Crypto News

PNC and Coinbase partnership ushers in bank-integrated crypto

PNC Bank has launched “crypto-as-a-service” in collaboration with Coinbase, allowing customers to buy, hold, and sell cryptocurrencies directly through PNC’s banking platform Atlantic Council Reuters. This marks a major milestone: a top-10 U.S. bank embracing digital assets within its user interface. PNC's move also includes the potential to offer traditional banking services to Coinbase—signaling growing mainstream acceptance of crypto.

U.S. Senate advances crypto market framework 

The Senate Banking Committee has circulated a draft bill building on the CLARITY Act. It seeks to define ancillary digital assets, adjust registration exemptions, and regulate banks' use of distributed ledgers. Investors. While jurisdictional battles between the SEC and CFTC continue, institutional acceptance is gradually increasing, with Bitcoin around $119,700 and Ethereum near five-month highs Investors.

The GENIUS Act reshapes stablecoin regulation

Signed into law on July 18, 2025, the GENIUS Act creates a federal framework for payment stablecoins—requiring full backing with liquid assets like cash or Treasuries, monthly audits, and strong consumer protections Wikipedia CBS News. The law also bans rehypothecation and treats issuers under AML regulations. Critics warn it could tilt the market toward larger institutions, but supporters see it as vital stability and regulatory clarity National Law Review.

Crypto Week” sparks legislative momentum

Earlier this month, the U.S. House passed the CLARITY Act, the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act, and the GENIUS Act in a flurry of activity dubbed “crypto week.” Global Government Fintech  Kiplinger While the GENIUS Act addresses stablecoins and CLARITY clarifies oversight, the Anti-CBDC bill blocks a retail central bank digital currency in the U.S. CBS News. This trifecta aims to promote innovation while safeguarding privacy and financial integrity.

Fed vs. Trump-era stablecoin regulation tensions 

The newly minted GENIUS Act includes high-quality reserve backing and disclosure requirements for issuers like Circle and Ripple, and encourages them to pursue bank charters and direct access to FedWire. National Law Review  Reuters. But the Federal Reserve remains cautious: of the 39 master account applications since 2022, only one has been approved. This could spark renewed tensions between crypto firms and the Fed.

UK reconsiders digital pound amid private payment sophistication

The Bank of England is reassessing its retail CBDC plans, signaling that private-sector payment systems may already meet the intended goals. CoinCentral. Governor Bailey and UK Chancellor Reeves emphasized that core banking safeguards — like ring-fencing — must not be compromised The Guardian. The digital pound design phase continues, but priorities are shifting toward private infrastructure improvements Wikipedia.

Quantum-backed digital currency gains scholarly traction

In academia, proposals like the “Quantum Reserve Token” and offline semi-quantum tokens are gaining attention arxiv.org. The former proposes a token anchored by quantum computing capacity to rival CBDCs and stablecoins, while the latter explores offline, double-spend-resistant semi-quantum tokens. Though experimental, these signal a push for more robust and novel digital currency infrastructure.