In a significant shift, the New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) refines its virtual currency framework, streamlining the approval process while bolstering user protection. As the crypto industry navigates evolving regulations, DFS sets a stricter tone under Superintendent Adrienne Harris.
Over two dozen tokens have been removed from the DFS "greenlist" of approved tokens as part of the revamp. Among those were Ripple, Dogecoin, and Litecoin,
The DFS created the token greenlist as part of its broader crypto supervision. Under previous guidance, firms licensed by DFS could gain approval for custody and listing of tokens through a self-certification system. However, the recent changes reflect a departure from the self-certification system, as DFS looks to heighten risk assessment standards and enhance requirements for retail customer-facing businesses.
The updated greenlist, which now only includes eight tokens, aims to clarify the department's expectations for coin-listing and delisting policies of regulated entities. Licensees must have a token-delisting policy that mitigates the impact on users when ending support for coins.
DFS has taken a strict oversight role during the crypto bear market under Superintendent Adrienne Harris. The department has penalized cryptocurrency companies, including a $100 million settlement with Coinbase for compliance program failures. In addition, DFS ordered Paxos to stop issuing BUSD, a leading stablecoin issued in partnership with Binance.
The updated greenlist poses a dilemma for crypto firms, especially exchanges, as they navigate regulatory uncertainty and decide which tokens to include. With the removal of prominent tokens like Ripple, Dogecoin, and Litecoin, the virtual currency landscape is evolving.
The DFS update clarifies guidelines for digital firms and sets higher standards for coin listings and delistings. DFS aims to balance innovation and regulatory oversight in the virtual currency industry by streamlining the approval process and ensuring user protection.
Photo: Kanchanara/Unsplash


Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm
Baidu Approves $5 Billion Share Buyback and Plans First-Ever Dividend in 2026
Supreme Court Tests Federal Reserve Independence Amid Trump’s Bid to Fire Lisa Cook
Court Allows Expert Testimony Linking Johnson & Johnson Talc Products to Ovarian Cancer
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off
Federal Judge Restores Funding for Gateway Rail Tunnel Project
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility
Rio Tinto Shares Hit Record High After Ending Glencore Merger Talks
New York Judge Orders Redrawing of GOP-Held Congressional District




