Crypto News Round-Up — November 2025

Cryptocurrency markets remained active this week with a mix of regulatory moves, corporate deals and security incidents. Traditional exchanges, crypto firms and governments all made headlines, underscoring the sector’s rapid evolution. Below we summarize the top stories driving the industry, from regulatory debates to major hacks and strategic acquisitions.

• Stock Exchanges Warn SEC Against Crypto Exemptions
• CoinShares Shelves Plans for New Crypto ETFs
• Major Hack Hits South Korean Exchange Upbit
• Naver to Acquire Upbit Owner Dunamu for $10B
• Turkmenistan Legalizes Crypto Mining and Exchanges

Stock Exchanges Warn SEC Against Crypto Exemptions

A coalition of global stock exchanges, including Nasdaq and Deutsche Börse, has urged the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to refrain from granting crypto firms special exemptions for tokenized stock offerings (www.reuters.com). The World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) cautioned that carving out such loopholes – for example allowing unregistered companies to issue blockchain-based equity tokens – could undermine market integrity and weaken investor protections (www.reuters.com). This pushback follows reports that SEC Chair Paul Atkins is considering an “innovation exemption” for tokenized assets, a plan opposed by these traditional finance groups.

Why it matters:

• Traditional exchanges are signaling that crypto assets should remain subject to standard securities regulations, ensuring investor safeguards.
• The outcome may shape the SEC’s approach to digital securities, potentially influencing future token offerings and listings.
• The story highlights the tension between crypto innovation and existing financial rules, underlining investors’ need for clear oversight.

CoinShares Shelves Plans for New Crypto ETFs

CoinShares, a London-based cryptocurrency fund manager, announced it is withdrawing plans for three new exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tied to XRP, a Solana staking strategy, and Litecoin (www.reuters.com). The firm said a crowded U.S. ETF market and limited growth opportunities prompted the decision as it pivots to higher-margin projects ahead of a planned U.S. listing. CoinShares also revealed it will wind down its existing leveraged Bitcoin futures ETF, citing consolidation in the market and a focus on streamlining its offerings (www.reuters.com) (www.reuters.com).

Why it matters:

• This move underscores how competitive and saturated the market for crypto investment products has become in the U.S.
• It may slow the rollout of new altcoin-based ETFs, reinforcing that only the strongest proposals will succeed in a tight regulatory environment.
• The decision highlights that crypto fund managers are prioritizing sustainable growth and profitability over expanding product lines.

Major Hack Hits South Korean Exchange Upbit

South Korea’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, Upbit, disclosed a security breach on November 27, 2025, after noticing an unauthorized transfer of Solana-based tokens. Attackers stole about 44.5 billion won (roughly $30 million) in assets, the company confirmed (www.tomshardware.com). Upbit immediately halted all cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals and moved most of its remaining funds into cold storage to safeguard them against further loss.

Why it matters:

• The hack is a reminder that even well-established exchanges remain vulnerable to cyberattacks, highlighting ongoing security risks in crypto trading.
• It could trigger increased scrutiny and regulatory action on exchange security standards, as customer funds were at stake.
• News of the attack may impact user confidence and liquid asset flows in South Korea’s crypto market, the second-largest market for digital assets globally.

Naver to Acquire Upbit Owner Dunamu for $10B

In a deal announced this week, Naver Corp – operator of South Korea’s top search engine and tech portal – agreed to buy Dunamu, the parent company of Upbit, in an all-stock transaction valued at roughly $10 billion (www.tomshardware.com). The acquisition is part of Naver’s broader strategy to expand into financial technology and cryptocurrency markets. If approved, the merger would make Naver a major player in digital asset trading by giving it full control over Upbit’s platform and customer base.

Why it matters:

• The scale of this deal demonstrates how much value major corporations see in crypto platforms and their user audiences.
• Integration of Naver’s technology and capital with Upbit’s exchange could accelerate new crypto service offerings for consumers.
• Regulators will be watching closely, as the tie-up merges one of South Korea’s biggest tech companies with its leading crypto exchange, potentially reshaping competition.

Turkmenistan Legalizes Crypto Mining and Exchanges

Turkmenistan’s government has enacted a new law formally legalizing and regulating cryptocurrency activities (www.reuters.com). Signed by President Serdar Berdymukhamedov, the legislation (effective January 1, 2026) requires licensing for crypto exchanges and mining operations and defines rules for how virtual assets can be created, stored, and traded domestically. The authorities say the goal is to diversify an economy historically dependent on natural gas exports. This move aligns Turkmenistan with regional peers: for example, neighboring Kyrgyzstan has been exploring national crypto initiatives, including a state-backed stablecoin (www.reuters.com).

Why it matters:

• Turkmenistan joins a growing list of countries that are legitimizing digital currencies, potentially attracting investors and tech companies to the region.
• The law may help develop a domestic crypto sector that leverages the country’s cheap energy resources for mining, as seen in other Central Asian nations.
• This shift indicates increasing government interest in harnessing blockchain technology for economic modernization and revenue diversification.

Heads up: Cryptocurrencies remain highly volatile and speculative. This news roundup is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research (DYOR) and consider the risks before trading or investing.

Bottom Line

This week’s news highlights the crypto industry’s maturation and growing pains. Regulatory bodies and traditional finance players are pushing for clear rules, large firms are vying for market share, and security lapses continue to surface. Investors should stay informed and cautious: while institutional interest in digital assets is rising, the landscape remains unpredictable. Long-term success will depend on sound regulations, robust technology, and disciplined risk management.