hodler

12 Feb 2026, 14:11

Russia extends firewall to limits amid censorship of Telegram, WhatsApp, and YouTube

The full blocking of WhatsApp in Russia is linked to the nation’s firewall running out of capacity amid attempts to slow down Telegram, experts in the field suggest. Besides the two messengers, Russian authorities are also cutting traffic to YouTube, overloading the technology employed by the state to censor internet for its citizens. Russia extends itself to block massive online content and communication The sudden and complete restriction of access to the popular messenger WhatsApp and YouTube in Russia is likely related to efforts to slow down Telegram, local media unveiled, quoting specialists with knowledge of how the system works. Russia’s telecom watchdog, Roskomnadzor, removed the WhatsApp domain from its DNS servers on Wednesday, effectively preventing the use of Meta’s messaging service in the country. It appears it did that also with Google’s video sharing platform a day earlier. The domains have been deleted from the National Domain Name System (NDNS), established after the adoption of the so-called “sovereign internet” law. Under the legislation, the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor) is responsible for enforcing the Russian equivalent to the Chinese framework for internet control. The strategy is the same in both case, so is the reason which is of technical nature, according to Dzhemali Avalishvili, managing director of the infrastructure integrator Ultimatek, who commented on the latest developments for RBC. Quoted by the Russian business news portal, Avalishvili explained further: “There’s only one reason, and it’s technical – the TSPU equipment is operating at the limit of its capacity.” The TSPU (Technical Means of Counteracting Threats) devices are deployed at internet service providers to allow them to throttle or block internet traffic to targeted platforms. In comparison with China’s “Great Firewall,” which operates on a national level, Russia’s solution allows for more precise, highly targeted and geographically defined restricting. However, the Russian system isn’t built to last, Avalishvili pointed out, and is running out of resources now when it has to deal with multiple and widely used platforms. He elaborated: “The infrastructure simply can’t handle simultaneously squashing YouTube, Telegram, and WhatsApp. It’s like trying to run three heavy apps on an old laptop.” Targeting Telegram is harder and requires resources that Russia doesn’t have Slowing down Telegram is much harder than in the case of all of the other affected services and websites, the expert emphasized. He highlighted that tech entrepreneur Pavel Durov’s messenger has stronger security and more experience with previous attempts to block it in other countries. Avalishvili added that Telegram’s unique architecture relies on a distributed infrastructure of mirrors and content delivery networks (CDNs). “Its encryption protocol is designed to make deep packet inspection (DPI) as difficult as possible. To slow down Telegram, you need to deploy colossal computing power,” he detailed. The privacy-oriented messenger has tens of millions of users in Russia, and not only among citizens and businesses, but also government institutions and other organizations. Almost everyone in the country has the messenger installed on their smartphones, logging in several times a day to read and write, chimed in Alexey Uchakin, an independent telecom market specialist. “This represents a huge amount of traffic and a huge number of connections from end-user devices to Telegram servers. The messenger has learned to bypass many standard blocking mechanisms.” While WhatsApp used to be more popular in the Russian Federation, it never significantly modernized its infrastructure to successfully circumvent Moscow’s restrictions, he noted, agreeing that blocking Telegram is definitely harder. He is convinced that Roskomnadzor is removing the domains of previously restricted services to “clear up resources to slow down Telegram.” In a broad interview with the official TASS news agency, the Kremlin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov insisted that the messenger must comply with Russia’s laws and ensure protection for its citizens, before the restrictions are removed, although some say Moscow has already made up its mind about its future. President Putin’s press secretary set similar conditions for resuming WhatsApp’s full services in Russia, where its parent company, Facebook’s owner Meta, has been designated as an “extremist” organization. He accused the latter of lacking the willingness to engage in dialogue with Russian authorities on the matter. Roskmonadzor limited voice calls through both apps in August, alleging they were increasingly being used by fraudsters and extremists. The measures against them seem to be part of a campaign to make Russians use a state-approved alternative called Max , which critics say can be used for surveillance and censorship. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .

12 Feb 2026, 14:05

SWIFT Webinar’s Big Revelation about Ripple (XRP) and Stellar (XLM)

Global finance rarely transforms through sudden disruption. Instead, meaningful change emerges through years of experimentation, cautious collaboration, and quiet technological testing inside the world’s largest financial institutions. Recent discussion surrounding a SWIFT innovation webinar has revived attention on how early the traditional banking system began exploring blockchain infrastructure—and how those early trials continue to shape today’s digital-asset narrative. Crypto researcher SMQKE drew attention to this history by sharing a webinar segment in which SWIFT participants reflected on mid-2010s experimentation involving dozens of banks testing distributed ledger technologies, including Ripple and Stellar. The remarks highlight that institutional curiosity around blockchain did not begin with the recent crypto boom but formed part of a much longer exploration into faster, more efficient cross-border settlement. SWIFT WEBINAR REVEALS RIPPLE AND STELLAR WERE AMONG THE BLOCKCHAINS TESTED IN THE EARLY STAGES OF EXPERIMENTATION Watch. pic.twitter.com/XNyEE7lpqO — SMQKE (@SMQKEDQG) February 11, 2026 Early Experiments Inside the Banking System During the early wave of blockchain innovation, global banks searched for ways to modernize correspondent banking, reduce reconciliation delays, and improve transparency in international payments. SWIFT participated in proofs of concept that evaluated whether distributed ledgers could streamline account reconciliation and liquidity management across borders. These initiatives reflected cautious interest rather than endorsement, yet they demonstrated that major financial institutions recognized blockchain’s potential long before mainstream adoption accelerated. Ripple and Stellar naturally entered those conversations because both networks focused on payment efficiency, settlement speed, and interoperability—core challenges within legacy cross-border infrastructure. Their inclusion in early testing signaled technical relevance, even as banks continued to evaluate multiple competing technologies. From Curiosity to Structured Pilots Institutional exploration has evolved significantly since those first experiments. By 2025, SWIFT had moved beyond theoretical testing toward structured interoperability trials involving multiple blockchain networks, including the XRP Ledger. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 These initiatives focused on connecting traditional financial messaging with tokenized or distributed settlement layers while preserving SWIFT’s neutral position as global infrastructure rather than a promoter of any single digital asset. This shift from curiosity to controlled experimentation reveals a broader industry trend. Banks no longer ask whether blockchain has value; they now examine how to integrate it safely within existing regulatory, liquidity, and operational frameworks. Implications for XRP and Stellar The webinar reflection carries symbolic importance for observers of XRP and XLM . Early participation in institutional testing reinforces the idea that payment-focused blockchains have remained part of the financial conversation for nearly a decade. However, experimentation does not equal adoption. SWIFT continues to prioritize interoperability and optionality, ensuring that any future architecture can connect multiple technologies rather than depend on one network. A Gradual Path Toward Convergence The larger story is not about a single webinar or technology. It is about the steady convergence between legacy finance and distributed ledger innovation. Each pilot, proof of concept, and interoperability test moves the global payment system incrementally closer to real-time, always-on settlement. For XRP and Stellar communities, the key insight lies in persistence. Institutional exploration has continued quietly for years, suggesting that the transformation of cross-border finance will arrive not through sudden replacement, but through gradual integration that reshapes the system from within. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post SWIFT Webinar’s Big Revelation about Ripple (XRP) and Stellar (XLM) appeared first on Times Tabloid .

12 Feb 2026, 13:57

Bitcoin layer-2 builders pitch BTCFi as the next institutional unlock

Leaders from Citrea, Rootstock Labs and BlockSpaceForce argued that bitcoin’s scaling layers are less about throughput and more about turning the asset into a programmable financial base layer.

12 Feb 2026, 13:32

Trillion-Dollar Ripple? Brad Garlinghouse Explains Why XRP Is Key

Brad Garlinghouse Predicts Ripple Will Be a Trillion-Dollar Crypto Company by 2030 At XRP Community Day, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse boldly predicted that Ripple will become a trillion-dollar cryptocurrency company by 2030, highlighting his strong confidence in the company’s vision and XRP’s long-term potential. Asked to envision Ripple’s place in the crypto landscape in the next couple of years, Garlinghouse confidently predicted , “There will be a trillion-dollar crypto company. I don’t doubt that for a second.” His statement underscores Ripple’s bold vision for growth, innovation, and market leadership. Recently, Ripple reinforced this ambition by partnering with UAE’s top bank, Zand, to advance the digital economy through stablecoins, blockchain, and tokenization solutions. XRP lies at the heart of Ripple’s mission with Garlinghouse stressing that Ripple’s success is inseparable from the adoption, utility, and growth of XRP. Therefore, this makes the company’s purpose clear that it exists to advance the XRP ecosystem and support its community, not merely as a fintech firm, but as a champion of the digital currency itself. Garlinghouse Ties Ripple’s Success to XRP Adoption in Global Finance Garlinghouse’s comments underscore Ripple’s strategy to position itself as a bridge between traditional finance and blockchain innovation. By driving XRP adoption in payments, cross-border transfers, and enterprise solutions, Ripple aims to become a key player in global financial infrastructure. This shows that the company’s growth is closely tied to the digital asset’s real-world use. Meanwhile, Ripple continues to accelerate institutional digital-asset management with enhanced compliance, staking, and security. Well, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse’s trillion-dollar forecast signals confidence, not just in XRP, but in Ripple’s ability to overcome regulatory hurdles, forge strategic partnerships, and deliver real value to both institutional and retail users. As Ripple expands globally, this ambitious target sets a clear benchmark for the company, its investors, and the XRP community. Garlinghouse’s message is clear that Ripple’s future is tied to XRP, and with continued adoption and innovation, the company could redefine what a leading crypto enterprise looks like by 2030. In a fast-evolving digital asset landscape, all eyes will be on Ripple, not only for its technological breakthroughs but also for whether it can achieve the audacious milestone of becoming a trillion-dollar crypto powerhouse. Conclusion If Ripple fulfills Garlinghouse’s vision, it could transform the crypto landscape. By linking its success to XRP adoption and ecosystem growth, Ripple is charting a bold strategy where innovation, real-world utility, and market influence intersect. Therefore, the coming years could define Ripple’s rise and XRP’s role in a potential trillion-dollar future.

12 Feb 2026, 13:20

Bitcoin Lightning Network’s Revolutionary Toolkit Empowers AI Agents with Autonomous Payment Capabilities

BitcoinWorld Bitcoin Lightning Network’s Revolutionary Toolkit Empowers AI Agents with Autonomous Payment Capabilities Lightning Labs has fundamentally transformed artificial intelligence capabilities with its groundbreaking open-source toolkit that enables AI agents to autonomously process Bitcoin payments on the Lightning Network, creating unprecedented possibilities for machine-to-machine transactions in the digital economy. Bitcoin Lightning Network’s AI Payment Toolkit Revolution Lightning Labs, the primary development team behind Bitcoin’s Layer-2 scaling solution, announced their innovative toolkit on November 15, 2024, from their San Francisco headquarters. This development represents a significant milestone in cryptocurrency integration with artificial intelligence systems. The toolkit specifically enables AI agents to make independent Bitcoin payments without human intervention. Consequently, this advancement bridges two transformative technologies that have previously operated in separate domains. The Lightning Network processes transactions almost instantly with minimal fees. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence systems continue evolving toward greater autonomy. Therefore, this convergence creates new economic possibilities for automated systems. The technical architecture incorporates several crucial components. First, it includes standardized APIs for AI integration. Second, it features automated proof-processing mechanisms. Third, it contains security protocols specifically designed for autonomous systems. Furthermore, the toolkit supports multiple programming languages commonly used in AI development. This flexibility ensures broader adoption across different artificial intelligence platforms. The system also maintains compatibility with existing Lightning Network infrastructure. As a result, developers can implement these capabilities without rebuilding their entire payment systems. Comparative Analysis with Existing Solutions The cryptocurrency industry has witnessed increasing interest in AI payment solutions throughout 2024. Notably, Coinbase and Stripe jointly released their x402 payment protocol earlier this year. However, Lightning Labs’ approach differs fundamentally in several aspects. The table below illustrates key distinctions between these competing solutions: Feature Lightning Labs Toolkit Coinbase/Stripe x402 Blockchain Bitcoin Lightning Network Multiple blockchains Transaction Speed Near-instant Variable by chain Fee Structure Microtransaction optimized Standard blockchain fees Open Source Status Fully open source Proprietary components AI Integration Method Direct protocol integration API-based approach Elizabeth Stark, CEO of Lightning Labs, emphasized the toolkit’s significance during the announcement. “We’re creating infrastructure for the future of autonomous commerce,” she stated. “This toolkit enables AI systems to participate directly in economic activities using Bitcoin’s secure, decentralized network.” Industry analysts immediately recognized the potential implications. For instance, autonomous AI agents could now pay for computational resources, data access, or API services without human oversight. This capability represents a fundamental shift in how artificial intelligence systems interact with digital economies. Technical Implementation and Security Framework The Lightning Labs toolkit implements several innovative security measures specifically designed for autonomous AI operations. First, it incorporates multi-signature verification for high-value transactions. Second, it includes rate-limiting mechanisms to prevent abnormal spending patterns. Third, it features comprehensive audit trails for all autonomous payments. Additionally, the system maintains strict separation between AI decision-making processes and payment execution. This architectural choice prevents potential manipulation of financial systems by artificial intelligence. The toolkit also supports customizable spending limits and permission structures. Therefore, organizations can implement appropriate controls based on their specific requirements and risk tolerance. Real-world testing has already demonstrated practical applications. For example, research institutions have implemented the toolkit for AI systems that purchase datasets. Similarly, decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) have begun experimenting with AI-managed treasury operations. Furthermore, content platforms have tested AI systems that automatically pay contributors based on engagement metrics. These early implementations reveal both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, they demonstrate efficiency improvements in automated systems. On the other hand, they highlight the need for robust oversight mechanisms in autonomous financial operations. Industry Impact and Adoption Timeline The cryptocurrency industry has responded positively to Lightning Labs’ announcement. Major exchanges and wallet providers have already announced integration plans. Meanwhile, AI development platforms have begun incorporating the toolkit into their standard offerings. The adoption timeline suggests rapid implementation throughout 2025. Initial testing phases will likely conclude by the second quarter. Subsequently, production deployments should begin during the third quarter. Finally, widespread adoption could occur by year’s end. This accelerated timeline reflects strong market demand for AI payment solutions. Market analysts project significant economic implications. Autonomous AI payments could process billions of microtransactions daily. These transactions would occur across various sectors including: Decentralized Finance (DeFi): AI-managed liquidity provision and arbitrage Content Creation: Automated royalty payments and licensing fees Internet of Things (IoT): Machine-to-machine resource sharing payments Research and Development: AI-purchased computational resources and datasets Gaming and Metaverse: Autonomous in-game transactions and asset purchases These applications demonstrate the toolkit’s versatility across different industries. Each sector presents unique implementation challenges and opportunities. However, the underlying technology remains consistent. This consistency enables developers to create standardized solutions that work across multiple domains. Regulatory Considerations and Compliance Framework Autonomous AI payments introduce complex regulatory questions that require careful consideration. Financial authorities worldwide have begun examining these systems. Their primary concerns include anti-money laundering (AML) compliance and transaction monitoring. Lightning Labs has addressed these concerns through several design choices. The toolkit maintains comprehensive transaction records. It also supports integration with existing compliance systems. Furthermore, it enables customizable reporting based on jurisdictional requirements. These features help organizations maintain regulatory compliance while utilizing autonomous payment capabilities. International regulatory approaches vary significantly. The European Union has proposed specific guidelines for AI financial systems. Meanwhile, the United States has taken a more sector-specific approach. Asian markets have generally embraced innovation with appropriate safeguards. This regulatory diversity creates implementation challenges for global organizations. However, the toolkit’s flexibility allows customization based on regional requirements. This adaptability represents a crucial advantage for international adoption. Future Development Roadmap and Industry Evolution Lightning Labs has published a detailed development roadmap for their AI payment toolkit. The immediate focus involves enhancing security protocols and expanding integration options. Subsequent phases will introduce advanced features including: Cross-chain compatibility for multi-asset AI payments Enhanced privacy features for sensitive transactions Machine learning optimization for payment efficiency Standardized interfaces for regulatory reporting Interoperability with traditional payment systems Industry experts predict substantial evolution in autonomous payment systems. Artificial intelligence will increasingly manage financial operations. Meanwhile, blockchain technology will provide the necessary infrastructure. This convergence creates new possibilities for economic automation. However, it also requires careful consideration of ethical implications and system safeguards. The technology community continues discussing these important questions as development progresses. Conclusion Lightning Labs has fundamentally advanced cryptocurrency integration with artificial intelligence through their innovative Bitcoin Lightning Network payment toolkit. This development enables autonomous AI agents to process Bitcoin transactions independently. Consequently, it creates new possibilities for machine-to-machine economic interactions. The technology demonstrates practical applications across multiple industries. Furthermore, it maintains necessary security and compliance standards. As adoption increases throughout 2025, this toolkit will likely transform how artificial intelligence systems participate in digital economies. The Bitcoin Lightning Network continues proving its versatility as foundational infrastructure for next-generation financial systems. FAQs Q1: What exactly does the Lightning Labs toolkit enable AI agents to do? The toolkit allows artificial intelligence systems to autonomously send and receive Bitcoin payments on the Lightning Network without human intervention, including processing payment proofs and managing transaction verification. Q2: How does this differ from traditional cryptocurrency payments? Traditional payments require human initiation and approval, while this system enables AI agents to make independent financial decisions and execute transactions based on programmed parameters and real-time conditions. Q3: What security measures prevent AI agents from making unauthorized payments? The toolkit implements multi-signature requirements, spending limits, behavioral monitoring, audit trails, and separation between decision-making and payment execution to ensure controlled autonomous operations. Q4: Can this system work with cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin? Currently, the toolkit specifically supports Bitcoin on the Lightning Network, though Lightning Labs’ roadmap includes cross-chain compatibility for future versions that could support additional digital assets. Q5: What are the most immediate practical applications for this technology? Initial applications include AI systems purchasing computational resources, automated royalty payments for content, machine-to-machine transactions in IoT networks, and AI-managed treasury operations for decentralized organizations. This post Bitcoin Lightning Network’s Revolutionary Toolkit Empowers AI Agents with Autonomous Payment Capabilities first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

12 Feb 2026, 13:10

NCUA Stablecoin Licensing: A Transformative Framework for Credit Unions in 2025

BitcoinWorld NCUA Stablecoin Licensing: A Transformative Framework for Credit Unions in 2025 In a landmark regulatory development, the U.S. National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) has proposed a comprehensive licensing framework that could fundamentally reshape how credit unions engage with digital assets. Announced in early 2025, this proposal represents the first federal framework specifically designed to allow credit unions to issue stablecoins—digital currencies pegged to traditional assets like the U.S. dollar. Consequently, this move signals a significant shift toward integrating blockchain technology into mainstream, member-owned financial institutions. NCUA Stablecoin Licensing: Core Components of the Proposal The NCUA’s proposed framework, formally known as the Payment Stablecoin Issuer (PPSI) license, establishes clear rules for credit unions venturing into digital currency. Importantly, the framework mandates that any credit union seeking to issue a stablecoin must first obtain this specialized license from the regulator. Furthermore, the proposal includes a strict 120-day decision window for the NCUA to approve or deny applications, providing much-needed regulatory certainty for institutions planning their digital strategy. Notably, the framework adopts a technology-neutral stance. It explicitly states that it “would not discriminate against the issuance of stablecoins on public blockchains.” This provision is crucial because it acknowledges the decentralized nature of existing blockchain networks like Ethereum or Solana. Additionally, the proposal requires that stablecoin issuance activities be conducted through separate, non-credit union subsidiaries. This structural separation aims to protect the core deposit-taking functions of credit unions from potential risks associated with novel digital asset operations. PPSI License Requirement: Mandatory approval for any credit union issuing stablecoins. 120-Day Review: A defined regulatory timeline for application decisions. Public Blockchain Acceptance: No prohibition against using open, permissionless networks. Subsidiary Structure: Issuance must occur through separate legal entities. The Regulatory Context and Broader Stablecoin Landscape This proposal does not exist in a vacuum. It arrives amidst a global scramble to establish clear rules for digital assets, particularly stablecoins which have seen explosive growth. For context, the total market capitalization of stablecoins surpassed $180 billion in 2024, according to data from The Block Research. The NCUA’s move follows years of debate in the U.S. Congress over federal stablecoin legislation, which has yet to be finalized. Therefore, the NCUA is effectively creating a regulatory pathway within its existing authority, covering the institutions it supervises. The agency oversees a substantial segment of the American financial system. As of mid-2024, the NCUA supervised more than 4,000 federal credit unions. These institutions collectively held approximately $2.38 trillion in assets and served an estimated 144 million members. By proposing this framework, the NCUA is providing a potential on-ramp for a vast, community-focused financial network to participate in the digital economy. This action contrasts with approaches taken by other federal banking regulators, who have generally issued more restrictive guidance on crypto-asset activities. Expert Analysis: Implications for Financial Inclusion and Competition Financial technology experts view the NCUA’s proposal as a potential catalyst for greater financial inclusion. Dr. Sarah Chen, a former Federal Reserve economist and current director of the Digital Finance Initiative at Georgetown University, notes, “Credit unions have a unique member-owned structure and often serve communities underserved by larger banks. A regulated stablecoin framework could allow them to offer faster, cheaper payment services and remittances, directly benefiting their members.” However, analysts also highlight significant operational challenges. Compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) rules on public blockchains requires sophisticated technology. Moreover, managing the reserves that back a stablecoin—ensuring they are always sufficient and liquid—introduces new complexities for credit union balance sheets. The requirement to operate through a subsidiary may help mitigate some risks but also adds cost and operational overhead. Potential Impact on Members and the Digital Dollar Ecosystem For the 144 million credit union members across the United States, the practical impacts could be substantial. If implemented, members might eventually access dollar-denominated digital tokens issued by their own credit union. These tokens could be used for instant peer-to-peer payments, programmable smart contract transactions, or as a bridge to other digital asset services. The framework could also position credit unions as key players in the emerging ecosystem for a potential U.S. Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), should one be developed, by acting as distribution points. The table below outlines a comparison between traditional credit union services and potential stablecoin-enabled services: Traditional Service Potential Stablecoin-Enabled Service ACH Transfers (1-3 business days) Instant, 24/7 Cross-Border Payments Basic Savings Accounts Programmable Savings with Automated Yield In-Person or Online Banking Integration with Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Apps Standard Loan Collateral Digital Asset-Backed Lending Currently, the proposal is in a public comment phase. This period allows credit unions, industry groups, consumer advocates, and other stakeholders to provide feedback on the specific details before final rules are drafted. The outcome of this process will determine the final shape of the licensing regime and its attendant requirements for governance, risk management, and consumer protection. Conclusion The NCUA’s proposed stablecoin licensing framework represents a bold and structured step toward legitimizing digital assets within the federally insured credit union system. By establishing clear rules for the PPSI license, mandating a swift review process, and embracing technological neutrality, the framework seeks to balance innovation with safety and soundness. Its successful implementation could empower credit unions to enhance their service offerings, promote financial inclusion, and secure a role in the future of digital finance. Ultimately, the evolution of this NCUA stablecoin licensing proposal will serve as a critical test case for integrating traditional, member-focused finance with the transformative potential of blockchain technology. FAQs Q1: What is the NCUA’s proposed PPSI license? The PPSI (Payment Stablecoin Issuer) license is a new regulatory approval proposed by the National Credit Union Administration. A credit union must obtain this license before it can issue its own U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin to members and the public. Q2: Can credit unions use existing blockchains like Ethereum under this framework? Yes. The proposed framework explicitly states it will not discriminate against the use of public, permissionless blockchains. This means credit unions could theoretically issue stablecoins on networks like Ethereum, Solana, or others, provided they meet all other regulatory requirements. Q3: How long will the NCUA take to decide on a license application? The proposal stipulates that the NCUA must make a decision on a complete PPSI license application within 120 days of submission. This creates a predictable timeline for credit unions planning their digital asset strategies. Q4: Why must stablecoins be issued through a non-credit union subsidiary? This requirement is a risk-management measure. It creates a legal and operational separation between the credit union’s core banking activities—like taking deposits and making loans—and the new, potentially riskier activity of issuing and managing a digital currency. It helps protect member deposits. Q5: What happens next after the proposal is announced? The proposal is now in a “public comment phase.” Industry participants, consumer groups, and the public can submit formal feedback to the NCUA. The agency will review these comments and then issue a final rule, which will establish the official, legally binding framework for NCUA stablecoin licensing. This post NCUA Stablecoin Licensing: A Transformative Framework for Credit Unions in 2025 first appeared on BitcoinWorld .