Crypto News Round-Up — September 2025

Late September has seen renewed volatility and major headlines in the cryptocurrency world. In recent days, regulators in the U.S. have launched new investigations, exchanges have sought fresh capital, and long-awaited policy changes are on the horizon. Below we summarize the key crypto news stories of the past week and explain their significance.

• US regulators probe unusual stock moves around crypto announcements
• Kraken in talks for new funding at ~$20B valuation
• UK to allow retail crypto investments via ETNs
• Iranian Nobitex exchange suffers $90M hack
• UK stablecoin framework still pending
• US and UK form joint crypto task force

US regulators probe unusual stock moves around crypto announcements

A recent WSJ report, cited by Reuters, revealed that U.S. financial regulators are investigating unexplained stock price jumps for certain companies just before they announced cryptocurrency investments (www.reuters.com). The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) have opened probes into whether insiders traded ahead of these crypto-treasury announcements. According to Reuters, the probe will determine if standard market rules were broken (Reuters).

The development highlights regulators’ growing concern over how cryptocurrency news affects broader markets. If insiders benefited from knowing timing of crypto purchases in advance, enforcement actions could follow. These inquiries signal that U.S. authorities are closely monitoring the intersection of crypto and traditional securities.

• Why it matters: Ensures fair markets by targeting potential insider trading tied to crypto news.
• Highlights that crypto-related corporate announcements are subject to traditional securities scrutiny.
• Could lead to stricter rules on disclosure and trading around digital asset investments.

Kraken in talks for new funding at ~$20B valuation

According to reports cited by Reuters, major crypto exchange Kraken is in advanced discussions to raise additional capital at a valuation of around $20 billion (www.reuters.com). The proposed funding round may include a strategic investor putting in roughly $200–$300 million. Kraken executives are said to be meeting potential backers as the exchange looks to expand its resources amid evolving U.S. regulatory uncertainty.

Establishing a near-$20 billion valuation would mark a significant milestone for Kraken and the crypto exchange sector. It suggests continued investor confidence in the industry despite regulatory headwinds. The new capital could help Kraken scale its business globally, invest in technology and compliance, and weather any legal challenges ahead.

• Why it matters: A $20B valuation indicates strong investor demand for crypto infrastructure.
• Raises the bar for exchange valuations after recent growth of competitors like Coinbase.
• Additional funding would bolster Kraken’s ability to grow and meet regulatory requirements.

UK to allow retail crypto investments via ETNs

MoneyWeek reports that the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will lift its ban on retail investors buying crypto exchange-traded notes (ETNs) starting October 8, 2025 (moneyweek.com). These ETP-like investment vehicles for assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum have been barred for unsophisticated UK customers since 2021 due to consumer risk concerns. Under the new rule, everyday investors will once again be able to buy regulated crypto ETNs on UK platforms.

• Why it matters: Opens crypto markets to a wider UK audience and boosts adoption.
• Reverses a strict UK stance, aligning Britain with more permissive markets in the US and EU.
• Likely increases liquidity and mainstream interest in cryptocurrencies in the UK.

Iranian Nobitex exchange suffers $90M hack

In a significant security incident, Iranian crypto exchange Nobitex disclosed that it was the target of a cyberattack in June that wiped out about $90 million in cryptocurrencies (www.reuters.com). Reuters reports that hackers associated with the group "Predatory Sparrow" (linked to foreign intelligence) attacked Nobitex. The intruders apparently destroyed the exchange’s hot wallet funds rather than transferring them, an attack tactic that permanently eliminates the assets.

• Why it matters: Underscores that state-sponsored cyber threats remain a major risk for crypto platforms.
• Shows that even countries with strict crypto controls (like Iran) face large-scale hacks.
• Highlights the need for improved security and for exchanges to plan for geopolitical cyber risks.

UK stablecoin framework still pending

Analysts note that the UK has yet to finalize a clear regulatory regime for stablecoins, potentially missing out on a growing market. Reuters reports that Britain is lagging behind peers like the EU and Japan, where strict rules for asset-backed crypto tokens are already in place (www.reuters.com). Experts warn that withholding comprehensive guidelines could leave UK consumers and businesses without the protections and innovation seen in regions with firm stablecoin rules.

• Why it matters: Delay in regulation may deter UK fintech firms and investors from using stablecoins.
• Uncertainty can slow down development of new products like e-money tokens or digital payment schemes.
• Risk of the UK falling behind global competition in digital asset infrastructure.

US and UK form joint crypto task force

On President Trump’s recent visit to the UK, officials announced the creation of a bilateral "Crypto Taskforce of the Future" to coordinate digital asset regulations. Reuters reports that this task force aims to reduce regulatory barriers for businesses accessing capital markets in both countries and enhance cooperation on crypto rules (www.reuters.com). The UK Treasury and the US financial authorities will jointly lead the effort, signaling a strong commitment to transatlantic crypto policy alignment.

• Why it matters: Establishes an unprecedented U.S.-UK partnership on crypto oversight.
• Could simplify cross-border compliance for crypto companies operating in both markets.
• Signals that major governments are collaborating to shape the future of digital asset finance.

Volatility & Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile and speculative. This roundup is informational only, not investment advice. Always do your own research (DYOR) and carefully consider the risks before buying or selling any digital asset.

Bottom Line

This week’s headlines show that cryptocurrency is at a turning point. Regulators on both sides of the Atlantic are accelerating oversight, even as institutional interest and funding remain strong. Policy reversals in the UK and new international task forces highlight growing government involvement, while security breaches remind investors of ongoing risks. In this evolving landscape, the interplay of opportunity and uncertainty underscores the need for caution. Regardless of the news, crypto markets can swing dramatically—so remain vigilant, seek reliable information, and invest only what you can afford to lose.