Starting January 15, 2025, Google will require advertisers promoting digital asset exchanges and wallets in the United Kingdom to register with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The tech giant’s updated policy means crypto exchanges and software wallets must meet stringent requirements to advertise in the UK. Hardware wallets designed for storing cryptocurrency private keys, NFTs, and other digital assets will also be allowed to advertise, provided they do not offer services such as buying, selling, or trading.

Google emphasised the importance of compliance with local laws, stating: “We expect all advertisers to comply with the local laws for any area that their ads target. This policy will apply globally to all accounts that advertise these financial products.” Advertisers will need to ensure they meet the regulatory requirements of the jurisdictions in which their ads are displayed.

This move underscores Google’s commitment to fostering transparency and regulatory compliance in the cryptocurrency space. It also places additional responsibilities on advertisers targeting UK audiences.

Tether Invests $775 Million in Video Platform Rumble

Tether, the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin by market capitalisation, has announced a $775 million strategic investment in Rumble, a video-sharing platform that positions itself as an alternative to YouTube. Known for its uncensored content approach, Rumble has attracted significant interest in recent years.

Paolo Ardonio, Tether’s CEO, highlighted the company’s commitment to freedom of speech and financial independence. “Our strategic investment in Rumble underscores Tether’s focus on supporting technology and companies that empower humans, delivering independence and resilience to our society,” Ardonio stated in a December 20 post on X (formerly Twitter).

The collaboration between Tether and Rumble aims to develop solutions for advertising, cloud services, and crypto payments. Rumble’s CEO, Chris Pavlovski, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership and reiterated the platform’s ambition to challenge YouTube’s dominance. “YouTube, lookout. I’m coming for your monopolistic market share globally,” Pavlovski said.

Canadian Biopharma Firm Adds Bitcoin to Its Treasury

Quantum BioPharma, a Canadian biopharmaceutical company, has revealed its purchase of $1 million worth of Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies. The announcement on December 20 marks the company’s foray into the crypto space as part of its treasury strategy.

Quantum BioPharma’s statement highlighted its preparedness to conduct financing and transactions using cryptocurrencies. Despite this bold move, investors reacted negatively, with the company’s stock plummeting over 13% on the same day. As a nanocap stock with a market capitalisation of around $6 million, Quantum’s shares are particularly susceptible to volatility.

Public and private firms increasingly view Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation. In November, e-commerce company Jive Technologies announced plans to invest up to $1 million in BTC. Similarly, Rumble revealed its intention to incorporate Bitcoin into its corporate treasury strategy.

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These developments highlight the ongoing integration of cryptocurrency into diverse industries and the evolving regulatory landscape shaping its future.