Bitcoin
In 2025, keep reference data weird
The SEC, ESMA, CFTC and other acronyms provided the drama in reference data this year, including in crypto.
The IMD Wrap: As crypto rises, yes, reference data is VERY important
With the SEC’s approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs, Max explains why reference data will take on greater importance—whether non-data people know it or not.
New crypto Isins seen as ‘really important’ step for TradFi adoption
Execs at TP Icap and Societe Generale say the identifier removes a major barrier for crypto acceptance.
FX-style crypto platforms could bridge gap with TradFi
Emergence of execution-only ECNs, prime brokers and clearing houses brings new confidence in crypto
Digital assets trade processing: The roadblocks and the road ahead
Institutional investors want digital assets, but have several key concerns. Kristin Hochstein of ISITC explores some ways to improve investor confidence in the space.
Crypto custody faces regulatory death-roll
New measures to safeguard digital assets threaten to squeeze the life out of custody business, insiders fear
Waters Wavelength Podcast: Digital asset custody infrastructure
Stephen Richardson, head of Apac and senior vice president of financial markets at Fireblocks, joins the podcast to chat about multi-signature and multiparty computation technology.
Industry participants: ‘Digital Token Identifier’ aims to increase interop, usage
While some trading firms are welcoming the use of a new non-proprietary code for identifying digital tokens, the onus will be on local regulators to enforce its adoption.
The year identifiers wanted some attention too
Cusip! Figi! Isin! BTC! LEI! Taylor Swift? How did we get here and where do we go now?
Broken chains: how DLT code switch compounded ASX fail
Sources say that vendors will suffer the most in the fallout from ASX’s “paused” blockchain settlement project.
FTX failure resets US crypto legislative program
Lawmakers expected to seek stronger customer protection; industry wants flexibility for DeFi
Industry mulls identifier schema for digital assets
As crypto markets face a reckoning in the wake of the FTX scandal, standard-setters and industry participants say identifiers for tokens are key for the industry’s stability.
Spot the difference: Why crypto data can’t be treated like traditional market data
As institutional participation in cryptocurrency markets increases, traditional data vendors and new specialist crypto data providers are taking different approaches to supplying necessary data to financial firms.
People Moves: Cboe, Broadridge, DTCC, Liquidnet, and more
A look at some of the key "people moves" from this week, including Stephanie Renner (pictured), who has been named senior vice president of international finance at Cboe Global Markets.
Where have all the blockchain startups gone?
Building a startup is hard. Building a blockchain startup is harder. More than 10 current and former financial blockchain builders and users detail their experiences of trying to cut their teeth on a once-darling tech, and the lessons they’re still…
LSEG-Tora: A tale of crypto, Asia expansion and (more) integration burdens
When LSEG acquired Refinitiv, it added Eikon, FXall, and AlphaDesk to its portfolio of execution platforms. In February, the exchange also bought Tora, which has a stronghold in Asia, as well as a presence in crypto. While sources say there are clearly…
Banks offer crypto clearing but, shhh, don’t tell
Top dealers clear crypto futures for select clients despite smorgasbord of risks
In the race to institutionalize crypto, participants eye familiar tech ‘wrappers’ for new assets
Despite the development of digital assets overall, and interest in cryptocurrencies remaining strong among individual investors and niche firms, widespread institutional adoption remains muted. Wei-Shen Wong looks at the tools being developed to support…
Quantum computing: kryptonite for bitcoin and cyber security
Race is on to secure new encryption algorithms for DeFi, before quantum computers become a present danger.
Former clearing head urges ‘reasonable regulation’ of crypto
Industry participants are complaining that the current regulatory approach is ‘painful’ and doesn’t embrace innovation.
Waters Wrap: Examining Digital Asset’s DLT strategy (and its broader implications)
Digital Asset has slowly expanded its influence with exchanges in the APAC region, and this year has made additional inroads in the US and Europe. Anthony examines the company's wins and losses over the last seven years.