Crypto News Round-Up — September 2025

As September 2025 draws to a close, significant developments have emerged across the cryptocurrency industry. U.S. regulators are clarifying crypto policy, exchanges are adjusting their business lines, and even large-scale hacks have made headlines. This roundup covers the top stories by category and why they matter.

• SEC Proposes Crypto Rule Overhaul
• Coinbase to Acquire Deribit Exchange
• Massive $1.5B Bybit Exchange Hack
• BigONE Exchange Suffers $27M Breach
• Japanese Hotel Firm Buys $5B in Bitcoin
• U.S. Stablecoin Regulation Bill Advances

SEC Proposes Crypto Rule Overhaul

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced a new rulemaking agenda aimed at overhauling crypto policy (Reuters). The proposals would clarify how the offer and sale of digital assets fit under securities laws, introduce potential exemptions and safe-harbors for crypto firms, and even allow qualified cryptocurrency securities to trade on national exchanges. Overall, the initiative is intended to ease compliance burdens for Wall Street firms dealing in crypto assets.

• Clarity for industry: Clearer rules and exemptions can reduce legal uncertainty for crypto businesses and investors.
• Market integration: Allowing crypto products on standard exchanges could boost institutional participation in digital assets.
• Policy shift: The agenda signals a more defined regulatory stance on crypto under the new SEC leadership.

Coinbase to Acquire Deribit Exchange

Coinbase, the largest U.S. cryptocurrency exchange, announced plans to acquire Deribit, a leading crypto derivatives trading platform (Reuters). The $3 billion deal, announced in mid-2025, will expand Coinbase’s global infrastructure into futures and options markets. Deribit is known for advanced trading products, and joining forces with Coinbase is expected to give both retail and institutional users access to a broader range of crypto derivatives.

• Product expansion: The acquisition bolsters Coinbase’s product lineup with established futures and options offerings.
• Competitive edge: Combining resources could make Coinbase more competitive against other global derivatives platforms.
• User benefits: Traders may see better liquidity and more tools as Coinbase integrates Deribit’s technology.

Massive $1.5B Bybit Exchange Hack

Another major crypto security breach was disclosed by Dubai-based exchange Bybit. According to reports, hackers stole roughly $1.5 billion worth of Ethereum from Bybit’s Genesis hot wallet (AP News). U.S. authorities have attributed the heist to North Korean-linked cybercriminals. The scale of the theft makes it one of the largest crypto exchange hack incidents on record.

• Security reminder: The incident highlights that even top exchanges remain vulnerable to sophisticated attacks.
• User protection: Such breaches may prompt platforms to enhance security audits, risk controls, and insurance policies.
• Regulatory focus: Regulators may intensify scrutiny on exchange custodial practices and enforce higher standards.

BigONE Exchange Suffers $27M Breach

Seychelles-based crypto exchange BigONE confirmed it experienced a security breach resulting in about $27 million in losses. The attack reportedly stemmed from stolen admin credentials on one of the exchange’s hot wallets, though BigONE has pledged to reimburse all affected users (Tom’s Hardware). While smaller in scale than some mega-heists, this incident underscores that even mid-sized exchanges face constant security threats.

• Wide impact: The breach shows that cybercriminals target exchanges of all sizes, not just the biggest platforms.
• Importance of safeguards: Exchanges may tighten internal controls, multi-signature wallets, and regular audits to protect customer funds.
• Community confidence: BigONE’s commitment to cover losses aims to reassure users and limit panic withdrawals.

Japanese Hotel Firm Buys $5B in Bitcoin

Metaplanet, a Tokyo-based hotel developer, announced plans to raise $5.4 billion to expand its bitcoin holdings (Financial Times). The company intends to acquire roughly 210,000 BTC (about $5 billion) by the end of 2027 as part of its treasury strategy. Backed by cryptocurrency advocate Jeffrey Berns, Metaplanet’s move is a bet that bitcoin can significantly appreciate and serve as a long-term value store for its business.

• Corporate adoption: A broad public company investing heavily in bitcoin signals growing acceptance of crypto in corporate finance.
• Investor sentiment: Such large-scale purchases can boost market confidence and may contribute to higher bitcoin prices.
• Strategic holdings: The plan reflects how some companies view digital assets as part of a diversified treasury strategy.

U.S. Stablecoin Regulation Bill Advances

U.S. lawmakers continued making progress on stablecoin oversight. In late September, reports indicated that Congress was advancing a bill to regulate stablecoins and integrate them into the banking system (AP News). The proposed legislation would require stablecoin issuers to be chartered banks or insured institutions and subject them to Federal Reserve oversight. Advocates say this framework could bring transparency and consumer protections to the growing payments sector.

• Regulatory clarity: Clear rules for stablecoins could encourage more confidence in using digital coins for payments.
• Consumer safeguards: Bank-backed issuance and oversight aim to ensure that stablecoins are fully collateralized and auditable.
• Mainstream bridge: Integrating stablecoins into traditional finance may pave the way for broader institutional adoption of crypto-based payments.

Note: Cryptocurrencies remain volatile and carry significant risk. The news above reflects recent events and may impact markets quickly. Always do your own research and consider seeking professional advice before making financial decisions in the crypto space.

Bottom Line

These stories illustrate that cryptocurrency markets are in a state of rapid evolution. Regulators in the U.S. and abroad are moving to clarify how digital coins fit into the financial system, potentially easing the path for institutional involvement. Major exchanges and companies are reshaping their strategies — whether through acquisitions, new product support, or aggressive investment in crypto assets. At the same time, large-scale hacks remind us that security remains a top concern. Overall, the mixed developments hint at a maturing market that still requires investors to stay alert. As always, careful research and risk management are key in this dynamic environment.