VanEck has filed another amended registration for an Avalanche-linked exchange-traded fund in the United States, detailing a structure that would allow staking of a substantial share of its AVAX holdings. The proposed ETF, which aims to list on Nasdaq under the ticker VAVX, would combine spot exposure to AVAX with on-chain rewards managed by Coinbase Crypto Services and charge a 0.30% management fee. The multiple amendments highlight ongoing regulatory discussions and could set a precedent for staking-enabled ETFs tied to other proof-of-stake networks if approved.

On 20 December 2025, Klarna entered a partnership with Coinbase enabling institutional investors to fund its lending operations using stablecoins. The arrangement routes capital on-chain into short-term, interest-free consumer loans, with blockchain settlement cited for faster cycles and transparency. The move reflects stablecoins’ shift toward financial infrastructure.

On Thursday, Poland's lower house approved an unchanged crypto bill that was vetoed last year, sending it to the Senate for review. The proposal seeks to align national rules with the EU's MiCA regime by mid-2026. A government spokesperson said the president recently received a confidential security briefing, which may raise the chances of final approval.

Ethereum developers have set the name "Hegota" for the network's second planned 2026 hard fork, which will follow the Glamsterdam upgrade. The lead feature for Hegota has not been chosen, and the chain operates on a twice‑yearly release cadence. Glamsterdam is expected in the first half of 2026, with Hegota slated for later that year.

On 20 December 2025, the European Central Bank outlined plans to enable blockchain-based settlements in central bank money from 2026, while advancing technical preparations for a digital euro. The project aims to support cross-border payments and potential links with other CBDCs, with design choices such as privacy protections and holding caps still subject to EU legislative approval. Political debates over data retention, surveillance and anti-money laundering rules could shape how closely the digital euro can mirror the privacy of cash.

On 19 December 2025, VanEck outlined updates to its proposed Avalanche ETF, shaping it as a low-fee, staking-enabled vehicle, according to recent disclosures. The filing indicates Coinbase Crypto Services would manage staking, with rewards returning to the trust and facilitation fees set at zero. The fund is planned for Nasdaq trading under a dedicated ticker, pending regulatory approval.

On 19 December 2025, Cardano detailed a strategic transition from its long-standing research-centric model toward an execution-led, infrastructure-oriented approach. The network plans to emphasize reliability, measurable performance and structured governance, while routing high-frequency activity to Layer 2 solutions and positioning its base layer as a stable settlement network. This repositioning unfolds as Bitcoin price data highlights a key support zone and a wider market environment that rewards tangible results over narrative-driven promises.

On 19 December 2025, U.S. lawmakers confirmed that the CLARITY Act will not be brought to the Senate floor this year, with the earliest window for action now set for January 2026. Senators John Kennedy and Tim Scott cited unresolved disputes over DeFi oversight and partisan tensions, including concerns tied to President Donald Trump's crypto-related business ventures. The delay extends uncertainty around how the U.S. will structure regulation for digital assets and decentralized finance.

On 19 December 2025, a U.S. judge allowed plaintiffs to amend and refile a class-action complaint against Pump.fun, Solana Labs, the Solana Foundation, and Jito Labs. The motion cites over 5,000 internal chat logs from a confidential informant submitted in September, tied to maximal extractable value practices. The case, first filed in July, may influence how courts handle MEV-related disputes.