Key Takeaways

• Cryptocurrency regulatory reform tops the SEC’s 2026 priority list
• ‘Regulation Crypto’ framework aims to provide exemptions for certain digital asset activities from traditional securities requirements
• New guidelines will address crypto broker-dealers, trading platforms, and regulatory safe harbors
• Paul Atkins, SEC Chair, envisions positioning America as the global cryptocurrency leader
• Former President Trump acknowledged strategic political motivations behind his crypto advocacy before the 2024 election cycle

The Securities and Exchange Commission is on track to unveil its first comprehensive cryptocurrency-focused regulatory framework, with an anticipated launch window of July 2026. This initiative, dubbed “Regulation Crypto,” aims to establish conditional exemptions from standard securities registration requirements for specific digital asset operations.

On Tuesday, SEC Chair Paul Atkins revealed the agency’s updated regulatory roadmap. According to Atkins, these forthcoming rules directly support the Trump administration’s strategic vision of establishing the United States as the preeminent global cryptocurrency hub.

The regulatory package encompasses three primary focus areas: cryptocurrency broker-dealer operations, digital asset listing on trading platforms and national securities exchanges, and protective safe harbor provisions for token issuers transitioning away from active project management.

Additional provisions in the agenda address digital asset custody standards and crypto market infrastructure. Unlike advisory guidance, these measures constitute binding regulations with substantial legal weight, creating significant barriers to future policy reversals.

Core Components of the Regulation Crypto Framework

The “Regulation Crypto” proposal would grant developers launching cryptocurrency investment contracts temporary registration relief. The framework also establishes prescribed fundraising thresholds and offers legal protections for issuers deliberately reducing their operational control over digital assets.

Atkins initially previewed this regulatory approach in March 2026, projecting implementation “in the coming weeks.” The July timeline now appears on the SEC’s official calendar, though the proposal remains under examination by the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.

Earlier this year, the SEC released its inaugural digital asset “taxonomy,” establishing classification standards for various token types and their corresponding regulatory treatment. Parallel efforts are underway to develop specific regulations governing tokenized securities.

Congressional Scrutiny and Political Dynamics

The SEC’s cryptocurrency regulatory pivot has generated significant political friction. Democratic legislators have criticized the commission for allegedly reducing enforcement intensity against entities with Trump administration connections, including Binance, Coinbase, Ripple Labs, and Kraken.

In January, three Democratic House representatives sent correspondence to Atkins, expressing concern that the SEC’s withdrawal from enforcement proceedings has created investor protection gaps. They emphasized that federal judicial rulings had already classified certain tokens as securities.

Atkins has indicated the agency will proceed independently but stands ready to defer to Congressional authority should comprehensive crypto market structure legislation advance. That proposed legislation, which would transfer substantial SEC crypto oversight responsibilities to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, currently faces legislative gridlock.

Meanwhile, Trump publicly admitted Monday that his cryptocurrency engagement was “a little bit for politics.” This marks a dramatic reversal from his first presidential term, when he characterized Bitcoin as fraudulent before shifting his stance prior to the 2024 electoral contest.

The SEC’s current cryptocurrency regulatory agenda represents unprecedented activity levels for the sector within the agency’s history. The central question facing the industry remains whether formal SEC rules will materialize before Congressional action.

EU lawmakers are set to vote again on controversial legislation dubbed “chat control” by its critics, which would allow tech firms to scan messages for child sexual abuse material.

On Tuesday, the European Parliament voted through a rarely used urgent procedure that will bring lawmakers to a vote Thursday on whether to extend the legal framework, which expired in early April.

“Today’s vote violates our own rules of procedure, the European Parliament decided to use an urgent procedure for Chat Control 1.0,” Pirate Party MEP Markéta Gregorová said on Tuesday. “This means that on Thursday, we will once again vote on extending the derogation that allowed online platforms to scan our private communications.”

The upcoming vote could revive the so-called “chat control” rules that are controversial among privacy and cryptography advocates, as tech companies must scan end-to-end encrypted messages.

Since the legal framework expired in April, messaging platforms such as WhatsApp have been allowed to take their own voluntary measures to seek out those sharing abusive material.

Rejecting proposal requires absolute majority

Gregorová said rejecting or amending the proposal will require an absolute majority of 361 votes in Parliament.

The vote Tuesday narrowly passed, with 331 in favor, 304 against and 11 abstaining.

In March, Parliament rejected a temporary extension of the scheme proposed by the European Commission while a new version of the law was under discussion, in a vote of 311 against, 228 for and 92 abstaining.

Euronews reported Tuesday that the latest proposal was revived by the European People’s Party, the largest group in Parliament, which largely voted against the measure in March because of amendments that restricted the scope of the chat scans.

However, European People’s Party leader Manfred Weber has been looking for ways to push through the extension without changes.

Related: Privacy advocates slam reCAPTCHA update they say locks out de-Googled phones

“The European People’s Party is abusing its position as the largest political group to bring back, through a procedural loophole, a proposal that Parliament had already rejected,” Gregorová said. “This is unprecedented.”

EU member states agreed to reinstate an interim “chat control” measure last month, which would allow service providers to detect, report, and remove abusive material until 2028.

Features: Crypto industry looks to stablecoins and DeFi revisions in MiCA 2.0

Clearstream has expanded its institutional crypto custody service by adding six more digital assets.

Clearstream, the post-trade services provider owned by Deutsche Börse Group, said it now accepts Ripple-linked XRP, Cardano, Solana, Litecoin, Stellar, and Avalanche in its crypto custody offering. These assets join Bitcoin and Ether, which were already supported.

The move gives institutional clients a wider list of crypto assets inside Clearstream’s custody system. The firm said the expansion responds to growing demand for MiCA-compliant crypto assets in institutional finance.

Clearstream is one of Europe’s largest settlement and custody firms. Its parent, Deutsche Börse Group, operates across trading, clearing, settlement, and market infrastructure.

Crypto Finance remains sub-custodian

Clearstream said the service continues to use Crypto Finance, another Deutsche Börse Group company, as sub-custodian. Crypto Finance holds a MiCAR license, which lets it provide regulated crypto services across Europe.

The structure allows Clearstream clients to access crypto custody through existing accounts with Clearstream Banking S.A. in Luxembourg. It also lets institutions use familiar market infrastructure instead of setting up direct relationships with separate crypto service providers.

When the service was first announced, Clearstream said it would support Bitcoin and Ether before considering more assets based on client demand. As previously reported by crypto.news, the original plan gave about 2,500 institutional clients access to crypto custody and settlement from April 2025.

MiCA shapes institutional demand

The timing comes as Europe’s crypto market adjusts to the Markets in Crypto-Assets framework. MiCA created a single rulebook for crypto-asset service providers, including custody, exchange, transfer, and stablecoin services.

Meanwhile, ESMA’s register expanded after the July 1 deadline, with more firms gaining authorization to serve clients across the European Union. That shift has made licensing a key part of institutional crypto access.

Clearstream’s expansion fits that market. Banks, brokers, asset managers, and trading firms need custody providers that can meet regulatory, settlement, reporting, and operational needs.

The new token list also shows that institutional access is moving beyond only Bitcoin and Ether. XRP, Solana, Cardano, Litecoin, Stellar, and Avalanche each have large public markets and established user bases.

Deutsche Börse widens digital asset rails

Deutsche Börse Group has been building several digital asset services across its market infrastructure. Clearstream’s custody expansion adds another piece to that broader strategy.

Moreover,Deutsche Börse partnered with Circle to bring USDC and EURC into its trading and custody network under MiCA. The plan includes trading through 3DX and custody through Clearstream.

The group’s approach centers on regulated access rather than direct retail crypto services. Clearstream serves institutional clients that often need asset safety, settlement support, and clear legal structures before handling digital assets.

Key Highlights

• Real-world asset tokenization on XRPL exploded from $150M to $4B within twelve months
• Institutional investors pushed XRP spot ETFs to $1.49B in net inflows across eight weeks
• Ripple obtained comprehensive MiCA CASP authorization in Luxembourg, enabling operations throughout 27 EEA nations
• Weekly new wallet creation jumped from 18,100 to 26,000, marking the strongest growth since March
• XRP currently trades near $1.13 with derivatives open interest standing at $2.38B

Multiple catalysts are converging to drive renewed interest in XRP. According to information released by Evernorth, a digital asset treasury company backed by Ripple, the ecosystem is experiencing simultaneous expansion across tokenized real-world assets, exchange-traded fund capital flows, and on-chain user engagement.

The value of tokenized real-world assets operating on the XRP Ledger has skyrocketed from approximately $150 million twelve months ago to over $4 billion currently. More than 500 distinct products now operate on the network. Leading the charge are JMWH and the Ondo Short-Term Government Bond Fund, which collectively account for nearly $2.5 billion in market value.

In a landmark transaction, JPMorgan, Ripple, Mastercard, and Ondo Finance successfully executed a cross-border tokenized treasury settlement using the XRP Ledger. The entire transaction settled in roughly four seconds.

Market analyst Celal Kucuker (@CelalKucuker) shared his perspective on XRP’s immediate price trajectory, stating that “$XRP could reach $1.50 before the end of this month,” describing a 40% rally within 20 days as “absolutely possible.” His analysis emerged alongside strengthening on-chain metrics and derivatives market indicators.

Institutional Capital Continues Flowing Into XRP ETFs

XRP spot exchange-traded funds have maintained an unbroken streak of positive net inflows for eight consecutive weeks, accumulating a combined total of $1.49 billion. Current assets under management have reached approximately $1.05 billion, representing roughly 1.47% of XRP’s overall market capitalization.

Bitwise commands the largest position among XRP ETF providers with $330.84 million in net assets, trailed by Canary at $265.30 million and Franklin at $261.68 million. Daily trading volume across all XRP exchange-traded funds hit $14.48 million in the most recent session.

Evernorth emphasized that the sustained ETF inflow pattern indicates a meaningful transition toward institutional market participation, creating a bridge between conventional financial markets and digital asset ecosystems.

Ripple Secures Full MiCA Regulatory Clearance Across Europe

Ripple has been granted a Crypto-Asset Service Provider license by Luxembourg’s CSSF under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets framework. This certification builds upon preliminary MiCA approval obtained in June and represents the completion of Ripple’s comprehensive regulatory authorization process under EU legislation.

The licensing arrangement enables Ripple to passport regulated cryptocurrency services throughout all 27 European Economic Area member countries. Cassie Craddock, Ripple’s Managing Director for the UK and Europe, confirmed the company stands fully prepared to scale operations under the MiCA regulatory structure.

Ripple anticipates the dual regulatory approvals will accelerate market adoption of XRP-powered payment solutions and its RLUSD stablecoin throughout European markets.

Weekly XRP wallet creation surged from 18,100 to 26,000, representing the strongest weekly performance since March. XRP futures open interest climbed to $2.38 billion, with CME futures open interest increasing 3.21% in recent trading hours.

At the time of publication, XRP was changing hands at $1.13, trading within a 24-hour band of $1.11 to $1.16, while trading volume increased by nearly 50%.

Key Highlights

• ETH surged approximately 10% and momentarily reclaimed $1,800 following a positive shift in Net Taker Volume on June 28
• Open interest remained unchanged throughout the price increase, indicating the rally lacks leverage-driven speculation
• A critical resistance zone exists at the 50-day EMA near $1,806
• US-based ETH spot ETFs recorded net inflows for three consecutive trading sessions
• Vitalik Buterin presented “Lean Ethereum,” an extensive protocol transformation projected to reduce ERC20 transaction costs by more than tenfold

Ethereum has appreciated roughly 10% during the previous seven days, momentarily reaching the $1,800 level for the first time in several weeks. This upward movement followed the ETH Net Taker Volume indicator turning positive on June 28, demonstrating that purchasing activity was dominating perpetual futures markets. Following this shift, ETH has registered gains approaching 14%.

The most notable characteristic of this price advance is that open interest has remained essentially unchanged. This indicates that market participants are not increasing positions using leverage. The Estimated Leverage Ratio has similarly shown no significant increase following its June contraction. When price movements occur without corresponding leverage expansion, they generally demonstrate greater sustainability due to reduced exposure to cascading liquidation events.

The ETH Coinbase Premium Index, measuring buying pressure from US markets, continues to register in negative territory. However, it has recovered from the extreme depths observed in early July, indicating a gradual return of US-based purchasing activity.

US spot ETH exchange-traded funds have registered three consecutive sessions of net capital inflows, based on SoSoValue tracking. While modest, this represents a consistent indication of growing institutional participation.

Technical Barrier at $1,806

ETH is currently encountering a significant technical obstacle. The 50-day Exponential Moving Average is positioned at $1,806, coinciding with a horizontal resistance barrier at the identical price point. The RSI currently reads 57, suggesting positive momentum without reaching overbought territory. The Stochastic Oscillator approaches 86, indicating potential short-term overextension.

Should ETH break through $1,806, the subsequent price objectives include $1,909 followed by the 100-day EMA positioned at $1,970. Beyond that level, $2,018 and $2,108 represent additional resistance zones. To the downside, initial support appears at $1,741, with secondary support at $1,713 where the 20-day EMA resides.

Crypto analyst Daan Crypto Trades commented on the market dynamics, observing that ETH has successfully closed both weekly and daily candles back within the $1,750–$2,400 trading range. He indicated that a breakout above the local peak at $1,850 would represent a shift in market structure and demonstrate underlying strength. He noted this level would serve as his signal to begin targeting the upper boundary of the range.

Vitalik Buterin Introduces “Lean Ethereum” Blueprint

Regarding protocol development, Ethereum creator Vitalik Buterin has presented an extensive protocol transformation called “Lean Ethereum.” He characterized it as the third significant iteration of Ethereum, rivaling the Merge in scope and impact.

The implementation timeline spans three to four years and encompasses verification mechanisms, consensus protocols, privacy features, quantum resistance, and client infrastructure. Buterin indicated that verification will transition toward recursive STARKs. Consensus modifications target achieving one or two-round finality.

State modifications represent the most transformative component. Buterin projected that a potential 2030 configuration could feature Ethereum maintaining 2 TB of existing dynamic state alongside 100 TB of redesigned state architecture. This new architecture would optimize ERC20 tokens and NFTs. A proposed ERC20 restructuring utilizing UTXO-based storage could decrease transaction fees by over 10 times.

ETH is presently exchanging at $1,780.

Key Highlights

• Kraken is pursuing comprehensive banking authorization in Europe, with Lithuania identified as the target jurisdiction
• Success would make Kraken the sole cryptocurrency exchange holding a European banking license
• The strategy mirrors the approach taken by Revolut, which secured licensing from Lithuania’s banking regulator in 2018
• The exchange currently operates with MiCA credentials via Ireland and holds a MiFID license through Cyprus
• In early 2026, Kraken Financial achieved a milestone by becoming the first cryptocurrency company to connect with the Federal Reserve’s payment systems

Kraken, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, is actively pursuing full banking authorization within Europe. According to sources with knowledge of the matter, the platform has set its sights on Lithuania as the preferred location for this regulatory milestone.

When approached for comment, Kraken representatives declined to provide details. The Bank of Lithuania confirmed that all licensing procedures for financial institutions remain confidential under current regulations.

Should the application succeed, Kraken would break new ground as the inaugural crypto exchange to secure comprehensive banking authorization in Europe. This designation would enable the platform to provide services including checking accounts, consumer credit products, and enhanced payment capabilities throughout the European Economic Area.

The regulatory strategy Kraken is pursuing follows an established precedent. Revolut, the digital banking platform, successfully obtained specialized banking credentials from Lithuanian regulators in 2018. That authorization enabled Revolut to broaden its financial service offerings across the EEA. Lithuania has also granted banking or specialized banking licenses to institutions such as Mano Bank, PayRay, and EMBank.

European Regulatory Framework Already Established

Kraken maintains MiCA authorization issued through Ireland’s Central Bank. Additionally, the exchange operates under a MiFID license granted by Cypriot authorities. These regulatory frameworks enable the platform to deliver compliant services to customers throughout the European Union.

MiCA regulations became enforceable EU-wide on July 1, 2026. Kraken has leveraged its existing authorizations to establish itself as a compliant operator for European customers under the updated regulatory environment.

Securing banking authorization would represent a significant advancement. It would enable Kraken to integrate cryptocurrency operations more seamlessly with conventional financial infrastructure, encompassing payment processing, asset custody, and institutional-grade services.

Constructing a Worldwide Regulatory Infrastructure

The European banking initiative represents one component of a broader licensing approach by Payward, Kraken’s corporate parent.

In March 2026, Kraken Financial achieved a significant first by obtaining access to the Federal Reserve’s fundamental payment systems. This development granted its US banking division direct connectivity to Fedwire for specific operational functions.

In May 2026, Payward obtained VARA authorization in the United Arab Emirates, incorporating another regulated jurisdiction into its operational framework.

Kraken co-CEO Arjun Sethi addressed attendees at Money 2020 Europe and detailed the company’s strategic vision. He indicated that the organization’s ten-year roadmap involves securing regulatory licenses across all major regions, either through acquisition of established entities or building operations from the ground up.

Kraken is additionally preparing for a public listing in the United States, creating additional incentive to establish a robust regulatory compliance record across key international markets.

The Lithuanian banking license, if obtained, would constitute one of the most significant achievements in this regulatory expansion. It would provide Kraken with direct access to traditional European banking infrastructure and position the exchange ahead of competitors regarding regulatory breadth.

Neither an application timeline nor anticipated approval date has been publicly disclosed.

Gemini has launched commission-free stock trading for customers across most U.S. states, adding thousands of exchange-listed securities to its app as it expands beyond cryptocurrency services.

According to Gemini’s announcement on Tuesday, eligible customers can now buy and sell thousands of U.S. exchange-listed stocks with 0% commissions directly through the Gemini app, although the service is not yet available in Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Massachusetts, Texas, Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C., or Guam. 

As part of the rollout, Nasdaq has become the exchange’s official provider of real-time market data, while Apex Clearing Corporation will handle custody and trade clearing.

Gemini adds stocks to its growing financial platform

“We have over a decade of experience in building financial platforms. We started with crypto and are expanding to stocks so that customers can manage their entire financial lives right from the Gemini app,” Cameron Winklevoss, Gemini’s co-founder and president, said.

The launch extends Gemini’s strategy of building what it describes as an all-in-one financial platform. Before introducing stock trading, the company had already expanded into prediction markets, derivatives, artificial intelligence tools, staking, custody services and credit cards as it looked to reduce its reliance on spot crypto trading.

Recent regulatory approvals have also supported that expansion. Gemini secured a Commodity Futures Trading Commission license for its Olympus subsidiary to operate as a Derivatives Clearing Organization in April, adding to its existing Designated Contract Market license. 

According to the company, those approvals strengthen its ability to support crypto spot markets, derivatives and prediction products under regulated infrastructure.

Gemini also said it has updated its Financial Industry Regulatory Authority broker-dealer registration to operate as an introducing broker. The updated registration allows the company to introduce customer orders in National Market System securities, while Apex executes, clears, and settles those trades.

“Crypto was just the beginning. Our goal is to bring many financial products, from crypto to equities to derivatives, under one regulated platform,” Tyler Winklevoss, Gemini’s co-founder and chief executive officer, said.

Zero-commission stock trading has already become common across the brokerage industry following the growth of firms such as Robinhood. Companies offering commission-free trading often generate revenue through other services, including payment for order flow, interest earned on customer cash balances, margin lending, premium subscriptions or data licensing, although Gemini has not disclosed how its stock trading business will be monetized.

Crypto exchanges continue adding traditional financial products

Gemini’s latest launch comes as several crypto platforms continue expanding into traditional financial markets. In June, Coinbase introduced an SEC-registered AI investment advisor, announced plans for stock options, expanded prediction markets, and outlined tokenized stock offerings backed one-for-one by underlying shares.

Outside the exchange sector, social media platform X has also been building financial services into its platform. In April, the social media company introduced smart cashtags for users in the United States and Canada, while its Canadian partnership with Wealthsimple enabled stock and cryptocurrency trading directly through the app as part of Elon Musk’s long-term “everything app” plans.