Coinbase is in advanced talks to acquire BVNK, a London-based startup that helps businesses accept payments in stablecoins and other digital assets.

Malaysia’s central bank has launched a three-year plan to test asset tokenization in financial services, with a focus on real-world applications like SME credit, Islamic finance and cross-border payments.

Crypto exchange Ripio has launched wARS, a stablecoin tied to the Argentine peso, aimed at enabling cross-border payments without banks or dollar conversions.

Top stories in the Crypto Roundup today:

• Coinbase Eyes $2B BVNK Acquisition 
• Malaysia Unveils 3-Year Tokenization Plan Focused on Islamic Finance and SME Credit
• Ripio Launches Argentine Peso-Backed Stablecoin wARS

Coinbase Eyes $2B BVNK Acquisition to Expand Stablecoin Payment Infrastructure

Coinbase is in advanced talks to acquire BVNK, a London-based startup that helps businesses accept payments in stablecoins and other digital assets.

The deal, valued around $2 billion, could close by early 2026. The acquisition would support Coinbase’s broader strategy to move beyond trading revenue and into blockchain-based payments. 

Nearly 20% of Coinbase’s third-quarter revenue came from stablecoins, thanks in part to its USDC partnership with Circle and integrations with firms like Shopify.

Founded in 2021, BVNK has raised $90 million from investors including Citi Ventures, Haun Ventures and Visa. Coinbase Ventures is also a backer.

Malaysia Unveils 3-Year Tokenization Plan Focused on Islamic Finance and SME Credit

Malaysia’s central bank has launched a three-year plan to test asset tokenization in financial services, with a focus on real-world applications like SME credit, Islamic finance and cross-border payments.

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) will lead the initiative through its Digital Asset Innovation Hub. A new working group co-led with the Securities Commission will guide the effort and address legal and regulatory issues.

Initial pilots will test tokenized deposits, programmable payments and green finance tools. BNM also plans to explore MYR-backed stablecoins and how tokenized assets might connect with a wholesale central bank digital currency.

The plan puts Malaysia alongside other Asian regulators exploring tokenization to modernize finance. Public feedback is open until March 2026.

Ripio Launches Argentine Peso-Backed Stablecoin wARS

Crypto exchange Ripio has launched wARS, a stablecoin tied to the Argentine peso, aimed at enabling cross-border payments without banks or dollar conversions.

Available on Ethereum, Base and World Chain, wARS is part of Ripio’s broader push to bring real-world assets on-chain. The move follows its earlier tokenized sovereign bond release.

With inflation easing but currency controls still tight, stablecoins remain popular in Argentina. Ripio plans to issue similar tokens for other Latin American currencies to support local-currency payments across the region.

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