It was a pivotal but uneasy week for crypto, with regulators making tangible moves even as markets stayed cautious. A priced-in Fed cut failed to move prices, while new U.S. policy signals and global rate shifts reshaped how investors are thinking about risk.
Here are the top headlines to catch up on!
Third Fed Rate Cut Lands, But Markets Shrug
The Federal Reserve delivered its third rate cut of the year, trimming rates by 25 basis points to a 3.50%-3.75% range, which is a move analysts say the markets had fully priced in. Chair Jerome Powell struck a cautious tone, calling the outlook “challenging” with no “risk-free path” ahead. Bitcoin jumped before the decision, then reversed sharply as reality set in.
Ripple and Circle Win Federal Bank Charters
U.S. regulators crossed a major line this week. The OCC granted conditional national trust bank charters to Ripple, Circle, Paxos, BitGo, and Fidelity Digital Assets, plugging them directly into the Federal Reserve’s payment system.
Backed by the GENIUS Act, the move enables 24/7 stablecoin settlement and cuts bank counterparty risk. Critics, including the ABA, warn it “could blur the lines of what it means to be a bank.”
Terra Founder Do Kwon Sentenced to 15 Years
Do Kwon, the architect of the TerraUSD and Luna collapse, was sentenced to 15 years in U.S. prison for fraud – more than prosecutors sought. Judge Paul Engelmayer called it “a fraud of epic generational scale,” citing massive investor harm that helped trigger the 2022 crypto winter.
Kwon admitted responsibility, agreeing to forfeit $19.3 million as part of his plea.
CFTC Launches Digital Assets Pilot
The CFTC has launched a Digital Assets Pilot Program allowing Bitcoin, Ether, and USDC to be used as margin collateral in regulated derivatives markets for the first time. Announced December 8, the pilot creates a tightly monitored framework for tokenized collateral without expanding trading activity.
The shift changes how margin efficiency and risk are managed, integrating crypto deeper into the U.S. market.
Economists See BOJ Rates Reaching 1% by 2026
A strong majority of economists now expect the Bank of Japan to raise rates to 0.75% at its December meeting, with borrowing costs reaching at least 1% by next September, according to a Reuters poll.
Expectations have firmed rapidly as inflation persists and the yen remains weak, reinforcing views that Japan’s long era of ultra-loose monetary policy is steadily ending.
Also Read: BOJ Interest Rate Hike Expected, Raising New Risks for Global Markets
YouTube Enables PYUSD Payouts for U.S. Creators
YouTube has added PayPal’s dollar-pegged stablecoin PYUSD as a payout option for U.S. creators, giving the token its highest-profile consumer use case yet.
“The beauty of what we’ve built is that YouTube doesn’t have to touch crypto,” said PayPal crypto chief May Zabaneh. The move shows how big platforms are testing stablecoins as payment rails without handling digital assets directly.
Tether Moves to Buy Juventus Club in Cash Deal
Tether has proposed a cash-only deal to acquire full control of Juventus, offering to buy out all remaining shares after already securing a 10% stake. The club’s holding structure controls 65.4% of share capital.
If completed, Tether plans to invest €1 billion into Juventus, citing strong finances after posting over $10 billion in profit in the first nine months of 2025.
XRP Becomes Fastest ETF to $1B Since ETH
XRP spot ETFs have crossed $1 billion in assets under management, becoming the fastest crypto ETF to hit the mark since Ethereum. Canary, Grayscale, Bitwise, and Franklin are driving inflows, largely from institutional desks. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse said the surge reflects “pent up demand” for regulated exposure, especially as platforms like Vanguard open crypto ETFs to mainstream retirement accounts.
Coinbase to Launch Prediction Markets on Dec. 17
Coinbase is preparing to launch prediction markets powered by Kalshi at its Dec. 17 “Coinbase System Update” event, alongside plans for tokenized stock trading. The move advances CEO Brian Armstrong’s push to turn Coinbase into an “everything exchange” as crypto sentiment cools.
The partnership signals Coinbase’s bid to compete with Robinhood and Kraken beyond tokens.
New York Adopts UCC Rules for Digital Assets
New York has enacted the 2022 UCC amendments, creating a new legal framework for digital assets like cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and tokenized instruments. Effective June 3, 2026, the changes define how ownership, transfers, and security interests work for “controllable electronic records.”
The update doesn’t regulate crypto directly but lays critical groundwork for tokenization and real-world asset structuring under state law.
Bhutan Launches Gold-Backed Token on Solana
Bhutan has launched TER, a gold-backed digital token built on Solana, linking physical gold with blockchain rails. Announced December 10, the token goes live December 17 and is backed 1:1 by audited gold held at DK Bank. Officials say TER reflects Bhutan’s push to blend traditional value with transparent, low-cost digital infrastructure as part of its broader blockchain strategy.
Weekly Crypto Market Outlook
Crypto enters the week in a watchful mood. The Fed’s latest rate cut failed to spark a rally, while Japan’s path toward higher rates is quietly tightening global conditions. At the same time, U.S. policy signals are turning more constructive for crypto.
If Bitcoin finds its footing, markets may calm, but macro uncertainty still leaves room for sudden moves.
