Amber Premium FZE Gains In‑Principle VARA Approval in Dubai

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

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

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

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

DMCC and Crypto.com Partner to Advance Commodities Tokenization in Dubai

Global trade hub DMCC collaborates with Crypto.com to explore blockchain-enabled infrastructure for real-world asset tokenization across commodity markets. DMCC announced a strategic partnership with Crypto.com on December 16, 2025, aimed at leveraging blockchain technology to transform commodities trading. The Memorandum of Understanding will explore reducing settlement friction, improving price transparency, and broadening market access across … Read more

Bhutan and Cumberland DRW Sign MoU to Develop Digital Asset Infrastructure

Bhutan and Cumberland DRW have signed a memorandum of understanding to pursue a multi-year partnership focused on building digital asset and financial infrastructure within Gelephu Mindfulness City, according to an announcement released Monday. The agreement outlines cooperation on developing digital asset frameworks, infrastructure for digital asset activity and artificial intelligence computing, and potential yield-related initiatives … Read more

Strategy Adds 10,645 Bitcoin as Saylor’s Monday Morning Buy Ritual Continues

The world’s largest corporate holder of bitcoin, Strategy, said Monday it added more bitcoin, following a not-so-subtle hint from founder Michael Saylor the day before that the shopping cart was about to roll again. Saylor announced the acquisition at the familiar hour of around 8 a.m. EST on Monday, declaring: “Strategy has acquired 10,645 BTC … Read more

YO Labs Secures $10 Million to Build Unified Yield Infrastructure for Crypto Economy

DeFi yield optimization platform YO Protocol raises Series A funding to expand risk-aware yield engine across multiple blockchain ecosystems. YO Labs announced a $10 million Series A financing round on December 14, 2025, led by Foundation Capital with participation from Coinbase Ventures, Scribble Ventures, and Launchpad Capital. The funding will support the expansion of YO … Read more

Michael Saylor Teases Another Bitcoin Buy as Strategy’s Orange Dots Make a Comeback

It looks like Michael Saylor’s Strategy is lining up a fresh bitcoin purchase announcement for Monday morning, after dropping a not-so-subtle hint on X on Sunday. The bitcoin treasury giant already sits on a hefty 660,624 BTC, and all signs suggest this train has no plans to hit the brakes. Over the past month, Saylor … Read more

Juventus Rejects Tether’s Bid, Maintains Family Ownership

Agnelli family firmly declines Tether’s €1 billion (over $1.17 billion) acquisition offer for Juventus, emphasizing club’s historical significance and independence. Tether, the USDT stablecoin issuer headquartered in El Salvador, proposed an all-cash offer to purchase Exor’s 65.4% stake in Juventus, valuing the club at over €1 billion with a 21% share premium. Exor CEO John … Read more