UK sets out plan to integrate payments rules covering stablecoins and tokenized deposits
The Block·60-word summary·1 min read
The UK HM Treasury announced plans to unify payments regulations for traditional services, stablecoins, and tokenized deposits during Fintech Week in London. The proposed framework aims to integrate these digital assets into existing financial rules, reflecting the country's move toward comprehensive regulation of crypto-related payments. The initiative is part of the UK's broader effort to regulate the evolving DeFi sector.
Doordash plans to pay its drivers in stablecoins via the Tempo blockchain, developed by Stripe and Paradigm. The company aims to offer this option to its Dasher drivers, leveraging Tempo, which raised $500 million in October 2025. This move highlights the growing adoption of blockchain-based payments in the gig economy.
In Q1 2026, Zodia Custody integrated BitMEX into its Interchange network, enabling institutional clients to trade derivatives securely. This move aims to eliminate counterparty risk by keeping assets in third-party cold storage. The partnership enhances the safety and reliability of institutional derivatives trading, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve security in DeFi infrastructure.
Stellar (XLM) surged over 7% in the past 24 hours, outperforming other top 20 cryptocurrencies. The rally pushed XLM above key resistance levels, supported by positive on-chain data, derivatives metrics, and momentum indicators. This bullish momentum signals a strong upward trend as Stellar builds confidence among traders and investors on April 21, 2026.
The Bank of Korea’s new governor announced plans to develop a central bank digital currency (CBDC) and bank tokens, signaling a focus on digital currency innovation. The BOK will also enhance regulation of crypto markets and non-bank finance, while modernizing currency markets for 24-hour foreign exchange trading. The address did not mention stablecoins, emphasizing a shift toward digital currency infrastructure.
A Reddit post has sparked debate within the XRP community over Ripple’s own stablecoin potentially undermining XRP’s use case. The discussion was prompted by a German finance analyst’s $9 mid-term price target for XRP. AI tools like Claude and DeepSeek analyzed XRP’s investment thesis, raising concerns about the token’s future amid the rise of Ripple’s stablecoin.
The Bank of Japan warned on April 21, 2026, about hedge fund risks threatening bond market stability, citing potential volatility and liquidity concerns. The warning emphasizes the fragility of global financial systems, highlighting the need for caution amid ongoing market uncertainties. This alert underscores the importance of monitoring hedge fund activities to maintain market stability.
