30 May 2025, 10:30

India Charts Course for Crypto Regulation with June Discussion Paper

India to issue a discussion paper on crypto regulation in June 2025 The paper will explore policy options, involving consultation with key stakeholders Taxation and compliance measures are already in place, but legal clarity remains. India will likely publish a discussion paper in June 2025 to explore policy frameworks for crypto assets. This step comes as digital currencies gain more traction globally, partly thanks to growing political backing in the United States. According to India Times, the government aims to consult stakeholders before finalizing any regulatory stance. Policy Paper to Set Groundwork for Regulation India’s Ministry of Finance is putting together this discussion paper to map out potential paths for regulating virtual digital assets (VDAs). According to officials familiar with the matter, the main idea is to get feedback and start a dialogue with stakeholders, not to roll out new laws immediately. Related: Crypto Market Pulse: Bitcoin ATH Volume Down 50%, India Tax Reform Pressure Mounts The paper will study how other countries are approaching crypto regulation and see what kind of rules might work best for India. The goal is t… The post India Charts Course for Crypto Regulation with June Discussion Paper appeared first on Coin Edition .

30 May 2025, 10:27

Paris Saint-Germain adds Bitcoin to balance sheet amid crypto boom in European football

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), one of the most valuable football clubs in the world, has officially confirmed that it holds Bitcoin on its balance sheet. The announcement, made during the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas, marks the first time a global sports team has publicly declared a strategic Bitcoin treasury allocation. Bitcoin Magazine @BitcoinMagazine · Follow JUST IN: European soccer giant Paris Saint Germain announces they adopted a #Bitcoin treasury reserve 🇫🇷 Watch on Twitter View replies 12:05 AM · May 30, 2025 7.9K Reply Copy link Read 237 replies PSG, with a fanbase exceeding 550 million, is now part of a growing group of corporations adding cryptocurrency to their financial reserves in response to shifting global trends and digital asset policy developments. Bitcoin allocation began in 2024 as part of treasury diversification According to Pär Helgosson, head of PSG Labs, the French football giant began acquiring Bitcoin last year using part of its fiat reserves. While the exact amount of Bitcoin held by PSG has not been disclosed, the allocation remains on the club’s books heading into the UEFA Champions League final next week in Munich. The move aligns with broader demographic trends, as the club reports that 80% of its fanbase is under the age of 34—a group widely associated with higher rates of crypto adoption. The Bitcoin initiative is also part of PSG’s push to position itself at the forefront of digital innovation. The club’s involvement in NFTs and fan tokens through its partnership with Socios.com had already laid the groundwork for its crypto strategy. The new Bitcoin holding adds a layer of long-term financial diversification as the club seeks new ways to hedge currency risk and tap into digital-native communities. Football leads crypto sponsorships with 64% annual growth PSG’s move comes at a time when football is experiencing a surge in crypto and digital asset partnerships. According to SportQuake’s latest industry data, football accounts for 43% of all crypto sponsorships across sports for the 2024/25 season. This represents a 64% year-on-year rise in total crypto-related sponsorships, driven largely by European leagues. Notably, 44% of all crypto football sponsorship deals are concentrated within Europe’s top five leagues, including Ligue 1, where PSG currently reigns as champions. Brands continue to prioritise global reach and international audiences, with non-US crypto spend playing a major role amid uncertainty around regulatory direction in the US under President Trump’s administration. Matt House, CEO of SportQuake, noted that this international expansion in crypto sponsorships is being fuelled by delays in US crypto clarity, as companies shift their focus to European markets for faster adoption opportunities. This is particularly evident in the concentration of activity across UEFA leagues. Global corporates accelerate Bitcoin adoption amid ETF boom PSG’s strategy is part of a broader corporate trend toward Bitcoin adoption, accelerated by regulatory developments and the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in multiple markets. The shift from viewing Bitcoin as a speculative asset to a corporate treasury strategy is gaining traction, especially after President Trump’s directive encouraging US federal institutions to explore Bitcoin reserves. Dom Harz, co-founder of Build on Bitcoin (BOB), attributes much of the momentum to ETFs and the emerging perception of Bitcoin as a stable digital asset with passive yield potential. He also pointed to the growing appetite among companies to diversify beyond traditional markets, citing digital assets as a hedge against macroeconomic uncertainty and inflation risk. In the case of sports franchises like PSG, the visibility of such moves may influence others to follow suit—especially in regions where crypto regulation is clearer and adoption is higher. While American sports leagues have been slower to engage with crypto on a treasury level, European clubs are increasingly leveraging their global branding power to lead on financial innovation. The post Paris Saint-Germain adds Bitcoin to balance sheet amid crypto boom in European football appeared first on Invezz

30 May 2025, 10:25

Thailand eyes restrictions on Bybit, OKX and three other crypto platforms

Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission will bar locals from accessing five unlicensed cryptocurrency exchanges, including Bybit, OKX, and CoinEx. According to the May 29 notice , the regulator said the measure is intended to shield investors and prevent illicit financial activity through these unlicensed platforms. Is Thailand banning crypto exchanges? While licensed exchanges are allowed to operate in Thailand, regulators found that Bybit, 1000X, CoinEx, OKX, and XT.COM were offering services without the necessary authorisation. The SEC stated that each platform violated the Emergency Decree on Digital Asset Businesses B.E. 2561 by operating without regulatory approval. The commission has already filed complaints with the Economic Crime Suppression Division, seeking legal action against the entities involved. Officials pointed to weak Know Your Customer and Anti-Money Laundering practices as major concerns, especially in the case of OKX, which has been under scrutiny since March . As such, starting June 28, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society will enforce the access blocks, which will prevent Thai users from reaching the platforms online. The regulator has advised users to withdraw their assets from the affected exchanges before the June deadline and to check whether a platform is licensed through its website or the SEC Check First app. Responding to growing pressure over money laundering concerns, authorities have stepped up efforts to shut down unlicensed crypto platforms. The push has intensified since the enactment of the Royal Decree on the Prevention and Suppression of Technological Crime, which came into effect on 13 April 2025. The regulation empowers authorities to block websites and applications deemed harmful, particularly those facilitating financial crimes through crypto. The commission has previously taken similar actions, including filing complaints against Bybit in 2023 and Binance in 2021. In April 2024, the regulator outlined plans to cut off access to unlicensed platforms entirely, offering investors a grace period to retrieve their assets before enforcement. Complaints have also been filed against Zipmex Thailand and its former CEO for misleading investors and transferring customer funds abroad without proper notice. Nevertheless, regulated platforms in the country continue to operate under the supervision of the Thai SEC, with new entrants steadily joining the licensed ecosystem. In April 2025, KuCoin launched its Thailand platform in partnership with ERX Company Limited, which holds a crypto exchange licence from the SEC. Now rebranded as KuCoin Thailand, the platform became the ninth exchange authorised to operate in the country, alongside Bitkub, Upbit, Gulf Binance, and others. Thailand’s crypto plans Even as it tightens oversight, Thailand is pushing forward with efforts to promote digital asset innovation. The Thai Finance Ministry has announced plans to issue $150 million worth of investment-grade crypto tokens to the public. Known as G-Tokens, the digital bonds aim to offer higher yields than bank deposits and raise funds under the national budget framework. Thailand is also exploring retail use cases for crypto, and earlier this week, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira outlined a proposal allowing tourists to spend cryptocurrencies at local shops. Meanwhile, Thailand’s blockchain development ambitions are being driven by the Thailand International Digital Business and Finance Center, which recently appointed industry experts Rushi Manche and Tekin Salimi as advisors. The post Thailand eyes restrictions on Bybit, OKX and three other crypto platforms appeared first on Invezz

30 May 2025, 10:23

What Does the SEC Dropping Its Binance Case Mean for the Crypto Industry?

The Securities and Exchange Commission has officially withdrawn its lawsuit against Binance, ending one of the most high-profile regulatory battles...

30 May 2025, 10:17

Panama City Proposes Bitcoin Payments for Priority Passage Through Panama Canal

Panama City Mayor Mayer Mizrachi has proposed an idea that could bring Bitcoin into one of the world’s most important trade routes. Speaking at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas on May 29, Mizrachi floated the possibility of allowing cargo ships to pay in Bitcoin for faster passage through the Panama Canal. Panama Canal Could Accept Bitcoin for Priority Passage, Says Mayor Mizrachi spoke about the proposal during a panel discussion alongside El Salvador Bitcoin advisors Max Keiser and Stacy Herbert. AMAZING PANEL WITH MAX, STACY, MIKE, & PANAMA CITY MAYOR MIZRACHI pic.twitter.com/E5sqqHbZkJ — The Bitcoin Conference (@TheBitcoinConf) May 29, 2025 The session was moderated by Mike Peterson, director of Bitcoin Beach in El Salvador. “We have a canal — what if you get a perk for paying in Bitcoin, get your ship to go quicker if you pay in Bitcoin,” The Panama Canal is a critical shipping corridor that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It handles around 5% of all global maritime trade and saves ships from weeks of travel around South America. Nearly 10,000 vessels passed through the canal in the last fiscal year, transporting over 423 million tons of goods. The canal generated around $5 billion in revenue for Panama between October 2023 and September 2024, according to the Panama Canal website. The idea of accepting Bitcoin for canal fees comes amid growing political attention on the waterway. In December 2024, U.S. President Donald Trump proposed reclaiming control of the Panama Canal, citing concerns over Chinese influence and alleging unfair treatment of U.S. ships. Mizrachi’s comments reflect his broader push for Bitcoin adoption in public services. He has recently advocated for creating a Bitcoin reserve for Panama City and urged lawmakers to support a more open stance on crypto. Rather than rush into regulation, Mizrachi warned legislators to avoid interfering too soon with the growing crypto sector. “Don’t touch it, don’t get near it, don’t even look at it, let it operate, let it function,” he said. “Then decide what it needs. Do you want to restrict it or do you want to promote it?” The mayor also claimed that Bitcoin use in Panama is more widespread than it appears, estimating over $5 billion in annual transactions. But much of the activity, he said, happens quietly due to fear and lack of public support. Mizrachi’s Bitcoin-for-passage proposal is still conceptual, but it indicates Panama City’s growing interest in blockchain innovation and financial alternatives in global trade. Panama City Eyes Bitcoin Reserve Amid Growing Ties with El Salvador Following Panama City’s move to propose Bitcoin payments for priority canal passage, the city’s pro-Bitcoin stance appears to be deepening. Mayor Mayer Mizrachi has hinted at the possibility of creating a Bitcoin reserve after meeting with Max Keiser and Stacy Herbert, two key figures behind El Salvador’s Bitcoin strategy. Panama City Mayor @Mayer has sparked speculation about creating a Bitcoin reserve after meeting with two of El Salvador’s Bitcoin strategists. #Panama #Bitcoin https://t.co/rNM6EM37pz — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) May 17, 2025 Shortly after their May 16 meeting, Mizrachi posted “Bitcoin Reserve” on X, fueling speculation. Though no official proposal has been introduced, the timing aligns with his upcoming appearance at Bitcoin 2025 in Las Vegas. Panama City has already made crypto history this year, allowing residents to pay taxes and municipal fees in BTC, ETH, USDT, and USDC since April. The city instantly converts these payments into USD through a local bank. Mizrachi has drawn comparisons to cities like Lugano and states like Colorado, signaling his ambition to align Panama City with other crypto-forward regions. However, any move to establish a formal Bitcoin reserve would require legislative approval from the National Assembly. Keiser noted their discussions touched on mining, financial education, and Panama’s hydroelectric potential. Herbert added that Panama City will integrate El Salvador’s “What is Money?” Bitcoin textbook into its online public library system. The post Panama City Proposes Bitcoin Payments for Priority Passage Through Panama Canal appeared first on Cryptonews .

30 May 2025, 10:13

XRP Lawsuit: New Mysterious ‘Decisive Evidence’ To Change Ripple Outcome?

The post XRP Lawsuit: New Mysterious ‘Decisive Evidence’ To Change Ripple Outcome? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News The XRP lawsuit never “fails to entertain” and it just got interesting. A mysterious filing by Justin W. Keener with an emergency motion has resurfaced again. Decisive Evidence Change The Outcome? Keener says that he has “decisive evidence” which could change the outcome of the Ripple vs. SEC case in favor of Ripple. This unexpected move invited comments from experts like Bill Morgan and Marc Fagel. I was expecting some filing in the SEC v Ripple case given what happened to the last motion that was dismissed two weeks ago, especially given that the 60 day period which the parties have before the SEC is required to file a status report with the court of appeals expires on 16… pic.twitter.com/I250sVGKLx — bill morgan (@Belisarius2020) May 29, 2025 “XRP Case Never Fails to Surprise” Bill Morgan shared that he expected some kind of filing, especially with the 60-day deadline for a status update nearing on June 16. He didn’t expect a lengthy, emotional rant against the Howey Test and its court interpretations, especially about “investment contracts.” The rant also criticized the SEC’s actions over the past 90 years. “This case never fails to entertain or end,” he said, which shows how unpredictable the lawsuit has become. Marc Fagel also pointed out that this is the second time the same individual has submitted documents. The SEC even responded to the first one but questioned why the court hasn’t shut down the person’s PACER account yet, given the unauthorized filings. Keener’s first attempt to submit his “decisive evidence” in the Ripple case was shut down back in April, but he’s now trying again. Keener was recently fined $10 million for illegally trading penny stocks without registering as a dealer. Will This Impact The Lawsuit? The XRP community is watching closely if this would have any impact on the lawsuit. Most expect the court to reject it again, but how the judge and SEC respond this time will show whether it has any real impact. In a recent letter to SEC, Ripple said that fungible crypto assets like XRP aren’t securities in secondary sales. Citing legal expert Lewis Cohen and a 2023 court ruling, Ripple argued that these tokens don’t carry the legal traits of securities and requested the SEC to adopt clearer rules, noting that XRP itself was ruled not a security in public trading.