Crypto News Round-Up — November 2025

Recent news has seen major developments across the cryptocurrency world. Regulators, banks and tech firms are making headlines, from new oversight proposals in Europe and Africa to high-profile market events. This round-up covers the most important stories of the week and explains why they matter.

• EU Mulls SEC-like Oversight for Crypto Exchanges
• Russia Authorizes Crypto Pilots for Banks
• SoFi Relaunches Crypto Trading for Customers
• Balancer DeFi Protocol Exploited for $116M
• Ghana Plans Year-End Crypto Regulations
• Kenya Passes Landmark Crypto Bill

EU Mulls SEC-like Oversight for Crypto Exchanges

The European Commission is reportedly drafting a proposal to expand the authority of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) to cover cryptocurrency exchanges. The aim is to create a unified regulator – effectively a “European SEC” – that would oversee cross-border trading of crypto assets across the EU (Cointelegraph). By consolidating oversight under one body, the EU hopes to cut down on the costs and complexity of dealing with multiple national regulators and make it easier for crypto startups to operate across member states.

ECB President Christine Lagarde has backed this idea in principle, suggesting that empowering ESMA with a broader mandate and direct supervision could mitigate systemic risks from large crypto firms. According to reports, the Commission plans to publish a draft of the proposal in December (Cointelegraph).

• Why it matters: A single EU regulator could simplify rules and lower barriers for crypto companies operating in multiple countries.
• It would centralize enforcement authority, potentially making wrist tougher on market misconduct while giving startups more regulatory certainty.

Russia Authorizes Crypto Pilots for Banks

Russian regulators will allow banks to conduct limited trials of cryptocurrency trading under new rules announced this week (CoinLaw). The pilot programs enable banks to test crypto services in a tightly controlled environment as a prelude to a full cryptocurrency law expected in 2026. In practical terms, this means sanctioned banks may be able to offer certain crypto-related products or services under strict supervision, a move seen as a way to ease sanctions pressure on the economy while maintaining government oversight.

• Why it matters: By permitting banks to pilot crypto activities, Russia is signaling a potential easing of its strict stance, possibly to bolster its economy amid sanctions.
• The trials could increase liquidity and facilitate cross-border payments in a sanctioned environment, though under heavy restrictions.

SoFi Relaunches Crypto Trading for Customers

SoFi, the U.S. fintech banking platform, has re-enabled cryptocurrency trading for its retail customers (Reuters). After pausing crypto purchases to secure a national banking license, SoFi announced that its members can now buy, sell and hold Bitcoin, Ether and other assets through the app. CEO Anthony Noto called it “a pivotal moment when banking meets crypto,” reflecting how new regulatory guidance has opened the door for traditional banks to offer crypto services.

• Why it matters: Mainstream banks are beginning to embrace crypto – SoFi’s move could prompt larger banks (like JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, etc.) to roll out similar trading services.
• The relaunch reflects a regulatory shift: U.S. agencies recently clarified that banks can engage in crypto custody and trading, signaling broad institutional support for digital assets.

(Reuters)

Balancer DeFi Protocol Exploited for $116M

Hackers drained roughly $116 million from Balancer, a decentralized exchange and automated market maker, in a sophisticated exploit (BakerHostetler). The attackers appear to have manipulated Balancer’s smart contracts and liquidity pools to siphon funds without immediately triggering automated alarms. Security analysts report this as one of the largest DeFi heists of the year; investigations continue into how the vulnerability was exploited.

• Why it matters: The massive loss highlights persistent security risks in DeFi platforms; such exploits may lead to calls for better audits, insurance and more cautious investor behavior.
• Investors and regulators will likely scrutinize these projects more closely, which could slow some DeFi activity and encourage stronger safety measures.

(BakerHostetler)

Ghana Plans Year-End Crypto Regulations

Ghana’s financial regulators have announced they will finalize comprehensive cryptocurrency rules by the end of December (Cointelegraph). This follows parliament’s move to advance a digital assets bill into formal consideration. The new framework would establish licensing requirements and oversight for crypto exchanges and service providers, aiming to bring the country’s burgeoning crypto market into a regulated environment. Officials say the goal is to protect consumers from fraud and volatility, while also enabling legitimate crypto businesses to flourish.

• Why it matters: Clear regulations could make Ghana one of the first African countries to formalize crypto trading, boosting investor confidence and business growth.
• A well-defined legal framework may encourage more people to use crypto services, knowing protections are in place under law.

(Cointelegraph)

Kenya Passes Landmark Crypto Bill

Kenyan lawmakers approved the Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill 2025, establishing the nation’s first legal framework for cryptocurrency trading (Kenyan Wallstreet). Under this law, crypto exchanges and related businesses must register with regulators and adhere to new compliance requirements. The bill places oversight of virtual assets under the country’s central bank and capital markets authority. Supporters say the legislation will help prevent fraud and bring Abuja into line with global standards, while still encouraging fintech innovation in Kenya.

• Why it matters: By creating clear rules and licensing requirements, Kenya aims to foster a safer crypto market and attract investment.
• The law balances innovation and consumer protection, which could spur mainstream adoption among businesses and the public.

(Kenyan Wallstreet)

Note: Cryptocurrency markets remain highly volatile and unpredictable. This summary is for informational purposes only and not financial advice. Investors should always do their own research (DYOR) and carefully consider the risks before making any crypto investments.

Bottom Line

These developments highlight a mixed picture: on one hand, major regulators and financial institutions are integrating crypto into the mainstream; on the other, security issues and market risks persist. Proposals for unified oversight and new laws in various countries suggest growing acceptance, but events like the Balancer hack serve as a reminder of the sector’s vulnerabilities. As the crypto landscape evolves, readers should stay informed, remain cautious, and consider the long-term implications of this rapidly changing market.