UK advances crypto rules with FCA sandbox tests involving Coinbase, Crypto.com and Kraken

  • The tests will use standardised templates with major exchanges including Coinbase, Crypto.com and Kraken.
  • The project links to the earlier Admissions and Disclosures Discussion Paper.
  • The experiments sit within the FCA’s multi-year Crypto Roadmap ending in 2026.

The United Kingdom is pushing ahead with a practical form of crypto regulation, and the latest move by the Financial Conduct Authority shows how the country plans to shape its rulebook.

The FCA has approved RegTech firm Eunice to carry out live experiments in its sandbox, creating a clearer picture of how future rules may be built through real-world testing rather than theory.

On Wednesday, the regulator confirmed that Eunice will test standardised crypto disclosure templates with major exchanges such as Coinbase, Crypto.com and Kraken.

The templates are designed to check whether transparency improves when tools are used directly in active market conditions.

Industry input

The FCA said its sandbox is still open to companies working on similar solutions, and it continues to encourage firms to apply. The regulator’s message points to a broader shift.

The UK wants to rely on practical experiments to understand how crypto behaviours unfold in real time, instead of relying only on policy consultation rounds.

This approach moves industry participants closer to the centre of rule formation. It also gives the regulator the chance to observe how products behave before final guidance is introduced.

Eunice’s work fits this model, focusing on ways to strengthen transparency in a market that is seeing increased institutional involvement.

The trial also links back to the Admissions and Disclosures Discussion Paper published last year. That paper invited the industry to share technical insight and help shape early frameworks.

The new pilot now tests those ideas under live conditions, allowing the FCA to gather evidence on how different disclosure requirements perform when applied at scale.

Broader roadmap

The Eunice experiment also aligns with the regulator’s multi-year Crypto Roadmap, which is expected to end with the publication of the UK’s final crypto rules in 2026.

Over the past year, the FCA has introduced several changes aimed at increasing clarity for crypto companies.

These include stricter financial promotion rules, warnings issued to unregistered exchanges still operating in the UK and a comprehensive paper covering admissions, disclosures and market-abuse concerns across digital assets.

Each step forms part of a longer regulatory timeline that aims to tighten standards while preserving room for innovation. The use of the sandbox allows the FCA to test what works and what does not before decisions are written into policy.

Shifting tone

More recent actions suggest the regulator is becoming more open to crypto activity under controlled conditions. On 1 August, the FCA lifted its ban on crypto exchange-traded notes for retail investors.

This allowed consumers to access crypto-based ETN products again, signalling a more flexible approach to digital assets. On 17 September, the FCA launched a consultation on whether Consumer Duty should apply to crypto.

This traditional finance requirement focuses on ensuring firms deliver good outcomes for customers. Extending it to crypto would raise expectations around product design, risk communication and market conduct.

The regulator’s move to work with Eunice fits into this shift. By focusing on trials inside the sandbox, the FCA is building a system that responds to real behaviour rather than assumptions.

The decision also supports the UK’s long-term plan to use evidence gathered from ongoing experiments to shape final rules.

The sandbox programme will continue to influence how the UK designs its next phase of crypto regulation.

As new projects enter the environment, the FCA will gather more insight into how disclosure tools perform, how markets react and how different rules might work once introduced.

The Eunice trial marks an early step in this process, and future policy decisions are expected to draw heavily on the findings produced through these real-world tests.

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Pendle price outlook: BitMEX co-founder buys PENDLE worth $536K

  • Arthur Hayes has scooped 218,000 PENDLE tokens today.
  • The accumulation comes as the altcoin nears a reliable support, hinting at recoveries.
  • PENDLE price gained more than 2% the past day.

The crypto sector remains downbeat, failing to reclaim the $3 trillion mark as short-term rebounds encounter renewed selling pressure.

However, sentiments are likely to shift as dip-buying activities surface.

Market participants track large-scale transactions as they can indicate potential sentiment shifts.

PENDLE has found itself in the spotlight on November 26, after substantial purchases by Arthur Hayes.

Arkham data shows the BitMEX co-founder executed two transactions in the past 24 hours.

The first one involved 105,000 PENDLE tokens worth over $258K.

Meanwhile, the second purchases, which came hours later, saw Hayes buying 113,000 coins at $277K.

Together, Hayes has accumulated 118,000 coins, worth approximately $536,000, today, and now holds PENDLE worth over 1.19 million or more than 417,000 tokens.

Meanwhile, today’s transactions grabbed attention due to timing, executed as PENDLE endures bearishness.

The digital token lost more than 25% of its value in the past 30 days amid broad-based slumps.

Substantial accumulations during bearish performance signal trust in possible recoveries.

Hayes likely capitalized on the downside prices to buy at a discount before PENDLE shifts its trajectory.

PENDLE price outlook – rebound imminent

The altcoin is trading at $2.53 after an over 2% increase within the past 24 hours.

Meanwhile, PENDLE has experienced substantial selling pressure lately.

Its price started stabilizing at $2.10 – $2.25 after underperforming in October and November.

This region is crucial as it previously gave buyers a perfect entry level.

That’s why Hayes’ latest accumulation gained attention.

These sentiments hint at potential near-term recoveries for PENDLE.

Meanwhile, the initial obstacle at $2.75 will be the first checkpoint for upside continuation.

A breakout confirmation could clear the path to $3.16 – $3.55 before exploding to $4.67 amid broad-based driven rallies.

Momentum indicators support an optimistic performance.

The 4H Moving Average Convergence highlights buyer presence.

Also, the Relative Strength Index of 62 signals upside momentum with no imminent overbought conditions.

Nonetheless, the cryptocurrency market has been highly unpredictable lately, with brief recoveries encountering sudden selloffs.

Bearish price actions could see the altcoin revisit the support barrier at $2.10 – $2.25.

Failure to hold above this mark will catalyze notable dips for the token.

PENDLE can plummet to $1.80, or even extend to $1.60.

Meanwhile, broader sentiments will influence PENDLE’s short-term performance.

The overall cryptocurrency marketplace remains deteriorated. Bitcoin hovers $86,000 while threatening further dips to $79,000.

Such a move would mean substantial declines for the entire market, delaying PENDLE’s potential near-term recovery.

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Vietnam partners with Binance as HCM City pushes global finance hub plan

  • Binance will introduce foreign investors and financial institutions to Vietnam.
  • The agreement includes support for digital asset rules and blockchain payment systems.
  • A joint working group will monitor progress twice a year.

Vietnam has taken a significant step in its long-term plan to build an international financial hub, with HCM City now partnering with Binance following an MoU signed on 26 November 2025.

The agreement was finalised during the Autumn Economic Forum 2025, attended by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, municipal leaders, ministry representatives, and international investment funds.

The collaboration brings Vietnam closer to its goal of creating a modern financial ecosystem that can attract global investors and digital finance companies.

It also builds on Vietnam’s strategy to become more competitive across Asia as technology and digital assets reshape global capital flows.

Partnership expands Vietnam’s global financial links

HCM City is one of two key locations selected for the Vietnam International Financial Centre initiative.

The new agreement with Binance adds momentum to this plan by bringing one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges into Vietnam’s financial development efforts.

The partnership follows the city’s MoU with Nasdaq in October 2025, showing Vietnam’s intention to work closely with major global platforms.

Binance will introduce foreign investors, financial companies, and investment funds to Vietnam to help attract new capital to the financial centre.

This approach aims to increase international participation and strengthen Vietnam’s ability to connect with global markets.

Support for digital asset rules and blockchain activity

A major part of the cooperation involves shaping Vietnam’s regulatory environment for digital assets and blockchain applications.

Binance will share experience from its global operations to help Vietnam design rules for digital asset use, crypto trading, and blockchain activity.

The agreement covers the development of payment systems using cryptocurrencies and support for digital finance projects that follow strong compliance and safety standards.

Vietnam aims to build a clear regulatory structure that can protect users while supporting innovation, especially as demand for transparent rules in digital finance continues to grow across the region.

Joint working group and blockchain sandbox

To guide the partnership, Vietnam and Binance will set up a joint working group that meets twice a year to track progress.

The agreement also includes the creation of a sandbox for blockchain and crypto projects.

This controlled environment will allow companies to test products under regulatory supervision.

The sandbox will encourage innovation while reducing risks, giving local and international businesses a structured pathway to explore new technologies.

The mechanism is expected to support responsible growth and help regulators understand emerging digital finance models.

Training and support for startups in new technologies

The partnership extends beyond regulation and investment.

Vietnam aims to support startups and small businesses working in blockchain, artificial intelligence, and fintech.

The cooperation includes training sessions, workshops, and expert guidance for regulators and companies.

These programmes will help improve technical capacity and expand knowledge among teams that are crucial to the development of a modern financial centre.

Vietnam sees this as an opportunity to prepare its workforce for a more digital future and compete with regional hubs that are also investing in advanced technologies.

Long term vision to become an Asian finance hub

The collaboration with Binance reinforces Vietnam’s ambition to position HCM City as a major Asian financial hub by 2030.

With new international partnerships, growing regulatory planning, and a focus on digital finance, Vietnam is building the foundations of a financial centre designed for global integration.

The MoU marks another step in linking Vietnam with leading institutions and strengthening its role in regional economic development.

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Bitcoin stalls around $86k, could dip lower; Check forecast

Key takeaways

  • BTC is down by less than 1% in the last 24 hours and is currently trading below $87k.
  • It could dip lower if the bullish trend fails to prevail.

Bitcoin stalls around $86k

Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Ripple (XRP) prices hover around key levels following a positive start to the week. The price action of the leading cryptocurrencies suggests fading bearish momentum. 

However, the bulls have failed to push prices higher, and Bitcoin could revisit lower support levels in the near term. However, if the support levels hold, Bitcoin could rally higher over the next few days.

Analysts are optimistic that Bitcoin’s price could appreciate in the medium to long term. While commenting on the current market conditions, Coinbase UK CEO Keith Grose said,

“Market conditions are shifting as institutions across Europe take a more structured and regulated approach to digital assets. We’re seeing clearer frameworks emerge, stronger infrastructure being developed, and early examples of central banks and financial institutions running controlled pilots to build practical understanding – including the Czech National Bank’s recent decision to test a small, ring-fenced portfolio of digital assets.”

Bitcoin’s price could face further pressure

The BTC/USD 4-hour chart is bearish and efficient as Bitcoin has underperformed in the last 24 hours. The leading cryptocurrency found support around the $80k psychological level on Friday and has slightly bounced back since then. 

At press time, Bitcoin is trading around $86,800 per coin after failing to overcome the $90k resistance level. If the recovery continues, BTC could rally toward the next key resistance at $90,000.  The ILQ and TLQ levels above $92k could also serve as short-term targets for Bitcoin. 

BTC/USD 4H Chart

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) on the 4-hour chart reads 47, after slipping below the oversold threshold last week, suggesting that downside pressure is declining. The MACD lines are also close to the bullish zone as buyers remain in control.

However, if BTC fails to overcome the $90k resistance, it could extend the decline toward the key psychological level at $80,000.

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Stablecoin issuer Paxos acquires Fordefi to strengthen institutional DeFi access

  • Paxos purchases an institutional wallet provider in a $100M deal.
  • The move leverages Fordefi’s MPC wallet for a regulated custody framework.
  • DeFi is increasingly becoming part of the mainstream monetary infrastructure.

Paxos, a reputable blockchain infrastructure company behind multiple stablecoins, confirmed the acquisition on Forderfi late on Tuesday.

While the firms didn’t reveal the transaction’s value, sources close to the matter suggest that the deal exceeds $100 million, reflecting one of the most aggressive and strategic expansions in recent years.

The team emphasized:

This strengthens our ability to support institutions with more flexible and sophisticated digital asset infrastructure.

For context, Fordefi is a thriving enterprise wallet and custody provider.

This acquisition comes as institutions are moving to on-chain operations at an unprecedented pace.

Companies exploring blockchain technology like tokenized assets, complex DeFi strategies, and stablecoin settlements are seeking secure, modular custody.

Paxos aims to satisfy this demand by merging its compliant custodial infrastructure with Fordefi’s policy-centered MPC (multi-party computation) wallet tech.

Commenting on the strategic purchase, Paxos co-founder and CEO Charles Cascarilla said:

Together, Paxos and Fordefi provide customers with a world-class custody solution built upon advanced wallet technology and regulated, qualified custody. We’re excited to welcome Fordefi to our team as we enter this new phase of growth.

Paxos enriches its enterprise playbook

Businesses venturing into the blockchain and crypto sectors have leveraged Paxos for compliant infrastructure and custody.

The firm maintains a high-end regulatory model, with supervision from Singapore’s MAS, the NYDFS in the US, Abu Dhabi’s FSRA, and FIN-FSA in Europe.

Moreover, its tokenization and stablecoin systems power fiscal settlements for leading companies, including MasterCard, Nubank, PayPal, and Interactive Brokers.

Now, Paxos is integrating Fordefi to offer its customers a unified platform that supports everything from asset tokenization and issuance to streamlined access to DeFi protocols.

CEO Cascarillar added:

Fordefi has built an impressive stack and customer base founded on easy-to-use APIs and seamless web3 connectivity. Market participants require a regulated platform partner that meets their range of complex custody needs.

The fast-growing Fordefi

Fordefi has grown into a reputable institutional wallet provider in the DeFi industry since its 2021 launch.

The platform boasts two crucial features.

First and foremost, Fordefi’s MPC-based address model reduced single-point failure risks.

On the other hand, the policy engines enable enterprises to handle compliance rules, risk management, and permissions across decentralized and centralized setups.

Fordefi currently secures over $120 billion in monthly transactions, supporting nearly 300 enterprises, including hedge funds, crypto-native companies, and trading desks.

Josh Schwartz, CEO of Fordefi, believes Paxos will heighten its reach while aligning with its primary missions. He said:

Fordefi has built a best-in-class wallet platform trusted by nearly 300 institutions. Joining Paxos allows us to bring our technology to an even broader audience while maintaining our focus on security, usability, and innovation. Together, we will offer enterprises the unified custody and stablecoin infrastructure they need to deploy real-world digital asset use cases at scale.

For now, Fordefi will operate independently as Paxos pursues a phased integration.

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