Crypto Industry Sees Significant Developments in Regulation and Security Measures

Strategic Insights -

The crypto industry has witnessed notable developments in recent months, with significant progress made in regulatory frameworks and security measures. Stablecoin issuers have sought national bank charters, while the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) released its sixth targeted update on virtual assets and VASPs. Additionally, law enforcement agencies have taken action against illicit activities, including ransomware attacks and cryptocurrency-related scams.

Key Takeaways:

  • The issuer of the USDC stablecoin has applied for a national trust bank charter to establish a federally regulated trust institution.
  • Global Dollar, a global stablecoin regulated by the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation, has launched in the EU, opening up access to over 450 million consumers in 30 countries.
  • A U.S.-based provider of alternative-strategy exchange traded products (ETPs) has launched a U.S.-listed exchange traded fund (ETF) providing investors with direct exposure to Solana (SOL) and SOL staking rewards.
  • The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) published its sixth Targeted Update on Implementation of the FATF Standards on Virtual Assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers, highlighting emerging risks arising from the criminal exploitation of virtual assets.
  • The U.S. Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has announced sanctions against Aeza Group, a Russian bulletproof hosting (BPH) services provider, and individuals associated with it.
  • Law enforcement agencies have taken action against international investment scams, with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) indicting several individuals for their alleged involvement in a scheme that defrauded investors of an estimated $650 million.
  • A recent report by TRM Labs found that in the first half of 2025, more than $2.1 billion was stolen from the crypto industry across at least 75 distinct hacks and exploits, marking a significant surge in illicit activity.

Statistics:

  • Global Dollar, a global stablecoin regulated by the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation, has launched in the EU, opening up access to over 450 million consumers in 30 countries.
  • A recent report by TRM Labs found that in the first half of 2025, more than $2.1 billion was stolen from the crypto industry across at least 75 distinct hacks and exploits.
  • A recent report by Cyvers found that crypto losses in the first half of 2025 totaled $2.5 billion.

Sources:

  • Fatf urges stronger global action to address Illicit Finance Risks in Virtual Assets
  • Fatf Targeted Update on Implementation of the Fatf Standards on Virtual Assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers
  • Treasury Sanctions Global Bulletproof Hosting Service Enabling Cybercriminals and Technology Theft
  • OmegaPro Founder and Promoter Charged for Running Global $650M Foreign Exchange and Crypto Investment Scam
  • Four North Koreans Charged in Nearly $1 Million Cryptocurrency Theft Scheme
  • GMX halts trading, token minting following $40M exploit
  • Stablecoin protocol Resupply loses $9.6M to price manipulation exploit
  • H1 2025 Crypto Hacks and Exploits: A New Record Amid Evolving Threats
  • Crypto losses hit $2.5B in first half of 2025, but hacks fall in Q2: CertiK
  • Elliptic: The state of crypto scams 2025