Jiko, the only banking platform built entirely on U.S. Treasury bills to power global liquidity, has secured new strategic investments from Coinbase and Blockstream Capital Partners. The investment round also strengthens Jiko’s relationships with Crypto.com and Bitso, as all four institutions adopt Jiko’s infrastructure for settlement, storage, and payments based on U.S. T-bill-backed assets. The partnerships expand Jiko’s growing influence among financial institutions seeking compliant, yield-generating alternatives to traditional cash banking. Jiko’s model allows institutions to hold cash equivalents fully invested in short-term U.S. Treasuries while maintaining real-time liquidity and 24/7 settlement capability through its JikoNet system. “The crypto world moves in milliseconds. The fiat world takes days. That mismatch creates friction and risk, breaking the promise of programmable money,” said Stephane Lintner, Co-Founder and CEO of Jiko. “Today’s digital economy needs banking rails built for digital markets. We’re proud that Coinbase, Blockstream Capital Partners, Bitso, and Crypto.com have chosen Jiko as a strategic partner.” Takeaway Backed by Coinbase and Blockstream, Jiko’s U.S. T-bill infrastructure bridges digital assets and traditional finance — enabling safe, real-time liquidity for institutions. Building Always-On Liquidity Infrastructure For The Digital Economy Jiko’s 24/7 JikoNet settlement network represents a breakthrough for institutions transacting in U.S. dollars. The platform integrates with digital asset ecosystems to deliver round-the-clock fiat settlement, eliminating delays typical in traditional banking systems. Coinbase’s investment and adoption of JikoNet underscore a shared vision for bringing institutional-grade stability to the next generation of financial infrastructure. “Bringing U.S. T-bill access onto an always-on platform is an important step in how markets evolve,” said Roger Bartlett, VP, Institutional at Coinbase. “Jiko’s approach and technology are a good fit with the pace at which we’re building, and we’re pleased to support Coinbase’s investment in Jiko through the JikoNet platform.” Jiko’s regulatory foundation — as an FDIC-insured national bank — allows it to serve institutional clients with the security, transparency, and compliance standards required in traditional finance. The combination of regulated custody and programmable liquidity positions Jiko as an essential bridge between fiat banking and digital finance infrastructure. Takeaway Jiko’s JikoNet provides 24/7 fiat settlement infrastructure powered by U.S. Treasuries — a crucial step toward merging speed, safety, and yield in digital markets. Institutional Adoption Expands Across The Americas Beyond its new investors, Jiko’s partnerships with Bitso and Crypto.com highlight its growing adoption across Latin America and the broader digital asset ecosystem. Bitso, one of the largest crypto platforms in the region, is leveraging Jiko’s model to enhance transaction safety and operational efficiency for millions of users. “Jiko’s U.S. T-bill-backed rails bring a level of safety and efficiency that elevates how we serve our customers every day,” said Imran Ahmad, General Manager of Bitso Business. “From onboarding to ongoing settlement, Jiko’s technology and responsiveness have exceeded expectations.” Similarly, Crypto.com’s partnership underscores the integration of yield generation with secure liquidity management. “Partnering with Jiko helps strengthen our infrastructure, thanks to its security, liquidity, and 24/7 availability,” said Joe Anzures, General Manager, Americas and EVP of Payments at Crypto.com. “Their unique model allows for yield generation while minimizing counterparty risk.” To drive further adoption and institutional engagement, Jiko has appointed Breanne Madigan — a 22-year industry veteran with experience at Goldman Sachs, Ripple, and DCG (Tradeblock) — as Managing Director and Head of Digital Assets. Madigan’s role will focus on expanding partnerships, guiding digital asset strategy, and positioning Jiko as the liquidity backbone for compliant digital finance. Takeaway With partners like Bitso and Crypto.com, Jiko is scaling its T-bill-based model globally, uniting safety, compliance, and yield for institutional-grade digital liquidity.  

South Korea’s National Tax Service (NTS) is tightening its grip on cryptocurrency tax evasion by extending enforcement measures to include the seizure of cold wallets—offline storage devices used for self-custody of digital assets. According to the report, the tax agency has begun coordinating with local authorities to trace and confiscate digital assets belonging to individuals with unpaid tax liabilities. Officials confirmed that when evidence suggests crypto holdings are hidden offline, investigators may obtain warrants to search residences and seize hardware wallets or other physical storage devices. The crackdown marks a major escalation in South Korea’s efforts to recover unpaid taxes tied to cryptocurrency investments. Since 2021, the NTS has seized more than 146 billion won (about $103 million) worth of crypto assets from over 14,000 tax-delinquent individuals. The new directive signals the government’s intent to close remaining loopholes that have allowed wealthy evaders to shelter assets outside centralized exchanges. Investor Takeaway Investors may face increased scrutiny as South Korea closes loopholes that once shielded offline crypto holdings. South Korea’s NTS Tracks Crypto Wealth Held Beyond Exchanges Authorities have traditionally relied on domestic exchanges to enforce tax collections, freezing assets linked to known delinquents. However, as more users move funds into cold or non-custodial wallets—devices disconnected from the internet and beyond direct exchange oversight—the NTS is now turning to physical seizure as a last resort. “We analyze tax delinquents’ coin transaction history through crypto-tracking programs, and if there is suspicion of offline concealment, we will conduct home searches and seizures,” an NTS official said. Still, the move raises significant questions about due process, privacy, and enforcement feasibility. Legal experts note that verifying ownership of cold wallets or accessing private keys without cooperation could prove difficult. The initiative also risks clashing with existing exemptions that exclude non-custodial wallets from certain overseas financial reporting requirements. Meanwhile, the agency continues to struggle with crypto assets held on foreign exchanges. Data from the first half of 2025 shows that South Koreans transferred more than 78.9 trillion won ($55.6 billion) worth of crypto to overseas platforms, complicating enforcement efforts. Investor Takeaway Korea’s move could inspire similar enforcement models across Asia, reshaping how investors manage off-exchange crypto assets. Restriction And Market Order South Korean actor Hwang Jung-eum has been handed a two-year prison sentence, suspended for four years, for embezzling more than 4.2 billion won ($3 million) from her management agency to finance cryptocurrency investments. The Jeju District Court found that Hwang, who owns the agency, transferred the funds 13 times under false “advance payment” claims between January and April 2022. Her conviction comes as South Korea heightens its oversight of digital assets. The Financial Intelligence Unit reported a record 36,000 suspicious crypto transactions this year, highlighting growing concerns over illicit flows. At the same time, Busan Digital Asset Custody Services, in partnership with Woori Bank, launched KRW1, the nation’s first won-backed stablecoin, reflecting Seoul’s dual approach of stricter regulation and the formal integration of blockchain finance into its financial system.

Kalshi, the U.S.-based prediction market startup founded at MIT, has raised more than $300 million in fresh funding, valuing the company at $5 billion and setting the stage for a rapid international expansion. The Series D round was led by Sequoia Capital and Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), with participation from Paradigm, CapitalG, Coinbase Ventures, General Catalyst, and Spark Capital. The raise follows a $185 million Series C in June led by Paradigm, which valued the firm at $2 billion. Kalshi said its platform is now live in more than 140 countries, calling it the “world’s only unified global prediction market.” The rollout instantly adds billions of potential customers, though access remains restricted in 38 jurisdictions — including Canada, France, the U.K., Singapore, and Russia — per the company’s member agreement. The expansion caps a year of breakneck growth for Kalshi, which now projects $50 billion in annualized trading volume, up from $300 million a year ago. The company claims more than 60% of global market share, overtaking its decentralized rival Polymarket, which this week announced a $2 billion investment from Intercontinental Exchange, the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange. “Kalshi has emerged as the leading prediction market platform, and we’re thrilled to back them,” said Alex Immerman, a partner at a16z’s Growth Fund. “Tarek and Luana chose the difficult but more responsible path of becoming the first CFTC-regulated prediction market, and their breadth of markets, liquidity, and infrastructure are built for scale.” Founded in 2018 by MIT graduates Tarek Mansour and Luana Lopes Lara, Kalshi allows users to trade on the outcomes of future events — from economic data releases and political elections to weather and sports results — in a regulated environment overseen by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The company’s recent surge has been driven by its sports-based contracts, including multi-leg “parlay” bets that mimic traditional sportsbook offerings. That popularity has drawn both investor attention and regulatory scrutiny. While Kalshi won a key legal battle earlier this year when the CFTC dropped its challenge against its election markets, several U.S. states have since filed suits accusing the firm of violating local sports betting laws. Despite the legal friction, Kalshi has leaned into compliance as a competitive advantage. “Becoming regulated was the hard road, but it’s the only road that scales,” co-founder Mansour said in a recent interview cited by The New York Times. Kalshi’s approach has also helped it build partnerships across mainstream fintech channels. The company has integrated with trading apps Robinhood and Webull, allowing users to buy and sell event contracts directly through those platforms. Head of Crypto John Wang said earlier this year that Kalshi wants to appear “on every major crypto app” within 12 months. The latest funding gives the startup ample runway to pursue that goal — and to test the global appetite for event-based trading beyond the United States. The platform’s global interface mirrors its U.S. product, offering identical functionality to users abroad, though local regulatory frameworks could still pose hurdles. With the new capital, Kalshi joins a small group of crypto-adjacent fintechs crossing the multibillion-dollar valuation threshold in 2025. Its rapid ascent underscores how prediction markets — once dismissed as niche experiments — are now vying for a place alongside traditional financial derivatives. As Immerman put it, Kalshi’s market “is built for scale.” The next test is whether it can hold that lead as global regulators, competitors, and a swelling user base catch up.

Cake Wallet, the open-source and privacy-focused crypto wallet, has introduced xStocks, a groundbreaking feature that enables users to invest in tokenized stocks and ETFs directly through its decentralized app. The integration marks a significant leap in bridging traditional financial markets with Web3, allowing users to invest in global equities using popular cryptocurrencies like Monero (XMR), Bitcoin (BTC), and Ethereum (ETH). Through xStocks, investors gain access to tokenized versions of major companies including Google, Amazon, Nvidia, and other blue-chip equities and ETFs. All trades are conducted within a self-custodial environment, meaning users retain full ownership of their assets without the need for intermediaries such as banks or brokers. “With Cake Wallet, anyone can be their own bank and their own brokerage, saving and investing from the same decentralized ecosystem,” said Vikrant Sharma, CEO of Cake Labs. “xStocks gives users complete control of their financial destiny—without compromising on privacy or accessibility.” Takeaway Cake Wallet’s integration of xStocks merges self-custody and traditional investing, empowering users to buy tokenized stocks directly with crypto from one platform. Expanding Cake Wallet’s DeFi Ecosystem The launch of xStocks follows Cake Wallet’s broader strategy to expand its decentralized finance (DeFi) offerings. Earlier in 2025, the platform introduced dEURO, a stable digital euro offering 10% APR on holdings. Together, dEURO and xStocks create a comprehensive ecosystem that enables users to earn yield and invest in assets entirely outside traditional banking and brokerage channels. The new functionality is powered by the integration of the LetsExchange API, a trusted in-app crypto swap solution that ensures fast, seamless conversions between cryptocurrencies and tokenized assets. This integration makes it possible for Cake Wallet users to enter equity markets without leaving the Web3 environment or surrendering custody of their funds. “It is great to see xStocks trading available in Cake Wallet, one of the most trusted wallets in the crypto space,” said Alex J., Chief Product Officer at LetsExchange. The collaboration underscores the growing convergence between decentralized infrastructure and traditional investment products, positioning Cake Wallet as a leader in privacy-oriented financial innovation. Takeaway By integrating both yield generation and equity investment, Cake Wallet evolves into a full-service decentralized finance platform — merging savings, trading, and investing in one ecosystem. Global Access With Regulatory Boundaries xStocks is designed for global accessibility, giving users in most regions the ability to invest in tokenized assets directly from the Cake Wallet interface. However, due to regulatory restrictions, the service will not be available in certain jurisdictions, including the United States, Australia, Canada, Belgium, the UK, Afghanistan, Belarus, Cuba, Iran, and North Korea. Despite these limitations, Cake Wallet continues to lead innovation in decentralized finance by enabling everyday users to access financial products that were once reserved for traditional markets. Its open-source design ensures transparency and community trust, while its privacy-first approach differentiates it from mainstream crypto wallets and centralized platforms. With the addition of xStocks, Cake Wallet now supports multi-asset management, in-app swaps, yield products, and tokenized equity investing — all within a single, secure application. The update solidifies its position as a next-generation financial tool for users who value autonomy, privacy, and global access. Takeaway xStocks expands global access to tokenized assets while keeping full ownership in users’ hands, reinforcing Cake Wallet’s vision of self-sovereign finance.  

Tom Lee’s BitMine Immersion Technologies (BMNR) is in the headlines again after the latest news of a new addition of 23,823 ETH (roughly $104 million) to its corporate treasury. Already, BitMine is the world’s largest Ethereum treasury, but this new purchase cements its place at the top of the chain.  Bitmine keeps accumulating $ETH — 5 hours ago, they received another 23,823 $ETH($103.68M) from BitGo.https://t.co/DLOO6fgc7Khttps://t.co/w5uTBr9jZg pic.twitter.com/nScuFMDf5X — Lookonchain (@lookonchain) October 10, 2025 According to a Lookonchain report, the company received the ETH from a BitGo wallet unmarked on Arkham Exchange, but Lookonchain identified the wallet as Bitmine’s. BitMine has not confirmed the reported acquisition at the time of writing, but analysts argue that it’s part of the company’s broader accumulation strategy.  Investor Takeaway The latest $104 million ETH purchase signals BitMine’s continued bet on Ethereum’s institutional future and on-chain dominance. New ETH Acquisition Reinforces BitMine’s Titan Status  From shifting from core Bitcoin mining to Ethereum treasury, BitMine has been laser-focused on its goal to hold 5% of the total ETH supply. As of the latest reporting, the company’s ETH holdings have surpassed 2.83 million tokens, putting their crypto & cash portfolio at about $13.4 billion in assets.  According to data from Ethereum Treasuries, the company now claims the largest corporate ETH holding globally, and its continuous acquisition is symbolic. By acquiring ETH directly, BitMine is dramatically increasing its exposure to the second-most critical protocol in the blockchain stack and the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency. The firm’s balance sheet is now heavily weighted toward Ethereum, giving it a double role as both a top miner and major ETH token holder. Ethereum has increasingly become the backbone of decentralized finance (DeFi), tokenized assets, and blockchain-based AI infrastructure. For BitMine, holding ETH provides both balance-sheet diversification and a strategic foothold in a protocol that underpins much of Web3’s financial and computational activity. Besides reinforcing BitMine’s role as an ETH treasury titan, Analysts view this as part of a broader shift in how crypto companies are thinking about capital allocation. Instead of only mining or staking, many are storing tokens as strategic reserve assets. Investor Takeaway By targeting 5% of the total ETH supply, BitMine is positioning itself at the center of Ethereum’s next phase of institutional adoption. BitMine Gives ETH Institutional Confidence A Boost BitMine’s ongoing aggressive ETH accumulation drives the narrative that has been steadily gaining traction in 2025 — that Ethereum is becoming a solid competitor to Bitcoin in the crypto treasury department and not only on the charts.  Ethereum’s growing institutional appeal is driven by several factors, including its expansion of on-chain utility (from staking yields to real-world asset tokenization) and rising developer activity that positions ETH as the powerhouse of decentralized applications. However, concentration risk remains a factor. With a treasury increasingly dominated by a single digital asset, BitMine’s exposure to market volatility is significant. A sharp downturn in ETH prices could affect both balance-sheet valuation and investor confidence.  Still, BitMine appears undeterred, emphasizing that its strategy is rooted in long-term conviction rather than short-term speculation. If the accumulation trend continues, 2025 could be remembered as the year corporate treasuries began to truly “go on-chain.”

The Global Encryption Coalition (GEC) and other privacy groups have asked the Irish government to drop a planned bill that would allow police to read encrypted messages. The Communications Interception and Lawful Access Bill is still in its early stages. Still, civil society and digital rights groups are closely monitoring it, as they worry that even small steps towards weakening encryption could have harmful global effects. Ryan Polk, the GEC’s spokesperson, said that weakening encryption puts everyone in the globe, not just Irish nationals, at risk. Ireland is home to the European headquarters of big tech companies like Apple and Meta. This gives it significant influence in determining digital security standards for the whole EU. Privacy advocates say that the Irish government has a special duty to protect encryption as a key aspect of digital safety and trust. What Happens When Encryption Gets Weaker People who are against the proposed law say that any intentional weakening of encryption opens up holes that can’t be limited to “good guys” only; cybercriminals and hostile state actors will immediately target these backdoors. Ryan Polk stated that weaker digital protections would increase the risk of fraud, identity theft, and spying attempts for both individuals and businesses. Encryption is praised as an essential way to protect sensitive information, from private messages to government processes. Privacy advocates say that if Ireland goes ahead with its plans, big internet companies may have to give up some of their security or exit the Irish market. This would make Irish citizens, government officials, and even the police less safe online. A Growing Debate About Irish and EU Law This debate in the US is happening at the same time as talks in the EU about the so-called “Chat Control” bill, which would make messaging services analyse messages before they are encrypted. The idea has hit a snag in Brussels, where Germany’s government is strongly against it. The GEC instructs Ireland to drop its own plan and cease supporting Chat Control, stating that both actions will compromise the privacy of millions of Europeans. Ireland’s Position in European Policy Moving Forward Ireland will have more power over these policy decisions when it takes over the EU Council presidency in July 2026. The GEC and other supporters are urging Irish MPs to consider the far-reaching effects of any attempt to limit encryption. They say that choices made in one country about digital privacy now have effects in many other countries as well. Privacy groups argue that weakening encryption would erode trust in digital communications, compromise national security, and hinder economic growth by making it more difficult for companies to invest in new technologies and innovate.

Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, has announced a major update to its Futures API, introducing full support for trading symbols that include Chinese characters. The update, effective October 9, 2025, allows developers and traders to use UTF-8 encoded trading pair names directly within the Binance Futures API. This move enhances accessibility for Chinese-speaking users, strengthens localization efforts, and reinforces Binance’s position as a global leader in derivatives trading. According to Binance’s official developer changelog, the Futures API now supports UTF-8 encoding across all endpoints, including REST API requests, responses, and WebSocket data streams. The update enables trading pairs with non-Latin characters, such as simplified or traditional Chinese, to be used seamlessly when placing or retrieving orders. Binance emphasized that this update improves the flexibility of its trading infrastructure and ensures compatibility with international character sets. Technical updates to API functionality Developers integrating Binance’s Futures API are advised to ensure that symbols containing Chinese characters are properly URL-encoded using UTF-8 percent-encoding before making requests. This applies to all functions, including placing, canceling, and querying orders. Binance warned that systems built to handle ASCII-only symbols should be updated to maintain compatibility and prevent potential data errors. The company also clarified that the change affects both REST and WebSocket endpoints, ensuring consistent UTF-8 handling throughout the Binance Futures system. This comprehensive encoding support marks a significant milestone for Binance’s API infrastructure, aligning it with international standards and improving interoperability for third-party applications. Industry analysts suggest the update could have strong strategic implications for Binance’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region. By enabling Chinese character support, Binance caters more directly to developers, algorithmic traders, and institutional users in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore—markets where Chinese-language integration is crucial for efficient automation and user experience. This marks the first time Binance has implemented full non-English symbol compatibility at the API level, despite already offering multilingual support in its web and mobile interfaces. The change underscores Binance’s commitment to localization and its ongoing investment in infrastructure enhancements designed to serve its vast global trading community. Market experts note that this feature could also improve the discoverability and integration of Binance’s API within regional trading platforms and algorithmic systems. By simplifying how developers interact with exchange data using local language identifiers, Binance effectively lowers the barrier for innovation among developers and quantitative funds operating in Chinese-speaking regions. Global trend toward localization in crypto APIs Binance’s latest move follows a broader industry trend toward improving accessibility and inclusivity in crypto infrastructure. Competing exchanges are increasingly implementing multilingual documentation, broader character support, and region-specific API improvements to attract global developers. However, Binance appears to be among the first major derivatives platforms to fully adopt UTF-8 character support for trading symbols. The Binance Futures API update is now live, with detailed documentation available on the official Binance Developer Portal. The update represents not only a technical enhancement but also a strategic effort to support a growing base of Chinese-speaking traders and developers in the global digital asset market.

Bitwise Asset Management has filed an amended Solana ETF application with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), introducing staking as part of the fund’s strategy. The updated filing, submitted on October 8, 2025, rebrands the product as the “Bitwise Solana Staking ETF” and outlines a unitary sponsor fee of 0.20%. The move positions Bitwise as the first asset manager to formally integrate staking yield within a U.S. exchange-traded fund tied to Solana (SOL). If approved, the Bitwise Solana Staking ETF would allow investors to gain exposure not only to Solana’s market price but also to staking rewards generated through its proof-of-stake (PoS) mechanism. In the filing, Bitwise specifies that the ETF’s assets will be staked directly on the Solana network, earning yield that would be reflected in the fund’s performance. This marks a significant evolution in crypto ETF design, moving beyond simple price tracking toward active participation in blockchain ecosystems. A new era for Solana and crypto ETFs Staking is a fundamental component of Solana’s network operations, allowing participants to secure the blockchain and validate transactions while earning rewards. By incorporating staking into an ETF structure, Bitwise aims to replicate on-chain yield opportunities within a regulated investment framework. The move comes at a time when Solana continues to gain institutional interest due to its high throughput, low fees, and expanding DeFi and NFT ecosystems. This development follows similar moves by 21Shares, which also added staking to its Solana ETF filing. Both firms are vying to capture the next wave of institutional capital seeking diversified crypto exposure with income-generating potential. Analysts view the introduction of staking-enabled ETFs as a step toward legitimizing blockchain yield mechanisms in mainstream finance. Bitwise’s proposed 0.20% management fee sets a new benchmark for cost efficiency among crypto ETFs. Compared to existing Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, the Bitwise Solana Staking ETF offers one of the lowest fee structures in the market, signaling an aggressive strategy to attract retail and institutional investors alike. However, incorporating staking into a regulated ETF introduces complex compliance considerations. The SEC must evaluate how staking rewards are treated under securities laws and whether the structure aligns with existing rules around fund income reporting, custody, and potential slashing risks. While staking could enhance returns, it also exposes the ETF to on-chain risks, such as validator penalties and network downtime. Market impact and industry outlook If approved, the Bitwise Solana Staking ETF could pave the way for broader integration of decentralized finance (DeFi) mechanisms into traditional investment vehicles. Experts suggest that this innovation could bridge the gap between on-chain activity and Wall Street, providing investors with transparent, yield-generating exposure to blockchain assets. The SEC’s decision will be closely watched by the industry, as it may set a precedent for future staking-enabled ETFs based on other proof-of-stake networks like Ethereum, Avalanche, and Cosmos. For now, Bitwise’s filing signals a clear intent: to lead the next phase of crypto ETF evolution, merging yield generation with regulatory oversight and institutional-grade access.  

Coinbase and Mastercard are reportedly in advanced negotiations to acquire BVNK, a London-based stablecoin infrastructure provider, in a deal valued at approximately $2 billion, according to an exclusive report from Fortune. The potential acquisition underscores the growing convergence between traditional financial institutions and digital asset platforms as both sectors race to secure a foothold in blockchain-based payments and settlement solutions. Sources close to the matter told Fortune that discussions between the two companies and BVNK have reached late-stage negotiations, though no final agreement has been signed. Neither Coinbase nor Mastercard has issued an official statement confirming the talks, and there have been no regulatory filings or press releases as of Thursday. The reported deal remains subject to final approvals and due diligence. Founded in 2021, BVNK has quickly emerged as a leading player in stablecoin infrastructure, providing businesses with technology to issue, manage, and transact in stablecoins across multiple blockchain networks. Its platform helps bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance (DeFi), enabling companies to integrate digital asset payments and settlements seamlessly. Earlier this week, BVNK received strategic investment from Citi Ventures, further validating its position within the growing fintech and blockchain ecosystem. Strategic implications for Coinbase and Mastercard For Coinbase, the acquisition of BVNK would represent a significant expansion of its institutional services and on-chain infrastructure capabilities. It would enable the U.S.-based exchange to deepen its role in stablecoin issuance and global payment settlement. Coinbase has already established itself as a critical player in the stablecoin market through its partnership with Circle, the issuer of USD Coin (USDC). By acquiring BVNK, Coinbase could enhance its ability to facilitate cross-border payments, improve liquidity efficiency, and expand its influence in the enterprise blockchain market. Mastercard’s potential involvement highlights its ongoing strategy to modernize payment rails through blockchain integration. The global payments company has been exploring tokenized payment systems, central bank digital currency (CBDC) pilots, and partnerships with crypto firms to enable secure, compliant digital asset transactions. By acquiring BVNK, Mastercard could leverage its infrastructure to offer real-time settlement, improve cross-border efficiency, and expand its suite of blockchain-enabled payment solutions. Market and industry impact Analysts suggest that a joint acquisition of BVNK by Coinbase and Mastercard would mark a watershed moment in the collaboration between traditional finance and the digital asset industry. Such a move would demonstrate that major financial institutions view blockchain-based infrastructure not as competition but as the foundation for the next generation of global payments. If completed, this would be one of the largest acquisitions in the stablecoin infrastructure sector to date, signaling the growing strategic importance of on-chain settlement technologies. It would also place BVNK, a relatively young company, at the center of one of the most significant fintech deals of the year. As the digital payments landscape continues to evolve, the partnership between Coinbase and Mastercard—if finalized—could redefine how traditional financial systems interact with blockchain technology, setting the stage for a more integrated and compliant on-chain financial ecosystem.

Analysts believe Bitcoin is currently in a tight position, with the asset’s next major move expected within a 105-day window before the market direction becomes definitive. According to a recent analysis by Tony Severino, Bitcoin has reached what he described as a “record tightness” after the asset failed to overcome a resistance zone marked by the Bollinger Band technical indicator. The Bollinger Band uses three levels to determine the market’s state—the upper band, which tends to act as resistance; the lower band, which serves as a support catalyst; and the middle band, which alternates between support and resistance levels on the chart. Source: X According to Severino’s analysis, Bitcoin has formed a fractal pattern similar to what it did on two previous occasions after testing the upper band on the chart. Historically, in the past two instances when Bitcoin traded into the upper weekly band, it took an average of 95 days—ranging between 84 and 105 days—for a significant move to occur. In Severino’s words:“According to past local consolidation ranges, it could take as long as 100+ days to get a valid breakout (or breakdown, if BTC dumps instead).” The analyst claims that Bitcoin’s next upward or downward move will depend heavily on the next few candles. Either direction, he believes, will be accompanied by heavy volatility, serving as a note of caution for traders. He added:“Expanding from a squeeze setup like this can lead to head fakes. We might have seen one with this latest move. We also might see another head fake down from here before eventually taking off higher.” Another crypto analyst, popularly known as Rekt Capital, said that a major price rally could be the next major outcome for Bitcoin. His analysis also points to fractal patterns in the market, drawing correlations with the 2017 and 2021 price movements. The chart he has been tracking for months shows that, similar to the market cycles of 2017 and 2021, the corrective phase appears to be over and the asset has now entered what he calls the “discovery phase.” Source: X The discovery phase represents a stage in the market where the token repeatedly sets new all-time highs. In this case, his projected target exceeds the highly anticipated $136,000 to $140,000 range on the chart. Is the Market in Alignment? Market investors appear to be in alignment with this potential Bitcoin rally. Institutional investors—a group known to influence price movements with large buy and sell orders—have remained predominantly bullish. According to the latest data from SoSoValue, institutional investors purchased roughly $2.5 billion worth of Bitcoin in the past trading week. Further analysis shows that a majority of this inflow came from BlackRock, particularly as its exchange-traded fund (ETF) reached a new milestone of 80,000 BTC, representing a fresh capital inflow of $4 billion. Such a significant inflow from institutional investors signals strong conviction in the market and could potentially reduce Bitcoin’s available supply, creating scarcity that drives prices upward over time. In the spot market, investors are also actively buying the asset. According to CoinGlass, spot exchange net flows recorded a major purchase of $209 million worth of Bitcoin, adding more buying pressure that aligns with institutional sentiment. Likewise, the Accumulation/Distribution (A/D) indicator—used to determine whether investors are buying or selling—shows that buying activity continues to surge. The A/D indicator reveals that investors’ purchase volume has continued to rise overall, with total recorded volume reaching 12.9 billion across the market. The combined accumulation across these different market segments shows that investors remain largely bullish on Bitcoin, with a high likelihood that more liquidity will continue flowing into the market. Momentum Gradually Fading Away Momentum in the market has been high, as indicated by a 16% surge in trading volume to $73.3 billion. A massive liquidity increase like this often implies that the asset’s current trend is likely to continue in the same direction. At the time of writing, however, Bitcoin has shown slight downside movement with a minor liquidity drop of 0.57%, suggesting that bearish pressure may temporarily dominate. Still, this drawdown is likely a short-term corrective phase, after which the asset could trend higher once again—especially as overall bullish sentiment in the market continues to grow. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. What does the 100-day window mean for Bitcoin?The 100-day window refers to the estimated period analysts believe Bitcoin has to confirm its next major price direction—either a bullish breakout or a downward correction. 2. Who are the analysts behind this prediction?The analysis comes from Tony Severino, who highlighted Bitcoin’s “record tightness,” and Rekt Capital, who compared current market patterns to previous cycles in 2017 and 2021. 3. What technical indicator is being used in this analysis?The Bollinger Band indicator is the key tool used. It measures market volatility and helps identify potential resistance and support levels. 4. How are institutional investors influencing Bitcoin’s price?Institutional investors, led by firms like BlackRock, have injected billions into Bitcoin through ETFs and direct purchases, increasing scarcity and boosting long-term bullish sentiment. 5. What price levels are analysts targeting for Bitcoin?Rekt Capital projects that Bitcoin could surpass the $136,000 to $140,000 range during the discovery phase if the bullish trend continues.

Global retail broker Exness has set up shop in Amman, opening its first office in the Middle East and North Africa after securing a license from the Jordan Securities Commission (JSC). The move plants another heavyweight in a market that, until recently, offered little oversight for foreign exchange trading. “This launch reflects our deep commitment to the Jordanian market and to traders across the region,” said Mohammad Amer, chief executive of Exness Jordan, at the company’s two-day inauguration event. “With a regulated presence here in Amman, we are ensuring that local traders benefit from the highest standards of security, reliability, and trust.” The new entity, Exness Limited Jordan Ltd, is now listed with the Companies Control Department under registration number 51905. While the broker declined to share staffing details, the office will serve as Exness’s regional base for the MENA market, bringing the group’s total count of regulated offices to 13 worldwide. The launch comes at a turning point for Jordan’s financial sector. The JSC—established in 1997 to oversee the Amman Stock Exchange and investment services—introduced a structured framework for forex brokers in 2017. Those rules brought foreign exchange trading under domestic supervision for the first time, with requirements on client disclosures, capital adequacy, and Arabic-language documentation. That overhaul is now drawing global players. Windsor Brokers, ICM.com, and CFI Group already operate under local licenses, with CFI long regarded as the country’s homegrown success story. Amman’s status as a politically stable, centrally located, and Arabic-speaking hub is also turning it into a gateway for brokers targeting traders from the Gulf to North Africa. Why the MENA Region Is on Every Broker’s Map The region has become a rare growth engine for online trading firms. Capital.com, another global broker, reported earlier this year that more than half of its global trading volume—about $800 billion in the first half of 2025—came from MENA, even though the number of traders there is half that of Europe. Tickmill saw a similar surge, with its MENA volumes jumping 54% to $135 billion last year. Such figures highlight a paradox brokers are eager to tap: fewer clients, but bigger trades. That mix has made markets like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and now Jordan, a lucrative focus for regulated expansion. Founded in 2008, Exness has grown into one of the world’s largest retail brokers, boasting more than one million active traders and over 2,000 employees. The group runs multiple regulated entities under separate frameworks, including licenses from Cyprus, Spain, Germany, Seychelles, and Curaçao and Sint Maarten. The Jordan approval now adds a local, on-the-ground hub to that global web. Exness has been steadily raising its profile in the Gulf. It was recently named Elite Sponsor of Forex Expo Dubai 2025 and picked up industry awards at Smart Vision Summit Bahrain, both events widely viewed as barometers of broker strength in the Arab world. A Calculated Bet on Regulation For Amman’s traders, Exness’s arrival means access to a globally recognized broker under local regulatory protection—a combination that was rare just a few years ago. For Exness, it’s a chance to deepen ties in a region where trading appetite is surging and new rules are finally making it investable. The company’s Jordan license is expected to impose stricter limits than its offshore entities, particularly around leverage and crypto-based contracts, reflecting JSC’s retail protection mandate. But the trade-off, executives suggest, is worth it: credibility, transparency, and proximity to a market that’s expanding fast. With Amman as its new base, Exness joins a handful of global brokers betting that the next phase of retail trading growth will come not from Europe or Asia—but from the Middle East.

SmartSearch, a UK-based leader in digital compliance and anti-money laundering technology, has announced plans to acquire Credas Technologies Ltd, a prominent provider of identity verification solutions for the legal and property sectors. The transaction, which remains subject to regulatory approval, positions SmartSearch to significantly expand its capabilities in KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) compliance, two areas under growing regulatory scrutiny. By integrating Credas’ specialized technology and respected brand, SmartSearch will deliver enhanced flexibility and value to its client base. The acquisition deepens SmartSearch’s foothold in the UK’s compliance technology market—combining two complementary teams to accelerate product development and strengthen customer experience across regulated industries including financial services, legal, and real estate. Takeaway: The acquisition of Credas expands SmartSearch’s reach in identity verification and AML compliance, reinforcing its position as one of the UK’s foremost digital compliance providers. Expanding Market Reach Through Synergy Credas currently supports over 1,000 clients, primarily in the legal and property markets, helping firms improve client onboarding and enhance verification accuracy. For SmartSearch, which already serves more than 7,500 clients across various regulated sectors, this acquisition represents a natural extension of its strategy to deliver comprehensive, frictionless compliance tools. SmartSearch has recorded sustained momentum since its founding, achieving 31% year-on-year growth since 2013. This trajectory accelerated following private equity investment from Triple Private Equity in 2024, which provided the capital and strategic support needed for broader market expansion. The integration of Credas is a key milestone in executing that growth plan—uniting two technology-driven firms that share a mission to simplify compliance in a landscape of rising complexity. Regulated firms are under pressure to meet rising KYC and AML demands while delivering seamless onboarding. By joining forces with Credas, we combine our strengths to deliver unmatched innovation and service. Our clients will see immediate benefits as we continue to set the standard for digital compliance, said Phil Cotter, CEO of SmartSearch. Takeaway: SmartSearch’s merger with Credas reflects its strategy to combine regulatory technology excellence with scale, offering clients faster onboarding and stronger fraud prevention. Meeting Evolving Fraud and Financial Crime Challenges As global financial crime grows in sophistication, digital identity verification has become a critical line of defense for regulated firms. The integration of Credas enhances SmartSearch’s ability to protect clients from fraud and non-compliance risks while improving operational efficiency. The merged platform will leverage both companies’ technologies to streamline onboarding processes, automate verification checks, and ensure compliance with stringent KYC/AML regulations. With financial crime on the rise and fraud tactics evolving, digital identity verification is more critical than ever. Partnering with SmartSearch empowers us to help even more businesses protect themselves and focus on delivering quality service, added Tim Barnett, CEO of Credas. This union also reflects a growing industry trend—firms consolidating to provide end-to-end compliance ecosystems capable of scaling with demand from banks, law firms, and property companies seeking agile, digital-first solutions. SmartSearch’s expanded capabilities aim to deliver precisely that: automation, speed, and compliance under one digital roof. Takeaway: The combined platform will offer businesses a stronger, faster, and more automated defense against financial crime and regulatory risk. Investor Confidence and Market Momentum The acquisition builds on SmartSearch’s partnership with Triple Private Equity, whose investment in 2024 underscored confidence in the firm’s technology, scalability, and customer-first approach. Since then, SmartSearch has accelerated product innovation and international expansion, establishing itself as one of the UK’s fastest-growing RegTech companies. The acquisition of Credas reflects SmartSearch’s continued upward trajectory in the market for digital compliance solutions. In 2024, Triple was impressed by the organisation’s consistent growth and customer-centric approach, together with its high-quality technology platform. Today’s news confirms that our confidence was well founded; we have no doubt that SmartSearch, with the addition of Credas will continue to trailblaze in this fast-moving market, said Ben Shepherd, Head of Value Creation and Founding Partner of Triple Private Equity, and Chairman of SmartSearch. Following completion of the acquisition, the companies will focus on integration and innovation—aiming to deliver scalable, compliant, and user-friendly solutions for regulated sectors across the UK and beyond. The deal marks another step in SmartSearch’s plan to lead the evolution of intelligent compliance technology, transforming how organizations verify identity and manage regulatory obligations in a digital-first economy. Takeaway: Backed by private equity and reinforced through strategic acquisition, SmartSearch is solidifying its leadership in RegTech—advancing a unified platform for compliance innovation and market growth.  

BNB Tokens Plunge After Cautionary Tweet Memecoins built on BNB Chain lost between 60% and 95% of their value in the past 24 hours after Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao told followers his posts should not be viewed as trading signals. The sell-off followed weeks of speculative mania that had drawn more than 100,000 onchain traders and pushed BNB to an all-time high. Zhao was replying to a post from user YazanXBT, who warned traders that sending tokens to CZ’s wallet or naming them after his posts offered no protection from losses. “My tweets are not endorsements,” Zhao wrote. “Now I just tweet normally — any overlap with memes is coincidental.” Prices of BNB-based memecoins listed on PancakeSwap — the largest decentralized exchange on BNB Chain — fell sharply within hours. Many of the tokens were only a few days old, while others had been trading for months. Liquidity evaporated as traders rushed to exit, and several pairs saw market capitalizations collapse by more than 95% in a day. Investor Takeaway Speculative BNB tokens show how quickly sentiment turns when hype cools. Retail traders chasing meme-driven surges face heavy losses once liquidity dries up. From ‘BNB Szn’ to Market Reversal Just a day earlier, Zhao had jokingly declared it “BNB meme szn” in a post that coincided with a burst of onchain activity. Data from analytics platform Bubblemaps showed more than 100,000 addresses buying BNB memecoins during the peak, with around 70% in profit at the time. One trader reportedly made more than $10 million, while 40 others booked seven-figure profits. Another 900 wallets gained over $100,000 each before the market turned. The wave of trading sent volumes on PancakeSwap and other decentralized exchanges to multi-year highs. PancakeSwap processed nearly $80 billion in trades in September — its busiest month since November 2021 — and logged another $30 billion in the first nine days of October, according to onchain data. BNB Chain platforms accounted for roughly 40% of the total decentralized exchange turnover of $19 billion over the past 24 hours. Impact on BNB and Broader Market The memecoin rush briefly lifted BNB itself to a record $1,350 on Tuesday before prices eased back to about $1,270, according to data from The Block. The token remains down about 5% on the day. Analysts said the pullback was expected after such a rapid move, though broader activity on BNB Chain remains robust compared with earlier in the year. The surge had drawn liquidity across decentralized markets, echoing previous cycles seen on Solana and Base, where meme-driven trading temporarily dominated volumes before retracing. While the memecoin boom boosted BNB’s network fees and user activity, it also exposed how concentrated liquidity can amplify reversals once sentiment cools. Investor Takeaway The BNB memecoin cycle mirrors past bursts on Solana and Base — high turnover, quick profits for a few, and steep losses for late entrants once the market resets. After the Hype For now, BNB Chain continues to dominate decentralized exchange volumes, but traders appear more cautious after Zhao’s remarks. Market makers have pulled liquidity from weaker tokens, leaving dozens of pairs effectively illiquid. On social media, developers of several memecoins announced token burns or liquidity injections in attempts to stabilize prices, though volumes remain thin. The episode highlights how social media dynamics still influence onchain behavior. While Zhao’s post was meant as a disclaimer, it triggered a wave of selling among traders who had built entire narratives around his online activity. The crash also serves as a reminder that even as BNB Chain’s ecosystem expands, speculation remains its most volatile driver.

Stablecoins are digital assets whose value is pegged to a stable currency (usually the US Dollar) or commodities (such as gold). They combine the stability of fiat with the flexibility of crypto, making them an ideal asset to invest in without worrying about market volatility. Beyond simply holding it, you can put your stablecoins to work to earn a significant return, which is often referred to as “yield” or “rewards” in the crypto space. This article outlines the main methods on how to earn interest on your stablecoins, along with the platforms, anticipated yields, and associated risks. Key Takeaways Stablecoins can offer higher yields than traditional savings accounts, with rates typically ranging from 5% to over 20% APY, depending on the strategy and risk. Lending and DeFi platforms remain the most straightforward routes for earning interest, but yield levels and risk vary widely. New legislation, such as the proposed GENIUS Act, may restrict stablecoin issuers from paying interest; however, various platforms still offer “rewards” or “yield” through alternative mechanisms. Strategies for Earning Interest on Stablecoins Here are the main strategies people use today: 1. Centralized Finance (CeFi) Platforms CeFi platforms are the simplest way to get started. They operate like traditional financial institutions, offering a user-friendly experience and taking custody of your assets to lend them out. How it Works: You deposit your stablecoins (such as USDC or USDT) with the platform. They then lend these funds to other users (often leveraged traders) or institutional borrowers and share a portion of the interest earned with you as a reward. Many major centralized exchanges offer competitive rewards for holding stablecoins. Be aware that the recent regulatory environment has put pressure on stablecoin issuers themselves not to pay direct interest. However, exchanges often circumvent this by offering “rewards” through lending or other business activities. Always research a platform’s solvency and track record before depositing funds. 2. Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Protocols DeFi offers an alternative platform where you interact directly with smart contracts, eliminating the need for a central custodian. This often leads to higher potential yields but also introduces new technical risks. How it Works: Lending: You deposit stablecoins into a protocol’s pool. Other users borrow your coins using collateral (such as ETH or BTC) that is worth more than the loan amount (overcollateralized). The accumulated interest is passed back to you. Liquidity provision (LP): You deposit two stablecoins (for instance, USDC and DAI) into a liquidity pool on a decentralized exchange (DEX). You earn a share of the trading fees paid by users who swap between those two coins, often supplemented with bonus governance token rewards. Yield aggregators/optimizers: Some stablecoins are engineered to accrue interest automatically (your token balance doesn’t change, but its value increases) or embed yield mechanisms.  However, under some legal regimes, stablecoin issuers are prevented from paying yield. A recent example is in the U.S., where new laws forbid stablecoin issuers from offering “interest or yield” directly to holders. Strategy Examples of protocols  Typical APY range Pros Cons Lending Protocols Aave, Compound, and Spark 5% to 12% Non-custodial (you keep control), transparent, and overcollateralized loans (safer lending). Rates fluctuate based on demand, smart contract risk (including bugs/exploits), and extra network transaction fees (also known as gas). Liquidity Provision (Yield Farming) Curve, Uniswap, and Balancer 5% to over 20% Earn trading fees plus token rewards, high returns possible, low impermanent loss in stablecoin-only pools. Requires technical knowledge, smart contract risk, and potential loss from a de-peg event. Yield Aggregators/Optimizers Yearn Finance and Beefy Finance 10% to over 30% Automatically re-invests and moves funds to maximize yield; a set-and-forget strategy. Highest complexity, smart contract risk on multiple integrated protocols, and reliance on the aggregator’s security. Crypto savings/yield platforms  Coinbase, Nexo, YouHolder, and Binance (via specific products) 6% to 14% Easy to use, with a familiar interface, and no technical knowledge required. Custodial risk, platform bankruptcy risk, and regulatory exposure. Practical Steps to Get Started Choose your desired stablecoin(s): By considering the liquidity, fees, and reputation, select stablecoins such as USDC, USDT, and DAI that can fetch you the maximum interest. Pick a trusted protocol: Actively research security audits, track record, reputation. Deposit or supply your stablecoins: You can either send stablecoins from your wallet or transfer them to the chosen protocol. Consider the terms or parameters: Some platforms let you offer both fixed and variable interest, as well as lock-up durations. Monitor yield and rates: The rewards obtainable change constantly. Move when necessary or re-optimize. Withdraw/redeem when needed: Be mindful of gas costs (on blockchains) or withdrawal windows and make a decision accordingly. Understanding the Risks of Earning Interest High yields are rarely guaranteed and always come with corresponding risks. Ensure to evaluate the following before committing your capital: Platform/custodial risk: If a centralized platform goes bankrupt (for example, BlockFi or Celsius), your assets are at risk because they are under the company’s control. Look for platforms that offer transparency and regular audits. Smart contract risk: The code that powers DeFi platforms can have bugs or vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit, potentially leading to the loss of all funds in the protocol’s pool. Only use audited protocols. De-peg risk: While rare for top stablecoins like USDC and USDT, any stablecoin can temporarily or permanently fall below its $1 peg. This can happen due to poor reserve management or market panic, as was the case with TerraUSD (UST). Regulatory risk: New financial regulations could change the rules for stablecoins and lending platforms, impacting the yields offered or the accessibility of certain products. Bottom Line  Earning interest on stablecoins is a good opportunity to leverage the crypto’s efficiency without suffering the price volatility of assets such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. However, there is no “free” interest. As a beginner, target mid-range yields (5%-12% APY) using well-known CeFi platforms or the simplest DeFi lending protocols (such as Aave). Advanced users and risk-takers can explore liquidity provision, yield farming, or aggregators to generate higher yields (15%-30% APY). Ensure to research the specific stablecoin and platform you choose, focusing on security audits, reserve transparency, and the platform’s history.

Pleo, a leading European spend management platform, has launched its new multi-currency accounts, enabling businesses to hold and spend up to six different currencies from a single Pleo card. The innovation is designed to tackle one of the most persistent issues in global business transactions: hidden foreign exchange (FX) fees and inefficient cross-border payments. The new feature allows companies to transact directly in local currencies by automatically detecting transaction currency and drawing from the corresponding balance. This eliminates unnecessary conversion costs and streamlines financial operations for companies dealing with suppliers, travel, or teams abroad. The launch forms part of Pleo’s broader mission to help firms optimize spending efficiency and reduce waste linked to exchange rate losses. Takeaway: Pleo’s multi-currency accounts empower companies to spend globally without incurring excessive FX fees, helping businesses retain more of their revenue and simplify international expense management. Addressing FX Costs That Drain SME Profits Foreign exchange costs are often overlooked by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), yet they represent a serious financial burden. With increasing cross-border transactions, even small percentage fees can compound into significant annual losses. Pleo’s new multi-currency functionality directly targets this challenge by reducing the need for constant currency conversions and providing rule-based workflows for efficient account funding. Cross-border payments are growing at an unprecedented pace, set to reach $250 trillion by 2027. Yet for too many organisations, the hidden costs of overseas transactions are a major drain on resource and revenue, said Amit Kahana, Head of Credit, Treasury and Cash Management at Pleo. Business doesn’t stop at borders, and companies needn’t simply accept FX and transaction fees as an unavoidable cost of doing business. Our multicurrency accounts, enabled by our partners Mastercard, Banking Circle and Enfuce give businesses the flexibility to spend seamlessly across markets, protect against costly FX fees and make their money work harder. Takeaway: By tackling FX inefficiencies head-on, Pleo gives SMEs a powerful tool to protect margins and manage their international finances with greater control and transparency. Technology Partnerships Behind the Launch Pleo’s multi-currency rollout is powered by three major partners: Mastercard, Banking Circle, and Enfuce — each contributing a critical layer to the infrastructure that supports seamless global payments and FX conversions. Mastercard: Allows users to transact with a single card that automatically detects transaction currency and deducts from the relevant balance. Banking Circle: Provides the FX API enabling instant currency exchanges and seamless movement of funds between accounts. Enfuce: Delivers the backend infrastructure managing multiple local balances, providing scalability for global operations. Multi-currency accounts are a game changer for businesses, and we’re proud to have co-created a solution that combines Pleo’s bold vision with Enfuce’s cutting-edge payments platform, said Lloyd Hutchinson, Chief Commercial Officer of Enfuce. This launch marks the latest milestone in a partnership that consistently delivers breakthrough innovations, setting Pleo apart as the leading expense management provider. Takeaway: Pleo’s partnership-driven infrastructure ensures scalability and performance, combining leading payments and FX technologies to create a unified cross-border solution. Automation for Smarter Cash Management Later this year, Pleo plans to enhance its offering with automation tools that further optimize cash flow. Businesses will be able to configure rules for automated fund transfers—such as moving surplus cash from Pleo accounts to interest-bearing accounts—or create triggers for seamless currency conversions between balances when exchange rate thresholds are met. These features aim to reduce manual oversight and enhance liquidity management, giving finance teams more bandwidth to focus on growth rather than day-to-day cash allocation. The launch of multi-currency accounts reinforces Pleo’s ongoing effort to redefine business spending—eliminating friction in cross-border payments, automating cash management, and helping firms operate with efficiency in an increasingly global marketplace. Takeaway: Beyond reducing FX fees, Pleo’s upcoming automation features are designed to optimize liquidity and empower businesses to make every pound—or euro—work harder.  

Ripple has expanded its footprint in the Middle East through a strategic partnership with Bahrain Fintech Bay (BFB), the Kingdom’s leading fintech hub and innovation center. The collaboration aims to accelerate blockchain adoption and strengthen Bahrain’s position as a key regional center for digital finance. The agreement will focus on driving blockchain innovation, education, and practical use cases across Bahrain’s financial ecosystem. Ripple and BFB plan to co-develop pilot projects, educational programs, and ecosystem events designed to promote blockchain applications in areas such as cross-border payments, asset tokenization, and digital asset custody. According to Ripple, the partnership will also explore the introduction of Ripple USD (RLUSD), the company’s newly launched stablecoin, and its institutional digital asset custody solutions—subject to Bahrain’s regulatory approval. “Our partnership with Bahrain Fintech Bay represents a shared vision to enable a more inclusive and efficient financial system,” said Navin Gupta, Managing Director for South Asia and MENA at Ripple. “Bahrain has demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to fintech regulation, and this collaboration allows us to contribute to that momentum.” Bahrain Fintech Bay, established in 2018, has played a central role in nurturing the Kingdom’s fintech ecosystem through collaborations with regulators, banks, and global technology partners. Its CEO, Khalid Saad, described Ripple’s entry as a significant step for the local market. “Ripple brings deep expertise in blockchain infrastructure and financial technology. Together, we aim to develop solutions that align with Bahrain’s vision of becoming a digital economy leader,” Saad said. Strengthening Ripple’s Middle East Strategy Ripple’s Bahrain expansion follows a series of regulatory and strategic milestones across the Gulf. Earlier this year, the company secured a license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), making it one of the first blockchain companies to gain approval under Dubai’s Virtual Assets framework. With this move, Ripple continues to grow its presence in a region known for progressive digital asset regulation. Bahrain, in particular, was among the first countries in the Middle East to introduce comprehensive rules for crypto assets, creating an attractive environment for fintechs and blockchain innovators. Industry analysts view the partnership as a calculated step in Ripple’s broader strategy to localize blockchain infrastructure and strengthen trust in regulated markets. Ripple in Africa Ripple’s expansion into the Middle East followed its earlier move into Africa, where it introduced its USD-backed stablecoin, Ripple USD (RLUSD), through partnerships with Chipper Cash, VALR, and Yellow Card. Launched in late 2024, RLUSD quickly gained traction, reaching a market cap of over $700 million as demand grew. Ripple also collaborated with Mercy Corps Ventures in Kenya to test blockchain-based climate risk insurance using RLUSD, highlighting its broader potential for humanitarian and financial inclusion.

MetaMask, the widely used crypto wallet built by Consensys, will integrate Polymarket later this year, stepping into the fast-growing world of prediction markets that’s drawing both retail traders and Wall Street investors. The move will allow MetaMask’s users to access Polymarket directly from within the wallet, letting them buy and sell shares tied to real-world outcomes—from elections and sporting events to company earnings and macroeconomic data. Gal Eldar, MetaMask’s global product lead, said the collaboration is part of a broader plan to evolve the wallet into what he described as a “gateway to global, democratized finance.” “Each new feature expands what users can do with their financial assets: trade, earn, invest, speculate, and diversify, all while maintaining full self-custody,” Eldar said. The feature will roll out globally, excluding the U.S., U.K., France, Singapore, Poland, Thailand, Australia, Belgium, Taiwan, and Ontario, Canada, where regulatory restrictions still limit access to prediction markets. A Growing Corner of Crypto Prediction markets have become one of the most active corners of decentralized finance, offering a way for traders to bet on political races, market outcomes, and major world events. Activity on these platforms surged during the U.S. presidential election in late 2024, and despite a recent cooldown in trading, the sector continues to attract capital and institutional interest. On Tuesday, Polymarket secured a $2 billion investment from Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange, in a deal valuing the platform at $9 billion. The investment underscores how seriously traditional finance is taking the “truth markets” narrative—where collective speculation can create near real-time forecasts for public events. According to DefiLlama data, Polymarket and its U.S.-regulated rival Kalshi recorded $1.43 billion and $2.74 billion in trading volume respectively in September, surpassing their combined record from November 2024. Though activity has cooled from the pre-election frenzy, Eldar said prediction markets remain one of the most potent use cases for blockchain-based systems because they are “fundamentally about truth-seeking.” “When incentives are aligned and participation is broad, markets become self-correcting systems that push us closer to reality,” he said. “The deeper and more liquid they get, the faster they converge around the truth.” Betting Meets Broader Trading MetaMask’s Polymarket integration isn’t the wallet’s only move this week. The firm also launched perpetual futures trading through a new partnership with decentralized exchange Hyperliquid, extending its reach into derivatives. The decentralized perpetuals sector has surged in recent months, racking up around $770 billion in trading volume over the past month, led by Hyperliquid. Still, that figure remains a fraction of volumes on centralized giants like Binance, which continue to dominate thanks to streamlined interfaces and deep liquidity. By layering in prediction markets and derivatives, MetaMask is moving closer to the full-service model of centralized exchanges—but with a self-custody backbone. The company is betting that users want the convenience of trading across multiple asset classes without surrendering control of their keys. The twin launches—Polymarket and Hyperliquid—suggest a clear strategy: bring the energy of on-chain speculation into MetaMask’s ecosystem, combining DeFi flexibility with the polish of traditional finance. As ICE’s backing of Polymarket shows, the boundaries between crypto’s experimental markets and Wall Street’s data-driven speculation are thinning fast. MetaMask, long known as the front door to Web3, now seems intent on turning that door into a trading floor.

BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF (exchange-traded fund) has crossed a major milestone, now holding over 800,000 BTC, after fresh inflows of $4 billion. The development has pushed the company’s spot Bitcoin assets under management (AUM) above $100 billion. The surge highlights not just investor confidence in BlackRock’s vehicle but also accelerating institutional demand for Bitcoin as a macroeconomic asset. The inflows reflect the intensifying institutional demand for regulated Bitcoin exposure. As capital pours into ETF vehicles over direct holdings, BlackRock Bitcoin ETF’s increasing demand is reshaping how major investors access Bitcoin.  Institutional Demand Drives Bitcoin ETFs BlackRock’s rapid accumulation is more than an investment. It’s a reflection of the increasing institutional appetite for Bitcoin via regulated exposure. Inflows into Bitcoin ETFs have become one of the most visible expressions of institutional confidence in digital assets.  With the BlackRock Bitcoin ETF now commanding one of the largest on-chain Bitcoin treasuries, it demonstrates how capital is moving from traditional asset exposure to crypto-native exposure under regulated conditions. The $4B inflow that helped push BlackRock ETF (IBIT) past 800,000 BTC reflects several market forces, including a continuous drive from institutional investors seeking exposure without custodial or compliance headaches. It also shows a growing preference for regulated ETFs over unregulated derivatives or direct spot positions, and a rising comfort with Bitcoin as a store of value or collateral in diversified portfolios. As IBIT’s AUM surges past the $100B mark, it joins an elite club of global ETFs crossing that threshold, boosting the credibility and scale of institutional crypto investing. Other Bitcoin ETFs are also seeing demand, but BlackRock’s dominance here could set the benchmark for more Bitcoin ETFs to scale.  Bitcoin ETF Implications and Market Dynamics  The new BlackRock Bitcoin ETF inflows come amid renewed price strength for Bitcoin, which recently reached an all-time high above $125,000. With cumulative institutional capital flooding into regulated ETFs, momentum may be building for another Bitcoin rally that would rub off on the broader crypto market. BlackRock’s ETF success sets a high bar for competitors. Other asset managers and crypto funds may intensify efforts to launch rival products or differentiate around fees, liquidity, or regional market access. It may also attract more institutional service providers, such as custody platforms, compliance layers, and marketplace integrations, to build around the ETF ecosystem. If inflows continue into the rest of the year, Bitcoin’s price may benefit from sustained structural demand and continue to soar to newer highs. However, this dominance also raises questions around concentration risk and capital flow reversals. If macro sentiment shifts or regulatory pressures mount, large outflows from big ETFs could cause volatility. So, while this could be one of the most important market drivers, both retail and institutional Bitcoin investors need to constantly hedge against risks.

Kraken is widening its gateway into traditional finance, adding access to a broader range of CME Group derivatives as it continues building a one-stop trading platform before a possible public listing. A company representative told The Block that Kraken’s U.S. derivatives arm is rolling out support “from equity indices to energy, metals, FX and more,” linking clients directly to CME’s futures markets via its regulated futures commission merchant, Kraken Derivatives US. The expansion marks a major push by the crypto exchange to blur the boundaries between digital assets and conventional markets. CME, the Chicago-based powerhouse that dominates global derivatives trading, offers contracts spanning equities, commodities, and currencies. With the new integration, traders on Kraken can now access benchmark equity index futures such as the S&P 500, NASDAQ, and Dow Jones Industrial Average, as well as commodities including gold, oil, silver, rice, cattle, and soybeans. The offering also covers major FX pairs like the euro, pound, yen, and Australian dollar, alongside CME’s CBOT, NYMEX, and COMEX product lines. Kraken’s traditional contracts are built for experienced traders and priced at what the firm calls an “ultra-competitive” 0.5 basis points per trade. It is also offering discounted market data packages to attract both retail and institutional clients. The move reflects Kraken’s ambition to compete not only with crypto-native exchanges but also with mainstream brokerages such as Robinhood, which has been adding exposure to traditional assets like oil and gold. Outside the U.S., the two companies are also going head-to-head in the emerging market for tokenized equities. The expansion follows a year of strategic deals as Kraken accelerates its crossover into traditional markets. Earlier in 2025, the exchange acquired retail futures broker NinjaTrader for roughly $1.5 billion—the largest crypto–TradFi merger to date. Over the summer, Kraken launched CME-listed bitcoin and ether futures on Kraken Pro, promising to add contracts in other commodities, foreign exchange, fixed income, and equities by year-end. The company’s derivatives pivot also comes as it reportedly prepares for an IPO that could value it near $20 billion. Sources familiar with the matter said the exchange has been holding early discussions with potential underwriters but has yet to set a timeline. What remains uncertain is whether Kraken will mirror CME’s traditional “24/5” trading schedule or move toward round-the-clock access. CME chief executive Terry Duffy said last week the exchange plans to open crypto futures and options to “24/7” trading, a shift that could ripple across broader financial markets. CME’s crypto division has been enjoying record momentum, averaging 340,000 contracts a day—about $14.1 billion in notional value—during the third quarter. The exchange plans to introduce options on Solana and XRP futures on Oct. 16, signaling growing institutional appetite for crypto-linked products. For Kraken, the expansion is as much about perception as product. By pairing traditional derivatives with digital assets under one roof, the firm is positioning itself as a full-spectrum trading venue for both crypto traders seeking regulated exposure and traditional investors exploring digital markets. As one derivatives analyst at a rival exchange put it this week: “If Kraken executes this right, it stops being just a crypto exchange—it becomes a futures broker with crypto DNA.”

Ethereum cryptocurrency can be expected to fall to the next support level 4185.00 (target price for the completion of the active short-term correction 2).   Ethereum reversed from resistance zone Likely to fall to support level 4185.00 Ethereum cryptocurrency continues to fall inside the short-term correction 2, which stared earlier from the resistance zone located at the intersection of the key resistance level 4750.00 (which has been steadily reversing Ethereum from the start of August) and the upper daily Bollinger Band. The downward reversal from this resistance area created the daily Japanese candlesticks reversal pattern Dark Cloud Cover. The resistance level 4750.00 also previously created the following Japanese candlesticks reversal patterns, which highlight its strength: Bearish Engulfing and 2 Shooting Stars. Given the strength of the resistance level 4750.00,  Ethereum cryptocurrency can be expected to fall to the next support level 4185.00 (target price for the completion of the active short-term correction 2). Ethereum Technical Analysis The subject matter and the content of this article are solely the views of the author. FinanceFeeds does not bear any legal responsibility for the content of this article and they do not reflect the viewpoint of FinanceFeeds or its editorial staff. The information does not constitute advice or a recommendation on any course of action and does not take into account your personal circumstances, financial situation, or individual needs. We strongly recommend you seek independent professional advice or conduct your own independent research before acting upon any information contained in this article.