1. OKX Plans U.S. Return with IPO After Deal with DOJ
Crypto exchange OKX is plotting a major comeback in the United States after reportedly reaching a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice. The company is preparing for an Initial Public Offering (IPO), marking its official re-entry into U.S. markets.
With increased focus on regulatory compliance and global expansion, OKX aims to join a small group of international exchanges that have secured formal U.S. recognition. The listing would strengthen its legitimacy and investor confidence across markets.
2. U.S. Senate Passes Stablecoin Bill; House Vote Awaits
In a significant legislative step, the U.S. Senate has passed a bill establishing a federal regulatory framework for stablecoins. This proposed law outlines key standards for:
- Reserve requirements
- Regular auditing
- Consumer protections
The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for a final vote. If passed, it could provide nationwide legal clarity for stablecoin issuers and pave the way for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and broader crypto adoption across the U.S. financial system.
3. Crypto-Backed Mortgage Approval Receives Green Light from U.S. Regulators
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has approved a pilot that allows mortgage lenders to recognize cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) as eligible collateral.
This move:
- Enables crypto-secured mortgages
- Encourages integration between DeFi and TradFi
- Marks a major shift in the use of digital assets in real estate financing
It’s a step toward bridging the gap between blockchain innovation and traditional finance in the housing sector.
4. South Korea Launches Bank-Led Stablecoin Pilot
In Asia, South Korea has launched a stablecoin pilot in partnership with local banks and the Bank of Korea (BOK). The pilot will test:
- Retail payment systems
- Interbank settlements
- The viability of blockchain-based financial infrastructure
Coordinated with South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC), the program may inform the development of a potential CBDC and become a model for other countries in the region.
