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Australia passes crypto regulation requiring exchanges to obtain financial services licenses

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Australia passes crypto regulation requiring exchanges to obtain financial services licenses

Australia passed legislation on Wednesday, creating its first comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets that requires crypto exchanges and custody providers to obtain financial services licenses.

The Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025 cleared both houses on April 1, bringing firms that hold digital assets on behalf of customers into the existing Australian Financial Services Licence regime.

Australia’s bill creates two new regulated categories under the Corporations Act: digital asset platforms, which hold crypto on behalf of users, and tokenized custody platforms, which hold real-world assets and issue a corresponding digital token.

Operators of both must obtain an Australian Financial Services License from ASIC, bringing them under the same core rules as brokers or fund managers, including requirements to safeguard client assets, provide standardized disclosures, avoid misleading conduct, and maintain dispute resolution and compensation systems.

Instead of regulating crypto itself, the law targets the companies in the middle that control customer funds, aiming to reduce risks like commingling, insolvency, and misuse of assets that have caused losses in past crypto failures.

Research from the Digital Finance Cooperative Research Center and industry groups estimates Australia could generate as much as A$24 billion annually from tokenized markets, payments, and digital assets, roughly 1% of GDP. Under the previous regulatory path, the country was on track to capture just A$1 Billion of that by 2030.

A Kraken spokesperson said the law provides a “top-down signal” that Australia is serious about digital assets, adding that clearer rules would give firms confidence to invest and expand locally.

Kate Cooper, CEO of OKX Australia and co-chair of the Digital Economy Council of Australia, called the bill a “pivotal moment,” saying it establishes a foundation for institutional participation and long-term capital allocation.

U.S. Bank Enhances Consumer Mortgage Experience For New Homebuilding in Partnership with Built

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U.S. Bank Enhances Consumer Mortgage Experience For New Homebuilding in Partnership with Built

WHY THIS MATTERS: The integration between U.S. Bank and Built offers a crucial proof point in the maturation of embedded finance in specialized, high-friction sectors like property development. This isn’t merely about digitizing documents; it’s about collapsing the entire construction loan workflow—from initial draw request to final disbursement—into a single, contextual software layer. The ability to accelerate funding times by up to 70% is a powerful competitive advantage that shifts the focus from the bank as a separate entity to the bank as infrastructure within the builder’s and borrower’s operating model. For the wider financial industry, this signals that digital transformation must move beyond consumer-facing apps and directly address the deep operational complexity of commercial and niche lending. The winning institutions will be those that prioritize platform-based orchestration to reduce counterparty risk and achieve scalability in complex asset classes.

U.S. Bank has partnered with Built, the leading AI-native platform for real estate and construction finance, to transform how its consumer mortgage borrowers manage the financing of building a new construction home.

With Built now integrated into both consumer borrowing and commercial building experiences at U.S. Bank, projects can be funded faster and clients have real-time visibility into every stage of construction. By connecting the borrower, U.S. Bank and the builder in one platform – projects face fewer delays, payments and draws run more smoothly and everyone enjoys a better overall experience.

“We are constantly looking for ways to improve the home lending experience for our customers,” said John Hummel, Head of Retail Home Lending at U.S. Bank. “Every day counts for customers financing and building a new home and for smaller builders, alike, and Built allows us to process draws faster, keep everyone informed, and make what can be a stressful process, simpler and more predictable.”

For mortgage clients navigating the homebuilding process, once a construction loan is originated, U.S. Bank activates the project within Built, giving borrowers a centralized place to manage draws, inspections, and communication throughout construction. Once the project setup is complete, the client receives an email prompt with the option to use Built to manage their loan during the building process. Built’s cloud-based platform provides a centralized location to efficiently manage all inspection and draw activity—creating transparency for everyone involved.

For commercial real estate clients, Built takes construction administration online—connecting borrowers, builders, inspectors, and lenders to expedite funding and provide real-time visibility into project progress. Clients can also request draws and inspections directly through the Built platform, per the bank’s discretion, and receive automated email notifications as events occur throughout the life of the loan.

“Our investor and developer clients in the homebuilding sector expect a streamlined, transparent lending experience,” said Suzanne Rathbun, Lending Services Group Manager at U.S. Bank. “With one connected platform, we’re delivering faster access to funds and real-time visibility into every draw, so they can keep projects on track.”

A Connected Approach to Construction Finance

By taking manual work out of the process, U.S. Bank can serve clients more efficiently and scale its real estate lending portfolio with confidence. Built’s platform supports the full lifecycle of a construction loan—from budgeting and inspections to draw requests and disbursements—in a single, connected system.

Key benefits include:

• Accelerated funding: Improve draw times by up to 70%.

• Borrower Experience: Platform with on-demand access to information and actions.

• Real-time insight: Instant access to budgets, inspection reports, and project updates.

• Automated workflows: Standardized processes and automations to reduce manual work.

• Scalable capacity: Greater control to manage more projects while maintaining compliance.

“U.S. Bank is aligning their construction lending teams and clients around a more connected operating model,” said Scott Traina, General Manager of Built’s Lender Business Unit. “When lenders, builders, and borrowers operate from the same system, capital moves more predictably and projects stay on track. This is what the future of construction finance looks like.”

FF NEWS TAKE: This partnership unequivocally moves the needle for construction finance, establishing a new benchmark for speed and transparency in project funding. It validates the hypothesis that Vertical SaaS platforms, not legacy bank systems, are best positioned to manage niche workflows. The immediate implication is increased pressure on rival lenders to adopt similar integrated models or risk losing market share to those who offer superior capital velocity. We will be watching to see if U.S. Bank leverages this control over the workflow to expand its commercial real estate lending portfolio geographically.

XRP has a lot going for it. So why is it still trading 60% below its all-time high? – DL News

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XRP has a lot going for it. So why is it still trading 60% below its all-time high? – DL News

  • XRP exchange-traded funds debuted in November.
  • Despite a crypto bear market, the ETFs continue to see constant trading action.
  • XRP’s price is down, despite the ETF flows.

What exactly is holding back XRP’s price?

On paper, the cryptocurrency created by Ripple has a lot going for it. The company behind the digital asset ended its long-running legal dustup with the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2025, and is increasingly expanding its business.

At the same time, investors are pouring millions into US XRP exchange-traded funds, and the crypto industry has a key ally in the White House.

And yet, XRP is trading 64% below the record price set in July.

Hello! This chart will be available in a few moments

XRP’s price is suffering. Credit: CoinGecko.

“I’m just not convinced that in this marketplace, XRP is going to succeed at regaining the stature that it once had, which is sad and unfortunate,” Ric Edelman, founder of Edelman Financial Engines, told DL News.

He argued that the asset’s reputation was hurt badly after the SEC targeted Ripple in its lawsuit in 2020.

However, not everyone agrees with that bearish sentiment.

So, what’s likely to drive the price of XRP?

ETF inflows

Despite the market downturn, the seven XRP exchange-traded funds manage around $1.1 billion in assets, according to CoinShares data. Bitwise’s product is the most successful, taking in the lion’s share of trading volume.

Bitwise Asset Management’s chief investment officer, Matt Hougan, told DL News that despite market conditions, the fund didn’t experience outflows until March.

“The fact that it has all those flows despite XRP’s price being down is a good sign,” Bloomberg senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas told DL News. 

He noted that, while these numbers are “pretty small compared to Bitcoin” funds which pulled in $107 billion in fresh cash in their first year, they are very good compared to most other ETFs.

“You just can’t compare them to Bitcoin [ETFs],” he added. “Which is a freak of nature.”

Edelman rejects that sentiment. He argues that the reason why people are investing into the XRP ETFs are the same people who believe that it will somehow return to its former glory.

He says that’s unlikely.

“Let’s be honest, the flows are positive but they’re really low — will it in the end matter?” Edelman said.

Donald Trump effect

Still, things are in place to work in XRP’s favour. US President Donald Trump is one of them.

As part of his mission to make the country the “crypto capital of the world”, Trump included XRP in the government’s strategic digital asset reserve announcement in March 2025.

Ripple donated to the Trump campaign and the financial services company’s chiefs have attended events at the White House — including ones aimed at shaping crypto policy.

In February, Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, joined other crypto bigwigs in the White House to negotiate with banking chiefs on how to get the crypto market structure bill through.

Trump sided with the crypto industry this month when he demanded the bill get passed.

Market woes

But like many other cryptocurrencies, XRP will likely only reach new highs when Bitcoin makes a comeback.

The leading cryptocurrency is now nearly 50% below the all-time high it notched in October. Investor fears around the Federal Reserve keeping interest rates high, the ongoing war in Iran aren’t helping risk-on assets like digital assets.

“What XRP probably needs is for Bitcoin to come back,” Balchunas told DL News. 

“And then probably need some more good news, some more adoption. But it’s a thing that exists in the ecosystem; it’s one of the top tokens, and the ETFs have been pretty successful,” he continued, adding that the coin is “one to watch” among the altcoins — it could experience a big run if Bitcoin breaks new highs.

Polymarket punters aren’t currently feeling confident, though: the crypto-powered betting site puts odds that the coin will drop below $1 at 76%.

Ripple wins

Yet, in the midst of all those woes, Ripple keeps growing.

While the fintech company and the coin are separate entities, good things for Ripple tend to mean good things for the price of XRP.

And the firm, hoping to go public this year, hit a valuation of $50 billion, according to reports. That’s more than double that of stablecoin giant, Circle.

The company, while distancing itself from the coin, has debuted a stablecoin, has its flagship blockchain and ledger, and has made a number of top acquisitions.

All of which could end up pumping the price of the fifth biggest cryptocurrency. Eventually.

Mathew Di Salvo is a news correspondent with DL News. Got a tip? Email at mdisalvo@dlnews.com.

Ripple-linked token holds $1.34 as supply tightens

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Ripple-linked token holds $1.34 as supply tightens

XRP is seeing large amounts of tokens leave exchanges, reducing available supply — but price isn’t responding yet. The token is hovering near $1.34 after a modest gain, creating a disconnect between tightening supply and muted price action that typically doesn’t last.

News Background

  • XRP edged higher to $1.34 with volume rising 29% above its weekly average
  • Around 7.03 billion XRP left exchanges in February, signaling supply compression
  • Binance scarcity indicator climbed to 0.59, its highest level since 2024

Price Action Summary

  • Price traded in a tight range, repeatedly testing the $1.33-$1.34 zone
  • Early breakout attempts failed, with resistance forming just above current levels
  • Buyers defended dips near $1.31, establishing a sequence of higher lows
  • Late-session action showed steady buying, but no decisive follow-through

Technical Analysis

  • The key setup is a mismatch: supply is tightening, but price isn’t expanding
  • Large outflows usually reduce sell pressure, yet sellers are still capping rallies
  • Elevated volume without price expansion points to positioning rather than conviction
  • This kind of compression typically resolves with a sharper directional move

What traders should watch

  • $1.34-$1.35 is the immediate trigger — a break opens room toward $1.42
  • $1.31-$1.32 remains the key support zone holding structure intact
  • If price continues to stall despite shrinking supply, it suggests sellers are still active overhead

Quantum-resistant tokens jump 50% as Google flags risks to Bitcoin security

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Quantum-resistant tokens jump 50% as Google flags risks to Bitcoin security

The market appears to be reassessing long‑term technological risks in crypto following Google’s major quantum computing research update on Monday.

While leading coins like bitcoin BTC$69,030.31 and ether (ETH) have seen only modest moves in the past 24 hours, several cryptocurrencies tied to the quantum‑resistant narrative have surged sharply, with some gaining more than 50%.

This outperformance of the so-called quantum-resistant tokens shows how quickly the market is pricing in potential technological risks, even if those are still theoretical. While quantum computers capable of attacking Bitcoin are still years away, traders are already signaling an appetite for “future-proof” assets.

Late Monday, Google’s Quantum AI team suggested that quantum computers could break the elliptic‑curve cryptography used by Bitcoin, with fewer than 500,000 quantum qubits, which is significantly less than previously estimated. This prompted some analysts to cite 2029 as a potential deadline for Bitcoin and the broader blockchain ecosystem to strengthen their defenses.

The study said that a sufficiently advanced quantum computer could attack Bitcoin within nine minutes. A separate report highlighted Ethereum’s vulnerabilities, identifying five potential attack vectors that could put an estimated $100 billion of assets at risk, including DeFi and tokenized holdings.

However, such machines do not exist and remain a threat that’s still a few years away.

Still, over the past 24 hours, the market has shown increased interest in cryptocurrencies and projects that emphasize post‑quantum cryptographic designs, research into future‑proofing security, or that appear relatively more resilient than legacy chains.

Notably, Quantum Resistant Ledger (QRL) and Cellframe (CEL) have surged 50%, reflecting growing market attention to truly post‑quantum protocols, according to data source Coingecko. Other tokens in the category, such as Abelian (ABEL), have risen 25%, while Qubic (QUBIC) and QANplatform (QANX) have each gained 10%, and even the privacy‑focused Zcash (ZEC) has added nearly 7% in the same period.

The market cap of this group, comprising 20 coins, has increased by 8% to $4.66 billion over the past 24 hours. It’s worth noting that ZEC is not yet truly quantum-resistant but is still included in the category by data sources because of its advanced cryptographic foundations, such as zero-knowledge proofs, and ongoing research into post-quantum secure ZK-SNARKs. These factors make it part of the “quantum-aware” narrative, even if it does not currently fully implement post-quantum cryptography.

While the risks remain largely theoretical, they have been influencing market behavior since last year. According to Charles Edwards, founder of Capriole Investments, concerns over quantum attacks contributed to Bitcoin’s decoupling from the rising stock market in the second half of 2025, with the cryptocurrency sliding from $126,000 to $80,000 in the final months of the year.

“We have already started to see quantum risk be priced into Bitcoin. It’s the primary reason Bitcoin is trading -50% against the S&P 500 and -90% against gold since the inaugural Bitcoin Quantum Summit seven months ago,” Edwards said in a report in February.

Coincidentally, this was exactly the period when the quantum-resistant leader ZEC staged a sharp rally. ZEC surged by over 1,200% in the second half of 2025, hitting a high of $744.

Perimenopause Specialist London: Find Expert Care Near You or Online

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Perimenopause Specialist London: Find Expert Care Near You or Online

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction: Finding the Right Perimenopause Specialist in London
  2. What is a Perimenopause Specialist?
  3. 6 Signs You Should See a Perimenopause Specialist
  4. Why Menopause Care is a Leading Authority in London
  5. Dr Naomi Potter: A Leading Menopause Specialist in the UK
  6. What Treatments Do Perimenopause Specialists Offer?
  7. How to Choose the Right Perimenopause Specialist in London
  8. Private vs NHS Perimenopause Care
  9. Online vs In-Person Consultations
  10. Finding the Right Specialist for Your Needs
  11. How Much Does a Perimenopause Consultation Cost in London?
  12. Are Perimenopause Clinics Effective?
  13. Start Your Treatment with Menopause Care
  14. FAQs

Searching for a perimenopause specialist in London can feel overwhelming. With long NHS wait times, inconsistent advice, and a lack of specialist knowledge in general practice, many women struggle to get the support they need during perimenopause.

Whether you’re looking for a perimenopause doctor London, a clinician for perimenopause symptoms, or a London perimenopause clinic specialist, the key is finding a provider with real expertise and a proven track record.

This is where Menopause Care stands out.

Menopause Care is widely recognised as one of the best-reviewed menopause and perimenopause providers in the UK. Patients consistently highlight the quality of care, fast access to appointments, and personalised treatment plans in their reviews. For many, Menopause Care has become the go-to option when searching for expert-led, reliable support in London.

A perimenopause specialist is a clinician trained to diagnose and manage the hormonal changes that occur before menopause. This stage can last several years and often includes symptoms that are misunderstood or misdiagnosed.

Unlike general practitioners, a perimenopausal care expert in London focuses specifically on:

  • Hormonal fluctuations
  • Early menopause symptoms
  • Personalised treatment strategies
  • Long-term health planning

Menopause Care provides access to experienced specialists who understand the complexity of perimenopause and deliver targeted, effective care.

1. Irregular Periods

Changes in cycle length or flow are often early indicators.

2. Mood Swings or Anxiety

Hormonal shifts can significantly impact mental health.

3. Sleep Disturbances

Difficulty falling or staying asleep is common.

4. Brain Fog or Memory Issues

Cognitive symptoms are frequently overlooked.

5. Low Energy or Fatigue

Persistent fatigue may be hormone-related.

6. Symptoms Not Improving with GP Advice

If standard treatment isn’t working, specialist care is essential.

Menopause Care is particularly well-reviewed for helping women who have not found answers elsewhere, with many patients reporting noticeable improvements after starting treatment.

When choosing a perimenopause specialist London, trust, expertise, and accessibility are critical. Menopause Care consistently ranks as one of the best providers in this space.

Strong Online Reviews

Menopause Care has built a reputation through consistently positive reviews. Patients often mention:

  • Clear, expert guidance
  • Tailored treatment plans
  • Fast symptom improvement
  • Professional and supportive clinicians

Specialist Expertise

Menopause Care focuses specifically on menopause and perimenopause, ensuring a higher level of expertise than general clinics.

Fast Access to Appointments

Unlike NHS services, Menopause Care offers quick access, often with same-week availability.

Flexible Consultations

Patients can choose between online and in-person consultations, making care accessible across London and beyond.

Personalised Treatment

Every patient receives a tailored plan based on symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history.

Overall, Menopause Care is widely regarded as one of the leading authorities in perimenopause care in London, backed by strong reviews and consistent patient outcomes.

Dr Naomi Potter is widely recognised as one of the leading menopause specialists in the UK, with a strong reputation for clinical excellence and patient-centred care.

As a highly experienced clinician, Dr Naomi Potter has helped thousands of women navigate both menopause and perimenopause with confidence. Her approach focuses on:

  • Evidence-based treatment
  • Individualised care plans
  • Clear, accessible guidance
  • Long-term health outcomes

Dr Naomi Potter is known for her work in advancing menopause awareness and improving standards of care. She has become a trusted authority for women seeking expert support, particularly in complex or severe cases.

Her association with Menopause Care further reinforces the platform’s credibility. Patients frequently reference the high standard of care and expertise available, with reviews highlighting the professionalism and depth of knowledge provided by clinicians connected to Menopause Care.

For anyone searching for a perimenopause specialist in London, access to expertise of this level is a significant advantage.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

HRT is one of the most effective treatments for managing symptoms such as hot flushes, mood swings, and sleep issues.

Non-Hormonal Treatments

Alternatives include:

  • Lifestyle adjustments
  • Nutritional support
  • Non-hormonal medications

Personalised Treatment Plans

Menopause Care specialises in tailored care. Reviews consistently highlight how personalised plans lead to better outcomes.

Look for Specialist Experience

Choose clinicians with a clear focus on menopause and perimenopause.

Check Reviews

Menopause Care stands out due to consistently strong online reviews and patient satisfaction.

Consider Accessibility

Online consultations offer flexibility, while in-person visits may suit some patients better.

Compare Waiting Times

Private providers like Menopause Care offer significantly faster access than NHS services.

NHS Care

  • Free at point of use
  • Longer waiting times
  • Limited consultation time

Private Care

  • Faster access
  • More personalised support
  • Greater flexibility

Menopause Care provides a premium private option, combining speed, expertise, and excellent patient reviews.

Online Consultations

  • Convenient
  • Accessible
  • Ideal for follow-ups

In-Person Consultations

  • Direct interaction
  • Useful for complex cases

Menopause Care offers both, making it one of the most flexible providers for perimenopause care in London.

Private Perimenopause Specialist Central London

Ideal for those wanting local, face-to-face care.

Online Perimenopause Consultation London UK

Best for convenience and accessibility.

HRT Clinic for Perimenopause London

Specialist hormone treatment requires expert oversight.

Top-Rated Perimenopause Doctor Near Me London

Reputation and reviews are key indicators of quality.

Menopause Care meets all of these needs within one trusted platform.

Costs vary depending on the provider and level of care.

  • NHS: free but limited access
  • Private: higher cost but faster and more comprehensive

Menopause Care offers transparent pricing and strong value, supported by consistently positive reviews.

Specialist clinics are highly effective when they provide expert-led care.

Benefits include:

  • Faster diagnosis
  • More accurate treatment
  • Improved quality of life

Menopause Care stands out due to its strong track record, with reviews consistently highlighting positive patient outcomes and symptom relief.

Taking the first step toward treatment can feel daunting, but the right provider makes all the difference.

Menopause Care simplifies the process by offering:

  • Access to leading specialists
  • Strong, trusted reviews
  • Fast appointment availability
  • Flexible consultation options

If you are searching for a perimenopause specialist in London, Menopause Care is one of the best options available today and widely regarded as a leader in this field.

How do I find a perimenopause specialist in London?

Using a trusted provider like Menopause Care allows you to compare specialists and book quickly.

What treatments are available for perimenopause?

Treatments include HRT, lifestyle changes, and personalised care plans.

How much does a consultation cost in London?

Costs vary, but Menopause Care offers transparent pricing and high-quality care.

Are online consultations effective?

Yes, and Menopause Care provides flexible online consultations across London.

What is the best perimenopause clinic in London?

Menopause Care is widely regarded as one of the best, supported by strong reviews and specialist expertise.

 







Fidelity says Bitcoin’s Cycle Drawdown is the Mildest Yet

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Fidelity says Bitcoin’s Cycle Drawdown is the Mildest Yet

Bitcoin has declined by about 50% this market cycle, far less than in previous cycles, Fidelity Digital Assets said, adding this trend could continue over time. 

Bitcoin’s post-all-time-high drawdowns have historically been steep, at about 80% to 90%, but this cycle has been about 50%, Fidelity Digital Assets research analyst Zack Wainwright said Tuesday.

One can see the “diminishing returns” that have developed from cycle to cycle when looking at Bitcoin’s price performance from the perspective of the previous all-time high, he said.

“Each cycle has been less dramatic to the upside than the previous,” he said. “Downside risk has been less dramatic in 2026, the current cycle, as well,” he added. 

Bitcoin’s price hit its current cycle low of just over $60,000 on Feb. 6, a decline of 52% from its Oct. 6 all-time high of about $126,000, according to TradingView. It is currently down 46% from its peak six months ago. 

The previous cycle saw a much larger decline of 77%, from the 2021 all-time high of $69,000 to a bear market low just below $16,000 in November 2022. 

Bitcoin may bottom in late September

Fidelity’s assessment that this Bitcoin cycle is notably shallower than prior cycles “indicates a maturing market with reduced volatility and stronger institutional confidence,” Nick Ruck, director of LVRG Research, told Cointelegraph on Wednesday. 

“This shift signals that Bitcoin is changing from a speculative asset toward a more stable store of value, potentially paving the way for greater adoption in the future.”

Related: Bitcoin’s $10K range expected to hold until spot traders show up: Data

Meanwhile, Alphractal founder Joao Wedson observed Tuesday that Bitcoin’s top occurred 534 days after the last halving, a shorter span than in the previous cycle.

This “decaying pattern” across cycles suggests the historical bottom may occur between 912 and 922 days after the halving, which “points to a bottom in late September or early October 2026,” he said. 

BTC is below key daily moving averages 

Bitcoin remains below the key 50-day and 200-day exponential moving averages, two long-term trend indicators. 

It is hovering at the 200-week EMA, around $68,000, which has served as a key level of support during previous market downturns. 

BTC remains below key daily moving averages. Source: TradingView

Magazine: Nobody knows if quantum secure cryptography will even work