French lawmakers approved an amendment on October 25 to tax cryptocurrency holdings and other assets exceeding €2 million ($2.31 million) as "unproductive wealth." The measure passed 163-150 in the National Assembly, according to parliamentary records. The proposal introduces a flat 1% tax on assets above the threshold, replacing the current progressive real estate wealth tax. Senate approval is required before the amendment can be included in France's 2026 budget.

Seven Democratic senators have formally requested clarification from Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Department of Justice regarding President Donald Trump's pardon of Binance founder Changpeng Zhao. The lawmakers expressed concerns that the pardon may signal leniency toward white-collar crime in the cryptocurrency sector. The inquiry asks how the pardon might impact enforcement efforts against potential criminal conduct in the digital asset space.

Bitwise launched the Bitwise Solana Staking ETF (BSOL), the first U.S. exchange-traded fund offering direct Solana exposure with staking rewards. The fund accumulated approximately $222.8 million in assets within its initial trading days, according to Bloomberg Intelligence senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas. BSOL provides investors access to Solana's staking yield, which averages above 7%, following SEC regulatory clarity on proof-of-stake mechanisms.

Kyrgyzstan has launched KGST, a stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the som, while advancing a central bank digital currency initiative. The National Bank is piloting the digital som through a three-stage closed blockchain program targeting government and commercial payment systems. The country is also exploring plans for a national digital asset reserve.