Moldova Plans To Legalize and Regulate Crypto by 2026, Aligning With the EU’s MiCA
Moldova has set a clear timeline to bring cryptocurrencies under formal regulation, with plans to introduce its first comprehensive crypto law by the end of 2026. The proposed framework will align closely with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), marking a significant shift for a country that has so far approached digital assets with caution rather than outright prohibition. The announcement was made by Moldova’s finance minister, Andrian Gavrilita, during an interview with state broadcaster TVR Moldova. According to Gavrilita, the government is already working with key domestic regulators to shape legislation that would legalize the holding and trading of cryptocurrencies, while stopping short of recognizing them as legal tender. “We have the responsibility to regulate them, and it will be the right of citizens to hold these currencies,” Gavrilita said. “You can’t prohibit cryptocurrencies — this is our engagement with the European Union.” Key Takeaways Moldova’s First Formal Crypto Law If passed as planned, the legislation would represent Moldova’s first dedicated legal framework for cryptocurrencies. Until now, digital assets have operated in a grey area, with repeated warnings from authorities but no clear rules governing ownership, trading, or service provision. The upcoming law is being drafted jointly by several institutions, reflecting the government’s intent to address both financial innovation and systemic risk. These include the Ministry of Finance, the National Bank of Moldova, the country’s financial markets regulator, and its anti-money laundering authority. Together, they are expected to define how crypto-asset service providers can operate, what obligations users and platforms must meet, and how compliance will be enforced. While the legislation will legalize crypto ownership and trading, Gavrilita made it clear that digital assets will not be approved for everyday payments within the country. This distinction mirrors the approach taken by many European states, where crypto is treated as a financial instrument rather than a substitute for national currency. Aligning With Europe’s MiCA Framework Moldova’s regulatory push comes after the European Union fully implemented MiCA for crypto-asset service providers on December 30, 2024. MiCA established the bloc’s first unified rulebook for crypto exchanges, custodians, stablecoin issuers, and token projects, replacing a patchwork of national regulations with a single standard across the EU. By aligning with MiCA, Moldova is effectively signaling its intention to harmonize its financial regulations with European norms, an important step as it deepens cooperation with EU institutions. Although Moldova is not an EU member state, adopting MiCA-style rules offers legal clarity and positions the country closer to Europe’s regulated financial ecosystem. Under MiCA-inspired rules, crypto firms are typically required to register, meet capital and governance standards, comply with strict anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing obligations, and provide clear disclosures to users. For policymakers in Chisinau, this framework offers a ready-made template that balances market access with oversight. A Cautious View on Crypto as an Investment Despite the move toward legalization, Moldova’s leadership has been careful not to endorse cryptocurrencies as a mainstream investment or financial solution. During the TVR Moldova interview, Gavrilita repeatedly stressed that digital assets remain highly speculative. “I avoid using the term investments when it comes to cryptocurrencies,” he said. “I see them more as a speculative domain.” This cautious tone is consistent with the position long held by Moldova’s central bank, which has issued multiple public warnings about crypto-related risks. Authorities have pointed to extreme price volatility, fraud, and the potential use of digital assets for money laundering as ongoing concerns. By excluding crypto from the payments system and framing it as a speculative asset, the government appears intent on limiting systemic exposure while still recognizing citizens’ right to participate in the market. Estonia as a Reference Point Gavrilita also noted that Moldova is looking to other European jurisdictions for guidance, citing Estonia as a useful example. Estonia has been known for its relatively straightforward crypto legislation, combining clear licensing requirements with firm enforcement. While Estonia has tightened its rules in recent years, particularly around anti-money laundering, it remains a reference point for smaller countries seeking regulatory clarity without excessive complexity. For Moldova, adopting a similar model could help avoid legal uncertainty while keeping compliance manageable for legitimate businesses. A Tougher Regulatory Climate Across Europe Moldova’s plans are unfolding against a backdrop of heightened regulatory scrutiny across Europe, even under the MiCA framework. In late 2025, France joined Austria and Italy in calling on the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) to take direct supervisory control over major crypto firms operating in the region. This push followed criticism of Malta’s crypto licensing regime. A peer review conducted by ESMA concluded that the Malta Financial Services Authority had only “partially met expectations” when authorizing certain crypto service providers, raising concerns about uneven enforcement within the EU. These developments highlight a broader trend: while crypto is increasingly being legalized and regulated, authorities are moving aggressively to close loopholes and strengthen oversight. Moldova’s decision to align with MiCA from the outset may help it avoid some of the credibility issues faced by early adopters with looser regimes. Implications for Moldova’s Economy and Tech Sector Supporters of the move argue that a clear legal framework could make Moldova more attractive to fintech companies, blockchain developers, and foreign investors seeking regulatory certainty. Legalization under EU-aligned rules reduces ambiguity for businesses that have so far been hesitant to operate in the country. At the same time, the government appears determined to keep expectations in check. Officials have emphasized that regulation is about control and transparency, not promotion. Crypto will be permitted, but within tightly defined boundaries designed to protect consumers and the broader financial system. For a country with long-term ambitions of deeper European integration, harmonizing crypto regulation is also a symbolic step. It demonstrates regulatory maturity and a willingness to adopt complex EU standards, even in fast-moving sectors like digital assets. Looking Ahead to 2026 Although Gavrilita suggested that legislation may not be finalized in the immediate term, the end-of-2026 deadline provides a clear roadmap. Over the next year, Moldovan authorities will need to
CME Plans To Move Crypto Futures and Options to 24/7 On-Screen Trading
CME Group is preparing to extend cryptocurrency derivatives trading to a full 24 hours a day, seven days a week, marking a significant shift in how regulated crypto markets operate. According to the exchange’s latest disclosures, the move is expected to take effect in early 2026, subject to regulatory approval, and will apply to its cryptocurrency futures and options listed on CME Globex. The decision comes as CME continues to expand its digital asset product suite, including the recent announcement of spot-quoted XRP (QXRP) and Solana (QSOL) futures. These contracts add to an existing lineup tied to bitcoin and ether, giving institutional and professional traders more tools to manage price exposure across major crypto assets. Key Takeaways From Near-Continuous Trading to True 24/7 Access At present, CME’s crypto futures trade for 23 hours a day, opening at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday and closing at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, with a daily one-hour maintenance pause from Monday through Thursday. Under the new structure, that schedule will be replaced by continuous trading throughout the week, with only a minimum two-hour maintenance window over the weekend. CME noted that any trading activity from Friday evening through Sunday evening will carry the trade date of the next business day. Clearing, settlement, and regulatory reporting will also be handled on that following business day, ensuring alignment with existing post-trade processes. The exchange says the change reflects how crypto markets actually behave, with spot trading active at all hours and across global time zones. As participation grows, CME believes its derivatives markets need to match that rhythm. “While not all markets lend themselves to operating 24/7, client demand for around-the-clock cryptocurrency trading has grown as market participants need to manage their risk every day of the week,” said Tim McCourt, Global Head of Equities, FX and Alternative Products at CME Group. “Ensuring that our regulated cryptocurrency markets are always on will enable clients to trade with confidence at any time.” Strong Growth in CME’s Crypto Derivatives The timing of the announcement is notable. CME Group’s cryptocurrency futures and options posted record activity in 2025, underscoring rising institutional interest in regulated crypto exposure. In September, notional open interest across CME’s crypto products reached a record $39 billion. August data was equally strong, with average daily open interest climbing to 335,200 contracts—up 95% from the prior year—representing roughly $31.6 billion in notional value. Average daily volume surged even faster, rising 230% year over year to 411,000 contracts, or about $14.9 billion in notional terms. The exchange also reported more than 1,010 large open interest holders across its cryptocurrency products in late September, highlighting broader participation from funds, trading firms, and other institutional players. Broader Product Expansion Alongside extended trading hours, CME is positioning its crypto offerings as part of a broader risk management toolkit. The exchange emphasizes capital efficiency, standardized reference rates, and transparent price discovery, supported by benchmarks developed with CF Benchmarks. By adding spot-quoted futures for assets like XRP and Solana and moving toward nonstop electronic trading, CME is reinforcing its role as a bridge between traditional derivatives markets and the always-on nature of digital assets. If approved, the shift to 24/7 trading would place CME’s regulated crypto derivatives much closer to the operational tempo of the underlying spot markets—an adjustment many market participants have been calling for as crypto matures into a round-the-clock asset class.
$XRP Leads South Korea in 2025 Trading Volume, With Over $1 Trillion Processed on Upbit
XRP emerged as South Korea’s most actively traded cryptocurrency in 2025, firmly establishing its dominance on the country’s largest digital asset exchange, Upbit. Data released by the exchange shows that XRP/KRW pairs consistently led daily trading activity throughout the year, with total processed volume exceeding $1 trillion. The scale of this activity places XRP ahead of both Bitcoin and Ether in one of Asia’s most influential crypto markets. “XRP dominated South Korea’s crypto market in 2025, according to Upbit.” The milestone reflects more than short-term speculation. XRP’s performance in South Korea highlights a market increasingly driven by liquidity, real-world use cases, and consistent participation from both retail and institutional traders. Throughout the year, daily XRP trading volumes frequently crossed the $95 million mark, underlining sustained engagement rather than isolated surges. Key Takeaways Liquidity and Utility Drive XRP’s Market Leadership Upbit confirmed that XRP ranked at the top across key trading metrics in 2025, including volume, liquidity depth, and user activity. Market participants were able to execute large trades without causing significant price slippage, a critical factor for institutions and high-volume traders. This level of liquidity made XRP a preferred asset for active trading strategies within the Korean won market. “The exchange processed more than $1 trillion in XRP trades, which indicates a good measure of adoption and usage.” Beyond trading, XRP’s adoption in South Korea has been supported by practical applications, particularly in remittances and on-chain liquidity solutions. These use cases strengthened demand during periods when other assets experienced slower activity, reinforcing XRP’s role as a utility-focused digital asset rather than one driven purely by narratives or hype cycles. Growing User Base Strengthens XRP’s Position Upbit’s rapid growth in 2025 also played a key role in XRP’s dominance. The exchange surpassed 13 million users by year-end, adding approximately 1.1 million new users over the course of the year. As South Korea’s retail participation expanded, XRP benefited from being one of the most accessible and liquid trading pairs available to new and experienced investors alike. “The combination of high adoption, high liquidity, and active involvement helps to support the continued relevance of XRP.” This expansion amplified XRP’s influence beyond domestic markets. Heavy activity in XRP/KRW pairs contributed to global liquidity pools, affecting price discovery and market depth across international exchanges. South Korea’s trading patterns have historically played an outsized role in shaping short-term price movements, and XRP’s leadership in the region carried global implications throughout 2025. Market Performance and Institutional Interest Remain Intact As of January 16, 2026, XRP was trading around $2.04, reflecting a short-term decline of roughly 2.5–3% over the previous 24 hours. Despite the pullback, institutional interest remained steady, with continued inflows into XRP-related exchange-traded products. The price movement suggests routine market volatility rather than a shift in broader sentiment. “Overall, pragmatic use, liquidity, and adoption led to the performance of XRP instead of speculative trends.” Notably, XRP maintained its top-ranking position on Upbit for the entirety of 2025, a rare achievement in a market known for rapid rotations between assets. This consistency underscores how functional demand can anchor trading activity even when global attention shifts toward other cryptocurrencies. A Signal of Adoption-Led Market Behavior XRP’s performance in South Korea during 2025 highlights a broader lesson for crypto markets. While Bitcoin and Ether continue to dominate global headlines, regional markets can tell a different story—one where assets with clear utility and deep liquidity take the lead. South Korea’s data shows that sustained usage, not speculative momentum, can define long-term relevance. XRP’s dominance on Upbit stands as a case study in how practical value, market depth, and consistent participation can shape trading leadership, even in a highly competitive digital asset landscape.
MetaMask Has Launched Native Tron Support on Mobile and Extension
MetaMask has officially rolled out native support for the TRON blockchain across its mobile application and browser extension, marking a significant expansion of the wallet’s multichain capabilities. The update, announced on January 15, 2026, allows users to manage TRON-based assets directly within MetaMask, removing the long-standing need for separate wallets or external tools to interact with the TRON ecosystem. The integration follows a partnership between ConsenSys, MetaMask’s parent company, and TRON DAO that was first disclosed in August 2025. With this release now live, MetaMask users can send and receive TRON-based tokens, trade USDT on the TRON network, stake TRX, and connect to TRON decentralized applications from a single interface. “We’re excited to announce the launch of TRON on MetaMask, the latest network in our multichain expansion,” MetaMask said in its announcement, noting that TRON now joins Ethereum, Bitcoin, Solana, Base, and Sei within its supported networks. What Native TRON Support Means for Users Native support means TRON is no longer accessed through custom network configurations or third-party bridges. Once users update to the latest version of the MetaMask mobile app or browser extension, a TRON address is automatically generated within their existing multichain account. This enables direct interaction with TRON-based assets and applications, including the ability to send USDT on TRON, which has become one of the most widely used stablecoin settlement rails globally. According to figures cited by the network, TRON processes more than $21 billion in daily stablecoin transfer volume, underscoring its role in payments, remittances, and on-chain liquidity. By embedding TRON directly into MetaMask, users can move between TRON, EVM-compatible networks, Solana, and Bitcoin without switching wallets or managing complex bridging steps. Asset swaps across these networks are now handled within a single environment, significantly reducing friction for multichain users. Staking TRX and TRON’s Fee Model Inside MetaMask One of the notable features of the integration is native TRX staking, currently supported on the MetaMask mobile app. When users stake TRX, they earn Bandwidth and Energy, the two resources that power transactions on the TRON network. Bandwidth measures the size of a transaction in bytes, while Energy reflects the computational resources required for smart contract interactions. These resources can be used in place of paying traditional transaction fees. If a user does not have sufficient Bandwidth or Energy, the required amount of TRX is automatically deducted to cover the cost. This model allows users to interact with TRON applications at low or even zero direct fee cost, depending on their staking activity, while maintaining a familiar MetaMask user experience. A Broader Push Toward Multichain Access The addition of TRON fits into MetaMask’s broader strategy of moving beyond its Ethereum-only origins. The wallet added Solana support in May 2025 and followed up with Bitcoin integration in December 2025. With TRON now live, MetaMask continues to position itself as a universal access point for Web3 activity across both EVM and non-EVM networks. Rizvi Haider, a staff product manager at MetaMask, previously said the goal of these integrations is to support the networks users actively rely on, rather than forcing them to juggle multiple wallets. Native integrations also reduce reliance on wrapped assets and cross-chain bridges, which have historically introduced additional risk and complexity. Why TRON Matters in This Integration TRON’s blockchain has seen strong adoption in regions such as Asia, Latin America, and Africa, where stablecoins play a central role in everyday payments and cross-border transfers. Its high throughput, fast confirmation times, and low transaction costs have made it a preferred network for USDT activity at scale. Sam Elfarra, a community spokesperson at TRON DAO, said the MetaMask integration broadens access to a blockchain that underpins real-world payment flows and decentralized finance activity. By making TRON available through a wallet already used by millions, the collaboration is expected to bring new users into the TRON ecosystem without forcing them to learn unfamiliar tools. A Simpler Experience for Multichain Users With TRON now embedded directly into MetaMask, users can connect to TRON decentralized applications, manage assets, and move value across multiple blockchains from one interface. This unified setup removes the need for additional browser extensions or mobile wallets, offering a cleaner and more efficient workflow for traders, developers, and everyday users. The update reflects a wider industry trend toward wallet-led multichain access, where complexity is abstracted away from the user. As blockchain ecosystems continue to expand, infrastructure providers like MetaMask are increasingly focused on simplifying how people interact with different networks. For users ready to get started, updating MetaMask to the latest version is all that’s required. Once updated, TRON functionality becomes available automatically, opening the door to one of the world’s largest stablecoin networks from within a familiar self-custody wallet.
Lemon Launches Argentina’s First Bitcoin-Backed Visa Credit Card, Letting Users Borrow Pesos Without Selling $BTC
Lemon has rolled out Argentina’s first Bitcoin-backed Visa credit card, offering a new way for crypto holders to tap peso credit without selling their BTC. The launch marks a notable shift in how digital assets are being woven into everyday finance in a country shaped by decades of inflation, currency controls, and repeated banking crises. The product allows users to lock Bitcoin as collateral and receive a peso-denominated credit line, sidestepping both the need for a traditional credit history and the forced liquidation of crypto savings. For many Argentines who already treat Bitcoin as a long-term store of value, the card effectively turns dormant holdings into usable spending power. Key Takeaways Turning Bitcoin Savings Into Peso Credit Under the initial setup, customers deposit 0.01 Bitcoin as collateral—worth roughly $900 to $960 at current market prices—and receive a Visa credit card with a fixed spending limit of 1 million Argentine pesos. The Bitcoin is held as a guarantee and remains immobilized, rather than being sold or converted into fiat. As Lemon explained in its product notes, the structure is deliberately simple in this first phase, with a fixed collateral amount and pre-assigned credit limit. More flexible options are planned for later stages, including the ability for users to adjust both their posted collateral and borrowing capacity over time. Lemon founder and CEO Marcelo Cavazzoli framed the card as an alternative route to credit in a system that has long excluded large parts of the population. “We created a simple way to access credit in pesos using Bitcoin as collateral, without needing a credit history,” Cavazzoli said in an official statement. The card can be used anywhere Visa is accepted, both domestically and abroad, while balances and collateral are managed directly through the Lemon app. A Product Shaped by Argentina’s Financial History The launch is closely tied to Argentina’s deep-rooted mistrust of banks, a legacy of repeated peso devaluations and the infamous corralito deposit freeze of December 2001. During that crisis, withdrawals were restricted and savings were effectively trapped, wiping out household wealth and permanently altering how Argentines think about money. Even today, many savers prefer to hold U.S. dollars in cash or offshore accounts rather than in local banks. According to a Reuters report citing official data used in Argentina’s International Monetary Fund program, Argentines are estimated to hold around $271 billion in undeclared cash dollars, much of it stashed in mattresses or overseas accounts. That shadow savings pool has proven resilient, even after President Javier Milei’s Fiscal Innocence tax amnesty encouraged nearly 300,000 people to declare more than $20 billion in previously hidden assets. The persistence of off-system wealth highlights why products that bypass banks—but still provide liquidity—are finding an audience. By allowing Bitcoin to be posted as collateral for peso credit, Lemon is effectively offering a bridge between preferred savings assets and daily spending, without forcing users to unwind positions they view as protection against inflation and policy risk. Positioning Bitcoin as a Store of Value Cavazzoli has been explicit about how Lemon views Bitcoin within this framework. “Bitcoin is the best store of value created in the history of humanity and the fundamental piece for the new digital economy,” he said. Within Lemon’s own user base, Bitcoin already ranks as the most widely held asset, ahead of both peso balances and dollar-pegged crypto. The new card is designed to build on that behavior rather than push users back into traditional financial rails. In future updates, Lemon plans to allow dollar-denominated purchases to be settled directly in stablecoins such as USDT and USDC, reducing exposure to peso volatility when spending abroad or online. That feature would further blur the line between crypto wallets and conventional payment tools. Fees, Incentives, and Early-Stage Rollout To encourage early adoption, Lemon is waiving card maintenance fees for the first three months, with support from Rootstock. After that period, the monthly fee of 7,500 pesos—roughly $5—can be waived for users who purchase more than $150 worth of cryptocurrency per month. Cardholders also receive commission-free purchases of Bitcoin, Ethereum, digital dollars, and more than 30 other cryptocurrencies on the platform. Additional perks include early access to new features, market newsletters, and portfolio summaries. The exchange emphasized that this is only the first stage of the product, with more customizable options planned once the basic mechanics are tested at scale. Part of a Broader Latin American Trend While crypto-backed credit cards are not new globally—similar products exist in the United States, Europe, and Brazil—Lemon’s offering stands out for its explicit focus on peso-denominated revolving credit in a highly dollarized economy. Across Latin America, crypto infrastructure has expanded rapidly in recent years. Data compiled from Dune and other analytics platforms shows that centralized exchange flows in the region grew roughly ninefold over the past three years, reaching about $27 billion in 2024. Between 2022 and 2025, cumulative regional crypto activity approached $1.5 trillion. Exchanges such as Bitso, Mercado Bitcoin, and Lemon have become increasingly involved in remittances, hedging strategies, and everyday payments, especially in countries facing currency instability. Against that backdrop, Lemon’s Bitcoin-backed Visa card reflects a practical shift: moving crypto beyond savings and speculation into daily financial use. For Argentine users, it offers a way to borrow in pesos, spend globally, and still hold onto Bitcoin — a combination shaped as much by history as by technology.