Russia's central bank said on Dec. 23 that Bitcoin mining has helped stabilize the ruble, Governor Elvira Nabiullina told RBC media, financefeeds reports. She said mining inflows provide auxiliary support to the exchange rate, though the impact is difficult to quantify amid legal uncertainties.

Ghana has passed a law that legalizes cryptocurrency trading and allows licensed digital asset service providers to operate within a formal regulatory framework, according to a report by The Block. The legislation also includes provisions to explore the development of gold-backed stablecoins. Cryptocurrency activities in Ghana had previously taken place under regulatory uncertainty, the report said.

On December 22, Milan said he remains undecided between 25- and 50-basis-point rate cuts, noting his resistance to larger cuts may ease over time, according to BlockBeats. He added that if his Fed appointment is not confirmed by January 31, he will assume continued service. Milan also referenced Jerome Powell’s role in securing three rate cuts from the FOMC.

Ghana’s parliament has passed a bill to legalize the use of cryptocurrencies and establish a regulatory framework for digital assets and virtual asset service providers, according to Wu Blockchain. The legislation follows concerns from the central bank over previously unregulated crypto activities and is intended to formalize oversight of cryptocurrency exchanges and related services.

On December 22, Elvira Nabiullina said cryptocurrency mining could help support the ruble, highlighting Russia’s evolving stance on digital assets. Data from the Russian Industrial Mining Association shows Russia controls over 16% of the global hash rate, ranking second worldwide. Her remarks suggest growing recognition of mining’s economic role in Russia’s broader strategy for currency stability.

Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker said on Dec. 21 that November's positive inflation reading may have been distorted by data collection issues tied to the government shutdown in October and early November, potentially understating 12-month price growth, BlockBeats reports citing Jin10. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported November CPI rose 2.7% year-on-year, estimates adjusted for measurement challenges place inflation closer to the widely expected 2.9% to 3.0% range. Harker added his main concern about cutting rates stems from his view that the neutral interest rate is higher than generally assumed and that the economy already shows momentum to sustain solid growth next year, though the neutral rate cannot be directly observed and must be inferred from economic performance.

Federal Reserve official Beth Hammack said on Dec. 21 there is no need to adjust interest rates in the coming months after three consecutive cuts, BlockBeats reports citing The Wall Street Journal's Take On the Week podcast. Hammack opposed recent rate cuts, stating she is more concerned about persistently high inflation than potential labor market weakness. Her baseline expectation is to keep rates at their current level at least until spring, until clearer evidence shows inflation moving back toward the target or more substantial job market softening. While not a voting member on the rate-setting committee this year, she will be one next year.