Crypto News Round-Up — November 2025

Here are the latest developments in the cryptocurrency world covering regulatory updates, market moves and security incidents. We highlight key stories from around the globe and explain why each matters to investors and the broader crypto ecosystem.

• SoFi Introduces Crypto Trading Services
• Brazil Central Bank Tightens Crypto Rules
• Chinese Crypto Ponzi Figure Jailed in UK

SoFi Introduces Crypto Trading Services

Fintech firm SoFi announced that it will become the first U.S. bank to offer cryptocurrency trading to its retail clients (Reuters). Starting immediately, SoFi customers can buy, sell and hold major cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana through a new integrated platform. The company said it plans to expand access to institutional clients later. This move follows recent guidance from the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) which gave banks the green light to offer crypto and blockchain services. SoFi also revealed plans to issue a U.S.-dollar stablecoin and embed crypto capabilities into its lending and broader financial services offerings.

• Why it matters: SoFi’s move makes it the first U.S. bank to directly integrate crypto trading for customers, signaling that mainstream financial institutions are embracing digital assets.
• This development reflects growing regulatory clarity. New OCC guidance has encouraged banks to support cryptocurrency, helping clear the way for trusted institutions like SoFi to expand into crypto markets.
• SoFi’s planned stablecoin and crypto-integrated lending suggest that more financial products will blend traditional and crypto-finance, potentially accelerating broader adoption of digital assets.

Brazil Central Bank Tightens Crypto Rules

Brazil’s central bank released a new regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, extending strict anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism-financing rules to virtual asset service providers (Reuters). Under the new rules – set to take effect in early 2026 – foreign-exchange and securities brokers handling cryptocurrencies will now need regulatory authorization. The regulations also classify transactions involving fiat-pegged stablecoins as foreign exchange operations, meaning payments and transfers using stablecoins will be treated like currency trades. In addition, the rules impose higher standards for consumer protection, transparency, governance, internal controls and security on virtual-asset businesses. Regulators said the measures are aimed at curbing fraud, scams and financial crimes in the rapidly growing crypto market.

• Why it matters: Brazil’s detailed crypto regs are among the first comprehensive frameworks globally, signaling increased official oversight of digital assets.
• By classifying stablecoins as foreign exchange transactions, Brazil is specifically targeting illicit use of stablecoins and ensuring these assets fall under existing currency rules.
• The new rules aim to protect consumers and improve market integrity. Other countries may look to Brazil’s approach as crypto adoption rises worldwide, making compliant market access clearer for investors and businesses.

Chinese Crypto Ponzi Figure Jailed in UK

A Chinese national, Qian Zhimin, was sentenced in a UK court to over 11 years in prison for her role in a massive cryptocurrency-based Ponzi scheme (Reuters). Qian founded an online gold-trading platform that between 2014 and 2017 defrauded nearly 130,000 investors of about 40 billion renminbi (about $5.6 billion). Investigators say she laundered a portion of the proceeds by converting them to bitcoin. UK authorities ultimately seized over 61,000 bitcoins (worth roughly $6 billion) during the probe – one of the largest crypto confiscations on record. Prosecutors described Qian as the “architect” of the scheme, motivated by greed. The case highlights how law enforcement is increasingly tracing cryptocurrency flows and collaborating internationally to recover illicit funds.

• Why it matters: The massive bitcoin seizure and sentencing demonstrate that crypto-related financial crimes can be tracked and prosecuted across borders.
• This unprecedented recovery of assets shows that large-scale crypto fraudsters face serious legal consequences, sending a strong deterrent message to those using digital assets for illicit schemes.
• The case underlines the growing intersection between traditional financial crime enforcement and the crypto market. It also reassures investors that regulators are working to clean up criminal activity in the space.

Cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile and the information presented here is for general informational purposes only. Always do your own research (DYOR) and consider the risks carefully before making any investment decisions.

Bottom Line

This week’s headlines highlight both growing mainstream adoption and heightened scrutiny in crypto. A US fintech’s entry into crypto trading shows that banks and regulators are warming up to digital assets, while new Brazilian rules illustrate how governments are moving to bring crypto under clearer legal frameworks. At the same time, the major money-laundering conviction reminds us of the risks and illicit activity that can occur in this space. Together, these stories suggest that the crypto industry is maturing: it is gaining legitimacy but also facing stronger oversight. Investors should note both the opportunities that come with financial innovation and the importance of regulatory compliance and security. Stay tuned for more updates as the market continues to evolve.