A summary of some of the popular stories on cryptocurrency and blockchain during the past 24 hours.
North Dakota Issues Cease and Desist Order Against fraudulent Russian ICO
North Dakota's securities watchdog issued a cease and desist order against a Russia-based initial coin offering (ICO) Union Bank Payment Coin, also known as UBPC over an attempt to impersonate a Liechtenstein-based major bank to promote "unregistered and potentially fraudulent securities" in the state. The Securities Commissioner said that the Union Bank Payment Coin solicitation appears to be an attempt to fraudulently acquire funds through the exploitation of an announcement made by Union Bank AG, a fully licensed and regulated bank based in Liechtenstein.
ICE's Bakkt sets new launch date for Bitcoin Futures
Digital Assets Platform Bakkt, created by Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), has set a new target date of January 24, 2019 for the much-awaited launch of the Bakkt Bitcoin (US dollar) Daily Futures contract for trading, and the Bakkt Warehouse. The trading was initially set to go live on ICE Futures US on December 12, 2018. The delay in listing will provide additional time for customer and clearing member onboarding prior to the start of trading and warehousing of the new contract. The new listing date is subject to regulatory approval.
North Korea to host international blockchain and crypto conference next year
North Korea announced its plan to host the country's first international blockchain and cryptocurrency conference next year. The conference will be conducted in the Pyongyang Science and Technology Complex from April 18 to 25, 2019. The eight-day program costs 3,300 euros or around 2,900 pounds for each delegate. Apart from Blockchain and Cryptocurrency sessions, the conference also includes a tour of the country with bowling, shooting, and a trip to the Daedonggang Beer Factory.
UK Regulator considering ban on sale of Cryptocurrency Derivatives
The Financial Conduct Authority or FCA, the U.K.'s finance regulator, is likely to ban the sale of cryptocurrency derivatives such as futures. At The Regulation of Cryptocurrencies event in London, FCA executive director of strategy and competition Christopher Woolard expressed concern that retail consumers are being sold complex, volatile and often leveraged derivatives products based on exchange tokens with underlying market integrity issues.
BitPay adds third stable coin For Receiving Settlements
Bitcoin payment processor BitPay has added a third U.S. dollar-backed stable coin, Paxos Standard token (PAX), to provide merchants and businesses one more option to receive the settlement for their payments. It had already added support for two stable coins, Gemini Dollars (GUSD) and Circle USD Coin (USDC), in mid-October. Holders can redeem these stable coins directly for US dollars without the risk of value change or price volatility for holders.
Current Prices
As of this writing, Bitcoin is losing 4.85 percent of $224.12 at $4415.79. Ethereum is trading down 4.48 percent or $6.17 at $131.88 on Coinbase.
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Forex News
April 24, 2026 15:15 ET Economics news flow was relatively light this week even as the conflict in the Middle East continued, raising concerns for policymakers. In the U.S., spending data, initial jobless claims and pending home sales were the highlights. Business confidence in the biggest euro area economy was in focus in Europe. Inflation data from Japan gained attention in Asia.