UnchainedCrypto

Franklin Templeton is launching a cryptocurrency division, Franklin Crypto, by acquiring active crypto firm 250 Digital. Led by CoinFund's Christopher Perkins, this initiative aims to enhance institutional access to actively managed crypto products amid growing demand in the market.

CoinShares, Europe's largest crypto asset manager, began trading on Nasdaq under ticker CSHR with a valuation of $1.2 billion. The firm aims to expand in the U.S. crypto market despite current market challenges, offering a unique investment opportunity in a European asset manager.

A Texas judge dismissed a lawsuit by crypto developer Michael Lewellen regarding non-custodial donation software and federal money transmitter laws, ruling he lacked evidence of imminent prosecution. This highlights ongoing legal uncertainties for DeFi developers and their calls for clearer regulations.

Cipher Digital has shifted focus from bitcoin mining to AI infrastructure, securing a 15-year lease for a high-performance computing data center and a $200 million credit facility. This move bolsters investor confidence in its new direction.

The CFTC's decision allows Phantom to connect users to regulated derivatives markets without registering as a broker, viewing it as a passive interface. This sets a precedent for non-custodial wallets, though it comes with compliance requirements and does not cover all crypto derivatives.

South Korea intensified its crypto regulation by fining Bithumb $24.6 million and imposing a six-month suspension due to significant anti-money laundering failures, including millions of breaches. This reflects a broader trend of stricter oversight in the crypto industry.

Trading on Hyperliquid surged over the weekend, primarily due to high demand for onchain commodities, with significant activity from trade.xyz. Pine Analytics noted record volumes driven by retail adoption amid recent market volatility and geopolitical tensions.

The SEC is clarifying how securities laws apply to crypto by submitting an interpretive framework for review, potentially introducing a token taxonomy to classify digital assets. This move aims to enhance regulatory oversight amid stalled legislation.

Bron has launched a "Digital Inheritance" feature for its self-custody wallets, allowing heirs access after the owner's death, with a six-month delay and pre-selected guardians for verification. This aims to prevent funded loss due to missing keys or phrases.

Kraken has achieved a significant milestone by securing a Federal Reserve master account, enabling direct access to the Fedwire payment network. This approval allows Kraken Financial to settle U.S. dollar transfers more efficiently, enhancing service for institutional clients and positioning the firm as a connected financial institution in the U.S. financial system.

Vitalik Buterin raises concerns about the upcoming Glamsterdam upgrade's potential to centralize block-building power in Ethereum. He proposes safeguards like FOCIL to maintain transaction inclusion and discusses solutions to toxic MEV, emphasizing the need for decentralization in transaction processes.

ZachXBT alleges an Axiom employee misused internal tools to access private user wallet data for profit and shared it with a select group tracking traders. Axiom responded by revoking access and initiating an investigation amid rising concerns about data ethics in crypto.

ZeroLend has announced it is winding down operations after three years due to unsustainable conditions, with total value locked falling 98%. Users are advised to withdraw funds, but some assets remain inaccessible. The project's closure seems definitive for token holders.

Tomasz Stanczak will step down as co-executive director of the Ethereum Foundation in February 2026, with Bastian Aue as interim co-ED. Stanczak noted progress in decision-making and infrastructure use, while Aue emphasizes core principles.

Apollo Global Management is enhancing its presence in crypto by partnering with Morpho, planning to purchase up to 90 million MORPHO tokens. This collaboration aims to support decentralized lending markets, reflecting growing institutional interest in DeFi.

LayerZero is launching a new Layer 1 blockchain named Zero, designed for tokenized markets and high-throughput finance. Notable investors include Citadel Securities and ARK Invest, with partnerships involving Google Cloud and DTCC, aiming for high scalability and efficiency.

Bitcoin's mining difficulty recently dropped by 11%, reflecting increased operational challenges for miners due to falling prices and rising costs. While alarming, this reset could lead to market stabilization as fewer miners compete for rewards.

Negotiations on a U.S. crypto market structure bill are revitalized after positive meetings among Democrats and industry representatives. Proposals aiming to address stablecoin concerns are under discussion, with engagement continuing despite no final agreement.

Fidelity Investments is set to launch a U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin, the Fidelity Digital Dollar (FIDD), on Ethereum. With the regulatory clarity from the GENIUS Act, FIDD aims for 24/7 settlement and targets both retail and institutional markets, marking a significant shift toward stablecoins as essential financial infrastructure.