Key Highlights
- Hong Kong’s monetary authority granted its inaugural stablecoin issuer permits to two firms.
- HSBC and Anchor Fintech Limited received approval in the territory’s first licensing round.
- Iranian officials announced plans to accept cryptocurrency payments for oil tanker transit fees through the Strait of Hormuz.
- The former Binance CEO published his memoir on April 8 in both English and traditional Chinese editions.
- US regulatory developments included SEC safe harbor proposals and FDIC stablecoin framework guidance.
The cryptocurrency industry witnessed multiple significant developments this week. The Binance founder’s memoir generated intense discussion, Hong Kong authorized its first stablecoin operators, and Iranian authorities announced plans to accept digital currency for tanker passage fees amid an ongoing truce.
Former Binance CEO’s memoir triggers industry discussion
On April 8, the former Binance chief executive unveiled his complete memoir to the public. Published in both English and traditional Chinese versions, he pledged that all personal earnings and royalty payments from the book would be donated to charitable causes.
The publication immediately triggered widespread discussion throughout the digital asset community. Key talking points included the challenging conditions under which portions were drafted during incarceration, the abandoned rescue attempt of FTX, and observations regarding SBF and Star Xu.
WuBlockchain Weekly: CZ’s Autobiography Sparks Fierce Debate, HK Issues First Stablecoin Licenses, Iran Tests Crypto Oil Tolls, DeFi Yields Fall Below TradFi, Strategy Expands BTC Holdings, BitMine Builds $11.4B ETH Treasury, SEC Safe Harbor Nears Approval, Binance Staff Relocate… pic.twitter.com/bujoyd07cb
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) April 10, 2026
The author detailed the challenging circumstances of drafting the initial manuscript while incarcerated. He explained that inmates had access to only six phones and four computers, shared among the population. Usage was restricted to 15-minute intervals, and all communications underwent delays and review processes.
The memoir also revealed that in 2022, he explored the possibility of providing assistance to FTX. However, this initiative collapsed when SBF’s representatives were unable to deliver comprehensive balance sheet documentation within the requested 24-hour timeframe.
Hong Kong approves inaugural stablecoin operators while US regulatory framework develops
Hong Kong’s financial regulatory body unveiled its first group of approved stablecoin issuers. The initial authorization round included two entities: HSBC and Anchor Fintech Limited.
Anchor Fintech Limited operates as a collaborative enterprise connected to Standard Chartered Bank, Animoca Brands, and Hong Kong Telecom. According to the regulatory authority, the evaluation process examined operational strategies, risk management frameworks, intended applications, and adherence to legal requirements.
This regulatory milestone occurred as American authorities simultaneously progressed their own stablecoin initiatives. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins announced that a cryptocurrency safe harbor framework had been submitted to the White House for evaluation through the OIRA process.
The framework encompasses a startup exemption period of approximately four years coupled with transparency obligations. It also establishes an investment contract safe harbor provision and offers clarity on digital token categorization.
FDIC Chairman Travis Hill announced that the organization had released preliminary guidance addressing stablecoin creation by traditional banks and financial technology subsidiaries. The draft framework addresses reserve requirements, redemption protocols, capital standards, and operational boundaries, and has been opened for public feedback.
Iranian transit fee proposal and DeFi metrics shape market conversation
Iranian officials revealed intentions to impose transit charges on fully laden oil carriers during a two-week cessation of hostilities with the United States. The proposed fee stands at approximately $1 per barrel and could potentially be settled using digital currencies like Bitcoin.
According to the proposal, vessel operators would need to transmit cargo information via electronic communication. Following evaluation, payment directives would be issued. Unladen tankers might receive exemptions from the charge.
Hamid Hosseini stated the initiative aims to monitor maritime traffic and prevent unauthorized weapons transportation. He indicated that ships would have minimal time to complete payment after Iranian authorities finished their evaluation.
Concurrently, market analytics revealed declining DeFi yields. Aave’s USDC deposit annual percentage yield registered approximately 2.61%, while USDT deposits offered around 1.84%. Lido’s stETH yield stood at roughly 2.53%.
These returns fell short of the 3.14% rate available on uninvested cash at Interactive Brokers. Only select offerings maintained superior rates, including Ethena’s sUSDe and Sky’s USDS Savings products.
The wider marketplace also monitored treasury movements and capital raising activities. Strategy disclosed a $14.5 billion unrealized Bitcoin depreciation during the first quarter, while multiple cryptocurrency companies announced fresh funding rounds.
