Central African Republic Bitcoin Adoption Facilitated State Capture Rather Than Financial Inclusion

The Central African Republic's cryptocurrency ventures enabled foreign criminal organizations and deepened elite control rather than improving financial inclusion, according to a new report. The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime published research titled "Behind the blockchain: Cryptocurrency and criminal capture in the Central African Republic."

MetaMask Adds Native Bitcoin Support After 10 Month Wait

MetaMask announced native Bitcoin support on Monday, December 16, 2025. According to Cointelegraph, the Ethereum-focused wallet now allows users to buy, swap, send, and receive BTC directly. The integration arrives 10 months after MetaMask first announced plans in February 2025. Users can now transact Bitcoin without relying on wrapped versions

Bhutan Partners With Cumberland DRW to Build Digital Asset Infrastructure in Gelephu Mindfulness City

Bhutan signed a multi-year memorandum of understanding with Cumberland DRW to develop digital asset infrastructure in Gelephu Mindfulness City. According to Cointelegraph, the agreement was announced on December 15, 2025. Cumberland will support Bitcoin reserve management for the special administrative region. The market maker will establish operations in GMC and

Brazilian Banking Giant Endorses Bitcoin as Portfolio Diversification Tool

Itaú Asset Management advised investors to allocate between 1 and 3 percent of portfolios to Bitcoin for 2026. According to Cointelegraph, the investment arm of Brazil's largest private bank made the recommendation on December 13, 2025. Itaú Unibanco's asset management division published a research note explaining

UAE Splits Digital Asset Strategy Between Bitcoin Infrastructure and Consumer Applications

The United Arab Emirates has developed a two-tier digital asset strategy. Abu Dhabi anchors institutional Bitcoin infrastructure. Dubai builds consumer payment systems and Web3 applications. According to Cointelegraph, the approach reflects a planned division rather than policy confusion. Abu Dhabi positioned itself as a hub for Bitcoin custody, OTC liquidity

Japan Shifts Cryptocurrency Oversight From Payments Law to Securities Framework

Japan's Financial Services Agency released a comprehensive report on Wednesday outlining plans to transfer cryptocurrency regulation from the Payment Services Act to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. Cointelegraph reports that the Financial System Council's Working Group concluded crypto assets now function primarily as investment targets

CFTC Launches Digital Assets Pilot Program Allowing Bitcoin and Ethereum as Derivatives Collateral

The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission announced a pilot program on December 8 allowing futures commission merchants to accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDC as margin collateral in derivatives markets. According to Cointelegraph, Acting Chairman Caroline Pham stated the program establishes clear guardrails to protect customer assets and provides enhanced CFTC

Strategy Expands Bitcoin Holdings to 660,624 BTC With $962 Million Purchase

Strategy purchased 10,624 Bitcoin for approximately $962.7 million last week. According to Cointelegraph, the company paid an average price of $90,615 per coin. The acquisition brings Strategy's total holdings to 660,624 BTC. The company has spent $49.35 billion at an average price of

French Banking Giant BPCE Launches In-App Cryptocurrency Trading Services

French banking group BPCE launched in-app cryptocurrency trading services on Monday, December 9, 2025. According to Cointelegraph, customers can now buy and sell Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and USDC directly inside Banque Populaire and Caisse d'Épargne mobile applications. The initial rollout covers four regional banks including Banque Populaire Île-de-France

Clear Street Plans $10 Billion IPO as Bitcoin Treasury Strategy Faces Market Pressure

Clear Street, a New York brokerage firm, is preparing for an initial public offering with an expected valuation between $10 billion and $12 billion, according to Cointelegraph. The IPO could launch as early as January 2026, with Goldman Sachs serving as the lead underwriter. Founded in 2018, Clear Street rose

Texas Becomes First US State to Purchase Bitcoin During Market Downturn

Texas officially purchased $5 million worth of Bitcoin through BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust on November 20, becoming the first US state to hold Bitcoin as a reserve asset. According to Cointelegraph, the state acquired the position at approximately $87,000 per Bitcoin while exchange-traded fund markets experienced outflows

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink Reverses Bitcoin Stance After Years of Skepticism

Larry Fink publicly reversed his position on Bitcoin during the New York Times DealBook Summit on December 3, 2025. According to Cointelegraph, the BlackRock CEO described his evolution from associating crypto with money laundering to managing the largest spot Bitcoin ETF. Fink called this change "a very glaring public