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The largest banking organization in Germany will permit Bitcoin trading through an app

In this post: Millions of customers will be able to trade Bitcoin and other digital assets directly through Sparkassen’s banking app as the biggest banking group in Germany makes a historic entry into the cryptocurrency market. The action is more than just a new product introduction. Sparkassen’s decision represents a larger institutional shift toward acknowledging digital assets as a valid component of the financial future in a nation where traditional banking has traditionally influenced consumer finance. The German Savings Banks Association (DSGV), which had resolved a few years ago not to offer crypto services, is making a significant policy change with the launch, which is scheduled for the upcoming year. The new service will be made possible by DekaBank, the primary securities service provider that is controlled by about 350 Sparkassen. Sparkassen enters the cryptocurrency space due to client demand and MiCAR clarification The change follows the introduction of the Markets in CryptoAssets Regulation (MiCAR) by the European Union, which establishes a uniform legal framework for crypto assets throughout EU member states. Even the most conservative banks in Europe appear to have been unable to ignore the dynamics created by MiCAR’s regulatory clarity, competitive pressure, and indisputable customer demand, according to DSGV. In a formal statement, the organization stated, “Therefore, we will enable interested self-determinants to access DekaBank’s crypto offering via the Sparkasse app in the future.” The program is intended to be self-serve and will not offer in-branch support or investment advice. Consumers will be clearly warned about the extreme volatility and potential for complete loss that come with investing in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. “Self-determined” investors looking for direct access to digital assets are the product’s target market. With many traditional banks providing access to cryptocurrency while avoiding advisory liability in a changing regulatory landscape, this cautious approach is indicative of broader industry changes. The timing is in line with the landmark EU Markets in CryptoAssets regulation, which gave banks entering the market a long-awaited set of rules. Sparkassen could now construct a compliance framework supported by DekaBank’s securities infrastructure, eliminating the need to negotiate a gray area.However, the urgency cannot be explained by regulation alone. In an April interview with Bloomberg, Matthias Dießl, chairman of the Bavarian Savings Banks Association, alluded to the true motivator, saying, “Our clients are asking for this.” Sparkassen ran the risk of becoming obsolete if it did not respond to the competition from German cooperative banks like Volksbanken, which were already vying for crypto services. Fintech pressure and growing demand for Bitcoin force legacy institutions to change Sparkassen’s entry into the cryptocurrency market comes after its rivals have taken comparable actions. The Stuttgart Stock Exchange and DZ Bank, the national bank for Germany’s cooperatives, are collaborating on a cryptocurrency trading pilot that will grow this year. Meanwhile, traditional banks are under pressure to innovate as fintech companies like Trade Republic have grown significantly to cater to retail cryptocurrency investors. Additionally, the date aligns with a renewed interest in Bitcoin, which in late May reached an all-time high of $111,970. With more than 200 businesses currently keeping Bitcoin in their corporate treasuries, institutional adoption has sped up. Philippe Laffont, the founder of hedge fund Coatue Management, said he added Bitcoin to his firm’s Fantastic 40 list, a collection of investments it sees as major winners through […]

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Since Open Network’s inception 100 days ago, PI Network accounts have seen little change in pricing

In this post: After more than six years of ecosystem development, Pi Network launched its Open mainnet on February 20, 2025, and has now completed its first 100 days. With the introduction, Pi’s blockchain gained external connectivity, allowing for real-time functionality and increasing access for developers, merchants, and more than 13 million mainnet users worldwide. […]

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OKX launches licensed cryptocurrency exchanges in Poland and Germany

In this post: Germany and Poland already have fully regulated centralized cryptocurrency exchanges thanks to the OKX cryptocurrency exchange. According to the company, the launch represents a dedication to constructing the future of crypto security, transparency, and localization. Though the company is entering areas where local regulators have been stepping up their inspection of digital […]

press release

RYO Project: Launching RYOPAY with First Real-World Use Case in the Grain Trade Industry

Singapore, [June 10, 2025] – The RYO Project, an innovative initiative born out of Japan, has launched RYOPAY, RYO’s stablecoin designed to be used within its comprehensive Web3 ecosystem. The first real-world use case for RYOPAY will be in partnership with GRNX Global, revolutionizing the global grain trade settlement process and demonstrating the power of […]

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China momentarily disables AI tools to protect the integrity of exams

  • June 10, 2025
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In this post: During the June 7–10 university admission exams in China, chatbot services were suspended by Alibaba, ByteDance, DeepSeek, Tencent, and Moonshot. During test hours, Tencent’s Yuanbao and Alibaba’s Qwen likewise turned off picture recognition features. Chinese authorities also put in place a series of procedures to stop efforts at cheating, in addition to […]

press release

Momentum Raises Strategic Round Led By OKX Ventures, Coinbase Ventures, Protagonist and DNA Fund

Central liquidity engine of the Move ecosystem surpasses $3 billion swap volume in less than two months, becoming the fastest growing DEX on Sui; will use strategic funding round to help grow Sui DeFi ecosystem SAN FRANCISCO, June 4, 2025 – Momentum, one of the fastest-growing decentralized exchanges (DEX) on the Sui blockchain, has raised […]