A two-year investigation by the New York Times and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists traced approximately $28 billion in funds linked to criminal activity through major cryptocurrency exchanges. Binance, OKX, and Bybit served as primary channels for proceeds allegedly generated through cyberattacks, social-engineering schemes, and large-scale fraud operations. The platforms reportedly enabled rapid conversion of illicit funds into widely traded digital assets and stablecoins, with flows continuing even after Binance paid a $4.3 billion U.S. settlement for anti-money laundering violations.

Investment products linked to digital assets recorded $2 billion in outflows last week, the largest single-week withdrawal since February, data show. The outflows extended a three-week decline that has pulled $3.2 billion from the market. Total assets under management in digital asset exchange-traded products have fallen 27% from a peak of $264 billion in early October to $191 billion.

Japan will reduce its cryptocurrency tax rate from a maximum of 55% to 20%, effective early 2026, subject to legislative approval. The Financial Services Agency proposes classifying 105 green-listed digital currencies as financial products under the new rate, aligning crypto taxation with stock market rates to attract more investors and boost market liquidity.

Digital asset investment products recorded $2 billion in weekly outflows, marking the sharpest decline since February, according to CoinShares. The withdrawals were primarily driven by monetary policy uncertainty and shifting interest rate expectations, with the United States accounting for 97% of total redemptions at $1.97 billion.

President Donald Trump on Friday endorsed a Senate proposal authorizing tariffs up to 500% on imports from countries purchasing Russian energy. The measure targets oil, natural gas, petroleum products, and uranium from major buyers including India and China. Cryptocurrency markets saw $620 million in liquidations across 24 hours following the announcement, with Bitcoin declining 1% in immediate trading.

The global stablecoin market reached $300 billion by November 2025, marking 48% growth from January levels. The European Central Bank warned that large-scale redemptions could trigger mass Treasury sales, potentially disrupting European monetary policy and reserve management. Dollar-pegged tokens control 99.58% of market share, with major issuers holding most reserves in U.S. Treasury securities.

A European Central Bank Governing Council member has warned that rapid stablecoin expansion poses systemic risks to monetary policy. Olaf Sleijpen of the Dutch central bank noted dollar-pegged stablecoins have grown nearly 50% this year to over $300 billion. Large-scale redemptions could force reserve liquidations and destabilize bond markets, he said.

Dutch central bank governor Olaf Sleijpen has warned that the $300 billion stablecoin market may require European Central Bank monetary policy adjustments if growth continues at current rates. The market has expanded over 48% this year following new U.S. regulations. Euro-pegged stablecoins represent only 0.18% of global circulation compared to dollar tokens' 99.58% dominance, according to DefiLama data.