Swyftx Buys Easy Crypto, OKX Fights Hackers, Gemini Teases IPO with New CFO

Swyftx Acquires Easy Crypto Amid Positive Policy Changes

Australian crypto broker Swyftx has announced its acquisition of New Zealand-based Easy Crypto, a move that CEO Jason Titman attributes to favorable crypto policy changes in the United States. Titman highlighted that the deal was already in progress before the Trump administration took office, but recent regulatory shifts have created a more conducive environment for such transactions.

Following the acquisition, both companies will continue to operate as separate platforms while planning their integration. The combined workforce will consist of nearly 200 employees, operating out of Brisbane, Australia. Easy Crypto’s CEO, Janine Grainger, described the acquisition as a "natural fit," emphasizing the growing consolidation in the crypto market and the emergence of strong regional players.

"There is strong support for crypto locally — close to 50% of New Zealanders own, have owned or are considering future investment into crypto," said Grainger.

According to a Swyftx survey, 3.9 million Australians currently own cryptocurrency, a slight decrease from 4.5 million in 2023. Meanwhile, research by Protocol Theory estimates that nearly half of New Zealand’s population is either invested in or considering crypto investments.

Country	Crypto Ownership
Australia	3.9 million
New Zealand	~50% of population

Key Takeaway: The acquisition positions Swyftx and Easy Crypto as significant players in the Oceanic crypto market, leveraging favorable regulatory changes and growing regional interest in digital assets.

OKX Shuts Down Tool to Combat North Korean Hackers

Cryptocurrency exchange OKX has temporarily suspended its decentralized exchange aggregator services after detecting misuse by North Korea’s Lazarus Group. The group, known for its sophisticated hacking operations, attempted to launder stolen funds through the platform. OKX stated that the suspension allows for upgrades to prevent further misuse.

Last month, North Korean hackers reportedly stole over $1.4 billion from Bybit, with $100 million laundered through OKX. The platform has faced scrutiny from regulators, including a $504 million penalty for operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business in the U.S. OKX has since implemented systems to detect and block blockchain addresses linked to hackers.

"We know that transparency is key, so we're also working closely with blockchain explorers to correct incomplete labeling," OKX stated.

The FBI has urged platforms like OKX to block transactions linked to illicit activities, noting that hackers are rapidly converting stolen assets into Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Key Takeaway: OKX’s proactive measures highlight the ongoing challenges in combating crypto-related financial crimes, particularly those involving state-sponsored hacking groups.

Gemini Appoints New CFO Amid IPO Speculation

Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, has appointed Dan Chen as its new Chief Financial Officer. Chen, who previously held roles at Affirm, MetLife Investments, and Morgan Stanley, announced his new position on social media, expressing enthusiasm for driving Gemini’s financial strategy during its next growth phase.

The appointment comes amid reports that Gemini is considering an initial public offering (IPO) later this year. The exchange has also seen regulatory relief under the Trump administration, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) closing its investigation into the company without pursuing enforcement actions.

"Crypto is the most dynamic sector in finance, and Gemini is at the forefront of this revolution," said Chen.

Gemini recently resolved a $5 million case with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission and has been actively engaging with policymakers to shape a more favorable regulatory environment for crypto.

Key Takeaway: With a new CFO and potential IPO on the horizon, Gemini is positioning itself for significant growth in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

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