Key Highlights: JPYC receives regulatory go-ahead to issue Japan’s first yen-pegged stablecoin. Japan’s stablecoin reform aims at streamlined international money transfers. Cryptocurrency tax and ETF proposals signal dynamic legal changes. Japan Approves First Yen-Pegged Stablecoin for National Rollout Japan’s Financial Services Agency is preparing to approve the country’s inaugural stablecoin, directly linked to the yen. The issuer, Tokyo-based fintech JPYC, will soon be registered officially as a licensed money transfer provider. This ground-breaking move not only aims to strengthen Japan’s fintech sector but could also revolutionize how cross-border transactions are settled, making them faster and more cost-efficient for businesses and individuals. According to local reports, the global stablecoin market is expected to surpass $250 billion by 2025, with most coins currently pegged to the US dollar. Japan now positions itself on the cutting edge by enabling new forms of digital payments, diversifying its participation in the international crypto ecosystem. Regulatory Reforms and Regional Stablecoin Growth Separately, South Korean tech giant Kakao is developing a won-pegged stablecoin via the Kaia blockchain, highlighting a regional trend toward national digital assets. Meanwhile, Japan’s financial regulator has proposed reforms to classify cryptocurrencies as financial products. Such changes could pave the way for crypto ETFs and a simplified 20% flat income tax for crypto earnings, making Japan a more enticing market for investors and innovators alike. These developments demonstrate Japan’s commitment to fostering digital innovation while maintaining regulatory oversight, positioning the country as a central hub in the rapidly expanding global stablecoin industry. Japan’s proactive stance not only sets a precedent for other countries but may accelerate international adoption of regulated, fiat-backed stablecoins.
BlackRock is significantly influencing Bitcoin and Ethereum’s market through its ETF investments, risking the decentralization of cryptocurrencies as they become Wall Street assets. BlackRock’s control of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF
Parag Agrawal, the former Twitter CEO ousted by Elon Musk, has launched a new AI startup aimed at driving the next wave of AI agent research.
Crypto enthusiast JackTheRippler has shared that travelers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) now have the option to book flights using XRP. His post mentions XRP as a payment method through platforms serving the region. This reflects the growing role of digital assets in real-world applications. The focus of the statement was on travel bookings and the direct availability of XRP as a payment option , without extending into broader commentary on its market impact. BREAKING: UAE travelers can now book flights using #XRP ! pic.twitter.com/R6UqStfN1o — JackTheRippler © (@RippleXrpie) August 16, 2025 Platforms Supporting Crypto Payments The images shared alongside the post compared several airlines and agencies operating in the UAE that accept cryptocurrency payments. The details show that integration is often provided through third-party payment processors. Emirates Airlines supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, CRO, USDT, USDC, and additional assets from 2026, facilitated through Crypto.com. Air Arabia lists AE Coin through Al Maryah Community Bank. Travala supports a wide range of assets, including BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC, BNB, AVA, and more than 90 others, processed through Crypto.com and Binance Pay. Alternative Airlines explicitly lists XRP among supported assets along with BTC, ETH, LTC, ADA, DOGE, USDT, and over 100 more, with payments handled by Crypto.com, Triple-A, and xMoney. Destinia, meanwhile, accepts BTC, ETH, and USDT through BitPay. XRP’s appearance on the list is tied to Alternative Airlines, confirming a clear path for customers to use the asset when booking flights. Travala.com’s XRP Integration In an earlier development reported by Times Tabloid in May, Travala.com officially integrated XRP as a payment method for global users. Travala is a blockchain-based travel platform offering over three million travel products, including flights, hotels, and activities across over 230 countries. The integration was highlighted at the time by Edo Farina, who emphasized its importance for expanding the utility of digital assets in day-to-day payments. Travala already supports more than one hundred payment methods, covering both traditional and digital options, and the addition of XRP means customers can complete bookings directly using the asset. For UAE travelers using Travala, this option includes international and regional bookings. Significance for Travelers in the UAE For users in the UAE , the relevance of JackTheRippler’s post lies in the practical ability to book flights using XRP through platforms that provide crypto-friendly services. While major airlines like Emirates are working through specific payment partnerships with limited asset coverage, agencies such as Alternative Airlines and Travala.com include XRP within their supported range. In most cases, payment is routed through intermediaries like Crypto.com, Binance Pay, Triple-A, or xMoney, which handle settlement and conversion. This ensures that travelers who prefer to use XRP can access flights and related services, though availability depends on the platform chosen. JackTheRippler’s post underscores the growing utility of XRP in the travel sector, specifically for UAE-based travelers. With platforms such as Alternative Airlines and Travala.com enabling XRP payments, customers now have options to complete flight bookings using the asset. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. The post XRP Wins Fresh Adoption In the United Arab Emirates appeared first on Times Tabloid .
Bitcoin’s price had a quiet weekend, but it headed straight south on Monday morning by dropping to an 11-day low of $115,000. Almost all altcoins have followed suit, with ETH dumping to $4,300, while XRP is testing the crucial $3 resistance. Bitcoin dumped on Thursday and Friday then barely moved at all over the weekend. US futures markets just reopened for the week and now $BTC is selling off again. WHO IS DUMPING ON US? pic.twitter.com/8GQ0semVwP — Satoshi Stacker (@StackerSatoshi) August 18, 2025 The latest correction transpired as the US futures markets reopened, but also during the early Asian trading hours. Perhaps a large portion of this volatility can be attributed to the latest developments in the Ukraine-Russia war. As reported on Saturday morning, Trump and Putin failed to reach a conclusive deal on how the war should end. However, the US President said later on that there has been “big progress on Russia,” and advised people to stay tuned. On Sunday, the POTUS made another comment, saying that the ball is now in Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s court: “President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight. Remember how it started. No getting back Obama given Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!), and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE. Some things never change.” Recall that the US President is set to meet with European leaders today, including Ukraine’s Zelenskyy. In terms of BTC price actions, the past several hours have been quite painful as the asset slumped by over three grand in a fall to an 11-day low of $115,000. It has managed to defend that level for now, but the move south has dragged most altcoins with it. ETH is down by 3%, XRP has slipped to $3, while SOL and DOGE have marked 4-5% daily declines. LINK is among the few exceptions, posting another daily jump of 5%. The total value of wrecked positions has risen to over $450 million, according to CoinGlass data. More than 115,000 traders have been wrecked daily, and longs as responsible for the lion’s share. Liquidation Heat Map. Source: CoinGlass The post Bitcoin Tanks to 11-Day Low as Nearly $500M Liquidations Sweep the Market appeared first on CryptoPotato .
Renmin University of China is set to enhance the dialogue surrounding the management of virtual assets with its forthcoming seminar dedicated to exploring the intricacies of stablecoins and Real World