At the World Economic Forum in Davos, prominent African policy and finance voices highlighted a rapid shift in how people move value across borders. Vera Songwe, a former United Nations under-secretary-general and current chair of the Liquidity and Sustainability Facility, argued that stablecoins are increasingly used to cut remittance costs and speed up settlement times. In Africa, where traditional cross-border transfers can cost about $6 for every $100 sent, digital currencies are offering a cheaper, faster alternative and expanding financial access for both individuals and small businesses. Songwe’s comments were delivered during a Davos panel and underscored a broader momentum toward crypto-enabled inclusion on the continent. WEF Davos panel . 650 million people don’t have access to a bank account in Africa. With a smartphone you have access to stablecoins, so you can save in a currency that is not exposed to fluctuations of inflation and making you poor.” Songwe noted that inflat...

Introduction The Bermudian government is advancing a bold plan to anchor a fully on-chain national economy, leveraging digital asset infrastructure in partnership with Coinbase and Circle. Presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the initiative would deploy the USDC stablecoin and Coinbase’s Base network to reimagine public finance, payments, and citizen participation. The proposal extends Bermuda’s long-standing effort to attract crypto businesses, signaling a deeper, state-backed experiment in tokenization and digital governance for a small Caribbean island. Key Takeaways Bermuda aims to pilot a fully on-chain national economy using USDC and Base infrastructure in collaboration with Coinbase and Circle. The program envisions stablecoin-based payments, tokenization tools for financial institutions, and nationwide digital literacy initiatives. The project builds on Bermuda’s history of crypto-friendly policies, including earlier regulatory moves to attract cryp...

Belarus Establishes Legal Framework for Cryptobanks Belarus has formalized its approach to integrating digital assets into the regulated banking sector by introducing a comprehensive legal framework for “cryptobanks.” This move positions Belarus as a progressive player in the crypto space while maintaining strict state oversight. Key Takeaways Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signed Decree No. 19, regulating the operation of cryptobanks within the country. Cryptobanks are designated as joint-stock companies and can operate token-based services alongside traditional banking and payment systems. The framework ties digital asset activities to existing financial oversight mechanisms, requiring cryptobanks to register with the central bank and qualify for resident status in the Hi-Tech Park. Dual oversight involves compliance with both financial regulations and technological standards, aiming to foster innovative yet controlled crypto services. Tickers mentioned: None Sentiment: ...

Crypto Billionaires Consider Leaving California Over Proposed Wealth Tax California faces a potential exodus of crypto billionaires and tech moguls after a prominent trade union proposed a new 5% assets tax targeting residents with net worth over $1 billion. The initiative, introduced by the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West in November 2025, aims to generate an estimated $100 billion by taxing wealth rather than income, primarily targeting around 200 of the state’s wealthiest residents. The measure faces a significant hurdle, requiring 850,000 signatures to appear on the 2026 ballot. But the announcement has already stirred controversy, with some of California’s most prominent billionaires threatening to leave the state amid fears of an economic backlash. Critics argue that such a move could ultimately deprive California of crucial tax revenues, which are vital for funding public services and infrastructure. Industry Leaders and Political Figures Wei...

Indonesia’s Crypto Market Clarifies Regulatory Landscape with Official Whitelist Indonesia’s Financial Services Authority (OJK) has published an official whitelist detailing 29 licensed digital asset trading platforms, underscoring the nation’s intensified regulatory approach towards cryptocurrencies. This move aims to establish clarity and security for investors by clearly delineating authorized exchanges and encouraging transactions exclusively through licensed providers. The comprehensive list includes both platform names and their respective apps, serving as a definitive resource to verify licensure status before engaging in trading. The OJK has explicitly advised the public to transact solely with entities on this whitelist, warning against unregulated platforms that operate without proper authorization. This stance reinforces Indonesia’s commitment to protecting consumers and maintaining financial stability within its burgeoning digital asset ecosystem. South Korea’s largest exch...

Argentina Considers Loosening Crypto Regulations to Enable Bank Participation Argentina is exploring a significant policy shift that could allow local financial institutions to engage more directly with cryptocurrencies. This proposed move signals a departure from the country’s historically restrictive stance on digital assets and could pave the way for broader adoption within the banking sector. Key Takeaways Argentina's central bank is reportedly evaluating measures to permit traditional banks to trade cryptocurrencies. This potential change follows years of regulatory uncertainty and previous bans on crypto services by the central bank. Draft regulations are expected, with possible approval as soon as April 2026, according to local industry sources. The move aligns with broader government efforts to clarify industry rules and foster a more open financial ecosystem. Tickers mentioned: None Sentiment: Neutral Price impact: Neutral, as regulatory developments could eventually fa...

Michael Selig's nomination to lead the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is progressing through Senate approval, signaling potential shifts in crypto regulation. As his confirmation nears, key debates over digital assets and DeFi governance are expected to influence the agency's future stance on cryptocurrency markets and blockchain innovations across the United States. Michael Selig’s CFTC nomination advances to a Senate vote after committee approval, amid bipartisan concerns. Selig’s confirmation hinges on support from at least 50 senators in a closely divided Senate. The current CFTC faces continued leadership gaps, with only one commissioner in place since September. The agency is actively working on digital asset regulation as part of a White House-led “crypto sprint.” Major decisions on crypto trading and DeFi regulation remain on the horizon as new leadership discussions unfold. Michael Selig’s bid to become the next chair of the U....