Japan amended its Financial Instruments and Exchange Act to classify crypto assets as financial instruments, banning insider trading and increasing transparency requirements.

Bridgewater Associates founder Ray Dalio argues the world is entering a long-term world war driven by interconnected conflicts, shifting alliances, and historical patterns of imperial overextension.

The European Central Bank has endorsed the European Commission's proposal to shift oversight of crypto-asset service providers and other major financial players from national regulators to a centralized EU-level authority.

Trump's top crypto advisor Patrick Witt says many previously 'unsolvable' issues in crypto legislation negotiations have been resolved, as Congress returns from recess and the Senate Banking Committee prepares to vote on a sweeping crypto bill.

The Trump administration is intensifying pressure on Congress to pass a crypto market structure bill as a narrowing legislative window and unresolved industry disputes threaten to stall the legislation.

Pakistan's central bank has lifted its 2018 ban on crypto services, allowing regulated banks to open accounts for licensed crypto firms under the new 2026 Virtual Assets Act.

A Cato Institute opinion piece argues that the current U.S. tax treatment of bitcoin is economically irrational and discourages its use as a functional currency.

The Bitcoin Policy Institute says Iran's decision to accept bitcoin for Strait of Hormuz oil tolls reflects its strategic value, though dollar stablecoins still dominate the country's crypto transactions.

Unknown actors are impersonating Iranian authorities to demand bitcoin or USDT payments from shipping companies whose vessels are stranded near the Strait of Hormuz, according to maritime risk firm MARISKS.

Russia's State Duma passed the first reading of a bill creating a legal framework for digital currency trading through licensed intermediaries, though the Supreme Court blocked a companion criminal penalties bill as premature.

Admiral Samuel Paparo told Congress the U.S. military is operating a Bitcoin node to test cybersecurity and network defense applications, framing the asset as a computer science tool rather than a reserve asset.

A broad coalition of crypto companies and trade groups urged the Senate Banking Committee to advance a markup on digital asset market structure legislation, warning that delay risks pushing investment and jobs offshore.

Patrick Witt, executive director of the President's Council of Advisors for Digital Assets, hinted at a 'big announcement' coming in the next few weeks regarding next steps for Trump's strategic bitcoin reserve.

Canada's federal government is moving to ban crypto ATMs, citing their widespread use by scammers to collect cash from fraud victims, as the country hosts nearly 4,000 machines with no industry-specific regulations.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Congress that the Pentagon is running classified Bitcoin projects, framing the asset as a tool of American geopolitical power amid growing crypto activity by Russia and China.

The U.S. national debt held by the public has surpassed 100% of GDP for the first time since World War II, with projections showing it could reach 120% within a decade.

Senators Tillis and Alsobrooks released compromise text banning passive stablecoin yield while preserving activity-based rewards, clearing the final major obstacle to a Senate Banking Committee markup of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act.

White House crypto adviser Patrick Witt set a July 4 target to pass landmark crypto legislation, saying the Senate could advance the bill in June with ethics provisions still a key sticking point.

White House digital-assets adviser Patrick Witt told Consensus Miami that an announcement on the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve is coming within weeks, citing a U.S. Marshals hack as proof federal crypto holdings need better safeguarding.