Hong Kong rules limit stablecoin derivatives trading: DBS CEO

Hong Kong's financial regulators are raising concerns about unapproved yuan-backed stablecoins, urging investors to be cautious as no licenses have been issued for such issuers. This warning is crucial as it highlights the potential risks involved in investing in these digital currencies, which could lead to financial losses for unsuspecting investors.

Hong Kong's $500 million HashKey Fund is making waves in the cryptocurrency world by showcasing how Digital Asset Tokens (DATs) can transform Bitcoin and Ether treasuries. This innovative approach emphasizes compliance, diversification, and transparency, which are crucial for attracting institutional investors. As the crypto market continues to evolve, this fund could set a precedent for how digital assets are managed and invested, potentially leading to greater stability and trust in the sector.

RedotPay, a Hong Kong-based startup, has achieved unicorn status after raising $47 million to enhance its regulatory efforts. This funding, backed by notable investors like Coinbase Ventures, Galaxy, and Vertex, will help the company expand its stablecoin-powered services, including cards, wallets, and payout solutions. This milestone not only highlights the growing interest in stablecoins but also positions RedotPay as a key player in the evolving financial landscape.

BounceBit Prime has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing $1.5 billion in cumulative volume, largely thanks to the support from Franklin Templeton's Benji token. This achievement is notable as it reflects growing confidence in the platform, especially with its vault reaching a total value locked of $10 million. Such developments are crucial in the ever-evolving cryptocurrency landscape, indicating a positive trend for investors and users alike.

SoftBank and Ark Invest are reportedly in talks to join Tether's significant funding round, aiming to raise between $15 billion and $20 billion for a 3% equity stake. This move could elevate Tether's valuation to $500 billion, highlighting the growing interest in stablecoins and their potential impact on the cryptocurrency market. Such investments not only bolster Tether's financial standing but also signal confidence from major players in the future of digital currencies.

Cango has successfully mined 141 Bitcoin this week, bringing its total holdings to an impressive 5,708 BTC as of September 26. This achievement is a significant step in their 2025 strategy, showcasing their commitment to expanding their cryptocurrency portfolio. The rise in Bitcoin holdings not only reflects Cango's operational success but also highlights the growing importance of cryptocurrency in the financial landscape.

The UK is embarking on an exciting new chapter in banking and digital payments with the launch of a two-year pilot program for a digital pound. UK Finance, representing over 300 financial institutions, is spearheading this initiative alongside six major banks, including Barclays and HSBC. This pilot aims to test tokenized deposits in pounds, which could revolutionize how we think about money and transactions. It's a significant step towards modernizing the financial landscape and could enhance the efficiency and security of payments in the UK.

SWIFT has launched an exciting blockchain test run with major global banks like BNY Mellon and BNP Paribas, aiming to migrate its core messaging system to ConsenSys' Ethereum layer-2, Linea. This initiative is significant as it showcases the growing adoption of blockchain technology in traditional banking, potentially enhancing transaction efficiency and security. As financial institutions explore innovative solutions, this collaboration could pave the way for a more interconnected and modern banking system.

Bitcoin and several major altcoins are attempting to initiate a recovery, but analysts suggest they may face considerable selling pressure as prices rise. This situation is crucial for investors to monitor, as it could indicate the market's overall health and potential future trends.