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Browse page 3 of the DeFi news archive: dated protocol developments, stablecoin updates, regulation and security analysis with source links.
90 articles · Updated
Ethereum's Pectra upgrade — combining the Prague execution layer and Electra consensus layer changes — is now live on mainnet. The upgrade introduces account abstraction improvements, increased validator stake limits, and higher blob throughput, with meaningful implications for DeFi protocols, Layer 2 networks, and ETH stakers.
Read analysis →Hong Kong's virtual asset service provider (VASP) licensing regime — launched in 2023 — has now licensed over 30 crypto exchanges, with several major global platforms receiving approval to serve retail investors. Here is where Hong Kong's crypto regulation stands in mid-2026 and what it means for DeFi businesses eyeing Asia.
Read analysis →The EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) is now fully in force across all 27 member states. Crypto asset service providers have completed the authorisation process, stablecoin issuers have obtained e-money licences, and the first enforcement actions are emerging. Here is what MiCA means for DeFi users and crypto businesses operating in Europe.
Read analysis →Total tokenised real-world assets on public blockchains have crossed $20 billion — a milestone that reflects growing institutional confidence in on-chain infrastructure. From US Treasuries and private credit to real estate and commodities, the RWA tokenisation market is expanding rapidly across Ethereum, Base, and Stellar.
Read analysis →Solana's DeFi ecosystem has surged to $12 billion in TVL in 2026, driven by a thriving memecoin culture, the growth of Jupiter Exchange as the dominant Solana DEX aggregator, Jito's liquid staking dominance, and a wave of institutional interest in Solana-based financial products including spot ETF applications.
Read analysis →Tether's USDT has reached a $150 billion market capitalisation — making it the third-largest cryptocurrency by market cap after Bitcoin and Ethereum, and by far the most widely traded digital asset in the world by daily volume. Here is what drives USDT's dominance, the ongoing reserve transparency debate, and what $150B in tether means for DeFi.
Read analysis →The GENIUS Act — the first major US federal stablecoin legislation — has passed the Senate and is advancing to the House of Representatives. The bill establishes a licensing framework for stablecoin issuers, reserve requirements, and federal oversight. Here is what it means for USDC, USDT, and DeFi protocols that rely on stablecoins.
Read analysis →Donating cryptocurrency to charity is one of the most tax-efficient ways to give in 2026. In the UK, crypto donations to registered charities are treated as non-cash gifts and may be exempt from capital gains tax. This comprehensive guide explains how to donate Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and BNB to charity, which UK charities accept cryptocurrency, what the tax rules are, and how to maximise the impact of every donation.
Read analysis →Solana's planned Alpenglow consensus upgrade, developed by Anza — a Solana Labs spinoff — targets block finality in 100–150 milliseconds. It introduces two new components: Votor, which finalises blocks faster than current BFT mechanisms, and Rotor, a more efficient data relay protocol replacing Turbine.
Read analysis →Cryptocurrency is legal in the UK. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies can be legally bought, sold, held, and used as payment by UK residents. This guide explains current UK crypto regulation under the FCA, HMRC tax obligations, and what the upcoming UK crypto regulatory framework means for investors in 2026.
Read analysis →Hong Kong's Monetary Authority granted its first stablecoin issuer licences in May 2026 — with HSBC and a consortium led by Standard Chartered among the first recipients. The move positions Hong Kong as a key hub for regulated stablecoin issuance in Asia.
Read analysis →This step-by-step guide explains exactly how to buy Bitcoin in the UK in 2026 — choosing a regulated exchange, passing identity checks, making your first purchase, and storing BTC safely. Includes guidance on UK tax treatment and which platforms are FCA-registered.
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