Crypto market shifts as exchanges launch futures and regulators adapt

Crypto market shifts as exchanges launch futures and regulators adapt

Crypto News Round-Up — November 2025

This November saw major developments across the cryptocurrency industry, from new trading products launching on traditional exchanges to shifts in regulatory strategy. Financial institutions are integrating crypto offerings and major regulators are adjusting their oversight priorities. We delve into the week’s top headlines and explain what they mean for crypto markets.

Singapore Exchange to Launch Bitcoin, Ether Futures

The Singapore Exchange (SGX) announced plans to launch perpetual futures contracts tied to Bitcoin and Ether starting November 24 (Reuters). The new futures will be offered exclusively to accredited and institutional investors, reflecting a growing focus on professional trading in digital assets.

Why it matters:

  • Offers institutional investors in Asia new products for trading major cryptocurrencies, potentially increasing market liquidity.
  • Reflects growing mainstream acceptance of crypto derivatives by established exchanges.
  • Positions SGX to compete with global crypto markets and broaden access to digital asset trading.

SEC Shifts Focus Away from Crypto Oversight

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said it will no longer prioritize crypto-related firms in its 2026 annual examination agenda (Reuters). This shift marks a retreat from previous years when the SEC had focused more heavily on crypto exchanges and trading platforms (Reuters).

Why it matters:

  • May ease compliance burdens for crypto companies and signal a friendlier regulatory climate.
  • Could reflect confidence that crypto firms are becoming more stable and less risky, or a focus on other priorities.
  • Raises questions about how regulators will handle emerging crypto issues without targeted exams.

Deutsche Boerse Integrates Bank Stablecoins

Germany’s Deutsche Boerse said its Clearstream settlement arm will integrate a dollar-backed and a euro-backed stablecoin developed by Societe Generale (Reuters). These tokenized fiat currencies will be used in the exchange’s settlement systems, highlighting the integration of blockchain-based assets into traditional finance.

Why it matters:

  • Brings regulated stablecoins into established clearing systems, showing stronger ties between banks and crypto technology.
  • Potentially speeds up cross-border transactions and settlement, improving efficiency for global trades.
  • Represents a major financial institution’s endorsement of stablecoins as a reliable asset for payments and settlement.

Crypto Exchange Kraken Sees $20B Valuation

Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken announced it raised $800 million in new funding, valuing the company at about $20 billion (Reuters). This valuation is roughly 33% higher than just two months ago, reflecting strong investor interest in the crypto exchange sector.

Why it matters:

  • Highlights robust investor confidence and growing capital in leading crypto platforms.
  • Suggests continued optimism about the long-term growth of cryptocurrency trading businesses.
  • Indicates that established crypto companies can still command high valuations, even in volatile markets.

Brazil Proposes Tax on Cross-Border Crypto

Brazilian officials said they are considering extending the country’s existing financial transaction tax (IOF) to certain cross-border cryptocurrency transactions, especially those using stablecoins (Reuters). New rules by Brazil’s central bank classify cross-border crypto payments as foreign exchange, a change effective from early 2026.

Why it matters:

  • Could deter or slow the use of crypto for international payments by bringing it under traditional tax rules.
  • Reflects how governments are working to regulate and tax cryptocurrency similarly to fiat currency transactions.
  • May raise government revenue and encourage transparency in cross-border crypto flows.

U.S. SEC Approves New ETF Share Class

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approved Dimensional Fund Advisors to launch an ETF share class covering 13 of its existing mutual funds (Reuters). While these funds are not crypto-based, the move underscores continued innovation in the broader ETF market.

Why it matters:

  • Shows regulators are open to expanding investment products, making it easier for funds to transition to ETF structures.
  • Boosts the popularity of ETFs as vehicles for investors, which could eventually include more crypto-focused products.
  • Demonstrates the SEC’s willingness to adapt rules, potentially setting precedents for future crypto ETF approvals.

Cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile. The content in this round-up is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as investment advice. Always do your own research before making any trading or investment decisions.

Bottom Line

Despite varying topics, this week's headlines share a common theme: cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology are increasingly bridging traditional finance gaps. Established exchanges are adding crypto products, and regulators are evolving their approaches. These trends signal that digital assets remain a dynamic area of growth—but also one of risk. Investors should stay informed, apply cautious judgment, and recognize the inherent volatility of crypto markets when navigating these developments.