1. U.S. SEC to Implement “Innovation Exemption” by Year-End

U.S. SEC Chair Paul Atkins announced plans to launch the long-awaited “Innovation Exemption” framework by the end of 2025 or early 2026. The exemption aims to support blockchain startups and digital asset innovation within the U.S., reducing the regulatory uncertainty that has driven many crypto companies overseas.

2. Luxembourg’s Sovereign Wealth Fund Invests in Bitcoin ETFs

Luxembourg’s FSIL, its intergenerational sovereign wealth fund, has invested 1% of its $730 million portfolio in Bitcoin ETFs, becoming the first Eurozone nation to allocate public capital to the asset class. The fund’s new framework allows up to 15% exposure to alternative assets such as real estate and crypto. Finance Minister Gilles Roth highlighted the move as part of a diversification strategy aligned with the EU’s growing openness to digital assets.

3. Bank of England Considers Exceptions to Stablecoin Limits

The Bank of England (BoE) is revising its stablecoin framework to include “exception clauses” for institutional use. The central bank initially proposed holding limits of £10,000–£20,000 for individuals and £10 million for companies, but exemptions are being considered for crypto exchanges and payment providers that need higher liquidity.

4. S&P Global Launches the Digital Market 50 Index

S&P Global introduced the Digital Markets 50 Index, offering diversified exposure across leading cryptocurrencies such as BTC, ETH, ADA, LINK, SOL, DOT, AAVE, and XRP. The index aims to bring transparency and benchmarking standards to institutional crypto investors.

5. BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF Nears $100 Billion Market Cap

BlackRock’s IBIT Bitcoin ETF is now just shy of a $100 billion market cap, making it the asset manager’s most profitable ETF ever. The ETF’s rapid growth highlights the surging institutional demand for Bitcoin and positions IBIT as a cornerstone of mainstream crypto exposure.

6. Grayscale Introduces Staking in U.S. Spot Crypto ETFs

Grayscale became the first U.S. issuer to integrate staking into spot crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs). Its Ethereum Spot ETF (ETH) and Ethereum Trust (ETHE) currently stake 272,000 ETH ($1.21B), with a total of 489,000 ETH awaiting activation. Solana Trust (GSOL) also added staking, pending regulatory approval.

7. Coinbase Expands Staking to New York

Coinbase launched crypto staking in New York, enabling users to stake ETH, SOL, ATOM, ADA, AVAX, MATIC, and DOT. Expected yields range from 1.9% for ETH to over 16% for ATOM. This expansion follows the departure of Adrienne Harris, the former NYDFS superintendent, and represents a regulatory milestone after Coinbase’s $100M compliance settlement in 2023. Coinbase now offers staking in 46 states.

8. Coinbase Base Recruits Token & Governance Specialist

Coinbase’s Layer 2 network Base posted a new role for a “Token & Governance Research Specialist” to design governance frameworks, voting systems, and a potential token charter. While no Base token is confirmed yet, Coinbase’s move hints at a decentralization roadmap. Additionally, Coinbase added DEX trading within its main app, allowing U.S. users (excluding New York) to trade Base network tokens instantly using USDC without listing delays.

9. Binance Wallet Debuts Meme Rush Platform

Binance Wallet unveiled Meme Rush, a discovery and launch platform for meme tokens built with Four.Meme. Using the Bonding Curve model, it ensures fair price discovery and transparent issuance. Early traders can earn 4x Alpha points, while top-performing projects may enter Binance Alpha. The platform caters to the growing meme coin investment culture while integrating social and on-chain engagement.

10. Ethereum Foundation Launches Privacy Cluster

The Ethereum Foundation introduced a Privacy Cluster, a 47-member team led by Igor Barinov, focused on end-to-end privacy technology. Building on the Foundation’s PSE division, it integrates projects like Semaphore, MACI, zkEmail, and TLSNotary. New initiatives include Private Reads/Writes, zkID, and Kohaku private wallets, alongside an Institutional Privacy Task Force (IPTF) targeting enterprise adoption.