Today marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day, honoring the civil rights leader's legacy of advocating for racial equality and justice through nonviolent means. Established in 1983, the holiday reflects Dr. King's tireless efforts and his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. JLN staff observes this U.S. holiday, allowing time for reflection and service. In financial news, the Financial Times highlights the growing demand for sustainability and responsible education within business schools, as students increasingly seek sustainability-focused education. The Tokyo Stock Exchange pressures companies to enhance capital efficiency through its corporate governance initiative, contributing to Japan's stock market's strong performance. Overseas investors return to the Japanese stock market, boosting blue-chip purchases. In the UK, police arrest individuals suspected of plotting against the London Stock Exchange, and the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation comments on the SEC's ruling regarding expanded US Treasury clearing. The National Stock Exchange of India launches a new Investor Portal to provide comprehensive information about listed companies. In the crypto world, Brian Armstrong of Coinbase emerges as a prominent figure amid legal challenges faced by rivals like FTX and Binance, while Tether faces scrutiny for its role in scams and money laundering in Southeast Asia. Cboe Digital launches margined Bitcoin and Ether futures, while Genesis Global Trading pays an $8 million penalty and exits New York as part of a settlement. J.P. Morgan anticipates significant capital inflow into new spot Bitcoin ETFs, and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink expresses support for an Ethereum ETF. Hong Kong is urged to authorize spot cryptocurrency ETFs, white supremacist groups are found to use crypto for funding, and tokenized investment funds gain traction but pose technology risks, according to Moody's.
