Animoca Brands Forms JV With Standard Chartered and HKT to Seek Hong Kong Stablecoin Issuer Licence LeapRate

August 08, 2025 BY Sam Boughedda

Animoca Brands Forms JV With Standard Chartered and HKT to Seek Hong Kong Stablecoin Issuer Licence

Anchorpoint is said to have lodged an expression of interest with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) on 1 August, the day the Stablecoins Ordinance came into effect, signalling its intent to apply for a stablecoin issuer licence. The venture aims to develop a business model for issuing and advancing regulated stablecoins in the city.…

Ripple CEO on speaking trail, but draws criticism for rewriting XRP history

August 08, 2025 BY Sam Boughedda

Ripple to Acquire Stablecoin Payment Infrastructure Platform Rail

The San Francisco-based blockchain company said Rail’s technology will enhance Ripple Payments’ network, which already offers broad payout capabilities, liquidity in digital assets, and more than 60 licences for compliant payment flows. Rail adds virtual accounts and automated back-office infrastructure to streamline customer operations. “Stablecoins are quickly becoming a cornerstone of modern finance, and with…

July 23, 2025 BY Sam Boughedda

21Shares and Societe Generale Partner to Expand Institutional Access to Crypto ETPs in Europe

Under the agreement, Societe Generale will act as market maker for 21Shares’ Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs, traded under the tickers ABTC, CBTC, AETH, and CETH, on key fund platforms used by institutional investors. The bank will provide over-the-counter liquidity, improving execution quality and access for professional investors in the region. “These platforms, typically operated by…

July 18, 2025 BY Sam Boughedda

Webull to Consolidate Crypto Entities, Reintegrate Webull Pay

The move follows Webull’s crypto trading launch in Brazil last month and is part of a broader push to expand digital asset offerings globally. The company explained that the arrangement will see Webull Pay Inc., the parent company of Webull Pay LLC, become a subsidiary of Webull Corporation (NASDAQ: BULL). The transaction has been approved…

June 27, 2025 BY Sam Boughedda

Coinbase to Launch US Perpetual-Style Futures

The cryptocurrency exchange explained in a press release that the products are designed to replicate the functionality of global perpetual futures while remaining fully compliant with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) regulations. Perpetual futures are said to dominate international crypto markets, accounting for more than 90% of trading activity in some estimates. However, such…

June 26, 2025 BY Leaprate Staff

Kraken Secures MiCA Licence, Cementing European Ambitions

The MiCA framework, which became fully applicable in December 2024, represents a watershed moment for the crypto industry in Europe. It aims to provide a harmonized regulatory structure, fostering innovation while simultaneously safeguarding consumers and investors, and combating money laundering and other illicit activities. By achieving this milestone, Kraken has not only validated its commitment…

Vanguard redirects focus from Hong Kong to Shanghai

June 26, 2025 BY Leaprate Staff

Hong Kong's Stablecoin Ordinance Get's A Date

The HKMA's Stablecoin Ordinance is expected to provide much-needed regulatory clarity, potentially fostering greater institutional adoption of stablecoins like USDC. This move aligns with similar regulatory efforts in the United States, where lawmakers have been actively working towards establishing a comprehensive legal framework for stablecoins. These developments are viewed as crucial steps in legitimizing stablecoins…

June 13, 2025 BY Sam Boughedda

Coinbase to Launch One Card on the American Express Network

Unveiled at Coinbase’s State of Crypto Conference, the card will be issued by First Electronic Bank and provided in partnership with fintech firm Cardless. Coinbase added that it will be available exclusively to U.S.-based members of Coinbase One. The full launch is expected this autumn. Will Stredwick, senior vice president of Global Network Services at…

June 04, 2025 BY Sam Boughedda

IG Partners with Uphold to Launch Crypto Trading Offering in the UK

The new service, launched in partnership with crypto asset platform Uphold, is said to be fully integrated into IG’s existing infrastructure, allowing customers to trade cryptocurrencies alongside stocks, indices, ETFs, commodities and FX within a single platform. “This is a huge moment for IG and a major milestone in the UK's crypto journey,” said Michael…

June 03, 2025 BY Sam Boughedda

Robinhood Completes Bitstamp Acquisition

The deal brings Bitstamp’s long-established crypto exchange into Robinhood’s portfolio, adding retail and institutional customers across the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Asia. Founded in 2011, Bitstamp holds more than 50 active licences and registrations globally and operates offices in Luxembourg, the U.K., Slovenia, Singapore and the U.S. The acquisition gives…

Category: Cryptocurrency