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Articles by Crypto Guru
REGULATION | Binance Suspends Trading in Ethiopian Birr Following Regulatory Pressure
Binance has announced it is disabling trading in Ethiopian Birr starting on May 15 2026. Accoding to the announcement, Binance said the suspension comes following regulatory pressure.
REGULATION | The Central Bank of Kenya Advertises VASP Licensing and Oversight Positions Ahead of Crypto Regulations
The Central Bank of Kenya is hiring for senior and mid-level roles focused on licensing and compliance of virtual asset firms as the country prepares to implement its first comprehensive crypto regulations. The regulator has advertised four positions within its Digital Payment Services Division, including a manager for virtual asset service provider (VASP) licensing, deputy managers for licensing and oversight, and a senior business analyst.
EXPERT OPINION | Blockchain Transparency May Expose Sensitive Commercial Patterns, Says CEO of a Blockchain Privacy Firm
Public blockchains may be exposing more than they protect, according to a new opinion piece, which argues that the transparency underpinning crypto networks could hand competitors valuable business intelligence.
BITCOIN | Why Jack Dorsey’s Block Unveiled Bitcoin Proof-of-Reserves for Independent Verification
Block Inc. has unveiled a Bitcoin proof-of-reserves system allowing users and investors to independently verify the company’s holdings on-chain in a move aimed at boosting transparency and trust in its crypto operations. The system covers Block’s corporate Bitcoin treasury as well as balances tied to its Cash App and Square businesses enabling public verification through cryptographic signatures rather than relying on company disclosures alone.
REGULATION | Nigerian Fintech, JuicyWay, Gets a Payment Service Provider (PSP) License in Canada
African cross-border payments firm, JuicyWay, has been registered as a payment service provider under Canada’s Retail Payment Activities Act marking a step into one of the world’s most tightly regulated financial systems. The approval, granted following a regulatory review by the Bank of Canada, allows the company to operate under a framework that came into force in 2024 and places retail payments directly under central bank supervision.
STABLECOINS | Western Union CEO Signals Intent to Move Away from the SWIFT Network
Western Union is exploring the launch of its own stablecoin as part of a broader push to overhaul how it settles cross-border payments, with CEO, Devin McGranahan, signaling the firm’s intent to move away from the traditional SWIFT network. The 175-year-old money transfer company plans to use the stablecoin, expected to be a U.S. dollar–backed token, to handle internal settlement between agents and partners, rather than for direct consumer use.
REGULATION | Israel Approves Shekel-Pegged Stablecoin After Solana Pilot
Israel’s financial regulator has approved the launch of a stablecoin pegged to the national currency marking a step toward integrating digital assets into the country’s regulated financial system. The Israel Capital Market Insurance and Savings Authority said it had granted approval for the “BILS” stablecoin, developed by local crypto firm, Bits of Gold, following a roughly two-year pilot conducted on the Solana blockchain.
INSIGHTS | Why South Africa is Re-Writing Decades-Old Money Rules
South Africa is betting that rewriting decades-old money rules could unlock one of the biggest investment opportunities in emerging markets. The country is planning its most significant financial reform in decades, aimed at attracting global capital, strengthening Johannesburg’s position as Africa’s leading financial hub, and making it easier for international investors to deploy funds into its economy.
PRESS RELEASE | Damisa and dLocal Partner to Expand Cross-Border Settlement in APAC
Damisa, the B2B cross-border payment and settlement platform built for emerging-market corridors, has announced a strategic partnership with dLocal, the leading cross-border payment platform connecting global merchants to emerging markets, to expand local payment settlement across Asia-Pacific. The partnership connects Damisa to dLocal’s established local payment rails across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region through a single integration.
MARKET ANALYSIS | Retail Crypto Trading in Nigeria is Loosing Profitability
Nigerian cryptocurrency startups are expanding beyond their core retail trading businesses as shrinking margins, rising competition and shifting user behavior force firms to diversify revenue streams, according to a report by tech outlet, TechCabal.
REPORT | Stablecoins Could Reshape African Payments But Face Infrastructure, Regulatory Hurdles, Says Onafriq Report
Stablecoins could transform Africa’s fragmented and costly payments landscape, but weak infrastructure, regulatory gaps and limited real-world applications risk slowing adoption, according to a new report by fintech firm Onafriq.
REGULATION | South Africa’s Draft Capital Flow Management Regulations, 2026, to Demand Limited Crypto Holdings, Mandatory Resales
Proposed new capital flow regulations by National Treasury and the South African Reserve Bank are drawing criticism from legal and industry stakeholders, who warn the measures could impose sweeping controls on cryptocurrency use and raise constitutional concerns. The Draft Capital Flow Management Regulations, 2026, published on April 17 2026 are intended to modernize South Africa’s exchange control regime dating back to 1961.
INSTITUTIONAL | ‘DeFi Exploits, Limited Growth Are Holding Back Institutional Adoption,’ Says America’s Largest Bank
Global banking giant, JPMorgan, has said persistent security vulnerabilities and limited growth in decentralized finance (DeFi) are continuing to deter institutional investors from entering the sector. In a recent assessment, the bank, which manages roughly $4.8 trillion in assets, pointed to a surge in exploits as a key concern. More than $600 million has been lost to DeFi-related hacks so far in April 2026 alone, underscoring ongoing risks in the ecosystem.
PRESS RELEASE | Crypto-Friendly Fintech, Ozow, Partners with Lula to Expand Access to Business Funding for South African SMEs
Payments provider, Ozow, has announced a new partnership with SME financial services platform, Lula, aimed at expanding access to business funding for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across South Africa. The partnership introduces a new funding access channel for Ozow’s merchant base enabling eligible businesses to apply for funding through a co-branded Ozow-Lula digital interface.
REPORT | ~90% of 2025 Web3 Funding in Nigeria was Grant-Based
Nigerian Web3 startups raised $43 million in 2025, more than double the previous year, signalling a tentative recovery in funding, though investment remains concentrated in early-stage deals and stablecoin-driven financial services, according to a new report.
CRYPTO CRIME | ‘Expect More Crackdowns,’ Kenyan Investigators Reportedly Say Following Binance Account Freezes
Kenyan authorities have frozen an undisclosed number of user accounts on crypto exchange, Binance, as part of a widening crackdown on suspected fraud, money laundering and terrorism financing, according to investigators familiar with the matter.
REGULATION | Binance Reportedly Freezing P2P User Accounts in Kenya at the Request of Law Enforcement
A recent series of tweets in Kenya reveal that law enforcement has begun to crack down on P2P users reportedly under investigation on the Binance platform. Under the hashtag, #BinanceUnmasked, a number of users have complained that their Binance accounts have been frozen at the request of law enforcement. The law enforcement Government agency name has been identified as the National Police Service, Kenya.
REGULATION | Central Bank of Nigeria Maintains Binance Carried Out ‘Hidden Operations’ Without Authorization
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has concluded its testimony against cryptocurrency platform Binance, maintaining that it carried out “hidden operations” in Nigeria without authorization, according to local reporting. Dr. Olubukola Akinwunmi, Director of Banking Supervision at the CBN, wrapped up his testimony before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, in a criminal trial initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2024.
REGULATION | Rwanda Draft Law Reportedly Proposes 5-Year Sentences, Over $70K in Fines for Unlicensed Crypto Trading
A draft law in Rwanda proposes prison sentences of up to five years and fines of up to about $72,000 for companies involved in illegal virtual asset trading, as the government moves to tighten oversight of the sector, according to local reporting.
From Grassroots to Institutions – Who is Really Driving Crypto Adoption in Africa?
Crypto adoption in Africa has never followed a single, predictable path like the one we have seen in more developed parts of the world. In fact, it has often been chaotic. Unlike more mature markets where institutional capital often leads the charge, the continent’s digital asset ecosystem has been shaped from the ground up.
PRESS RELEASE | Lua Raises $5.8 Million to Build Operating System for Human, Agent Collaboration Across Emerging Markets
Lua, the operating system for human agent collaboration in the workspace, has announced it has secured $5.8 million in funding led by Norrsken22 Additional investors include Flourish Ventures, 20VC, P1 Ventures, Phosphor Capital and Y Combinator along with notable angels Henri Stern (CEO Privy), Kaz Nejatian (CEO of Opendoor) and Med Benmansour (CEO of Nuitee).
Founder of Crypto VC Fund, Assymetric, Arrested in Zanzibar Following Death of Fiancee
Police in Zanzibar, Tanzania, are reportedly holding Joe McCann, a crypto trader and founder of the crypto fund, Asymmetric, for questioning after his fiancée died while the couple was on vacation. McCann’s fiancée, Ashly Robinson, died in hospital after she was found a day earlier by hotel staff where the pair were staying, according to reports citing Tanzanian police.
STABLECOINS | Trident, Ripple Strategy to Build Out RLUSD Stablecoin Payment System for Africa
Trident Digital Tech Holdings (TDTH) said it has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Ripple Strategy Holding to jointly develop a stablecoin-based payment system targeting African markets. Under the agreement, Ripple Strategy will provide its RLUSD stablecoin technology and blockchain payment infrastructure to support Trident’s Africa-focused initiatives, the companies said.
DeFi | Nigeria’s Polkadot Project, HyperBridge, Compromised, Minting Over ~$2 Billion in Tokens, Loosing Over $200,000
An attacker has exploited a vulnerability in the Hyperbridge interoperability protocol to mint roughly $2 billion worth of fraudulent Polkadot tokens on Ethereum, though the actual financial loss was limited to about $230,000 due to low liquidity, according to blockchain security researchers. The exploit targeted Hyperbridge’s Ethereum gateway contract, allowing the attacker to manipulate permissions and generate around 1 billion wrapped DOT tokens without proper collateral backing, reports said.
CASE STUDY | A UK-Based e-Commerce Platform Pays African Suppliers with USDC via Flutterwave
As Flutterwave continues beta-testing its stablecoin infrastructure with a select group of merchants, the leading African fintech has also been sharing how stablecoins actually solve the grit and grind of moving money across Africa for individuals and businesses. The company says that by watching how digital dollars move in the wild, it has been able to uncover the real operational nuances to refine its logic for final payments and simplify the experience for first-time users.
PRESS RELEASE | Verto Introduces Named USD Accounts to Bridge the Gap Between US Banking Access and Emerging Market Operations
A growing number of South African-founded startups and SMEs operating internationally, particularly those incorporated in the US, are finding themselves unexpectedly locked out of the global financial system, as traditional banks tighten compliance controls and retreat from emerging market exposure.
INSTITUTIONAL | Bhutan Offloads ~70% of Bitcoin Holdings in 18 Months
Bhutan has offloaded roughly 70% of its bitcoin holdings over the past 18 months, according to blockchain data, with its reserves falling from about 13,000 BTC in late 2024 to under 4,000 BTC currently. Recent transfers, including about 319 BTC worth roughly $23 million, are part of a broader pattern of steady outflows from wallets linked to the government and its investment arm, Druk Holding & Investments.
PARTNERSHIP | VALR, Onafriq Partnership Opens Crypto Access to Africa’s Mobile Money Users
African cryptocurrency exchange, VALR, has partnered with payments network, Onafriq, to enable millions of users across the continent to access digital assets using mobile money in a move aimed at expanding financial inclusion. The integration allows users to fund crypto accounts directly through mobile money wallets in local currencies bypassing traditional banking systems that remain inaccessible to large segments of the population.
FINTECH AFRICA | Flutterwave Partners with Kulipa to Offer Stablecoin Cards Across Africa
Flutterwave is partnering with stablecoin card issuer, Kulipa, to roll out stablecoin-powered payment cards across Africa, in a move aimed at bridging the gap between crypto holdings and everyday spending. The collaboration, also involving infrastructure providers Turnkey and Our Nuvion, will allow users and businesses to spend stablecoins directly at merchants that accept traditional card payments, eliminating the need for manual conversion into local currencies.
REALITY CHECK | South African Crypto Exchange Bitcoin Volumes Tank by 95% in Less Than 5 Years
The crypto market in South Africa has taken great strides in terms of compliance and regulation. However, it is not all rousy as demand for digital assets such as Bitcoin has dropped drastically over the last 4-5 years. According to Carel de Jager, CEO of crypto data analytics firm, Silver Sixpence: “Stablecoins is definitely the theme of the day. Stablecoins have surpassed bitcoin in both on-chain activity and in trading activity [in South Africa].
FINTECH AFRICA | Leading African Fintech, Flutterwave, Secures Micro-Lending Banking License in Nigeria
Flutterwave has secured a national micro-lending license in Nigeria, marking a major step in its push deeper into core financial services. The approval allows the fintech giant to move beyond payments and begin offering services traditionally handled by banks including holding customer deposits, issuing accounts, and providing loans.
INSTITUTIONAL | Brokerage Giant Preparing to Roll Out Bitcoin, Ether Trading in H1 2026
Brokerage giant, Charles Schwab, is preparing to roll out direct spot trading for Bitcoin and Ethereum with a launch targeted for the first half of 2026. The move marks a major expansion of Schwab’s crypto strategy shifting beyond indirect exposure like ETFs and futures into full buy-and-sell access for the two largest digital assets. A company spokesperson confirmed the firm remains ‘on track’ for the rollout timeline.
Comoros Gaming License vs Tobique Gaming License: A Comprehensive 2026 Guide
The global iGaming industry continues to evolve rapidly in 2026, driven by regulatory changes, technological innovation, and the increasing popularity of online casinos and betting platforms. One of the most important decisions for any iGaming operator is choosing the right jurisdiction for licensing. Among the emerging options, two licenses are gaining attention: the Comoros gaming license (Anjouan) and the Tobique gaming license (Canada).
FINTECH AFRICA | Bank of Namibia to Launch a National Instant Payment System by June 2026
Namibia is preparing to take a major step toward real-time payments. The Bank of Namibia has set June 2026 as the target rollout date for its national instant payment system, a platform designed to enable real-time digital transfers and expand access to financial services across the country.
CASE STUDY | Ozow’s Latest Appointment Reveals South African Fintechs Are Prioritizing Compliance as Regulatory Scrutiny Grows
Ozow is sharpening its focus on governance, risk management, and regulatory alignment, signalling a broader strategic shift as fintechs navigate an increasingly complex payments environment. The company has formalised a Chief Risk and Governance Officer (CRGO) function – an indication that risk and compliance are no longer back-office concerns but core pillars of sustainable growth in modern fintech.
FUNDING | Egyptian Firm Raises Funding from One of Africa’s Leading Investment Groups to Scale its Stablecoin Infra Across Africa
Hamilton Labs, an Egyptian infrastructure company, has secured an undisclosed amount of funding from AXIAN Investment to scale its stablecoin infrastructure across the African continent. When Mo Kasstawi Co-Founded the Egyptian financial infrastructure company, he wasn’t setting out to launch just another crypto startup. He was responding to a reality familiar across the continent: access to stable dollars is still treated as a privilege rather than a basic financial need.
REGULATION | Draft Rules for Stablecoin Issuance in Kenya Stipulate ~$4 Million Minimum Paid-Up Capital
Kenya is moving to tighten oversight of its fast-growing crypto sector with new draft rules proposing steep entry requirements for stablecoin issuers and other virtual asset firms. Under proposals released by the National Treasury, companies looking to issue stablecoins would be required to: Hold a minimum paid-up capital of KES 500 million (about $3.85 million), one of the highest thresholds in the framework. Hold capital equivalent to 100% of current liabilities for 30 days minimum.
EXPERT OPINION | Crypto-Based Charitable Initiatives in Africa Create Short-Lived Interventions – Founder, WellsForAll
Adapted from an original post written by the Founder of WellsForAll Blockchain-based philanthropy has expanded rapidly over the past decade, promising to bring transparency, efficiency and accountability to aid distribution. Crypto donations in 2024 exceeded $1 billion, according to recent statistics demonstrating momentum, especially for philanthropic projects across Africa. But in Africa, many of these initiatives have struggled to deliver meaningful, long-term impact.
PRESS RELEASE | TRM Labs and Zepz Join Forces to Support Safer USDC Stablecoin Remittances for Migrant Communities
TRM Labs, a leading blockchain intelligence platform, has announced a partnership with Zepz – the group behind leading digital remittance brands, WorldRemit and SendWave – to support the global expansion of its stablecoin-based Sendwave Wallet for migrant communities and their families. The integration of TRM’s blockchain intelligence will help Zepz manage financial crime risk and scale its stablecoin offering as it expands into new markets. Advancing financial access through stablecoins.
TAXATION | Binance Seeking Out-of-Court Settlement with the Nigeria Revenue Service, Confirms Government Lawyer
Binance, the leading exchange globally, has moved to settle its ongoing tax evasion case with Nigeria’s Federal Government out of court signalling a possible pause in one of the country’s most high-profile crypto legal battles. The company’s lawyer told the Federal High Court in Abuja that both parties are now exploring an amicable resolution, a position confirmed by government counsel representing the tax authority.
CASE STUDY | Irish Police and EuroPol Crack a Wallet and Gain Access to 500 Bitcoins
Irish police have gained access to a long-dormant Bitcoin wallet linked to convicted drug dealer, Clifton Collins, recovering cryptocurrency worth about $35 million, authorities have said. Ireland’s Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB), working with Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre, said it successfully accessed one of 12 wallets associated with Collins, seizing 500 Bitcoin that had been out of reach for years due to lost access codes.
REGULATION | ~50 Virtual Asset Firms Looking to Set up Regional HQs in Kenya, Says Nairobi International Finance Center (NIFC)
More than 50 cryptocurrency firms, including global exchange Binance, are reportedly exploring plans to establish regional headquarters in Nairobi, drawn by rising adoption and favourable tax incentives as Kenya positions itself as a financial hub in East Africa. The Nairobi International Finance Centre (NIFC) said it is in active discussions with both local and international virtual asset companies as part of efforts to attract investment and create jobs.
PRESS RELEASE | Kaspersky and AFRIPOL Conduct Joint Cyber-Security Training for African Law Enforcement
As part of a joint initiative with the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL), Kaspersky has provided cybersecurity training courses for law enforcement representatives from 23 African countries, unfolding the fundamentals of Security Operations Center (SOC) activities and advanced threat hunting techniques.
REPORT | Africa Crypto Fraud Rate Dropped by 28% in 2025 YoY, Says State of Crypto Industry 2026 SumSub Report
Crypto-related fraud in Africa fell 28% year-on-year in 2025, signaling early gains from stricter regulation and improved compliance systems across the continent, according to The State of the Crypto Industry 2026 Report by SumSub. The decline follows a spike the previous year, when fraud rates rose to 3.6% in 2024 before easing to 2.6% in 2025, as exchanges and fintech platforms ramped up identity verification and transaction monitoring controls.
PRESS RELEASE | Circle and Sasai Fintech Collaborate to Expand Access to USDC in Africa
Circle,the company behind the USDC stablecoin, has announced a collaboration between one of its affiliates and Sasai Fintech, a business of Cassava Technologies, to accelerate USDC adoption and expand internet-native financial infrastructure across Africa. Issued through Circle’s regulated affiliates, USDC is a fully-reserved, transparent payment stablecoin redeemable 1:1 for U.S. dollars, powering programmable payments and financial applications worldwide.
LIST | Out of 19 Startups Selected for Cohort 1 Circle 2026 Developer Grants Program, 8 Are Africa-Founded
Circle has launched its 2026 developer grants program, backing the first cohort of startups building infrastructure and applications around stablecoins as the firm doubles down on expanding its internet-native financial ecosystem. The initiative is designed to fund and support early-stage teams integrating USDC and other Circle products into real-world use cases.
REGULATION | NALA Granted International Money Transfer Operator License from the Central Bank of Nigeria
The Central Bank of Nigeria has granted an International Money Transfer Operator (IMTO) licence to NALA allowing the fintech to deepen its presence in Nigeria’s remittance market and offer faster, lower-cost cross-border transfers. The approval enables NALA to operate as a fully regulated remittance provider in Nigeria and connect directly to the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), the country’s core financial switch.
INTRODUCING | Luno Launches a Prediction Markets Product in South Africa and Nigeria
Luno has launched a structured Crypto Prediction Markets product in South Africa and Nigeria, giving users a new way to act on short-term crypto price movements and earn USDC when their predictions are correct.
INTRODUCING | MoonPay Introduces First AI Agent Secured by a Ledger Signer
MoonPay has introduced AI-powered crypto agents secured by Ledger devices, aiming to reduce one of the biggest risks in digital asset wallets: exposure of private keys. The system allows users to verify and sign every transaction generated by an AI agent through a Ledger hardware wallet, ensuring private keys remain stored on the physical device and never leave the secure environment. “Autonomous agents will manage trillions in digital assets,” said Ivan Soto-Wright, CEO and Founder of MoonPay.
DeFi | AAVE Implements AAVE Shield to Automatically Block Swaps with Over 25% Price Impact
AAVE, the leading, decentralized non-custodial liquidity protocol that allows users to lend and borrow cryptocurrencies without intermediaries, has introduced a safeguard for platform users that blocks any swap with a price impact greater than 25%.
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