Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong is back in the spotlight, this time with a proposal that’s stirring plenty of debate across the crypto space. In a March 31 post on X (formerly Twitter), Armstrong suggested that the United States should allow stablecoins to pay interest directly to holders similar to how savings accounts work in traditional banking. On the surface, the idea sounds straightforward, but it quickly became a lightning rod for controversy.

Armstrong believes that enabling onchain interest would turn stablecoins into more than just a fast, digital payment method. It could make them an accessible financial tool for millions of people around the world. According to him, letting stablecoin users earn yield would democratize access to market-level returns and help everyday people build and preserve wealth without having to rely on banks or traditional finance institutions.

From his perspective, this isn’t just about innovation it’s about financial fairness. Armstrong argues that onchain interest would increase competition in the financial sector, pushing everyone to improve their offerings and ultimately benefitting consumers. He also emphasized that keeping such innovation onshore, within the U.S. regulatory framework, is key to maintaining leadership in the digital finance space.

But not everyone was on board. As with most bold crypto proposals, social media critics didn’t hold back. Some users questioned the legal implications, suggesting that interest-bearing stablecoins might fall under securities regulation. One user asked, “Why wouldn’t these be tokenized shares in money market funds subject to securities laws?” Others took aim at the potential economic impact, wondering if the U.S. government would essentially end up paying interest to crypto users just for holding digital dollars.

These criticisms reflect deeper tensions in the ongoing debate over how stablecoins should be classified and regulated. Are they just digital representations of fiat, or are they evolving into something closer to an investment product? That question is becoming increasingly urgent as lawmakers work to finalize stablecoin legislation that could define their role in the financial system for years to come.

Armstrong’s post comes at a pivotal moment. Congress is actively considering new rules for stablecoins, and the political climate is shifting in ways that could shape the entire sector. Adding more heat to the situation, World Liberty Financial a company reportedly linked to Donald Trump and his family recently announced the launch of its own stablecoin project, USD1. The overlap of crypto, politics, and regulation is now impossible to ignore.

Seeing the opportunity, Armstrong called on Congress to take action that supports innovation while protecting consumers. He highlighted the rare chance of having a pro-crypto administration and legislative momentum at the same time. In his words, this is the moment to build “a level playing field” that allows regulated stablecoins to offer interest just like traditional checking or savings accounts.

If that vision becomes reality, it could reshape how Americans interact with digital dollars and accelerate the global adoption of USD-backed stablecoins. The potential benefits are hard to ignore. Consumers might gain access to higher yields than what traditional banks currently offer. Companies would have new tools to attract users and develop revenue models. And the U.S. could solidify its leadership in the digital economy by setting clear, forward-looking rules.

Still, the road ahead is far from clear. The introduction of interest into the stablecoin equation blurs the lines between money and investment. It also raises fresh concerns about monetary policy, regulatory oversight, and financial stability. Depending on how legislation unfolds, stablecoins could end up regulated like banks, like securities, or something entirely new.

What’s certain is that stablecoins are no longer just passive tools for moving money. They’ve become a focal point in the battle over the future of finance, where questions of fairness, innovation, and control all collide. Whether or not interest-bearing stablecoins become legal in the U.S., the conversation itself marks a turning point. It’s a sign that crypto is growing up and that how we define money is about to change.

A silent but dangerous threat is slithering through the Android ecosystem, and it’s coming straight for your crypto. A newly identified malware known as Crocodilus is targeting Android users with a sophisticated attack method designed to steal cryptocurrency wallet credentials and take control of infected devices. Despite being a fresh face in the world of malware, Crocodilus is already proving itself to be a formidable player.

Security researchers at Threat Fabric recently uncovered this highly capable mobile banking Trojan. What makes Crocodilus stand out is its ability to bypass security protocols in Android 13 and later, thanks to a custom-built dropper that evades typical detection and restriction mechanisms. This allows it to enter devices with minimal resistance and start executing its plan.

Packed with all the core features of modern mobile malware, Crocodilus is equipped with overlay attack capabilities, keylogging tools, remote access functionality, and even full device control without the user’s knowledge. It’s not the first time malware has gone after cryptocurrency wallets, but Crocodilus takes the approach further. According to Threat Fabric, the malware’s strength lies in its ability to manipulate users into willingly giving up their credentials without realizing what’s happening.

It operates by first convincing the user to grant Accessibility Service permissions, often under the guise of app functionality improvements or updates. Once this is done, the malware gains deep access to the device, allowing it to monitor and interact with user activity. It then connects to a command-and-control server to receive instructions, such as which fake overlays to use to mimic legitimate apps.

These overlays are designed to look like the real thing. Users think they’re logging into their wallets or apps, but in reality, they’re handing over sensitive data directly to the attackers. Crocodilus doesn’t just stop at usernames and passwords. It also bypasses two-factor authentication, specifically targeting Google Authenticator. Using remote access capabilities, it can capture screenshots of the authentication codes as they appear on the screen, sending them back to the attacker’s server in real-time.

The malware has already been observed in countries like Spain and Turkey, but researchers believe this is only the beginning. Given how rapidly these types of threats evolve, a broader global spread is expected. What’s especially concerning is the malware’s psychological tactics. Rather than forcing its way into wallets, Crocodilus persuades users to do it for them.

In one of its most deceptive moves, the malware presents a fake message instructing users to back up their wallet seed phrase, warning them that the app will reset within 12 hours if they don’t. It’s a subtle form of urgency that plays on fear of losing access. As users follow the prompt and navigate to their seed phrase, Crocodilus logs every interaction using its Accessibility Logger. That seed phrase is then quietly sent to the attacker’s server, giving them full control over the wallet.

Once in possession of the seed phrase, the attackers can completely empty the wallet with no way for the user to recover the funds. It’s this combination of technical capabilities and social engineering that makes Crocodilus particularly dangerous. By guiding users through the very process that compromises their security, the malware avoids detection while maximizing its success rate.

For anyone managing crypto assets on an Android device, the emergence of Crocodilus is a strong reminder of how critical mobile security has become. The traditional advice of sticking to official app stores is no longer enough. Malicious actors are developing more sophisticated ways to distribute malware, often through apps that appear entirely legitimate until it’s too late.

Avoiding unnecessary permission grants, especially Accessibility Services, can go a long way in preventing these kinds of attacks. So can using hardware wallets, which keep private keys off your phone entirely. With malware like Crocodilus evolving quickly, staying ahead of the curve means adopting a proactive security mindset.

The rise of mobile-based attacks targeting crypto holders shows that the industry’s increasing adoption is also attracting a wider array of cyber threats. As more people turn to non-custodial wallets and decentralized finance tools, protecting digital assets becomes not just a matter of convenience, but of survival in a digital-first world.

The United Arab Emirates is making bold strides in the world of digital finance. By the end of 2025, the UAE is set to officially roll out its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), known as the Digital Dirham, for everyday retail use. This move places the country among a fast-expanding group of global economies actively embracing sovereign-backed digital currencies.

Expected to go live in Q4 2025, the Digital Dirham will operate alongside physical cash and will be integrated into all standard payment systems. UAE residents will be able to access and use the CBDC through banks, licensed exchange houses, and regulated fintech platforms. The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) promises strong layers of security, smart contract capabilities, and tokenization, allowing for instant, secure, and programmable transactions.

Unlike traditional money, this digital version of the AED will support automated settlements and multi-party financial interactions, offering benefits that extend far beyond the physical dirham. Whether it’s everyday purchases, cross-border remittances, or enterprise-grade settlements, the Digital Dirham is designed to be both versatile and future-ready.

The rollout is part of a broader digital transformation underway across the UAE’s financial ecosystem. CBUAE has already built a dedicated platform and digital wallet for the Digital Dirham, capable of handling retail, wholesale, and cross-border payments. These digital tools are key to the central bank’s vision of a more efficient, secure, and inclusive financial infrastructure.

Interestingly, the Digital Dirham also received a branding update. It now features a newly stylized symbol, with its first letter becoming the token’s international shorthand a subtle but symbolic shift that underscores the currency’s new digital identity.

The UAE’s push into the CBDC space didn’t come out of nowhere. It follows earlier regulatory groundwork laid in mid-2024, when the country introduced a stablecoin framework that set the rules for dirham-backed tokens issued by the private sector. This spurred interest from major players like Tether, which floated the idea of launching AED-pegged stablecoins.

But while stablecoins filled an early need in the market, the Digital Dirham represents a clear step forward shifting from the realm of private innovation to state-backed infrastructure. Unlike stablecoins, the CBDC is directly issued and governed by the central bank, ensuring greater transparency, security, and monetary control. That regulatory backing makes it far more resilient to market shocks, misuse, or instability.

The UAE has also been an active participant in global CBDC collaboration. One of its most notable efforts was the “Aber” project, a joint initiative with Saudi Arabia focused on exploring cross-border CBDC settlements. That project helped lay the technical and policy groundwork for future interoperability a crucial feature if CBDCs are ever to reach their full potential on a global scale.

The UAE isn’t alone in its journey. A growing list of countries is testing their own central bank digital currencies, including China’s digital yuan, Sweden’s e-krona, Brazil’s DREX, and South Korea’s CBDC pilot. The European Central Bank is deep into its trial of the Digital Euro, while the UK and Russia are also fine-tuning their own digital currency strategies. This global movement highlights the increasing demand for faster, more secure, and more adaptable monetary systems.

With the Digital Dirham, the UAE is not just adopting a trend it’s aiming to lead in digital currency infrastructure. By combining robust technology, regulatory clarity, and regional cooperation, the UAE is positioning itself as a key innovator in digital finance.

As the 2025 rollout nears, eyes will be on how well the Digital Dirham performs in the real world. Will it become a seamless part of everyday payments? Could it help drive broader financial inclusion across the region? And might it even give the UAE a stronger influence in shaping the global digital economy?

Time will tell, but one thing is clear the Digital Dirham is more than a digital version of cash. It’s a cornerstone in the UAE’s vision for a future where money moves faster, safer, and smarter.

An unexpected reveal by OKX’s Web3 product manager may have just given the market an early glimpse at the exchange’s next big move. In a now-deleted post, Kyle Chen accidentally announced the release of a standalone OKX Wallet app before it was officially launched. The app had already been listed on Google Play, and while an Apple version is still pending approval, the early disclosure has sparked curiosity about what’s really happening behind the scenes at OKX.

The post quickly made waves, but just as quickly, Chen walked it back. Apologizing publicly, he admitted the announcement was premature and that the app might not be available to users in all regions or devices. He even joked that the marketing team would likely not be too happy with him. Despite the retraction, the brief window of information that surfaced was enough to generate buzz, especially around one new feature: a Token AI Narrative Summary. This AI-powered tool promises real-time insights into market sentiment, trading positions, and trending conversations on X. Even if the standalone app isn’t accessible everywhere yet, users can still interact with this feature on OKX’s web platform.

This leak doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It comes during a sensitive time for OKX, especially after the platform temporarily suspended its DEX aggregator. That move followed reports linking the tool to suspicious activity allegedly carried out by North Korea’s Lazarus Group. With over $1.5 billion in crypto tied to a hack on Bybit under investigation, and speculation about the potential misuse of OKX’s aggregator, the company took preemptive action. It paused the DEX service and confirmed it was working closely with regulators to strengthen its safeguards.

Even while facing heightened scrutiny, OKX has continued to develop and promote its crypto wallet services, emphasizing that users’ funds remain safe. New wallet creation has been temporarily paused in certain markets, but core functionalities remain active. The timing of the standalone wallet app’s appearance leaked or not suggests the company is accelerating its Web3 roadmap despite external challenges.

Behind these moves is a deeper strategic play. OKX has been steadily building its presence in Europe, and recently hit a major regulatory milestone. The company has secured a MiFID II license, which gives it the green light to offer regulated investment services across the European Union. That’s a big deal for any crypto exchange, but particularly for one aiming to expand institutional adoption. This license follows pre-authorization under the EU’s MiCA framework, placing OKX among the first movers in a new era of compliant, crypto-native financial services.

The MiFID II license allows OKX to provide an extensive suite of offerings tailored for institutional clients everything from derivatives and spot trading to OTC deals and algorithmic strategies. While this victory signals growing maturity and trust, it also arrives in the shadow of regulatory concerns tied to the Bybit hack. Reports allege that OKX’s Web3 infrastructure may have been indirectly used to launder a portion of the stolen funds. The company has denied any involvement and emphasized its cooperation with authorities in freezing suspicious transactions and improving security.

The convergence of these developments the accidental wallet app announcement, the DEX aggregator pause, and the newly acquired European license paints a picture of a company in transition. OKX appears to be doubling down on regulatory compliance, expanding its global reach, and refocusing its Web3 tools not just for retail, but for institutions seeking secure, user-friendly blockchain infrastructure.

So was the wallet app leak just an internal mishap or a soft launch tactic to test public reception? Either way, it shows that OKX is evolving its product suite with serious intentions. With growing pressure on exchanges to balance innovation with compliance, OKX seems to be walking that tightrope carefully. The next few months will likely determine whether it can stay ahead of the curve or get caught flat-footed in the ever-shifting crypto landscape.

Kraken is making a bold move into the futures trading space with a reported $1.5 billion acquisition of NinjaTrader, a well-established retail futures trading platform. This deal marks a significant step in Kraken’s expansion strategy, allowing the exchange to extend its offerings beyond cryptocurrency and into the broader financial markets. If finalized, this would be one of the largest acquisitions in the crypto industry, reinforcing Kraken’s ambition to become a dominant player in regulated derivatives trading.

By acquiring NinjaTrader, Kraken gains access to a registered Futures Commission Merchant, enabling the exchange to integrate futures and derivatives trading under an established regulatory framework. Despite the acquisition, NinjaTrader will reportedly continue to operate as an independent platform while benefiting from Kraken’s technology, liquidity, and payment solutions. This move aligns with a broader industry trend where major crypto exchanges are expanding into traditional finance, recognizing the increasing demand for derivatives trading.

The acquisition is expected to enhance Kraken’s presence in the US and key international markets, including the UK, Europe, and Australia. This global expansion provides the exchange with a stronger foothold in regions that are already active in futures and derivatives trading. With regulatory clarity becoming a key differentiator for crypto firms, Kraken’s move could provide it with a competitive edge in navigating compliance challenges while scaling its operations.

Founded in 2011, Kraken has grown from a digital asset exchange into a diversified financial services company. The acquisition of NinjaTrader comes at a time when many crypto firms are looking to broaden their product lines beyond spot trading, incorporating equities, derivatives, and futures contracts into their platforms. By adding an established futures trading platform to its portfolio, Kraken positions itself as a more versatile exchange, capable of serving both retail and institutional traders.

Beyond expanding its product offerings, integrating NinjaTrader’s regulatory infrastructure could streamline compliance processes for Kraken, particularly in the US. Regulatory scrutiny has been a major challenge for crypto exchanges, and by acquiring an entity with an established framework, Kraken may find it easier to navigate licensing requirements and operational guidelines. This strategic acquisition could help reinforce its market position while driving growth in revenue and operational efficiency.

The deal also comes at a time when Kraken is reportedly considering an initial public offering by 2026. Going public would be a major milestone for the exchange, putting it in direct competition with publicly traded rivals such as Coinbase. An IPO would provide Kraken with greater access to capital and enhance its credibility among institutional investors.

Market conditions are also evolving in a way that may favor Kraken’s expansion. With regulatory policies shifting, some analysts believe the current environment is more favorable for crypto firms than in previous years. Kraken recently announced a key victory in its regulatory battles, with the US Securities and Exchange Commission agreeing to dismiss its lawsuit against the exchange without any penalties or required changes to its business practices. This development signals a more stable regulatory path for Kraken as it moves forward with its ambitious growth plans.

Kraken’s acquisition of NinjaTrader is more than just a business expansion; it is a strategic move that could redefine the future of crypto exchanges. As competition intensifies, the lines between traditional finance and digital assets continue to blur. By entering the regulated futures market, Kraken is positioning itself not just as a crypto exchange but as a comprehensive trading powerhouse.

This move reflects a larger trend in the financial industry, where crypto firms are diversifying their offerings to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. Whether this leads to increased institutional adoption, greater regulatory clarity, or more innovation in crypto trading remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: Kraken is setting the stage for long-term growth and innovation in the world of digital finance.

In a decisive move to enhance consumer protection and regulate the growing cryptocurrency market, the North Dakota Senate has passed House Bill 1447. The bill introduces stricter measures for cryptocurrency Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in the state, aiming to curb fraudulent activities and bring greater transparency to the industry. It was approved with an overwhelming 45-to-1 vote, signaling strong bipartisan support for tighter oversight of crypto transactions.

The new legislation establishes several key requirements for crypto ATM operators. First, all operators must obtain a money transmitter license, bringing them under the same regulatory framework as traditional financial service providers. This step is designed to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations. Additionally, the bill imposes a daily transaction limit of $2,000 per user, restricting the amount that individuals can withdraw or deposit through crypto ATMs each day. This measure is aimed at reducing the potential for large-scale fraud and protecting users from financial scams.

To further safeguard consumers, the bill mandates that crypto ATMs display fraud warnings on-screen, alerting users to potential scams before they complete a transaction. Operators must also implement blockchain analytics tools to monitor transactions for suspicious activity. This requirement is expected to help identify and prevent illicit transactions, such as those linked to money laundering or fraudulent schemes. Furthermore, the bill enforces stricter compliance requirements, including the appointment of compliance officers and mandatory quarterly reports detailing ATM locations, operator information, and transaction data.

The introduction of this legislation is a response to the increasing number of cryptocurrency-related fraud cases. Over the past few years, losses from scams involving crypto ATMs have risen dramatically, prompting concerns from regulators and law enforcement agencies. The anonymity associated with these transactions has made them a target for criminals, who often use them to facilitate scams, launder money, or bypass regulatory scrutiny. North Dakota, like many other states, has witnessed a surge in complaints from residents who have fallen victim to fraudulent schemes involving crypto ATMs.

The impact of the new law will be significant for both operators and users of crypto ATMs. For operators, compliance will require additional investment in licensing, fraud detection systems, and reporting mechanisms. While these measures may increase costs, they are designed to create a safer and more transparent environment for digital asset transactions. For users, the $2,000 daily transaction cap is intended to minimize potential losses from fraud, while mandatory fraud alerts will help raise awareness about common scams.

North Dakota’s move is part of a broader trend of increased regulatory oversight on cryptocurrency transactions across the United States. Other states have implemented or are considering similar measures to address fraud and ensure compliance with financial regulations. On the federal level, there is growing momentum toward stricter oversight of crypto ATMs, with discussions about national licensing requirements and enhanced monitoring protocols.

The passage of House Bill 1447 represents a major step toward legitimizing and securing cryptocurrency transactions in North Dakota. By introducing licensing requirements, transaction limits, and mandatory fraud prevention measures, the state aims to balance the growth of the digital asset industry with the need to protect consumers. As the cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve, regulatory measures like these will play a crucial role in shaping a safer and more transparent market for digital financial transactions.