Australia adopts OECD framework for crypto tax reporting
Lead · Cointelegraph · 2026-10-15
Australia has released a draft bill to adopt the OECD's Common Reporting Framework for cryptocurrency transactions. The country is among 77 jurisdictions committed to implementing CARF, which requires exchanges and custodians to report certain customer information for tax compliance. First international exchanges of crypto tax data are expected to begin in 2028. The move aligns Australia with global efforts to improve tax transparency in digital assets.
Builders and traders on major chains need to understand changing reporting obligations as tax authorities coordinate globally.
- Australia one of 77 CARF-adopting jurisdictions
- First international crypto tax data exchange in 2028
- Draft bill triggers new exchange reporting requirements
Russia bans peer-to-peer crypto trading from July 2027
Decrypt · 2026-10-15
Russia's central bank has confirmed a ban on peer-to-peer Bitcoin and cryptocurrency trading beginning July 1, 2027. Russian citizens will have until that date to conduct direct trades with each other. After the deadline, all crypto transactions must flow through brokers or exchanges approved by the Bank of Russia. Separate rules already prohibit transfers from digital accounts to self-custody wallets in the country.
Major shift for traders accessing Russian markets and any platforms serving that region.
- July 1, 2027 deadline for direct P2P trades
- All future trades require approved broker or exchange
- Self-custody transfers already restricted
Mastercard launches fiat-stablecoin merger platform via BVNK
Decrypt · 2026-10-15
Mastercard and BVNK have launched the Global Money Platform, the first major integration following Mastercard's $1.8 billion BVNK acquisition in August. The platform allows banks, fintechs and enterprises to hold, convert and spend both fiat and stablecoins through a single API. Nuvei and Marqeta are among the first companies adopting the platform. Agentic commerce support is planned for the future.
Direct intersection of stablecoin infrastructure and traditional payments rails that builders on Base and Ethereum track closely.
- $1.8B Mastercard-BVNK acquisition integration
- Single API for fiat and stablecoin operations
- Agentic commerce support coming
EBA designates Circle USDC as EU's first significant e-money token
The Block · 2026-10-15
The European Banking Authority has classified Circle's USDC as the EU's first 'significant' e-money token under new regulatory frameworks. New supervisory responsibilities for USDC begin on November 12. The designation reflects USDC's role in European digital payments infrastructure. Circle faces enhanced regulatory oversight as the token achieves this regulatory milestone.
Stablecoin regulation accelerates in EU; signals supervisory path for other tokens and matters for multi-chain deployment.
- USDC first EU 'significant' e-money token
- Supervisory duties start November 12
- Enhanced regulatory oversight required
MSCI index rules could exclude Strategy, Metaplanet, crypto treasuries
The Block · 2026-10-15
MSCI has finalized index rules that could exclude Strategy, Metaplanet, SharpLink and other crypto treasury firms from its indices. The new non-operating company methodology targets firms whose primary business does not generate recurring revenue or whose balance sheets are dominated by alternative assets like cryptocurrency. The final list of affected companies is due November 11. Strategy, Metaplanet and Upexi were previously identified for potential deletion.
Index inclusion affects fund flows and valuations; signals institutional scrutiny of crypto-holding company models.
- Strategy, Metaplanet at risk of exclusion
- Final list due November 11
- Non-operating company rules target crypto treasuries
Binance.US seeks $1B valuation in $100M funding round
Cointelegraph · 2026-10-15
Binance.US is reportedly pursuing a funding round seeking $100 million at a $1 billion valuation. The crypto exchange aims to use additional capital to regain market share following Binance's 2023 settlement with US authorities. The funding would support operations and competitive positioning in the US market. Details on lead investors and exact timing remain unclear.
Major US exchange reposition signals market consolidation post-Binance and affects trading infrastructure for US-based users.
- $100M at $1B valuation target
- Post-settlement market recovery effort
- US market share recovery focus
Ex-Trump adviser profited after helping pass stablecoin bill
Cointelegraph · 2026-10-15
The Wall Street Journal reported that a company co-founded by Bo Hines profited after helping to pass the GENIUS stablecoin bill. Hines previously advised Trump on crypto policy. The report suggests potential conflicts of interest in stablecoin legislation. Specific financial details and the company's name were not disclosed in available coverage.
Highlights regulatory capture concerns as crypto rules take shape under new US administration.
- Bo Hines linked to GENIUS bill passage
- Co-founded firm received benefits
- Trump-era crypto policy connections
Ledger unveils Atom Android device with tamper protections
The Block · 2026-10-15
Ledger has unveiled Atom, an Android-based hardware security device designed to address tamper risks. The device includes Solana Mobile integration and AI-agent controls. Ledger is investigating modified Atom wallets that were resold on secondary markets, with a scammer reportedly losing $4.8 million in stolen funds after storing it on tampered devices. The company will sell Atom exclusively through its official website to minimize tampering risks.
Hardware security escalates on Solana and Ethereum; addresses real exploit vector traders face.
- Android device with Solana Mobile support
- Official-channel-only sales strategy
- Tamper-detection hardware focus
Balaji's Network School acquires Farcaster, adds social smart contract
The Block · 2026-10-15
Balaji Srinivasan's Network School has acquired Farcaster social protocol from Neynar. Users will be required to sign a 'social smart contract' to maintain read-write access to the platform. Those declining the smart contract are limited to read-only access. The acquisition marks a shift in Farcaster's governance structure and business model. Terms were not publicly disclosed.
Social protocol consolidation and new governance experiment; matters for builders using onchain social infrastructure.
- Network School acquired Farcaster from Neynar
- Users must sign social smart contract
- Read-only access for non-signers
Starknet votes on independent Layer 1 over quantum risks
The Block · 2026-10-15
Starknet has opened a seven-day community vote asking STRK token holders whether the foundation should research building an independent Layer 1 optimized for post-quantum cryptography. The vote addresses long-term security concerns as quantum computing advances. Details on timeline and implementation remain preliminary pending community feedback. This reflects broader industry concerns about quantum threats to current encryption.
Protocol-level security planning matters for long-term smart contract and asset safety on Ethereum-connected chains.
- Seven-day community poll on post-quantum L1
- STRK holder governance vote
- Quantum computing threat response
Multiliquid raises $8M for tokenized asset settlement
The Block · 2026-10-15
Multiliquid, a settlement platform for tokenized assets, has raised $8 million across pre-seed and seed funding rounds. Polychain Capital led the seed round. The platform facilitates settlement and custody of tokenized real-world assets. The funding will support product development and market expansion for RWA infrastructure.
RWA settlement layer funding signals maturing infrastructure for institutional onchain assets.
- $8M across pre-seed and seed rounds
- Polychain led seed funding
- Tokenized asset settlement focus
Helius CEO joins NEAR Foundation Council
The Block · 2026-10-15
Mert Mumtaz, CEO of Helius, has joined the NEAR Foundation Council. The council oversees the foundation and its most significant governance decisions. Helius is a Solana infrastructure provider. Mumtaz's appointment reflects Helius's growing role in the blockchain ecosystem.
Personnel moves signal shifting power within foundation governance affecting protocol development priorities.
- Helius CEO joins NEAR Council
- Council oversees foundation governance
- Solana infrastructure provider role
Ripple Prime adds RWA perpetual swaps on Hyperliquid
The Block · 2026-10-15
Ripple Prime has added RWA perpetual swaps tied to equities, ETFs, metals, energy and currencies. These swaps are listed on Hyperliquid and offer 24/7 trading with onchain settlement. The product expands access to traditional asset price exposure through crypto markets. Settlement occurs directly onchain without centralized intermediaries.
RWA derivatives on decentralized platforms expand trading options for builders and traders seeking traditional asset exposure.
- RWA swaps on Hyperliquid platform
- Equities, ETFs, metals and energy included
- 24/7 trading with onchain settlement
“Tax transparency and bank rails collide with crypto sovereignty.”