Gold Hits $5,000 as Custody Breaches Rock Government Crypto Holdings

**ZSWAP listing announcement** BRIDGERS will soon support $ZSWAP from ZSWAP_DEX, enabling users to move the token across different blockchains. **Key features:** - Non-custodial execution (users maintain control of their wallets) - Smart contract-based routing - Aggregated liquidity across chains **Recent BRIDGERS additions:** The platform has been expanding its token support, recently adding USAT (ERC20), BTC (CELO), WETH (POL), POL (ERC20), BNB (ERC20), and USDC.E (POL). BRIDGERS operates as a cross-chain routing service, allowing users to authorize transactions while the platform handles the technical routing across blockchain networks. [Access BRIDGERS](http://dapp.bridgers.xyz)

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Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission is evaluating whether licensed virtual asset trading platforms can offer secondary trading of tokenized securities to retail investors. **Current Status:** - Officials are assessing risk controls and operational requirements - New regulatory circulars are being drafted - Retail investors currently limited to primary subscription and redemption only **What's Next:** Tokenized money market funds may be the first products eligible for broader retail trading access on licensed platforms.

**Canada's New Crypto Custody Rules** CIRO has implemented a digital asset custody framework designed to protect investors from hacks, fraud, and governance failures. **Key Changes:** - Custodians ranked into 4 tiers based on security capabilities - Top-tier firms can manage 100% of client assets - Lower-tier custodians face strict asset caps - Mandatory requirements include key management protocols, cybersecurity measures, incident response plans, insurance coverage, and independent audits **Background:** The framework draws directly from the 2019 QuadrigaCX collapse, where investors lost access to funds after the exchange's founder died with sole control of private keys. The regulations aim to balance investor protection with continued industry innovation in Canada's crypto sector.

**Hong Kong's stablecoin licensing regime is moving forward with its first approvals expected in March 2026.** The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has received 36 applications for stablecoin licenses, according to CEO Eddie Yue. This represents a significant reduction from the 77 institutions that had expressed interest as of September 2025. **Key details:** - First batch of approvals planned for March 2026 - Approval process will be strict and selective - Regulators are conducting thorough reviews of use cases, risk management frameworks, and reserve asset structures - Previous applicants included major banks like HSBC, ICBC (Asia), Bank of China (HK), and Standard Chartered The regulatory approach signals Hong Kong's cautious but progressive stance on stablecoin regulation, balancing innovation with financial stability concerns. The limited number of initial licenses suggests authorities are prioritizing quality over quantity in establishing the market.