US
Revolut drops U.S. bank merger plan to seek standalone license: FT
The fintech company believes a de novo banking license under the Trump administration will be faster than acquiring an existing bank, avoiding the need to maintain physical branches.

Southern Utah man sentenced to 3 years in prison for crypto-linked wire fraud scheme
Federal prosecutors said Brian Garry Sewell defrauded investors of nearly $3 million and ran an unlicensed cash-to-crypto business that moved more than $5 million.

New Polymarket bettor places $40,000 on U.S. striking Iran tonight
One trader went against the current trend of low chances for a strike tonight by placing the new $40,000 bet.

Citadel Securities Challenges DeFi Framework in Letter to SEC, Sparking Industry Outrage
A Citadel Securities letter to the SEC argues that some DeFi systems resemble traditional exchanges and should face comparable oversight.

U.S. Crypto Coalition Warns Bank Data Fees Could Cut Off Stablecoins and Wallets
Fintech and crypto groups are urging the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to stop banks charging for consumer data access, saying the move would undermine open banking and disconnect crypto wallets and stablecoins from the U.S. financial system.

Kraken Acquires U.S.-Licensed Derivatives Platform From IG for $100M
Kraken bought Small Exchange for $32.5 million in cash and $67.5 million in stock, IG announced on Thursday

Fed Cuts Rate in 'Risk Management' Move as Bitcoin Eyes Possible Upside
The U.S. central bank lowered its benchmark rate range by 25 basis points to 4%-4.25%, citing softening labor markets and economic uncertainty.

Metaplanet Sets Up U.S., Japan Subsidiaries, Buys Bitcoin.jp Domain Name
The company also plans to raise 204.1 billion yen ($1.4 billion) in an international share sale to increase its bitcoin holdings.

Coinbase Policy Chief Pushes Back on Bank Warnings That Stablecoins Threaten Deposits
Coinbase’s policy head said concerns of stablecoin deposit flight are myths, claiming banks are really defending profits from an outdated payments system.

U.S. CPI Rose a Faster-Than-Expected 0.4% in August; Core Rate in Line
The headline news is sending markets, bitcoin included, lower, but isn't likely to derail the Fed from trimming interest rates next week.

