hodler

7 Mar 2026, 11:00

Kazakhstan’s Crypto Bet: Central Bank To Begin $350M Digital Assets Investment In Q2

Kazakhstan’s central bank will soon begin investing up to $350 million from its gold and foreign exchange reserves into cryptocurrency assets and related companies, as part of its broader digital assets strategy. Central Bank Prepares For $350M Investment Into Crypto-Related Assets On Friday, Reuters reported that the National Bank of Kazakhstan (NBK) has formed a portfolio of up to $350 million ​from its gold and foreign exchange reserves ‌for investment in digital assets. As of February 1, Kazakhstan’s central bank held $69.40 billion in gold and foreign exchange reserves, while the assets of the national fund amounted to $65.23 billion, the news media outlet noted. At a briefing on interest ​rates, the central bank governor, Timur Suleimanov, affirmed that the financial authority is developing a list of instruments to invest in, which will include crypto-related companies. “These include shares of high-tech ​companies related to cryptocurrencies and digital financial assets, index funds and other instruments that exhibit similar ​dynamics to crypto assets,” Suleimanov explained. Meanwhile, Central ​Bank Deputy Chair Aliya Moldabekova shared that the investments will begin between April and May. She added that there are no plans to make any large investments directly in digital assets, but in companies that deal with them. “We are not talking about any large investment in cryptocurrencies. We are currently selecting companies that deal with digital ​assets. For ​example, those ⁠involved in cryptocurrency infrastructure. We are currently in the process ​of selecting such companies,” Moldabekova ​said. The central bank’s initiative follows Kazakhstan’s plan to establish a national digital asset reserve fund valued between $500 million and $1 billion, primarily comprised of assets seized and repatriated from abroad. Suleimenov announced the plans last year, emphasizing that the fund would prioritize investments in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and shares of companies operating within the sector. He stressed that the investment strategy would be cautious, avoiding direct exposure to digital assets. Kazakhstan Eyes Regulated Landscape Kazakhstan’s introduction of regulations for digital financial assets could pave the way for a new financial market sector, including tokenized assets and digital assets-fiat payment channels, the central bank governor has stated. According to local reports , Suleimenov proposed on Friday a licensing system for crypto exchanges rather than strict bans, requiring compliance with anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorist financing (CTF), tax, and payment regulations to boost the fintech sector and the country’s economy. We all know that Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are quite actively used in our country, but outside the legal framework. But why fight this with the help of the Criminal Code? It is better to force crypto exchanges to obtain licenses, regulate them, require compliance with AML/CTF regulations, banking legislation, payment legislation, and tax legislation — and let them engage in this activity and do so within the legal framework. Suleimenov informed that two banks have already begun issuing crypto-fiat cards that enable purchases using stablecoin accounts. During the payment process, the funds are automatically converted into the country’s national currency, the tenge. Additionally, the head of the National Bank mentioned that two more banks are in the process of launching similar products. “That is, there are quite a few such projects. And I hope that we will gradually begin to transfer them from the ‘sandbox’ mode to the generally established mode as regulations appear. And we will see this as consumers every day,” he added. The government has reportedly also been exploring the establishment of licensed crypto banks and a national exchange to foster a regulated environment for digital asset trading in Kazakhstan.

7 Mar 2026, 10:00

Single Swing Vote May Determine Fate Of The CLARITY Act In Banking Committee

Despite strong backing from President Donald Trump and ongoing discussions at the White House, the CLARITY Act — the Senate’s long-debated crypto market structure bill — remains stalled as political divisions persist and the midterm elections draw closer. The legislation has been slowed by continued resistance from Senate Democrats and the banking industry, both of which have raised objections to key provisions, particularly those related to stablecoin rewards. Banking Committee Markup Hinges On Tillis According to a Thursday update from journalist Eleanor Terrett of Crypto In America, one Republican senator may now hold decisive influence over the CLARITY Act’s next steps in the Senate Banking Committee. Terrett reported that Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina appears to be central to resolving the ongoing dispute over stablecoin yield and reward programs. Tillis had previously emerged as a potential holdout in January when the Senate Banking Committee was preparing to mark up the bill. Amendments introduced by Tillis sought to narrow the scope of rewards that crypto firms could offer on stablecoins. US-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase later cited those proposed changes as one of several reasons it withdrew its support for the legislation at the time, underscoring how sensitive the yield issue has become for the industry. While the Senate Agriculture Committee approved its portion of the CLARITY Act framework in January, the Banking Committee has yet to complete its markup — a necessary step before the bill can advance further. Late-March CLARITY Act Markup Terrett notes that a dramatic breakthrough between banks and crypto firms may be unlikely. Instead of a comprehensive resolution that fully satisfies both sides, the strategy now appears to focus on drafting language that represents the minimum each party can accept. Even if Democrats ultimately oppose the bill during the next markup session, the CLARITY Act could theoretically pass out of committee along party lines. In that scenario, however, Tillis’ support would be pivotal if no Democrats cross the aisle. His position could determine whether the legislation advances or remains stuck. At the same time, stakeholders involved in negotiations say the focus on stablecoin rewards has “taken a lot of oxygen out of the room,” leaving other contentious areas — particularly those related to decentralized finance — sidelined. One DeFi executive engaged in the talks suggested that Senate Democrats are now scrambling to revisit those outstanding matters. Ethics provisions are also expected to remain a point of sensitivity for some Democratic members, adding another layer of complexity to an already delicate negotiation surrounding the CLARITY Act. As the calendar advances, timing is becoming increasingly critical. One crypto trade executive said contingency options are being considered in case the Banking Committee’s markup slips further into the year. Still, there is cautious optimism that meaningful progress on stablecoin yield and related provisions could be achieved within the next three weeks. If that happens, lawmakers may be able to reschedule the markup for late March. Featured image from OpenArt, chart from TradingView.com

7 Mar 2026, 09:00

Kurv XRP Enhanced Income ETF Moves Toward Launch After SEC Filing

SEC filing sets March 11, 2026 effective date for the Kurv XRP Enhanced Income ETF launch. ETF uses options and derivatives to convert XRP volatility into monthly income distributions. Product offers regulated XRP exposure through an income-focused ETF structure. The Kurv XRP Enhanced Income ETF has moved closer to launch after a new regulatory filing set a defined timeline for the product’s effectiveness. A post-effective amendment filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 3, 2026, established March 11 as the effective date for the fund. The filing applies to two products under the Kurv ETF Trust: the Kurv Ether Enhanced Income ETF and the Kurv XRP Enhanced Income ETF. The development outlines the regulatory framework under which the XRP-focused fund will operate and provides new details about how the product will structure exposure to XRP … Read The Full Article Kurv XRP Enhanced Income ETF Moves Toward Launch After SEC Filing On Coin Edition .

7 Mar 2026, 08:20

US Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Linking Binance to Crypto Transfers for Terror Groups

A US federal judge dismissed a lawsuit accusing Binance of facilitating crypto transfers for terror groups. The court cited a lack of direct evidence linking Binance or its founder to terrorist acts. Continue Reading: US Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Linking Binance to Crypto Transfers for Terror Groups The post US Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Linking Binance to Crypto Transfers for Terror Groups appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

7 Mar 2026, 07:59

Binance, CZ Cleared in US Civil Suit Over Alleged Terror Financing

A US federal judge has dismissed a civil lawsuit seeking to hold cryptocurrency exchange Binance and its founder Changpeng Zhao responsible for transactions allegedly linked to terrorist organizations involved in dozens of attacks worldwide. Key Takeaways: A US federal judge dismissed a lawsuit accusing Binance and Changpeng Zhao of enabling crypto transactions tied to terrorist attacks. The court ruled that plaintiffs failed to show Binance intentionally supported or was directly linked to the alleged attacks. Plaintiffs may amend and refile the complaint despite the case being dismissed. In a decision issued March 6, US District Judge Jeannette Vargas in Manhattan ruled that the plaintiffs failed to establish a credible connection between Binance and the attacks, according to a report by Reuters. The lawsuit was filed by 535 plaintiffs, including victims and family members of victims, who claimed that digital asset transactions conducted through the exchange supported violent operations carried out between 2017 and 2024. Plaintiffs Accuse Binance of Enabling Crypto Transfers Tied to 64 Attacks The complaint alleged that several groups designated as foreign terrorist organizations, including Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, Islamic State, Kataib Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Al-Qaeda, used cryptocurrency transactions facilitated through Binance to move funds connected to at least 64 attacks. According to the filing, hundreds of millions of dollars in crypto transactions were allegedly processed through accounts associated with these groups. The plaintiffs also argued that billions of dollars in trading activity with Iranian users indirectly benefited groups linked to the attacks. Judge Vargas concluded that the allegations did not demonstrate that Binance or Zhao intentionally supported the operations. In her ruling, she stated that the plaintiffs had not plausibly shown the defendants “culpably associated themselves with these terrorist attacks” or acted in a way that helped bring them about. The judge added that the connection between the exchange and the alleged actors appeared limited to standard customer relationships. False news is temporary. Truth always comes with time. Adding some logic here. There are absolutely zero (0) motive for any CEX to have anything to do with terrorists. I imagine they don't actively trade (no fee revenue). They may try to deposit and then immediately withdraw… https://t.co/dOe8WjsySw — CZ BNB (@cz_binance) March 7, 2026 According to the ruling, the groups or their affiliates simply held accounts and conducted transactions on Binance in what the court described as an “arms’ length relationship.” Vargas also criticized the scale of the lawsuit, noting that the complaint stretched across 891 pages and included more than 3,100 paragraphs. Despite the seriousness of the accusations, she described the filing as unnecessarily lengthy. The court allowed the plaintiffs the opportunity to revise and refile their complaint. In court filings, Binance and Zhao rejected the accusations and reiterated their condemnation of terrorism. Zhao also argued that the lawsuit attempted to capitalize on the exchange’s earlier legal troubles. Binance reached a settlement with US authorities in November 2023, agreeing to pay $4.32 billion in penalties after pleading guilty to violations involving anti-money-laundering and sanctions laws. Binance Denies Iranian Sanctions Violations in Response to US Senate Probe On Friday, Binance rejected allegations that it violated Iranian sanctions in a letter responding to an inquiry from US Senator Richard Blumenthal. The probe followed a Wall Street Journal report claiming the platform processed roughly $1.7 billion in transactions linked to Iranian entities and sanctions-evasion activity connected to Russia. In its response, Binance called the reporting “false” and unsupported by credible evidence. The exchange said it takes regulatory obligations seriously and disputed claims that it knowingly facilitated transactions tied to sanctioned parties. Binance also stated that it investigated two Hong Kong-based partners mentioned in the report, Hexa Whale and Blessed Trust. According to the company, internal reviews were launched after law enforcement inquiries, leading to the removal of Hexa Whale from the platform in August 2025 and Blessed Trust in January 2026 as part of its compliance process. The post Binance, CZ Cleared in US Civil Suit Over Alleged Terror Financing appeared first on Cryptonews .

7 Mar 2026, 07:47

Dubai Regulator VARA Issues Cease and Desist Orders to 2 Crypto Exchanges

The Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), which is the main watchdog for cryptocurrency-related businesses in Dubai, has issued a formal cease and desist order to KuCoin and MEXC. The regulator argued that it had come to its attention that the popular trading platforms “may be providing Virtual Asset activities to Dubai residents without the necessary regulatory approvals and misrepresenting” their legal statuses. Aside from the cease and desist issued to all unlicensed VA activities, the official statement on KuCoin reads that investors and consumers must be aware of the potential risks. “Engaging with unlicensed companies that are not in compliance with VARA Regulations, associated Rulebooks, and relevant UAE legislation exposes users to significant financial risks and potential legal consequences for violating regulatory requirements or criminal laws.” It reasserted that KuCoin does not hold any license to provide crypto services in or from Dubai, which means that all such activities advertised or conducted by the exchange were “therefore in breach of the VARA Regulations.” Dubai’s VARA introduced the comprehensive regulatory framework four years ago and requires all service providers to be licensed to operate legally in the jurisdiction. A day before this notice against KuCoin, the regulator issued a similar alert against one of its competitors – MEXC. The message was identical, instructing a cease and desist order on all of its activities in and from Dubai. The post Dubai Regulator VARA Issues Cease and Desist Orders to 2 Crypto Exchanges appeared first on CryptoPotato .