The government of Ireland is taking aim at digital assets used in money laundering and terrorism financing as it moves to implement industry standards “relating to the acceptance of crypto-related activities as a source of funds” by the second half of 2027 as part of its policy priorities. 

In part of its implementation plan following a national risk assessment released on Thursday, the Irish department of finance said crypto assets presented “very significant” risks related to money laundering and terrorism financing. The government’s 2026 report was the first time in seven years that Ireland released a risk assessment related to digital assets, noting an increase in prosecutions related to money laundering and incidents of fraud in which using crypto was “particularly attractive” to criminal groups.

Source: Government of Ireland

In the time since its last report, Ireland noted that crypto “presents vulnerabilities that may facilitate sanctions evasion,” presented challenges to the country’s tax compliance and enforcement and was used to bribe corrupt officials responsible for decisions overseeing the industry. The government highlighted vulnerabilities in the sector, including “inconsistent international regulation” posing risks to Irish service providers and largely unregulated areas of the industry such as decentralized finance.

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Ireland lacks many of the laws and regulations covering the crypto industry that are common in other jurisdictions like the European Union and United States. That’s despite its relatively high crypto ownership rates compared to other areas, with the Central Bank of Ireland reporting in December that about 10% of the population invested in crypto.

Related: BitGo courts crypto firms awaiting MiCA approval amid Binance licensing concerns

In November 2025, the central bank fined Coinbase Europe Limited about $24 million for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism violations, noting that the company delayed reporting failures in its transaction monitoring system.

Ireland banned crypto political donations

The risk assessment noted concerns about crypto being “increasingly used to make payments to corrupt officials,” but even official donations to political groups has been banned in Ireland for more than four years. In April 2022, officials proposed that no Irish political parties be allowed to accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ether, privacy coins and others.

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Magazine: OpenAI files for IPO, SEC scraps 611 rule and Hungary overhauls crypto: Hodlers Digest June 7-13

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Several US government agencies responsible for financial regulation have issued a proposed rule as part of the implementation of stablecoin-focused legislation, pushing for similar identification guidelines for issuers as banks under federal law.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Federal Reserve, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), National Credit Union Administration and the US Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) on Thursday proposed that stablecoin issuers be treated as regulated financial institutions in regard to verifying users’ identities. The proposed rule comes as part of the implementation of the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act, signed into law in July 2025.

Source: Federal Register

The proposed rule, which will be open to public comment for 60 days after it is officially filed in the US Federal Register on Monday, is intended to address Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) requirements for stablecoin providers through the GENIUS Act.

The minimum standards under the Bank Secrecy Act for financial institutions — potentially applied to stablecoin issuers under GENIUS — include “verifying the identity of any person seeking to open an account,” maintaining records of that information, and determining if the individual is a suspected terrorist or part of any terrorist organization.

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The agencies’ actions were the latest implementation related to GENIUS, largely championed by US stablecoin issuers. The law is expected to go into effect 18 months after it was signed or 120 days after federal authorities finalize regulations for implementation.

Related: Banking group asks for more time to comment on US stablecoin bill

Treasury has already proposed AML and CFT requirements targeting illicit finance under GENIUS. In April, the FDIC suggested that rules providing insurance for corporate deposits of stablecoin issuers not extend to holders.

GENIUS passed, CLARITY still being weighed

After the passage of the GENIUS Act last year, the US Congress still has no defined timeline on addressing the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act, a bill intended to redefine financial agencies’ roles in regulating and enforcing crypto rules.

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While many in the White House and Congress expect the bill to pass by the August recess, concerns voiced by Democrats over potential conflicts of interest from lawmakers and elected officials could slow progress.

Magazine: The end of anon? AI could unmask crypto’s hidden identities

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Rockstar Games officially confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI pre-orders will begin on June 25. The announcement sent GTA 6 and Rockstar-themed meme coins skyrocketing across crypto markets within hours.

Here is what Rockstar Games confirmed, why the meme coins exploded, and what investors should track before any potential pullback.

Why the GTA 6 Pre-Orders News Sparked a Frenzy

Pre-orders are early purchases that gamers can place before a video game title’s official release date. Rockstar Games confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI pre-orders will officially open on June 25 across all major platforms and global digital storefronts.

The announcement reignited massive hype around what is already considered one of the most anticipated game launches in history.

GTA 6 has dominated gaming conversations for years. Moreover, the long wait between the original announcement and the release has intensified retail attention.

Crypto markets reacted within minutes. GTA 6 and Rockstar-themed meme coins surged sharply across multiple decentralized exchanges, especially on Solana, Ethereum, and BNB Chain.

The speculative rally reflects how gaming narratives consistently fuel meme coin volatility cycles.

Traders quickly piled into tokens with names referencing the game, its characters, and the fictional Vice City setting.

Several previously dead tokens reached multi-week highs as social media amplified a buying frenzy across crypto communities worldwide.

The reaction follows a familiar pattern. Whenever major entertainment events approach, themed meme coins typically experience parabolic moves driven by retail FOMO. As a result, traders chase quick gains tied to the cultural relevance of the underlying brand.

What Investors Must Know About These Meme Coins

Despite the explosive moves, Rockstar Games has not released any official tokens. Every meme coin riding the GTA 6 hype is a community-driven project with no formal connection to Rockstar, Take-Two Interactive, or the franchise itself.

That distinction matters enormously. Unofficial meme coins typically carry severe risks, including supply concentration, unaudited contracts, and the possibility of sudden rug pulls.

Also, regulatory uncertainty around unauthorized branding can trigger sudden token removals from major exchanges.

The lack of official endorsement does not stop the rally. Crypto markets historically reward narrative-driven speculation, especially around culturally significant brands.

However, traders chasing late entries face the highest risk of sharp reversals once the initial hype wave fully fades.

History offers clear warnings. Similar-themed meme coin rallies tied to movies, sports events, and other gaming launches have ended with steep declines after the underlying catalyst has passed. Volume often collapses within days, leaving late buyers deeply underwater for months.

For now, the GTA 6 pre-orders announcement on June 25 stands as the next major catalyst.

Until then, meme coin volatility tied to the franchise will likely remain elevated. Investors should remember that the only confirmed news comes directly from Rockstar Games.

The post Rockstar Games Confirms GTA 6 Pre-Orders Date and Themed Meme Coins Explode appeared first on BeInCrypto.

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Crypto investors and builders say the censorship of Anthropic's Fable 5 proves their long-running argument: that AI should run on decentralized networks no company or government can switch off. The model shipped with guardrails so broad that many users complained, by Anthropic's own account, and… Read the full story at The Defiant

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Iran has suspended a 60-day negotiation process with the United States less than 24 hours after signing a new agreement, while warning that Israeli strikes could trigger a renewed Strait of Hormuz blockade.

Summary

• Iran suspended a 60-day negotiation process with the U.S. less than 24 hours after signing a new agreement.
• Tehran accused Washington of violating the deal after Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon.
• Iran warned that further escalation could lead to retaliatory strikes and another Strait of Hormuz blockade.

According to The Hormuz Letter, citing reports from Fars and Al-Mayadeen, Tehran halted the entire negotiation framework less than 24 hours after the agreement was electronically signed. 

BREAKING: Iran has suspended its entire 60-day negotiation period with the US over the direct violation of the MOU’s first clause, with Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon constituting a breach less than 24 hours after the MOU was electronically signed, per Fars and Al-Mayadeen.…

— The Hormuz Letter (@HormuzLetter) June 18, 2026

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Iranian officials argued that Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon violated the first clause of the memorandum, which they said was intended to halt hostilities and protect Lebanese sovereignty.

Israeli forces carried out overnight operations in southern Lebanon, according to reports cited by Iranian media. Tehran subsequently accused the United States of failing to ensure compliance with the agreement and rejected suggestions that Israel’s actions should be viewed separately from Washington’s responsibilities under the deal.

BREAKING: Iran warns of cancelling all upcoming negotiations, re-imposing the full Hormuz blockade and responding with missiles over the direct violation of the US-Iran MOU’s first clause, with Israel continuing military aggressions in southern Lebanon, including last night,…

— The Hormuz Letter (@HormuzLetter) June 18, 2026

Iranian officials also warned that the country would not unilaterally fulfill its own obligations under the memorandum until it receives assurances that Israeli military activity has stopped and that the U.S. has adhered to the agreement’s terms, according to The Hormuz Letter.

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The dispute quickly disrupted diplomatic efforts. Reports indicated that an Iranian delegation had already been preparing to travel to Switzerland for the first round of negotiations before Tehran decided to suspend the entire process.

The planned talks were expected to begin a 60-day diplomatic track between U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. With the negotiations now paused, uncertainty has returned to a process that had only just begun.

Oil supply concerns return to financial markets

Attention has increasingly shifted toward the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy exports. Iranian threats to close the waterway have renewed concerns about potential disruptions to oil shipments despite recent declines in crude prices.

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Market participants have closely monitored the route because a significant share of the world’s seaborne crude exports passes through the narrow passage connecting the Persian Gulf to international markets. Any interruption could tighten energy supplies and reverse the recent drop in oil prices toward the $75-per-barrel range.

Analysts have long warned that higher oil prices can fuel inflation pressures, complicating expectations for future monetary policy decisions. A renewed surge in energy costs could affect sentiment across equities, commodities, and other risk-sensitive assets.

Crypto traders react to rising geopolitical tensions

Digital asset markets moved lower as investors assessed the latest developments. Bitcoin fell below $63,000 on Thursday and briefly traded near the $62,000 level as traders reduced exposure to risk assets amid growing uncertainty in the Middle East.

The decline extended across the broader cryptocurrency market, where concerns over a possible Hormuz disruption added to existing macroeconomic risks. Traders have also been weighing how higher energy costs could influence inflation and interest-rate expectations.

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Rising geopolitical tensions also triggered a wave of liquidations across crypto derivatives markets. According to CoinGlass data, approximately $499.34 million in positions were liquidated over the past 24 hours, with long traders accounting for $402.11 million of the losses. More than 125,000 traders were liquidated during the period as Bitcoin fell below $63,000 and broader market volatility increased.

With negotiations suspended and Tehran warning of additional retaliatory measures, investors are likely to remain focused on developments surrounding the U.S.-Iran agreement, Israeli military activity in Lebanon, and the future of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

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Backpack's tokenized SpaceX share token has crossed 10,000 onchain holders on Solana, six days after listing alongside the company's Nasdaq debut. The milestone widens the holder gap with rival xStocks' SpaceX product and lands as Backpack chief executive Armani Ferrante stakes out a structural… Read the full story at The Defiant

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The ‘SpaceX exit liquidity’ narrative is everywhere since the IPO last week. Critics argue that the huge demand for SpaceX shares could let early investors, employees, or insiders sell stock at very high valuations while new buyers, especially retail investors, take the risk.

However, the S-1 filing, the lock-up calendar, and crypto futures positioning suggest the opposite, at least for now.

Who Can Sell SpaceX Shares Early?

It is critical to start with the supply side of the exit liquidity question. The offering sells only newly issued SpaceX shares. The company raised about $75 billion from 555.6 million new Class A shares, and the S-1 confirms that no existing holder sells at listing.

Every dollar goes to SpaceX itself, largely to fund its AI buildout. Many readers asking how to buy SpaceX IPO shares assume insiders sell to them directly. They do not.

Want more insights like this? Sign up for Editor Harsh Notariya’s Daily Newsletter here.

Insiders keep roughly 95.8% of the equity. Elon Musk and certain significant investors agreed to a 366-day lock-up, an agreement that blocks sales for a set period. Employees face restrictions too.

Lower-tier staff, such as welders, became paper millionaires this week, but their equity stays frozen until the first release window after Q2 earnings. They cannot dump SpaceX stock today, no matter how much they want to.

The one true carve-out is a directed share program covering up to 5% of the IPO shares for individuals selected by executives. Even they reportedly sell only after the first earnings report, and they buy fresh stock at the offer price.

So if nobody connected to SpaceX can sell today, who wants to sell later, and when does the door open?

The Billionaires Want Out, but the Lock-Up Sets the Date

The sellers in waiting are real, and this is where the SpaceX IPO exit liquidity story finds its grain of truth. Google or Alphabet holds about 5% of the company after the xAI merger diluted its earlier 6.11% stake.

That position could be worth up to $100 billion, a roughly 100x gain on its 2015 investment. They might want to liquidate some of that.

Early venture backers sound the same alarm.

Space Capital founder Chad Anderson told Fortune:

“We’ve been invested for almost ten years, it’s our business to return capital to investors.”

Yet, their exit runs through the SpaceX lock-up schedule. Up to 20% of eligible insider shares unlock after Q2 earnings, expected between mid July and September. Another 10% unlocks if SPCX holds 30% above the offer price for five of ten sessions. Five 7% tranches follow at 70, 90, 105, 120, and 135 days, with 28% more after Q3 earnings and full release at 180 days.

That metered supply meets a scheduled buyer. Nasdaq’s fast entry rule and MSCI’s early inclusion push index funds, and the retirement accounts behind them, to buy SpaceX stock within weeks of listing.

Passive inflows become standing demand for whatever insiders release. The financials explain why some may hurry.

SpaceX reported $18.7 billion in 2025 revenue with a $4.9 billion net loss, as Starlink’s $4.4 billion operating profit funded a $6.4 billion xAI loss. The SpaceX valuation sits near 94 times trailing sales, and Facebook’s staggered 2012 lock-up still ended 40% below its offer price.

Selling pressure is therefore scheduled, not imaginary.

Whether retail stands beneath it depends on who actually received the allocation.

Retail Was Cut Back, Not Loaded Up

If insiders planned to unload on small investors, the allocation should have maximized the retail bag. The opposite happened. Retail investors submitted more than $100 billion in orders to buy SpaceX IPO shares, exceeding the $75 billion deal size, and total demand reached 3.5 to 4 times the available stock.

SpaceX then cut the retail allocation to the low 20% range from a planned 30% because institutional appetite was strong. BlackRock alone ordered at least $5 billion, while sovereign funds took allocations of more than $1 billion each.

Mechanics weaken the bag-holder framing further. Fills were random or pro rata, depending on the broker, and brokers’ debit cash only for shares actually received. Anyone who failed to buy SpaceX shares in the offering simply keeps their money.

The exit liquidity story only works if retail ends up as the bag holder. That requires one of two traps. Either retail holds shares it cannot sell, or it got handed shares nobody else wanted.

SPCX retail escaped both, since it can sell from day one and received fewer shares than it ordered.

The post Is SpaceX the Ultimate Exit Liquidity for Billionaires? appeared first on BeInCrypto.

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Ondo Finance added 173 tokenized stocks and ETFs to Ondo Global Markets on Tuesday, pushing its catalog past 430 assets available across Ethereum, Solana, and BNB Chain. Ondo Finance's official X account announced the expansion on June 17. The batch spans some of the most capital-intensive corners… Read the full story at The Defiant

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The CME Group has said that it will sue the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) over its decision to approve perpetual futures in the U.S.

CEO Terrence Duffy told CNBC on Wednesday that the firm plans to file the lawsuit on Thursday, saying its case will be based on the argument that perpetual futures are swaps under the Dodd-Frank Act.

Perpetuals Should Be Classified As Swaps

Duffy said CME believes the products should be treated as swaps instead of futures contracts, adding that the company’s benchmark licensing agreements mean providers offering them would need to work through the exchange.

“We have an exclusive license with every single provider of the benchmarks. So all of these would have to go through CME regardless of the perpetual,” said Duffy.

Perpetual futures are contracts that do not have an expiration date and allow traders to speculate on an asset’s price without directly owning it.

The development follows the CFTC’s May approval of Kalshi to offer BTC perpetual futures, making it the first time the product was greenlighted for the U.S. market. Meanwhile, the offering has already been widely used in international markets, with the prediction market platform already making plans to expand its range to include other cryptocurrencies.

Last year, Coinbase also became the first exchange to offer these derivatives to American investors through its Coinbase Financial Markets (CFM) platform.

Duffy Says CME is Ready for the Dispute

The CEO said the company has been preparing for the legal battle with its board for the past eight months and is prepared to proceed with the challenge.

“I’ve never shied away from one, and I won’t shy away from this…And that’s why I wanted to announce on your show that we will be filing this litigation tomorrow, because we are not taking this lightly,” he said.

Elsewhere, CFTC Chair Michael Selig has defended the agency’s decision to approve perpetual futures in the U.S., saying the move was aimed at allowing regulated products without expiration dates to become available domestically while ensuring they operate under American oversight.

The post CME Group to Sue CFTC Over Approval of Bitcoin Perpetual Futures appeared first on CryptoPotato.

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