Welcome to your daily crypto news digest. Here's what's making waves in the blockchain world today.
Thailand’s financial regulator has officially recognized Tether's USDT as an approved cryptocurrency, paving the way for its legal trade within the Thai market. This significant regulatory step also opens up the possibility for the stablecoin to be used for payments in the country.
The new regulation is set to come into effect on March 16, 2025, marking a major milestone for the adoption of cryptocurrencies in Thailand. By recognizing USDT, the Thai government aims to provide clarity and foster a more robust cryptocurrency ecosystem in the region.
This decision reflects the growing global trend of integrating stablecoins into regulated financial frameworks, further legitimizing their use in everyday transactions and broader economic activities.
Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB), has announced that the European Union plans to roll out its central bank digital currency (CBDC), the digital euro, by October 2025. However, this timeline is contingent on securing the necessary legislative approvals.
The development of a digital euro is part of the EU's broader strategy to modernize its financial system and adapt to the growing prevalence of digital payments. If approved, the digital euro would allow consumers and businesses to make secure, electronic payments directly backed by the ECB, ensuring stability and trust in the currency.
The ECB has been conducting extensive research and pilot programs to explore the potential benefits and challenges of implementing a CBDC. With the 2025 target date, the EU could join other major economies, such as China, which have already made significant progress in launching their own digital currencies.
The legislative process will be a key factor in determining the success of the digital euro project, as it requires alignment among EU member states and coordination with various financial institutions and stakeholders.
Stay tuned for more updates as the ECB and the EU work toward shaping the future of digital payments in Europe.
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA), Spain's second-largest financial institution, has officially obtained regulatory approval to offer trading services for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). This significant move comes as the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation is now fully implemented across the European Union (EU).
The MiCA framework, designed to provide clear regulations for cryptocurrencies and digital assets within EU member states, is expected to foster innovation while ensuring consumer protection. BBVA's regulatory approval marks a major step forward in institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies within the EU financial ecosystem.
This development positions BBVA as one of the leading traditional banks in Europe to embrace digital asset trading, further bridging the gap between conventional banking and blockchain-based finance.
MicroStrategy, the business intelligence firm now branded as Strategy, has announced plans to issue up to $21 billion in Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock. This move is aimed at funding general corporate purposes, with a particular focus on potential Bitcoin acquisitions.
The proposed stock issuance signals the company's ongoing commitment to its Bitcoin investment strategy, which has been a cornerstone of its corporate vision in recent years. MicroStrategy has consistently utilized various financial mechanisms to increase its Bitcoin holdings, positioning itself as one of the leading institutional advocates for cryptocurrency adoption.
While this ambitious plan is yet to reach fruition, it emphasizes MicroStrategy's bold approach to leveraging traditional financial tools to deepen its involvement in the crypto space. The company has yet to release details regarding the timeline or further specifics of this offering.
This announcement could have significant implications for both institutional investment in Bitcoin and the broader sentiment surrounding cryptocurrency markets.
Stay tuned as further updates on this development emerge.
Kraken, one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges, is reportedly taking significant steps toward a public listing, aiming for as early as the first quarter of 2026. This move underscores the growing institutional interest in the cryptocurrency sector and signals Kraken's ambition to expand its influence in the financial markets.
The decision to go public marks a pivotal moment for the exchange, highlighting its confidence in the future of digital assets and the increasing mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies. While specific details about the listing process have not yet been disclosed, Kraken's preparation for this milestone is expected to draw significant attention from both retail and institutional investors.
The public listing also aligns with a broader trend among major cryptocurrency companies seeking to establish a stronger foothold in traditional financial markets, following in the footsteps of other notable players in the industry.
Stay tuned for further updates as Kraken progresses toward its anticipated public debut.
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