The American Bankers Association urges the OCC to delay approval of crypto trust licenses until the rules for the GENIUS Act are clarified.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority lists tokenization as a key focus area for 2026, supporting the sustainable and responsible development of digital assets.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority released the 2025 Work Review and the 2026 Work Priorities, emphasizing consumer protection in digital assets and a prudent regulatory framework, which will take effect in 2026. At the same time, it promotes the FinTech 2030 Plan, focusing on data, artificial intelligence, and tokenization development.

Stablecoin issuer Agant obtains FCA registration in the UK, prepares to launch GBP stablecoin GBPA

Stablecoin issuer Agant has obtained registration with the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and is preparing to launch the GBP stablecoin GBPA, aimed at providing a foundation for payment and asset innovation. The stablecoin will be pegged 1:1 to the British pound and primarily targeted at institutional users.

China's "Crypto Winter" is becoming increasingly severe

Recently, China has once again tightened cryptocurrency regulations, banning the issuance of RMB-pegged stablecoins by overseas entities and cracking down on the development of Hong Kong as a digital asset hub. The market response has been tepid, with funds accelerating their withdrawal, and the crypto industry returning to a pragmatic development approach. The contradiction between capital controls and crypto innovation is becoming increasingly apparent.

ABA pressures OCC to halt crypto bank license review: Ripple, Circle caught in regulatory storm again

February 12 News, in 2026, the American Bankers Association (ABA) officially sent a letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), demanding an immediate halt to the review of national banking charters for multiple cryptocurrency companies, including Ripple, Circle, and other related applicants. This move is seen as a strong countermeasure by the traditional American banking system against the expansion of the digital asset sector. The ABA stated in the letter that, before Congress completes the cryptocurrency financial regulatory framework, the OCC should not continue processing these applications at the traditional banking approval pace. The association emphasized that regulatory agencies must thoroughly assess the applicants' compliance responsibilities, capital structure, and potential systemic risks before issuing any charters.

SEC Chairman Paul Atkins Under Congressional Attack: Justin Sun Case Suspension Sparks Controversy Over U.S. Crypto Regulation

On February 12, it was reported that in 2026, the Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Paul Atkins, was fiercely questioned by Democratic lawmakers during a congressional hearing, focusing on the agency's suspension of enforcement actions against Tron founder Justin Sun. Lawmakers believe that this decision may not be purely a compliance consideration but involves more complex political and financial relationships. The core of the controversy lies in the fact that Justin Sun has invested over $75 million in crypto projects related to the Trump family, including World Liberty Financial, and has appeared publicly alongside Eric Trump. These backgrounds have led some legislators to worry that the SEC's enforcement neutrality is being challenged, and they have demanded that Atkins explain the true reasons for suspending the case.

SEC crypto enforcement under attack by Congress, is U.S. digital asset regulation at a critical crossroads?

February 12 News, the enforcement approach of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding cryptocurrencies is facing strong resistance from Congress. As Democratic members of the House openly criticize the regulatory strategy led by Chairman Paul Atkins, the tense atmosphere around digital asset regulation in Washington continues to escalate. Lawmakers believe that a recent series of enforcement actions have become noticeably more lenient, undermining the regulatory deterrence needed during high-risk phases of the market and shaking investor confidence. Several Democratic lawmakers pointed out that this shift appears to be selective and involves politically sensitive backgrounds, especially in cases related to Trump. They warn that any impression of "favoritism" could damage the SEC's authority as an independent regulator and weaken its credibility in the capital markets. For them, the issue is no longer just about compliance details but is fundamentally about investor protection and trust in the financial system.