How to Pay for Flights with Crypto in the UAE: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Key takeaways Airlines and travel agencies, including Emirates, Air Arabia, Travala and Alternative Airlines, now support cryptocurrency payments for bookings, targeting tech-savvy travelers and digital nomads. Travelers can pay with Bitcoin, Ether, stablecoins and other digital assets via checkout or gift cards, depending on the platform. The UAE’s initiatives, such as Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory…

Japan to Approve First Yen-Backed Stablecoin This Fall: Report

Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) is preparing to approve the issuance of yen-denominated stablecoins as early as this fall, marking the first time the country will allow a domestic fiat-pegged digital currency. Tokyo-based fintech firm JPYC will register as a money transfer business within the month and will lead the rollout, Japanese news outlet The…

Ronin Network is Coming Back Home to Ethereum in 2026

Ronin, a purpose-built blockchain for gaming, said it will migrate back to the Ethereum ecosystem as a layer-2 network, making Ronin a general-purpose chain for applications beyond gaming. The blockchain originally spun off from the Ethereum mainnet in 2021 in search of better network speeds and cheaper transaction fees for Axie Infinity, a non-fungible token…

US Treasury Considers Digital ID in DeFi to Curb Illicit Finance

The US Department of the Treasury is seeking public feedback on how digital identity tools and other emerging technologies could be used to fight illicit finance in crypto markets, with one option being embedding identity checks into decentralized finance (DeFi) smart contracts. The consultation, published this week, stems from the newly enacted Guiding and Establishing…

5 Countries Where Crypto Is Tax-Free in 2025 (And Still Legal)

Key takeaways Cayman Islands: No income, capital gains or corporate tax — ideal for crypto traders and funds. UAE: Zero tax on all crypto activity across all emirates, plus strong regulatory clarity. El Salvador: Bitcoin is legal tender with full tax exemption and growing national adoption. Germany: Hold crypto for 12+ months and pay zero…

5 Countries Where Crypto Is Tax-Free in 2025 (And Still Legal)

Key takeaways Cayman Islands: No income, capital gains or corporate tax — ideal for crypto traders and funds. UAE: Zero tax on all crypto activity across all emirates, plus strong regulatory clarity. El Salvador: Bitcoin is legal tender with full tax exemption and growing national adoption. Germany: Hold crypto for 12+ months and pay zero…

US Treasury Considers Digital ID in DeFi to Curb Illicit Finance

The US Department of the Treasury is seeking public feedback on how digital identity tools and other emerging technologies could be used to fight illicit finance in crypto markets, with one option being embedding identity checks into decentralized finance (DeFi) smart contracts. The consultation, published this week, stems from the newly enacted Guiding and Establishing…

Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs Post ‘Biggest Week Ever’ For Volume

US-based spot Bitcoin and Ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs) just logged their strongest week of combined trading volume yet, according to an ETF analyst. “Biggest week ever for them, thanks to Ether ETFs stepping up big,” ETF analyst Eric Balchunas said in an X post on Friday. Ether ETFs were “asleep” for 11 months, says Balchunas…

Crypto Set to Become UAE’s Number 2 Industry: Chase Ergen

The crypto sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is on track to become its second-largest industry in the next five years, due to the country’s regulatory policies and attractive business environment, according to Chase Ergen, a board member of publicly traded digital asset investment firm DeFi Technologies. “They have a reputation for leadership, legislation,…

BlackRock’s Rick Rieder on Why Current Investment Environment Is Best Ever

Rick Rieder, BlackRock’s chief investment officer of global fixed income, said earlier this week the current backdrop represents the “best investment environment ever,” citing unusually favorable dynamics in both equity and bond markets. Speaking on CNBC, Rieder described “extraordinary” technical conditions in equities, with trillions of dollars still parked in money market funds and robust…