Crypto News Round-Up — October 2025

This month’s headlines cover a range of developments in the crypto sector, from regulatory proposals and exchange upgrades to new token launches and market milestones. Below is a quick guide to the biggest stories making an impact in October 2025.

• UK Proposes Easier Rules for Crypto Firms
• FBI Blames North Korean Hackers for $1.5B Crypto Heist
• Tether Plans New U.S. Stablecoin
• Trump-Backed WLFI Token Hits Major Exchanges
• Visa to Settle Transactions Using USD Coin
• Bitcoin Climbs to New All-Time High
• BlackRock Files for Ethereum ETF

UK Proposes Easier Rules for Crypto Firms

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has indicated plans to loosen certain regulatory requirements for cryptocurrency enterprises. According to industry reports, the FCA may exempt crypto firms from some standard obligations – for example, easing rules on “integrity” standards that apply to traditional financial firms (Reuters). The move is aimed at making London more attractive for blockchain startups and investment funds, aligning with recent shifts toward pro-crypto policy.

Under the proposal, crypto businesses could have greater operational flexibility. At the same time, critics warn that lighter rules might reduce oversight and weaken protections for ordinary investors. The FCA has invited feedback as part of a broader initiative to balance innovation and consumer safety in the evolving crypto landscape.

• Could stimulate growth of blockchain startups in the UK (Reuters).
• Raises concerns about investor protection and market integrity.
• Signals global trend of regulators seeking to compete for crypto business.

FBI Blames North Korean Hackers for $1.5B Crypto Heist

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has publicly accused North Korean state-sponsored hackers of orchestrating a massive cryptocurrency theft. In a recent announcement, the agency said the hackers stole roughly $1.5 billion in digital assets from the Bybit exchange, a Dubai-based cryptocurrency trading platform (AP). The targeted hack, which occurred earlier this year, involved sophisticated malware and led to the loss of millions in Ethereum.

Bybit has reportedly been cooperating with authorities to trace and recover the funds. The FBI’s statement highlights ongoing concerns about illicit actors exploiting the nascent crypto ecosystem for geopolitical purposes. Law enforcement officials emphasized that such attacks demonstrate the need for enhanced security measures and international cooperation against crypto-enabled crime.

• Demonstrates that nation-state actors view crypto networks as targets (AP News).
• Highlights ongoing security risks on exchanges handling large asset reserves.
• May prompt tighter enforcement and scrutiny of cross-border transfers.

Tether Plans New U.S. Stablecoin

Tether, the issuer of the popular USDT stablecoin, announced late in October that it will introduce a new dollar-backed cryptocurrency designed specifically for U.S. users. CEO Paolo Ardoino said the forthcoming token – reportedly called USAT – will be fully compliant with U.S. regulations (Reuters). The move comes as regulators examine the stablecoin market and contemplate stricter rules on digital assets pegged to fiat currency.

The launch of a U.S.-focused Tether stablecoin underscores the company’s efforts to expand in the regulated market. The announcement follows Tether’s assurances that it maintains one of the largest reserve pools to back its tokens. Observers note that competition among stablecoin issuers could intensify, and the development is likely to draw close attention from financial authorities monitoring marketplace risk.

• Shows growing demand for regulated stablecoins in the U.S. (Reuters).
• May trigger reviews of reserve and transparency requirements.
• Could intensify competition among existing stablecoin offerings.

Trump-Backed WLFI Token Hits Major Exchanges

WLFI, a cryptocurrency project backed by Donald Trump’s World Liberty Financial platform, has begun trading on mainstream exchanges. After years as a governance token with limited market access, WLFI tokens were listed this month on several major crypto venues (e.g. Binance, OKX) according to reports (Reuters). The token’s launch on big exchanges follows a high-profile $700 million private sale of WLFI earlier this year and extensive promotion by Trump affiliates.

World Liberty Financial describes WLFI as a governance token whose holders can vote on platform decisions. Its trading debut signals significant investor interest; initial volumes saw WLFI command prices far above earlier escrow values. The launch is notable because of its political connections, and it illustrates how new crypto ventures can leverage media attention and celebrity endorsement for fundraising and liquidity.

• Demonstrates how political branding can drive crypto adoption (Reuters).
• Raises questions about speculation driven by hype vs. underlying utility.
• Could lead to scrutiny of token marketing directed at retail investors.

Visa to Settle Transactions Using USD Coin

Visa, the global payments giant, confirmed plans to use a leading stablecoin to settle certain blockchain transactions. The company said that, starting in the coming weeks, it will allow USD Coin (USDC) to act as a settlement currency for crypto transactions on its network (Reuters). Initially, the change will involve Visa’s partnerships with major crypto firms (including Block and Crypto.com), effectively replacing traditional fiat settlement with digital dollars.

The announcement is a landmark for crypto adoption in mainstream finance. By embracing USDC, Visa is relying on blockchain-native money to clear transactions traditionally handled by banks. Visa’s move follows successful integrations of crypto payment solutions and is viewed as a validation of stablecoins’ role in bridging digital finance with conventional payment rails.

• Represents a major step in blockchain adoption by legacy finance (Reuters).
• Validates stablecoins as credible settlement currencies.
• New model for competition between crypto firms and traditional banks.

Bitcoin Climbs to New All-Time High

After months of sideways trading, Bitcoin surged this October and exceeded a new record price level (CoinDesk). The cryptocurrency briefly crossed the $120,000 mark, exceeding its previous high. Market analysts attribute the rally to a combination of factors, including renewed retail enthusiasm, the upcoming Bitcoin reward halving, and signals of broader institutional acceptance. Trading volumes on major exchanges rose sharply as investors moved to capture gains.

The new peak comes amid a wave of optimism driven by news events and surveys showing increased crypto interest in the U.S. Nevertheless, some analysts caution that such fast rallies carry volatility. Bitcoin’s renewed strength has grabbed headlines and could accelerate discussions about crypto in financial portfolios, even as regulators and investors debate the sustainability of the rally.

• Indicates continued bullish sentiment among crypto investors (CoinDesk).
• Encourages more mainstream attention but raises bubble concerns.
• May spur interest in related digital assets (alts, DeFi) in the near term.

BlackRock Files for Ethereum ETF

Financial powerhouse BlackRock has filed paperwork with U.S. regulators to create an exchange-traded fund (ETF) tied to Ethereum (Bloomberg News). The proposed fund would give investors direct exposure to Ether, joining BlackRock’s existing offerings in Bitcoin. Industry sources say the filing represents continued institutional appetite for crypto products, even as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has not yet approved any Ether ETF.

If cleared, BlackRock’s ETH ETF would mark a major step in legitimizing Ethereum for mainstream investors. BlackRock’s name recognition and regulatory compliance systems could help assuage concerns about volatility and fraud. On the other hand, SEC approval is not guaranteed, and the agency has emphasized a cautious stance toward large crypto product launches. The application is being watched as a barometer of how quickly regulators might adapt to the growing demand for crypto asset investments.

• Highlights growing institutional demand for crypto investment products (Bloomberg News).
• Prominent firms getting involved can lend legitimacy to crypto markets.
• Outcome hinges on SEC policy: approval could open floodgates, rejection could stall the sector.

Note: Cryptocurrency markets remain highly volatile and speculative. This article is informational only and does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct your own research (DYOR) before investing, and be aware of the risks of crypto trading.

Bottom Line

The crypto landscape continued to evolve rapidly in October 2025, with regulators tweaking policies, major companies embracing blockchain technology, and prices reaching new highs. While these developments signal growing integration of digital assets into mainstream finance, they also underscore persistent risks – including security breaches and regulatory uncertainty. Investors should keep a balanced view: innovation in the sector is real, but markets can swing suddenly. Staying informed, diversified, and cautious remains essential as crypto assets gain wider attention.