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Coinjar Expands to US With AI‑enabled Regulated Exchange

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Coinjar launches its U.S. operations, introducing the integrated Coinjar AI assistant within a compliant exchange platform. Coinjar, a long‑standing cryptocurrency exchange operating in Australia, the United Kingdom and Ireland, announced that it is entering the United States under applicable federal and state regulatory frameworks. The rollout includes Coinjar AI, an artificial intelligence (AI) on‑platform assistant that lets … Read more

Ledn Launches Open Book Report Amid Bitcoin Lending Boom

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Ledn unveils a monthly Open Book Report to benchmark transparency as banks enter the bitcoin‑backed loan market. Ledn, one of the world’s largest bitcoin lenders, announced that it is releasing an Open Book Report, providing standardized, independent disclosures of its BTC loan book, collateral levels, and loan‑to‑value ratios. The first report shows $868 million in outstanding … Read more

Nordic Crypto Exchange Safello Partners With Fuels Capital for Bitcoin‑Collateral Custody

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Safello will custody bitcoin used as collateral for loans issued by Fuels Capital, launching a revenue‑sharing pilot in Stockholm. Safello, a cryptocurrency exchange focused on the Nordic countries, announced in Stockholm that it has entered a partnership with Fuels Capital to act as custodian for bitcoin‑backed loans. The agreement establishes a six‑month pilot during which … Read more

Kraken Expands Alpaca Partnership to Boost Global Tokenized Equities Adoption

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Kraken and Alpaca deepen their alliance, making Alpaca the preferred venue for tokenized equities via xStocks and the Instant Tokenization Network. Kraken announced an expanded strategic partnership with Alpaca, designating Alpaca as the preferred source and custodian for the equities that back Kraken’s xStocks tokenized equities. The agreement extends Alpaca’s role to include its Instant … Read more

Bitgo Adds Lightning Network Support to Custody Platform

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Bitgo integrates the Lightning Network into its qualified custody service, offering institutions faster and cheaper payments. Bitgo, a digital‑asset infrastructure company, announced the integration of the Lightning Network directly from its qualified custody platform in New York, United States. The service, built through a partnership with Voltage, a leading Lightning infrastructure provider, enables institutional clients to access … Read more

Amber Premium FZE Gains In‑Principle VARA Approval in Dubai

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Amber Premium’s Dubai subsidiary receives in‑principle approval from the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, marking a key step toward full licensing. Amber Premium FZE, the Dubai arm of Amber International Holding Limited (Nasdaq: AMBR), announced on December 18 2025 that it has been granted an in‑principle approval (IPA) from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). The approval, issued … Read more

Tether Invests $8 Million in Speed to Advance Lightning Network Payments

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Tether leads strategic funding round for Speed, supporting Lightning Network and stablecoin-powered global payment infrastructure. Tether announced on December 16, 2025, a strategic $8 million investment in Speed1, Inc., a payments infrastructure company leveraging the Lightning Network and stablecoins. The funding round, co-led with ego death capital, aims to enhance global settlement capabilities using instant, … Read more

Bhutan Launches 10,000 BTC Bitcoin Development Pledge for Gelephu Mindfulness City

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Bhutan commits up to 10,000 BTC to support innovative economic hub, leveraging renewable energy and blockchain technology for national development. On December 17, Bhutan unveiled a national Bitcoin Development Pledge, committing up to 10,000 Bitcoin (up to $1 billion) to support the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). The initiative, endorsed by His Majesty King … Read more

Startale and SBI Holdings Unveil Regulated Yen Stablecoin for Global Settlement

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Japanese tech and financial leaders collaborate to launch institutional-grade digital yen, targeting global blockchain-based financial infrastructure. Startale Group and SBI Holdings announced a Memorandum of Understanding on December 16, 2025, to develop a fully regulated Japanese yen-denominated stablecoin. The initiative aims to provide an alternative in the $300 billion stablecoin market, with Shinsei Trust & … Read more