DeFi

DeFi eliminates intermediaries by using smart contracts on blockchains to provide financial services like lending, borrowing, and trading. In 2026, the "DeFi 3.0" era is defined by Institutional DeFi and the integration of Real-World Assets (RWA). From liquidity provisioning on Uniswap to advanced lending on Aave, this tag tracks the evolution of autonomous financial systems, yield optimization, and the rise of AI-driven portfolio management in the decentralized economy.

68045 Articles
Created: 2026/02/02 18:52
Updated: 2026/02/02 18:52
SEC Says Liquid Staking and Receipt Tokens May Not Be Securities Under Certain Structures

SEC Says Liquid Staking and Receipt Tokens May Not Be Securities Under Certain Structures

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Corporation Finance published a detailed statement on Tuesday clarifying its views on “liquid staking,” a type of crypto protocol staking where users receive newly minted tokens representing staked assets. In a statement, the SEC said the guidance seeks to help crypto participants understand whether these arrangements fall under U.S. securities laws. BREAKING from @SECGov : Liquid staking activities and tokens are not considered securities 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/POcFywU6X7 — Solana (@solana) August 5, 2025 According to the Division, under specific conditions, liquid staking activities and the associated receipt tokens do not involve the offer or sale of securities and therefore do not require SEC registration. Understanding Liquid Staking and Receipt Tokens In a liquid staking setup, crypto holders deposit their assets with a third-party or protocol-based provider and receive “staking receipt tokens” in return. These tokens serve as proof of ownership for the deposited crypto and any rewards earned through staking. Unlike traditional staking, liquid staking allows users to retain liquidity—the receipt tokens can be used in other crypto applications or redeemed later, subject to protocol conditions such as “unbonding” periods. These arrangements can be facilitated either programmatically through self-executing code (protocol-based) or via custodians who manage wallets and interact with staking protocols on behalf of users. In either case, users maintain ownership of their deposited assets throughout the staking process. SEC’s Position: No Securities Involved in Liquid Staking The SEC’s Division explains that the actions undertaken in these liquid staking arrangements—including the minting, issuing, and redeeming of staking receipt tokens—do not meet the legal definition of a securities offering, as long as the deposited assets themselves are not securities or part of an investment contract. This determination hinges on the absence of entrepreneurial or managerial efforts by the Liquid Staking Provider. Providers are not seen as actively managing the user’s investment but merely performing administrative or ministerial functions such as staking the assets or selecting node operators. Therefore, the economic benefits to users arise directly from the staking activity itself, not from the provider’s business efforts—a key distinction under the Howey Test used to identify investment contracts. Howey Test Analysis and the Role of the Provider The SEC applies the Howey Test to evaluate whether an arrangement constitutes an investment contract. The test looks for three elements: an investment of money, in a common enterprise, with an expectation of profits derived from the efforts of others. In the case of liquid staking, the Division stresses that the provider’s role is limited to technical facilitation rather than strategic decision-making. Receipt Tokens Are Not Securities The SEC also addressed the nature of staking receipt tokens themselves. While they are receipts that confirm ownership of deposited crypto, they are not receipts for securities unless the underlying assets qualify as such. These tokens do not independently generate rewards; instead, their value reflects the performance of the staked assets. As long as the structure avoids reliance on managerial efforts and adheres to the described protocols, the SEC does not consider these tokens to be part of a securities offering. The agency cautions, however, that any deviation from these parameters—particularly where providers play a larger, more entrepreneurial role—could change the regulatory outcome. This statement, therefore, offers a framework for compliance but not a blanket exemption. SEC Launches ‘Project Crypto’ Initiative SEC Chairman Paul Atkins announced the launch of “ Project Crypto ” on July 31, a comprehensive initiative designed to modernize securities regulations and allow America’s financial markets to move on-chain. I had a great discussion today about Project Crypto and the SEC’s strategy to bring crypto innovators and builders back to America with @yahoofinance ’s @jenniferisms . Watch my full two-part interview. Part 1: https://t.co/p4c9Z5UWth Part 2: https://t.co/2a1FH4cxji — Paul Atkins (@SECPaulSAtkins) August 1, 2025 The announcement came during a speech at the America First Policy Institute, where Atkins outlined plans to bring crypto asset distributions back to America and establish regulatory frameworks for digital asset trading.

Author: CryptoNews
China’s Plan To Destroy The Dollar: Smart Money is on Hong Kong

China’s Plan To Destroy The Dollar: Smart Money is on Hong Kong

The China crypto ban just added another delicious layer to the Asian markets. China is creating a dip so they can buy it. Our theory at 99B is that China bans when the price is high and unbans it when the BTC price is low, so their citizens and companies don’t buy high. Forced diamond.. The post China’s Plan To Destroy The Dollar: Smart Money is on Hong Kong appeared first on 99Bitcoins .

Author: 99Bitcoins
CrediX hacker agrees to return $4.5m after successful negotiations

CrediX hacker agrees to return $4.5m after successful negotiations

The attacker behind the $4.5 million exploit on CrediX Finance has agreed to return the stolen funds following a settlement with the protocol. In an update shared late Monday, CrediX revealed that it has successfully negotiated with the exploiter who…

Author: Crypto.news
4 best memecoins to check out in August 2025 that could become the next PEPE

4 best memecoins to check out in August 2025 that could become the next PEPE

Summer 2025 could be pivotal for memecoins, with Little Pepe, Pudgy Penguins, Bonk, and Dogwifhat mixing viral culture with utility to challenge PEPE’s dominance. #partnercontent

Author: Crypto.news
Aptos Ecosystem Decibel Launches Development Testnet, Launching CEX-Level On-Chain Trading Platform

Aptos Ecosystem Decibel Launches Development Testnet, Launching CEX-Level On-Chain Trading Platform

PANews reported on August 5th that CoinDesk has announced that Decibel , an on-chain trading protocol supported by Aptos , has launched on the Aptos Devnet and is open for

Author: PANews
European Banking Authority Unveils New Capital Rules for Crypto – Here’s What Banks Must Do

European Banking Authority Unveils New Capital Rules for Crypto – Here’s What Banks Must Do

The European Banking Authority (EBA) has released its draft Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) on Tuesday detailing how financial institutions must treat crypto-asset exposure under the Capital Requirements Regulation. These draft rules aim to offer a framework for calculating risks associated with digital assets as the European Union integrates crypto more firmly into its regulatory architecture. EBA Defines the Capital Treatment for Crypto Assets The new regulations provide a framework for the treatment of crypto-assets, setting out how banks and institutions must calculate and report their exposure to various types of digital assets. These include unbacked crypto-assets such as Bitcoin, asset-referenced tokens (ARTs) linked to fiat or commodities, and tokens that reference other crypto-assets. The rules specify capital treatment for a range of risk categories — including credit risk, market risk, counterparty credit risk, and credit valuation adjustment risk. Institutions will need to adopt specific formulas and methodologies to calculate their exposure, considering factors such as netting, hedging, and position aggregation. Alignment with Basel and MiCA Frameworks The EBA’s draft standards are designed to meet with international standards, particularly the Basel Committee’s guidance on the treatment of crypto-asset exposures. The RTS also takes into account the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). One key change from the consultation phase was the removal of the “prudent valuation” requirement for fair-valued crypto exposures — a move welcomed by many in the industry. Instead, the draft includes a new provision clarifying how long and short positions should be aggregated when calculating exposure limits. Transitional Rules for Evolving Markets? Recognising the rapid change in the crypto space, the RTS serves as an interim regulatory measure. Under Article 501d of CRR 3, these standards provide a transitional prudential treatment that allows institutions to capitalise crypto-asset exposures while a more permanent framework is developed. This transitional approach gives banks the ability to engage with crypto markets — whether through custody, issuance, or brokerage services — while maintaining appropriate safeguards. What Banks Must Do Now Institutions with crypto exposure will need to update their risk models, compliance systems, and reporting mechanisms in line with the new RTS. This includes recalibrating internal capital models to accommodate crypto volatility, implementing accurate valuation methods, and ensuring that any hedging strategies meet the EBA’s strict criteria. Given the increasing client demand for crypto services — from custody to trading — these rules provide banks with the clarity needed to expand operations while managing risk. Failure to adhere to the new standards could result in higher capital requirements and increased scrutiny from regulators. Cash Here to Stay, Says ECB Amid Rise in Digital Payments On Monday, the European Central Bank (ECB) said it is doubling down on its commitment to preserve physical cash. 🇪🇺 @ECB executive Piero Cipollone confirms euro banknotes will stay circulation—alongside a future digital euro. #DigitalEuro #Payments https://t.co/Gok3GOS3lU — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) August 4, 2025 In a blog post titled “Making euro cash fit for the future,” ECB Executive Board Member Piero Cipollone outlines why cash remains indispensable—and how the ECB plans to ensure it stays that way. The ECB explains that while digital payments are growing rapidly, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, Cipollone made it clear: physical cash isn’t being phased out. Instead, it’s being preserved and modernised to coexist with digital innovations, such as the upcoming digital euro.

Author: CryptoNews
Inveniam invests $20 million in MANTRA to advance the US-Arab RWA ecosystem

Inveniam invests $20 million in MANTRA to advance the US-Arab RWA ecosystem

PANews reported on August 5th that Inveniam Capital Partners announced a $20 million investment in MANTRA, a Layer 1 public blockchain , and entered into a strategic partnership to jointly

Author: PANews
One Smartphone, Two Streams: How JAMining Redefines Cloud Mining for ETH and BTC

One Smartphone, Two Streams: How JAMining Redefines Cloud Mining for ETH and BTC

As cryptocurrency mining faces increasing scrutiny over environmental costs and regulatory challenges, JAMining has quietly emerged as a global leader in making passive crypto income accessible to anyone, with nothing more than a mobile phone and $200. Designed for transparency, ease of use, and fixed return clarity, JAMining’s AI-powered cloud mining platform enables users to generate ETH and BTC income automatically – no rigs, no coding, no guesswork. The company’s mobile-first interface is built to democratize crypto earnings for both first-time users and seasoned investors seeking portfolio diversification outside volatile spot trading. The company spokesperson said: “Cloud mining should not require a Ph.D. in blockchain. What matters is daily income users can count on, backed by smart contracts and sustainable infrastructure.” Redefining Crypto Income: One Tap at a Time Unlike traditional mining setups that require expensive GPUs, high power usage, and technical oversight, JAMining offers fixed-term mining contracts fully managed in the cloud. With regulatory-compliant operations and automated daily payouts, the company bridges the gap between crypto infrastructure and consumer accessibility. Key advantages include: Regulatory alignment across multiple jurisdictions Sustainable mining operations powered by renewable energy data centers Smart contract-based payouts for full transparency Mobile-first UX , designed for global accessibility USDT-based fixed earnings , eliminating token volatility risk Profit Snapshot: Sample Mining Contracts (Explore more contracts) All returns are settled in USDT , ensuring users are protected from token price volatility while benefiting from crypto-based infrastructure. Global Demand, Local Simplicity With an international user base spanning over 10 million registered users, JAMining continues to expand its reach into regulated markets. Its focus on user-friendly digital interfaces and automatic income delivery has made it especially popular among mobile-first regions in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Environmental sustainability remains at the heart of JAMining’s expansion strategy. Over 70% of its server infrastructure is powered by hydroelectric and solar sources, reducing the carbon footprint commonly associated with cryptocurrency mining. About JAMining JAMining is a next-generation cloud mining platform that provides secure, transparent, and automated cryptocurrency income solutions. By removing the barriers of traditional mining – hardware, electricity, and technical knowledge – JAMining allows anyone to participate in digital asset growth and earn stable returns. The platform operates in strict alignment with international compliance standards and is committed to sustainable, user-centric innovation. Contact: info@jamining.com Website: https://jamining.com

Author: CryptoNews
Palantir revenues soar above estimates toppling $1b – will crypto AIs follow suit?

Palantir revenues soar above estimates toppling $1b – will crypto AIs follow suit?

Data analytics firm Palantir saw a 48% increase in sales revenue in the second half of 2025 as it rides the high waves of an AI momentum. Is the crypto AI sector next on the surge list? According to data…

Author: Crypto.news
Crossing the chasm, “crypto-related” companies will replace “crypto-native” projects and move towards the mainstream

Crossing the chasm, “crypto-related” companies will replace “crypto-native” projects and move towards the mainstream

Author: Richard Chen Compiled by Tim, PANews It's 2025, and cryptocurrencies are going mainstream. The GENIUS Act has been signed into law, and we finally have a clear regulatory framework

Author: PANews