The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has authorized spot cryptocurrency products to trade on federally regulated U.S. futures exchanges for the first time. Acting Chairman Caroline Pham said the decision aims to provide American investors with secure, regulated domestic trading options rather than relying on offshore platforms. The authorization follows Congressional reforms enacted fifteen years ago to strengthen U.S. markets after the financial crisis.

Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission announced plans to introduce a locally pegged stablecoin by the second half of 2026, contingent on legislative approval of the Virtual Assets Service Act. Initial issuance rights will be restricted to regulated financial institutions under a framework inspired by EU MiCA regulations. The initiative positions Taiwan to modernize payment infrastructure and strengthen its role in the digital asset economy.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has halted applications from multiple ETF providers seeking to launch cryptocurrency funds with 3–5x leverage, exceeding the 200% regulatory cap. Warning letters cited provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, which limits fund exposure to 200% of value-at-risk. Analysts warn that such products amplify both gains and losses in volatile markets.

Strategy, the business intelligence firm co-founded by Michael Saylor, announced on December 1, 2025, the creation of a $1.44 billion cash reserve alongside an expansion of its Bitcoin holdings to 650,000 BTC. The cash reserve, funded through at-the-market stock sales, is designated to cover preferred stock dividends and interest obligations for 21 months. The company also revised its FY2025 earnings guidance in response to Bitcoin price volatility.

North Korean operatives could be working at up to 20% of cryptocurrency companies, according to Pablo Sabbatella, founder of Web3 audit firm Opsek and Security Alliance member. Between 30% and 40% of job applications at crypto firms may come from such operatives, who use stolen identities and freelance platforms to gain employment. The threat extends beyond financial theft to unauthorized access to critical infrastructure supporting major platforms.

U.S. authorities investigated Bitmain-manufactured Bitcoin mining hardware over potential remote manipulation and power grid vulnerabilities. The Department of Homeland Security-led inquiry resulted in detention and inspection of Antminer S21 and T21 units at multiple ports. Bitmain denied the allegations, stating it cannot remotely operate its machines and has no government connections.

Phishing attacks targeting cryptocurrency users result in millions of dollars in annual losses. Users can protect themselves by verifying website URLs, checking SSL certificates, reviewing platform reputation, inspecting smart contract addresses, and using browser security extensions to detect fraudulent sites before entering credentials or transferring funds.

Brazil's central bank has finalized regulations placing cryptocurrency service providers under banking supervision. Stablecoin transactions and certain self-custody wallet transfers will be classified as foreign-exchange operations, extending anti-money laundering and compliance requirements to virtual assets. The rules take effect in February 2026.

French lawmakers approved an amendment on October 25 to tax cryptocurrency holdings and other assets exceeding €2 million ($2.31 million) as "unproductive wealth." The measure passed 163-150 in the National Assembly, according to parliamentary records. The proposal introduces a flat 1% tax on assets above the threshold, replacing the current progressive real estate wealth tax. Senate approval is required before the amendment can be included in France's 2026 budget.