Nasdaq filed with the SEC to extend U.S. equity trading to 23 hours per weekday, adding a 9 p.m.–4 a.m. ET “night session” alongside its existing premarket and after-hours. The plan, targeted for H2 2026, aligns with rival efforts and hinges on industry plumbing upgrades (notably DTCC’s 24/5 clearing) to support continuous trading, potentially improving global access and price discovery—but also raising liquidity and spread-management challenges overnight.
Source: Finance Magnates
Russia sues Euroclear for $230B as EU readies frozen-asset plan for Ukraine
The Bank of Russia filed a $230B lawsuit in Moscow against Euroclear over immobilized reserves, escalating the legal battle as EU leaders move to tap proceeds from frozen Russian assets to back loans for Ukraine. While enforcement of a Russian court ruling abroad is uncertain, Moscow could seek action in “friendly” jurisdictions—raising cross-border custody risks and prompting reserve holders to reassess where they park assets.
Source: FinanceFeeds
ASIC forces hard reset at ASX with governance overhaul and $150M capital buffer
Australia’s regulator imposed a sweeping reform package on ASX after an inquiry cited urgent deficiencies in governance, capability, risk management and culture. ASX agreed to independent boards for its clearing/settlement units, a refocused “Accelerate” program with clear milestones, and a $150M capital overlay until remediation is complete—pivoting the exchange toward resilience over incremental change.
Source: FinanceFeeds
PayPal applies for a U.S. industrial bank charter to expand lending
PayPal filed with the FDIC and Utah regulators to form PayPal Bank, an industrial loan company that would let it originate loans directly, launch insured savings, and reduce reliance on partner banks. The move would deepen small-business lending and give PayPal cheaper, stickier funding—accelerating its evolution from payments processor to full-service financial platform.
Source: FinanceFeeds
SEC has quietly dropped or paused 60% of crypto cases since January
The New York Times reports the SEC has shelved or dismissed roughly 60% of crypto-related investigations this year—far higher than in other securities areas—signaling a sharp enforcement shift. While the agency denies political motives, the pullback reduces near‑term legal pressure on exchanges and token issuers, though long‑term rule clarity remains unsettled pending new commissioner appointments.
Source: FinanceFeeds
IG Group posts 29% YoY net trading revenue growth; expands buyback
IG Group’s quarterly net trading revenue rose 29% YoY to £270.7m on broad strength across OTC derivatives, exchange-traded products, and surging share-dealing volumes after its zero‑commission rollouts. The firm extended its buyback to £200m and guided to mid‑single‑digit organic revenue growth in 2026, as U.S. tastytrade momentum and new crypto licenses set the stage for product-led expansion.
Source: FinanceFeeds
U.S. crude slides to multi-year lows on Russia‑Ukraine deal speculation
WTI crude fell to its lowest in nearly five years as traders focused on potential de‑escalation between Russia and Ukraine, compounding concerns about demand and elevated inventories. The drop resets energy sector earnings expectations and eases headline inflation pressures—while testing CAPEX plans across upstream producers and oilfield services.
Source: Seeking Alpha
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