BlackRock launches the iShares Space Technologies UCITS ETF (ticker STAR) in Europe, tracking companies tied to space, satellites and drones, with an IPO fast-entry rule and a 0.50% expense ratio.
With the EU's MiCA regulation fully in effect in 2026, this guide compares five leading exchanges—Kraken, CEX.IO, Coinbase, Bitpanda, and OKX—on regulatory status, SEPA support, fees, and coin selection for European users.
Polymarket said it plans to challenge a nationwide website block imposed in France after the country’s gambling regulator, the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), ordered internet service providers to restrict access to the platform. The company said it regretted the decision and argued that it had already stopped offering trading functions to users in France in November 2024. Even so, French authorities concluded the site was still making unauthorized gambling products available because it continued to display market odds and prediction data to the public. According to Polymarket, the site has been limited to informational access for French users since the trading halt, and many visitors do not come to trade or place bets. The company said a full website block is disproportionate because it also affects non-transactional users seeking information. Polymarket added that it would pursue legal remedies and stay in contact with prosecutors in an effort to find a path to operate within the law. The dispute turns on how the platform is classified. Polymarket describes itself as a blockchain-based financial platform using a peer-to-peer structure in which prices are set by supply and demand among participants. It says it does not set odds, hold positions in markets, or profit from outcomes. France, however, still treats that model as unlicensed illegal gambling. The move comes as several countries tighten scrutiny of decentralized prediction markets.
CertiK said 72 confirmed wrench attacks hit crypto holders worldwide in 2025, up 75% year over year. Europe made up over 40% of cases, with France reporting 19 incidents.
Roughly 230 firms have secured MiCA licenses before the EU transition deadline, enabling services across all 27 member states. Germany leads approvals, while smaller crypto businesses face mounting compliance costs and possible market exits.
Bankinter has acquired a minority stake in Bit2Me after the Spanish crypto exchange closed a €30 million round. The deal ties a major Spanish bank more closely to digital assets and supports Bit2Me’s expansion across Spain and the EU.
IREN reported a $247.8 million net loss, with Bitcoin revenue down 22%. The company also detailed a $3.4 billion cloud services agreement with NVIDIA and expansion plans in Spain.
Spain’s regulator said the MiCA transition for crypto firms ended on June 30, 2026. From July 1, only fully authorized providers can keep operating in the country.
