Crypto News Round-Up — October 2025

This month’s crypto headlines span policy shifts, market moves and a high-tech scam, showing the industry’s evolving mix of promise and risk. From Washington and Tokyo to Kazakhstan and Wall Street, regulators and companies are deepening their ties to digital assets. Below is a brief summary of the top crypto news as of late October 2025.

• Trump picks crypto specialist to lead U.S. derivatives regulator
• Japan considers allowing banks to trade cryptocurrencies
• Kyrgyzstan issues national stablecoin with Binance
• MicroStrategy swings to profit on Bitcoin gains
• Deepfake crypto giveaway fools Nvidia fans
• Hong Kong to let banks offer crypto services
• Wall Street banks also embrace digital assets

Trump picks crypto specialist to lead U.S. derivatives regulator

President Donald Trump has nominated Michael Selig to serve as chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Selig, who has been the CFTC’s chief counsel on cryptocurrency matters, is known for his familiarity with blockchain issues (Bloomberg). If confirmed, he could shape U.S. crypto policy in the coming year as regulators tackle questions around digital asset markets.

Why it matters

• Selig’s leadership may speed up regulatory clarity for Bitcoin, Ethereum and new tokens.
• Industry insiders expect a more crypto-comfortable approach that could encourage innovation.
• Investors will watch for any policy changes affecting crypto trading and derivative products.

Japan considers allowing banks to trade cryptocurrencies

According to Nikkei, Japan’s Financial Services Agency is weighing a change that would let banking subsidiaries offer cryptocurrency trading services. Under current rules only registered crypto exchanges can handle digital assets. Permitting banks to enter this market would be a major shift (Nikkei), potentially widening access to crypto products through familiar traditional financial channels.

Why it matters

• Opening banks to crypto could bring more regulated investment options and institutional liquidity.
• Mainstream banks’ entry may boost public trust and participation in digital assets.
• This move aligns Japan with global trends of integrating crypto into conventional finance.

Kyrgyzstan issues national stablecoin with Binance

Kyrgyzstan’s president announced the launch of a government-backed stablecoin and a complementary central bank digital currency (CBDC). The project was developed in collaboration with the Binance exchange, aiming to modernize Kyrgyzstan’s payment systems (Reuters). This rural nation of 7 million people is positioning itself at the forefront of digital-currency innovation in the region.

Why it matters

• It marks a rare case of a national stablecoin in an emerging economy.
• Partnership with a major crypto firm highlights how governments may rely on industry tech.
• Successful use of the stablecoin could pave the way for more digital remittance and e-commerce projects.

MicroStrategy swings to profit on Bitcoin gains

Business software firm MicroStrategy, the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, reported a profit in the third quarter thanks to its crypto investment. The company posted a net income of $XX million (up from a loss last year), largely due to paper gains on its bitcoin stash (Reuters). CEO Michael Saylor, a prominent Bitcoin advocate, saw the stock jump after the results, underlining how deeply MicroStrategy’s fortunes are tied to cryptocurrency prices.

Why it matters

• Shows how some companies are using Bitcoin as a treasury asset to improve balance sheets.
• Bitcoin’s price surge, which drove the profits, highlights the market’s ongoing volatility.
• Other firms may follow suit if they see crypto boosting returns, increasing institutional adoption.

Deepfake crypto giveaway fools Nvidia fans

Scammers used an AI-generated video of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang to lure crypto investors into a fake giveaway. The video, posted on YouTube, impersonated Huang and touted a Bitcoin airdrop, drawing about 100,000 viewers—five times the audience of the real Nvidia conference stream (www.tomshardware.com). The hoax illustrates how advanced deepfake technology is being harnessed to deceive users in the crypto space (Tom’s Hardware).

Why it matters

• Deepfakes and online impersonations are becoming tools for cryptocurrency fraud.
• Investors should verify events and giveaways through official channels only.
• Highlights non-technical attack vectors: crypto security also depends on user awareness.

Hong Kong to let banks offer crypto services

Bloomberg reports that Hong Kong’s regulators plan to allow major banks to provide cryptocurrency trading services to retail customers. This would be an extension of the city’s existing crypto-friendly framework, potentially making Hong Kong a larger hub for retail crypto investment (Bloomberg). The change could bring traditional financial institutions into direct competition with crypto exchanges in the territory.

Why it matters

• Brings established banks into crypto trading, likely increasing regulated market oversight.
• Could attract more Asian crypto investors by leveraging Hong Kong’s financial infrastructure.
• Signals continued mainstream acceptance of crypto in major financial centers.

Wall Street banks also embrace digital assets

CoinDesk reports that major Wall Street firms are expanding their cryptocurrency offerings. Morgan Stanley is developing new crypto investment products for wealth-management clients, building on earlier programs allowing Bitcoin exposure (CoinDesk). Other institutions like Bank of New York Mellon are extending crypto custody and trading services. These moves show that legacy finance is increasingly targeting the crypto market.

Why it matters

• Institutional involvement can boost liquidity and potentially stabilize crypto markets.
• More crypto products from banks make it easier for conservative investors to gain exposure.
• Bank participation pressures regulators to establish clear rules and consumer protections.

Cryptocurrency markets are volatile and complex. This round-up is for informational purposes only and not financial advice. Always do your own research (DYOR) and be prepared for risk when investing or trading in digital assets.

Bottom Line

The latest developments illustrate a fast-maturing crypto ecosystem. Governments and banks are moving closer to digital assets, potentially expanding investment and innovation. At the same time, the sudden shifts in prices and the rise of sophisticated scams remind everyone that crypto markets carry high risk. Investors should stay informed and cautious as regulatory clarity and technology both evolve.