Once a pilot, the China-led multi-CBDC platform is scaling fast—revealing how the digital yuan is emerging as the dominant currency on new cross-border payment rails.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has called on governments worldwide to prioritize central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) over privately issued stablecoins, arguing that CBDCs can deliver the same financial benefits as stablecoins — including speed, efficiency, and programmability — without destabalising the whole financial structure of the country.

Russia has once again drawn a firm line on cryptocurrency, reaffirming that Bitcoin and other digital assets cannot be used for payments inside the country, with all domestic transactions required to be settled exclusively in rubles.

South Africa’s central bank has announced that it will be retreat from the retail CBDC race-at least for now. In a paper released on Thursday, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) said that there is currently no immediate need for a central bank digital currency, despite it being technically feasible.

China is quietly re-emerging as one of the world’s most profitable Bitcoin mining hubs, despite maintaining an official nationwide ban on mining since 2021. New industry data shows the country now accounts for an estimated 14% to 20% of global hashrate, placing it firmly back inside the top three global mining centers.

Pakistan is actively exploring the launch of a rupee-backed stablecoin and a central bank digital currency (CBDC), as policymakers and industry leaders warn that delays in regulating digital assets could cost the nation up to $25 billion in missed economic opportunities.

As Bitcoin surges past $126,000, India is quietly signaling that the path to digital finance should run through government control.

India plans to launch a state-backed digital rupee through the RBI to make payments faster, safer, and fully traceable. The move aims to encourage regulated digital money while limiting the use of unbacked cryptocurrencies.

Tether has just taken on the role of a law enforcer and frozen the $85,877 USDt tied to stolen funds. While Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino has seen it own company as a crypto compliance enforcer, but the crypto community wasn't impressed, stating that Tether's might have over-stepped the line.

The first week of the "Crypto week" has ended with President Trump signing the GENIUS Act.