Broker Expands With Domestic Equities and ETFs Webull UK is broadening its footprint in Britain’s retail investment market, adding London Stock Exchange-listed shares and exchange-traded funds while introducing a two-tier account model designed for both casual and active traders. The FCA-authorised subsidiary of Nasdaq-listed Webull Corporation will offer two plans: Webull Go, a commission-free account covering U.S. stocks, options, FTSE 100 constituents and 20 ETFs; and Webull Meridian, a £5-per-month premium tier offering around 1,000 UK-listed equities and ETFs with multi-currency support and lower foreign exchange fees. Meridian will cost just £0.01 until the end of 2025 under an introductory promotion. Across both tiers, Webull is introducing a flat $0.10 commission per U.S. trade, replacing its previous 2.5-basis-point fee. The move highlights intensifying price competition among digital brokers vying for retail clients. “By introducing UK shares and ETFs alongside flexible account options, we’re giving our customers more tools to match their goals and trading styles,” said Nick Saunders, Chief Executive of Webull UK. “Lower costs, broader access and a straightforward experience remain central to our mission as we grow in the UK market.” Investor Takeaway Webull’s UK expansion shows how global brokers are using low fees and domestic market access to court retail traders in one of Europe’s most competitive investment arenas. Upvest Partnership Powers Expansion The new product suite is powered by Berlin-based Upvest, which provides brokerage, settlement and custody infrastructure. The partnership enables Webull’s domestic rollout and builds on an earlier collaboration allowing fractional trading of U.S. shares and ETFs. Upvest, which gained FCA approval in 2024, also supports platforms such as Revolut, N26 and bunq, and processes more than 2 million transactions weekly. Symmie Swil, UK GM at Upvest, comments: “At Upvest, we are delighted to be chosen by Webull UK to power their next stage of growth. With this expanded product offering, Webull UK’s end users will benefit from greater flexibility, fast execution, and a seamless trading experience. As Europe’s leading investment infrastructure provider, Upvest’s mission is to make investing as easy as spending money by making affordable and digital-first experiences accessible to all. Our partnership with Webull UK delivers exactly this: enabling investment journeys that are personalised, flexible, and intuitive.” Competitive Retail Landscape Webull’s expansion comes amid a wave of activity in the UK’s retail brokerage sector. Robinhood launched its desktop platform in June targeting the country’s 11 million self-directed investors, while Revolut began offering stock trading to 650,000 UK users after gaining FCA approval late last year. IG Group added 24/5 trading on more than 100 U.S. equities in September, and OANDA expanded into share CFDs earlier this year. Other entrants include Ultima Markets, which obtained FCA authorisation in July and plans to onboard clients in 2026, and Moneta Markets, which entered through an acquisition in August. The activity contrasts with years of consolidation among older brokers weighed down by rising regulatory costs. Investor Takeaway The resurgence of new entrants—from Webull to Robinhood—shows renewed confidence in the UK’s retail investment market after several years of retrenchment and exits. Global Growth Strategy Webull Corporation, which went public earlier this year under the ticker BULL, operates licensed brokerages in 14 markets across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America, serving over 24 million users. The company, controlled by Wang Anquan, a former Alibaba executive, has accelerated its European expansion from a new headquarters in Amsterdam opened this summer. Webull launched in the UK in 2023 offering only U.S.-listed securities. Adding domestic shares and ETFs marks its first full integration into the UK market and positions the broker to compete directly with larger incumbents and fintech rivals.

Quod Financial, the fintech firm known for its adaptive trading and liquidity management solutions, has unveiled Unity as a standalone product—an integration architecture designed to connect and streamline complex trading environments. Previously embedded within Quod’s broader trading technology suite, Unity can now be deployed independently to unify order management, execution, and analytics systems across asset classes. The company says Unity provides financial institutions with a path to modernization without the disruption of full-scale system replacements. The framework allows firms to consolidate fragmented infrastructure, link existing OMS and EMS platforms, and integrate AI or third-party applications through a single, API-first layer. Takeaway: Quod Financial’s Unity aims to help institutions reduce integration complexity, enhance agility, and accelerate innovation by serving as a vendor-neutral bridge between legacy and modern systems. Addressing the Industry’s Integration Bottleneck Trading firms often operate in siloed environments where OMS, EMS, risk tools, and post-trade systems function independently. These fragmented infrastructures lead to inefficiencies, costly upgrades, and data inconsistency across workflows. Integration efforts can stretch over years, making agility and scalability difficult to achieve. Unity addresses these challenges by acting as a universal integration fabric. It connects disparate trading systems through normalized data exchange and real-time lifecycle tracking, enabling institutions to standardize operations while retaining control of their existing tools. Core Features and Advantages According to Quod, Unity is engineered to be both modular and vendor-neutral, with over 300 pre-built connectors that support rapid deployment. Its API-driven design facilitates real-time synchronization of order, execution, and market data across regions and asset classes. Cross-asset data normalization and lifecycle tracking for trades and benchmarks Integration of Quod’s OMS, EMS, and algo trading apps or external third-party systems Deployment timelines reduced from months to weeks Lightweight disaster recovery architecture for operational resilience Unity represents a third way forward for the industry, said Medan Gabbay, Co-CEO at Quod Financial. For too long, firms have had to choose between living with legacy systems or embarking on disruptive, multi-year replacements. Unity allows institutions to unify their architecture, plug in the tools they want, and modernize on their terms. How Firms Are Using Unity Unity has already been implemented at Tier-1 and Tier-2 institutions to accelerate digital transformation across trading desks. Clients have reported integration times dropping from more than a year to under 60 days, while reducing system redundancy and unlocking data visibility across asset classes. 1. AI Integration By unifying data streams, Unity makes trade and risk data instantly accessible to AI-driven analytics. This capability helps institutions feed clean, structured data into AI systems and automate decision-making directly within live trading workflows. 2. Reducing Vendor Dependence Firms can now upgrade or replace components incrementally, connecting both old and new systems via Unity’s standardized integration layer. This approach lowers implementation risk and enables technology teams to evolve infrastructure without vendor lock-in. 3. Cross-Asset Coordination Unity allows firms to link workflows across multiple asset classes—such as automating hedging between fixed income and FX or consolidating risk across trading desks—without replacing core platforms. It effectively creates a unified, normalized architecture underpinning diverse trading applications. Takeaway: Unity offers institutions a pragmatic middle ground—modernize workflows incrementally while maintaining operational stability and compliance across global markets.

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics has reignited global concern over the future of digital security, particularly within the cryptocurrency sector, after the award recognized breakthroughs that underpin today’s quantum computing technologies. The Nobel Committee awarded the prize to John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis for pioneering experiments that demonstrated quantum tunneling and energy quantization in superconducting circuits—work that laid the foundation for scalable quantum processors now driving research in quantum computing. 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics Winners. Source: Nobelprize.org While the announcement was celebrated as a landmark in physics, it has also revived long-standing fears that quantum advances could soon undermine the cryptographic systems protecting blockchain networks and digital assets. Quantum Computing and the Crypto Dilemma Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum depend on public-key cryptography to secure transactions and wallets. These systems rely on mathematical problems—such as factoring large integers or solving discrete logarithms—that are currently impossible for classical computers to break. However, quantum computers operating on the principles of superposition and entanglement could eventually solve these problems using Shor’s algorithm, rendering many existing cryptographic methods obsolete. Cybersecurity experts refer to this scenario as “Q-Day”—the point at which quantum machines become powerful enough to decrypt modern encryption systems in real time. Recent analyses from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and several cybersecurity institutes warn that attackers could already be harvesting encrypted blockchain data today with plans to decrypt it later when the technology matures—a strategy known as “harvest now, decrypt later.” The SEC’s Crypto Assets Task Force is now developing the Post-Quantum Financial Infrastructure Framework (PQFIF)to protect digital assets from emerging quantum threats that could break blockchain encryption by 2028. The plan outlines a phased migration to quantum-resistant standards, prioritizing vulnerable systems like institutional wallets and exchanges. This could expose historical Bitcoin transactions and potentially reveal private keys linked to early wallets. Experts Push Back on Panic Narrative My experts, including Arch Physicist, a quantum researcher at Alphractal, argued that Bitcoin remains secure due to the limits of current quantum technology. “Quantum brute force offers only a quadratic speed-up, so mining stays resistant,” he explained. Assuming a functional large-scale quantum computer: two possibilities emerge — breaking mining protocols or breaking RSA. Quantum brute-force provides only quadratic speed-up, so mining remains resistant. Old Bitcoin wallets (P2PK) expose public keys during transactions, making… https://t.co/PS3DF3Kq6i — Arch Physicist (@arch_physicist) September 19, 2025 The Physicist noted that only old Bitcoin wallets exposing public keys are at risk. Modern wallets hide them behind a hash and reveal them for just minutes during confirmation—a window too short for any existing or near-term quantum system to exploit. He added that a truly threatening quantum computer would need 3,000–6,000 logical qubits, far beyond today’s capabilities. “After a decade of progress, we have only about two functional logical qubits,” he said. In short, the Physicist concluded, Bitcoin is safe for now, though other crypto systems with permanently exposed keys remain more vulnerable. Moves Against Quantum Threats In the past, FinanceFeed reported how Adam Back suggested that if Satoshi Nakamoto is still alive, he might have to move his estimated 1 million BTC to new wallets before quantum computers can derive private keys from exposed public addresses. Reflecting similar fears, El Salvador has reportedly split its $678 million Bitcoin reserve into 14 wallets, each holding smaller amounts. The government’s decision was described as a preventive measure against potential quantum decryption threats that could compromise large, consolidated wallets. Meanwhile, outside crypto, HSBC and IBM have claimed a quantum breakthrough in bond trading tests, showing improved prediction accuracy using quantum models over classical computing. The result highlights that while quantum computing may still pose long-term risks to blockchain security, it is already demonstrating real-world advantages in financial analysis and trading. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. Who won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics?The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis for their groundbreaking work on superconducting circuits that power modern quantum computers. 2. Why is the 2025 Nobel Prize important for crypto?The award highlights advances in quantum computing, which could one day break the cryptographic systems that secure cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. 3. What is the connection between quantum computing and cryptocurrency?Quantum computers can solve complex math problems much faster than normal computers, which could allow them to crack blockchain encryption in the future. 4. What is “Q-Day” in crypto?“Q-Day” is the term used for the day when quantum computers become powerful enough to break today’s cryptographic systems and expose private keys. 5. Can quantum computers hack Bitcoin right now?No. Current quantum computers are not powerful enough to break Bitcoin’s encryption. Experts say it could take many more years before that becomes possible. 6. Which crypto wallets are most at risk from quantum attacks?Older Bitcoin wallets that have exposed public keys are more at risk. Modern wallets hide public keys until needed, offering better protection. 7. What is the SEC doing to protect crypto from quantum threats?The SEC is developing a Post-Quantum Financial Infrastructure Framework (PQFIF) to help exchanges and institutions upgrade to quantum-resistant systems before 2028. 8. What are “quantum-resistant” cryptographic systems?Quantum-resistant systems use new encryption methods designed to withstand attacks from quantum computers, keeping digital assets secure in the future. 9. How are countries and companies preparing for quantum risks?Governments like El Salvador are spreading their Bitcoin holdings across multiple wallets, while companies such as HSBC and IBM are testing quantum-safe financial technologies. 10. Should crypto investors be worried about quantum computing?Not yet. Bitcoin and major cryptocurrencies remain safe for now, but developers and regulators are already working on quantum-proof solutions to stay ahead.

Standard Chartered Bank has predicted that up to $1 trillion could move from traditional banks to stablecoins within the next three years. The forecast, revealed in a recent market report, highlights the growing appetite among institutional and retail investors for blockchain-based settlement systems — and signals a potential turning point in global banking liquidity dynamics. The bank’s analysts estimate that by 2028, stablecoins could account for as much as 4% of global money supply, driven by rising adoption in emerging markets, remittance processing, and cross-border trade settlements. The trend, they note, could present both opportunities and challenges for banks, especially in regions where digital assets are beginning to replace fiat currencies in business-to-business and retail payments. Investor Takeaway A $1 trillion shift to stablecoins, as predicted by Standard Chartered, would position blockchain as a central pillar in the next phase of global finance. Standard Chartered: Stablecoins Threaten to Redefine Global Banking Liquidity Per the report from the institution’s global research team, a statement from Standard Chartered said: “We see the potential for $1 trillion to leave emerging market banks and move into stablecoins in the next three years or so.”  Based on this statement, it is evident that stablecoins backed by robust reserves and transparency standards are rapidly becoming credible substitutes for cash and bank deposits. Looking ahead, the $1 trillion liquidity shift could primarily affect emerging market banks, where capital flight into stablecoins is already noticeable.  US dollar-backed stablecoins, such as Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC), remain dominant in these markets, accounting for over 90% of total on-chain settlement volumes. As demand grows, these tokens are evolving from speculative trading instruments into core financial infrastructure, facilitating global remittances, trade settlements, and digital savings. The report also warned that while this shift may improve financial inclusion and efficiency, it could also drain local banks’ deposit bases, reducing their ability to lend and raising systemic risks in regions where banking systems are already fragile. Investor Takeaway As stablecoins mature into trusted financial infrastructure, early exposure to the most transparent and widely adopted issuers could offer strategic upside. Regulation and Transparency Could Define Stablecoins’ Path to $1 Trillion  The Standard Chartered report paints a bold picture of a decentralized future. However, it also emphasizes that regulatory clarity will be key to unlocking the projected trillion-dollar migration. The bank cited the European Union’s MiCA stablecoin framework and Hong Kong’s licensing model as examples of balanced regulation that could foster responsible growth in the sector. While new U.S. crypto laws aim to mitigate deposit flight by prohibiting the country’s compliant stablecoin issuers from paying direct yields, which are similar to interest rates on a bank account, Standard Chartered said that developing world populations and U.S. financial players will still want them. For instance, while the U.S. remains divided on stablecoin legislation, evident in the absence of a unified federal framework that slows institutional participation, growing support from major financial players — including PayPal, BlackRock, and Fidelity — suggests that regulated stablecoins may soon be integrated into mainstream banking operations. Still, stability hinges on continued regulatory synergy between central banks and private issuers. Without consistent oversight, the sector could risk fragmentation and uneven adoption across jurisdictions.

Future FinTech Group’s Hong Kong subsidiary has struck a multi-faceted partnership with HHEX to fast-track the build-out of Web3 services and compliant tokenized assets. The agreement outlines a coordinated plan to launch tokenized funds, establish a dedicated RWA technology center, and jointly expand distribution to professional and institutional investors. In the second sentence of this paragraph, the story adds essential context: Future FinTech Group Inc. (NASDAQ: FTFT) is a comprehensive financial and digital technology service provider, while HHEX is a trading platform specializing in Real World Assets (RWA) transactions with a leadership team drawn from prior digital asset exchange founding groups. The collaboration targets the growing convergence of decentralized finance and traditional financing needs as institutions increasingly evaluate tokenization for capital efficiency and diversification. The companies say the tie-up transitions FTFT’s RWA strategy from exploration to execution, combining HHEX’s blockchain infrastructure and tokenization stack with FTFT’s competencies in asset selection, product design, risk control, and regulatory alignment. By unifying technology and go-to-market capabilities, the parties aim to accelerate compliant offerings that connect on-chain rails with off-chain assets in a way that scales for institutions and high-net-worth investors. Blueprint: Tokenized Fund, RWA Tech Center, and Shared Distribution takeaway: The pact is built around three pillars—launching a compliant multi-asset tokenized fund, standing up an integrated RWA Business Center System, and pooling client networks—to compress time-to-market for institutional-grade RWA products. At the product layer, FTFT and HHEX intend to co-develop a compliant, multi-asset RWA tokenized fund. FTFT will lead investment selection, structuring, regulatory compliance, and risk oversight, while HHEX provides the tokenization platform and blockchain infrastructure to mint and administer the instruments on-chain. The intent is to give qualified investors access to diversified exposures with on-chain settlement, auditability, and programmable controls. At the infrastructure layer, the parties plan to create an integrated RWA Business Center System designed to ingest, model, and tokenize a wide variety of traditional assets. Target asset types include real estate fund shares, supply chain finance receivables, and bonds, each with distinct data, lifecycle, and regulatory requirements. Standardizing these flows into a common tokenization fabric is core to achieving repeatability across issuers and jurisdictions. At the distribution layer, the cooperation envisions resource sharing between FTFT’s professional investor base and HHEX’s network of compliant institutions and digital asset investors. The goal is to broaden market coverage while keeping onboarding aligned with jurisdictional rules on suitability, disclosures, and investor qualifications—critical in a segment where compliance is the primary gating factor for scale. Leadership Commentary: Execution, Compliance, and Scale takeaway: Executives from both firms frame the partnership as a practical bridge from traditional finance to tokenized markets, emphasizing compliance-first design and institutional workflows. “Building on a solid technical foundation and industry insight, HHEX drives innovation in technological advancement, product experience, and ecosystem development. Through continuous breakthroughs in infrastructure development, we deliver professional, secure, and trustworthy digital asset services to users. In our partnership with FTFT, we plan to deploy critical resources to accelerate the co-development of our technology platform and the implementation of our first-phase flagship products. Our shared vision is to build a compliant and efficient bridge connecting traditional finance with digital assets,” said Cecilia Yang, CEO of HHEX. “Our strategic collaboration with HHEX marks a key step in optimizing the structure of our business operating groups. As the core platform for executing our Web3 strategy, HHEX will coordinate all Web3 and crypto-related operations with FTFT, integrating crypto assets and Web3 resources to capitalize on what we view as a historic opportunity in the industry. Through this organizational restructuring, we will strengthen crypto asset allocation, incubate Web3 projects, and build a content ecosystem while upholding principles of compliance, transparency and long-term sustainability,” said Hu Li, CEO of FTFT. “Our partnership with HHEX reflects our Board’s full endorsement of our RWA strategy and represents a pivotal step in establishing our Web3 capabilities. We are confident that the synergy of cutting-edge technology, comprehensive regulatory compliance, and strategic capital will grant us a distinct competitive edge in the emerging digital asset marketplace, and deliver sustainable value for our shareholders,” concluded FTFT CEO Hu Li. Why RWA Now: From Concept to Scalable Implementation takeaway: With Web3 tooling maturing and policy clarity improving, tokenization is moving beyond pilots—RWA products are increasingly engineered for auditability, cash flow fidelity, and operational resilience. Tokenized real-world assets have become a focal point for institutions seeking yield, collateral flexibility, and settlement efficiency, but scaling requires standardized issuance, disclosure, and investor protections. The FTFT–HHEX roadmap addresses these pain points by combining a regulated product wrapper with blockchain-native lifecycle management and controls for transfers, redemptions, and reporting. The planned RWA Technology Center is intended to function as an internal “factory” that codifies repeatable workflows across asset classes—mapping real-world agreements into on-chain representations while preserving the legal, accounting, and risk characteristics required by allocators and auditors. This is the layer where compliance automation and data provenance determine whether tokenization can operate at institutional scale. Distribution strategy is equally pivotal: matching qualified demand with compliant supply is often the limiting reagent. By aligning FTFT’s traditional finance channels with HHEX’s digital asset investor base, the partnership seeks to lower acquisition costs, raise conversion rates, and reduce operational friction in onboarding and ongoing KYC/AML maintenance cycles. The Team Behind HHEX: Exchange DNA and Systems Engineering takeaway: HHEX’s founding team brings prior exchange-building experience and high-concurrency systems expertise—useful for RWA platforms that must reconcile institutional uptime expectations with blockchain settlement. HHEX cites a leadership cohort with roots in early exchange formation and large-scale web infrastructure. Founder Soisson Zhang, a Northeastern University alum with stints at Microsoft Research Asia and Alibaba, launched the JuCoin.com Bitcoin exchange in 2013 (later rebranded as Ju.com). Other core members bring global platform operations and market development experience. On the engineering side, HHEX emphasizes architecture talent drawn from major exchanges, specializing in distributed systems designed for throughput, availability, and fault tolerance. In the RWA context, these capabilities translate into the ability to handle complex token lifecycle events, multi-jurisdictional compliance rules, and high-integrity data synchronization between off-chain registries and on-chain states. For FTFT, which conducts brokerage and investment banking services in Hong Kong and operates supply chain trading and finance businesses in China, the partnership is intended to unlock a faster route from traditional product expertise to tokenized distribution—while anchoring each step to regulatory expectations across markets.  

London-based digital finance company Revolut is entering India’s crowded payments market, marking its first move into one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing digital finance ecosystems. The British fintech plans to roll out its app later this year to 350,000 waitlisted users before opening to the broader public. Revolut will let Indian users make both domestic and international payments through integrations with the government-backed Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Visa. The company’s India head, Paroma Chatterjee, said it will offer a prepaid card and digital wallet, built on a prepaid payments instrument (PPI) licence secured from the Reserve Bank of India earlier this year. The firm’s arrival comes as competition in India’s fintech sector intensifies. Local players like Niyo, Scapia, Fi, and BookMyForex already cater to cross-border spending and remittances. But Revolut sees a gap in the market, particularly in foreign exchange services. “Cross-border payments have been the preserve of banks,” Chatterjee told TechCrunch. “There have been humongous charges which have been levied on this.” According to the company’s estimates, Indians spend roughly $30 billion overseas every year, losing about $600 million in bank fees—a cost Revolut calls “criminal.” The firm hopes its multi-currency cards and streamlined FX services will appeal to frequent travelers and digital-native professionals who are comfortable managing finances online. To support the launch, Revolut has invested over £40 million ($53.7 million) in localizing its tech infrastructure to comply with India’s strict data sovereignty rules—the only market where it has made such a commitment. The company also acquired Arvog Forex in 2022 to obtain regulatory clearance for remittance and multi-currency accounts. Betting on India’s “Aspirational Youth” Revolut aims to sign up 20 million users in India by 2030, focusing on the country’s large base of “aspirational youth” aged 25 to 45. The company plans to process at least $7 billion in transactions through its India operations during that period. Unlike many local fintech firms that use minimal KYC verification to onboard users quickly, Revolut will enforce full KYC checks including Aadhaar and video verification, and screen new customers against global sanctions lists. Chatterjee said this stricter approach targets “high-intent customers” and ensures compliance with international anti–money laundering standards. Revolut’s Indian offering will include UPI-enabled wallets, domestic and international Visa cards, and features such as budget tracking, analytics, and kids’ accounts linked to parents’ profiles. The app will also support same-day international remittances through a local banking partner. Deep Pockets and a Growing Workforce The British fintech has already infused $45 million to establish operations in India and plans further investments as it scales. Of its 10,000 global employees, about 3,500 are based in India, making it the company’s largest hub worldwide. Many of those staff contribute to product development for Revolut’s other international markets. Revolut’s entry into India also coincides with its broader global expansion push. The company, valued at $75 billion after a secondary share sale last month, has been exploring a U.S. bank acquisition and credit card rollout in its home market. While Revolut brings a strong balance sheet and brand to India, it will face a fragmented and highly competitive landscape. Payment giants such as Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and Amazon Pay already dominate daily transactions, while banks and specialized fintechs compete on remittance fees and forex margins. Still, Chatterjee said Revolut is playing a longer game focused on engagement and profitability rather than raw user numbers. “Revolut globally in 39 countries has 65 million customers and is valued at $75 billion,” she said. “That’s because more than 25 million of them are active every month.” For now, Revolut’s bet rests on whether India’s digital-savvy middle class is ready for a global payments app that promises fewer fees, faster transfers—and a British challenger’s take on what the future of money should feel like.

OTCX, a leading regulated fintech transforming over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives trading, has entered a multi-year partnership with Aladdin®, BlackRock’s technology platform that unifies the investment management process. The collaboration marks a major step toward digitising dealer-to-client “voice” trading, replacing manual workflows with more efficient and transparent electronic solutions. The partnership will integrate OTCX’s electronic execution venues directly into the Aladdin ecosystem, giving buy-side and sell-side participants access to new, streamlined tools for price discovery, order execution, and post-trade management. The goal is to reduce reliance on manual communication channels — such as phone and chat — that have historically dominated OTC derivatives trading. Takeaway: The collaboration between OTCX and BlackRock’s Aladdin represents a decisive move toward digital transformation in OTC derivatives, expanding automation and transparency across the trade lifecycle. Modernising the OTC Derivatives Workflow Through this integration, Aladdin clients will gain full end-to-end workflow support, encompassing price discovery, request-for-market, execution, and post-trade processing. The enhanced connectivity will span a wide array of OTC derivatives, improving operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness for institutions managing complex portfolios. Integrating with the Aladdin platform is a pivotal step for OTCX and for the OTC derivatives market as a whole, said Nicolas Koechlin, CEO of OTCX. Our goal is to give market participants more choice, lower costs, and more efficient workflows in markets that have historically been complex and fragmented. Together with BlackRock Aladdin, we are excited to accelerate the industry’s shift from manual voice trading to seamless digital execution, delivering transformative value for buy-side firms and dealers globally. By connecting to Aladdin, OTCX provides institutional traders with a seamless interface for comparing quotes, managing risk, and executing trades — all within a regulated, audit-ready environment. The system’s digital infrastructure allows for enhanced visibility into pricing and liquidity, ensuring more consistent execution quality and reporting standards. Takeaway: OTCX’s integration with Aladdin reduces operational complexity, enabling faster and more secure trade execution while maintaining the compliance and transparency standards expected by global institutions. Driving Efficiency and Transparency Across the Market The initiative addresses a long-standing challenge in OTC derivatives: the dependence on manual, voice-based interactions between dealers and clients. While such channels have traditionally supported complex and bespoke transactions, they often create inefficiencies, increase the risk of human error, and limit transparency in pricing and reporting. Digitising this process not only helps reduce these operational burdens but also provides traders with better tools to evaluate liquidity and manage exposure across asset classes. With both parties’ technology working in tandem, users will benefit from a single workflow for OTC derivatives alongside their broader investment management operations.

In a move to reshape the Binance Chain (BNB) ecosystem, YZi Labs (formerly Binance Labs) has announced a $1 billion investment fund to accelerate growth across decentralized finance (DeFi), artificial intelligence (AI), and real-world asset (RWA) projects.  As announced on Tuesday by YZi Labs, the initiative represents the company’s commitment to advancing blockchain innovation at a time when the Web3 space is rapidly growing with Binance Coin (BNB) at its center.  Investor Takeaway YZi Labs’ billion-dollar commitment signals renewed institutional confidence in the BNB Chain’s long-term growth potential across DeFi, AI, and real-world assets. BNB Chain’s “Builder Era” Gains Momentum According to Ella Zhang, Head of YZi Labs, the $1B fund will support early-stage builders and established teams developing decentralized solutions that bridge blockchain with tangible use cases in finance, data intelligence, and asset tokenization. The program will also provide technical mentorship, liquidity support, and global marketing resources to help developers scale faster within the BNB ecosystem. Keep building in BNB Ecosystem, on #BNBChain – Trading – RWA – AI – DeFi – DeSci – Payment – Wallet Unlimited resources, unlimited support, unlimited potential. Apply here: https://t.co/n27i0R36rS https://t.co/EHI6m9D7Fi — Ella Zhang (@ellazhang516) October 8, 2025 Notably, the fund comes at a pivotal time for BNB Chain, which has seen a surge in developer activity and total value locked (TVL) amid renewed investor confidence in the Web3 infrastructure. Data from DefiLlama shows the BNB TVL has grown more than 40% year-to-date, driven by liquidity inflows into DeFi protocols and tokenized asset projects leveraging the chain’s scalability and low transaction costs. The announcement also aligns with BNB’s recent price rally, which saw the BNB price surge past $1,300 to reach a new all-time high. Market analysts believe that the rise reflects a favorable market sentiment, especially in the BNB Chain’s expanding real-world integrations, including AI-driven DeFi and tokenized asset markets. YZi Labs’ strategic focus mirrors this trend. By combining AI analytics, DeFi infrastructure, and RWA tokenization, the company aims to spearhead a new wave of “utility-first” crypto applications that support longevity and continuous demand. These include projects tokenizing real estate, commodities, and data streams, which have optimistic projections to unlock trillions in future on-chain value. Investor Takeaway With over 40% growth in total value locked (TVL) this year, a surge in BNB’s price and developer activity, BNB Chain continues to establish itself as one of the most vibrant ecosystems for DeFi and tokenized assets. YZi Labs and BNB Champion: A Strategic Bet on On-Chain Utility YZi Labs’ billion-dollar fund signals more than just ecosystem growth across builders and traders — it also highlights the global drive around DeFi and AI. Across Asia and Europe, blockchain-AI hybrids are gaining traction as developers explore predictive trading, autonomous lending platforms, and tokenized data marketplaces. Similarly, real-world asset (RWA) projects have become one of crypto’s hottest developments. Major DeFi protocols like MakerDAO and Pendle have already integrated tokenized treasuries and yield-bearing assets, while institutions are increasingly experimenting with on-chain representations of traditional securities. Analysts note that YZi Labs’ initiative could speed up cross-sector innovation within the crypto space, extending it beyond speculation and showcasing its real economic utility. With AI models now leveraging blockchain-based data layers and RWA projects to connect traditional financ(TradFi) and DeFi, the $1B commitment reflects growing confidence that the next bull cycle will be utility-driven and not hype-fueled — as seen in the recent BNB’s strong performance.

Institutional participation in digital assets continues to converge with traditional market standards as a new banking arrangement focuses on the most practical friction of all: moving money in and out with speed, clarity, and control. The collaboration places payments, reporting, and reconciliation on a more predictable footing for treasurers and trading desks that need bank-grade infrastructure around their crypto workflows. The announcement centers on a corporate banking partnership intended to streamline fiat deposits and withdrawals for clients using regulated entities in Europe and Asia. In the second sentence of this paragraph, the parties are introduced naturally: Bullish operates an institutionally oriented digital asset venue and market infrastructure stack, while Deutsche Bank brings its global transaction banking capabilities and European leadership to bear on payments, cash management, and reporting. At launch, the setup includes API-enabled real-time reporting, instant payments rails, and a virtual account construct designed to lift reconciliation rates and reduce operational breaks. For multi-entity institutions trading across time zones, those elements reduce funding lags, cut manual effort at close, and provide a firmer audit trail for risk, finance, and compliance teams. takeaway Integrating exchange access with a single, API-first banking stack addresses the core bottlenecks for institutions—faster funding, cleaner reconciliations, and better end-to-end visibility. What Clients Get: Fiat On/Off Ramps, Virtual Accounts, And Instant Payments Deutsche Bank will facilitate deposits and withdrawals for customers of Bullish Exchange’s Hong Kong SFC and German BaFin-regulated businesses, with a stated ambition to bring the same capabilities to additional regions as the venue’s regulatory footprint expands. The goal is optionality: more than one route into and out of the market, backed by standardized reporting and the predictability treasury teams expect. From an operating perspective, virtual accounts help institutions match cash movements to legal entities, strategies, or funds without opening dozens of physical accounts. Combined with instant payments and programmatic reporting, teams can move balances intraday, reduce stranded cash, and automate reconciliations into internal ledgers and order/execution systems. Bullish positioned the agreement as both a client-experience upgrade and a reinforcement of its banking network. “Partnering with Deutsche Bank marks a significant milestone for Bullish’s banking network and offers greater choice to our customers,” said Chris Tyrer, President of Bullish Exchange. “We are proud to enhance the security and efficiency of our services by providing customers with seamless on-ramp and off-ramp access to Bullish through Deutsche Bank’s fiat payment rails.” takeaway Virtual accounts plus instant rails are designed to cut funding latency and reconciliation errors—key blockers for institutional scale in digital assets. Why It Matters: Governance, Auditability, And Readiness For Scale Institutions weigh market access on more than price and liquidity. They want the controls that let operations and compliance sleep at night: standardized statements, event-driven data, and clear segregation of flows. With an incumbent transaction bank handling fiat rails, the exchange-bank pairing brings those controls closer to the playbook used in other electronically traded asset classes. Deutsche Bank framed the move as consistent with its strategy to support the emerging digital economy through established transaction banking discipline. “We actively seek partnerships with organisations that share our commitment to security, transparency and innovation. Our collaboration with Bullish, a globally recognised leader in regulated virtual asset services, reflects our ambition to act as a Global Hausbank for the emerging digital economy,” said Kilian Thalhammer, Head of Merchant Solutions at Deutsche Bank. The timing coincides with steady scale metrics at the venue level. Since launching in 2021, Bullish reports more than $1.5 trillion in cumulative trading volume and over $2 billion in average daily volume this year, ranking among the top exchanges by spot activity in the largest digital assets. Its market design blends a high-performance central limit order book with a deterministic automated market maker to emphasize predictable depth and execution in major pairs. takeaway Bank-grade cash management wrapped around a high-volume venue signals a maturing market structure: execution quality on one side, auditable, well-governed fiat operations on the other. Regulatory Footprint And The Road Ahead Licensing remains a gating factor for institutional crypto strategies. Bullish highlights authorizations from the New York State Department of Financial Services, Germany’s BaFin, Hong Kong’s SFC, and the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission. Pairing that oversight with an integrated payments stack is intended to reduce onboarding friction and align venue workflows with internal control frameworks. Practically, the addition of API-first banking rails should simplify cross-border funding, collateralization, and treasury sweeps, while improving data integrity for finance and risk. For trading teams, faster cash mobility can translate into tighter spreads on hedges and fewer missed opportunities around market windows, particularly when combined with deterministic liquidity and robust post-trade reporting. As regulatory coverage widens, the partners aim to expand the service to more jurisdictions, including the U.S., bringing a single operating paradigm to multiple booking centers. If executed, that will let institutions standardize treasury, reporting, and reconciliation across regions—shifting the focus from operational plumbing to strategy, best execution, and liquidity sourcing. takeaway Expect the model to scale with licensing: one banking-and-reporting standard across regions, freeing institutions to concentrate on execution and risk rather than cash logistics.  

OTTAWA, Canada, October 8th, 2025, FinanceWire PU Prime has launched its Halloween Lucky Draw Promotion, running from 1 – 31 October 2025. With every qualifying trade, participants stand a chance to win premium Apple products and weekly cash rewards, adding festive excitement to the trading journey. Grand Prizes Await At the end of the promotion, traders will have the chance to take home some of Apple’s devices: 1st Prize: iPhone 17 Pro Max, 256GB 2nd Prize: iPhone 17 Pro, 256GB 3rd Prize: iPhone 17 Air, 256GB 4th Prize: iPhone 17, 256GB 5th Prize: Apple Watch Ultra 3 6th Prize: Apple Watch Series 11 7th Prize: Apple Watch SE 3 8th Prize: AirPods Pro 3 Winners of the grand prizes will be announced on 7 November 2025. Weekly Lucky Draws Adding to the festive fun, PU Prime will also award $600 in total weekly cash rewards throughout October, with three winners each week receiving $50 USD. Draws will be held on: 10 October 17 October 24 October 31 October How to Enter New or existing clients can: Deposit & Trade – Deposit a minimum of $500 USD into their PU Prime trading account. Earn Lucky Draw Tickets – Trade at least 100,000 notional volume to receive 1 lucky draw ticket. Win Prizes – Each ticket boosts the chances of winning in both the weekly draws and the grand prize draw. Celebrating Halloween with PU Prime A PU Prime spokesperson commented: “We are excited to share the Halloween spirit with our global community. This campaign not only offers exciting rewards but also reflects PU Prime’s ongoing commitment to delivering engaging, international promotions that bring traders closer together.” Important Dates 7 November 2025: Final winners announced. By 30 November 2025: All prizes delivered. Terms & Eligibility Open to all regions. Applicable to Standard and Islamic Standard accounts only. Copy Trading accounts are not eligible. For full details and participation, users can visit here. For media enquiries, please contact: media@puprime.com About PU Prime Founded in 2015, PU Prime is a leading global fintech company providing innovative online trading solutions. Today, it offers regulated financial products across various asset classes, including forex, commodities, indices, and shares. With a presence in over 190 countries and more than 40 million app downloads, PU Prime is committed to enabling financial success and fostering a global community of empowered traders. Contact Sky PU Prime marketing@puprime.com Disclaimer: This content is a press release from a wire service. This press release is provided for informational purposes only. We have not independently verified its content and do not bear any responsibility for any information or description of services that it may contain. Information contained in this post is not advice nor a recommendation and thus should not be treated as such. We strongly recommend that you seek independent financial advice from a qualified and regulated professional, before participating or investing in any financial activities or services. Please also read and review our full disclaimer.

Match-Trade Technologies is bringing speed and spectacle to its annual Perfect Match party this month, turning La Caleta in Limassol into a racing pit for one night only. Themed “Need for Drift,” the October 17 event will blend high-performance motorsport with the company’s trademark mix of networking and innovation. The invitation-only evening gathers Match-Trader’s clients, partners, and industry guests for what has become one of the most anticipated fixtures on the fintech social calendar. This year’s twist is an appearance by professional drifter Bartosz Ostalowski, known globally for competing in drift races steering exclusively with his foot. Guests will be welcomed at the entrance by “Fury,” Ostalowski’s own drift car, before the driver himself joins them inside for an evening that blurs the line between racing and trading. “Drifting is about going beyond limits and proving that nothing is impossible,” Ostalowski said ahead of the event. “I’m looking forward to meeting everyone at La Caleta and sharing my story with them.” From Racetrack to Trading Floor Inside the venue, guests can test their reflexes on professional driving simulators designed to capture the precision and timing that define both high-speed racing and fast-paced trading. Far from a casual arcade setup, the simulators are intended to show how discipline and quick decision-making can separate professionals from amateurs—whether behind the wheel or at the trading desk. Attendees will be able to challenge one another on the virtual circuit, with bragging rights (and a few surprises) on the line. Each guest will also leave with a bespoke gift created to spark curiosity and keep the night’s energy alive long after the engines cool. Match-Trader’s Signature Blend The Perfect Match party has become a reflection of Match-Trader’s broader ethos as a technology provider—fast, precise, and designed for performance. The firm’s all-in-one trading platform has gained traction among brokers for combining execution, CRM, and analytics under one streamlined system. In that sense, “Need for Drift” serves as both a celebration and a metaphor. Like professional drifting, successful trading relies on maintaining control under pressure and adapting to fast-changing conditions. The company says the event is meant to capture that spirit of balance between risk and mastery. Match-Trade has hosted its Perfect Match gatherings for several years, each edition taking on a fresh identity. The goal, the organizers say, is to create experiences that go beyond typical corporate events. Last year’s edition focused on creative expression and design; this year’s focus on motion and adrenaline takes things in a new direction. “Need for Drift” continues that evolution—an immersive evening that brings together technology, entertainment, and human connection in a way that feels distinctively Match-Trader. When the smoke clears at La Caleta, guests are expected to walk away not just with photos and souvenirs, but with something closer to the company’s message: that precision and daring aren’t opposites—they’re the perfect match.

BNB, the native token of Binance’s BNB Chain, has vaulted into third place among global cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, overtaking Ripple’s XRP after a blistering rally that pushed its price above $1,300. The token climbed nearly 30% in the past week, reaching $1,326 on Tuesday and lifting its market capitalization to around $182 billion, according to CoinGecko. The move caps a remarkable run that saw BNB add roughly $40 billion in value in just seven days — a sharp contrast to Bitcoin’s modest 5% gain and Ether’s 8% rise over the same period. BNB now trails only Bitcoin and Ether, with XRP and Tether’s USDT ranking fourth and fifth, respectively. Rapid Climb, Rising Questions The rally has outpaced the broader crypto market, which grew just 5.5% since October 1. The jump coincides with expanding real-world adoption of the BNB ecosystem, including a government-backed BNB fund in Kazakhstan, designed to support blockchain innovation. Still, not everyone is convinced the surge reflects organic demand. Traders across Reddit and X have voiced concerns about potential price manipulation, comparing BNB’s trajectory to that of FTX’s now-defunct exchange token. “BNB is essentially like the FTX token. Can’t wait till it gets called out for the price manipulation with evidence,” one Reddit user wrote in a thread that quickly gained traction within the Solana community. A pseudonymous X user, @DeFiTracer, accused Binance of “buying millions of BNB to liquidate shorts,” suggesting the exchange might be directly influencing market activity. Binance has not publicly responded to these claims, and founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao has remained largely silent, posting only, “Keep building on BNB Chain,” on Tuesday. Market Power and Influence Analysts have noted that BNB’s market cap expansion — from roughly $100 billion in mid-July to $182 billion this week — underscores the network’s growing footprint. Momin Saqib, a crypto commentator who focuses on BNB Chain developments, wrote that “while the broader industry feels like it’s still waiting for direction, BNB has quietly been putting up the strongest numbers in the industry,” citing 60 million monthly active addresses. Even so, concerns persist about concentration of ownership. Reports from mid-2024 indicated that CZ held roughly 64% of BNB’s circulating supply — a stake that, at current prices, could be worth more than $116 billion. That concentration, coupled with Binance’s dominant role in the token’s ecosystem, has left some investors uneasy about transparency and control. Despite the controversy, BNB’s rapid ascent has reinforced its position — at least for now — as a dominant force in the crypto landscape, highlighting both the enthusiasm and the suspicion that continue to define digital asset markets.

Senator Cynthia Lummis, a well-known supporter of cryptocurrencies in Congress, has stated that the US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) is nearly ready to begin collecting funds. The only problem is that there is a lot of red tape in the way of getting the money.  Lummis said that President Trump’s executive order has made it possible for the reserve to start at any time. He also pointed out that the legislative process is still “slogging,” but he made it clear that the executive branch has given the green light for the procedure to get money for the SBR. Using America’s Gold Gains: A Proposal and Market Reason Market observers and officials are discussing the concept of using US government paper earnings from gold to purchase Bitcoin. Jeff Park, the chief investment officer of ProCap BTC, stated that using the government’s nearly $1 trillion in unrealized gains on gold as collateral is a relatively low risk compared to the country’s massive $37.88 trillion fiscal debt.  Park and other supporters argue that investing a small portion of these paper profits in Bitcoin, which has historically outperformed other assets, could help mitigate long-term budget gaps, provided BTC continues to appreciate at an average annual rate of 12%. The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve: Growth and Capitalization The official government fact sheet states that the reserve will be initially funded with Bitcoin obtained through civil and criminal cases by the Department of the Treasury. This method ensures that the SBR is supported in ways that don’t affect the budget and don’t incur additional costs for American taxpayers. Buying more BTC for the reserve would likewise follow these budget-neutral rules. There is still some uncertainty about how much money will be set aside and when acquisitions will occur, but the infrastructure appears ready for growth as long as the government makes progress. What The Market Thinks and The Political Climate It has been seven months since President Trump signed the executive order establishing the SBR, and both market participants and policy experts are still uncertain about when it will actually begin.  Anthony Pompliano, a well-known Bitcoin bull, believes that the eventual announcement of active government Bitcoin purchases will still be a significant market event. While the current reserves come from BTC that was seized in the past, a full-scale government purchase would be a historic event that could significantly impact crypto prices and global monetary policy. Is US The World’s Top Bitcoin Country? Commentators have said that the US could be “front-run” by other countries that want to build up their Bitcoin reserves and enhance their own positions if it waits too long. The passage of the BITCOIN Act and other legislative backing may be crucial in maintaining the US’s leadership in the digital asset market and increasing Bitcoin’s importance in managing government funds. The executive branch now knows how to fund the US Bitcoin Reserve. All that is needed now is for Congress to take action to make it official. If implemented, the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve could alter how governments manage their assets and demonstrate that Bitcoin is a valuable component of national reserves.

OpenAI has signed contracts worth nearly $1 trillion for computing power in 2025. This is the most significant infrastructure transaction ever for developing artificial intelligence. The deals include major tech giants such as Nvidia, AMD, Oracle, and CoreWeave.  They provide OpenAI with access to more than 20 gigawatts of computing capacity over the next decade, equivalent to the output of approximately 20 nuclear reactors. This significant investment is intended to support AI services, such as ChatGPT, which are rapidly gaining popularity among both consumers and businesses. The Difference Between Revenue Growth and Compute Spending OpenAI’s revenue is still much lower than its huge investment, though. By the middle of 2025, the company was generating approximately $12 billion to $13 billion annually, primarily from subscriptions to ChatGPT and sales of its enterprise API.  However, analysts point out a big problem: the cost of computing infrastructure is much more than the revenue. OpenAI is expected to incur billions of dollars in losses this year, with operational losses estimated to reach nearly $8 billion. This illustrates the high cost of developing AI on such a large scale. Strategic Partnerships and New Ways to Get Money Some of the most important contracts are for $500 billion with Nvidia for GPUs, $300 billion with AMD for Instinct GPUs, $300 billion with Oracle, and more than $20 billion with CoreWeave. These deals often involve complex financial structures, including equity holdings and warrants.  For example, AMD has issued OpenAI warrants that allow it to purchase up to 10% of AMD shares at a minimal price. This could lower some costs if the stock meets specific performance goals. Over the next decade, Nvidia plans to invest $100 billion in OpenAI. This money will help OpenAI and provide hardware. The Effect on The Market and What to Expect in The Future OpenAI’s campaign for infrastructure dominance has affected the stock prices and valuations of the tech companies involved. Following the announcement of the deals, the market capitalisations of AMD and Oracle increased significantly.  Meanwhile, some observers argue that the situation is a prime example of Silicon Valley‘s “fake it until you make it” mentality, and there are still doubts about OpenAI’s long-term profitability and ability to fulfill its computing obligations. OpenAI remains a significant player in the AI ecosystem, continually pushing innovation and transforming the IT industry. Finding a Balance Between Growth and Sustainability OpenAI’s trillion-dollar computing contracts demonstrate the company’s active efforts to stay ahead in the field of artificial intelligence as demand for its services increases. The company’s revenue growth is impressive, but the significant gap between income and infrastructure spending indicates that scaling profitable AI solutions remains challenging. How OpenAI handles this balance will impact the future of AI innovation and the broader technological ecosystem.

The Labuan Financial Services Authority (FSA) in Malaysia has granted Fasset a temporary license to launch what it calls the first “Islamic digital bank,” powered by a stablecoin. This license enables Fasset to operate in a regulated sandbox, allowing it to focus on Shariah-compliant financial services.  This announcement marks a significant step for Fasset, as it aims to combine the trustworthiness of traditional banking with innovative fintech solutions that adhere strictly to Islamic finance principles. Financial Innovation and Following Shariah Law Shariah law serves as the foundation for Islamic finance. It outlaws charging interest (riba), taking on too much risk (gharar), and putting money into businesses that are not morally sound, such as gambling, alcohol, and pornography.  Fasset’s Islamic digital bank will adhere to these rules and offer services, including deposit-taking, cross-border payments, and interest-free banking. This method meets the needs of millions of people who want halal financial goods without sacrificing technological progress or ease of access. Increasing Access in Asia and Africa Fasset’s innovative banking model aims to help areas in Asia and Africa that lack sufficient banking services. It already serves over 500,000 members in 125 countries. Fasset seeks to initiate a similar fintech revolution in these new areas, much like Latin America’s NuBank has done.  The site now lets people save money digitally, earn interest on their savings, and invest in US equities, gold, and cryptocurrencies. This opens up new opportunities for individuals who have been excluded from traditional banking systems. Stablecoins and How They Work in The Real World Fasset may offer Shariah-compliant financial services because it uses stablecoins in new ways. The company aims to release a crypto debit card for everyday purchases and “Own,” an Ethereum layer-two solution on Arbitrum, designed to settle real-world assets. This connection between blockchain technology and Islamic finance may alter the way digital banking operates in regulated markets, establishing new standards for compliance and interoperability. Getting Ready For Global Financial Inclusion Fasset holds licenses in various countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Turkey, the European Union, and Malaysia. This indicates that the company has a broader global objective. The Labuan FSA license lets you do business in Malaysia’s offshore financial centre, the Labuan International Business and Financial Centre (IBFC).  However, it is not a full digital banking license from the Central Bank of Malaysia. However, this regulatory permission sets the stage for Fasset’s slow growth in Islamic digital banking. Fasset’s temporary license in Malaysia makes it the first company to offer Islamic digital banking using stablecoins, combining Shariah compliance with the latest blockchain technology. Fasset is at the forefront of inclusive fintech, meeting the changing demands of global digital economies by focusing on areas that lack sufficient services and emphasising ethical finance.

Crunch Lab, the primary backer of CrunchDAO, has raised $5 million in a strategic investment round to support the growth of its decentralized artificial intelligence predictions network. This new round of funding doubles the protocol’s overall funding to $10 million.  This accelerates Crunch Lab’s objective of establishing a robust intelligence layer for decentralized AI in businesses worldwide. Galaxy Ventures and Road Capital co-led the fundraising round, which was joined by VanEck and Multicoin in June. The goal is to expand Crunch Lab’s solutions into fields other than finance and biomedical research. Prediction for Enterprise Scalability Using Blockchain Crunch Lab transforms enterprise forecasting from standard centralised data science teams into encrypted modelling competitions. These contests utilize blockchain technology to enable thousands of people to compete anonymously, resulting in the development of highly accurate predictive models.  Businesses can safely access global talent through this decentralized network, which means they don’t have to actively look for hard-to-find experts. Jean Herelle, the CEO of Crunch Lab, says that having multiple competitors involved leads to new, surprising solutions that internal teams might not think of. Discoveries in Cancer Research and Financial Modelling The decentralized AI method used by Crunch Lab is already having a significant impact on scientific research. Using Crunch Lab’s computer vision technology, the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard made groundbreaking progress in cancer gene therapy.  The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Centre utilised this crowdsourcing network to develop more effective models for identifying cancer cells, thereby enhancing the accuracy of diagnostic processes. Guido Imbens, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, has utilized Crunch Lab’s platform to develop innovative algorithms that reveal the relationships between economic variables. This represents a significant advancement in financial research. Institutional Adoption and Accuracy Gains in the Double Digits Increasingly, global organisations are utilising Crunch Lab’s technologies for critical research and informed decision-making. The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) Research Lab, which is part of one of the world’s most significant sovereign wealth funds, saw accuracy increases of more than 10% when it used CrunchDAO’s predictive models.  These real-world results demonstrate the flexibility and dependability of this decentralized AI system in enhancing asset prices, energy demand, and healthcare diagnostics. Will Nuelle, a general partner at Galaxy Ventures, discusses how CrunchDAO can help businesses worldwide make better and faster decisions. Getting More People to Use Blockchain CrunchDAO is still doing strong. In early 2025, it was chosen for the second cohort of the Solana Incubator. This represents a significant step toward increasing the adoption of blockchain networks and decentralized technology. This partnership will help Crunch Lab’s intelligence infrastructure become even more integrated into new blockchain ecosystems, making advanced AI tools for predictive modelling and research more accessible to everyone. Crunch Lab’s decentralized AI network is rapidly transforming the way predictive modelling and scientific research are conducted, thanks to strong institutional support and a history of groundbreaking new ideas. Its crowdsourced, blockchain-based method makes things more accurate and efficient, putting Crunch Lab at the forefront of decentralized technology and enterprise AI.

Currency Matters Limited, a UK-based payment services provider, has entered special administration following a decision by its directors that the company was insolvent. The firm, which was authorized by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to offer payment services to both corporate and retail clients, had already been under pressure following regulatory actions in September. On the 1st of that month, the FCA placed restrictions on Currency Matters, limiting its ability to onboard new clients or accept additional funds from existing customers. These measures were a precursor to the company’s insolvency filing. Frank Ofonagoro and Allister Manson, insolvency practitioners from Opus Business Advisory Group, were appointed as joint special administrators. They are now responsible for managing customer claims and overseeing the process of returning funds to clients where possible. The FCA, which continues to regulate the firm, stated that it will work closely with the administrators to secure the best possible outcome for affected customers. Currency Matters’ financial difficulties appear to have culminated in the decision to apply for special administration. According to the company’s directors, the firm had become insolvent, a conclusion that led them to seek the court’s approval for the special administration order. The FCA has since acknowledged the appointment of the administrators and urged any customers with questions to contact the Opus team directly via email. The restrictions imposed in September had already placed significant limitations on Currency Matters’ operations. These measures are part of a broader strategy by the FCA to ensure that payment institutions meet regulatory standards and protect consumers, particularly in cases where firms face financial challenges. The situation highlights the ongoing scrutiny of the UK’s payment services sector, especially as regulators ramp up their focus on safeguarding customer funds. The Payment and Electronic Money Institution Insolvency Regulations 2021 (PESAR) were introduced to manage the winding-down process for firms in the payment services space, ensuring that customer claims are handled appropriately during insolvency. PESAR cases have been increasing in recent years, with several firms under investigation or entering administration, including notable cases such as Rational FX and Silverbird Global. Although Currency Matters was not subject to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which covers most bank depositors, the company was required to safeguard customer funds. The special administrators will now manage these safeguarded funds and determine the process for their return, which is expected to take some time as they assess the full scope of the firm’s financial obligations. The FCA, while not directly managing the insolvency, has committed to supporting the process and ensuring that customers are treated fairly. The regulator has said it will engage with the special administrators to ensure the best outcome for the firm’s clients. However, the situation underscores the risks that consumers face when dealing with non-bank financial firms, particularly those offering services like cross-border payments and foreign exchange. Currency Matters’ clients, many of whom are corporate customers, will now have to wait for updates from the special administrators, who will be tasked with distributing funds and managing any potential shortfalls. For now, customers are advised to reach out to the administrators directly through the official contact channels for any claims-related inquiries.  

Hamilton, Bermuda, October 7th, 2025, FinanceWire Funding round co-led by tier one global investors, Bain Capital Crypto and Haun Ventures with Pantera Capital and additional participation from Apollo, Northwestern Mutual Future Ventures, and Stillmark. Funding will accelerate global access to BTC-denominated life insurance, annuities, savings and insurance bonds through institutional partners, protecting policyholders worldwide from inflation and currency risk Meanwhile is regulated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority, a premier global financial regulator, and offers savings and protection products in BTC, the world’s leading store of value. Driven by surging demand from individuals and institutions seeking the protection of Bitcoin-denominated savings and corporate treasury products Meanwhile’s Bitcoin AUM growth is over 200%. Meanwhile today announced it has raised $82 million in new capital to meet growing demand from individuals seeking to protect their families and established financial institutions seeking to offer bitcoin-linked savings, retirement, and life insurance products to their customers. Meanwhile’s innovative products combine the security and predictable benefits of traditional life insurance and annuities with Bitcoin – a scarce, inflation-resistant asset built to preserve long term value. Meanwhile’s approach provides policyholders worldwide with a powerful tool for long-term financial planning, inflation hedging, and secure wealth transfer. The round was co-led by Haun Ventures and Bain Capital Crypto with Pantera Capital and additional participation from Apollo, Northwestern Mutual Future Ventures and Stillmark. With support from both crypto-native and traditional financial institutions, the financing points to Bitcoin’s growing acceptance as a foundation for mainstream financial products. This raise brings Meanwhile’s total funding in 2025 to $122 million, following a $40 million Series A earlier this year co-led by Framework Ventures and Fulgur Ventures. Meanwhile enters its next stage grounded in breakthroughs that have reshaped insurance and Bitcoin capital markets: First Bitcoin-denominated life insurer in the world. First long-term insurance license granted in Bermuda, setting a global precedent. First audited Bitcoin financial statements, establishing trust and transparency. First Bitcoin life insurance products, transforming a sector that represents ~3% of global GDP. Earns Bitcoin through conservative lending and private credit, making Meanwhile one of the world’s largest long-duration BTC lenders (terms over six months). “Life insurers have always provided the steady, long-term capital that keeps financial markets moving,” said Zac Townsend, CEO of Meanwhile. “We’re bringing that same role to Bitcoin—helping families save and protect wealth in BTC, while giving institutions new ways to earn returns and launch bitcoin-indexed products that are compliant and easy to scale. This raise lets us build on what’s working and expand it with partners around the world.” Bitcoin needs more than short-term speculation. It requires dependable, long-duration solutions backed by real economic activity. Meanwhile delivers bitcoin-denominated savings and protection that families and institutions can rely on while generating sustainable yield through conservative private credit and long-term lending to high-quality counterparties. Built for trust from day one, Meanwhile operates as a licensed, prudentially regulated carrier, meeting solvency and reserve standards on par with the world’s most established insurers. “At Haun Ventures, our thesis is that the Bitcoin economy needs more than trading platforms and DATs—it needs the core building blocks of capital markets. Just as the U.S. economy was built on insurance, pensions, and mortgages, the Bitcoin economy will require its own long-duration financial products. Meanwhile is the first mover in this category, and we believe it will unlock a new wave of innovation across Bitcoin-denominated markets,” said Chris Ahn, Partner at Haun Ventures. “Meanwhile is building simple, compliant, and lasting products that make Bitcoin practical for both people and institutions,” said Stefan Cohen, Partner at Bain Capital Crypto. “We’re excited to back the team as they scale and work with established insurers to bring bitcoin-linked savings and retirement products to market—safely, at institutional grade, and globally.” About Meanwhile Incorporated Meanwhile’s mission is to enable anyone, anywhere to save, protect, and build wealth across generations. Meanwhile Incorporated is the parent company of Meanwhile Insurance Bitcoin (Bermuda) Limited, the first licensed long-term insurer denominated entirely in Bitcoin. All premiums, policy values, and claims are managed in Bitcoin (BTC). Co-founded by fintech entrepreneurs Zac Townsend and Max Gasner, with support from previous investors including Sam Altman. For more information, users can visit meanwhile.bm and https://x.com/meanwhilelife Contact Media Inquiries Meanwhile Incorporated press@meanwhile.bm

ZKsync has rolled out Atlas, a major upgrade to its ZK Stack framework, aimed at enabling enterprises and institutional players to build scalable and secure blockchain networks tailored to their operational needs. The Atlas upgrade marks a significant evolution for ZKsync as it expands beyond decentralized finance (DeFi) applications to serve the growing demand for enterprise-grade blockchain solutions. The release introduces advanced performance features, interoperability enhancements, and a new proof system designed to support large-scale institutional use cases. According to the development team, Atlas integrates the “Airbender” proof system, which enables near-instant transaction confirmations and faster cross-chain settlements. The upgrade also features a high-performance sequencercapable of processing up to 30,000 transactions per second, positioning ZKsync among the most efficient Layer-2 networks in the ecosystem. Alex Gluchowski, the CEO and co-founder of the development team, Matter Labs added that: “ZKsync is the foundation for a new era of financial infrastructure. In it, companies can operate on-chain with the same sovereignty and flexibility as in their internal systems, but with the unbreakable guarantees provided by cryptograph.” Atlas offers customizable chain deployments, allowing enterprises to launch private or semi-public chains that remain interoperable with Ethereum and other ZK Stack-based networks. This flexibility provides companies with the control needed for regulatory compliance while maintaining access to the broader Web3 ecosystem. ZKsync described the update as a milestone toward “bridging enterprise systems with decentralized infrastructure,” showcasing its vision to make zero-knowledge technology the foundation for institutional blockchain adoption. ZKsync Expands Ecosystem In September 2025, ZKsync co-led a $19 million Series A round for Grvt, a decentralized exchange leveraging zero-knowledge technology to enhance privacy and scalability. The round, backed by Further Ventures, EigenCloud, and 500 Global, valued Grvt at $150 million. Grvt plans to use ZKsync’s Validium chain to power faster, low-cost, and private onchain trading while expanding across Asia and the Middle East. Earlier in April 2025, ZKsync faced a $5 million security breach after a compromised admin account exploited its airdrop contract to mint 111 million ZK tokens. Although the exploit did not affect user funds or the core network, it reignited debate about admin privileges and smart contract security. ZKsync said it is working with SEAL 911 and several exchanges to track the attacker and reinforce its security architecture ahead of its upcoming Atlas upgrade aimed at enterprise blockchain adoption.

Tradeweb Markets Inc., a global leader in electronic marketplaces for rates, credit, equities, and money markets, has announced record trading volumes for September 2025, with total trading reaching $63.7 trillion and average daily volume (ADV) at a record $2.9 trillion, representing a 10.0% increase year-over-year. For the third quarter, total trading volume climbed to $172.8 trillion and ADV averaged $2.6 trillion, up 11.8% YoY (or 14.5% YoY excluding ICD impact). Preliminary figures for the quarter show average variable fees of $2.16 per million dollars traded and total fixed fees of $95.5 million across rates, credit, equities, and money markets — further underscoring the platform’s breadth and operational scale. Tradeweb reported record ADV for both September and the third quarter, with double-digit growth in each over the year-ago period, said Billy Hult, CEO of Tradeweb. September was active across all asset classes, helping us finish the quarter with strong momentum. Our markets remained resilient despite depressed rate volatility, with strong client engagement across various tools and protocols including RFQ and our automated solution AiEX. Takeaway: Record-breaking trading activity across all asset classes solidified Tradeweb’s leadership in electronic markets, with robust growth in both September and Q3 2025. Record Highlights Across Asset Classes Tradeweb achieved multiple monthly and quarterly records across rates, credit, equities, and repo markets. For September 2025, the company recorded ADV highs in: Mortgages U.S. swaps/swaptions ≥ 1-year U.S. swaps/swaptions < 1-year Equity convertibles/swaps/options Global repurchase agreements For the third quarter of 2025, additional records were achieved in: Mortgages U.S. swaps/swaptions < 1-year Municipal bonds Equity convertibles/swaps/options Global repurchase agreements Takeaway: Consistent quarterly and monthly records demonstrate Tradeweb’s diversified strength across fixed income and equities trading. Rates Trading: Strength in U.S. and Europe Tradeweb’s rates division continued to lead its performance, posting across-the-board growth: U.S. government bond ADV: up 3.5% YoY to $240.2 billion, led by institutional demand. European government bond ADV: up 27.3% YoY to $63.0 billion, driven by both institutional and wholesale client activity. Mortgage ADV: up 21.5% YoY to $291.9 billion, driven by record To-Be-Announced (TBA) trading and higher dollar-roll activity. Swaps/swaptions ≥ 1-year ADV: up 6.1% YoY to $611.2 billion, while total rates derivatives ADV rose 8.1% YoY to $1.1 trillion. Record activity in swaps/swaptions was fueled by stronger risk trading amid central bank policy shifts, although compression activity — which carries a lower fee per million — declined by 15% YoY. Takeaway: Robust rates trading in the U.S. and Europe, combined with record mortgage volumes, continued to drive Tradeweb’s growth momentum. Credit Markets: Growth in Europe and Municipal Bonds Tradeweb’s credit segment reflected mixed results, with electronic adoption remaining a key growth driver. U.S. credit ADV: down slightly by 0.9% YoY to $8.6 billion, with AllTrade® and RFQ usage offsetting lower Portfolio Trading (PT) volumes. European credit ADV: up 4.2% YoY to $2.9 billion, supported by record AiEX automation activity.</l