China halts RWA 🇨🇳 | US-UK crypto task force 🤝 | $1.5B liquidations 📉

NEWS DIGEST – 23.09.2025

1) China halts broker RWA tokenization via CSRC guidance

What’s new: The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) has informally called on domestic brokerages to pause real-world asset (RWA) tokenization business in Hong Kong. Projects converting stocks, bonds or real estate into tokens are being eyed with concern amid China’s regulatory tightening. Shares of affected brokers dropped—Guotai Junan Intl, GF Securities among them.

Why it matters: RWA tokenization has been one of the most ambitious crypto / DeFi-adjacent frontier plays. China pulling back suggests one of two things: a) risk of “offshore” tokenization moving to more permissive jurisdictions, or b) global regulatory caution may intensify. Investors & firms should watch regulatory signals, not just tech or demand.

Source: Reuters

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2) U.S. & UK launch transatlantic crypto regulatory task force

What’s new: On President Trump’s UK state visit, U.S. and UK finance ministries announced creation of the Transatlantic Taskforce for Markets of the Future. The group will explore policy collaboration on digital assets, capital market access, and harmonizing crypto regulation. A report is expected within ~180 days.

Why it matters: Regulatory arbitrage has been a big challenge; cross-border coordination could reduce friction for crypto firms that operate globally. Might bring more consistent rules for custody, AML, stablecoins, and tokenization. Watch jurisdictions like UK, U.S., and EU for how this shifts policy.

Sources: Reuters; FT

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3) $1.5B crypto liquidation wave hits long positions

What’s new: Over $1.5 billion in crypto positions were liquidated in derivatives markets in one major sell-off today. Bitcoin dropped ~3% to ~$111,000 (then recovered above $113,000), Ethereum dropped ~9%, while altcoins like Worldcoin, FLOKI, Dogecoin fell >9%. XRP, Solana also down. Analysts say crowded long bets and high leverage made the downside sharper.

Why it matters: Leverage amplifies risk. When a sell-off is triggered (e.g. by macro or rate fear), the downside cascades through liquidations. These flushes often reset levels of support & resistance and can create opportunity for swing trades. Keeping an eye on funding rates, liquidations, and open interest will be key.

Source: Business Insider

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4) Major crypto slide: BTC, ETH, XRP slump after Fed rate cut optimism unwinds

What’s new: Following recent rate cut expectations, cryptos are under pressure: Bitcoin down ~2.8%, ETH & Solana both dropped ~6–7%, XRP down ~3.6%. The move appears driven by unwind of speculative long leverage, especially in lower liquidity altcoins. Broader crypto-stocks also dragged.

Why it matters: Macro events (rates, Fed policy) remain the biggest lever for crypto upside/downside. These dips matter if they test key support levels. For bulls, strength on the bounce will be important; for bears, breakdowns could trigger more pain.

Sources: Barron’s; Reuters via Barron’s summary of data