Welcome to this week’s edition of Banking & Crypto News Review, brought to you by The Banking Expert.
Each week, we track the most important developments across banking, payments, and cryptocurrency — helping you stay ahead of emerging trends, regulatory shifts, and market opportunities.
Here’s what made headlines in the global financial ecosystem this week:
Banking
European Investment Banks Regain Market Share Amid U.S. Trade Volatility
European investment banks have reclaimed an impressive 55% share of the regional investment banking fee pool — the highest level in nearly a decade.
This resurgence comes as shifting U.S. trade policies under President Trump have created volatility, driving deal activity back towards Europe. Major institutions such as Deutsche Bank, BNP Paribas, Santander, and UBS are now aggressively expanding their offerings, particularly in sustainable finance and digital infrastructure.
This marks a potential long-term repositioning of European banks as global players in a market landscape increasingly shaped by geopolitical risk.
Source: Financial News London
UK Banks Urged to Enhance Anti-Fraud Measures for International Payments
UK banks and payment firms are facing increased pressure to improve anti-fraud measures for cross-border payments.
Following the introduction of new rules in October 2024, domestic Authorized Push Payment (APP) fraud cases have fallen by 20%. However, fraud involving international transfers has sharply increased, now accounting for 11% of all APP fraud losses — nearly double the previous year’s share.
Consumer advocacy groups are urging both financial institutions and regulators to update protections for customers sending money overseas. In particular, there are calls to bring international transactions under the same reimbursement protections as domestic payments.
Source: The Guardian
Payments
U.S. Senate Advances Stricter Stablecoin Regulation with GENIUS Act
The U.S. Senate has passed a key motion to advance the GENIUS Act — a landmark piece of legislation that introduces much stricter regulatory standards for stablecoins.
The revised bill was approved by a 69–31 vote, reflecting broad bipartisan support. Key provisions of the act include:
- Mandatory audits for all stablecoins
- Prohibition of yield offerings on stablecoin products
- Enhanced anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) measures
- Restrictions on foreign-issued stablecoins operating within U.S. markets
The GENIUS Act is seen as a critical step toward mainstream adoption of stablecoins while mitigating systemic risks and protecting consumers. If enacted, it will reshape how stablecoin products are marketed and operated in the U.S. and globally.
Source: Axios
Crypto
Trump Administration Embraces Cryptocurrency with Major Policy Shifts
The Trump administration has significantly ramped up its embrace of cryptocurrency — marking one of the biggest policy shifts to date for U.S. digital asset regulation.
Recent moves include:
Vice President JD Vance headlining a major Bitcoin conference
Trump Media announcing a $2.5 billion Bitcoin investment
The Labor Department rescinding prior guidance that discouraged cryptocurrency in 401(k) retirement plans
An executive order signed by President Trump formally recognizing Bitcoin as a reserve asset
President Trump has pledged to make the U.S. the “crypto capital of the world,” while appointing a new federal “crypto czar” to coordinate policy across multiple agencies.
These developments have sparked significant debate about the future of crypto regulation, and whether the U.S. will adopt a more pro-growth stance in digital asset markets.
Source: Washington Post
High-Profile Crypto Kidnapping Case Unfolds in New York
A sensational and disturbing crypto-related crime has captured global headlines this week.
Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, a 28-year-old Italian crypto investor worth an estimated $30 million, was allegedly kidnapped and subjected to a 17-day torture ordeal in a luxury Manhattan townhouse.
The suspects — including crypto entrepreneur John Woeltz and Swiss businessman William Duplessie — were reportedly attempting to force Carturan to surrender his Bitcoin wallet passwords.
The case highlights ongoing concerns around personal security in the crypto world, especially for high-net-worth individuals. It also reinforces the risks associated with holding large amounts of digital assets in non-custodial wallets without adequate personal or institutional protection.
Source: New York Post
Summary & What to Watch Next
This week’s news underscores the fast-moving and highly dynamic state of global finance:
European banks are capitalizing on geopolitical shifts
International payment fraud is an emerging challenge for regulators
Stablecoin regulation is tightening rapidly in major markets
U.S. crypto policy is moving toward mainstream adoption
Personal security risks in the crypto sector remain a serious concern
What to watch in the coming weeks:
- Final passage of the GENIUS Act
- Follow-up actions from the Trump crypto executive order
- New anti-fraud frameworks for international payments
- Continued EU banking consolidation trends
Stay tuned — The Banking Expert will continue to bring you the key stories shaping the future of banking, payments, and crypto.
In the meantime, explore our Guides and Learn sections for more in-depth resources on global finance.