Nine major European banks, including ING, UniCredit, and Danske Bank, are collaborating to launch a euro-denominated stablecoin regulated under the EU’s MiCA framework.

Franklin Templeton is expanding its tokenization platform, Benji, to the BNB Chain in a move aimed at scaling access to on-chain financial products.

South Korean internet giant Naver is set to acquire cryptocurrency exchange Upbit in a deal that could reshape the country’s digital finance landscape, according to a local report.

Top stories in the Crypto Roundup today:

• Nine European Banks to Launch MiCA-Compliant Euro Stablecoin by 2026
• Franklin Templeton Brings Tokenized Funds to BNB Chain With Benji Platform
• Naver to Acquire Crypto Exchange Upbit in Major South Korea Fintech Deal: Report

Nine European Banks to Launch MiCA-Compliant Euro Stablecoin by 2026

Nine major European banks, including ING, UniCredit, and Danske Bank, are collaborating to launch a euro-denominated stablecoin regulated under the EU’s MiCA framework.

The group has formed a new company in the Netherlands, with plans to seek licensing as an e-money institution under Dutch central bank oversight. The first issuance of the stablecoin is targeted for the second half of 2026.

The initiative aims to offer a European alternative to U.S.-based stablecoins like USDC and USDT, which currently dominate cross-border digital payments. 

According to a joint statement, the new token will support near-instant, low-cost transfers, and enable features like programmable payments and real-time settlement of digital assets.

The move follows similar efforts from Societe Generale’s Forge division, which recently listed its MiCA-compliant USD stablecoin.

Franklin Templeton Brings Tokenized Funds to BNB Chain With Benji Platform

Franklin Templeton is expanding its tokenization platform, Benji, to the BNB Chain in a move aimed at scaling access to on-chain financial products.

The firm’s Benji Platform supports 24/7 trading and yield distribution for tokenized assets, including the BENJI token, which tracks a money market fund. By tapping BNB Chain, Franklin Templeton says it can reach more investors while keeping costs low and transactions fast.

BNB Chain holds over $542 million in tokenized real-world assets, according to Dune Analytics. 

Naver to Acquire Crypto Exchange Upbit in Major South Korea Fintech Deal: Report

South Korean internet giant Naver is set to acquire cryptocurrency exchange Upbit in a deal that could reshape the country’s digital finance landscape, according to a local report.

The acquisition would bring Dunamu, Upbit’s parent company, under the control of Naver Financial, which operates digital services like Naver Pay. 

The deal is expected to take the form of a stock swap, with Naver Financial issuing new shares in exchange for Dunamu’s existing ones.

Upbit is one of South Korea’s largest crypto exchanges by trading volume. Naver’s move marks a major bet on the growing role of digital assets in the country’s financial infrastructure.

State of the Crypto by Top Tier Exchange Volume

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