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  • UAE makes Bitcoin wallets a crime risk in global tech crackdown

    UAE makes Bitcoin wallets a crime risk in global tech crackdown

    UAE makes Bitcoin wallets a crime risk in global tech crackdown

    • The UAE’s Federal-Decree Law No. 6 of 2025 came into effect on 16 September.
    • Article 62 places APIs, explorers, and decentralised platforms under Central Bank control.
    • Article 61 regulates all marketing, emails, and online posts about crypto services.

    In a sharp pivot from its crypto-friendly image, the United Arab Emirates has enacted sweeping new legislation that classifies basic cryptocurrency infrastructure, including Bitcoin wallets, as potentially criminal unless licensed by the Central Bank.

    Legal experts from Gibson Dunn have flagged the law’s scope as unusually broad, warning that its language introduces significant risk for global technology providers.

    This shift, embedded in Federal-Decree Law No. 6 of 2025, comes into force from 16 September and carries global consequences for developers and platforms offering crypto access.

    The law replaces the 2018 banking statute and significantly widens the definition of financial activity. What sets this legislation apart is not only its scope but also its enforcement teeth.

    Penalties for non-compliance range from fines of AED 50,000 to AED 500,000,000 (up to $136,000,000) and may include imprisonment.

    Importantly, this applies not just to entities operating within the UAE but also to those whose products are accessible from within the country.

    Licensing now applies to wallets, APIs and even analytics

    The most consequential element of the new law is found in Article 62. It grants the Central Bank control over any technology that “engages in, offers, issues, or facilitates” financial activity.

    The wording is broad enough to encompass self-custodial wallets, API services, blockchain explorers, analytics platforms, and even decentralised protocols.

    This marks a fundamental change in how crypto infrastructure is regulated in the UAE.

    Previously, licensing obligations focused on traditional financial entities, but the updated framework shifts this focus to include software and data tools.

    According to developer analysis, even public-facing tools such as CoinMarketCap and open-source Bitcoin wallets may now require licensing to remain accessible within the UAE.

    For the first time, developers may face criminal penalties for offering unlicensed crypto tools, even if they are based abroad.

    This extension of jurisdiction signals a new regulatory posture that treats access to crypto as tightly as its ownership or exchange.

    Communications and marketing now fall under regulation

    The crackdown does not stop at financial infrastructure. Article 61 of the same law defines the marketing, promotion, or advertising of financial services as a licensable activity.

    In practice, this means that simply hosting a website, publishing an article, or sharing a tweet about an unlicensed crypto service could be considered a legal violation if that content reaches UAE residents.

    This change dramatically expands the compliance footprint for companies and developers.

    Gibson Dunn highlights that these provisions materially broaden the enforcement perimeter, especially for firms with no formal presence in the UAE.

    The law applies to communications that originate outside the country but are accessible inside it.

    The result is a regulatory landscape where developers, content creators, and infrastructure providers must weigh whether their platforms are indirectly accessible by users in the UAE.

    In many cases, avoiding legal exposure may require disabling access or halting service altogether.

    Dubai’s free zones no longer shield crypto services

    Over recent years, the UAE has positioned itself as a hub for blockchain innovation.

    Jurisdictions such as Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) attracted global attention with purpose-built crypto licensing frameworks.

    However, the new federal law overrides these free-zone arrangements, asserting Central Bank control nationwide.

    Federal law supersedes any rules introduced by the UAE’s free zones, effectively dissolving the regulatory arbitrage that once drew companies to Dubai.

    The broader context includes the country’s history of digital restrictions.

    For instance, WhatsApp voice calls remain blocked across the UAE, reinforcing a consistent policy approach to centralised control over communications and digital tools.

    While this may bring the UAE in closer alignment with international pressure from groups like the Financial Action Task Force, it also puts crypto service providers in a difficult position.

    In other jurisdictions facing similar pressure, firms have withdrawn entirely to avoid enforcement risk.

    Enforcement begins in 2026, with further rules expected

    Entities have a one-year window from 16 September 2025 to come into compliance. This grace period may be extended at the discretion of the Central Bank.

    During this time, further regulations are expected to clarify how these broad rules will be applied in practice.

    Despite this, the scope of the law is already causing concern.

    The language around facilitation and communication, combined with the severe penalties under Article 170, suggests that firms offering crypto tools globally must now consider the risk of incidental exposure to UAE users.

    For software developers and platform operators, this marks a significant departure from the norms of decentralised access and open-source innovation.

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  • Bitcoin (BTC) battles macro headwinds despite improved ETF inflows

    Bitcoin (BTC) battles macro headwinds despite improved ETF inflows

    Bitcoin (BTC) battles macro headwinds

    • Bitcoin price remains range-bound amid long-term holder selling and falling demand.
    • US Bitcoin ETFs inflows signal cautious institutional optimism.
    • Macro uncertainty from the Fed and government shutdown keeps BTC under pressure.

    Bitcoin (BTC) continues to navigate turbulent market conditions as macroeconomic uncertainty and institutional dynamics shape its near-term trajectory.

    Despite renewed interest from investors and a notable surge in Bitcoin ETFs, the world’s largest cryptocurrency faces persistent pressure from long-term holder selling, cautious institutional sentiment, and a complex macro backdrop influenced by the Federal Reserve and ongoing government shutdown developments.

    Analysts and strategists are watching closely as BTC balances between cyclical signals and broader market realities in November.

    Bitcoin price struggles amid range-bound trading

    Bitcoin price has remained largely trapped between $106,000 and $116,000 over the past two weeks, signalling a period of consolidation rather than upward momentum.

    Long-term holders have accelerated their monthly distribution to roughly 104,000 BTC, marking one of the heaviest selling waves since mid-July, according to the recent Bitfinex report.

    This persistent supply pressure is coinciding with muted institutional demand following October’s sharp liquidation event, leaving BTC caught in a sideways range with limited short-term catalysts.

    Analysts warn that unless ETF inflows or new spot demand increase, the cryptocurrency could test support near $106,000, and a sustained breach of this level might open the path to $100,000.

    ETF inflows signal cautious optimism

    Despite these headwinds, Bitcoin ETFs have shown signs of recovery, injecting optimism into the market.

    On November 11, US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $524 million in cumulative net inflows.

    US Bitcoin ETFs inflows
    Total Bitcoin Spot ETF Net Inflow (USD) | Source: Coinglass

    This return of demand, alongside smart money traders adding net long positions totalling over $8.5 million, highlights a growing, albeit measured, confidence among institutional participants.

    Analysts have noted that sustained ETF inflows may signal an end to the broader de-risking phase observed after the market downturn, even as retail participation remains subdued.

    Macro factors keep BTC on edge

    Despite increased ETF inflows, macro conditions continue to weigh heavily on Bitcoin (BTC).

    The Federal Reserve’s recent 25-basis-point rate cut and the formal end of its balance sheet runoff are tempered by internal division over the next steps, with some officials citing risks from persistent inflation and others warning of slowing labour markets.

    Meanwhile, the Secured Overnight Financing Rate recently plunged to 3.92%, which financial analyst Shanaka Anslem described as indicative of market panic.

    These developments, combined with falling consumer confidence and cooling wage growth, have created uncertainty around near-term capital flows and investor appetite for risk assets like Bitcoin.

    The ongoing government shutdown adds another layer of complexity.

    While the Senate moves toward a potential resolution, analysts note that the relief may boost equities more than cryptocurrencies, as capital appears to rotate toward traditional financial markets while liquidity waits on the sidelines for normal economic data to resume.

    These dynamics have contributed to continued downside pressure on BTC, even as technical and ETF-related signals point to potential stabilisation.

    Bitcoin price outlook for November

    Looking ahead, November may not deliver the historic rallies often seen in the penultimate month of the year, as Bitcoin (BTC) remains caught between conflicting forces.

    While ETF inflows and smart money activity provide a foundation for renewed optimism, ongoing distribution by long-term holders, macro uncertainty, and cautious institutional behaviour continue to weigh on the Bitcoin price.

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  • Crypto update: Bitcoin ETFs see $300M inflow as investors ‘buy the dip’

    Crypto update: Bitcoin ETFs see $300M inflow as investors ‘buy the dip’

    Crypto update: Bitcoin ETFs see $300M inflow as investors 'buy the dip'

    • US Bitcoin ETFs saw nearly $300 million in net inflows on Tuesday.
    • The inflows snapped a two-week streak of redemptions from the products.
    • Fidelity’s FBTC led the way with $165.9 million, followed by Ark’s ARKB.

    US-based Bitcoin ETFs have snapped a two-week streak of redemptions, pulling in nearly $300 million in net inflows on Tuesday as investors took advantage of lower prices to rotate back into cryptocurrency-linked products.

    The renewed buying interest, which follows a period of significant outflows, suggests that institutional investors are viewing the recent market dip as a buying opportunity, reaffirming their long-term conviction in the asset despite short-term volatility.

    A decisive reversal after weeks of outflows

    Early data from SoSoValue shows a significant reversal of last week’s trend, which saw over $1.17 billion withdrawn from digital asset investment products.

    Fidelity’s FBTC led the charge with $165.9 million in fresh capital, while Ark 21Shares’ ARKB added $102.5 million.

    Notably, even Grayscale’s GBTC, which has experienced consistent outflows for months, posted a net inflow of $24.1 million.

    This return of capital to US products contrasts with the European market, which has continued to see steady inflows, suggesting a more consistent long-term positioning from investors outside the United States.

    Altcoins continue to attract capital

    While Bitcoin and Ether products have been subject to macro-driven volatility, certain altcoins have continued to attract steady investment.

    According to data from CoinShares, Solana-linked products notched another $118 million in inflows last week, bringing its impressive nine-week total to $2.1 billion.

    This pattern indicates that investors are differentiating between core assets sensitive to macro pressures and emerging networks with strong on-chain momentum.

    Fundamentals remain strong as supply milestone nears

    Despite the recent price turbulence, market experts maintain that Bitcoin’s underlying fundamentals remain robust.

    Thomas Perfumo, a global economist at Kraken, highlighted an upcoming supply milestone as a key factor in the long-term investment case.

    “In approximately seven days, Bitcoin’s circulating supply will cross 19.95 million coins, 95% of its max supply of 21 million coins,” he wrote in a note provided to CoinDesk.

    Perfumo said this event underscores Bitcoin’s programmable scarcity and its enduring role as a “credibly neutral, globally accessible store of value.”

    Gold nears record highs amid fiscal warnings

    In the broader macroeconomic landscape, gold continued to trade near record highs at $4,134.6 per ounce.

    The precious metal’s strength is being fueled by growing concerns over US fiscal stability.

    Economist James Thorne has warned that the US has crossed a fiscal “Rubicon” that could trigger a “Bretton Woods 2.0” style reset, potentially revaluing gold to manage soaring debt levels.

    The impact of surging bullion prices is already being felt, with major producer Barrick Mining reporting a $1.3 billion quarterly profit and a dividend hike.

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  • Bitcoin faces quantum risk: why SegWit wallets may offer limited protection

    Bitcoin faces quantum risk: why SegWit wallets may offer limited protection

    Bitcoin faces quantum risk: Why SegWit wallets may offer limited protection

    • SegWit wallets delay public key exposure until the point of transaction.
    • Holding Bitcoin in SegWit addresses offers temporary protection if left untouched.
    • Critics believe practical quantum computing remains decades away.

    Quantum computing’s long-theorised threat to Bitcoin is resurfacing in the crypto conversation.

    The idea that a powerful enough quantum machine could break cryptographic security and expose Bitcoin keys has moved from theoretical chatter to practical concern.

    Bitcoin analyst Willy Woo recently suggested a short-term safeguard: store Bitcoin in SegWit addresses for the next seven years.

    While the tactic has sparked debate, the broader community remains divided over whether quantum computers are a real, imminent threat or just the latest tech-driven scare.

    SegWit offers delayed public key exposure

    Segregated Witness (SegWit), introduced on 23 August 2017, is a protocol upgrade that changes how data is stored in Bitcoin transactions. Woo suggests that SegWit’s delayed public key exposure could act as a deterrent against quantum attacks.

    Unlike Taproot, which exposes the public key immediately within the address, SegWit only reveals it during transaction execution.

    This delay makes it harder for a quantum computer to reverse-engineer the private key from the public one before the transaction is completed.

    Under current conditions, exposing a public key does not present much of a problem. However, if and when quantum computing advances to the point of real-time decryption capabilities, the exposure window of Taproot wallets could be a key vulnerability.

    In contrast, SegWit’s hashing conceals the public key behind a layer of encryption until absolutely necessary. This may keep Bitcoin more secure during this anticipated transition period.

    Hodling in SegWit comes with major constraints

    While the SegWit method may offer protection, it carries a critical limitation. According to Woo, users must not move their Bitcoin from the SegWit address.

    Any outgoing transaction would expose the public key, potentially inviting a quantum attack if executed during the transaction.

    As such, this method is not viable for active traders or anyone needing liquidity in the short term. It is a static defence mechanism, not a dynamic solution.

    This approach effectively puts Bitcoin in a vault. It is safe but inaccessible. It is also only as secure as the continued absence of real-time quantum decryption.

    If a breakthrough comes earlier than anticipated, even SegWit-held coins could be compromised during withdrawal. Woo acknowledges that this is only an intermediary measure.

    It is meant to bridge the gap until a quantum-resistant Bitcoin protocol becomes available.

    Experts disagree over SegWit’s efficacy

    Not everyone agrees that SegWit provides any meaningful protection. Charles Edwards, founder of digital asset fund Capriole, has dismissed the idea as ineffective.

    He argues that SegWit is not a quantum-safe model and relying on it could delay necessary network upgrades.

    According to Edwards, the belief that Bitcoin has a seven-year buffer period could create complacency, weakening pressure to accelerate work on quantum-resistant algorithms.

    This disagreement underscores a broader lack of consensus in the crypto space on how seriously the community should take quantum risk.

    Although protocol upgrades are under development, there is concern among developers that current initiatives are progressing too slowly.

    Some argue that existing security layers were not built with quantum capabilities in mind, making them structurally vulnerable regardless of transaction format.

    Sceptics say quantum fears are overblown

    Despite the alarm, some in the community believe the risk is being overstated. Critics point to quantum computing’s persistent technical limitations.

    In a post in February, Bitcoin advocate Adrian Morris claimed quantum tech is “barely viable”, citing issues with thermodynamics, memory, and persistent calculations.

    Others argue that traditional financial systems and major banks would be far more attractive targets for early quantum attacks than a decentralised network like Bitcoin.

    Woo notes that Bitcoin held by custodians, such as ETFs or treasury firms, may be better shielded in the interim. This is only true if those institutions take proactive steps to secure their holdings.

    Until a comprehensive upgrade is implemented, the quantum debate will continue to shape discourse around Bitcoin’s long-term security.

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  • Bitcoin holds $106K as shutdown optimism fuels broad market rally

    Bitcoin holds $106K as shutdown optimism fuels broad market rally

    Bitcoin holds $106K as shutdown optimism fuels broad market rally

    • Bitcoin bounced back to trade near $106,000 on shutdown resolution hopes.
    • The end of the shutdown could release a $150-200B liquidity jolt into markets.
    • However, the shutdown is stalling crucial US crypto regulation bills.

    Cryptocurrency markets started the week on a strong footing, with Bitcoin holding above the key $105,000 level as growing optimism around a potential resolution to the US government shutdown helped steady broader risk sentiment.

    Following a volatile period, a weekend rally extended into Monday, with Bitcoin recovering from an early dip to trade near $106,000.

    However, analysts warn that while an end to the shutdown could provide a short-term liquidity boost, the prolonged political impasse has created a significant, under-the-radar threat to the crypto industry’s long-term regulatory future.

    The upbeat mood was felt across the asset spectrum.

    In the crypto space, Ether traded just under $3,600, while XRP led gains among major altcoins, jumping 9% on anticipation of a potential spot ETF.

    Crypto-related stocks, which suffered heavy losses last week, also rebounded strongly, with Coinbase (COIN) rising 4.1% and Robinhood (HOOD) gaining 4.8%.

    The rally mirrored gains in traditional markets, where the S&P 500 climbed 1.6% and the Nasdaq rose 2.2%.

    This recovery was largely fueled by growing confidence that the record-breaking 39-day government shutdown may be nearing an end, a sentiment bolstered by prediction market data and a weekend social media post from President Donald Trump.

    The shutdown’s double-edged sword for crypto

    While the market is cheering a potential resolution, the shutdown has created a complex “Jekyll and Hyde” scenario for the digital asset industry, according to David Nage, head of research at Arca.

    In a Monday note, Nage explained the positive side: an end to the shutdown could release a massive liquidity injection of 150–200 billion from the Treasury General Account into bank reserves. Historically, such a jolt has been a major tailwind for risk assets like crypto.

    However, there is a significant downside.

    “The larger story for digital asset adoption over the next three to five years is being shaped behind the scenes… and the Banking Committee staff rooms are currently dark due to the shutdown,” Nage explained.

    A race against time for US crypto regulation

    The ongoing shutdown has completely stalled progress on crucial crypto legislation, including the CLARITY Act and the Senate’s digital asset market structure bill.

    Nage warned that this delay poses a greater long-term threat to the industry than recent market volatility.

    With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, the window for passing comprehensive digital asset regulation is closing.

    “If comprehensive digital asset legislation is delayed until 2026 and then dies in midterm politics, the industry will miss out on the regulatory clarity needed to attract institutional capital and achieve sustainable growth,” Nage said.

    He concluded that the timing is critical. “If the shutdown ends in November, we may benefit from both a liquidity injection and a legislative opportunity,” he said.

    If it drags into December, the legislation may miss its window.

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  • Bitcoin tests $100K support after massive liquidation event rocks market

    Bitcoin tests $100K support after massive liquidation event rocks market

    Bitcoin tests $100K support after massive liquidation event rocks market

    • Bitcoin briefly fell to $100,000 after a sharp market-wide sell-off.
    • Over $1.6 billion in leveraged long positions were liquidated in 24 hours.
    • The crash was fueled by “risk-off” sentiment and Fed rate cut uncertainty.

    The cryptocurrency market was rocked by a wave of forced selling late Monday, triggering a sharp downturn that saw Bitcoin briefly touch the $100,000 level and erased more than $1.6 billion in leveraged bullish positions.

    The sudden deleveraging event, one of the largest since September, sent a shockwave across the digital asset space, with major altcoins like Ether, Solana, and XRP posting heavy losses as renewed macroeconomic fears spooked investors.

    The core of the market’s turmoil was a massive cascade of liquidations. In the last 24 hours, more than $2 billion in crypto futures contracts were forcibly closed, with long traders—those betting on higher prices—accounting for nearly 80% of the losses at $1.6 billion, according to CoinGlass data.

    This automatic selling pressure occurs when traders using borrowed funds see their positions move sharply against them, forcing exchanges to sell the assets to cover losses. 

    Macro headwinds and risk-off sentiment

    The sell-off was fueled by a broader “risk-off” mood spreading across financial markets.

    Analysts pointed to a combination of factors that are making investors nervous and prompting them to shed speculative assets.

    “Recent speculation that the FOMC may pass on another rate cut this year, as well as concerns over tariffs, credit market conditions, and equity valuations, helped drive markets lower,” Gerry O’Shea, head of global market insights at Hashdex, said in an email to CoinDesk.

    He added that Bitcoin’s price has also been affected by profit-taking from long-term holders, which he described as “an expected phenomenon as the asset matures.”

    Bitcoin at a crossroads: a test of support

    Following the plunge, Bitcoin staged a modest rebound to trade around $101,000. However, the token remains down 5.5% over the past day and more than 10% for the week.

    The pain was more severe for altcoins, with Ether dropping 10%, while Solana and BNB lost 8% and 7% respectively.

    Despite the sharp downturn, some analysts believe the long-term picture for Bitcoin remains positive.

    “While $100,000 may be a psychologically important support level, we do not view today’s price action as a sign of a weakening long-term investment case for Bitcoin,” O’Shea said.

    With the Federal Reserve’s next move uncertain and global risk appetite fragile, the coming days will be a crucial test for the market, determining whether Bitcoin can hold its current level or if another wave of forced selling is on the horizon.

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  • Strategy IPO redefines corporate Bitcoin strategy with euro-denominated offering

    Strategy IPO redefines corporate Bitcoin strategy with euro-denominated offering

    Strategy IPO redefines corporate Bitcoin strategy with euro-denominated stock offering

    • The company will issue 3.5 million STRE shares, each priced at €100 ($115).
    • Investors will receive a 10% annual dividend, paid quarterly beginning 31 December.
    • Strategy currently holds 641,205 BTC, valued at approximately $47.49 billion.

    Strategy, the crypto treasury company known for its methodical accumulation of Bitcoin, has unveiled plans for a euro-denominated perpetual stock under the ticker STRE.

    The initial public offering (IPO) signals a refined integration of traditional capital markets with the Bitcoin economy.

    Strategy’s latest move extends its long-term model of raising capital through equity and debt to expand its Bitcoin reserves, consolidating its position as the largest corporate holder of the asset.

    Euro-denominated IPO targets professional investors

    The company plans to issue 3.5 million shares of STRE, each priced at €100 ($115), with a 10% cumulative annual dividend payable quarterly from 31 December.

    Proceeds will be used to acquire additional Bitcoin (BTC), currently trading at $104,603, and for general corporate purposes.

    Strategy stated that the shares will be available only to qualified investors in the EU and UK, excluding retail participants.

    The structure reflects the company’s preference for institutional capital and adherence to regulated financial frameworks while maintaining exposure to digital assets.

    Refining the Bitcoin corporate treasury model

    Founded by Michael Saylor, Strategy adopted its Bitcoin-first balance sheet model in mid-2020.

    The company raises capital through market instruments, converts it into Bitcoin, and holds the cryptocurrency as a strategic reserve.

    This approach has made Strategy the largest Bitcoin-holding public company, with 641,205 BTC worth about $47.49 billion.

    Earlier in November, it added 397 BTC to its holdings as part of its ongoing acquisition plan.

    Saylor’s framework has influenced a wave of similar corporate treasury models, with firms issuing equity or credit to build crypto reserves.

    Many now hold Bitcoin and Ether (ETH), trading at $3,502, as balance sheet assets.

    Together, these companies have raised billions, indicating a shift in how institutions view cryptocurrencies: not as speculative bets, but as reserve assets with long-term strategic value.

    Market competition and acquisition restraint

    Analysts have warned that the rapid growth of the crypto treasury sector could lead to consolidation as new entrants compete for investor capital.

    Some expect companies to acquire rivals to preserve scale and relevance.

    However, Strategy has confirmed it will not pursue mergers or acquisitions, even where they might appear beneficial.

    The firm intends to expand organically, focusing on disciplined balance sheet growth and direct communication with investors.

    This stance separates Strategy from its peers. While others diversify or seek acquisitions, it remains committed to a singular mission of strengthening its Bitcoin position.

    The company’s discipline and transparency have become central to its investor relations strategy.

    Major banks back the offering

    The IPO will be managed by global financial institutions including Barclays, Morgan Stanley, Moelis, and TD Securities.

    Their participation underscores growing confidence among traditional finance players in Bitcoin-linked products.

    The STRE stock represents a rare hybrid between fixed income and digital asset exposure.

    It offers predictable returns while channelling proceeds into Bitcoin, effectively linking the traditional yield-seeking investor base with the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

    As institutional participation in Bitcoin deepens, Strategy’s euro-based IPO may define a new template for corporate finance.

    The company’s ability to merge compliance-driven capital markets with a decentralised asset base demonstrates how digital currencies are being absorbed into the core of global finance.

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  • Kraken expands regulated derivatives in Europe with Bitcoin and Ethereum collateral

    Kraken expands regulated derivatives in Europe with Bitcoin and Ethereum collateral

    Kraken expands regulated derivatives in Europe with Bitcoin and Ethereum collateral

    • The feature applies to more than 150 perpetual futures markets available to European users.
    • The exchange operates under MiCA and MiFID II regulations, with oversight from Ireland and Cyprus.
    • Kraken’s third-quarter revenue rose by 50% to $648 million following its acquisition of NinjaTrader.

    Kraken has expanded its regulated derivatives offering in the European Union, allowing traders to use Bitcoin, Ethereum, and approved stablecoins as collateral for perpetual futures on Kraken Pro.

    Announced on 3 November, the move makes Kraken one of the first licensed exchanges in Europe to support crypto-collateralised derivatives under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework.

    The feature strengthens Kraken’s position in Europe’s digital asset market by combining capital efficiency with regulatory compliance.

    By allowing clients to post crypto assets instead of converting them into fiat, the exchange provides faster access to liquidity while remaining under strict oversight from European regulators.

    Crypto as margin on Kraken Pro

    European traders can now use Bitcoin, Ethereum, or select stablecoins as margin across more than 150 perpetual futures markets.

    Collateral is converted to USD for liquidation and margin calculations, standardising risk management while maintaining crypto exposure.

    Kraken’s operations are covered by its MiCA licence from the Central Bank of Ireland and supervision by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission.

    The exchange uses volatility-based margin haircuts to manage exposure to price swings. All custody arrangements comply with the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II), ensuring full investor protection under European law.

    The feature allows traders to access up to 10x leverage using crypto collateral. It reflects Kraken’s ongoing strategy to align its trading products with Europe’s unified digital asset rules ahead of MiCA’s full rollout in 2025.

    A shift in EU derivatives

    Kraken’s expansion comes at a time when Europe is tightening oversight of crypto products while promoting innovation through consistent regulation.

    By offering crypto-collateralised futures under direct supervision, the exchange positions itself at the forefront of compliant derivatives trading in the EU.

    The integration benefits institutional and retail traders seeking efficient and legally sound ways to trade leveraged crypto products.

    Hedge funds and corporate treasuries can now operate within clear regulatory limits, signalling the increasing maturity of Europe’s digital derivatives market.

    This move also strengthens the region’s financial infrastructure. Transparent liquidation procedures and regulated custody standards align digital assets with traditional financial norms, helping reduce risk and improve trust.

    As other licensed exchanges follow Kraken’s lead, the EU could become a global hub for compliant digital asset trading.

    Growth supports expansion

    The announcement follows a strong financial quarter for Kraken. The exchange reported revenue of $648 million in the third quarter, a 50% rise from the previous quarter.

    The increase was driven by higher trading volumes and new product integrations following the acquisition of NinjaTrader, a futures and forex trading platform.

    This momentum underlines Kraken’s ability to grow while maintaining regulatory standards. By embedding compliance into its strategy, the company is building credibility and scale in an increasingly regulated environment.

    As MiCA rules continue to take effect, exchanges that prioritise both innovation and compliance are expected to capture greater institutional interest.

    Kraken’s integration of crypto collateral into a regulated derivatives framework demonstrates how digital assets can function securely within Europe’s financial system.

    The development marks a shift from speculative trading to a more structured market, where transparency and protection guide participation.

    For the European Union, this represents progress toward establishing a regulated, sustainable, and globally competitive digital asset economy.

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  • After worst October in six years, is Bitcoin poised for a November rally?

    After worst October in six years, is Bitcoin poised for a November rally?

    After worst October in six years, is Bitcoin poised for a November rally?

    • Bitcoin posted its first negative October performance in six years, now trading at $107k.
    • Fed’s hawkish comments on a potential December rate cut pressured the price.
    • November has historically been one of Bitcoin’s strongest months (42% mean return).

    Bitcoin is entering November on uncertain footing after suffering its first negative October performance in six years, a downturn that has left investors questioning whether the move was a healthy correction or the start of a deeper bear trend.

    The leading cryptocurrency is currently trading around $107,000, down 1.4% in the last 24 hours.

    The recent price weakness culminated in a significant deleveraging event on November 3, which saw over $1.16 billion in leveraged long positions liquidated, highlighting the intensity of the sell-off.

    Macro headwinds drive a ‘red October’

    The negative monthly performance occurred against a complex macroeconomic backdrop.

    While the US Federal Reserve delivered an anticipated rate cut, subsequent comments from Chair Jerome Powell tempered market expectations for another cut in December, creating uncertainty that pressured risk assets like Bitcoin.

    This caution was reflected in market data, with Bitcoin’s US-session returns cooling from a positive 0.94% on October 29 to a negative 4.56% over the past week, according to Velo data.

    On a more positive note, geopolitical tensions have eased following the trade agreement reached between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

    A mid-cycle correction or the end of the bull run?

    Despite the recent downturn, some market experts believe the sell-off is a constructive development for the broader bull market.

    “So could this red October actually set up the next major leg of Bitcoin’s bull cycle? I think that’s entirely possible,” Rachel Lin, CEO of SynFutures, told Decrypt.

    Corrections like this tend to be the midpoint of a broader cycle rather than the end.

    This optimistic view is supported by strong on-chain data, which indicates that long-term structural demand from holders remains robust despite the short-term price volatility.

    History suggests a strong November rebound is possible

    Historical performance data also provides a bullish case for the coming month. November has traditionally been one of Bitcoin’s strongest months, posting an average return of 42% over the past 12 years.

    This trend, combined with a still-positive mean return of 6.05% for the third quarter, suggests the underlying uptrend remains intact.

    “For November, I expect a period of stabilization and cautious optimism,” Lin said.

    Bitcoin may trade sideways early in the month as markets absorb Fed commentary, but a decisive shift in tone could trigger a recovery.

    The expert maintains that if Bitcoin continues to follow its typical post-halving cycle, the long-term outlook remains bright.

    Citing strong fundamentals from ETF inflows to institutional adoption, Lin believes “a move toward $120,000 to $150,000 by the end of 2025 remains within reach.”

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  • Bitcoin holds $110k as cautious calm returns to crypto markets

    Bitcoin holds $110k as cautious calm returns to crypto markets

    Bitcoin holds $110k as cautious calm returns to crypto markets

    • Bitcoin is trading steadily around $110,300 as markets consolidate.
    • Traders have largely paused adding new risk after the recent Fed meeting.
    • Bitcoin dominance has risen to approximately 60% of the total crypto market.

    With Bitcoin holding steady above the key $110,000 level as traders consolidate positions and reassess risk following last week’s hawkish signals from the US Federal Reserve, a cautious calm settled over cryptocurrency markets at the start of the week.

    While the market has stabilized after a volatile period, underlying data from the derivatives and credit markets suggests that a “wait-and-see” approach is now the dominant strategy, with investors looking for a fresh catalyst to dictate the next major move.

    As the business week began in Hong Kong, Bitcoin was trading around $110,300, while Ether held near $3,880. Both assets remain down significantly over the past 30 days, by 10% and 14% respectively.

    According to market maker FlowDesk, clients have largely “paused adding new risk” after the Fed meeting, with market activity dominated by short-term trading and portfolio rebalancing.

    Despite the caution, FlowDesk noted that traders showed net buying in tokens with strong underlying fundamentals like BTC, HYPE, and SYRUP, even as Solana-linked assets lagged.

    This deleveraging has left many traders “underexposed if the market rebounds,” suggesting a cleaner market position, the firm wrote.

    Fear lingers in the derivatives market

    While spot markets appear calm, the derivatives space still shows signs of fear. According to CoinGlass data, approximately $155 million in crypto derivatives were liquidated in the past 24 hours.

    The split, with $97 million in long positions and $58 million in shorts being wiped out, points to a moderate flush of overleveraged bullish bets rather than broad panic selling.

    FlowDesk observed “elevated put skew and lingering caution despite calmer volatility,” indicating that traders are still buying downside protection.

    This cautious positioning, dominated by put buying and call selling, could present an opportunity if the market stabilizes.

    “Cheap risk reversals could appeal if spot markets stabilize,” FlowDesk wrote, adding that volatility will likely “drift lower into year-end.”

    Gold holds gains despite hawkish Fed

    In the broader macroeconomic picture, gold is holding onto its recent gains despite headwinds from the Fed.

    The precious metal closed Friday at about $4,003 per ounce, posting a 3.7% gain in October for its third consecutive monthly rise.

    Despite hawkish comments from the Federal Reserve and a stronger dollar that have reduced the odds of a December rate cut, haven demand for gold remains strong.

    Persistent geopolitical tensions and ongoing U.S. fiscal uncertainty have continued to support the metal’s appeal as a stable asset.

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