Trump Launches Stablecoin on KuCoin as Crypto Rules Tighten in Asia and Beyond

Trump’s Crypto Venture Launches Stablecoin on KuCoin Amid Regulatory Controversy

Donald Trump’s latest foray into the cryptocurrency world has drawn significant attention, as his decentralized finance platform, World Liberty Financial, launched its USD1 stablecoin on KuCoin. According to Forbes, KuCoin is a Seychelles-headquartered crypto exchange that was recently banned from operating in the United States after pleading guilty in January to operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. The exchange agreed to pay nearly $300 million in penalties and to exit the U.S. market for at least two years. KuCoin’s indicted cofounders, Chun Gan and Ke Tang, also agreed to step away from any management or operational roles for two years, as per the Justice Department.

World Liberty Financial, launched in September 2024 with Trump and his three sons involved, is majority-controlled (about 60%) by the Trump family through an LLC. The USD1 stablecoin, pegged to the U.S. dollar, began trading on KuCoin after the exchange noted “strong demand in certain regions.” Notably, the terms of the deal between World Liberty Financial and KuCoin remain undisclosed due to a mutual nondisclosure agreement, but typically both parties earn trading fees, and exchanges may also charge listing fees and profit from market making, according to crypto researcher Molly White.

“For years, KuCoin avoided implementing required anti-money laundering policies designed to identify criminal actors and prevent illicit transactions,” stated U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon, highlighting the risks associated with the exchange’s previous operations.

Trump’s business interests remain under scrutiny, especially as he continues to control his assets through the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust, with Donald Trump Jr. as trustee. Trump has pledged to make the U.S. the “crypto capital of the world,” aligning with his growing digital asset investments. The USD1 token’s market cap stands at $2.14 billion, according to Coinbase. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats have introduced the End Crypto Corruption Act, which would bar presidents and other officials from “issuing, endorsing or sponsoring crypto assets.”

• World Liberty Financial’s USD1 stablecoin launched on KuCoin, an exchange banned in the U.S.
• KuCoin fined $300 million for anti-money laundering violations.
• Trump family controls about 60% of World Liberty Financial.
• USD1’s market cap is $2.14 billion.

Summary: Trump’s crypto venture is expanding globally despite regulatory hurdles, with significant financial stakes and ongoing scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest. (Source: Forbes)

South Korea to Allow Non-Profits and Exchanges to Sell Crypto Under New FSC Rules

South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) will permit non-profit organizations and virtual asset exchanges to sell their crypto holdings starting in June, as reported by CoinDesk. This move comes as part of a broader effort to tighten oversight while providing operational flexibility. Non-profits must meet stringent requirements, including at least five years of audited operations and the establishment of internal committees to vet donations. They are only allowed to accept crypto listed on at least three Korean won-based exchanges and are generally required to sell donated tokens immediately.

Exchanges will be allowed to sell crypto solely to raise operating capital, facing daily sale limits and a ban on selling through their own platforms. Only the top 20 coins by market capitalization traded on major Korean exchanges will qualify for sale, and all transactions must comply with anti-money laundering standards. The FSC has also tightened listing rules, requiring local exchanges to filter out “zombie” coins—those with low trading volume or market cap—and to set higher bars for listing memecoins, such as user base or transaction history thresholds. These updated standards will take effect in June, with plans to expand the rules to corporations and institutional investors later in the year.

• Non-profits must have five years of audited operations and internal vetting committees.
• Only top 20 coins by market cap are eligible for sale by exchanges.
• All transactions must meet anti-money laundering standards.
• Stricter listing rules for memecoins and removal of “zombie” coins.

Summary: South Korea is opening up crypto sales for non-profits and exchanges under strict new rules, aiming to balance operational flexibility with investor protection. (Source: CoinDesk)

Crypto Awareness in Singapore Hits Record 94%, but Ownership Declines

Singapore’s crypto awareness has reached an all-time high, with 94% of respondents in a recent survey indicating familiarity with at least one digital asset, according to TradingView citing the Independent Reserve’s fifth annual Singapore Crypto Market Survey. Despite this, actual ownership of crypto assets has dropped to 29% in 2025 from 40% the previous year. The survey, conducted in February with 1,500 participants, found that men are more active in crypto investing than women (35% vs. 24%), and that Millennials and Gen X (aged 25–54) make up 71% of all holders.

Sentiment remains strong, with 53% of current holders planning to increase their positions in the next 12 months, and 17% of non-holders expressing interest in entering the market. Bitcoin remains the dominant asset, held by 68% of investors and viewed by 86% as a currency, store of value, or investment asset. Notably, 77% believe Bitcoin will be worth over $100,000 by 2030. Direct ownership is preferred by 61% of investors, and arbitrage trading is on the rise, with 67% having sold part or all of their holdings to capitalize on price swings in the past year. Stablecoins are held by 46% of investors, with 83% of these tied to the US dollar. Memecoins are held by 28% of respondents, with Dogecoin being the most popular.

• 94% of Singaporeans are aware of crypto, but only 29% own it (down from 40%).
• 53% of holders plan to increase their positions in the next year.
• Bitcoin is held by 68% of investors; 77% expect it to surpass $100,000 by 2030.
• Singapore leads globally with 1,600 blockchain patents, 2,433 crypto jobs, and 81 exchanges.

Summary: Singapore’s crypto market is highly aware but less invested than before, with strong optimism for Bitcoin’s future and a leading position in blockchain innovation. (Source: TradingView)

Exchanges Give Away Over $10 Million for Bitcoin Pizza Day

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of Bitcoin Pizza Day, crypto exchanges are giving away over $10 million in promotions and contests, according to CryptoSlate. The event commemorates the first known real-world Bitcoin transaction in 2010, when Laszlo Hanyecz paid 10,000 BTC (worth about $41 at the time) for two pizzas. At Bitcoin’s new all-time high of $111,000, those coins would now be valued at $1.11 billion.

Binance led the celebrations with a $5 million Bitcoin referral pool, capping payouts at $40 per pair to echo the original pizza deal. BTSE launched a $5.22 million USDT trading contest, offering a 5.22% BTC staking yield and a pizza-themed photo competition. HTX offered “Surprise Gifts” worth $200,000, and MEXC’s “Lucky Wheel” featured over $100,000 in BTC and tokens. Events spanned from Buenos Aires to Dubai, with community-led meet-ups and branded giveaways coordinated through a new Pizza Day hub.

• 15th anniversary of Bitcoin Pizza Day marked by over $10 million in giveaways.
• Binance, BTSE, HTX, and MEXC lead the celebrations with major promotions.
• Original 10,000 BTC pizza purchase now valued at $1.11 billion.

Summary: Bitcoin Pizza Day has become a global marketing phenomenon, with exchanges offering millions in prizes to commemorate the historic transaction. (Source: CryptoSlate)

BTCC Exchange Appoints Dan Liu as CEO Ahead of 14th Anniversary

BTCC, one of the world’s longest-serving cryptocurrency exchanges, has appointed Dan Liu as its new Chief Executive Officer, according to Crypto Briefing. Liu, who joined BTCC in 2019 and previously served as Chief Research Officer, brings a wealth of experience from both traditional finance and cryptocurrency markets. Under his leadership, BTCC has expanded its services to users in over 160 countries and enhanced its product offerings in both futures and spot trading, while maintaining high security standards.

Liu is credited with leading the launch of Tokenized Futures and the highly successful Copy Trading feature, which has received strong user engagement. As BTCC approaches its 14th anniversary in June, Liu aims to focus on global expansion and educating the public about cryptocurrency. He plans to deepen community connections by attending global industry events and fostering direct dialogue with users and partners across different markets.

• Dan Liu appointed CEO of BTCC as the exchange nears its 14th anniversary.
• BTCC serves users in over 160 countries and is known for innovation in tokenized futures and copy trading.
• Liu’s leadership focuses on global expansion and public education about crypto.

Summary: BTCC’s new CEO, Dan Liu, is set to lead the exchange into its next phase of growth, emphasizing innovation, security, and global outreach. (Source: Crypto Briefing)

Sources:

• Trump Crypto Venture World Liberty Financial Partners With KuCoin, Exchange Banned In U.S., Fined $300 Million
• South Korea's Financial Services Commission to Let Non-Profits and Exchanges Sell Crypto Starting June
• Crypto awareness in Singapore hits record 94%, but ownership falls
• Binance Integrates With Brazilian National Payments System Using Pix
• Exchanges are giving away over $10 million to celebrate Bitcoin Pizza Day today
• BTCC Exchange appoints Dan Liu as CEO ahead of 14th anniversary milestone