Information current as of 03 February 2026
ECB to Recognise DLT-Based Assets as Eligible Eurosystem Collateral
As of 30 March 2026, the Eurosystem will accept marketable assets issued in central securities depositories (CSDs) using distributed ledger technology (DLT) based services as eligible collateral for the Eurosystem’s credit operations. This decision reflects its commitment to innovation and fosters technological progress in European financial markets.
Like other marketable assets, DLT-based assets must comply with the Eurosystem’s collateral eligibility criteria and collateral management requirements. These criteria include availability for settlement in eligible securities settlement systems (SSS), which must be compliant with the CSD Regulation and reachable via TARGET2-Securities (T2S).
More information can be found here.
FCA Seeks Feedback on Further Rules for Cryptoasset Firms
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is seeking views on further rules for cryptoasset firms as the final step in consultations on its crypto rules.
It has set out proposals on how Consumer Duty, conduct standards, redress and safeguarding will apply to cryptoasset firms, and is also seeking feedback on its proposed approach to international cryptoasset firms.
The FCA has made significant progress in delivering its crypto roadmap and is helping firms to meet its standards in anticipation of the opening of its gateway in September 2026.
Tether and Anchorage Announce the Launch of USA₮, the Federally Regulated, Dollar-Backed Stablecoin
Tether the largest company in the digital asset industry, has announced the official launch of USA₮, the federally regulated, dollar-backed stablecoin developed specifically to operate within the United States’ new federal stablecoin framework established under the GENIUS Act. The issuer of USA₮ is Anchorage Digital Bank, N.A., America’s first federally regulated stablecoin issuer.
This launch marks the formal market introduction of USA₮ and follows the announcement in late 2025 outlining the token’s design. USA₮ is now available to US users seeking a dollar-backed token built to operate within the US’ dedicated federal regime.
Universal Launches UAE's First Central Bank-Registered Stablecoin
Universal Digital Intl Limited (Universal), regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), has announced that it has become the first Foreign Payment Token Issuer registered by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), alongside the launch of USDU, the first USD-backed stablecoin to be registered as a Foreign Payment Token under the UAE’s Payment Token Services Regulation (PTSR). This marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s development of regulated digital asset infrastructure and positions USDU as the country’s first compliant USD-denominated settlement for digital assets.
Under the PTSR, payments for digital assets and digital asset derivatives in the UAE may only be conducted in fiat or a Registered Foreign Payment Token, making the availability of a registered token essential for compliant operations. With USDU currently the first and only token registered under this framework, it provides a clear, compliant settlement option for the UAE digital asset market, effectively establishing the UAE’s first clear USD stablecoin pathway for compliant settlement of digital assets - a structure many global markets are still in the process of defining.
Laser Digital Applies to Form Federally Regulated National Trust Bank for Digital Asset Custody and Trading in the US
Laser Digital has announced that its legal entity Laser Digital Americas Group Holdings Inc., has filed a de novo application to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to form Laser Digital National Trust Bank (LDNTB), a proposed National Trust Bank focused on digital assets, offering custody and spot trading services.
If approved, the charter will position LDNTB to serve institutional customers across the US, offering custody of digital assets, integrated with spot trading of crypto and fiat currencies, as well as staking of eligible custodied digital assets. LDNTB will also offer custody of US government securities.
Steve Ashley, Chairman and Co-founder of Laser Digital, and proposed Chairman of LDNTB, said,
“Institutional digital asset markets are entering a new phase defined by scale, regulation, and durability. For several years we have invested in building infrastructure that meets the standards of the world’s most demanding institutions. Pursuing a National Trust Bank charter is a natural advancement of that journey.”
Vietnam Launches Pilot Licensing for Cryptoasset Market Operators
Vietnam has begun a pilot licensing programme for cryptoasset market service providers, marking a significant step toward bringing the fast-growing sector under formal state regulation after years of operating in a legal grey area.
From 20 January 2026, authorities began accepting applications for licences related to the organisation and operation of cryptoasset trading markets. The pilot is being implemented under a government resolution aimed at testing regulatory mechanisms before broader application.
The Ministry of Finance said it has introduced three new administrative procedures on a trial basis: the issuance, amendment and revocation of licences for entities providing cryptoasset market services. The move signals a cautious but structured approach aligned with international regulatory practices, while strengthening state oversight of a rapidly expanding market.
Dubai Circular on the Onboarding and Classification of Qualified Investors
Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) has published a Circular to Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) to provide guidance on the onboarding and classification of investors.
This Circular provides guidance to all Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) operating in the Emirate of Dubai (Mainland and Free Zones) on the process for onboarding and investor classification (Retail, Qualified Investors, and Institutional Clients), in accordance with the requirements set forth under the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) Rulebooks.
The purpose of this Circular is to ensure consistent implementation of investor classification and client suitability provisions across all Licensed Entities, as stipulated under the Market Conduct Rulebook (Part IV – Investor Classifications).
Bank of Ghana Announces Virtual Assets Sandbox
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has announced that it has admitted six entities into a regulatory sandbox to validate the proposed regulatory frameworks for the exchange, custody, administration and issuance of virtual assets.
The entities engaged are to assist in validating proposed regulatory frameworks around the exchange, custody, administration and issuance of virtual assets.
The official announcement can be found here.
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