Crypto Governance Highlights: Firms Dump Clarity Act Support as Revolut Bets Big on Trump Deregulation for US Entry

Introduction: A Turbulent Week for Crypto Regulation and Fintech Expansion

In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency and blockchain, governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) issues shape the future. This week brought major shifts. Crypto giants pulled back from a key regulatory bill they once backed. At the same time, fintech leader Revolut changed its US strategy, banking on a lighter regulatory touch under the current administration. These moves highlight tensions between innovation and rules. We also saw board battles, court rulings, and leadership changes that offer lessons for crypto firms.

‘s Smart Pivot: Standalone US Banking License Over Acquisition

Revolut, the UK fintech powerhouse known for crypto trading and digital banking, dropped plans to buy or merge with a US bank. Instead, it will seek a direct banking license. This speeds up its push into the massive US market.

Buying a bank seemed quick at first. But it came with headaches like keeping physical branches open and jumping through approval hoops. Now, Revolut talks with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) for a de novo license—a fresh charter for new banks.

Why now? The deregulatory vibe in Washington could fast-track approval. With elections looming and a pro-business stance, Revolut sees a window. This matters for crypto users. Revolut offers crypto buys, sells, and staking. A US license means easier access for Americans, boosting mainstream adoption.

Implications for Blockchain: Fintechs like Revolut bridge traditional finance and crypto. A US foothold could mean more stablecoin integrations and faster remittances via blockchain. Watch for updates as talks progress.

Crypto Industry Backlash: Why Big Players Ditched the

The aimed to clear up digital asset rules. It would split oversight between the SEC and CFTC, ending turf wars. The House passed it, but Senate hopes faded.

Key reason? Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong yanked support. This canceled a committee review. Disputes focus on stablecoin reward limits and tokenized stock bans. Crypto firms say these kill innovation. Banks push caps to guard deposits.

Once united, the industry split. With elections near, lawmakers pause. This delay shows deep rifts on crypto rules.

• Stablecoin caps: Limit interest to protect bank deposits.
• Tokenized assets: Rules seen as too strict for real-world asset tokens (RWAs).
• Political timing: Midterms shift focus from bills.

Crypto Impact: Without clarity, firms face SEC crackdowns. Blockchain projects stall on legal fears. A reworked bill could return post-elections, but divisions run deep. Industry leaders must unite or risk tougher rules.

Delaware Court Ruling: A Win for Founder Control in Stockholder Deals

The Delaware Supreme Court stopped a shareholder suit against Moelis & Co. A 2014 deal gave founder Ken Moelis broad board power. A pension fund called it illegal for hurting director independence.

Court tossed it—not on merits, but too late filed. Delaware’s three-year limit applied. Lawmakers already updated laws to allow such pacts. Impact? Low, but echoes Tesla case.

Lesson for Crypto: DAOs and token projects often use founder-led governance. This ruling supports flexible stockholder agreements, key for decentralized orgs incorporating as companies.

Shipping Proxy War: Diana vs. Genco Signals Activist Trends

Diana Shipping, holding 14.8% of Genco, offered $20.60 per share—a premium buyout. Genco said no, claiming undervalued. Now, Diana nominates six directors to shake up the board.

Genco calls its board fit. It floated buying Diana instead. Proxy fights rise in tough markets.

Crypto Tie-In: Activist investors eye underperformers. Crypto firms with public tokens face similar pressures from whales or funds pushing sales or pivots.

Leadership Shake-Up at Workspace Group Amid Activist Heat

CEO Lawrence Hutchings steps down at flexible office firm Workspace. Activist Saba Capital (13.5% stake) pushed for wind-down over losses and refi woes. Charlie Green takes over February 2.

New CFO too. Shares fell past year.

Relevance to Fintech/Crypto: Remote work boom aids crypto nomads. But activists force change—mirroring pressures on crypto exchanges during bear markets.

Elliott’s Bet on Hypersonic Future with Stratolaunch

Activist fund Elliott invests big in Stratolaunch, gaining board seats. Firm builds reusable hypersonic planes for US military tests. Founded by Paul Allen.

Private cash flows into hypersonics.

Blockchain Angle: Defense tech needs secure data. Blockchain could secure test data chains, though not direct.

AstraZeneca Simplifies US Listing: From Nasdaq ADS to NYSE Shares

British pharma AstraZeneca delists ADSs and debt from Nasdaq. Moves to NYSE ordinary shares February 2, ticker AZN.

Aims for seamless trading across LSE, Nasdaq Stockholm, NYSE. Drops 2:1 ADS ratio.

Governance Note: Cleaner structures aid global investors—model for crypto firms going public.

What This Means for Crypto and Blockchain Investors

This week’s GRC news shows flux. ‘s US play could open crypto doors. woes signal regulation fights ahead. Corporate battles remind: governance matters.

Blockchain thrives on clear rules. Deregulation helps growth, but infighting hurts. Stay tuned—elections could reshape all.

Key takeaways:

1. Bet on flexible strategies like .
2. Watch regulatory flips—unity key.
3. Strong governance shields from activists.

Investors, what do you think? Will Trump-era rules boost crypto? Share below.