Coinbase Secures Landmark EU MiCA License in Luxembourg, Strengthening Crypto’s Global Legitimacy

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June 20, 2025

Coinbase has become the first U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange to secure a license under the European Union’s sweeping Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) framework, marking a major step forward in both the platform’s global expansion and the mainstream acceptance of digital assets in tightly regulated jurisdictions.

The license, issued by Luxembourg’s financial watchdog, the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF), authorizes Coinbase to offer crypto services to all 27 EU member states from a single regulatory base. This effectively gives Coinbase regulatory passporting rights to operate across the bloc, using Luxembourg as its hub.

This move signals a shift in Coinbase’s regional strategy. In 2023, the company had designated Ireland as its EU base, rolling out a high-profile campaign to mark its commitment to Dublin. However, that plan has now been replaced by Luxembourg’s more advanced regulatory landscape.

“The decision was made less-so due to Ireland, but rather for the reasons that Luxembourg presented a highly compelling option,” said Daniel Seifert, Coinbase’s Vice President and Regional Managing Director for EMEA, in an interview with CNBC. He noted that Luxembourg already has four blockchain-related laws in place, while Ireland still lacks crypto-specific regulations.

Despite the change in regional base, Coinbase remains invested in Ireland. The company is planning to hire around 50 new employees in its Dublin office, and Seifert has personally relocated to Ireland to head Coinbase’s Irish entity.

A Milestone for Crypto Regulation

The MiCA license approval marks a profound moment for cryptocurrency regulation. MiCA, which came fully into effect in late 2023, is the first unified regulatory framework for crypto assets in any major economic bloc. It aims to create legal clarity, reduce systemic risk, and protect retail investors across the EU, following a series of collapses in the sector, including FTX and Terra.

The regulation covers stablecoins, trading platforms, wallets, and token issuance, imposing requirements on disclosure, governance, capital reserves, and anti-money laundering compliance.

Coinbase is showing its readiness to embrace and comply with rigorous regulatory standards—something CEO Brian Armstrong said is critical for long-term growth – by securing the MiCA license.

“Coinbase is all in on Europe, and we’re advocating for crypto’s future across the continent,” Armstrong told CNBC. “MiCA has set the standard, and Luxembourg is leading the way with its pro-business climate and thoughtful approach to regulation.”

A Growing Crypto Footprint

Coinbase is not alone in eyeing the EU as a vital market. Crypto exchanges such as Bybit, OKX, and BitGo have also received MiCA-related authorizations, while U.S. rival Gemini is expected to secure its license from Malta soon, having designated the Mediterranean country as its EU hub earlier this year.

Coinbase’s move comes amid increased global scrutiny of digital assets, especially in the United States, where regulatory clarity has remained elusive. The company is currently battling the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over allegations of offering unregistered securities. In contrast, the MiCA framework offers Coinbase a clearly defined path to operate, build, and expand in Europe.

The development further underlines the growing global adoption of crypto assets and the increasing willingness of highly regulated jurisdictions to embrace digital finance. Europe has now positioned itself at the forefront of regulated crypto innovation.

The move comes as investors, institutions, and developers look to jurisdictions where clear rules enable long-term planning and investment. The MiCA framework not only increases investor confidence but also provides traditional financial institutions with a legal foundation to enter the crypto space more confidently.

Coinbase also aligns with the country’s deep legacy as a European financial hub and its role in hosting many of the world’s major banks, funds, and fintech firms by basing itself in Luxembourg. The decision to operate from such a jurisdiction may help further reassure institutional investors wary of the volatility and opacity that has characterized parts of the crypto market in recent years.

Coinbase’s Strategic Bet

For Coinbase, the MiCA license is not just regulatory compliance—it’s a strategic bet on Europe’s potential to become the global epicenter of regulated digital finance. The company is now better positioned to offer spot trading, custody services, and staking products to both retail and institutional clients in a unified market of over 450 million people.

The license will also enable Coinbase to integrate more deeply into European payment systems, offer euro-denominated services, and roll out innovations without worrying about fragmented national regulations.

While the global regulatory environment remains complex, Coinbase’s approval under MiCA provides a blueprint for what crypto regulation could look like in other developed markets, including the United States and Asia. As jurisdictions from the UK to Japan consider more comprehensive rules, Europe’s MiCA may prove to be the model others follow.

Tekedia Launches Tekedia Daily, A Video Podcast, For Podcasting Revelations on Business

By

Ndubuisi Ekekwe

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June 20, 2025

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We are super-excited to announce that Tekedia Institute is launching a podcast, Tekedia Daily. At Tekedia Institute, we believe that knowledge is the engine of economic growth. With our new Tekedia Daily, a podcast, we are deepening our mission to inform, educate, and inspire. Each edition offers curated insights, business intelligence, and innovation opportunities for Africa and beyond. From tech and strategy to policy and execution, this is a practical daily companion for entrepreneurs, professionals, and policymakers.

This is not just a podcast— it is a Knowledge Daily, developed to stimulate the minds that will build the next Africa. As I often say, nations rise when citizens accumulate capabilities. Tekedia Daily is our commitment to that capability accumulation, distributed in a simple, daily video format, to our Tekedia and Blucera communities.

Let’s innovate, grow, and advance — together. Be part of Tekedia Daily, podcasting revelations on business. New episodes daily at Tekedia.com and Blucera.com.

Purpose and Strategic Vision

Tekedia Daily is more than just a content product — it’s part of a broader movement to democratize business education and drive entrepreneurial execution in Africa and other emerging regions. By delivering concise but intellectually rich content each day, Tekedia positions itself not only as a knowledge provider but also as a catalyst for transformation.

Prof. Ndubuisi Ekekwe’s philosophy — “nations rise when citizens accumulate capabilities and apply them” — is embedded in every episode. The format ensures daily learning becomes habitual, and insights become springboards for business growth, innovation, and impact.

How To Listen to Tekedia Daily

At Blucera, home of Blucera WinGPT (AI personal educator and coach), eVault Legal Custodial services (store vital personal, family and business documents securely), business tools to grow enterprises, and global archives of Tekedia courses and libraries, Ndubuisi Ekekwe podcasts every week day. Some Tekedia Institute programs offer bonus access to Tekedia Daily or one can register at Blucera for the podcast.

Postcast Catalogue: Tekedia Daily
Podcast Video: Sign-up at Blucera and check Tekedia Daily category under Training Module

KuCoin’s Introduction Of Dormancy Fees For Non-KYC Accounts

By

Paul Ugbede Godwin

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June 20, 2025

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KuCoin announced that it will impose dormancy fees on inactive non-KYC (Know Your Customer) and non-KYB (Know Your Business) accounts starting July 15, 2025. This policy targets unverified accounts to enhance platform security and comply with regulatory pressures. US users, along with those in restricted regions like mainland China, cannot complete KYC/KYB verification due to KuCoin’s Terms of Use and local regulations.

As a result, they are urged to withdraw their assets to self-custody wallets or other exchanges to avoid these fees. KuCoin will notify affected users before deducting fees, giving them time to act. Transfer assets to an external wallet (e.g., a non-custodial wallet like Best Wallet) or another exchange. KuCoin supports crypto withdrawals without KYC, though limits apply (e.g., 2 BTC daily for non-KYC accounts).

After withdrawing, consider closing your KuCoin account to avoid future fees. Notifications will be sent, but users should move assets before fees are applied on July 15, 2025. KuCoin’s withdrawal fees vary by cryptocurrency and network (e.g., 0.0002 BTC for Bitcoin, 1 USDT for Tether on TRC20). Check the withdrawal page for current fees. US users face restrictions due to KuCoin’s lack of a US license, limiting access to fiat withdrawals and advanced features without KYC. Using a VPN to bypass restrictions is risky and may lead to frozen assets.

This move aligns with global trends toward stricter KYC enforcement to combat fraud and money laundering. KuCoin’s introduction of dormancy fees for non-KYC accounts and its urging of US users to withdraw funds have significant implications for users, the crypto industry, and the broader divide between centralized exchanges (CEXs) and decentralized finance (DeFi). Dormancy fees will erode funds in inactive, unverified accounts, disproportionately affecting users who hold small balances or use KuCoin sporadically. Exact fee details are unclear, but they could be flat or percentage-based, similar to other platforms (e.g., Binance’s 0.0005 BTC monthly fee for inactive accounts).

Non-KYC users must either withdraw assets, incurring withdrawal fees (e.g., 0.0002 BTC for Bitcoin), or complete KYC where possible. For US users and those in restricted regions (e.g., mainland China), KYC isn’t an option, pushing them to exit the platform. Users who avoid KYC for privacy reasons may feel pressured to abandon KuCoin, potentially migrating to DeFi platforms or other CEXs with looser policies (e.g., MEXC, though it also enforces KYC in some cases).

KuCoin’s lack of a US license already limits US users’ access to fiat withdrawals and advanced features. The dormancy fees and withdrawal urging effectively signal a soft exit from the US market, aligning with regulatory scrutiny from agencies like the SEC and CFTC. Rushed withdrawals increase the risk of errors (e.g., sending funds to incorrect addresses or incompatible networks). Users without self-custody wallets may struggle to find secure alternatives, especially if unfamiliar with DeFi or other CEXs.

Withdrawing assets may trigger taxable events in the US, depending on the user’s cost basis and holding period. Users must track transactions for IRS reporting, adding complexity. The policy reflects KuCoin’s efforts to align with global anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) regulations, especially after facing scrutiny in jurisdictions like the US and India. By penalizing non-KYC accounts, KuCoin reduces exposure to illicit activity risks.

Dormancy fees could generate additional revenue from inactive accounts, offsetting operational costs or regulatory fines (e.g., KuCoin paid $22 million to settle a NY lawsuit in 2023). KuCoin may lose privacy-focused users but attract institutional or KYC-compliant traders, aligning with its goal of becoming a regulated, mainstream platform. KuCoin’s move signals a broader industry trend toward stricter KYC/AML enforcement, driven by global regulators like FATF. Other CEXs (e.g., Binance, Coinbase) may follow with similar policies, shrinking the space for non-KYC trading.

Disaffected users may migrate to decentralized exchanges (DEXs) like Uniswap or PancakeSwap, which don’t require KYC. However, DeFi’s complexity and risks (e.g., smart contract vulnerabilities) could deter mainstream adoption. As CEXs diverge based on regulatory stances, users may face a fragmented landscape where access to liquidity and services depends on their jurisdiction or KYC willingness.

Centralized (CEXs like KuCoin) prioritize regulatory compliance to operate legally, attract institutional investors, and integrate with fiat systems. KYC, dormancy fees, and user restrictions (e.g., US bans) are tools to achieve this, but they alienate privacy advocates. Decentralized (DeFi, DEXs) emphasize user control, anonymity, and censorship resistance. Non-KYC users pushed out of KuCoin may turn to DeFi, but barriers like technical complexity, high gas fees, and regulatory risks (e.g., Tornado Cash sanctions) limit accessibility.

The divide deepens as CEXs become gatekeepers for fiat on-ramps, while DeFi remains a niche for tech-savvy or ideologically driven users. This could slow crypto’s mainstream adoption if users feel trapped between compliance and complexity. Non-KYC users value anonymity to protect against surveillance, data breaches, or authoritarian regimes. KuCoin’s fees and KYC push undermine this, forcing users to choose between financial loss or exposure.

Push for KYC/AML to curb illicit activities (e.g., money laundering, tax evasion). KuCoin’s policy aligns with this, reflecting pressure from global watchdogs like FATF and US agencies. The divide creates a zero-sum game where privacy and regulation are at odds. Users in restricted regions (e.g., US, China) face exclusion from CEXs, while privacy-focused platforms risk regulatory crackdowns.

Those in KYC-friendly jurisdictions (e.g., EU, Singapore) can comply and continue using KuCoin with minimal disruption. They benefit from enhanced security and access to regulated services. Users face exclusion, forced withdrawals, or reliance on risky workarounds (e.g., VPNs). This creates a two-tier system where access to crypto depends on geography.

The divide reinforces inequality in crypto access, favoring users in compliant jurisdictions while marginalizing others. This could fuel demand for DeFi or unregulated CEXs in restricted regions, complicating global regulatory efforts. Bitcoin and early crypto aimed for financial sovereignty and decentralization. Non-KYC users align with this, resisting centralized control.

CEXs like KuCoin bridge crypto and traditional finance, prioritizing compliance over ideology. Dormancy fees and KYC mandates reflect this shift toward centralized control. The divide alienates crypto purists, who may abandon CEXs for DeFi or peer-to-peer trading, while pragmatic users accept KYC as the cost of convenience. This fractures the crypto community’s unity.

KuCoin’s dormancy fees and US withdrawal urging highlight the tension between regulatory compliance and crypto’s decentralized ethos. For users, the policy means financial and logistical challenges, especially for non-KYC and US-based accounts. For the industry, it underscores a growing divide between centralized, regulated platforms and decentralized, privacy-focused alternatives.

This divide risks fragmenting the crypto ecosystem, with access, privacy, and ideology as key fault lines. Users must adapt by securing assets and exploring alternatives, while the industry grapples with balancing regulation and innovation. For specific guidance, US users should withdraw funds before July 15, 2025, and contact KuCoin support for assistance.

What is the accumulation of capabilities Construct? Case Study of Dangote Group

By

Ndubuisi Ekekwe

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June 20, 2025

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Question: “What is the accumulation of capabilities according to Ndubuisi Ekekwe in tekedia?”

Response: According to Ndubuisi Ekekwe, as frequently discussed on Tekedia, the accumulation of capabilities is a fundamental principle for companies to succeed and address market frictions. He emphasizes that companies are established to solve problems or “frictions” in the market, and to do so, they must acquire and accumulate specific capabilities.

These capabilities are built upon three key pillars:

Tools: This refers to the technologies, software, machinery, and other physical or digital resources that a company utilizes to operate and produce.

Processes: These are the established methods, procedures, and workflows that a company implements to organize its operations, ensure efficiency, and deliver consistent results.

People: This encompasses the human talent, skills, knowledge, and expertise within the organization. Skilled and knowledgeable individuals are crucial for effectively utilizing tools and executing processes.

Ekekwe posits that these three pillars—tools, processes, and people—are then used to organize and reorganize factors of production. This organization allows companies to create the products and services that are ultimately deployed in the market to solve customer frictions and generate value.

In essence, for Ekekwe, the accumulation of capabilities is about building a robust and adaptable internal engine (comprising the right tools, efficient processes, and skilled people) that enables a company to innovate, produce, and effectively address the evolving needs of its target market.

In this video, I have used the Dangote Group as a case study. Next week, as I begin podcasting daily on the revelations on business, deeper insights would be shared.

According to Ndubuisi Ekekwe in Tekedia, the “accumulation of capability” construct refers to a strategic process where companies systematically develop and gather the necessary abilities, resources, and expertise to gain a competitive advantage and ultimately dominate their market.

Here’s a breakdown of what it entails:

Fixing Market Frictions: Companies are established to address specific challenges or “frictions” within a market. To effectively resolve these, they must acquire and accumulate capabilities.
Pillars of Capability: These capabilities are built upon three main pillars:
- Tools: The technologies, machinery, and systems utilized.
- Processes: The efficient and optimized workflows and operational methods.
- People: The skilled talent, expertise, and human capital.
Organization and Reorganization: These three pillars (tools, processes, and people) are then organized and reorganized to effectively manage factors of production.
Creating Products and Services: The culmination of these organized capabilities leads to the creation of superior products and services that effectively address customer frictions in the market.
Strategic Outcome (Higher Value Segments): When companies successfully accumulate capabilities, they are able to operate in higher-value market segments compared to their competitors.
Example (Dangote Group): Ekekwe often uses the Dangote Group as a prime example. Dangote leverages its accumulated assets and technical expertise (e.g., in cement production) to establish significant barriers to entry for new competitors. By continually perfecting its system, Dangote achieves higher productivity, economies of scale, and economies of speed, which in turn lead to skyrocketing margins and industry leadership.

In essence, it’s a dynamic process of continuous learning, investment, and strategic integration that allows a firm to not just compete, but to lead and extract maximum value from a sector.

Early Bitcoin, XRP, and Dogecoin Investors Waited a Decade to Build Life-Changing Wealth; Holders of This Crypto Will Do It By Q4

By

TI Partners

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June 20, 2025

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In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency, each cycle brings a few rare tokens that challenge conventional expectations by appreciating value and shifting the landscape. Bitcoin did this in 2011. XRP followed suit in 2017. Dogecoin gained cultural relevance as a meme coin in 2020. In 2025, Little Pepe ($LILPEPE) is quietly executing a more ambitious mission: not to mimic those before it, but to build a fully operational Layer-2 blockchain tailored to the meme coin economy—and do it faster than anyone expects.

From Meme to Movement: Why LILPEPE is More Than Just Hype

Dogecoin and Shiba Inu paved the way for meme coin culture to flourish. But these early pioneers left huge gaps in utility and scalability. Dogecoin is famous, yet its code remains stuck in the past and has not received any major upgrades. Shiba Inu investors continue to hype Shibarium, yet the platform consistently struggles with poor infrastructure and scaling issues. Little Pepe was designed to tackle the daily headaches meme coin fans face. The Layer-2 network puts speed, low fees, and full features right at the fingertips of traders and community builders. LILPEPE spins up an EVM-compatible chain that runs at lightning speed and incurs almost no costs. That’s great news for developers who want to launch new ideas or move existing projects over from Ethereum. It also eliminates one of the most predatory aspects of meme coin trading: sniper bots. Little Pepe’s custom-built framework removes the technical loopholes that allow these bots to outperform retail investors—a powerful incentive for both new investors and developers alike.

Tokenomics That Align with Community and Growth

What makes Little Pepe different from the endless stream of meme tokens? The project’s token setup is open and easy to follow. A chunk goes to the presale, another piece adds liquidity on exchanges, and the rest fuels staking rewards plus long-term community incentives. There are no sneaky buy or sell taxes or shady dev wallet hiding extra coins. It’s just plain math, not a giveaway for early insiders. The current presale in Stage 2 is priced at $0.0011, with nearly 80% of allocated tokens already sold. Early backers are quickly scooping up the remaining tokens at this stage as anticipation builds around its upcoming exchange debut. The presale not only serves as a fundraising mechanism—it’s also a means to ensure community-driven distribution at the foundational level of the ecosystem. Every transaction on the Little Pepe network—from token launches to staking—runs on $LILPEPE. This utility essentially links token demand to real, on-chain activity, rather than hype. The stronger that link gets, the sturdier and more lasting the token’s growth tends to be.

A Layer-2 Ecosystem Designed for Meme Coin Dominance

Unlike other meme tokens that exist solely as assets, $LILPEPE powers an entire blockchain explicitly designed for the meme economy. The Little Pepe chain offers a complete suite of tools for meme coin developers, including:

A dedicated launchpad for new meme tokens
Instant EVM compatibility, enabling fast deployment
Ultra-low fees for both developers and users
Bot-resistant architecture, leveling the field for fairer trading

This is the first Layer-2 blockchain designed entirely around the needs of meme coin culture. Projects that would otherwise struggle with gas fees, technical onboarding, or bot manipulation on Ethereum now have a home on Little Pepe. Every interaction—whether it’s a new token launch, a meme NFT mint, or a staking contract—feeds demand for the $LILPEPE token. Due to the chain’s robust backbone, developers are already discussing Layer-3 upgrades that could introduce meme-minded DeFi applications, cross-chain bridges, and even DAO-run voting systems. That kind of planning is a big hint that Little Pepe won’t fade out after one meme season; roomy foundations like this usually grow into year-after-year ecosystems.

Big Exchange Listings Confirmed—and More Expected

LILPEPE is already ahead of most meme tokens, having secured confirmed listings on two top-tier centralized exchanges and launched on Uniswap. This immediate availability on both CEX and DEX platforms significantly expands its reach across the global crypto user base. Few meme tokens have entered the market with such a robust plan for liquidity and visibility. Moreover, industry whispers suggest that the team is actively pursuing additional Tier 1 exchange listings, potentially including the world’s largest exchange. While details remain under wraps, the trajectory is clear: Little Pepe is not content with being a niche meme coin. It’s aiming for a top 100 placement on CoinMarketCap and long-term relevance in the broader altcoin space. The strategic alignment of presale momentum, exchange access, and an operational blockchain positions Little Pepe for fast-tracked adoption, both in retail and institutional markets.

Community, Culture, and the $777K Catalyst

Little Pepe isn’t just launching a blockchain—it’s igniting a cultural movement around meme coin empowerment. With a community-centered rollout and meme-rich branding, the project is tapping into the exact energy that made Dogecoin and Shiba Inu global sensations. But it doesn’t stop at branding. The team has launched a $777,000 giveaway campaign, awarding ten early supporters $77,000 each in $LILPEPE tokens. The new drive isn’t just about flashy ads; it’s a smart move to attract thousands of new users to the fold. The people who join now will help shape the first rules and uses of Little Pepe, and their excitement could kick off a loop where activity, value, and brand loyalty continue to grow.

Final Take

Little Pepe is everything a modern meme coin should be—and more. It combines the cultural explosiveness of Dogecoin with the technological power of Ethereum Layer 2s, while offering utility, fairness, and speed in a space that often lacks all three. While past meme coins required years to prove their worth, LILPEPE’s infrastructure, utility, and community allow it to make that leap within months. It’s not just another coin—it’s an ecosystem ready to lead the next chapter in meme coin history.

For more information about Little Pepe (LILPEPE) visit the links below:

Website: https://littlepepe.com

Whitepaper: https://littlepepe.com/whitepaper.pdf

Telegram: https://t.me/littlepepetoken

Twitter/X: https://x.com/littlepepetoken

Coinbase Secures Landmark EU MiCA License in Luxembourg, Strengthening Crypto’s Global Legitimacy

A Milestone for Crypto Regulation

A Growing Crypto Footprint

Coinbase’s Strategic Bet

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