Need to know what happened in crypto today? Here are the biggest developments affecting Bitcoin, blockchain, stablecoins, institutional adoption and crypto regulation.
Today’s key stories include fresh comments from the IMF on El Salvador’s Bitcoin holdings, a new partnership between Kraken parent Payward and SoFi, and Standard Chartered’s expansion into institutional crypto trading in the UAE.
IMF Clarifies El Salvador’s Bitcoin Accumulation
The International Monetary Fund said El Salvador did not use public funds to increase its Bitcoin holdings after the first review of its financing program in June 2025.
According to the IMF, documents provided by Salvadoran authorities showed that the additional Bitcoin came from private donations.
That means the increase in El Salvador’s holdings did not result from new Bitcoin purchases funded by the government.
The IMF also said that majority ownership and operational control of the Chivo wallet had been transferred to a private operator.
The government retained a minority stake as well as certain custodial responsibilities.
The lender added that it does not expect further Bitcoin accumulation beyond documented private donations.
Questions Over El Salvador’s Bitcoin Strategy
The IMF’s comments address concerns about how El Salvador’s Bitcoin reserves increased following the program review.
In November 2025, the country said it had acquired 1,090 BTC worth around $100 million.
That announcement raised questions over whether the purchases were consistent with the conditions of El Salvador’s $1.4 billion IMF financing program.
The latest IMF clarification suggests that public money was not used for the post-review increase.
Kraken Parent Payward Expands Through SoFi Deal
Payward, the parent company of Kraken, is expanding further into traditional finance through a new partnership with SoFi.
The agreement brings SoFiUSD to Kraken and connects Payward with the SoFi Exchange Network.
This will give Kraken’s institutional and business customers access to round-the-clock US dollar settlement.
SoFi will also use Kraken Prime as an additional source of digital asset liquidity.
Qualified custody services could also be added at a later stage.
Payward Pushes Further Into Traditional Markets
The SoFi agreement follows several recent moves by Payward and Kraken beyond the traditional crypto exchange business.
Earlier this week, London Stock Exchange Group was reportedly preparing to work with Payward on tokenized UK stocks through LSE 24.
The 24/5 trading venue is expected to launch in 2027.
Kraken has also increased its exposure to traditional financial markets through xStocks.
The tokenized equities platform was developed by Backed Finance, which Kraken acquired earlier this year.
The exchange has used the platform to provide eligible investors with exposure to shares linked to companies including SpaceX and Jersey Mike’s.
Standard Chartered Launches Bitcoin and Ether Trading in UAE
Standard Chartered has also expanded its cryptocurrency services.
The London-based bank launched spot Bitcoin and Ether trading for institutional clients in the United Arab Emirates.
The service is being offered through its entity regulated by the Dubai International Financial Centre.
According to the bank, the launch makes Standard Chartered the first global bank to offer institutional digital asset trading in the region.
It also said it is the first Global Systemically Important Bank to provide a similar service there.
Institutional Clients Gain Direct Crypto Access
Eligible institutional clients can access spot Bitcoin and Ether trading through Standard Chartered’s electronic trading channels.
The service has been integrated into the bank’s existing trading platforms.
The launch expands Standard Chartered’s regulated digital asset offering in the Middle East.
The bank previously introduced digital asset custody services in the UAE in September 2024.
In June, Standard Chartered also entered a banking agreement with CoinMENA.
That partnership allows the crypto exchange to use the bank for fiat deposits and withdrawals, client money accounts and virtual account-based transaction management.
Institutional Crypto Adoption Continues to Expand
The latest developments highlight the growing connection between cryptocurrency markets and traditional finance.
El Salvador continues to face scrutiny over its Bitcoin strategy, while financial companies such as Payward and Standard Chartered are expanding regulated crypto services.
At the same time, partnerships involving stablecoins, institutional settlement and tokenized assets suggest that digital finance is becoming more closely integrated with established financial markets.
