Underdog Acquires Aristotle Exchange – Move Enables Launch of In-House Regulated Prediction Market

Key Takeaways

Underdog Expands from DFS Into Regulated Prediction Markets

Underdog, known as a daily fantasy sports operator, has announced the acquisition of Aristotle Exchange. The transaction marks a structural expansion of its activities in the prediction markets segment. More than six months ago, Underdog began offering sports prediction markets. With the purchase of Aristotle Exchange, the company now gains control of infrastructure that allows it to operate its own regulated prediction market exchange.

The timing is significant. Underdog first entered the sports prediction markets space in the second half of the previous year. The new acquisition indicates that the company is moving beyond offering such products through existing arrangements and toward directly operating a regulated exchange structure.

For users who follow developments in crypto based and alternative wagering formats, this move signals a shift from platform level product offerings to ownership of exchange level market infrastructure.

What Aristotle Exchange Brings to the Deal

Aristotle Exchange operates both a Designated Contract Market and a Derivatives Clearing organization. These two components form the core regulatory and operational framework for running a regulated prediction market exchange.

A Designated Contract Market is the marketplace where contracts are listed and traded. A Derivatives Clearing organization is responsible for clearing and settling transactions executed on that market. By acquiring a company that already operates both functions, Underdog secures an integrated structure covering listing, trading, and clearing.

This combination provides a vertically integrated setup. Rather than relying on a third party for listing contracts or clearing trades, Underdog will be able to run these functions within the acquired entity’s framework.

For market participants, including users who evaluate prediction markets alongside traditional sportsbooks or crypto betting platforms, the presence of a clearing structure is a core operational element. Clearing organizations handle the processing of trades and ensure that contractual obligations are settled according to established rules.

From Sports Prediction Offering to Exchange Ownership

Underdog began offering sports prediction markets more than six months before announcing the acquisition. At that stage, the company was active in providing prediction market products but did not own the underlying exchange infrastructure.

The acquisition changes that position. With Aristotle Exchange now under its ownership, Underdog can offer its own regulated prediction market exchange rather than relying solely on external market structures.

This distinction matters in operational terms. Offering prediction markets as a product differs from operating the exchange on which contracts are listed and cleared. Exchange ownership allows control over contract listing processes, market operations, and clearing mechanisms within the regulatory structure attached to the Designated Contract Market and Derivatives Clearing framework.

For users comparing platforms, this development may influence how they categorize Underdog. The company is no longer only a daily fantasy sports operator that added prediction markets. It now owns infrastructure associated with regulated derivatives style markets.

Implications for the Broader Prediction Market Landscape

The announcement illustrates ongoing convergence between daily fantasy sports operators and prediction market structures. Underdog’s acquisition links a consumer facing sports platform with an entity that operates regulated exchange and clearing functions.

From a structural perspective, this reduces the separation between front end sports focused platforms and backend regulated exchange infrastructure. For international users assessing crypto betting and prediction market options, ownership of exchange and clearing capabilities can represent a different operational model compared to platforms that act only as intermediaries.

The transaction also reflects the strategic value placed on regulatory designations such as a Designated Contract Market and a Derivatives Clearing organization. Rather than building such infrastructure from the ground up, Underdog has chosen to acquire an entity that already operates both.

While the announcement does not detail financial terms or operational timelines, the structural outcome is clear: Underdog will be positioned to operate its own regulated prediction market exchange.

Our Assessment

Based on the announced information, Underdog’s acquisition of Aristotle Exchange gives the company ownership of a Designated Contract Market and a Derivatives Clearing organization. This enables Underdog to offer its own regulated prediction market exchange rather than solely providing prediction market products. The move follows more than six months of activity in sports prediction markets and marks an expansion from daily fantasy sports operations into exchange level market infrastructure.

Brazil’s President Calls for Ban on Online Casinos – Move Challenges 2023 Regulatory Framework

Key Takeaways

President Lula Signals Legislative Push Against Online Casino Games

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has publicly called for legislation to prohibit online casino games in the country. The statement was delivered during a nearly six minute national radio and television address linked to International Women’s Day. The speech was broadcast nationwide on Saturday night and had been recorded two days earlier at the Palácio da Alvorada.

In his address, Lula described gambling addiction as a growing problem in Brazilian households. He stated that although most gambling addicts are men, the financial consequences often fall on women. According to the president, money intended for food, rent, and children’s education is being lost through gambling on mobile phones.

Lula also referred to popular online games such as the so called “Jogos do Tigrinho” or “Tiger game,” describing them as examples of digital gambling that should not be allowed to operate in homes. He emphasized that land based casinos are currently prohibited in Brazil and questioned the logic of allowing similar gambling activities to take place online.

The president said the government would work together with the National Congress and the judiciary to ensure that digital casino platforms do not continue operating in a way that, in his words, indebts families and harms households.

Contrast With the 2023 Online Betting Law

The president’s remarks mark a significant shift from the regulatory framework approved under his own administration in 2023. That legislation was originally introduced by the Ministry of Finance, led by Minister Fernando Haddad, with the primary objective of regulating sports betting platforms that were already active in Brazil without a formal legal structure.

During debate in the Chamber of Deputies, Representative Adolfo Viana introduced an amendment expanding the scope of the bill. The amendment authorized so called online games, a category that includes online casino offerings such as the “Tiger game.” This change broadened the proposal beyond sports betting.

The Federal Senate later attempted to restrict the legislation exclusively to sports betting by removing the provision that authorized online casino games. However, the Chamber of Deputies reinstated the clause before the final vote. President Lula signed the legislation into law in December 2023 without vetoing the expanded provisions.

As a result, the legal framework that emerged permits both sports betting operators and online casino platforms to operate under regulated conditions in Brazil. The regulation governing sports betting came into effect in January 2025.

Lula’s latest statements therefore contrast with the policy direction established by the earlier law. While the current framework allows digital betting platforms, the government is now signaling a willingness to pursue legal changes that could prohibit certain forms of online gambling.

Focus on Household Finances and Social Impact

In his speech, Lula framed the issue primarily as a matter of household financial stability and social welfare. He stated that gambling losses frequently undermine family budgets and redirect resources intended for essential expenses.

The address was linked to International Women’s Day and included references to government actions aimed at combating gender based violence. Lula stated that violence against women is not a private matter and highlighted broader policy priorities connected to women’s welfare.

Within this context, he positioned online gambling as another factor contributing to financial and social pressures within families. By highlighting the disproportionate burden on women, the president connected gambling regulation to a wider social agenda.

Implications for Brazil’s Regulated Online Gambling Market

Brazil currently operates under a legal framework that explicitly authorizes both sports betting and online casino activities. Any prohibition of online casino games would therefore require legislative changes and coordination between the executive branch, Congress, and potentially the judiciary.

For operators and users, the president’s announcement introduces the prospect of regulatory adjustments affecting the availability of online casino style games. The existing framework was designed to bring previously unregulated platforms into a formal system. A reversal or modification of that approach would alter the scope of permitted activities.

At this stage, no specific legislative text has been presented. The president has stated an intention to work with Congress and the judiciary to introduce measures aimed at preventing the continued operation of digital casino platforms.

Our Assessment

President Lula’s call for legislation to prohibit online casino games represents a potential policy shift from the 2023 framework that authorized both sports betting and online casino operations in Brazil. The proposal focuses on concerns about gambling addiction and its financial impact on households, particularly women.

If pursued, the initiative would require changes to existing law and coordination with Congress and the judiciary. For users and operators in Brazil’s regulated online gambling market, the development signals that the current scope of permitted digital casino activities may face renewed legislative scrutiny.

Neosurf Appoints Laura Moore as Chief Strategy & Operations Officer – Focus on Global Expansion and Operational Integration

Key Takeaways

Laura Moore Joins Neosurf’s Senior Leadership Team

Neosurf has announced the appointment of Laura Moore as Chief Strategy & Operations Officer. She joins the company’s senior leadership team following a period in which she supported the business as an expert consultant.

In her new role, Moore becomes responsible for shaping Neosurf’s corporate strategy and supporting its next phase of growth. The company states that her mandate includes driving market expansion, identifying future mergers and acquisitions opportunities, and establishing strategic partnerships intended to strengthen its position in the cash to digital payments sector.

Her appointment formalizes an advisory relationship and places her at the center of strategic and operational decision making. According to Neosurf, this step reflects an effort to align long term planning with day to day operational execution.

Operational Oversight Across Global Teams

As Chief Strategy & Operations Officer, Moore will oversee Neosurf’s global operations teams. Her responsibilities include ensuring the delivery of secure and compliant payment services for millions of users worldwide.

The company specifies that her remit extends across core operational functions. These include global settlements, treasury operations, risk management, and regulatory adherence. In addition, she is tasked with re engineering a number of the company’s core business processes.

By consolidating oversight of these areas under one executive role, Neosurf links its strategic objectives with operational control functions. For users and partners, this structure directly relates to how payment services are processed, monitored, and aligned with regulatory requirements.

Focus on Strategy, M&A, and Partnerships

Beyond operational leadership, Moore will spearhead corporate strategy. This includes evaluating expansion opportunities and identifying potential mergers and acquisitions.

The company also states that she will be responsible for forging key strategic partnerships. Such partnerships are intended to support Neosurf as it enters what it describes as the next phase of its growth.

For businesses operating in online payments and digital services, structured partnerships and acquisition strategies can influence product availability, geographic reach, and integration capabilities. Within Neosurf’s framework, these initiatives are positioned as central components of its development plan.

Professional Background in Consumer Tech and Platform Development

Neosurf highlights Moore’s previous experience in consumer technology, platform development, and senior management roles. She has worked for several high profile B2B and B2C companies, including Vodafone and Sky.

This background is cited as a foundation for her dual focus on strategic vision and hands on operational management. According to the company, her experience will support efforts to unify operations and promote continuous improvement across business functions.

In addition to her corporate roles, Moore co founded LIFT as we Climb, an organization dedicated to advancing and celebrating women in technology. Neosurf identifies her as a thought leader in the technology space and notes that her perspective will contribute to its development in the cash to digital payments industry.

Statements from Company Leadership

Laura Moore stated that she is taking on the role at what she described as a key moment in the group’s evolution. She identified her priorities as driving sustainable growth, ensuring operational excellence, and building scalable frameworks necessary for future expansion.

Andrea McGeachin, Global CEO of Neosurf, commented that Moore’s experience as a global strategist and advocate for women in technology positions her to make a significant impact. McGeachin also emphasized the company’s expectations that Moore’s leadership will support its continued growth.

These statements align with the formal scope of the role, which combines strategic direction with operational management.

Implications for Neosurf’s Payment Operations

Neosurf describes itself as a cash to digital payments company with responsible gaming at its core. The Chief Strategy & Operations Officer role therefore sits at the intersection of payment processing, compliance oversight, and long term expansion planning.

By assigning responsibility for settlements, treasury, risk management, and regulatory adherence to a single executive, the company consolidates functions that are central to payment service reliability and compliance standards. For users and business partners, these areas affect transaction security, operational stability, and adherence to regulatory frameworks.

Moore’s mandate to re engineer core processes indicates a review and potential restructuring of existing operational workflows. The company frames this as creating a foundation that supports its long term vision.

Our Assessment

Neosurf’s appointment of Laura Moore as Chief Strategy & Operations Officer centralizes strategic planning and operational control within one executive position. Her responsibilities cover corporate strategy, market expansion, mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, and oversight of key operational functions including settlements, treasury, risk management, and regulatory adherence. The move formalizes her previous advisory role and positions her as a core decision maker as the company advances its global operations and growth plans.

Flow Foundation Files Court Motion to Halt Korean Exchange Delistings – Legal Action Follows Security Incident and Sharp Token Decline

Key Takeaways

Flow Foundation Seeks Court Intervention Over Korean Delistings

Flow Foundation and its parent company Dapper Labs have filed a motion with the Seoul Central District Court to suspend the termination of trading support for the FLOW token on three major South Korean exchanges. The application targets decisions by Upbit, Bithumb, and Coinone, which announced on February 12 that they would end FLOW trading support effective March 16.

The court reviewed the application on March 9 and will determine the next procedural steps. The legal move comes after Korean exchanges halted trading following a security incident that affected the Flow blockchain in December.

For users in South Korea, the outcome of the court review will determine whether FLOW remains accessible on the affected platforms. At present, Korbit continues to support FLOW trading in the country.

December Security Incident Led to Trading Suspensions

Flow, a layer-1 blockchain, experienced a security incident in December when an attacker exploited a vulnerability in the network. The flaw allowed certain assets to be duplicated rather than minted through standard supply controls. As a result, tokens could be created outside the intended issuance process.

According to the Foundation, the exploit led to $3.9 million in duplicated tokens. The organization stated that no user funds were compromised and that the counterfeit tokens were permanently destroyed. The attacker did not access or drain existing user balances.

Despite these remediation measures, several exchanges suspended FLOW trading due to concerns about the impact of duplicate tokens on asset value and overall network trust. The Korean exchanges later moved toward full delisting, prompting the current legal challenge.

Global Exchanges Continue to List FLOW

While Korean platforms announced plans to terminate support, Flow Foundation stated that major global exchanges have independently reviewed the situation and restored full FLOW services.

The Foundation reported that FLOW remains available on Coinbase, Kraken, OKX, Gate.io, HTX, Binance, and Bybit. It also emphasized its commitment to maintaining open access to FLOW in every market.

For international users, this means that despite regional trading suspensions in South Korea, the token continues to be listed and tradable on multiple large exchanges. The differing approaches between Korean exchanges and global platforms highlight how individual venues respond independently to security incidents.

Token Price and Ecosystem Metrics Show Sharp Declines

Market data indicates that FLOW has faced significant price pressure since the December incident. The token has fallen 75% since late December and is currently trading at $0.043.

The longer term performance shows a more substantial decline. FLOW is down 99.9% from its 2021 all-time high of $42, according to CoinGecko data cited in the report.

On-chain activity metrics have also contracted. Total value locked on the Flow platform has decreased 82% to $21 million since its November 2025 peak, according to DeFiLlama. Data referenced in the report shows that TVL losses accelerated following the security incident.

The broader non-fungible token market has also contracted significantly. Total NFT market capitalization has declined 92% from a mid-2022 peak of around $17 billion to approximately $1.4 billion today, according to CoinGecko.

Flow’s Background and Ecosystem Development

Dapper Labs, known as the creator of the NFT project CryptoKitties, announced the development of Flow in 2019. The blockchain was designed as a new layer-1 network intended to address scalability challenges in Web3 games and digital collectibles.

According to the Foundation, the Flow ecosystem continues to develop, with brands including Disney, the NBA, the NFL, and Ticketmaster actively building on the blockchain.

The recent legal and market developments, however, have placed renewed attention on the network’s stability and token performance. Exchange support remains a critical factor for liquidity and accessibility, particularly in markets where local platforms play a dominant role in trading activity.

Our Assessment

Flow Foundation’s court filing represents a direct response to planned delistings by three major South Korean exchanges following a December security incident. Although the duplicated tokens were destroyed and no user funds were compromised, the event led to trading suspensions and a significant decline in FLOW’s market value and total value locked.

At the same time, the token remains listed on several major global exchanges, and Korbit continues to support trading in South Korea. The court’s decision will determine whether FLOW maintains access to the affected Korean platforms ahead of the announced March 16 termination date.

US Court Dismisses Terrorism Lawsuit Against Binance – Judge Finds No Plausible Link to Specific Attacks

Key Takeaways

US District Court Dismisses Claims Under Anti-Terrorism Laws

A judge at the US District Court for the Southern District of New York has dismissed a lawsuit that accused Binance, its former CEO Changpeng Zhao, and Binance.US operator BAM Trading Services of assisting terrorist organizations through cryptocurrency transactions.

The case was brought by hundreds of victims and relatives of victims of terrorist attacks. According to the court filing, the plaintiffs represented 535 individuals connected to 64 attacks that occurred between 2016 and 2024. The attacks were attributed to groups including Hezbollah, Hamas, ISIS, al-Qaeda and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

The plaintiffs sought damages under the US Anti-Terrorism Act and the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act. These laws allow victims to pursue claims against entities alleged to have provided assistance to terrorist acts.

Judge Jeannette A. Vargas dismissed the case at the pleading stage. In her ruling, she found that the complaint did not sufficiently establish a connection between Binance’s operations and the specific attacks that caused the plaintiffs’ injuries. While the filing described alleged compliance failures and illicit activity on the platform, the court concluded that it did not plausibly link the exchange’s conduct to the terrorist incidents in question.

The judge stated that any amended complaint must be filed within 60 days.

Plaintiffs Alleged Exchange Facilitated Fund Transfers

The lawsuit argued that attackers or affiliated organizations benefited from cryptocurrency transactions conducted through Binance. According to the complaint, terrorist groups were able to move funds using the exchange’s infrastructure.

However, the court determined that the allegations, as presented, did not meet the legal threshold required to proceed. The decision effectively ends the case in its current form, unless the plaintiffs submit a revised complaint within the timeframe set by the court.

For users of centralized exchanges, the ruling highlights the legal standards required to hold platforms liable under US anti-terrorism legislation. Courts require a direct and plausible link between an exchange’s conduct and specific acts of terrorism, rather than general allegations of illicit activity on a platform.

Changpeng Zhao Responds to Court Decision

Following the dismissal, Changpeng Zhao commented publicly on the case. In a post on X, he stated that centralized crypto exchanges have “zero motive” to assist terrorist organizations.

Zhao argued that the economic structure of crypto trading makes such activity commercially illogical for exchanges. He wrote that terrorist actors are unlikely to generate meaningful trading revenue and would typically deposit funds only briefly before withdrawing them.

His comments addressed the broader question of incentives for centralized exchanges, which generate revenue primarily from trading activity. Zhao’s statement did not introduce new evidence but framed the issue in terms of business incentives.

Ongoing Scrutiny Over Sanctions Compliance

The court ruling comes as Binance faces additional scrutiny in the United States related to transactions involving sanctioned entities.

A group of 11 US senators recently raised allegations that the exchange facilitated transactions linked to Iranian entities. According to media reports referenced in the inquiry, Binance allegedly processed more than $1 billion in cryptocurrency transactions connected to Iranian entities Hexa Whale and Blessed Trust. The reports also claimed that employees who raised concerns internally were dismissed.

In a letter sent to Senators Richard Blumenthal and Ron Johnson, Binance rejected the allegations. The company stated that the February inquiry relied on reports that were “demonstrably false” and lacked credible evidence.

These developments illustrate the regulatory and political scrutiny that large crypto exchanges continue to face in the United States, particularly in relation to anti-terrorism financing rules and sanctions enforcement.

Implications for Crypto Platforms and Users

The dismissal of the lawsuit clarifies that, in this instance, the court did not find sufficient grounds to hold Binance liable under US anti-terrorism statutes based on the claims presented.

For crypto users, including those who use digital assets for trading or payments on online platforms, the case underscores the legal complexity surrounding centralized exchanges. Allegations of illicit finance can lead to significant legal proceedings, even when a case does not proceed beyond the initial stage.

For exchanges operating internationally, the ruling demonstrates the importance of compliance frameworks and the evidentiary standards required in US federal courts when claims relate to terrorist financing.

Our Assessment

The US District Court’s decision dismisses the terrorism-related claims against Binance, Changpeng Zhao and Binance.US at the pleading stage due to insufficient linkage between the platform’s operations and specific attacks. Plaintiffs have 60 days to amend their complaint. At the same time, Binance continues to face separate scrutiny from US lawmakers regarding alleged transactions involving sanctioned Iranian entities, which the company denies. Together, these developments reflect ongoing legal and regulatory examination of large centralized crypto exchanges in the United States.

New Zealand to Launch Online Casino Licensing in July 2026 – Government Moves to Regulate Offshore-Focused Market

Key Takeaways

Online Casino Gambling Bill Sets Legal Framework

New Zealand is preparing to formally regulate its online casino sector, which has so far been largely served by offshore providers. According to a timeline published by the Department of Internal Affairs, the licensing process will begin in July 2026.

The legal basis for the new system is the Online Casino Gambling Bill. The bill passed its first reading in July 2025 and is expected to become law in May following additional parliamentary stages. Once enacted, it will introduce domestic oversight for online casino operators targeting New Zealand consumers.

Government estimates indicate that more than NZ$750 million, equivalent to about $442.54 million, is spent each year by New Zealand players on offshore online casino platforms. The new framework is designed to bring this activity under national regulation.

Licence Cap and Three-Stage Allocation Process

The number of online casino licences will be limited to 15 operators. These licences will be distributed through a structured, three-stage process aimed at ensuring compliance and competitive fairness.

First, once the bill becomes law, operators will be invited to submit an expression of interest. This window is expected to remain open for one to two months.

Second, a licence auction will take place within one month after the expression of interest period closes. Bidding is expected to last up to two months. Only companies that successfully secure a licence during this auction will move to the final stage.

Third, successful bidders must submit full applications. Authorities will assess these applications based on criteria that include consumer protection standards, financial stability, and operational integrity. The evaluation phase is projected to take between four and six months.

Initial licences will be granted for up to three years. Renewals will depend on continued compliance with regulatory requirements.

Application Deadline and Enforcement Measures

The Department of Internal Affairs has set December 1, 2026 as the deadline for operators to apply for a licence. Companies that fail to do so must stop offering online casino services in New Zealand.

Non-compliant operators may face financial penalties of up to NZ$5 million, equivalent to approximately $2.95 million. Authorities may also remove operators from the market if they do not adhere to the new legal requirements.

For international operators currently serving New Zealand customers without a local licence, this deadline establishes a clear compliance timeline. After December 1, 2026, continuing to operate without approval could result in enforcement action.

Taxation and Community Funding Requirements

Under the proposed framework, licensed operators will be subject to a 12% gaming duty. In addition, the government plans to introduce a community funding guarantee equivalent to 4% of gross gaming revenue.

Officials estimate that the measures could generate between $10 million and $20 million in the first 12 months of operation. Earlier versions of the proposal had faced opposition from sports organisations, which warned that the reform could reduce community funding by more than $150 million.

In response, the government incorporated specific funding guarantees into the bill to address these concerns. The 4% gross gaming revenue requirement forms part of that approach.

Harm Prevention and Player Protection Measures

The legislation also includes provisions aimed at reducing gambling-related harm. According to data from the New Zealand Gambling Survey 2023/24, offshore online gambling participation is more common among younger men and certain ethnic groups, particularly in areas experiencing social deprivation.

To address these risks, the bill introduces mandatory age verification requirements and restrictions on advertising that targets children. These measures form part of the broader regulatory criteria that operators must meet during the application and ongoing compliance process.

Consumer protection standards will be a core component of the full application assessment, alongside financial and operational checks.

What the Timeline Means for Operators and Players

The licensing window beginning in July 2026 marks the start of a formal transition from an offshore-dominated market to a regulated domestic system. With licences capped at 15 and allocated via auction, market access will be limited and competitive.

Operators currently serving New Zealand customers must decide whether to enter the licensing process or exit the market before the December 1, 2026 deadline. The combination of a capped licence structure, auction mechanism, and defined tax obligations introduces clear entry conditions.

For players, the shift means that online casino services will increasingly be offered by domestically licensed providers subject to local oversight, tax contributions, and harm prevention requirements.

Our Assessment

New Zealand is moving to regulate an online casino market currently estimated at more than NZ$750 million annually in offshore spending. The Online Casino Gambling Bill establishes a capped licensing system, a structured auction process, defined tax obligations, and mandatory harm prevention measures. With applications opening in July 2026 and a compliance deadline of December 1, 2026, the government has set a clear timetable for transitioning to a domestically supervised online casino framework.

Pakistan Passes Virtual Assets Act 2026 – New Law Formalizes Crypto Oversight and Licensing Framework

Key Takeaways

Parliament Approves Virtual Assets Act 2026

Pakistan’s parliament has passed the Virtual Assets Act, 2026, creating a formal legal framework for the country’s digital asset sector. The bill was approved by both the Senate and the National Assembly and now requires the signature of President Asif Ali Zardari to enter into force.

The legislation legally formalizes oversight of Pakistan’s crypto industry and confirms the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, or PVARA, as the central regulatory body for digital assets. PVARA had already been established in July 2025. With the new act, its role and powers are now anchored in law.

For crypto users and companies operating in or evaluating the Pakistani market, the passage of the act signals a transition from policy announcements to a structured regulatory regime backed by legislation.

PVARA Granted Licensing and Enforcement Powers

Under the new framework, PVARA is authorized to enforce licensing requirements and exercise oversight over digital asset service providers. This includes the power to regulate entities operating within Pakistan’s crypto ecosystem.

The authority is also tasked with setting and enforcing anti money laundering rules and ensuring compliance with international sanctions obligations. According to PVARA Chairman Bilal Bin Saqib, the regulator has already issued no objection certificates and is developing banking rails in coordination with the State Bank of Pakistan.

Bin Saqib stated that the country is moving toward a comprehensive licensing framework aligned with global anti money laundering and financial integrity standards. This indicates that regulatory supervision will extend beyond registration to ongoing compliance obligations.

For exchanges, custodians, and other service providers, licensing and compliance requirements are expected to become central operational conditions once the law takes effect.

Shift From Previous Resistance to Formal Integration

The passage of the Virtual Assets Act follows a broader policy shift that began in November 2024. At that time, the government moved to regulate cryptocurrencies as legal tender, reversing earlier resistance from regulators who had stated that crypto would not be legalized or integrated into the financial system.

Since that reversal, Pakistan has taken additional steps that signal institutional engagement with digital assets. These include the announcement of a Bitcoin strategic reserve and the allocation of 2,000 megawatts of electricity for Bitcoin mining and AI data centers.

At the Bitcoin MENA conference in December 2025, Bin Saqib described digital assets as a new financial rail for the global south and referred to blockchain technology as critical infrastructure. These remarks align with the government’s decision to formalize oversight through legislation.

Pakistan also ranks near the top of the 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index published by Chainalysis, reflecting high levels of crypto usage relative to other countries.

International Cooperation and Stablecoin Exploration

In January, Pakistan signed a memorandum of understanding with SC Financial Technologies, an affiliate of World Liberty Financial. The decentralized finance platform was founded by the sons of US President Donald Trump.

The collaboration aims to explore the use of the USD1 stablecoin for digital payments, including cross border transactions and remittances. While the memorandum does not in itself create binding regulation, it reflects Pakistan’s interest in integrating stablecoin based payment solutions into its financial ecosystem.

Such initiatives are taking place alongside the development of domestic regulatory structures under PVARA. For users and service providers, this combination of legislative action and international cooperation indicates that digital assets are being addressed at both policy and operational levels.

Outlook for Pakistan’s Position in the Digital Asset Sector

Changpeng Zhao, co founder of Binance, has stated that Pakistan could emerge as a global hub for digital assets by 2030 if it continues its current pace of development and regulatory progress. While this statement does not constitute official policy, it reflects external attention to Pakistan’s regulatory developments.

With the Virtual Assets Act now passed by parliament, the immediate next step is presidential approval. Once signed, the law will provide the formal legal basis for licensing, compliance monitoring, and enforcement actions by PVARA.

For international crypto businesses, payment providers, and platforms assessing market entry, the existence of a defined regulator with statutory authority reduces uncertainty around oversight structures. For users, the introduction of licensing and anti money laundering standards may affect how platforms operate, particularly in relation to onboarding, verification, and transaction monitoring.

Our Assessment

The passage of the Virtual Assets Act, 2026 establishes a formal legal framework for digital asset regulation in Pakistan and confirms PVARA as the central supervisory authority. The law introduces licensing requirements and mandates anti money laundering and sanctions compliance for digital asset service providers. Combined with earlier steps such as recognizing cryptocurrencies as legal tender, announcing a Bitcoin strategic reserve, allocating energy for mining, and exploring stablecoin based payments, the act marks a structured move toward regulated integration of digital assets into Pakistan’s financial system.

Utexo Raises $7.5 Million Seed Round – Aiming to Enable Native USDT Settlement on Bitcoin

Key Takeaways

Seed Funding Backed by Tether and Institutional Investors

Utexo, a startup focused on Bitcoin-native stablecoin settlement infrastructure, has secured $7.5 million in a seed funding round. The round was co-led by Tether, Big Brain Holdings, and Portal Ventures. Additional participants included Franklin Templeton, Maven11 Capital, Fulgur Ventures, Alchemy VC, Ethereal Ventures, Auros Ventures, Arcanum Capital, Paper Ventures, Axia8, FlowTraders, Plan B, Gate Ventures, Sats Ventures, and strategic angel investors from companies such as Ledger, Hyperion, BTC Turk, Echo, Legion, and SOLV.

The funding is intended to support the development and rollout of infrastructure that enables USDT transactions to settle directly on Bitcoin. According to the company, the goal is to address what it describes as a longstanding gap in the cryptocurrency ecosystem: production-ready payment rails for stablecoins operating natively on Bitcoin.

Focus on Native USDT Settlement Over Bitcoin

Utexo’s core objective is to allow USDT, the stablecoin issued by Tether, to settle directly on Bitcoin rather than relying on alternative networks. The company positions its system as a way to route stablecoin transactions over Bitcoin-native rails while maintaining compatibility with existing custody, compliance, and user interface setups.

Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, stated that Bitcoin has been central to the company’s long-term vision for USDT. He emphasized the importance of resilient and open settlement infrastructure, describing Utexo’s technology as a layer that makes Bitcoin-native USDT settlement viable at scale. According to Ardoino, this strengthens Bitcoin’s function as a settlement rail for dollar-denominated transactions.

For platforms that handle significant volumes of USDT, including exchanges, wallets, payment service providers, and high-frequency trading firms, the ability to route stablecoin flows over Bitcoin without altering operational workflows may reduce integration friction. Utexo states that partners integrate its API once and can then route USDT over Bitcoin while retaining control over cost structures.

Technical Architecture: API Abstraction and Atomic Settlement

Historically, technologies such as the Lightning Network and RGB protocols have offered technical capabilities for Bitcoin-based payments. However, their complexity has limited broader production adoption. Utexo aims to abstract these complexities through a single API layer.

According to co-founder Chris Hutchinson, the system is designed to allow USDT to move instantly and with predictable costs. The infrastructure supports atomic settlement, meaning transactions are either fully completed or not executed at all. The company states that settlement occurs in USDT and is anchored to Bitcoin’s security model, with completion times under one second.

Another co-founder, Viktor Ihnatiuk, noted that the system enables wallets to offer free USDT transactions while potentially increasing adoption of Bitcoin-native stablecoins. The infrastructure also supports privacy-preserving execution and predictable fees that remain independent of network congestion.

A distinguishing feature described by Utexo is transaction encryption. The company states that all on-chain transactions are encrypted, preventing disclosure of counterparties and wallet addresses. This differs from public transaction graphs on other networks, where transaction flows can be more easily traced.

Alignment With Tether’s Broader Bitcoin Strategy

The investment in Utexo reflects Tether’s continued focus on Bitcoin-based infrastructure. In February 2026, Tether open-sourced MiningOS, a modular operating system for managing and automating bitcoin mining operations. The system, unveiled at the 2026 Plan B Forum in San Salvador, provides unified control over hardware, energy, and site infrastructure using a peer-to-peer architecture.

By backing Utexo, Tether extends its involvement beyond mining software into settlement infrastructure. The stated objective is to enable reliable and predictable dollar-denominated payments anchored to Bitcoin’s security model. Rather than launching a speculative layer-2 solution, Utexo focuses on routing existing USDT flows over Bitcoin.

For market participants, particularly those handling large USDT volumes, infrastructure that allows stablecoin settlement on Bitcoin without operational restructuring may influence how payment rails are selected. Exchanges, trading firms, and payment providers often prioritize settlement speed, fee predictability, and system compatibility when choosing blockchain infrastructure.

Implications for Stablecoin Payment Infrastructure

Stablecoins such as USDT are widely used for trading, cross-platform transfers, and payment settlement. Infrastructure developments that alter how and where these tokens settle can affect transaction routing decisions for platforms and users.

Utexo’s model centers on predictable fees, atomic settlement, and encrypted transaction execution. If implemented as described, these features could offer an alternative routing option for USDT flows that emphasizes Bitcoin’s base-layer security model.

The company targets institutional and high-volume operators rather than retail users directly. However, infrastructure changes at the operator level can influence transaction costs, settlement times, and network exposure for end users, including those interacting with exchanges, wallets, and platforms that accept USDT.

Our Assessment

Utexo has secured $7.5 million in seed funding, co-led by Tether, to develop infrastructure enabling native USDT settlement on Bitcoin. The system introduces API-based integration, atomic settlement, encrypted transactions, and sub-second completion times. Tether’s participation aligns with its stated strategy to expand Bitcoin-based infrastructure for USDT. The development focuses on routing existing stablecoin flows over Bitcoin rather than introducing a new token or speculative network layer, targeting exchanges, wallets, and high-volume payment operators.