Crypto News Round-Up — October 2025

The past day has been eventful for the cryptocurrency sector, with key regulatory moves and industry developments making headlines worldwide. On one hand, U.S. policy remained in focus as the president tapped a crypto-savvy lawyer to lead the CFTC, and a high-profile crypto executive was pardoned. On the other, European regulators took new actions, and cybersecurity teams revealed a sophisticated blockchain malware. Meanwhile, major payment firms are expanding crypto support, highlighting ongoing adoption. Below we unpack each story and explain its potential impact.

• Trump nominates Michael Selig as new CFTC chair
• Revolut secures EU crypto license via Cyprus
• Trump pardons Binance founder Changpeng Zhao
• UK regulator sues crypto exchange HTX
• North Korean hackers embed malware in blockchain (“EtherHiding”)
• PayPal expands crypto support with Dogecoin

Trump nominates Michael Selig as new CFTC chair

President Trump announced the nomination of Michael Selig to serve as chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) (www.reuters.com). Selig is currently chief counsel for the CFTC’s crypto task force and has worked closely with regulators on digital asset policy. According to Reuters, the pick underscores the administration’s stated goal of fostering innovation in cryptocurrencies while maintaining oversight (www.reuters.com). Supporters note that Selig was instrumental in coordinating U.S. crypto regulation, working alongside the Securities and Exchange Commission on recent proposals.

Why it matters:

• The nomination signals continuity in pro-innovation crypto policy, reflecting the administration’s commitment to making the U.S. a leader in digital assets (Reuters).
• Selig’s background suggests the CFTC will closely coordinate cryptocurrency oversight with other agencies, potentially smoothing enforcement efforts.
• Industry stakeholders say a crypto-savvy chair could bring more clarity to pending legislation and rulemaking in Washington’s crypto agenda.

Revolut secures EU crypto license via Cyprus

London-based fintech Revolut has obtained a crypto-asset services license from Cyprus, EU regulators reported. The license allows Revolut to legally offer cryptocurrency trading and custody services across the entire European Union. Under the bloc’s new markets in crypto assets (MiCA) rules, such licenses are required to operate legally in the EU. This move aligns with Revolut’s strategy to expand its crypto offerings, giving its millions of EU customers regulated access to buying, selling, and storing digital coins.

Why it matters:

• Revolut’s license is one of the first under the new MiCA framework, signaling that the EU crypto regulatory regime is coming online in earnest.
• EU customers now have more mainstream options for cryptocurrency services through regulated platforms, potentially boosting adoption.
• This step pressures other fintech and trading apps to seek licenses, intensifying competition and integration of crypto into everyday finance.

Trump pardons Binance founder Changpeng Zhao

In a surprise move, President Trump granted a full pardon to Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, the co-founder and former CEO of Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange. Zhao had pleaded guilty in 2023 to violating U.S. anti-money-laudering laws and served four months in prison. The pardon, announced on October 23, effectively clears Zhao’s legal slate (www.cbsnews.com). The Associated Press reports that Trump’s statement framed Zhao as a victim of political persecution, a claim disputed by federal prosecutors.

Why it matters:

• The pardon breaks with the recent trend of stricter enforcement in crypto, and may embolden other industry executives by suggesting political intervention in regulatory matters.
• Binance has struggled under global scrutiny; Zhao’s legal troubles now behind him could stabilize Binance’s leadership and operations.
• Market watchers say the unexpected pardon injects uncertainty into U.S. crypto policy, as it sidesteps ongoing legislative and regulatory reviews of the sector.

UK regulator sues crypto exchange HTX

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announced it is taking legal action against HTX (formerly Huobi) for unlawfully promoting crypto services in Britain without proper authorization. According to Reuters, the FCA alleges that HTX marketed its platform to UK customers despite lacking a license, violating the country’s Financial Services and Markets Act (www.reuters.com). HTX is associated with cryptocurrency entrepreneur Justin Sun and operates out of Singapore. This is the latest in a series of UK moves to curb unregistered crypto activity.

Why it matters:

• The lawsuit underscores continuing regulatory crackdowns on offshore crypto exchanges targeting domestic investors without oversight.
• HTX’s legal troubles may deter other platforms from non-compliant marketing, reinforcing global efforts to enforce licensing rules.
• For customers, the action highlights the risk of using unlicensed services and may push users toward regulated providers.

North Korean hackers embed malware in blockchain (“EtherHiding”)

Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a new attack method dubbed “EtherHiding,” in which malicious actors embed undetectable malware inside Ethereum smart contracts. Google’s Threat Intelligence Group reported that North Korean hackers (the UNC5342 group) have been inserting hidden JavaScript payloads into seemingly benign smart contracts to steal crypto and evade detection. Because the malware lives in the blockchain code itself, it cannot be easily removed by network validators. This is the first time researchers have seen nation-state actors use such a technique, according to a Tom’s Hardware report (www.tomshardware.com).

Why it matters:

• The discovery shows that blockchain contracts are not immune to sophisticated attacks; even on-chain code can harbor malware.
• Cryptocurrency users and developers may need to adopt more rigorous contract-auditing practices to guard against embedded threats.
• It highlights an ongoing security risk to decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and underscores the need for vigilance from exchanges and users alike.

PayPal expands crypto support with Dogecoin

According to Bloomberg News, payment giant PayPal announced it will add support for the meme cryptocurrency Dogecoin on its platform. Starting next month, PayPal users in the U.S. will be able to buy, sell, and transfer Dogecoin alongside Bitcoin and Ethereum on the app. PayPal also plans to enable merchants to accept Dogecoin payments, continuing the expansion of crypto into mainstream payment networks. This follows PayPal’s earlier moves to open crypto services to its global user base and reflects growing consumer interest in alternative coins.

Why it matters:

• PayPal’s move brings Dogecoin closer to everyday use, potentially driving wider adoption of crypto payment by merchants and consumers.
• As a major payment processor, PayPal’s support adds legitimacy to smaller cryptocurrencies and increases their visibility in the financial system.
• The announcement may pressure competing payment firms to expand their crypto offerings, further integrating digital assets into global commerce.

Reminder: Cryptocurrency markets remain highly volatile and speculative. Prices can fluctuate drastically in short periods. None of the information above is financial advice. Always do your own research and consider consulting a professional before making any investment or trading decisions.

Bottom Line

The recent news underscores how rapidly the crypto landscape is evolving. Regulatory actions – from U.S. appointments to UK enforcement – are reshaping the rules under which crypto firms operate, while corporate developments and technology advances continue to push adoption forward. These stories together highlight an industry at a crossroads: as governments and companies both embrace and challenge cryptocurrencies, market participants face fresh opportunities and uncertainties. Investors and users should stay informed and cautious as the sector develops.