The Hong Kong Monetary Authority lists tokenization as a key focus area for 2026, supporting the sustainable and responsible development of digital assets.

Fraudsters Posing as Iranian Authorities Demand Bitcoin, USDT Payments from Ships at Strait of Hormuz

Gate News message, April 21 — Scammers impersonating Iranian authorities have targeted shipping companies with vessels stranded west of the Strait of Hormuz, demanding Bitcoin and Tether (USDT) payments in exchange for safe passage, according to maritime risk firm Marisks. The fraudsters

Senator Tillis Pushes CLARITY Act Markup Delay to May Amid Stablecoin Yield Dispute

Sen. Tillis requests delaying CLARITY Act markup to May due to unresolved stablecoin yield provisions, as banks seek tighter restrictions and crypto groups push to keep yield offerings; White House talks failed, delaying action.

39 Signatories Call for EU to Fast-Track DLT Pilot Regime Review Amid US Competition Concerns

Gate News message, April 21 — Thirty-nine digital finance providers, including major exchanges and fintech associations from six European nations, are urging the European Commission and European Parliament to expedite a review of the DLT pilot regime as standalone legislation. The signatories,

US Pushes South Korea to Reduce Chinese Tech Reliance, Demands Market Access for US Firms

Gate News message, April 21 — Michael DeSombre, the U.S. State Department's assistant secretary for East Asian and Pacific affairs, urged South Korea to reduce its reliance on Chinese technology and revise regulatory rules seen as disadvantaging U.S. companies. DeSombre cited security risks linked t

Arbitrum Security Council Freezes 30,766 ETH From KelpDAO Exploit, 9 of 12 Members Vote in Favor

Arbitrum froze 30,766 ETH from the KelpDAO hack, worked with law enforcement, and recovered about a quarter of assets, while locking funds pending governance amid decentralization versus security debates. Abstract: This article reports that the Arbitrum Security Council froze 30,766 ETH (about $70 million) tied to the KelpDAO exploit, with nine of twelve votes, and moved funds to a secure wallet in coordination with law enforcement. The operation targeted only affected assets to minimize network disruption. The exploiter is suspected to be DPRK-associated. The breach began April 18 via a LayerZero-powered bridge, draining 116,500 rsETH (~$292 million). About a quarter of stolen assets have been recovered. The frozen funds will remain locked until governance and legal authorities decide the next steps, prompting debate over decentralization versus security.

Iran Reports Over 137,000 Civilian Facilities Damaged Since Conflict Escalation

Gate News message, April 21 — Iran reported that over 137,000 civilian units across the country have been damaged since the escalation of the Middle East conflict, according to Iranian authorities.