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Samsung is deepening its collaboration with Coinbase to integrate cryptocurrency services directly into its Wallet app. Users with Galaxy devices in the U. S. will now be able to make crypto purchases using Samsung Pay, and enjoy enhanced access to Coinbase’s premium offerings.

Wallet users will gain special access to a three-month subscription to Coinbase One, and early users may receive a $25 credit after placing their first trade. The alliance bridges Samsung’s digital wallet ecosystem with Coinbase’s crypto infrastructure to simplify onboarding for mainstream consumers.

The rollout begins with U. S. Galaxy customers, where Samsung says more than 75 million device owners could benefit. Samsung executives have signalled plans to extend the integration to other markets globally.

This isn’t the first foray for the two companies. The integration was first announced in July, enabling Samsung Pay within the Coinbase app, allowing users to fund crypto purchases without leaving the app or switching payment methods.

Under the new details, Samsung Wallet becomes a conduit not just for payments and identity, but also crypto trading, staking, and portfolio oversight. The partnership emphasises security, leveraging Samsung’s Knox platform and tokenisation to protect user assets and data.

Shan Aggarwal, Coinbase’s Chief Business Officer, said the tie-up aligns with the firm’s mission to bring “more than a billion people on chain” by meeting them on devices they already use. Drew Blackard, Senior Vice President at Samsung, noted that Galaxy users already rely on their phones for payments, identity verification and digital storage—and crypto access is a natural extension.

The push is part of Coinbase’s broader strategy of embedding crypto capabilities across consumer channels. In August, the company disclosed $1.5 billion in Q2 revenue and underscored its ambition to become what it calls “the everything exchange” — a unified gateway to trading, payments, and on-chain finance.

In parallel, Coinbase has struck partnerships with financial institutions. Notably, it is collaborating with JPMorgan Chase to let customers link their bank accounts to Coinbase wallets, enabling crypto trading and the conversion of credit card points into digital assets.

Industry observers view the Samsung integration as one of the most ambitious consumer-level crypto distribution moves to date. By embedding exchange functionality directly into a widely used mobile wallet, Coinbase and Samsung seek to lower structural barriers that often frustrate new crypto users.

That said, challenges remain. The U. S. regulatory environment around crypto remains volatile, with the SEC and other agencies scrutinising exchanges, token listings, and taxation. Skeptics warn that bundling crypto into everyday apps could expose users to market risk without full awareness.

Meanwhile, the phased rollout in the U. S. and Canada will test adoption rates, user behaviour, cross-border compliance, and competition from rival wallets like Apple Pay or Google Wallet, some of which may pursue their own crypto plans.

Visitors in Saudi Arabia will be able to open local bank accounts using their “Visitor ID,” following a decision by the Saudi Central Bank to accept the identification document issued by the Ministry of Interior. This marks a major regulatory shift in how non-residents can access financial services in the Kingdom.

SAMA’s directive mandates that banks recognise the Visitor ID—traditionally used for immigration and internal tracking—as a valid identity document for account onboarding, provided it is digitally verifiable through government-authorised platforms. According to SAMA, this adjustment will enable banks to reach new customer segments without altering their existing account-opening rules.

This change aligns with Saudi Arabia’s push under Vision 2030 to expand financial inclusion and improve the visitor experience. By lowering barriers to formal banking, the Kingdom aims to reduce dependence on cash, support digital payments, and draw more tourists, business travellers and pilgrims into regulated financial channels.

Banks will be required to adjust verification systems and compliance protocols to integrate the new policy. Many are expected to link the Visitor ID to local digital check platforms and mobile wallets, allowing holders to conduct everyday transactions. Some limitations may apply: banks may restrict access to credit, loans or other advanced banking services until further identification or residency status is established.

Under existing SAMA account rules, banks already require robust customer identification steps for all new accounts. These include verifying identity documents, screening for anti-money laundering, and collecting customer contact and address details. The updated regulation does not eliminate those checks but changes the baseline identity document accepted for visitors.

Observers see this as one of several steps in a broader regional movement. While Gulf states have long required residence permits or more rigid documentation to open standard accounts, the Saudi reform may test whether similar access models are feasible elsewhere. Already, financial technology and tourism stakeholders are evaluating the competitive edge this gives Saudi Arabia.

Critics caution that implementation risks must be managed carefully. Allowing visitor-based accounts introduces potential anti-money laundering and fraud vulnerabilities. Banks will need to balance user convenience with real-time monitoring, transaction limits, and strong identity verification safeguards.

From the visitor standpoint, the reform reduces friction in accessing local banking: new arrivals will no longer have to rely solely on foreign banks, prepaid cards or cash. Pilgrims and business travellers handling local payments, donations, or services should benefit directly.

SAMA emphasised that the change came through its periodic policy review, intended to keep regulations in line with evolving financial technology trends and market needs. The central bank said it expects the reform to reinforce the Kingdom’s cashless payments infrastructure and strengthen the banking ecosystem’s responsiveness to global customer expectations.

The policy rollout may occur in phases, as banks update internal systems, train staff, and obtain approvals from compliance units. Over the coming weeks, banks are likely to issue guidelines explaining account features, permissible transaction types, and validity periods tied to the Visitor ID status.

U. S. securities regulators have delivered a rare favourable response to a crypto infrastructure startup, granting a “no-action” letter to DoubleZero that clears its 2Z token from immediate enforcement risk under securities laws. The Division of Corporation Finance stated that, based on the facts presented, it would not recommend enforcement action and that the 2Z token need not be registered as a class of equity securities.

The letter, dated 29 September 2025, indicates that the Division accepted the argument that DoubleZero’s programmatic transfers of 2Z tokens—automatic distributions tied to network contribution—fall outside the classic securities framework if conducted as specified. The Division emphasised that its position is fact-sensitive: any deviation from the described token model could alter the assessment.

SEC Chief Counsel Michael Seaman signed the response, and the Division’s stance affirms that, under the conditions laid out by DoubleZero and its counsel, compliance with Sections 5 and 12 of U. S. securities law is not required for this token model. The decision does not amount to a general opt-out for all tokens, but offers a regulatory precedent for projects structured similarly.

Commissioner Hester Peirce, in a public statement accompanying the action, framed the move as a model for how the SEC might engage with innovation without expanding its reach beyond mandates set by Congress. She observed that Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network projects like DoubleZero differ fundamentally from capital-raising schemes: tokens issued in DePIN networks are intended to incentivise contributors rather than to deliver profits derived from managerial efforts. Peirce argued that applying securities laws to such tokens risks stifling infrastructure growth rather than protecting investors.

DoubleZero’s model reconstructs how blockchain systems interact with underutilised physical fibre infrastructure. Contributors supplying fibre bandwidth or network connectivity can earn 2Z tokens as compensation. The company asserts that these tokens function primarily as utility instruments—facilitating access and rewarding service—not as speculative investments. The SEC’s letter affirms that under its described assumptions, Howey-style securities analysis does not capture this design.

Market response was muted. Tokens in the DePIN ecosystem dipped by around 2 % in the 24 hours following the announcement—suggesting that while the regulatory clarity is a positive signal for builders, traders may be cautious about immediate upside.

Industry stakeholders view this as a potentially transformative moment. Legal and crypto analysts argue that the DoubleZero relief may embolden other infrastructure-oriented projects to seek direct regulatory engagement, rather than assuming hostile enforcement. The letter gives craftable guardrails for teams to align token economic models with functional incentives.

Nevertheless, the relief comes with caveats. The Division reserves the right to reconsider if conditions change. As critics note, this decision does not immunise DePIN tokens universally—each must be evaluated on whether token distribution is truly non-speculative, decentralised, and aligned with service contribution. Projects must maintain transparent, algorithmic issuance plans and avoid marketing that emphasises profits or speculation.

The Central Bank of the UAE and Dubai Finance today formalised an agreement to deepen collaboration in the development of the country’s capital markets, enabling Dubai to draw on the central bank’s infrastructure to issue dirham-denominated government bonds.

Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the CBUAE, and Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director-General of Dubai’s Department of Finance, signed the Memorandum of Understanding in Abu Dhabi before senior officials and assistant governors.

Under the pact, Dubai Finance gains access to the central bank’s systems and platforms to support bond issuance, while both parties commit to joint efforts in fintech, payment systems, and digital currency development. The agreement further encompasses capacity building, knowledge exchange and coordination in regulatory and infrastructural domains.

Balama described the partnership as “an important step toward advancing the country’s financial markets, supporting their growth, and ensuring their readiness to adapt to future changes.” He affirmed that the nation’s leadership is focused on promoting innovation and digitisation in financial services to boost private-sector participation and investor confidence.

Al Saleh said the MoU would help diversify the UAE’s investment tools and align capital market expansion with the vision of the country’s leadership. He emphasised the importance of collaboration with regulatory bodies at both federal and local levels to elevate the nation’s reputation as an investment hub.

The MoU aligns with broader moves by the central bank in strengthening financial infrastructure and market regulation. The central bank has recently advanced its “Financial Infrastructure Transformation” programme, which includes the rollout of the domestic card scheme Jaywan and development of a Central Bank Digital Currency, known as the Digital Dirham. The institution also introduced regulations on Open Finance platforms and has conducted stress tests affirming resilience in the banking sector under diverse macroeconomic pressures.

The UAE’s push to build robust capital markets fits into a regional trend of using debt instruments to broaden funding sources beyond oil and real estate. In December 2024, the CBUAE signed an MoU with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority to enhance cross-border debt issuance and settlement between the UAE and Asia, aiming to foster deeper connectivity between debt markets.

Analysts see the newly inked agreement as a mechanism to centralise the infrastructure layer of government debt issuance under one roof, avoiding fragmentation across emirates. Doing so could lower costs, standardise procedures, and deepen liquidity in domestic markets. It may also foster greater issuance activity from state and municipal entities.

Dubai’s financial regulator has barred HDFC Bank’s Dubai International Financial Centre branch from soliciting, onboarding or servicing new clients, citing compliance lapses.

The order, issued by the Dubai Financial Services Authority and effective from 26 September, remains in force “until otherwise amended or revoked,” the bank stated. HDFC said it is taking steps to comply with the directive while engaging with the DFSA to address concerns.

HDFC clarified that the restriction does not apply to existing clients of the DIFC branch, nor to those who had already been offered services prior to the notice. As of 23 September, the branch had 1,489 customers, including joint holders.

According to HDFC, the bank does not expect this to materially affect its overall operations or financial position, noting that the Dubai branch’s business is not significant relative to its global activities.

The DFSA’s decision notice accuses the branch of servicing clients who were not properly onboarded, deficiencies in client onboarding processes, and other unspecified compliance shortcomings. The prohibition extends to advising on financial products, arranging deals, extending credit, custodial services, and financial promotions for new clients.

Analysts point to a backdrop of scrutiny over HDFC’s role in selling risky instruments—particularly Credit Suisse additional tier-1 bonds—to retail investors in the UAE. Those clients accused the bank of misclassification and inadequate risk disclosures. Investor accounts allege that KYC records were manipulated to designate them as “professional clients,” a requirement under DIFC rules for high-risk products.

Some UAE-based investors welcomed the DFSA’s move but urged stronger action, stating the suspension of new client intake is a limited measure given potential damage already done.

HDFC has a broader international presence including representative offices in Abu Dhabi, Kenya, London and Singapore, and branches in Bahrain and Hong Kong. The bank faces parallel scrutiny in India regarding related sales practices, prompting investigations by Indian enforcement agencies.

As the DFSA and HDFC engage in remediation talks, markets will closely watch whether the regulator escalates sanctions or lifts the ban after compliance is demonstrated.

The Dubai Financial Services Authority has issued a decision notice barring HDFC Bank’s Dubai International Financial Centre branch from onboarding or engaging new clients, citing deficiencies in its onboarding procedures and promotional practices.

Under the DFSA’s directive dated 25 September 2025, the branch is prohibited from soliciting or conducting any business with clients who had not already completed the onboarding process by that date. The restrictions span across a range of financial services: advising on financial products, arranging investment deals, arranging or advising credit, custody services, and engaging in financial promotions.

HDFC Bank has confirmed the measure, stating the branch’s Dubai operations are not “material to [the] overall business or financial position.” It said it has initiated steps to engage with the DFSA and address the regulator’s concerns.

Existing customers of the DIFC branch remain unaffected by the decision, and clients who had already been offered services may still be served.

The DFSA’s public register confirms the restrictions imposed on HDFC DIFC under Article 75 of the Regulatory Law 2004.

Concern over HDFC’s UAE operations has been mounting since investigations linked to the mis-selling of Credit Suisse Additional Tier-1 bonds surfaced. High-net-worth non-resident Indian investors alleged that HDFC’s UAE arms had pushed leveraged exposure to these risky instruments without adequate disclosure. When Credit Suisse’s AT1 bonds were written down in 2023, several clients in the Middle East faced losses and margin calls.

Regulatory scrutiny has coalesced around whether the branch’s client onboarding systems sufficiently aligned with the stricter DIFC regime for assessing and classifying “professional clients.”

Observers note that the regulatory move at HDFC’s DIFC arm fits a broader trend in the UAE: ensuring that financial institutions operating in its free zones adhere to rigorous compliance standards. While the central bank has in recent months fined other banks and suspended new customer intake over Sharia or anti-money laundering violations, this is a rare case targeting the onboarding practices of a foreign bank’s offshore branch.

Market analysts suggest the restriction could dampen HDFC’s ambitions in the Gulf region. The DIFC branch caters largely to high-net-worth and institutional clients, a growing segment across the Middle East.

Analysts also note that, though the branch is currently a limited part of HDFC’s global footprint, reputational damage and extended regulatory enforcement could constrict cross-border investment programmes tied to its UAE hub.

HDFC’s next steps include formal remediation under DFSA oversight, and the bank will need to demonstrate that its compliance and client due diligence processes meet the regulator’s expectations. Meanwhile, the directive will remain active until the DFSA issues a written amendment or revocation.

Three companies—The Littlestone Company, Alpha Ledger Technologies and Celadon Capital Markets—have launched a joint initiative to convert up to $1 billion of essential housing projects into blockchain-based tokens on the Solana network. The programme aims to democratise real estate investment by enabling fractional ownership, automated income flows and secondary market trading.

At the core of the effort, Littlestone brings decades of housing development experience, particularly in underserved communities. Alpha Ledger will supply the tokenisation infrastructure, mapping property ownership rights into programmable digital assets. Celadon will manage legal structuring, compliance and investor onboarding. Their first focus is on multifamily housing in Texas, with plans to scale thereafter.

Littlestone’s CEO, Peter Wasserman, frames the collaboration as a way to “accelerate delivery of sustainable, high-quality communities for workforce families and active adults 55+,” stressing that tokenisation can reduce capital constraints while broadening investor participation. Celadon’s Armand Pastine says the partnership targets the so-called “Missing Middle”—teachers, nurses and seniors underserved by conventional housing finance—and intends to unlock that segment through blockchain.

Solana’s mechanics—fast settlement, low fees and built-in tooling for real-world assets—make it a natural fit for such endeavours. The network already supports token extensions, permissioned environments and “transfer hooks” to embed KYC/AML rules directly into on-chain logic. Solana itself promotes the concept of real-world assets onchain, arguing that its architecture enables instant, cross-border settlement and programmable compliance at scale.

This project is not an outlier. The asset tokenisation sector has seen explosive growth in 2025, with estimates for real-world asset capital on chain rising from under $10 billion at the year’s start to over $60 billion by mid-year. The rise reflects growing institutional and retail demand, as well as regulatory openings. Meanwhile, major players like Securitize are expanding their issuance and trading platforms for tokenised securities, and firms such as Tokeny, ADDX and Ondo are becoming increasingly active in the tokenisation ecosystem.

Still, the initiative faces structural challenges. Regulatory uncertainty over securities laws, valuation complexities, liquidity concerns and investor protection remain key hurdles. The need to map off-chain legal claims into on-chain expression requires careful design, often involving special purpose vehicles or trust structures. Token liquidity may rely on secondary markets that are still nascent.

By Satyaki Chakraborty The Communist Party of India(CPI) concluded its five day Party Congress at Chandigarh on September 25 reelecting D. Raja as the general secretary of the CPI for another three year term. Raja is the first dalit leader to head the CPI in 2019 after the then party secretary S Sudhakar Reddy sought […]

The article CPI’s 25th Party Congress Elects D Raja As The General Secretary For The Third Time appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).