Shareholder Opposition Grows Over Metaplanet’s Executive Equity Pool
Japanese Bitcoin reserve firm Metaplanet is under increasing pressure from shareholders concerned about dilution from its tenth series executive stock option pool. Structured to represent 20% of the company’s fully diluted equity, the pool expands automatically with new share issuances used to fund Bitcoin purchases. Some shareholders have publicly urged the company to cancel around 273 million newly issued shares and improve transparency around decision-making. David Bailey, CEO of Bitcoin Magazine, defended Metaplanet's five-year 20% allocation to its team as within industry norms, but most shareholders remain skeptical.
Citi Plans Blockchain-Powered Cross-Border Payments for Japan
Citi is developing blockchain-based solutions aimed at near-instant international payments for Japanese businesses, enabling transfers that clear even outside traditional banking hours.
Singapore Leads Southeast Asian Crypto Funding Boom
Crypto fundraising in Southeast Asia is set to double from $319 million in 2025 to $680 million in 2026, with the number of funding rounds dropping to 25, indicating capital concentration in fewer companies. Singapore hosts 2,285 of the region's 3,957 blockchain startups and accounts for 82.5% of all blockchain equity funding in Southeast Asia.
US Sanctions Freeze $52 Million in Assets Linked to Xinbi Trading Platform
The US Departments of Justice and Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control confiscated over $52 million linked to Xinbi Guarantee and its supplier network over alleged fraud. The crackdown involved the seizure of two wallets holding about $12 million and restrictions on 47 others suspected of money laundering. Singapore’s SafeW Technology and Cambodia’s Anwen Technology, accused of aiding Xinbi, were also sanctioned.
Gemini Secures Full Payment Institution License in Singapore
Gemini received full authorization as a Major Payment Institution from the Monetary Authority of Singapore, formalizing a conditional approval from nearly two years ago. This license allows Gemini to offer compliant, unlimited-volume payment services in Singapore. Co-Founder and President Cameron Winklevoss highlighted the company’s service to Singapore clients since 2020 while CEO Tyler Winklevoss described Singapore as a key hub for its retail and institutional customers.
Circle to Acquire Cross-Border Payment Platform Tazapay for $400 Million
USDC issuer Circle agreed to purchase Singapore-based cross-border payment company Tazapay for $400 million. Tazapay partners with over 60 banks and fintech firms across more than 100 markets.
South Korea Unveils Three-Phase Roadmap for Tokenized Securities
South Korea’s Financial Services Commission plans to implement infrastructure enabling tokenized issuance of stocks, bonds, and funds. Starting February 4, 2027, revised electronic registration laws will legally recognize tokenized securities. The roadmap’s first phase covers institutional money market funds, bonds, unlisted shares, and fractional investment tokens; the second extends to all publicly issued securities; the third focuses on stablecoin-based on-chain payments.
Korean Won Stablecoins Could Cut Payment Fees by Up to $3.8 Billion Annually
The South Korean National Assembly Budget Office projects that Korean won-backed stablecoins could reduce merchant payment fees by $275 million to $3.8 billion annually.
Indian Firm Arya.ag Pilots Grain Warehouse Receipt Tokenization on Avalanche
Indian agricultural logistics company Arya.ag, with partner Finternet, is piloting tokenization of grain warehouse receipts using Avalanche’s blockchain. The tokens will digitally represent grain ownership and connect storage, collateral agreements, and loan status. Devika Mittal, Avalabs’ India head, confirmed ongoing tests but did not specify production timelines or scale.
Indian Financial Intelligence Unit Targets Offshore Virtual Asset Providers
India’s Financial Intelligence Unit issued non-compliance notices to 15 offshore virtual digital asset services providers, citing inadequate anti-money laundering controls. It has mandated removal of related apps and websites serving Indian clients without proper verification.
India’s Finance Ministry to Report on Crypto Taxation and Regulation in September
India’s Finance Ministry plans to present updates on virtual digital asset taxation and regulatory frameworks to a parliamentary committee on September 16.
Thailand’s Webull Completes $100 Million Acquisition of Pi Securities
Thai brokerage Webull finalized its $100 million acquisition of Pi Securities, a traditional securities and investment service provider, strengthening its presence in Thailand’s capital markets.
Philippine Central Bank Proposes Suspension of New Payment System Registrations
The Central Bank of the Philippines has drafted proposals to freeze registration of new payment system operators for 12 months to review classification and licensing frameworks. It aims to enhance oversight of payments involving virtual asset service providers.
Regulatory Scrutiny in Hong Kong Over Circle’s USDC Sponsorship of Chelsea Football Club
Circle’s partnership sponsoring Chelsea Football Club jerseys with USDC has raised regulatory concerns in Hong Kong, where authorities penalize unlicensed crypto promotions. Retailers have become cautious about marketing related products.
Hong Kong Gaming Company Boya Interactive Expands Bitcoin Holdings
Listed Hong Kong gaming firm Boya Interactive increased its Bitcoin holdings by purchasing an additional 115 BTC, further diversifying its digital asset portfolio.