Crypto Law This Week: October 18, 2026
The European Banking Authority classified $USDC as the EU’s first significant e-money token under MiCA, placing it under heightened supervision from November 12. #Update #Regulation $USDC
Regulation
Russia Bans P2P Crypto by July 2027
Russia mandates crypto transfers via 13 licensed exchanges, bans direct P2P trading by 2027 to curb tax evasion; self-custody wallet transactions restricted. #Update #Legal
Bitcoin Joins EU in Crypto Crime Pact
The EU and eight nations sign the Warsaw Convention protocol to combat crypto-funded crime, enabling instant asset freezes and expanded financial oversight. #Update #Legal
CFTC Backs $5 Million Settlement Rejected
A U.S. federal judge upheld @Gemini’s $5 million settlement despite CFTC support for reversal, maintaining the exchange’s obligations under the agreement as it operates in the U.S. #Update #Legal $BTC
Crypto Policy Gap Widens at White House
@Tether’s Bo Hines, former White House crypto advisor, received payments from Tether while drafting the GENIUS Act; his deputy Witt now leads efforts for the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. #Update #Crypto $USDT
Brazil CVM Launches Tokenized Securities Pilot
Brazil’s CVM launched Resolution 249 to test tokenized stock trading on blockchain, mapping cybersecurity risks and smart contract logic for future regulations. #Update #Blockchain
USDC Surges as Europe’s First Stablecoin
Circle’s USDC becomes the first significant e-money token in Europe under MiCA, with EBA oversight starting Nov. 12, alongside French ACPR supervision. #Update #Crypto $USDC
SEC Oversight Demanded for Trading Platforms
@Hyperliquid founder Jeff Yan advocates for U.S. regulators to oversee trading firms using his blockchain, not the network itself, allowing traditional firms to operate without direct regulation of the blockchain. #Update #Crypto
Crypto Exchanges Face Stricter Rules Before Licensing
Australia’s ASIC will enforce new crypto exchange regulations starting April 8, 2027, requiring licenses and compliance with asset safeguarding and trading transparency standards. #Update #Crypto $BTC $ETH
Binance CEO Targets Bank of America $1.21B Fine
Bank of America fined $1.21B for AML violations, but no executives face charges, drawing criticism from Binance’s CZ and others. #Breaking #Legal
Cardano Tests Carbon Solutions for Brazil’s Energy Giant
@Petrobras is testing Cardano’s blockchain for tracking sustainable aviation fuel benefits, utilizing a Book-and-Claim model to prevent double-counting environmental claims. #Update #Crypto $ADA
OCC Exposes Debanking at 9 US Banks
The OCC’s investigation reveals America’s nine largest banks, including @JPMorgan, maintained policies restricting services based on political beliefs and lawful activities. #Breaking #Legal
SEC Risks SkyAI Offer if SOL Drops Below $100
@SkyAI has secured about 80% of the cash for its $3/share tender offer, contingent on $SOL closing above $100 during the period. The offer may begin around Oct. 15. #Update #Crypto $SOL
Prediction Markets Face State Oversight Threat
@Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour stated that the ongoing legal battle over prediction markets in the U.S. will determine federal oversight versus pushing operations overseas, rejecting claims about sports betting’s economic insignificance. #Update #Legal $USDT