Why Is Coinbase Pushing Back So Hard? Coinbase chief executive Brian Armstrong said any attempt to reopen the GENIUS Act would cross a “red line,” accusing banks of using political pressure to block competition from stablecoins and fintech platforms. In a Sunday post on X, Armstrong said he was “impressed” that banks could lobby Congress so openly without facing public backlash. “We won’t let anyone reopen GENIUS,” Armstrong wrote, adding that Coinbase would actively oppose efforts to revise the law. He argued that reopening the legislation would stall innovation rather than protect consumers, framing the push as a defensive move by incumbents rather than a response to genuine risk. Armstrong also predicted the banking sector’s stance would reverse over time. “My prediction is the banks will actually flip and be lobbying FOR the ability to pay interest and yield on stablecoins in a few years, once they realize how big the opportunity is for them,” he wrote, calling the current effort “100% wasted” and “unethical.” Investor Takeaway Armstrong’s response shows how central yield and rewards have become to the stablecoin business model. Any rollback could directly affect platform growth and user adoption. What Does the GENIUS Act Actually Restrict? The GENIUS Act, passed after months of negotiation, prevents stablecoin issuers from paying interest directly to users. However, it allows platforms and third parties to offer rewards through other mechanisms. That distinction has enabled exchanges, wallets, and fintech apps to share yield generated from reserves without issuers themselves offering interest. Critics of the law argue this structure strikes a balance between consumer protection and innovation. Supporters within the banking sector say it still leaves room for competition they view as uneven. The debate has now shifted from direct interest payments to whether “rewards” should be limited as well. Armstrong’s comments suggest Coinbase sees any broader restriction as an attempt to shut down indirect yield-sharing altogether. That would cut off one of the clearest consumer-facing advantages stablecoin platforms have over traditional savings products. Why Are Banks Targeting Stablecoin Rewards? The renewed debate was triggered by a post from Max Avery, a board member and business development executive at Digital Ascension Group. Avery outlined why parts of the banking industry want lawmakers to revisit the GENIUS Act. According to him, proposed amendments could extend beyond banning direct interest and restrict rewards more broadly, including yield-sharing offered by platforms or intermediaries. Avery argued that stablecoin rewards threaten a long-standing imbalance in the banking system. Banks currently earn roughly 4% on reserves held at the Federal Reserve, while many consumers receive close to zero on standard savings accounts. Stablecoin platforms, he said, disrupt that model by passing some of that yield back to users. “They're calling it a ‘safety concern.’ They're worried about ‘community bank deposits,’” Avery wrote. He added that independent research “shows zero evidence of disproportionate deposit outflows from community banks,” challenging the idea that stablecoins pose a systemic risk to smaller lenders. Investor Takeaway The dispute highlights a core tension: banks benefit from yield on reserves, while stablecoin platforms compete by sharing it. Policy outcomes here could reshape how digital dollars are used. How Does This Fit Into Broader US Crypto Policy? The fight over the GENIUS Act comes as lawmakers debate a wider set of crypto rules. Last week, U.S. legislators released a discussion draft aimed at easing the tax burden on everyday crypto use. The proposal would exempt stablecoin payments of up to $200 from capital gains taxes, lowering friction for routine spending. The same draft also addresses staking and mining, allowing taxpayers to defer income recognition on rewards for up to five years. Together, the measures point to a push to separate practical crypto use from speculative trading in the tax code. Against that backdrop, the stablecoin rewards debate carries added weight. Limiting yield-sharing could slow adoption just as lawmakers explore ways to make digital dollars more usable in daily commerce. For crypto firms, the concern is not only about one law, but about setting a precedent that could narrow future product design. What Comes Next? There is no formal proposal yet to reopen the GENIUS Act, but Armstrong’s reaction suggests the issue is already drawing heavy lobbying behind the scenes. If banks press lawmakers to clamp down on rewards, the debate is likely to spill into public hearings and broader regulatory negotiations. For now, stablecoin issuers remain barred from paying interest directly, while platforms continue to test reward structures at the edges of the law. Whether that balance holds will shape how competitive stablecoins remain against traditional bank deposits—and how quickly they move from niche tools to everyday money.

Tamin Pharmaceutical Investment Company (TPICO)’s executives joined Tehran Securities Exchange’s opening bell ceremony on Sunday 28th December 2025. Mohammad Naderi Alizadeh, CEO of TPICO (pharmaceutical), expressing appreciation to Tehran Securities Exchange (TSE) for organizing the commemorative event, stated: “Tamin Pharmaceutical Investment Company (TPICO) is the nation’s largest pharmaceutical holding group, established in 2003 and notably listed at TSE in 2014 and currently accounts for more than IRR 470,000 billion of the exchange’s total market capitalization. The CEO emphasized that greater public understanding of the capital market would facilitate industrial financing, broaden retail savings mobilization, and boost employment. Naderi Alizadeh identified public trust as the cornerstone of market vitality, underscoring that sustaining investor confidence hinges on regulatory stability, avoidance of abrupt rules changes, transparency, and robust investor protection. TPICO is the largest entity in the production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in Iran, overseeing the management and ownership of 27 companies active across the pharmaceutical value chain, including manufacturing, distribution, and marketing, effectively forming a comprehensive domestic medicine supply ecosystem. The companies within this group strive to ensure the availability of high-quality, accessible medicines for the public by leveraging innovative approaches, state-of-the-art global knowledge and technology, and highly competent human capital. With a diversified product portfolio and pharmaceutical exports to more than 40 countries, TPICO plays a pivotal role in ensuring sustainable access to medicines in Iran. Its strategic emphasis on innovation, research and development, and international partnerships has firmly established the holding as a key player in the national pharmaceutical industry.

What if the crypto you scroll past today becomes the chart everyone talks about tomorrow? Crypto markets have a habit of rewarding early attention, especially when timing meets opportunity. From Apeing Coin (APEING) to Tron (TRX), Ethereum (ETH), Hyperliquid (HYPE), APEMARS (APRZ), Cardano (ADA), Avalanche (AVAX), Litecoin (LTC), Toncoin (TON), and Stellar (XLM), investors are scanning for the next significant move. Could one of these define the next cycle? Meme coins have surged before, but structured projects are now changing the narrative. Apeing Coin Whitelist is live and gaining strong momentum, drawing early interest at record speed. To explore the latest crypto opportunities and gain trusted insights, check out Best Crypto to Buy Now and make smarter investment decisions. As 2026 approaches, identifying the best crypto to buy in 2026 early could be the difference between watching charts or riding them. 1. Apeing Coin Whitelist: Why It Leads the Best Crypto to Buy in 2026 Apeing is emerging as a fresh meme-powered ecosystem designed for early believers who value timing and structure. Built with community-first momentum, APEING blends viral appeal with disciplined token planning to stand out in the evolving market. The Apeing Coin Whitelist represents a rare gateway for those targeting the best crypto to buy in 2026, offering early access, the lowest possible pricing, and exclusive rewards before public demand accelerates. With the Whitelist live, anticipation is rising fast as limited tokens are allocated for the upcoming presale stage 1. Those who join during the upcoming presale stage 1 are looking at an ROI of over 10,000%, with the presale stage 1 price set at 0.0001 and a confirmed listing price of 0.001. That pricing gap alone explains why attention is intensifying. Waiting often costs more in crypto, and missing the cheapest entry price is a regret many investors know too well. Join the Whitelist today to get a front row seat before supply tightens and momentum takes over. 2. Tron (TRX): Lightning-Fast Transactions with Real Utility Tron (TRX) continues to impress investors with its high-speed blockchain and extremely low transaction fees. Supporting millions of transactions daily, TRX excels in decentralized applications and stablecoin transfers, making it ideal for real-world usage. Its strong exchange liquidity and active developer community ensure consistent growth and long-term adoption. Tron also supports gaming and entertainment dApps, attracting a diverse audience. With rapid expansion in Asia and global partnerships emerging, TRX remains a blockchain to watch closely. For investors focused on scalability and consistent network activity, Tron delivers utility beyond hype, making it a solid long-term contender. 3. Ethereum (ETH): The Smart Contract Giant Driving Innovation Ethereum (ETH) remains the core of decentralized finance, NFTs, and Web3 projects. Its unmatched developer ecosystem powers most smart contracts and applications, making it indispensable to crypto infrastructure. Continuous upgrades, including scalability and gas fee improvements, enhance network efficiency and user experience. ETH’s dominance ensures ongoing demand even during market dips, and its Layer 2 solutions are expanding adoption further. Institutional interest and developer activity strengthen confidence in ETH’s future. Investors looking for exposure to blockchain innovation know Ethereum is not just a cryptocurrency but the backbone of the evolving decentralized ecosystem, offering both growth potential and long-term stability. 4. Hyperliquid (HYPE): The Rising Star for On-Chain Traders Hyperliquid (HYPE) focuses on speed, liquidity, and seamless decentralized trading execution, capturing attention from active traders. Unlike general-purpose platforms, HYPE is built to solve congestion and slow transaction issues. Its unique design enables high-frequency trades without compromising efficiency. Growing adoption and community engagement are driving its visibility in crypto circles. As decentralized trading platforms evolve, HYPE represents a specialized solution with strong upside potential. Investors seeking a project focused on technical performance rather than speculative hype are noticing HYPE. With innovation, rapid execution, and targeted utility, Hyperliquid positions itself as a potential leader in decentralized trading infrastructure. 5. APEMARS (APRZ): Community-Fueled Meme Coin Momentum APEMARS (APRZ) combines meme culture with structured project development, leveraging strong community engagement to generate visibility. Its branding and social traction attract early speculators looking for viral assets. Beyond hype, APRZ is developing an ecosystem roadmap that aims to sustain long-term relevance, making it more than a typical meme coin. Investor interest spikes during bullish phases, with community narratives driving price momentum. By blending identity, speculation, and practical tokenomics, APEMARS offers both entertainment and investment potential. Those tracking emerging community-driven assets see APRZ as a strategic pick, balancing social momentum with planned growth initiatives that could yield significant early-stage gains. 6. Cardano (ADA): Research-Driven Blockchain Built to Last Cardano (ADA) is designed with a research-first approach, emphasizing security, sustainability, and scalability. Its academic peer-reviewed methodology appeals to investors who prioritize long-term reliability over hype-driven gains. ADA’s expanding smart contract ecosystem supports decentralized applications and governance, ensuring steady adoption. Strategic partnerships, staking rewards, and methodical development contribute to its resilience even in volatile markets. With consistent updates and Layer 2 enhancements, Cardano continues to gain credibility. For long-term investors seeking stability and a blockchain that balances innovation with structured planning, ADA provides a secure yet growth-oriented opportunity that complements speculative and institutional portfolios alike. 7. Avalanche (AVAX): High-Speed Blockchain for Ambitious Projects Avalanche (AVAX) stands out for its fast finality, flexible subnet architecture, and scalability, which allow developers to deploy customized solutions efficiently. Its ecosystem supports decentralized finance, NFTs, and enterprise-grade applications. AVAX gains prominence during periods of high market activity, offering performance that other blockchains struggle to match. Developers and investors are drawn to its low latency and high throughput. With growing partnerships and adoption across multiple sectors, AVAX presents both short-term trading opportunities and long-term utility. For those looking at infrastructure-focused investments, Avalanche combines speed, efficiency, and innovative design, positioning it as a top choice for ambitious crypto projects. 8. Litecoin (LTC): The Veteran with Proven Reliability Litecoin (LTC) is one of the most established cryptocurrencies, known for its speed, stability, and consistent network uptime. It serves as a practical payment option while maintaining strong liquidity and exchange support. LTC has weathered multiple market cycles, building trust with long-term investors seeking reliability. Its lower transaction fees compared to Bitcoin make it attractive for daily use and small transfers. Litecoin’s historical performance proves resilience against market volatility, making it a credible option for risk-conscious investors. Combining speed, trust, and community backing, LTC continues to maintain relevance in evolving crypto markets, balancing utility with proven longevity. 9. Toncoin (TON): Scaling Through Messaging and Utility Toncoin (TON) leverages its integration with messaging ecosystems to expand adoption and enhance real-world usability. Designed for scalability, TON emphasizes fast transactions and accessibility, enabling everyday users to interact with blockchain seamlessly. Its growing network adoption, practical applications, and strong technical foundation make it a compelling choice for investors seeking functional crypto assets. Toncoin’s strategy focuses on practical utility rather than speculative hype, providing long-term visibility. As blockchain increasingly merges with mainstream digital platforms, TON’s design and ecosystem partnerships create an edge, making it a noteworthy project for investors looking for accessible, scalable, and adoption-driven cryptocurrency. Conclusion The race to identify the best crypto to buy in 2026 is already underway, and opportunities rarely wait for consensus. From established networks like ETH, ADA, AVAX, LTC, TON, and TRX, to emerging narratives like HYPE and APRZ, each offers a distinct value proposition. Yet Apeing Coin stands apart with its live Whitelist, defined presale pricing, and early-stage upside that few projects offer today. Momentum is building, supply is limited, and early access remains open for now. In crypto, timing often matters more than certainty, and Apeing Coin Whitelist may represent that decisive moment many investors look for. For More Information: Website: Visit the Official Apeing Website Telegram: Join the Apeing Telegram Channel Twitter: Follow Apeing ON X (Formerly Twitter) FAQs about Best Crypto to Buy in 2026 What is a 1000x crypto to buy? A 1000x crypto typically combines early-stage entry, strong community traction, and structured tokenomics. Apeing Coin Whitelist positions APEING as a potential high-multiple opportunity before broader market exposure. Which top meme coin offers the highest ROI? High ROI meme coins usually emerge from early access phases. Apeing Coin Whitelist offers the lowest pricing, a limited supply, and a presale structure that has historically supported strong upside potential. How can investors secure the next breakout crypto? Early research, Whitelist participation, and understanding token distribution are key. Apeing Coin Whitelist allows early positioning before public listings and demand acceleration. Which crypto Whitelist provides the best early-stage gains? The best crypto Whitelist combines pricing advantage and momentum. Apeing Coin Whitelist stands out with a 0.0001 presale price and a planned 0.001 listing price. What is the best passive income crypto to stake in 2025? Passive income depends on staking mechanics and growth potential. Apeing Coin integrates community incentives and early participation advantages for long-term holders. Summary This article explores the best crypto to buy in 2026, featuring Apeing Coin, TRX, ETH, HYPE, APRZ, ADA, AVAX, LTC, TON, and XLM. It highlights the Apeing Coin Whitelist as a standout opportunity, with live access, a limited presale allocation, and strong upside potential. With presale stage 1 priced at 0.0001 and a planned listing at 0.001, early participants may capture significant ROI. Alongside established and emerging cryptocurrencies, the article emphasizes urgency, early access advantages, and the importance of timing in crypto investing.  

Former Alameda Research CEO Caroline Ellison—one of the central insiders in the FTX collapse—is scheduled to leave federal custody in January 2026, according to updated Bureau of Prisons records cited by multiple outlets. Her early release, after extensive cooperation, re-raises the core question: Was FTX a politically targeted crypto casualty—or a classic, old-school fraud wearing a “new finance” hoodie? Key Points Ellison pleaded guilty, cooperated heavily, and testified against Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF); she is now set for release around Jan. 21, 2026 (BOP-record reporting) (Source: Yahoo Finanzen). SBF was convicted on 7 counts and sentenced to 25 years for misappropriating customer funds and related fraud conspiracies (Source: US DOJ). SBF’s playbook now: appeal (seeking a new trial) + a parallel pardon/clemency campaign aligned with a “politicized prosecution” narrative (Sources: ft.com, Reuters). The “Biden was hostile to crypto, therefore I’m innocent” thesis conflicts with the trial record: insider testimony, controlled backdoors, fabricated lender materials, and customer-asset misuse are governance and fraud facts, not ideology (Source: US DOJ). Ellison’s Situation: Early Release, But Not a Clean Reset Ellison was sentenced to two years in September 2024 after pleading guilty to multiple fraud/conspiracy counts and providing what the court called substantial assistance—yet the judge still imposed prison time given the scale of harm. Her custody status has already shifted toward community confinement, consistent with “end-of-sentence” federal practice (Source: Business Insider). Now, late-December reporting—citing updated BOP records—puts her release in January 2026 (some earlier reporting showed later projected dates, illustrating how BOP projections can move). Separately, the SEC has pursued/secured officer-and-director bars against key FTX/Alameda executives; Ellison agreed to a multi-year restriction from leadership roles at public companies (Source: US SEC). What FTX Was: The Case in Plain Language The government’s theory—accepted by the jury—was not complicated crypto theology. It was misappropriation + concealment: FTX (the exchange) held customer assets. Alameda Research (the affiliated trading firm) received special privileges and access. Billions in customer deposits were allegedly routed/used to plug Alameda losses, make investments, buy assets, and fund political influence—while customers were told their money was safe and liquid. SBF was found guilty on two counts of wire fraud and five conspiracy counts (including securities/commodities fraud and money laundering conspiracy) and sentenced to 25 years. Other insiders split into two buckets: Cooperators (e.g., Gary Wang, Nishad Singh) who received time served / no prison outcomes after assisting prosecutors (Source: Courthouse News). Non-cooperator/other track (e.g., Ryan Salame) who received a substantial custodial sentence (90 months). Ellison’s role, per courtroom testimony and public case narratives, sat at the center: she ran Alameda and admitted to decisions and communications used to mask Alameda’s true risk and funding—including the kind of lender-facing picture management that compliance teams treat as a “do not pass go” red flag (Source: The Guardian). SBF’s Current Exit Strategy: Appeal + Pardon Narrative On the legal track, SBF is pursuing an appeal arguing he did not get a fair trial (including complaints about evidentiary rulings). The Second Circuit heard arguments in November 2025; reporting describes judges as skeptical (Source: Reuters). On the political track, reporting says SBF’s family and representatives have explored Trump-era clemency/pardon channels, a marketplace increasingly shaped by access, intermediaries, and narrative alignment (Source: Bloomberg). Media coverage also frames SBF’s public messaging as a PR campaign designed to make clemency thinkable (Source: WIRED). And yes—SBF has tried to brand himself as a victim of a “crypto-hostile Biden administration,” implying political bias drove his conviction (Source: DL News). Was FTX “Just” a Victim of Biden’s Crypto Stance? A hostile regulatory climate can shape industry growth. It does not explain away customer-asset misuse, deception to lenders/investors, and concealed related-party privileges. The FTX prosecution was built on: insider testimony (including Ellison and others), internal controls/permissions evidence, and classic fraud elements—misrepresentation, reliance, concealment, and diversion. Calling that “a Biden problem” reads less like a legal argument and more like a clemency pitch tailored to a political moment. Even if some FTX customers may ultimately recover funds through bankruptcy processes, that does not retroactively legalize how the funds were allegedly taken and used. FinTelegram view: FTX wasn’t “cancelled.” It failed the oldest compliance test in finance—segregation of client assets and conflicts-of-interest controls—and then allegedly lied about it at scale. Call for Information (Whistle42) Do you have firsthand information about cyberfinance wrongdoing—exchange/prime broker conflicts, payment-rail laundering, stablecoin settlement abuse, offshore casino or shadow trading flows, or compliance cover-ups? FinTelegram is building case files on the sector’s chokepoints. Submit tips—anonymously if needed—via Whistle42. Share Informtion via Whistle42

Pakistani authorities have dismantled a $60 million international crypto-forex scam, arresting 34 people in a coordinated crackdown on unregulated trading schemes, just as the country moves to formalise its digital asset market and open it to licensed global players. The operation, led by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), targeted a network accused of running fake crypto and foreign exchange investment platforms that allegedly defrauded victims both domestically and abroad. According to investigators, the group promoted fraudulent trading schemes through social media, luring users with promises of high returns. Victims were initially shown fabricated profits to build confidence, before being asked to pay additional fees under various pretexts. Once larger sums were committed, accounts were blocked and funds siphoned off. Proceeds were routed through local bank accounts, converted into cryptocurrency and moved across borders. A Crackdown with Market Implications While the arrests mark a significant law-enforcement action, officials have framed the case as part of a broader effort to eliminate the type of unregulated, cross-border financial activity that has flourished in Pakistan’s long-standing regulatory grey area. The bust comes as Islamabad rolls out a new licensing regime for virtual assets under a dedicated regulator, the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA). The authority is tasked with bringing crypto activity under formal supervision, with a focus on licensing, anti-money-laundering controls and consumer protection. PVARA has already issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to Binance and HTX. While the approvals stop short of full operating licences, they allow the exchanges to register with local AML systems, establish subsidiaries and prepare formal licence applications. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb described the new framework as evidence of Pakistan’s commitment to “responsible innovation and financial discipline”. Carrot and Stick for the Crypto Market Taken together, the enforcement action and the regulatory rollout point to a clear “carrot and stick” strategy. Authorities are moving aggressively to shut down illicit operators while simultaneously creating a legal pathway for large, compliant firms to enter one of the world’s most active crypto markets. Pakistan ranks among the top countries globally by retail crypto usage, a status that has historically attracted both legitimate platforms and fraudulent schemes operating outside any regulatory oversight. The latest bust highlights the risks authorities now say they intend to eliminate as part of the market’s transition toward formal regulation. The message to the industry is increasingly explicit. As Pakistan builds its regulatory infrastructure, unlicensed schemes face mounting pressure, while global players willing to operate under local rules are being welcomed. For brokers, exchanges and service providers eyeing the market, the direction is clear: future growth will depend not just on demand, but on compliance. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has added CoinCola to the list of suspicious virtual asset trading platforms. The post HK regulator warns against CoinCola appeared first on FX News Group.

Kevin Kennedy, executive vice president – North American markets, Nasdaq   I believe 2026 will be a transformative year for market innovation. On the technology front, I expect significant progress in tokenisation and digital assets, including tokenised securities and new product launches that drive meaningful AUM growth. We might also see the first ETFs structured as share classes of mutual funds, and AI will continue to reshape trading and market operations. I also anticipate clearer legislation on crypto and digital market structure, which will provide much-needed oversight to enable innovation.   From a regulatory perspective, we could expect updates to the order protection rule and related rules, while infrastructure changes like smaller tick sizes and a consolidated SIP will remain in focus. I also expect the launch of 23/5 trading to help enable global access to US markets – the largest and most liquid markets in the world.    Retail investors will continue to drive priorities, fueling growth in index options, buffered ETPs, and overall options activity, which reached record highs in 2025.   Darko Hajdukovic, head of digital markets infrastructure and chief executive of DMI private funds, LSEG   Capital markets are set for a major shift in 2026 with distributed ledger technology (DLT) being increasingly adopted to bring blockchain-powered innovation and efficiency to real world assets (RWA). The adoption of DLT as core infrastructure for markets will be a significant evolution and signal a future where tokenisation, liquidity enhancement, and data-driven automation redefine market operations, creating a more transparent, efficient, and inclusive financial ecosystem.   Central to this evolution is interoperable digital markets infrastructure (DMI). DMI introduces a framework that addresses long-standing inefficiencies by enabling tokenisation, real-time settlement, and secure post-trade servicing across asset classes. Its core strength lies in LSEG’s open model that embraces interoperability – connecting digital platforms with traditional systems to reduce friction, lower counterparty risk, and improve transparency.    This approach allows market participants to benefit from digital innovation without overhauling existing processes, thanks to modular integration and minimal adoption costs. Private markets are the first to benefit, with enhanced fund distribution and secure data access unlocking liquidity and efficiency. Beyond private funds, universal architectures will extend these benefits across equities, fixed income, and other asset classes, paving the way for tokenised assets to become mainstream.   Dirk Bullmann, managing director, public policy, strategy and innovation, CLS   Last year was pivotal for the evolution of the stablecoin market. Newly implemented regulatory regimes spurred institutional interest and contributed to a surge in volumes.    In 2026, we expect to see continued development of institutional use cases, including interoperability between blockchains, improvements to intraday liquidity management and the emergence of cross-currency collateral transfers.    At the current juncture, stablecoin use cases primarily serve retail and remittance businesses. Adoption in wholesale FX is likely to remain limited in the near term, given the enormous size of the global FX market, with $9.6 trillion being exchanged every day, stablecoins could only play a niche role today.   Moreover, the vast majority of stablecoins (99%) are US dollar-pegged and the current landscape therefore lacks sufficient diversity to meaningfully support broader FX market activity. In addition, near-instant settlement on blockchain does not yet provide the liquidity efficiency of payment-versus-payment (PvP) models.    Beyond 2026, we expect to see hybrid models evolve, where tokenised assets and stablecoins complement, rather than replace, trusted settlement networks.   Melissa Stevenson, head of FX product management, ION   Increased regulatory clarity in the US and Europe over stablecoins will spur more confidence and acceptance for commercial use. The US GENIUS Act and the EU’s MiCA framework will address concerns about compliance and risk, allowing mainstream financial institutions and retailers to integrate stablecoins into their operations.   Traditional financial players are actively partnering with crypto infrastructure providers. Firms like Mastercard and Circle are expanding partnerships to enable stablecoin settlement, while Morgan Stanley is planning to launch cryptocurrency trading for e-trade customers. In Europe, a consortium of nine major banks plans to launch a euro-pegged stablecoin in the second half of 2026.   There is also a continued focus on cross-border payments, with stablecoins expected to gain more widespread adoption as they offer faster, cheaper settlement compared to legacy banking systems like SWIFT.   At the same time, retailers will continue to explore acceptance of stablecoin payments as a way to bypass the high fees associated with card networks and to improve cash flow management through faster settlement. Finally, stablecoins are increasingly seen as a substitute for both crypto and traditional fiat. They will continue to grow as an acceptable medium over the very volatile crypto market and traditional fiat money, enabling transparent, predictable, and faster transactions that unpredictable cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin cannot offer for everyday needs.   The post The TRADE predictions series 2026: Post-trade innovation appeared first on The TRADE.