Crypto & Fintech News: Bhutan, Binance, Visa, and AI Updates

The crypto and fintech world is evolving rapidly. Bhutan is turning Bitcoin reserves into a futuristic city, stablecoins gain traction through Visa and BNB Chain, PayPal moves toward banking, and AI is reshaping trading strategies. Here’s the latest roundup of global developments transforming digital finance.

Bhutan Allocates 10,000 BTC to Build Gelephu Mindfulness City

Bhutan has announced it will use 10,000 Bitcoin from its reserves, valued at approximately $875 million, to fund the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). Launched in 2024, GMC aims to become Bhutan’s economic hub, attracting businesses in finance, technology, tourism, green energy, healthcare, and agriculture. The city will provide regulatory flexibility for crypto and fintech firms, enable Bitcoin mining, and support a sovereign-backed digital token.

SEC Concludes Four-Year Investigation Against Aave

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially closed its four-year investigation into decentralized finance platform Aave. While details remain limited, the SEC stated the probe involved scrutiny over potential securities violations, compliance with regulatory frameworks, and operational practices.

Mastercard Partners with ADQ in Abu Dhabi to Expand Stablecoin Payments

Mastercard has partnered with Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADQ) to scale stablecoin payments in the Middle East. This strategic collaboration aims to advance blockchain-based financial infrastructure, enabling businesses and banks to adopt digital currencies for faster, more efficient cross-border transactions.

BNB Chain Launches Its Own Stablecoin

BNB Chain has announced the launch of a native stablecoin, marking a strategic expansion into the growing digital asset ecosystem. The stablecoin, developed alongside Ethereum-based protocols, will enable seamless DeFi transactions, support payments across BNB Chain applications, and facilitate cross-chain liquidity.

Visa Enables US Banks to Settle Using USDC from Circle

Visa has begun offering U.S. banks the ability to settle transactions using Circle’s USDC stablecoin. This move allows financial institutions to leverage blockchain for faster settlement, reduced friction, and lower costs compared to traditional banking channels. By integrating USDC into its network, Visa aims to drive mainstream adoption of stablecoins and bridge conventional banking with the emerging digital asset ecosystem.

PayPal Applies for a U.S. Banking License

PayPal has submitted an application for a banking license in the United States, signaling a major shift toward expanded financial services. The move would allow PayPal to offer loans, deposit accounts, and other traditional banking products alongside its digital payment services. This development comes as U.S. regulators ease some restrictions on fintechs, highlighting the growing convergence of technology and banking.

User Loses $27.3 Million Due to Compromised Multisig Wallet

A cryptocurrency investor has reportedly lost $27.3 million after the private key of a multisignature wallet was compromised. The incident highlights ongoing security risks associated with self-custody wallets, even those considered more secure than standard wallets. Experts recommend enhanced key management practices and robust security protocols to prevent such high-value losses in crypto holdings.

Binance Offers $5 Million Reward for Information on Fake Listing Agents

Binance has announced a whistleblower reward program offering up to $5 million for information on individuals impersonating Binance representatives to conduct fraudulent token listings. The program aims to protect users from scams and strengthen trust in crypto trading platforms. Binance encourages the community to report suspicious activity while emphasizing strict legal actions against malicious actors.

Cryptocurrency Market Faces Downward Pressure

Global cryptocurrency prices remain under pressure, with total market capitalization dropping to an eight-month low. Analysts cite regulatory uncertainty, macroeconomic factors, and decreased institutional activity as key drivers of the market downturn. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other major assets continue to face volatility, prompting investors to adopt more cautious strategies amid challenging market conditions.

AI Traders Outperform Humans in New Trading Tournament

A recent trading tournament pitted human traders against AI-driven algorithms, with AI emerging as the clear winner. The competition highlights the increasing role of artificial intelligence in financial markets, demonstrating superior speed, risk management, and pattern recognition capabilities. Analysts suggest that human traders may need to adopt AI tools to remain competitive in high-frequency and algorithmic trading environments.

About Paybis

Paybis is a global cryptocurrency exchange platform that provides fast, secure, and user-friendly digital asset transactions. Founded in 2014, the company specializes in fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat conversions, enabling users to buy, sell, and swap Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies using various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets.

With a strong focus on security and compliance, Paybis is registered with regulatory authorities and implements industry-leading AML/KYC procedures. The platform is known for its intuitive interface, 24/7 customer support, and competitive exchange rates, making it a preferred choice for both beginners and experienced traders.

Final Thoughts

From national Bitcoin initiatives to breakthroughs in AI-driven trading, the crypto and fintech landscapes are advancing at unprecedented speed. Staying informed on regulatory updates, market trends, and technological innovations is essential for investors, businesses, and enthusiasts navigating this dynamic ecosystem.

Written by

Rem Vasilenko

Rem Vasilenko is a Growth Operations Manager at Paybis. With a keen interest in FinTech, Rem brings a unique perspective to the evolving digital finance landscape. He combines his passion for FinTech with his marketing and business skills to drive innovative strategies. Find him on LinkedIn.