Crypto News Round-Up — November 2025

This week’s crypto headlines were a mix of fresh regulatory actions, market innovations, and security alerts. For example, crypto exchanges adjusted to new rules in Japan just as U.S. asset managers filed for innovative ETF products. Authorities also made a major arrest in a high-profile cryptocurrency hack. The summaries below outline each key story and why it matters.

• Bybit Pauses New Registrations in Japan
• Canary and Bitwise Propose Altcoin ETFs
• 21Shares Files for ‘Hype’ Token ETF
• Asia-Pacific Crypto Adoption Soars
• FBI Arrests Crypto Hacker ‘Stormous’
• North Korean Hackers Embed Malware in Blockchains

Bybit Pauses New Registrations in Japan

In Japan, crypto exchange Bybit announced it would pause new user registrations from Oct. 31 to comply with updated Financial Services Agency rules (Coinpedia). The pause affects only new accounts – existing users can still trade. Bybit said it took the step because Japan has tightened its crypto regulations, requiring platforms to register their services. The exchange also recently obtained a full operating license in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (Coinpedia), illustrating how it is seeking growth under clear regulations abroad.

Why it matters:

• Highlights how national regulations can force exchanges to adjust operations quickly.
• Signals Japan’s tougher stance on crypto platforms, meaning services must seek formal approval.
• Bybit’s move to get a UAE license suggests firms will shift focus to more crypto-friendly jurisdictions.

Canary and Bitwise Propose Altcoin ETFs

Financial news reported that Canary Capital will launch U.S. ETFs tracking Litecoin and Hedera, and Bitwise Asset Management plans an ETF for Solana (Reuters). If approved, these would be the first U.S. exchange-traded funds tied to those cryptocurrencies. The filings were made even amid a partial U.S. government shutdown affecting regulators, signaling continued confidence in crypto investments. These new funds would allow investors to gain cryptocurrency exposure through a familiar stock-market vehicle (Reuters).

Why it matters:

• Expands the array of crypto investment products available to mainstream investors (Reuters).
• Signals strong institutional interest in established altcoins.
• Could attract new capital to crypto by packaging major tokens in regulated funds.

21Shares Files for ‘Hype’ Token ETF

Crypto fund manager 21Shares has applied to launch an ETF tracking the “Hype” token (Reuters). The Hype token is a newer cryptocurrency that recently gained fame through a corporate acquisition. 21Shares submitted the proposal shortly after acquiring the token’s developer, aiming to package a meme-inspired coin into an investment fund. If approved, the Hype ETF would let investors buy a piece of a novelty crypto through the stock market (Reuters).

Why it matters:

• Highlights the trend of bringing even meme-like tokens to market via ETFs (Reuters).
• Shows that firms see demand for exposure to new, viral cryptocurrencies.
• May entice new entrants by offering token exposure in a familiar investment format.

Asia-Pacific Crypto Adoption Soars

A Chainalysis report highlights booming crypto usage in Asia-Pacific (APAC). The data show that on-chain crypto transaction volume in APAC jumped from roughly $81 billion in mid-2022 to about $244 billion by late 2024 (Chainalysis). This roughly threefold increase demonstrates that users in countries like India, Vietnam, and Indonesia are transacting far more cryptocurrency. The region’s activity spike helps explain its growing influence on global crypto markets.

Why it matters:

• Confirms Asia-Pacific as a major growth engine for cryptocurrency adoption (Chainalysis).
• Suggests sustained, long-term demand if more people are using crypto daily.
• Indicates where exchanges and projects may focus expansion efforts.

FBI Arrests Crypto Hacker 'Stormous'

U.S. federal agents have arrested a suspect nicknamed “Stormous” in connection with recent cryptocurrency thefts. Reports say the FBI seized about 1,000 Bitcoin (roughly $50 million) from the suspect’s accounts (Coinpedia). Stormous was accused of orchestrating multiple network intrusions and wallet hacks. This operation is one of the largest crypto recoveries in recent law enforcement actions.

Why it matters:

• Major win for law enforcement: recovering stolen funds can benefit victims (Coinpedia).
• Demonstrates that even sophisticated crypto criminals are being tracked and caught.
• Sends a message that crypto crimes can have serious consequences.

North Korean Hackers Embed Malware in Blockchains

In a novel cyber threat, security researchers found North Korean-affiliated hackers hiding malware in smart contracts (Tom’s Hardware). The Lazarus Group reportedly placed a crypto-stealing virus called “Invisible Ferret” inside public blockchain code. When an infected contract is executed, the malware automatically downloads a hidden backdoor script. Because the code is on the immutable blockchain, the malicious software cannot be easily removed without disabling the entire contract (Tom’s Hardware).

Why it matters:

• Shows attackers exploiting blockchain immutability to conceal malware (Tom’s Hardware).
• Reveals a new type of threat: smart contract code that appears normal but hides exploit code.
• Highlights the need for careful auditing of smart contracts, since standard patching may be impossible.

Remember: cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile, and this summary is informational only – not investment advice. Always do your own research (DYOR) and consider consulting a financial professional before making any trades.

Bottom Line

This week’s news underscores that the crypto industry is growing up in two ways. On one hand, new ETFs and surging adoption indicate wider acceptance and demand for digital assets. On the other hand, tighter regulations and innovative hacks highlight persistent risks and scrutiny. Investors and users should stay informed: the landscape is evolving fast, and diligence is essential in this highly volatile market.