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Hello and welcome to Crypto Intel, the twice-weekly newsletter covering the latest updates, breaking news, and exciting opportunities in the crypto world.

Today, we're diving into regulatory moves that could reshape stablecoins, a major financial institution embracing crypto, and a controversial DeFi partnership raising eyebrows. As markets react to shifting policies, institutional adoption, and growing skepticism, these developments could set the stage for the next big trend.

📈 Market-Moving News

The crypto industry is at a turning point, with new policies, institutional expansion, and DeFi scrutiny shaping the landscape. A fresh stablecoin bill could redefine oversight, a global financial giant is betting big on digital assets, and a heated debate over a DeFi project is fueling speculation. As regulators, institutions, and investors react, the stakes have never been higher.

Regulation

📝 Latest US Stablecoin Bill Expands State Oversight and Tightens Compliance

The latest draft of the GENIUS Act introduces a split regulatory framework for stablecoins, giving states authority over issuers with market caps up to $10 billion while larger players remain federally supervised. The bill also mandates monthly liquidity reports, requiring issuers to disclose reserve compositions to enhance transparency. Additionally, stablecoin providers must comply with transaction freeze orders and anti-money laundering (AML) requirements, marking a shift toward stricter regulatory enforcement.

A key provision allows larger issuers to remain under state oversight if they meet certain financial and regulatory standards. This waiver process ensures that stablecoin projects with strong track records and robust capital reserves can avoid direct federal intervention. However, the bill grants the US Treasury Secretary authority to block foreign stablecoin transactions, adding a layer of governmental control over international crypto flows.

The GENIUS Act reflects a growing push to formalize stablecoin regulation amid concerns over financial stability and illicit activities. By defining issuers as financial institutions, the bill aligns stablecoins more closely with traditional banking regulations. While the proposal still awaits amendments and Senate approval, its potential impact on stablecoin adoption and regulatory clarity cannot be overlooked.

Institutional Adoption

🏦 Deutsche Boerse to Launch Bitcoin, Ether Institutional Custody

German financial giant Deutsche Boerse is preparing to roll out institutional-grade custody and settlement services for Bitcoin and Ether through its Clearstream trading unit. The service, expected to launch in April 2025, aims to provide regulated crypto storage solutions to over 2,500 institutional clients, reinforcing the shift toward mainstream financial adoption of digital assets. The move follows Europe's MiCA regulatory framework, which has encouraged traditional finance (TradFi) firms to engage with crypto under clear compliance guidelines.

Clearstream's crypto custody offering will be operated via Crypto Finance AG, a Swiss subsidiary Deutsche Boerse acquired in 2021. In addition to Bitcoin and Ether, the firm plans to expand its offerings to include staking, lending, and brokerage services, catering to growing institutional demand for diversified digital asset exposure. This aligns with the broader institutional trend of regulated crypto services, particularly as banks and asset managers explore blockchain-based financial products.

The launch comes amid a surge in institutional crypto interest across Europe, following MiCA's full implementation in late 2024. As more firms integrate compliant crypto custody solutions, the institutionalization of digital assets continues to gain momentum. Deutsche Boerse's entry into the space signals a major step forward in bridging TradFi and crypto, with more traditional institutions expected to follow suit.

DeFi

🔍 WLFI's DeFi Model Under Fire After Controversial Sui Partnership

WLFI, a DeFi protocol with ties to Eric Trump, is facing intense scrutiny following its recent partnership with Sui, a layer-1 blockchain developed by Mysten Labs. The deal includes SUI's token being added to WLFI's Macro Strategy reserve, but critics argue that WLFI lacks true DeFi innovation, as it relies on Aave v3 for lending and borrowing functions. Some industry leaders dismiss the project as a rebranded "pay-to-play" model rather than a genuine breakthrough in decentralized finance.

Notable figures in the crypto space, including Yearn.finance co-founder Andre Cronje, have criticized WLFI's high fees and questionable reinvestment strategies, suggesting the project extracts value from crypto firms rather than providing utility. Others argue that WLFI's model primarily serves to pump token prices, rather than advancing DeFi in a meaningful way. The controversy has raised concerns about whether WLFI is simply repackaging existing DeFi services under a new brand.

Despite the backlash, SUI's price briefly surged 12% after the partnership announcement before settling at a 5.7% gain. While WLFI has not publicly addressed the criticisms, speculation continues around its long-term viability. The debate highlights the growing need for transparency and genuine innovation in DeFi as projects face increased industry scrutiny.

⏩ Future Forward

The crypto space is heating up! Stay tuned for major market moves, thrilling token launches, and rewarding airdrops. The best is yet to come! 📅

Crypto Conferences:

💎 35th Edition of the Digital Transformation Summit (Mar 12, 2025)

💎 Connected Banking East Africa 2025 (Mar 12, 2025)

💎 Crypto Assets Regulation and Compliance Conference 2025 (Mar 12, 2025 - Mar 13, 2025)

Upcoming Airdrops:

🎁 Venice Token (VVV) Airdrop (Mar 12, 2025)

🎁 Stronghold (SHX) Airdrop (Mar 12, 2025)

🎁 Links (LINKS) Airdrop (Mar 13, 2025)

Upcoming Token Launches:

🚀 BitSwapix (BITS) Presale (Mar 15, 2025)

🚀 Tea-Fi (TEA) IDO on Kommunitas (Mar 17, 2025)

🚀 Grafilab (GRAFI) IDO on Huostarter (Mar 17, 2025)

Which event are you most excited for? Let us know!

🧠 Crypto Know-How: NFT Marketplaces

NFT marketplaces are platforms where users can buy, sell, and trade non-fungible tokens (NFTs)—unique digital assets representing art, music, collectibles, and more. These platforms connect buyers and sellers, handling transactions securely on the blockchain. Popular marketplaces include OpenSea, Blur, Magic Eden, and LooksRare.

Using an NFT marketplace is simple—users create an account, connect a crypto wallet, and browse collections. Purchases are made with cryptocurrencies, often ETH, SOL, or MATIC, depending on the platform. Some marketplaces use bidding systems, while others allow instant purchases at fixed prices.

While NFT marketplaces offer easy access to digital collectibles, risks exist. Scams, fake listings, and price manipulation can impact buyers. To stay safe, users should verify NFT authenticity, research sellers, and use secure wallets. As the NFT space evolves, marketplaces continue to innovate, offering better security and more features.