Alphabet outlined a massive 2026 CapEx plan of $175B–$185B to accelerate AI across Search, Cloud and YouTube, signaling an intensifying arms race in data centers, networking and custom silicon. The scale-up points to sustained tailwinds for compute, power and memory suppliers, while raising questions about margin mix and investment payback timelines. Management framed the spend as essential to monetizing surging AI demand across its core franchises.
Source: Seeking Alpha
Fidelity launches dollar stablecoin “FIDD” for retail and institutional clients
Fidelity rolled out the Fidelity Digital Dollar (FIDD), a US dollar–backed stablecoin issued on Ethereum and redeemable 1:1 via Fidelity’s crypto platforms. Backed by reserves managed within Fidelity’s asset-management framework, FIDD arrives amid new US stablecoin guardrails (GENIUS Act) and extends Fidelity’s role from custody and ETFs into native on-chain money. The launch underscores how incumbent asset managers are moving to power payments, settlement and tokenized-asset rails with regulated stablecoins.
Source: FinanceFeeds
CME building tokenized cash for derivatives margin; launch targeted for 2026
CME Group is developing a tokenized cash instrument—built with Google Cloud—that could be posted as collateral in futures and options, aligning with the CFTC’s pilot to allow certain digital assets as margin. CME stressed issuer quality and risk haircuts will determine eligibility, indicating blockchain rails will augment—not loosen—existing collateral standards. If deployed, tokenized cash could speed collateral mobility and settlement across clearing, repo and securities lending workflows.
Source: FinanceFeeds
U.S. Treasury rules out a CBDC, backs private-sector digital dollar innovation
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the U.S. will not pursue a central bank digital currency, citing confidence in the dollar’s existing infrastructure and a preference for market-led solutions such as regulated stablecoins. The stance reflects privacy concerns around state-run rails and pushes innovation toward bank- and asset-manager–issued tokens under clear oversight. It sets up a strategic divergence with jurisdictions piloting CBDCs while reinforcing the role of compliant stablecoins in U.S. payments.
Source: FinanceFeeds
Canada’s CIRO unveils digital-asset custody rulebook for crypto trading platforms
Canada’s investment regulator issued a risk-based Digital Asset Custody Framework, setting expectations for segregation, third-party custodian oversight and private-key controls at Dealer Members operating crypto platforms. Effective immediately, the guidance codifies lessons from prior market failures and treats crypto custody as a distinct risk class, not a lift-and-shift of securities rules. Firms must demonstrate alignment as custody scrutiny becomes a core 2026 supervisory priority.
Source: FinanceFeeds
Bitcoin ETF assets drop below $100B amid renewed outflows
U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs saw $272M in net outflows, taking aggregate AUM below $100B for the first time since April 2025 and highlighting institutional caution. While BTC funds bled capital, selective inflows into alternative crypto ETFs suggest rotation rather than wholesale exit. The flows underscore how regulated vehicles now amplify liquidity and sentiment cycles across digital assets.
Source: FinanceFeeds
Nevada sues Coinbase to block sports prediction markets, testing state vs. federal lines
The Nevada Gaming Control Board sought a court order to stop Coinbase from offering sports-related event contracts in the state, arguing such products constitute unlicensed wagers under Nevada law. The action ramps up a jurisdictional clash as platforms distribute CFTC-supervised event contracts nationally while states assert authority over sports betting. A ruling will shape the operating map for prediction markets seeking mainstream distribution.
Source: FinanceFeeds
You May Also Be Interested In…
Moomoo becomes the first retail brokerage to integrate Figure’s on-chain equities
BBVA joins European banking consortium “Qivalis” to advance a regulated euro stablecoin
Scope Prime launches futures & options access to CME, Eurex, ICE and CBOT
IG taps AI to accelerate financial promotions compliance amid tougher UK rules
Crypto.com spins out “OG,” a regulated prediction markets app after 40x growth
Prediction market platform Opinion raises $20M Series A as institutional interest grows