDP
The Himalayan nation, leveraging hydropower for mining, plans long-term BTC holdings and crypto-based tourism payments.
6. UAE’s Aqua1 Fund Invests $100M in WLFI Token
The Web3 fund acquired tokens from World Liberty Financial Inc., with multiple firms seeking to add WLFI to reserves.
7. Turkey Tightens Anti-Money Laundering Rules for Crypto
New measures include:
- Strict transaction memos (20+ characters)
- 72-hour withdrawal delays for non-compliant transfers
- Monthly stablecoin limits ($5K cap)
8. Barclays to Ban Crypto Card Transactions from 2025
Citing volatility risks, the UK bank will block crypto purchases via its cards.
9. OKX Explores U.S. IPO
The exchange re-entered the U.S. market in April 2025 and is evaluating a public listing.
10. Coinbase to Launch U.S. Perpetual Futures in July 2025
Products include nano-sized BTC and ETH contracts under CFTC oversight.
Key Funding Rounds
| Company | Sector | Amount Raised |
|------------------|----------------------|---------------|
| OpenRouter | AI Model Marketplace | $40M |
| Zama | Crypto Encryption | $57M |
| Digital Asset | Blockchain Networks | $135M |
FAQ Section
Q1: What is Hong Kong’s LEAP framework?
A1: A four-pillar strategy to optimize regulations, expand tokenization, and foster talent in digital assets.
Q2: How will Japan’s crypto tax reform impact investors?
A2: Switching to a 20% flat rate could significantly reduce tax burdens versus progressive rates.
Q3: Why is Bhutan mining Bitcoin?
A3: The country uses surplus hydropower for mining, aiming to diversify its economy.
Q4: What are Turkey’s new crypto rules targeting?
A4: Primarily money laundering via stablecoins and illicit gambling proceeds.
Q5: When will Coinbase’s perpetual futures launch?
A5: July 21, 2025, marking the first CFTC-regulated products in the U.S.