After a few weeks of volatility and uncertainty, the market finally feels aligned.
Big banks are stepping in, global regulators are laying out clearer rules, and digital assets are making their mark in mainstream finance.
Missed out on a few big moves this week? Don’t stress. We’ve got you covered.
#1 Trump Pardons Binance Founder CZ
In a surprise move, U.S. President Donald Trump has granted a full pardon to Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, calling his earlier prosecution part of the Biden administration’s “war on cryptocurrency.”
CZ, who served four months in prison and paid a $50 million fine, said he was “deeply grateful” for the pardon and promised to help make America “the Capital of Crypto.” The decision could open the door for his return to Binance and marks a clear shift in Washington’s tone toward crypto. Needless to say, there has been pushback.
#2 Trump Tariffs Keep U.S. Inflation Hot at 3%, CPI Report Shows
U.S. inflation stayed firm in September, rising 3% year-on-year, according to the CPI report. The data, held up by the government shutdown, showed prices climbing 0.3% for the month, led by a 4.1% jump in gasoline.
Trump’s new tariffs have also pushed up costs for everyday goods, from furniture to toys. Despite his promise to “end inflation,” prices remain above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. Economists say inflation could rise further as tariffs continue to filter through.
#3 Bitcoin and Ether to Back Loans at JPMorgan
JPMorgan Chase is set to allow institutional clients to use Bitcoin and Ether as collateral for loans by the end of the year. The plan will be available globally and will use a third-party custodian to secure digital assets, according to Bloomberg.
The move signals how traditional banks are gradually integrating crypto into regular finance. It comes as rising adoption and regulatory clarity push major firms like Morgan Stanley, Fidelity, and State Street to expand their crypto services.
#4 Trump’s New CFTC Pick Michael Selig Seen as Win for Crypto Regulation
U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Michael Selig, chief counsel for the CFTC’s crypto task force, to lead the agency. Selig’s nomination highlights the administration’s push to bring clarity to digital asset regulation after the CLARITY and GENIUS Acts gained momentum earlier this year.
Known for bridging gaps between the SEC and CFTC, Selig’s appointment could be a bold move to align oversight across U.S. markets and a clear signal that crypto is back on Washington’s priority list.
#5 Bitcoin ETPs Finally Go Live in UK After FCA Ends 3-Year Ban
BlackRock has launched its iShares Bitcoin ETP (IB1T) on the London Stock Exchange, marking a major step for UK crypto access after the FCA ended its 2021 retail ban. Alongside BlackRock, 21Shares, WisdomTree, and Bitwise also listed their Bitcoin and Ethereum products, offering regulated exposure to digital assets.
“Today’s launch represents a landmark step for the U.K. market,” said 21Shares CEO Russel Barlow, calling it a long-overdue move to match Europe’s progress in crypto investing.
Also Read: Full List of 155 Crypto ETPs: XRP Leads Ahead of ETH, SOL and BTC Compete for Top Spot
#6 Melania Trump’s $MELANIA Coin Sparks Fraud Allegations
The creators behind Melania Trump’s $MELANIA coin are facing a lawsuit accusing them of running a pump-and-dump scheme. Court filings claim executives from Meteora and Kelsier Labs used the former first lady’s name to hype the token before selling their holdings at peak prices.
The coin hit a $1.6 billion market cap in January before crashing to around $86 million. Melania Trump isn’t named in the case, but investors say her image was used as “window dressing” to lure buyers.
Crypto.com has filed for a national trust charter with the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), joining the list of crypto firms chasing federal oversight. The move would allow the exchange to expand its custody and ETF services beyond state boundaries.
CEO Kris Marszalek said the company’s focus has always been on “regulated and secure offerings.” With this filing, Crypto.com steps closer to being recognized like a traditional financial institution.
#8 SEC, CFTC Set Year-End Crypto Goals Despite Washington Shutdown
Despite the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, the SEC and CFTC are pressing ahead with major crypto goals for year-end. Acting CFTC Chair Caroline Pham said the agency aims to introduce “listed spot crypto trading and tokenized collateral” by the end of 2025.
SEC Chair Paul Atkins told CNBC the shutdown is slowing progress but hopes Congress will “let us get back to work.” Both regulators are following a White House plan for clearer digital asset rules as lawmakers push to finalize crypto legislation this year.
#9 Polymarket to Launch POLY Token, Airdrop After U.S. App Release
Polymarket is preparing for its next big chapter. CMO Matthew Modabber confirmed plans for a native POLY token and an airdrop, saying the team wants to create a token with real utility and long-term value.
However, the company’s main focus right now is launching its U.S. app, which Modabber says comes before the token rollout. Meanwhile, Polymarket is reportedly in talks to raise funds at a $12-$15 billion valuation, signaling strong investor confidence in the prediction market platform.
#10 Russia Greenlights Crypto for Global Trade
Russia has officially backed the use of cryptocurrencies for cross-border payments, marking a major shift in its financial strategy. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said the move aims to make trade smoother and more transparent while keeping oversight in place.
Read More: Crypto Regulations in Russia 2025
The Finance Ministry and Central Bank will now work on clear rules to monitor transactions and prevent misuse. With sanctions limiting Russia’s access to global networks, crypto could become the country’s practical tool for settling international deals.
In the Spotlight
Here’s a few quick hits you shouldn’t miss!
WazirX Resumes Trading After 16-Month Shutdown: India’s once-leading crypto exchange is back after a $230M hack. Trading has restarted in phases, but withdrawals remain frozen – leaving users cautious despite the long-awaited comeback.
Trump Envoy Steve Witkoff Faces Senate Probe: U.S. senators are probing Witkoff’s ties to a $2B UAE-backed crypto firm he co-founded with Trump, citing ethics concerns and possible overlap between his diplomatic duties and private business interests.
Crypto Trading Firm FalconX to Acquire ETF Manager 21Shares: FalconX is set to buy crypto fund manager 21Shares to expand its ETF business. The move follows SEC approval for new spot crypto ETFs, with 21Shares managing over $11 billion in assets.
Nasdaq-Listed Bonk Holdings Forms First BONK Digital Treasury: Bonk Holdings purchased $32M in BONK, creating the first digital asset treasury for the token. The move boosts institutional confidence and pushes BONK closer to mainstream market acceptance.
Hong Kong Approves First Spot Solana ETF, Trading Starts October 27: The SFC has cleared Asia’s first Solana ETF, managed by ChinaAMC. Fully backed by physical SOL, it strengthens Hong Kong’s position as a leading regional crypto investment hub.
What’s Next for Crypto?
Major shifts to expect ahead
- Market sentiment is turning bullish again as liquidity, regulation, and institutional activity converge.
- Policy clarity is replacing uncertainty, setting the stage for steadier, rules-based growth.
- Institutional adoption is accelerating, pushing digital assets deeper into mainstream finance.
- Global momentum is shifting eastward as Asia cements its lead in innovation and market access.
- Trust and transparency are becoming the real drivers of credibility across exchanges and projects.
All eyes are on how policy, trust, and momentum align from here. We’ll be back next week!
