With 16 crypto ETF applications on the SEC’s October calendar, a new regulatory framework could fast-track approvals for Solana, XRP and beyond, signaling a pivotal shift for US markets. October 2025 is shaping up to be a big month for crypto markets, as the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) faces final deadlines on 16 exchange-traded fund (ETF) applications. Unlike past waves, many of these proposals go beyond Bitcoin and Ether, targeting altcoins like Solana, XRP and Litecoin. This week on “Byte-Sized Insight,” we explore what makes this round of filings different, how the SEC’s stance may be shifting and what the potential approvals could mean for both investors and the broader crypto market. On Sept. 17, the SEC approved a set of “generic listing standards” for exchange-traded products tied to spot commodities, including digital assets. Analysts say the move may dramatically simplify the ETF approval process, reducing the need for case-by-case rule changes that had long slowed crypto’s path to m...
Current compliance rules create data honeypots that endanger users. Zero-knowledge proofs enable verification without exposure and privacy as a competitive edge. Opinion by: Amal Ibraymi, legal counsel at Aztec Labs When cybercriminals breached UnitedHealth’s tech unit in 2025, nearly 200 million people had their data exposed. A few months later, Coinbase admitted that overseas customer support agents had been bribed for access to user data. These are not isolated events; they are symptoms of a broken system. Existing compliance rules meant to protect us force companies to stockpile vast amounts of sensitive personal data, creating irresistible honeypots for hackers. Most businesses don’t want this liability, but regulators demand it. This reality has led to the perception that privacy and compliance are fundamentally at odds. Read more
The UK has again ordered Apple to open access to encrypted iCloud backups for British users, a move that could expose crypto wallet keys to hacking. Update (Oct. 3, at 2:00 pm UTC): This article has been updated to add commentary by Slava Demchuk, the CEO of blockchain forensics and cybersecurity firm AMLBot. The United Kingdom is again pressuring Apple to create a backdoor into its encrypted iCloud backup services, raising alarm among cybersecurity and crypto advocates. According to the Financial Times, the UK government has ordered Apple to allow access to encrypted iCloud backups of British users. The renewed request differs from previous demands in that it limits access to UK-based accounts, but critics argue that the change still poses serious risks. Read more
A key XRP indicator that has preceded rallies by as much as 575% in the past is flashing again in October, putting the price on course toward new all-time highs. Key takeaways: XRP rally is in a good position to rally toward $3.98–$4.32 this month following an RSI golden cross. Profit-taking remains muted, suggesting stronger holder conviction ahead of October’s ETF decisions. Read more
Nomura subsidiary Laser Digital confirmed to Cointelegraph that it is in talks with Japan’s FSA to apply for a crypto trading license, eyeing the country’s institutional investors. Financial services holding company Nomura Holdings is preparing to expand into Japan’s cryptocurrency market through its Switzerland-based subsidiary, Laser Digital Holdings. A Laser Digital spokesperson confirmed Friday that the unit is in pre-consultation talks with Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) and intends to apply for a license to offer crypto trading services to institutional investors in the country. However, the spokesperson told Cointelegraph that the application date remains “undetermined,” and will depend on the outcome of the discussions with the FSA. Read more
Wall Street capital is flowing into late-stage, IPO-ready crypto firms, signaling new dynamics at play for the incoming altcoin season. Wall Street’s growing interest in late-stage cryptocurrency firms could disrupt the traditional boom-and-bust cycle of digital assets, according to new research. Crypto financial services firm Matrixport said Friday that more than $200 billion worth of crypto companies are preparing initial public offerings (IPOs), which may raise between $30 billion and $45 billion in new capital. Matrixport said investor focus is rotating away from early-stage bets toward scalable, IPO-ready companies positioned for public markets. Read more