x402, an open-source payment protocol incubated by Coinbase and designed specifically for artificial intelligence (AI) agents, is releasing a major upgrade approximately six months after its initial launch. x402 V2 essentially transforms the previously simple, one-off payment system into a mature, internet-facing unified payment layer. Version V2 includes a series of backend improvements designed to make it easier to create customizable payment processes, better wallet and identity features, and support for "traditional payment systems." The biggest upgrade in V2 is the unification of x402's payment interface. x402 V2 standardizes the way networks and assets are identified in the protocol, "creating a single payment format that works across different blockchains and traditional payment systems." This means that x402 will "support multiple chains by default," enabling support for native tokens of other blockchains such as Base or Solana without requiring custom logic. Furthermore, the system is compatible with "traditional payment systems" such as ACH and bank card networks. The updated system also introduces dynamic "payTo" routing, supporting payment processes such as usage-based billing, subscriptions, prepaid payments, and multi-step transactions. Developers can also inject "lifecycle hooks" for conditional tools or metric monitoring, and create more customized payment walls. (The Block)

The Southern District of New York sentenced Terraform Labs founder Do Kwon to 15 years in prison, exceeding the sentence prosecutors had previously requested. Prosecutors argued that given Kwon's past misconduct and the sheer scale of the fraud, he should have received a 12-year sentence; Kwon's lawyers, however, argued for a mere 5-year sentence. U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer stated that Kwon "chose to lie" and "made the wrong choice." In March 2023, Kwon was criminally charged with conspiracy to commit fraud, merchandise fraud, wire fraud, securities fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud, and conspiracy to manipulate the market and launder money. In August of this year, Kwon pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud. Kwon may face further legal challenges in South Korea; he must serve at least half of his sentence before he can apply for transfer there, and the 17 months he served in Montenegro prison will be counted towards his sentence. (The Block)

Jinse Finance launches its daily cryptocurrency and blockchain news bulletin, "Jinse 8 AM," issue 2906, providing you with the latest and fastest news on the digital currency and blockchain industry.

The SEC has authorized a DTCC subsidiary to issue tokenized assets. source: https://www.bankless.com/read/news/major-u-s-clearinghouse-receives-sec-go-ahead-to-initiate-asset-tokenization

Gemini's Titan platform launches more than five years after its initial DCM application. source: https://cryptopotato.com/geminis-tyler-winklevoss-thanks-trump-for-ending-the-biden-administrations-war-on-crypto-after-dcm-license/

null source: https://x.com/CoinMarketCap/status/1999264215551369396

According to ChainCatcher, the U.S. dollar index, which measures the dollar against six major currencies, fell by 0.45% on December 11, closing at 98.346 in the foreign exchange market. The euro rose to 1.174 against the dollar, compared to 1.1678 the previous day. The British pound increased to 1.3389 from 1.3365. The dollar weakened against the Japanese yen, trading at 155.61, down from 156.26. Similarly, the dollar fell against the Swiss franc, closing at 0.7951 from 0.8011. The Canadian dollar strengthened, with the exchange rate moving to 1.3779 from 1.381. The Swedish krona also saw gains, with the dollar trading at 9.2542, down from 9.2864.

SEC permits DTCC to custody tokenized assets on blockchain, enhancing securities digitization. source: https://coincu.com/news/sec-permits-dtcc-tokenization/

SEC licenses DTCC for blockchain tokenization, enabling custody of tokenized stocks, RWAs, and expanding digital asset services. source: https://coincu.com/news/sec-approves-dtcc-blockchain-tokenization/

According to PANews, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has granted permission to the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) to host and recognize tokenized stocks and other real-world assets (RWA) on a blockchain. This approval allows DTCC to offer tokenization services on a pre-approved blockchain for a three-year period. SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce stated that although the project is still in its pilot phase and subject to various operational constraints, it represents a significant step towards market migration onto the blockchain. Michael Winnike, DTCC's Global Head of Strategy and Market Solutions for Clearing and Securities Services, mentioned in an interview that following the approval, DTCC plans to extend its record-keeping operations to the blockchain. DTCC plays a crucial role in the U.S. financial system as a central clearing and settlement hub for stocks and fixed income products. Many liquid assets in the U.S. market are stored in DTCC's custody division, the Depository Trust Co. The company anticipates launching its new tokenization services in the latter half of next year.

The Senate is making progress on a major cryptocurrency bill. source: https://www.cryptopolitan.com/senate-makes-progress-on-crypto-bill/

机器人 AI 可以像人类一样有自己的账户进行货币支付。AI Agent 支付的底层 Infra，x402 协议究竟是什么？为什么 Google、Visa 都在积极布局 x402 赛道？

17 Observations on Crypto Trends in 2026 by Several Partners of the a16z Crypto Team

Market predictions about when a “cryptography-related quantum computer (CRQC)” will be born are often too radical and exaggerated—leading to calls for an immediate and comprehensive migration to post-quantum cryptography.

Surf is an AI-powered investment research assistant for the cryptocurrency field. It recently completed a $15 million funding round led by Pantera, with participation from Coinbase Ventures and others.

The UAE, particularly Abu Dhabi, is rapidly emerging as a compliance hub and “new Switzerland” for the global cryptocurrency industry.

Federal Reserve, BTC: When the Fed is hijacked by politics, is a historic opportunity for Bitcoin coming? Golden Finance: The Fed cut interest rates, but the market is panicking.

Similar to the role of Coinbase or Binance, national banks in the United States can directly provide intermediary services for cryptocurrency trading to their clients.

Artificial Intelligence, Cryptocurrency, Web 3.0: How to Become a Web3 Super Individual? A Guide to Personal Awakening in the AI+Crypto Era. (Jinse Finance) Individuals are replacing institutions as the core link in value creation.

Bitcoin's reaction to Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decisions often contradicts traders' expectations. Will today's interest rate decision from the Fed boost Bitcoin or trigger a sell-off?