Crypto Industry Spent $8M Lobbying for Clarity Act That Failed to Pass

Open Standard launches equity-sharing stablecoin to rival Tether and Circle

A new stablecoin issuer called Open Standard has entered the market with a model designed to compete with industry giants Tether and Circle. The company is introducing a stablecoin called Open USD, which takes a distinct approach to growth and distribution. CEO Zach Abrams stated that the overwhelming majority of Open Standard's equity will be distributed to partners over time. The equity allocation will be tied directly to how much each partner contributes to growing the stablecoin's adoption. This incentive-driven structure sets Open Standard apart from the fixed ownership models of its major competitors.

CFTC Sends Swap Definition Rules to White House Amid State Gambling Disputes

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has submitted two rules related to event contract and swaps definitions to the White House for review. The move comes as the agency is engaged in ongoing disputes with several U.S. states over the regulation of prediction markets. The proposed definitions could potentially counter state-level claims that certain prediction market contracts constitute illegal gambling. By seeking federal-level clarification, the CFTC appears to be working to assert regulatory authority over these financial instruments. The outcome of the review may have significant implications for how prediction markets are classified and governed across the country.

Crypto Long & Short: What will the AI agents run on?

UK Opens Crypto Regulatory Application Window Ahead of 2027 Framework

The United Kingdom has launched a five-month application window for crypto firms seeking regulatory approval. The deadline for submissions falls in February, giving businesses a limited timeframe to comply. This process precedes the planned introduction of a new comprehensive crypto regulatory framework in October 2027. The framework comes after several years of legislative development in the country. Crypto firms operating in the UK are expected to apply within this window to meet future compliance requirements.