Author: John Smith

BitGo has appointed Angela Ang as Managing Director of APAC and President of BitGo Singapore.  Summary Angela Ang will lead BitGo’s APAC growth after prior roles at MAS and TRM Labs. BitGo Singapore remains central to the firm’s regulated digital asset infrastructure push across Asia Pacific. The appointment follows BitGo’s dtcpay partnership and wider demand for compliant crypto custody services regionally. The digital asset infrastructure company said in an announcement that Ang cleared all regulatory and fit-and-proper requirements before taking the role. Ang will lead business growth, market development and operating infrastructure across Asia-Pacific. Her mandate focuses on expanding institutional…

CoinMENA has signed a banking agreement with Standard Chartered to strengthen fiat payment infrastructure for users in the United Arab Emirates.  Summary CoinMENA will use Standard Chartered for UAE fiat on-ramps, off-ramps and client money accounts. Revolut has received UAE payment licenses as it prepares multi-currency accounts and transfers locally soon. The deals show regulated payment rails becoming key infrastructure for UAE digital asset growth. The CoinMENA release said the exchange will use Standard Chartered’s banking capabilities for fiat on-ramps, off-ramps, safeguarded client money accounts and virtual account-based transaction management. The deal gives CoinMENA more structured banking support as regulated…

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman has filed lawsuits against Kalshi, Polymarket and several related partners, accusing them of offering unlicensed sports betting in the state.  Summary Kentucky says prediction markets crossed into sports betting, while platforms claim federal law controls contracts. Kalshi and Polymarket now face lawsuits, tax disputes, and split court rulings across several states. The CFTC backs federal oversight as state regulators push licensing, consumer protections, and gambling rules. The Kalshi case also names Coinbase, Robinhood and Webull, which Kentucky says helped give users access to sports event contracts. The lawsuits were filed in Franklin Circuit Court. They…

Binance has been left relying on France as its last realistic route to secure a Markets in Crypto-Assets license after its expected authorization bid in Greece reportedly stalled ahead of the European Union’s June 30 deadline. Summary The Big Whale reported that Christine Lagarde helped derail Binance’s MiCA application in Greece despite regulatory progress. With the Greek route stalled, France has emerged as Binance’s last realistic option for securing EU-wide authorization. Binance said its application met MiCA requirements and warned approval delays could reduce liquidity and competition. According to a report published Wednesday by The Big Whale, European Central Bank…

The crypto market has remained under pressure even as reports have indicated that a U.S.-Iran agreement is moving closer to completion, with the total crypto market capitalization falling nearly 2% to $2.21 trillion. Summary Trump said a U.S.-Iran agreement could be signed soon, but crypto prices remained under pressure. Bitcoin and major altcoins fell as investors focused on Fed policy and inflation risks. The Federal Reserve kept rates unchanged at 3.50%–3.75%, extending its 2026 policy pause. According to a BBC report, U.S. officials have released details of a proposed memorandum that would extend the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran while…

Kalshi has fueled a billion-dollar dispute over sports betting regulation as trading activity on its platforms continues to surge. Summary Gaming and tribal groups urged the Senate to block sports-related prediction contracts through the CLARITY Act. The American Gaming Association estimates prediction markets have cost states about $1.08 billion in tax revenue. Kalshi’s crypto perpetual futures platform generated over $5.5 billion in volume within two weeks of launch. According to a report from Semafor, a coalition that includes the Indian Gaming Association, the American Gaming Association, and labor organizations has urged the US Senate to add language to the CLARITY…

Strategy has returned to the spotlight after QCP estimated its current liquidity runway for dividend payments at about seven and a half months. Summary QCP warned that Strategy may eventually sell more Bitcoin if dividend obligations outpace available funding sources. CEO Phong Le said the recent 32 BTC sale was a process test, not a dividend-driven liquidity move. Peter Schiff argued Strategy’s current Bitcoin buying model could dilute shareholders as dividend pressures grow. According to market maker QCP, Strategy’s current liquidity position could support dividend payments for roughly seven and a half months, raising the possibility that the company may…

This article was updated with additional details from the Federal Reserve’s latest dot plot projections and voting results. The Federal Reserve has kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.50% to 3.75% for a fourth consecutive meeting as policymakers continue monitoring inflation risks across the U.S. economy. Summary The Federal Reserve unanimously kept interest rates at 3.50%–3.75% for a fourth straight meeting. Fed projections showed nine officials expect at least one rate hike this year, signaling persistent inflation concerns. Bitcoin fell to $65,430 as investors assessed the Fed’s hawkish outlook and Kevin Warsh’s policy stance. According to the Federal Open…

Bitmine has strengthened expectations for a potential stock rally after Chairman Tom Lee highlighted the company’s chances of joining the Russell 1000 index ahead of the benchmark’s latest reconstitution update. Summary Tom Lee said Bitmine could join the Russell 1000, potentially attracting fresh institutional buying demand. Bitmine holds 4.72 million ETH worth about $8.1 billion, making it the largest Ethereum treasury company. The company expects roughly $219 million in annual staking rewards to help support BMNP dividends. According to Tom Lee, the updated list of companies entering and exiting the Russell 1000 is scheduled for release on June 18, with…

Wall Street expectations for future Federal Reserve tightening have increased sharply, with Citadel Securities now warning that policymakers could begin raising interest rates again as early as September 2026. Summary Citadel Securities expects the Fed could begin raising interest rates again as early as September 2026. The firm cites persistent inflation, strong labor markets, and rising AI investment as key drivers of price pressures. Prediction markets and major banks including BNP Paribas are increasingly discussing the possibility of future rate hikes. According to a note from Citadel Securities Head of Macro Strategy Frank Flight, the firm sees a growing risk…