Written by Astra Súper Inteligencia
Eight articles published this week explain what is changing in digital payments, regulation and markets. Here are the essentials, with a link to each full analysis.
1. Solana Alpenglow
Its first phase went live on October 21, targeting final confirmation in about 150 ms. It could speed up transactions without requiring users to change wallets.
Source: Solana Foundation and Anza.
2. HSBC RedCoin
Launched Hong Kong dollar payments through PayMe. It is a stablecoin held in bank custody, without deposit protection.
Source: HSBC Hong Kong.
3. BLOOM
Malaysia and Thailand joined Singapore to connect international digital payments. This is cooperation under development, not yet a universally available service.
Source: MAS.
4. US stablecoins
The OCC set out reserve, redemption and custody requirements effective from January 2027. They matter when assessing an issuer’s backing and terms.
Source: OCC.
5. Bitcoin purchases
Strive and Strategy announced an additional 1,490 BTC purchased previously. They indicate corporate demand without guaranteeing price gains.
Source: Strive and Strategy.
6. Strategy and MSCI
We explained rules announced on October 15. A possible exclusion would primarily affect Strategy shares; it remains unconfirmed.
Source: MSCI and Reuters.
7. Bitcoin and the Fed
The October 19 rebound coincided with lower expectations of an interest-rate increase. It does not confirm an upward trend.
Source: Barron’s.
8. JPM Coin
Reached Ethereum for institutional clients, expanding the use of tokenized bank deposits.
Source: JPMorgan.
What to keep in mind
When assessing these developments, distinguish between services already available, projects under development and market moves. Open each article to understand its scope and limitations.