Mike Selig is named a lead contender to chair the CFTC. Who is he?

The Nigerian Central Bank and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are joining forces to create a comprehensive framework for digital currency. This collaboration is significant as it aims to regulate and promote the use of digital currencies in Nigeria, potentially enhancing financial inclusion and innovation in the country's economy. By establishing clear guidelines, both institutions hope to foster a safer environment for digital transactions, which could attract more investors and boost the local fintech industry.

Litecoin's price remains stable near its monthly highs, even as the SEC has not made a decision on Canary Capital's proposed spot Litecoin ETF. The deadline for the SEC to act has passed without any updates, leaving investors in uncertainty about the future of this anticipated product. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges in the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies, which can significantly impact market dynamics.

A recent ruling has dismissed a lawsuit against Yuga Labs, the company behind the popular Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs, as the plaintiffs could not demonstrate that these digital assets qualify as investment contracts under the SEC's Howey Test. This decision is significant as it reinforces the legal standing of NFTs and could pave the way for more clarity in the regulatory landscape surrounding digital assets, potentially encouraging further innovation and investment in the NFT space.

The potential approval of six spot XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by the SEC could significantly alter market dynamics. With a deadline approaching in October, these ETFs may attract new investors and enhance liquidity in the crypto market. The SEC's recent approval of generic listing standards for crypto ETFs marks a pivotal moment, indicating a more favorable regulatory environment. This shift could lead to increased participation in the cryptocurrency space, making it an exciting time for both investors and the broader market.

The ongoing US government shutdown is causing delays in the approval process for spot crypto ETFs by the SEC, which is a significant setback for investors eagerly awaiting these financial products. With lawmakers unable to agree on spending proposals, the future of crypto ETFs hangs in the balance, impacting market confidence and innovation in the cryptocurrency space.

VanEck has taken a significant step by registering the Lido Staked Ethereum ETF Trust in Delaware, signaling its intent to gain approval from the SEC. This move comes as Lido's value has surged over 3% in the past day, reflecting growing interest in Ethereum-based investments. The approval of such an ETF could open the doors for more institutional investment in Ethereum, potentially boosting its market presence and stability.

Hedera's native token, HBAR, has experienced a significant selloff, dropping 3.6% in just 23 hours. This decline is largely attributed to heavy institutional selling that has pushed prices below crucial support levels. The timing is particularly concerning as it comes ahead of a potential SEC decision regarding an ETF, which could further impact market sentiment. Understanding these dynamics is essential for investors as they navigate the volatile cryptocurrency landscape.

Dogecoin has seen a significant rebound recently, climbing to $0.2630 after hitting a crucial support level in September. This surge comes as investors are optimistic about the potential approval of a DOGE ETF by the SEC this month, which could further boost the cryptocurrency's value. The interest in Dogecoin reflects a growing confidence among investors, making it a noteworthy development in the crypto market.

October is shaping up to be a crucial month for altcoin ETFs as the SEC has introduced new listing standards that could expedite the approval process for various crypto funds, including those for Solana and XRP. This development is significant because it may lead to increased investment opportunities in the cryptocurrency market, potentially transforming the landscape of US financial markets.

Thailand is set to broaden its cryptocurrency landscape by introducing new regulations that will allow for the creation of spot crypto-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs) beyond just Bitcoin. This move by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is significant as it opens up more investment opportunities in the crypto market, potentially attracting a wider range of investors and enhancing the country's position in the global crypto ecosystem.

XRP has seen a 3% increase, driven by positive developments surrounding SBI Lending and ongoing ETF applications. With seven XRP ETF applications currently under review by the SEC, the market is buzzing with anticipation as the first decisions are expected on October 18. This could potentially open new avenues for investment and boost XRP's market presence, making it an exciting time for investors.

The ongoing partial shutdown of the U.S. government is causing significant delays in the SEC's review of applications for spot altcoin ETFs, which is disappointing news for investors eager to see new crypto funds approved, particularly those linked to popular tokens like Solana. This situation highlights the broader impact of government operations on financial markets and investor sentiment.

NFT sales have seen a remarkable resurgence, more than doubling to $256.9 million, a significant increase from last week's $84.6 million. This surge is largely attributed to Bitcoin's impressive rally to the $122,000 mark, which has invigorated the entire market. This turnaround is crucial as it indicates renewed interest and investment in NFTs, suggesting a potential recovery in the digital asset space.

The cryptocurrency market is buzzing as BNB and ETH lead a significant altcoin rally, contributing to Bitcoin's impressive 11% gain over the past week. This surge highlights a growing confidence among investors in the altcoin sector, suggesting a potential shift in market dynamics. As more traders look beyond Bitcoin, this could signal a broader acceptance and integration of alternative cryptocurrencies, making it an exciting time for the crypto community.

Bitcoin is off to a strong start in October, recently reclaiming the $120,000 mark and approaching its all-time high of over $124,000. This resurgence has analysts optimistic about the cryptocurrency's potential to reach $160,000 by early 2026, provided certain market conditions are met. This matters because it reflects growing investor confidence and could signal a significant shift in the cryptocurrency market, attracting more attention and investment.

Tether, the leading stablecoin provider, is making headlines as it seeks to raise $200 million to establish a digital asset treasury focused on tokenized gold. This initiative, in partnership with financial services firm Antalpha, highlights Tether's commitment to expanding its offerings and enhancing the stability of its assets. By accumulating tokenized gold, Tether aims to provide a more secure and reliable investment option, which could attract more users and bolster confidence in the stablecoin market.

This week saw a significant boost in crypto funding, with projects raising a total of $351 million across 13 deals. Leading the charge was Flying Tulip, securing an impressive $200 million in a seed round, while xMoney followed with $21.5 million. This surge in investment highlights the growing interest in decentralized finance and finance-focused ventures, indicating a vibrant future for the crypto industry.

A recent report reveals that blockchain network revenues fell by 16% in September, primarily due to decreased volatility in the crypto markets, as noted by asset manager VanEck. This decline is significant as it reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the cryptocurrency sector, impacting investor confidence and market dynamics.