Democratic senators are pressing the DOJ and Treasury to investigate World Liberty Financial over allegations that governance tokens were sold to wallets linked to North Korea, Russia, and Iran (1:29). A Chicago-based operator faces federal money laundering charges as authorities allege his network of crypto ATMs moved millions in illicit proceeds (3:06).
As stablecoins become a popular way to hold dollars, Brazilian regulators look to close the gap with traditional markets by applying financial transaction taxes to foreign crypto transfers (5:01). And Swiss-regulated AMINA Bank becomes the first foreign entity in Hong Kong licensed to offer both spot trading and custody, marking a significant win for the city’s plan to attract institutional crypto (6:47).
More on stories and articles discussed or referenced in this episode:
Ayres, Marcela and Bernardo Caram. “Exclusive: Brazil Eyes Taxing Crypto for Cross-Border Payments, Sources Say.” Reuters, 18 November 2025, https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/brazil-eyes-taxing-crypto-cross-border-payments-sources-say-2025-11-18/.
Butts, Dylan and Talia Kaplan. “Senators Push for Probe into Trump-Linked Crypto Firm Over Token Sales Tied to North Korea and Russia.” CNBC, 18 November 2025, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/18/senator-probe-warren-trump-crypto-world-liberty-financial-usd1-wlfi-ties-north-korea-russia-iran.html.
He, Casey. “Chicago Crypto Firm, Founder Indicted in $10 Million Money-Laundering Case.” The Chicago Sun-Times, 18 November 2025, https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2025/11/18/chicago-crypto-firm-founder-indicted-in-10-million-money-laundering-case.
Kim, Oihyun. “Swiss Bank AMINA Joins 11 Platforms in Hong Kong’s Global Crypto Gold Rush.” Be in Crypto, 19 November 2025, https://beincrypto.com/amina-bank-hong-kong-crypto-launch/.
The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti.
