US Treasury sanctions Pyongyang’s crypto money men

Fulcrum has just launched a fully insured crypto lending platform regulated in Switzerland, allowing users to access loans backed by popular cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.

The recent liquidation of over $250 million in long positions within just an hour underscores the extreme volatility and risks present in the crypto market. This rapid shift could make cautious investors think twice about entering the space, potentially affecting overall market stability. As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, understanding these fluctuations is crucial for anyone considering investment.

Mastercard's potential $2 billion investment in cryptocurrency could revolutionize the banking industry by enabling 24/7 settlement, making financial transactions faster and more efficient. This move is significant as it highlights the growing acceptance of digital currencies in traditional finance, although challenges like liquidity and compliance may pose hurdles. If successful, this could reshape how we think about banking hours and accessibility.

The U.S. has imposed sanctions on North Korean bankers involved in cryptocurrency laundering linked to cyberattacks. This move is significant as it aims to curb the funding of illicit activities that threaten global security. By targeting financial networks, the U.S. is sending a strong message against cybercrime and reinforcing its commitment to international stability.

The recent discussions around cleaning up crypto ATMs highlight the importance of regulation in the cryptocurrency space. While some may view this as an anti-crypto stance, it actually aims to enhance security and trust in the industry. By ensuring that these ATMs comply with legal standards, it fosters a safer environment for users and can ultimately lead to broader acceptance of cryptocurrencies in mainstream finance.

Singapore Gulf Bank is making strides in the evolving financial landscape by partnering with Fireblocks to connect traditional finance with decentralized finance. This collaboration highlights the growing trend of banks embracing crypto services, which is crucial as the lines between conventional banking and digital currencies continue to blur. Such initiatives not only enhance the bank's offerings but also signify a broader acceptance of cryptocurrency in mainstream finance.

The CEO of Binance has denied allegations of supporting a cryptocurrency venture linked to Donald Trump just before a potential pardon. This situation raises significant ethical questions about the relationship between politics and the cryptocurrency sector, highlighting concerns over conflicts of interest. As the cryptocurrency industry continues to grow, such incidents could impact public trust and regulatory scrutiny.

The EU's proposal to centralize cryptocurrency oversight under the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) is causing a stir in the industry. While some experts believe this could hinder innovation for crypto and fintech companies, others see potential benefits in regulatory clarity. This move is significant as it reflects the EU's commitment to regulating the rapidly evolving crypto market, which could have lasting impacts on how these technologies develop and operate in Europe.

The cryptocurrency Aster faced significant selling pressure after a brief price surge sparked by Binance founder Changpeng Zhao's endorsement. While his comment initially boosted the token's value, the excitement quickly faded as the overall market weakened, leading to a sharp decline in Aster's price, erasing most of its gains.

Fulcrum has just launched a fully insured crypto lending platform regulated in Switzerland, allowing users to access loans backed by popular cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.

The Berachain Foundation has successfully recovered $12.8 million following a recent exploit involving Balancer V2. This recovery was made possible through a hard fork and a coordinated chain restart, showcasing the resilience of the blockchain community.

CleanSpark is making strides by expanding its power capacity and securing a new site in Texas for its AI campus. This move highlights a significant trend among Bitcoin miners who are increasingly focusing on high-performance computing.

Bitcoin has dropped below $100,000, reaching its lowest point in four months. Analysts suggest that the market is currently dominated by sellers, and they believe that the effects of the recent sell-off on October 10 are still being felt.

Bitcoin faced its second worst day in 2025, experiencing significant losses and increased volatility due to macroeconomic pressures and technical selling trends.