Ripple said it has received full authorization under the European Union’s MiCA crypto framework after Luxembourg’s financial regulator granted the company a Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) license.

The authorization follows Ripple’s preliminary approval in June and, together with the company’s existing Electronic Money Institution license, allows the blockchain payments company to offer regulated crypto-asset services across the European Economic Area (EEA).

Ripple said the approval makes it one of a small number of digital asset companies with full authorization under MiCA. The company now holds more than 75 regulatory licenses worldwide, including authorization from the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority secured in January.

“This CASP authorisation means Ripple enters the post-transitional MiCA era fully compliant and ready to scale,” said Cassie Craddock, Ripple’s managing director for the United Kingdom and Europe.

Source: Cassie Craddock

Related: Binance outflows triple to $1.2B as ETH withdrawals hit 3-year high

Europe begins enforcing MiCA crypto rules

Ripple’s approval follows the end of the European Union’s MiCA transition period on July 1, when crypto companies were required to obtain authorization or cease offering regulated services in the bloc. The framework allows authorized companies to generally passport regulated crypto services throughout the EEA under a single license.

On Friday, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) published an updated register listing 280 licensed crypto-asset service providers. The total rose from 243 a week earlier after 37 companies, including Standard Chartered, FalconX and Sygnum Europe, were added.

Not every company secured MiCA authorization before the deadline. Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, withdrew its MiCA application in Greece ahead of the July 1 transition and said it would pursue authorization in another member state while taking steps to comply with the bloc’s new rules.

The bloc has now entered MiCA’s enforcement phase, with unauthorized crypto companies expected to wind down operations or face penalties. While ESMA coordinates supervision and maintains the bloc’s register of authorized crypto companies, day-to-day enforcement is carried out by national regulators, meaning implementation is likely to vary across member states.

Belgium’s Financial Services and Markets Authority has already begun applying the new rules. On Monday, the regulator identified six crypto-asset service providers it said were operating without authorization and added them to its list of unauthorized crypto-asset service providers.

Belgium’s FSMA warns against unauthorized crypto providers. Source: FSMA

Magazine: Japanese pension fund tips 1% in crypto, G7 urges action on NK hackers: Asia Express

Red candles don’t scare everyone off the market this week. Polkadot sits near $0.83 after a 6.53% weekly slide, still pinned below its major moving averages, while Zcash trades closer to $411.72 following a steadier 3.22% bounce off support. Both charts tell a familiar story of hesitation, sellers still holding one asset down and buyers slowly testing their footing under the other.

Then BlockDAG (BDAG) shifts the conversation entirely. Priced at $0.00000066 with a $0.03 buyback figure, the math points toward a 150X outcome, and a 100% World Cup bonus can push that toward 300X. BlockDAG X has opened pre-registration, and anyone who signs up before launch walks away with $1,000 in trading credit, making it the top crypto to buy today.

Polkadot Slips to $0.83 Under Bearish Pressure

The Polkadot price recently dipped to $0.83, marking a 6.53% decline over the past week. This drop keeps the asset well below its key weekly moving averages, confirming that sellers still control the market’s medium- and long-term direction.

Technical indicators like the MACD and RSI show strong downward momentum, with no immediate buy signals in sight. Because of this, the Polkadot price is expected to consolidate between $0.75 and $0.91 over the next week.

While the outlook remains cautious, some analysts suggest these deeply oversold conditions could eventually set up a reversal. However, until the Polkadot price breaks above $0.91, the current downtrend is likely to continue.

Zcash Holds Key Support Signaling Potential Rebound

The Zcash price has shown early signs of a rebound, recently rising 3.22% to trade around $411.72. The coin is currently holding a critical support zone, which technical analysts suggest could serve as the starting point for a broader recovery.

While buying pressure is slowly building, the Zcash price needs to clear immediate resistance levels at $428 and $436.92 to confirm a true bullish breakout. Bollinger Bands show that while selling pressure has eased, the market remains in a consolidation phase.

If buyers fail to defend the current support levels, a drop toward $361.92 could complicate recovery efforts. Ultimately, clearing these overhead barriers is essential for the Zcash price to sustain its upward momentum.

BlockDAG X Pre-Registration Delivers $1,000 Credit Bonus

BlockDAG continues to strengthen its position as one of the top crypto projects to watch, but its biggest milestone yet has just arrived. BlockDAG X is now officially live for pre-registration, marking the project’s next major step ahead of its full exchange launch in just 14 days. With the ecosystem expanding rapidly and the exchange almost here, the timing has made the overall BlockDAG story even more compelling.

The excitement around BlockDAG X goes beyond the launch itself. Users who pre-register at BlockDAGX.io will receive $1,000 in trading credit when the exchange goes live, with Spot Trading, Futures Trading, and dedicated iOS and Android apps available from day one. Those who enter the code “EARLY” will also unlock Priority Buyback Access, moving their payout date forward from October 1 to September 1, an added incentive for early participants.

The exchange launch is backed by an ecosystem that is already seeing significant real-world activity. The BlockDAG Casino has attracted more than 13,000 users in its first month alone, generating over $15 million in deposits and more than $150 million in wagers. These figures highlight that BlockDAG is building products people are actively using, rather than relying solely on future expectations.

The project’s pricing structure further boosts momentum. BDAG is currently available at just $0.00000066 per coin, while holders can sell their coins back to the network for $0.03 each, representing a potential 150X return. On top of that, the World Cup Bonus doubles every BDAG purchase with 100% extra coins, increasing the upside to a potential 300X return.

With BlockDAG X now open for pre-registration, a fully functional exchange launching in just two weeks, an ecosystem already generating millions in user activity, and a pricing model built around significant upside, BlockDAG is entering its next phase with considerable momentum and growing anticipation.

Conclusion

Polkadot’s slide to $0.83 and Zcash’s climb toward $411.72 sum up a week where caution and confidence sit side by side, with $0.75-$0.91 and $428-$436.92 as the levels to watch.

BlockDAG closes the stretch as the top crypto to buy today, with BlockDAG X pre-registration live, $1,000 in trading credit for early sign-ups, Spot and Futures trading, iOS and Android apps, and the EARLY code moving payouts to September 1. Its casino has drawn 13,000 users, $15 million in deposits, and $150 million in wagers, while $0.00000066 against a $0.03 buyback points toward 150X, doubled to 300X by the World Cup bonus.

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Disclaimer: This is a Press Release provided by a third party who is responsible for the content. Please conduct your own research before taking any action based on the content.

Nigel Farage has been accused of breaking parliamentary rules after convicted criminal and crypto gambler George Cottrell apparently funded staff, security, and housing for the Reform UK leader before his election.

Cottrell, also known as “Posh George,” was recently the subject of an investigation by The Times that detailed his relationships with Farage and billionaire Reform donor Christopher Harborne.  

In this piece, The Times revealed that Cottrell, who is trying to secure a pardon from US President Donald Trump, is a key player in Tether.bet, an offshore crypto gambling firm that appears to be breaking UK laws. 

Since the investigation was published, Liberal Democrat MP Josh Babarinde has referred Farage to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards and requested an investigation into the undeclared support. 

Reform MP Robert Jenrick claimed that Cottrell’s support didn’t need to be declared as it was done in a  “purely personal capacity.”

Belgium’s financial markets regulator has added six crypto platforms to its warning list after finding they are operating in the country without the authorization required under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets MiCA framework.

According to Belgium’s Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA), the six crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) named in the latest warning are Aurum Foundation, Bank Bit, Bithf Pro, Dxago, Global Dynamic Trade and ZeriaFunding.

The regulator said these firms have been included in its list of fraudulent CASPs because they are offering services in Belgium without the authorization required under MiCA rules.

Issued just days after the European Union’s July 1 licensing deadline, the notice comes as national regulators begin enforcing the bloc’s new crypto framework following the end of the transitional period. The FSMA urged consumers not to respond to offers from the listed firms and advised them to verify whether a crypto service provider appears in its official register before using its services.

Enforcement begins after MiCA transition ends

With the transitional arrangements now over in Belgium, the FSMA said only authorized CASPs are permitted to provide regulated crypto services in the country. These services include crypto custody, trading platforms, crypto-to-fiat and crypto-to-crypto exchange, order execution, transfer services, investment advice and portfolio management.

At the beginning of July, Belgium’s national transition period expired, bringing the country in line with the EU-wide requirement that existing crypto businesses either secure MiCA authorization or stop offering regulated services. The licensing deadline has become an important compliance milestone for exchanges and other digital asset companies operating across the European Union.

Introduced at the end of 2024, MiCA establishes a single regulatory framework for crypto-asset issuers and service providers throughout the EU. Instead of following different national licensing systems, firms seeking to operate across member states are expected to obtain authorization under the common rulebook before offering regulated crypto services.

Consumer checks remain central to regulator guidance

Alongside its latest warning, the FSMA reminded consumers that crypto assets remain exposed to significant risks. According to the regulator, digital assets can experience sharp price swings, suffer from limited liquidity in certain market conditions and are not protected by a compensation scheme that would reimburse investors if losses occur.

For that reason, the FSMA encouraged users to confirm a provider’s regulatory status through its official CASP register before transferring funds or opening accounts with any crypto platform. The regulator said investors should avoid engaging with firms that are not authorized to operate under the MiCA framework.

Elsewhere in Europe, crypto companies have continued adjusting their regulatory strategies ahead of the new licensing regime. On June 24, crypto exchange Binance withdrew its MiCA license application submitted in Greece and said it planned to pursue authorization in another European jurisdiction before continuing its operations under the new framework.

At the time, Binance stated that it was not exiting the European market but acknowledged that some customers could experience temporary effects while the company worked through regulatory requirements. The development illustrates the operational changes many crypto firms are making as regulators across the European Union begin applying MiCA authorization rules following the July 1 deadline.

Key Highlights

• Shares of SK hynix decline 3.38% following announcement of historic Nasdaq listing plan.

• Company prepares to raise approximately $28 billion through American Depositary Receipts.

• Funds earmarked for fabrication plants, cutting-edge EUV equipment, and AI memory expansion.

• South Korean government unveils Won576 trillion support plan for semiconductor sector.

• Market-leading position in HBM technology positions company for AI infrastructure boom.

Shares of SK hynix Inc. experienced a 3.38% decline, closing at 2,343,000 KRW, following the chipmaker’s announcement of an ambitious Nasdaq listing initiative. The South Korean memory semiconductor giant is preparing to secure approximately $28 billion through a fresh issuance of American Depositary Receipts. This strategic capital raise directly addresses the surging global demand for AI-focused semiconductor solutions, with funds designated for manufacturing facilities, advanced production tools, and expanded memory chip capacity.

SK hynix Inc., 000660.KS

Major Capital Raise Through American Exchange Debut

The memory chip manufacturer will introduce 17.79 million newly issued shares via American Depositary Receipts on the Nasdaq exchange. Each ADR package will represent one-tenth of a standard SK hynix ordinary share under the proposed offering structure. The pricing band is scheduled for disclosure on Monday, with final pricing determination set for Thursday.

Public trading is expected to commence Friday following the price-setting session, based on regulatory filing timelines. This cross-border listing provides SK hynix with enhanced access to U.S. capital markets. The move also creates tighter alignment between the company’s operations and the explosive growth in artificial intelligence hardware demand.

Capital raised through the offering will directly finance new semiconductor fabrication facilities and state-of-the-art manufacturing systems. SK hynix intends to acquire extreme ultraviolet lithography equipment from ASML for next-generation chip production. These sophisticated tools are essential for manufacturing the advanced memory components that power AI accelerators and hyperscale data infrastructure.

Production Expansion Aligns With Artificial Intelligence Investment Surge

This capital-raising initiative arrives as semiconductor manufacturers worldwide accelerate capacity buildouts to meet AI-driven demand. According to projections from GlobalData TS Lombard, worldwide capital expenditure on artificial intelligence infrastructure could approach $800 billion by 2026. The United States is expected to represent over 80% of this massive investment wave.

South Korea‘s government has launched comprehensive support measures for its domestic chip industry. Officials unveiled a Won576 trillion semiconductor and artificial intelligence development programme focused on the nation’s southwestern regions. Both SK hynix and Samsung Electronics have been designated as primary participants in this national industrial strategy.

SK hynix has separately committed to substantial domestic manufacturing expansion in Cheongju. The company revealed a Won100 trillion investment blueprint covering the M17 NAND fabrication facility and P&T7 advanced packaging operations. These initiatives will significantly boost production capacity within one of South Korea’s premier semiconductor manufacturing hubs.

Dominant Market Share Underpins Artificial Intelligence Growth Strategy

SK hynix maintains its position among the world’s leading memory semiconductor producers. The company captured 29.1% of worldwide DRAM revenue during the first quarter of 2026. This performance encompasses high bandwidth memory products, which have become critical components in AI computing architectures.

In the specialized high bandwidth memory segment, the company holds commanding market leadership with a 56.4% share. SK hynix also secured the second position in NAND flash memory with an 18.5% market presence. Its memory solutions are integrated into graphics processors, server systems, consumer computers, and mobile platforms globally.

Financial results showed Won52,576 billion in first-quarter revenue alongside Won40,346 billion in profit. For the full 2025 fiscal year, the company recorded Won97,147 billion in revenue and Won42,948 billion in profit. SK hynix has further extended its global reach through its Solidigm subsidiary and strategic supply agreements with Nvidia.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has signed a new agreement with the Stellar Development Foundation to expand the agency’s use of blockchain-based payments after completing pilot projects in five countries, signaling a broader role for public blockchain infrastructure in its development programs.

The agreement follows 16 months of research and pilot programs in Haiti, Syria, Kenya, Guatemala and The Gambia, with additional projects in Colombia and Papua New Guinea, the agency said Monday. According to UNDP, the next phase will establish the process for country offices to use blockchain payments across a wider range of programs.

UNDP said the pilots produced measurable results. In Syria, a Cash for Work program that recorded payments onchain reduced distribution costs from 10% to 2%, while a pilot in Haiti continued processing payments during a cellular network outage. 

Blockchain payment networks, particularly those supporting stablecoins, have increasingly been promoted as a way to improve cross-border payments and remittances, especially in regions where access to traditional banking services is limited. The announcement marks one of the clearest examples of a UN agency moving beyond limited blockchain trials toward broader use of the technology for humanitarian purposes.

Source: UNDP

Last month, UNDP launched a Blockchain Advisory Group at the Proof of Talk conference in Paris, France, to help guide its use of blockchain technology across development programs. Beyond digital payments, the group will explore how blockchain can support digital public infrastructure and improve public systems.

Related: Kbank teams with Ripple on overseas blockchain remittance trial

Stablecoins gain ground in remittance markets

UNDP’s expanded use of blockchain payments reflects a broader push to modernize cross-border payments in emerging markets, where limited access to traditional banking and high remittance costs have made stablecoins an increasingly attractive alternative.

Ripple recently acquired an equity stake in African fintech Flutterwave as part of a broader effort to expand the use of its RLUSD stablecoin and the XRP Ledger across Africa, where remittances remain a major source of household income.

Latin America is also emerging as a key market for stablecoin-powered remittances, with issuers targeting payment corridors in Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia and Venezuela.

The most active remittance channels across Latin America. Source: Claudia Wang

Former UN under-secretary-general Vera Songwe said the growing importance of digital payments extends beyond remittances. Speaking at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in January, Songwe said that stablecoins are becoming “more important than aid” in some developing economies because they provide access to digital financial services where traditional banking remains out of reach.

“650 million people don’t have access to a bank account in Africa,” Songwe told the WEF attendees. “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.”

Related: Bybit Pay enters South Africa through MoneyBadger integration

The UK Financial Conduct Authority has published a 147-page roadmap warning that autonomous AI systems could transform retail financial services while increasing the need for programmable digital payment infrastructure.

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority has released a detailed review outlining how artificial intelligence is moving beyond assisting consumers to making financial decisions on their behalf, raising new questions about regulation, governance, and the future of digital payments.

Prepared under the leadership of outgoing executive director Sheldon Mills, the report, AI and the future of retail financial services, describes a financial system where AI agents continuously manage savings, investments, insurance, and payments instead of relying on occasional human instructions. The regulator said this transition requires updated rules that balance innovation with consumer protection.

In the report’s foreword, Mills wrote, “The central shift is from human-led, episodic financial activity towards services that are AI-enabled, continuous and delegated.”

Published after the FCA opened a review into advanced AI in January, the report presents seven recommendations for future policy. Among them are creating trusted protocols for agentic finance and expanding the regulator’s AI Lab to help financial firms test AI models in a controlled environment.

Agentic AI increases demand for programmable money

Rather than focusing only on today’s chatbot technology, the FCA describes the rapid emergence of “agentic AI,” where software can independently carry out financial tasks across an autonomy spectrum. At the highest level, the report says, humans become observers while AI systems continuously manage financial decisions.

According to the FCA, more than 20 frontier AI models have been introduced since late 2025, accelerating the development of autonomous financial services far faster than previous regulatory expectations anticipated.

Mills also warned that financial institutions are moving beyond recommendation engines. “Firms are moving from systems that recommend actions to systems empowered and trained to take them, and consumers will soon gain agents that act on their behalf,” he wrote.

Research cited by the FCA found that one in five UK adults would already consider allowing AI to make financial decisions autonomously.

As these AI systems become capable of executing multiple transactions without human approval, the report notes that traditional banking infrastructure may struggle to support machine-speed financial activity. Because stablecoins and tokenized bank deposits operate on programmable distributed ledger networks, they can settle transactions instantly through automated execution instead of relying on conventional multi-day settlement processes.

The report therefore identifies programmable forms of digital money as infrastructure that could support autonomous financial services if adoption continues.

Human accountability remains central despite automation

Alongside the technological opportunities, the FCA dedicates significant attention to governance and legal responsibility. It warns that firms cannot delegate accountability to algorithms even if AI systems execute financial decisions independently.

Industry participants consulted during the review highlighted growing uncertainty over legal liability. According to the report, one chief executive suggested that financial markets could eventually require a “Turing test” to distinguish between genuine human decisions and autonomous algorithmic activity.

Commenting on the publication, Emma Banymandhub, chief executive of The Payments Association, said the review reinforces the need for firms to address governance before autonomous AI becomes commonplace.

“The FCA’s Mills Review reinforces that firms should treat agentic AI as an accountability and governance issue now, while providing greater confidence to innovate responsibly as AI adoption accelerates.”

She added that AI offers significant opportunities for financial services, but its long-term success depends on clear accountability, sound governance, and maintaining consumer trust.

Ahead of the report’s release, Mills also told the Financial Times that responsibility cannot be transferred to software. “You need a human on the hook for what they’re doing,” he said, underlining the FCA’s position that management remains accountable even as financial services become increasingly automated.