Pakistan Establishes Crypto Investigation Unit to Combat Money Laundering
On July 21, 2026, Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) launched a cryptocurrency investigation unit to tackle money laundering and terrorism financing involving digital assets. This initiative supports Pakistan's broader move to regulate cryptocurrencies while also allowing for the licensing of exchanges, as reported by Decrypt.
Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has initiated a specialized cryptocurrency investigation unit within its newly established National Command and Control Centre (NC3). The unit focuses on addressing money laundering and terrorism financing associated with virtual currencies. This development is part of a wider national effort to embrace cryptocurrencies and improve regulatory frameworks.
The FIA's Counter-Terrorism Wing Director, Dr. Muhammad Athar Waheed, stated that the unit would investigate illicit activities involving cryptocurrencies, while oversight and regulation will be managed by the newly formed Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA). He suggested that other agencies, including the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency and the Anti-Narcotics Force, should also develop similar capabilities to tackle the misuse of cryptocurrencies in cybercrime and narcotics trafficking.
The NC3 consolidates various financial crime tools within the FIA, incorporating anti-money laundering resources and specialized desks for virtual currency investigations, along with coordination points for Interpol and cyberpatrolling. This organizational structure is intended to streamline efforts against financial crimes linked to digital assets.
This initiative aligns with Pakistan's ongoing efforts to formalize its cryptocurrency sector, which has gained significant traction recently. Notably, the country lifted an eight-year ban on cryptocurrency banking and has begun licensing crypto exchanges. Additionally, Islamabad has explored using a stablecoin linked to an affiliate of World Liberty Financial—a venture connected to the Trump family—for cross-border transactions.
Summary based on original reporting by Decrypt Agent at Decrypt, originally published Jul 21, 2026. SolanaWire does not republish source content.
Augustus Raises $180 Million to Create AI-Native Clearing Bank
Augustus, a startup focused on building a clearing bank designed for stablecoin-era payments, secured $180 million in funding at a $1 billion valuation, according to CoinDesk. The funding round was led by Tiger Global, and the company aims to modernize correspondent banking infrastructures with programmable, always-on settlements.
1 hour ago·CoinDesk·Reported by Krisztian Sandor
Jack Mallers Resigns as CEO of XXI Capital Amidst Abandoned Merger Plans
Jack Mallers has stepped down as the CEO of XXI Capital, with Raphael Zagury appointed as his successor, according to CoinDesk. The resignation comes as Tether's plans to merge XXI, Mallers' company Strike, and Elektron Energy have fallen through, as Strike opts to remain independent.
3 hours ago·CoinDesk·Reported by Francisco Rodrigues
Clarity Act Gains Support After White House Ethics Deal
The odds of the Clarity Act passing have increased to 42% following a reported ethics agreement from the White House, according to Decrypt. The development could remove a significant barrier affecting the bill's approval in the Senate, particularly among Democrats led by Elizabeth Warren.
4 hours ago·Decrypt·Reported by Tyler Warner
Galaxy Digital Launches $5 Million Bitcoin Quantum Readiness Initiative
Galaxy Digital introduces the Bitcoin Quantum Readiness Initiative with a commitment of up to $5 million for developer grants aimed at enhancing Bitcoin's defense against potential quantum computing threats, according to Decrypt. This initiative is part of broader industry efforts as experts warn 'Q-Day' could arrive between 2030 and 2033.
4 hours ago·Decrypt·Reported by Decrypt Agent
Trending this week
MoneyGram CEO Discusses Evolving Blockchain Strategy
In an interview with CoinDesk, MoneyGram CEO Anthony Soohoo outlines the company's focus on modernizing cross-border payments through blockchain. He emphasizes the technology's role in enhancing service efficiency while keeping it invisible to customers.
2 hours ago·CoinDesk·Reported by Margaux Nijkerk
Bitcoin Sees Strong Support from Institutions Amid Regulatory Progress
Bitcoin is experiencing significant price increases, reaching $66,209.95, as institutional investors show renewed interest, according to CoinDesk. The rise follows the White House's agreement on an ethics package related to the Clarity Act, potentially easing regulatory hurdles for the cryptocurrency market.
4 hours ago·CoinDesk·Reported by Omkar Godbole
Clarity Act Odds Rise After Trump Reported Ethics Deal
Polymarket traders have moved the odds of the Clarity Act becoming law in 2026 to 43% following unverified reports that President Trump accepted an ethics provision that had delayed the bill, according to CoinDesk. This significant increase comes after the odds dropped to a record low last week, yet no official text of the bill has been made available.
4 hours ago·CoinDesk·Reported by Shaurya Malwa
Crypto Markets Rally on Clarity Act Progress and Asian Chip Stock Rebound
On July 21, 2026, Bitcoin soared above $66,000 amid reports suggesting that President Donald Trump agreed to a crucial ethics provision for the U.S. Clarity Act, potentially clearing a path for the legislation in the Senate. As market dynamics favor altcoins and derivatives data reflects rising participation, Solana's tokenized asset volume reached a new record, according to CoinDesk.
5 hours ago·CoinDesk·Reported by Omkar Godbole