This week delivered several notable developments across the crypto and traditional finance industries, even as market conditions remained fairly calm. From major institutional signals to regulatory updates and leadership changes, a handful of headlines stood out but may have slipped under the radar.
To help you stay updated, here’s a quick roundup of the biggest crypto stories you may have missed, including Charles Schwab’s surprising openness to crypto-focused M&A deals, new leadership moves at Binance, fresh policy shifts in the UK, and Coinbase’s latest partnerships with major U.S. banks.
Charles Schwab Open to Crypto Firm Acquisitions
The biggest headline came from traditional finance powerhouse Charles Schwab, whose CEO, Rick Wurster, told Reuters that the company is open to pursuing more mergers and acquisitions involving crypto firms, if the right opportunity presents itself.
Wurster’s remarks come as the firm prepares to introduce spot crypto trading services in the first half of next year, a sign that Schwab may be accelerating its push into the digital asset space.
Binance Names Yi He as Co-CEO
In another major update this week, Binance appointed co-founder Yi He as its new co-CEO, joining Richard Teng in leading the exchange. Yi He, who has long overseen branding, community, and product growth, will now take on broader operational responsibilities. The new co-CEO has been vital to the growth of the Binance community and product innovation.
Her appointment marks one of the company’s most significant leadership changes since founder Changpeng Zhao stepped down in late 2023.
UK Formally Recognizes Crypto as Property
On the regulatory front, the United Kingdom has officially passed a law that classifies cryptocurrencies as objects of personal property. The new framework, which took effect on December 3, provides greater legal clarity around ownership, disputes, recovery, and enforcement involving digital assets.
Lawmakers and market participants see the new law as a welcome development, as it gives digital assets a clear legal footing. Before now, cryptocurrencies were recognized as property only through individual court decisions, not by law.
Coinbase Partners With Major U.S. Banks on Stablecoin and Crypto Pilots
Turning to institutional developments in the U.S., Coinbase is working with several large banks on pilot programs exploring stablecoin payments, crypto trading, and custody services.
The initiative is designed to help banks test crypto infrastructure as Wall Street institutions cautiously expand their digital-asset capabilities. This development marks a notable shift, reflecting renewed institutional interest despite broader market uncertainty.