Crypto News Round-Up — December 2025

This week’s crypto headlines span new regulations, institutional moves and market turmoil. Governments and regulators have stepped up oversight while big banks and exchanges eye digital assets. At the same time, hackers and law enforcement remain active, and prices are swinging. Below is a quick summary of the top stories in crypto.

• UK Introduces New Crypto Rules
• Crypto.com-Trump Media Deal Under Scrutiny
• North Korean Crypto Hackers Hit Record Haul
• Authorities Shut Down Major Crypto Mixer
• Bank of America Considers Crypto Services
• Bitcoin Plummets in Market Sell-Off

UK Government Proposes Stricter Crypto Regulations

In mid-December, UK officials unveiled draft legislation to treat cryptocurrencies like traditional assets. The new bill under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 would require crypto exchanges and wallet providers to register with regulators and follow transparency and anti-fraud standards (MoneyWeek). Essentially, crypto trading and investment platforms would face similar rules as stock markets.

Supporters say the proposal will protect investors and legitimize the industry by setting clear rules. Critics warn it could raise costs for smaller crypto firms. Either way, the move reflects global momentum toward more formal oversight of digital assets (MoneyWeek).

• Creates regulatory clarity for crypto platforms, helping build investor trust.
• May encourage more institutional participation if rules align with traditional finance.
• Could increase compliance costs and lead some exchanges to relocate.

Investigation Finds Crypto.com-Trump Media Deal Raises Concerns

A recent Associated Press investigation revealed that executives tied to Crypto.com helped finance and provide technology to Trump Media & Technology Group (AP News). The deal drew scrutiny from regulators who noted that undisclosed crypto funding could create a conflict of interest. Crypto.com’s executives reportedly provided millions in crypto technology to the former president’s social media company during ongoing regulatory reviews.

The news highlights how political and business interests are intersecting with crypto. Lawmakers and watchdogs are increasingly attentive to these partnerships, underscoring the need for transparency in the crypto industry (AP News).

• Shows rising scrutiny on crypto investments connected to political figures.
• May prompt calls for stricter disclosure rules for crypto partnerships.
• Reminds investors that regulatory compliance goes beyond trading, affecting corporate deals.

North Korean Crypto Hackers Hit Record Haul in 2025

Security researchers report that North Korea’s state-sponsored hacking groups stole about $2.02 billion in cryptocurrency this year, a new record (Tom’s Hardware). According to Chainalysis data, this accounted for roughly 60% of all known crypto thefts in 2025. The largest single theft was a $1.5 billion exploit of crypto exchange Bybit, attributed to North Korean actors.

Interestingly, the hacking pattern shifted. North Korean hackers carried out fewer attacks overall but achieved much larger takeaways per incident. Their tactics included infiltrating companies via fake job offers and luring executives with scams to seed malware.

• Highlights that major security threats remain, especially from nation-state actors.
• Pressures exchanges to further strengthen cybersecurity and anti-hacking measures.
• Raises geopolitical tensions, as stolen crypto funds may evade traditional sanctions.

International Law Enforcement Shuts Down Major Crypto Mixer

Authorities in the United States, Germany and Switzerland announced they have dismantled Cryptomixer.io, one of the biggest cryptocurrency mixing services. The cooperative raid resulted in the seizure of more than $30 million in mixed crypto assets (TechRadar). Crypto mixers like Cryptomixer are designed to anonymize transactions, often used to launder illicit funds.

This operation shows governments are intensifying efforts against crypto money laundering. By targeting mixer services, regulators hope to make it harder for criminals to hide the origin of stolen or illegal funds in the crypto system.

• Disrupting mixers makes it more difficult for criminals to mask illegal crypto proceeds.
• Demonstrates effective international coordination on crypto-related crime.
• Sends a warning that using privacy tools carries legal risks as enforcement tightens.

Major Bank Reconsidering Cryptocurrency Services

Sources report that JPMorgan Chase – once led by a CEO famously critical of Bitcoin – is now weighing offering cryptocurrency trading and custodial services for its institutional clients (Axios). The bank is said to be exploring ways to give hedge funds and pension funds exposure to Bitcoin and Ethereum, reflecting strong client demand. This would be a notable pivot: just a few years ago, JPMorgan barred its users from transacting in crypto assets.

The shift signals that traditional finance giants are gradually embracing digital assets. By keeping crypto options available, JPMorgan aims to retain clients who might otherwise go elsewhere for crypto exposure (Axios).

• Big bank involvement suggests growing mainstream acceptance of crypto.
• If JPMorgan rolls out crypto trading, other banks may follow suit, expanding market access.
• At the same time, regulators will be watching closely, since banks entering crypto could raise new compliance questions.

Bitcoin Price Suffers Sharp Drop Amid Market Sell-Off

In early December, Bitcoin suddenly slid below $85,000 before rebounding, stoking fears of a larger crypto sell-off (AP News). The rout followed weeks of heavy profit-taking after a crypto rally. Widespread selling in traditional markets – on concerns of rising interest rates and economic uncertainty – spilled into crypto. Shares of crypto-related companies like Coinbase and Robinhood dropped as traders rotated to perceived safe-haven assets like gold.

The volatility underscores that crypto remains susceptible to trends in the broader market. Experts note that when stock markets swoon, crypto prices can quickly reverse course, alarming some investors who may have seen crypto as a hedge.

• Highlights the high volatility and riskiness of crypto assets in turbulent markets.
• Reminds investors that rapid gains can be followed by sharp losses.
• Emphasizes the importance of risk management and diversification during crypto rallies.

Remember: Crypto markets remain volatile and complex. This round-up is for informational purposes and not financial advice. Always do your own research (DYOR) before investing.

Bottom Line

In summary, December’s crypto news spans regulation, security and market risk. Regulators in the UK and elsewhere are moving to bring crypto under established laws, while global law enforcement is cracking down on illicit crypto activity. At the same time, traditional financial players like major banks are inching into the crypto space, reflecting steady adoption despite caution. Investors should note that even as crypto becomes more mainstream, it still carries high risk. The combination of stricter oversight and continued volatility means traders and businesses must stay alert and well-informed.