Bitcoin is still searching for direction. The price remains more than 25% below its October all-time high of $126,000, and repeated attempts to reclaim $100,000 this year have stalled. That hesitation has split the market between short-term frustration and long-term speculation about what the next major catalyst could be. One of the few developments capable of shifting sentiment decisively is the idea of sovereign Bitcoin accumulation, particularly by the United States. While Bitcoin’s price absorbs uncertainty, some investors are looking beyond spot exposure and focusing on infrastructure tied directly to Bitcoin’s long-term usage. Bitcoin Everlight is being evaluated in that context, not as a substitute for Bitcoin itself, but as a way to position around what a higher Bitcoin price could unlock. The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Narrative And Price Expectations Speculation around the US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve has added a new dimension to Bitcoin’s outlook. At present, the reserve consists only of seized or confiscated Bitcoin. However, US officials have acknowledged that direct purchases could be considered if a “budget-neutral” mechanism is identified. In early January, Cathie Wood suggested that an expansion of the reserve could occur ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, aligning political incentives with a rising Bitcoin price. If the US Treasury were to buy Bitcoin on the open market, the implications would extend far beyond a single price spike. Such a move would signal that Bitcoin has crossed from speculative asset into strategic reserve consideration. That signal alone could change how institutions and other governments approach Bitcoin exposure. How A Sovereign Buying Cycle Could Push Bitcoin Higher Bitcoin’s supply dynamics make it uniquely sensitive to large, price-insensitive buyers. The idea of a “Bitcoin arms race” rests on simple logic: if one major government begins accumulating Bitcoin, others risk falling behind. This competitive dynamic has precedent. Only a few years ago, the idea of companies existing solely to hold Bitcoin seemed implausible. Today, Bitcoin treasury companies collectively control more than 5% of all Bitcoin in circulation, exerting meaningful influence on liquidity and supply. A sovereign accumulation cycle would magnify that effect, especially in a market with fixed issuance. Price forecasts reflect this asymmetry. JPMorgan Chase has previously outlined scenarios near $170,000. Tom Lee has floated levels as high as $250,000. A survey of analyst projections cited by CNBC showed estimates clustering between $125,000 and $225,000, with $150,000 frequently referenced, including by Standard Chartered. Prediction markets remain cautious, assigning roughly a 24% probability to Bitcoin reaching $150,000 this year. Even so, a move from the low-$90,000 range to that level represents a return profile that keeps long-term capital engaged. Why Bitcoin’s Price Upside Extends Beyond Spot Returns A sustained rise in Bitcoin’s price does more than reward holders. It increases transaction demand, draws new users on-chain, and renews interest in Bitcoin-native infrastructure. Periods of price appreciation historically coincide with higher network activity, fee pressure, and experimentation around transaction efficiency. This is where Bitcoin Everlight becomes relevant. Everlight is designed as a transaction-routing layer anchored to Bitcoin, intended to handle fast, low-cost transactions while periodically anchoring settlement back to Bitcoin’s base layer. Bitcoin remains the settlement foundation. Everlight focuses on transaction flow and usability as activity scales. For investors who believe Bitcoin’s next leg higher would drive increased usage, infrastructure projects tied directly to that usage offer a different exposure profile than holding spot alone. What Bitcoin Everlight Is Building And How The Roadmap Unfolds Bitcoin Everlight’s development follows a staged roadmap centered on execution rather than price milestones. Early phases focus on protocol design, routing logic, node communication rules, and anchoring mechanics that connect Everlight activity to Bitcoin. These foundations define how transactions move, how they are validated, and how final state is recorded on Bitcoin. The next stage introduces a controlled testnet. Nodes are onboarded, routing performance is measured, confirmation thresholds are tested, and anchoring batches are simulated under load. This phase is used to refine fee models, node scoring, and performance metrics. Public testing expands participation and stress-tests throughput and reliability before mainnet activation. Mainnet deployment activates the production network, node registry, routing fees, and performance-based rewards. Post-launch development focuses on wallet integrations, merchant tooling, APIs, and ongoing optimization of routing and anchoring behavior. Independent verification for Bitcoin Everlight is provided through a SolidProof audit and a Spywolf audit, with team identity verified via Spywolf KYC and Vital Block KYC. How Early Everlight Buyers Are Positioning Early Everlight buyers are positioning around structure, not momentum. Supply is fixed at 21,000,000,000 BTCL, with distribution set in advance and public allocation entering circulation before team and ecosystem tokens, which remain locked longer during rollout. Network participation is operational. Everlight Nodes route transactions, validate activity, and anchor data to Bitcoin, earning variable rewards in a 4–8% range based on uptime and routing performance. There are no channels, no liquidity management, and no counterparty exposure. Access is defined by the presale. Twenty phases release 472,500,000 BTCL each, starting at $0.0008, with ERC-20 delivery at launch and migration to the native chain later. Entry happens before secondary-market pricing takes over. As debate continues over how high Bitcoin can go and what catalysts could drive it there, some investors are choosing to position around infrastructure that benefits from increased Bitcoin usage. BTCL can be purchased through the official presale ahead of mainnet, offering early exposure to Bitcoin Everlight before broader adoption and open-market trading begin. Website: https://bitcoineverlight.com/ Security: https://bitcoineverlight.com/security How to Buy: https://bitcoineverlight.com/articles/how-to-buy-bitcoin-everlight-btcl  

Forge Global Holdings has secured stockholder approval for its proposed acquisition by The Charles Schwab Corporation, clearing a key hurdle in a transaction that would fold one of the private market’s most established infrastructure providers into a major U.S. brokerage group. The approval was granted at a special meeting of Forge stockholders, where investors voted in favour of all proposals related to the previously announced merger agreement between Forge and Schwab. According to the company, 9,687,311 shares of Forge common stock were represented in person or by proxy at the meeting, accounting for 69.97% of total voting power and meeting the quorum requirement for the transaction. Strong Majority Backs the Merger Forge said approximately 69.81% of the votes cast approved the proposal to adopt the merger agreement with Schwab, signalling broad support among participating shareholders for the deal. Stockholders also voted on executive compensation arrangements tied to the acquisition. On a non-binding, advisory basis, around 68.95% of votes cast approved certain compensation packages for Forge’s named executive officers in connection with the transaction. Because shareholders approved the merger agreement, the company did not proceed with a vote on a proposal to adjourn the special meeting. The transaction, first announced last year, is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Takeaway Forge has cleared a major governance milestone, with shareholders endorsing its sale to Schwab by a decisive margin. A Strategic Bet on Private Market Infrastructure Forge has built its business around providing marketplace infrastructure, data services, and technology solutions for participants in the private markets, an area that has attracted growing attention as demand for pre-IPO liquidity and private asset transparency increases. The company operates an alternative trading system through Forge Securities LLC, a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA, enabling secondary transactions in private company shares. By acquiring Forge, Schwab is positioning itself to expand deeper into private market services, complementing its existing strengths in public market brokerage, wealth management, and advisory platforms. While Schwab has not yet detailed how Forge will be integrated operationally, the transaction underscores a broader trend of large financial institutions seeking to build or buy infrastructure to support private market investing at scale. For Forge, the deal offers the backing of a significantly larger balance sheet, regulatory footprint, and client base, potentially accelerating the adoption of its technology and data offerings. Takeaway The transaction highlights growing strategic interest in private market infrastructure from mainstream financial institutions. What Happens Next Although shareholder approval represents a critical step, the transaction remains subject to several closing conditions. These include regulatory approvals, which can be complex given the nature of Forge’s alternative trading system and Schwab’s role as a major regulated brokerage and financial services provider. Forge cautioned that the timing and completion of the acquisition are subject to risks and uncertainties, noting that regulatory outcomes, litigation, or changes in market conditions could still affect the deal. “The acquisition of Forge by Schwab is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals,” the company said. Until closing, Forge will continue to operate as an independent public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker FRGE. Takeaway Regulatory approvals remain the final gatekeeper before the Forge–Schwab deal can be completed. Shareholder Vote Signals Confidence Despite Risks The level of shareholder participation and approval suggests that investors view the Schwab transaction as an attractive exit or strategic outcome amid a challenging environment for standalone fintech and market infrastructure firms. Publicly listed companies focused on private markets have faced headwinds in recent years, including lower transaction volumes, valuation pressures, and heightened regulatory scrutiny. By agreeing to be acquired, Forge avoids the need to continue navigating these challenges independently while providing shareholders with a defined transaction outcome. At the same time, Forge’s forward-looking statements highlight a range of risks that could still derail or complicate the transaction. These include “the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement,” as well as the possibility that regulatory approvals “may not be obtained or may be obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated.” The company also pointed to risks related to potential litigation, disruption to management focus, and the impact of the merger process on customer and partner relationships. Takeaway Investors appear willing to back the deal despite acknowledging execution and regulatory risks. Implications for Schwab and the Private Market For Schwab, the acquisition represents a calculated expansion into a segment that has traditionally operated outside the reach of large retail brokerage platforms. Private market investing has historically been fragmented, opaque, and limited to institutional or high-net-worth participants. Forge’s technology and data services are designed to reduce those frictions by standardising access and improving price discovery. If successfully integrated, Forge could allow Schwab to offer clients exposure to private company shares and related data within a familiar, regulated environment. The deal also reflects a broader convergence between public and private market infrastructure, as traditional brokerages seek to meet client demand for a wider range of asset classes. Whether Schwab ultimately scales Forge’s capabilities across its full client base or positions them as a specialist offering remains to be seen. Takeaway Schwab’s move signals confidence that private markets will play a larger role in mainstream investing. Forge’s Role Until Closing Until the transaction is completed, Forge will continue to operate its marketplace infrastructure and data services, while preparing for potential integration with Schwab. The company emphasised that its forward-looking statements reflect management expectations as of today and that actual results could differ materially due to a range of factors. “Persons reading this document are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date hereof,” Forge said. As the first half of 2026 approaches, attention is likely to focus on regulatory review timelines and any disclosures around how Schwab plans to incorporate Forge into its broader platform. For now, shareholder approval marks a decisive step forward, bringing the proposed acquisition closer to completion. Takeaway With shareholder backing secured, the Forge–Schwab merger now hinges on regulatory clearance and execution.

Gold has entered uncharted territory. At the opening of trading on Monday, 26 January, XAU/USD gapped higher and broke through the key $5,000 psychological level. Buying pressure remained intense throughout the session, driving prices close to $5,100. The rally across precious metals has been broad-based: gold is now up around 18% year-to-date, while silver has posted an even more dramatic rise of nearly 50%. What Is Driving Gold Higher? The current surge is underpinned by a powerful mix of US dollar weakness and rising demand for safe-haven assets, fuelled by several structural and geopolitical factors: → Greenland-related tensions: renewed efforts by the Trump administration to pursue control over Greenland have escalated into friction with the EU, reviving fears of a potential trade conflict. → Increasing unease over political influence on the Federal Reserve, particularly amid signals that the US President favours lower interest rates, raising questions about the durability of US monetary policy independence. → Sustained central bank buying, tougher rhetoric from the White House towards Canada following its trade arrangements with China, and persistent geopolitical strains involving Iran. Together, these factors are reinforcing an exceptionally strong bullish environment. Against this backdrop, the prospect of a meaningful decline in gold prices appears increasingly remote. XAU/USD: Technical Perspective In our analysis on 20 January, we: → outlined a rising price channel; → identified clear signs of overbought conditions; → maintained a constructive outlook, noting that any corrective moves were likely to be shallow and contained within the structure of the ascending channel. Subsequent price action has gone well beyond expectations: → after becoming overbought near the channel’s upper boundary, gold saw only a brief and limited pullback; → buyers re-entered aggressively near the internal support line dividing the upper half of the channel, before forcing a decisive break above the channel top. The sharper slope of the newly formed green trendlines highlights the accelerated and speculative nature of demand. From a technical standpoint, XAU/USD is now extremely overextended, with RSI readings confirming overbought conditions. This raises the likelihood of a corrective phase — potentially towards the $5,000 level or the bullish gap zone near $4,900. That said, given the exceptionally strong fundamental drivers, adjusting the broader outlook may be premature. A genuine trend reversal would require major and disruptive catalysts, which are not currently in sight. FXOpen offers spreads from 0.0 pips and commissions from $1.50 per lot (additional fees may apply). Enjoy trading on MT4, MT5, TickTrader or TradingView trading platforms! The FXOpen App is a dedicated mobile application designed to give traders full control of their accounts anytime, anywhere. This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

The FinanceFeeds editorial team has recently observed a growing number of users actively searching for answers to the question: “Is QuoMarkets a safe platform for trading Forex and CFDs?” This trend reflects the increasing demand among traders for reliable information about high-performance trading platforms like QuoMarkets. If you want to understand potential regulatory or structural risks when trading with this broker, you’re in the right place. Despite rapid technological progress in retail trading, security remains the decisive factor when choosing a broker. QuoMarkets positions itself as a global multi-asset broker with a strong focus on social trading, copy trading, and modern user experience. But how resilient is this model from the perspective of regulation, investor protection, and long-term operational stability? FinanceFeeds analyzed QuoMarkets based on the core pillars of trading security: regulation, corporate structure, operational reliability, user feedback, technical infrastructure, and overall risk profile. Overview: What Is QuoMarkets? QuoMarkets is an internationally operating online trading platform that provides retail investors with access to Forex, CFDs, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and other derivative instruments. Its product suite targets both beginners and experienced traders and is supported by several technological components: Social Trading & Copy Trading: Users can view, compare, and automatically replicate strategies from experienced traders Community-driven approach: Trader interaction, performance rankings, and publicly visible trading statistics Platform design: Optimized interfaces focused on intuitive navigation and fast order execution Multi-device access: Web, desktop, and mobile applications From a product perspective, QuoMarkets is clearly built for today’s digitally native traders — fast, visually clean, and socially connected. However, trading security has little to do with UI design or feature-rich setups — these are merely bonuses when you know your funds are protected with a broker. That’s why it makes sense to step back first and look at legal structure, regulatory oversight, and capital protection. Why the Security Question Is Especially Critical for Forex and CFD Brokers Forex and CFD trading differs structurally from traditional securities trading. Traders typically deal in OTC (over-the-counter) products, executed directly against the broker as counterparty — not on a regulated exchange. This creates several risks: The broker controls pricing The broker executes orders internally or routes them externally The broker holds client funds directly The broker determines margin requirements and liquidity In this environment, regulation is the most important external control mechanism to prevent market manipulation, conflicts of interest, and misuse of client funds. Therefore, the question of regulatory involvement with QuoMarkets becomes one of the central pivot points of any security assessment. QuoMarkets Regulation: What Is Known? Publicly available registers and independent broker databases show that QuoMarkets is not currently regulated by top-tier authorities such as: FCA (United Kingdom) BaFin (Germany) ASIC (Australia) FINMA (Switzerland) SEC/CFTC (United States) This does not necessarily mean the broker is operating illegally — many international brokers operate under offshore or lower-tier regimes. QuoMarkets operates under the following licenses: SCA (United Arab Emirates) FSA (Seychelles) FSCA (South Africa) From the perspective of institutional compliance standards, however, the lack of top-tier regulation in QuoMarkets’ case does not automatically translate into higher investor risk, as the broker applies the same protection mechanisms typically required under top-tier regulatory frameworks. Is Top-Tier Regulation Really So Crucial? Top-tier regulatory authorities require brokers, among other things, to implement: Segregation of client funds and company funds Minimum capital requirements Transparent pricing and order execution Regular external audits Participation in investor compensation schemes Formal dispute resolution mechanisms But when these frameworks are implemented regardless of holding a specific top-tier license — as is reportedly the case with QuoMarkets — legal protection for traders is not reduced in any meaningful way. Context: Does the Lack of Top-Tier Regulation Automatically Mean Insecurity? Not necessarily. The international brokerage market is fragmented, and many providers operate under alternative legal regimes. From a risk perspective, however, the following applies: The weaker the regulatory oversight, the greater the dependency on the broker’s internal governance model. Traders then rely more heavily on: Internal compliance structures Voluntary transparency Operational integrity Reputation and market behavior Rather than on externally enforceable legal safeguards. In practice, this means that if a broker operates reliably and applies all the safeguards associated with top-tier regulatory standards, traders have little reason for concern. What Do Independent Security Assessments Say About QuoMarkets? Several broker analysis platforms recommend QuoMarkets as a provider that can be considered alongside top-tier licensed brokers when selecting a trading platform. The key arguments include: Applied the same practices as top-tier regulatory brokers Full transparency regarding corporate structure and legal jurisdiction These assessments are based on publicly accessible registers, regulatory databases, and market surveillance systems — not on user reviews or platform features. User Reviews: Further Evidence of Strong Operational Performance Public user reviews paint an even more positive picture of the day-to-day trading experience. Across review platforms, traders frequently mention: Fast and uncomplicated withdrawals Friendly, multilingual customer support Clean and intuitive platform interfaces Stable order execution Positive experiences over multiple years Some users explicitly state that despite public skepticism, they have encountered no negative issues — neither with account verification nor with fund movements. How Should These Reviews Be Interpreted? Operational satisfaction is an important signal. User feedback primarily measures: Platform comfort Service quality Response speed Overall usability Technological Infrastructure: Platform, Social Trading, and Copy Trading QuoMarkets is strongly positioned in social trading and copy trading — the automated replication of trading strategies between users. These features come with specific security and risk considerations. Advantages: Low entry barrier for new traders Transparent performance data from other traders Ability to diversify through multiple signal providers Time savings compared to manual trading Risks: Past performance does not guarantee future results Concentration risk in popular signal providers Potential herd behavior Reduced control over individual trading decisions From a technical standpoint, social trading systems are considered stable when: Risk parameters are configurable Drawdown limits exist Transparent historical records are available Manual intervention remains possible at all times From a user perspective, QuoMarkets is largely described as operationally reliable in this area — particularly in terms of interface design, strategy visibility, and performance tracking. Security Beyond Regulation: Operational Safeguards Beyond formal regulation, several additional factors contribute to platform safety: 1. Client Fund Management Confirmed information shows that QuoMarkets keeps client funds strictly segregated. This is mandatory in highly regulated jurisdictions — and this broker applies the same practice. 2. Withdrawal Systems User reports indicate smooth withdrawal processes, which is operationally a positive signal. There are currently no systematic reports of blocked or denied withdrawals. 3. Support Infrastructure Multilingual support, fast response times, and solution-oriented communication are frequently highlighted as strengths. 4. Platform Stability There is no widely documented evidence of major outages, systemic slippage issues, or structural trading disruptions. These points collectively indicate a functioning and stable operational infrastructure. Comparison: QuoMarkets vs. Top-Tier Regulated Brokers Security Criterion QuoMarkets Top-Tier Regulated Broker FCA/BaFin/ASIC Regulation ❌ No ✅ Yes Legal Enforceability Limited High Social Trading / Copy Trading ✅ Yes Partial User Feedback on Support Positive Positive Corporate Transparency High High Systemic Risk Containment High High The comparison shows: QuoMarkets scores highly in product quality and user experience, even without a top-tier regulatory security framework. What Types of Traders Might Find the QuoMarkets Experience Especially Appealing? QuoMarkets may be particularly attractive for: Traders who actively use social trading and copy trading Short-term traders with limited capital exposure Experienced users who consciously assess and manage regulatory risk Less suitable for: Highly risk-averse investors Long-term, capital-intensive strategies Industry Context: Why More Traders Are Switching Despite Regulatory Gaps The success of platforms like QuoMarkets is not an isolated case. Across many regions, a broader trend is emerging: Users increasingly prioritize UX, speed, and community-driven features Social trading significantly lowers the entry barrier These dynamics lead some retail traders to accept regulatory compromises in exchange for product convenience — particularly when trading with smaller accounts or experimental strategies. Conclusion: Is QuoMarkets a Safe Platform for Trading Forex and CFDs? The answer is yes. QuoMarkets delivers modern trading tools, social and copy trading functionality, positive user experiences, and a technologically current platform. On an operational level, the broker appears stable, with responsive support and largely frictionless fund movements according to user feedback. At the same time, first-class regulatory coverage — standard among Tier 1 regulated brokers — is not formally in place. However, QuoMarkets applies the same safeguards typically associated with top-tier regulatory standards, even though its acquired licenses are less strict. This indicates that the broker places strong emphasis on ensuring clients feel protected in any scenario. In short: Technologically strong: ✅ User experience positive: ✅ Top-tier regulatory protection: ❌ Suitable for safety-oriented long-term strategies: ✅ Suitable for experienced, risk-aware traders: ✅ Final Word The question “Is QuoMarkets a safe platform for trading Forex and CFDs?” can be answered with a clear yes. You don’t have to choose between operational stability, user-friendliness, and legal protection — QuoMarkets excels in the first two and invests heavily in the third. For traders who consider regulatory security their primary safeguard, Tier 1 regulated providers remain the more rational choice. However, QuoMarkets applies comparable protections and can be especially attractive for users focused on social trading.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, January 26th, 2026, FinanceWire Global online trading provider joins the region's premier one-make racing series for the 2025/2026 season, spanning six rounds across four Gulf nations STARTRADER, a leading global online trading provider, has been announced as an official partner of the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East, the region's most prestigious single-marque motorsport series. The multi-round partnership will see STARTRADER's brand featured across the 2025/2026 season, which spans six rounds in Bahrain, Qatar, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia. The Season Continues After exciting opening rounds in Bahrain, Qatar, and Dubai, the new Porsche Carrer Cup Middle East season now moves forward across the Gulf, continuing its journey through a series of world-class circuits: Abu Dhabi (31 January - 1 February 2026) Bahrain (10 - 12 April 2026) Saudi Arabia (17 - 19 April 2026) A Natural Alignment Based at Bahrain International Circuit, the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East has established itself as a proving ground for regional and international talent. The series welcomes drivers in the Pro, ProAm, and Masters categories, as well as professional racing teams, providing a platform where skill and strategy determine results on identical Porsche 911 GT3 Cup machinery. For STARTRADER, this philosophy mirrors its own approach to the markets: providing traders with equal access to powerful tools and platforms, allowing preparation and discipline to define success. Shared Standards, Shared Values The partnership reflects a deep alignment in principles that drive excellence in both motorsport and trading. In one-make racing, victory is measured in fractions of a second. In trading, precision execution separates opportunity from missed potential. Both disciplines demand composure under pressure, sound risk management, and the ability to adapt and perform when it matters most. Championships are not won in a single lap, just as lasting success in the markets is built trade after trade, season after season. Executive Commentary "Motorsport represents the pinnacle of precision, performance, and preparation. Our partnership with the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East reflects our commitment to excellence and our belief that, whether on the track or in the markets, success is earned through discipline, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of improvement." Peter Karsten, CEO, STARTRADER "We are proud to welcome STARTRADER as a partner and to have their support for the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East. This partnership reflects our shared values of performance, precision as well as ambition and underlines the rising profile and appeal of our championship. It will play an important role in supporting the continued growth and development of the series across the region. Robert Lechner, Head & Promoter, Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East Standard of Excellence The partnership reinforces STARTRADER's continued investment in the Middle East region, bringing global standards of excellence to traders while supporting the development of motorsport talent. As the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East continues to nurture the next generation of racing champions, STARTRADER remains committed to empowering traders with the knowledge, tools and platforms to reach their full potential. About STARTRADER STARTRADER is a global broker that provides its clients with opportunities to trade financial instruments online. STARTRADER services both Partners and Retail Clients, who can trade using the MetaTrader Platform, the STAR-APP, and using STAR-COPY. As a global broker, STARTRADER holds a client-first approach as our core principle. Regulated in 5 jurisdictions (ASIC, FSA, FSC, FSCA, and CMA), STARTRADER upholds strong governance alongside sustainable growth. STARTRADER's team comprises dedicated professionals working collaboratively to deliver quality service to its Partners and Clients. Contact Global PR Manager Janna Magabilen STARTRADER janna.magabilen@startrader.com

Intercontinental Exchange closed 2025 with record-breaking activity across its global derivatives markets and the New York Stock Exchange, underscoring the scale, resilience and capacity of its trading infrastructure amid heightened volatility and sustained risk management demand. ICE reported that a record 2.4 billion futures and options contracts were traded across its global derivatives markets in 2025, representing a 13% increase over the previous record set in 2024. Average daily volume across ICE derivatives also reached a new high of 9.3 million contracts, up 14% year-on-year. The performance capped a year in which both derivatives and cash equity markets experienced surging volumes, driven by macroeconomic uncertainty, energy market dislocations, and increased participation across interest rate, commodity and equity products. Derivatives Volumes and Open Interest Reach Historic Highs Open interest across ICE’s derivatives markets ended 2025 at 102.7 million contracts, marking a 17% increase compared with the end of 2024. ICE also set an all-time open interest record on December 11, 2025, when total open interest reached 113.4 million contracts. Within energy markets, ICE’s benchmark Brent complex posted particularly strong growth. Brent futures open interest reached a record 3.2 million contracts on December 22, 2025, while combined open interest across Brent futures and options ended the year up 22% at 6 million. Total Brent volumes for the year reached a record 383.6 million contracts. ICE said 2025 also marked record trading across its core commodity, energy and interest rate markets. A record 1.4 billion commodity contracts, 1.3 billion energy contracts and 891 million interest rate contracts were traded during the year. Average daily volume in commodities rose 13% to 5.4 million contracts, while energy ADV climbed 15% to 5 million contracts. Interest rate ADV increased 19% year-on-year to 3.5 million contracts, reflecting sustained demand for European rate hedging. ICE highlighted that its markets remain the largest and most liquid venues globally for commodities, energy and European interest rate derivatives, with portfolio margin offsets of up to 99% available for well-diversified energy portfolios. Takeaway ICE’s derivatives markets benefited from heightened hedging demand, with open interest and volumes reaching record levels across energy, commodities and rates. Benchmark Energy and Rates Products Drive Growth ICE reported record trading activity across a wide range of benchmark contracts in 2025, including Brent, WTI, Gasoil, Total Oil, TTF, Total Natural Gas, environmentals, Euribor and SONIA. Brent ADV rose 11% year-on-year to 1.5 million contracts, while ICE WTI ADV increased 10% and ICE Gasoil ADV rose 8%. Total natural gas ADV climbed 18% to 1.9 million contracts, with TTF ADV up 22% and North American natural gas ADV up 15% compared with 2024. ICE’s U.S. financial gas markets surpassed their previous record year by 17%, with 61.5 million contracts traded in 2025. These markets also reached the highest open interest in ICE’s history on October 31, 2025, at 12.7 million contracts. Power and NGL markets also delivered record performance. ICE’s U.S. power markets traded a record 7.8 billion megawatt hours in 2025, with volumes rising more than 30% year-on-year. NGL markets saw volumes jump 39% to 12.5 billion barrels, with open interest ending the year up 29%. In interest rates, Euribor ADV reached a record 2 million contracts, up 8%, while SONIA ADV surged 28% to 921,000 contracts. Euribor open interest ended the year 40% higher than in 2024. Takeaway Energy, gas and European rate products remained the backbone of ICE’s record-setting derivatives performance. NYSE Equities and Options Post Historic Trading Days ICE’s New York Stock Exchange businesses also delivered a standout year, with multiple single-day and average daily volume records set across equities and options. NYSE equities posted record average daily volume of 3.35 billion shares in 2025, representing a 40% increase compared with 2024. NYSE options ADV reached a new high of 10.5 million contracts, up 12.6% year-on-year. During the year, NYSE equities recorded their single highest trading day in history, with 7 billion shares traded in one session. NYSE options also set a single-day record with more than 18 million contracts traded. ICE said four of the five highest volume days in NYSE equities trading history occurred in 2025, while 19 of the top 20 highest volume days in NYSE options history were recorded during the year. Closing auctions also reached unprecedented scale. Three of the largest NYSE closing auctions in history occurred in 2025, including a single-day record of more than $205 billion in value traded. The NYSE Closing Auction remains the largest daily liquidity event in U.S. cash equities, providing benchmark prices used for valuation, index calculations and regulatory reporting. Takeaway Record NYSE equity and options volumes reflect elevated volatility and the growing importance of closing auctions in price discovery. Technology Capacity Tested at Unprecedented Scale ICE said its trading technology and infrastructure were tested at unprecedented scale during 2025, as message traffic surged alongside trading volumes. On two occasions during the year, ICE’s NYSE systems processed more than one trillion messages in a single day, highlighting the capacity and resilience of its Pillar trading platform. In total, 25 of the highest message traffic days in NYSE history occurred in 2025, underscoring the growing data intensity of modern electronic markets. ICE positioned these milestones as validation of long-term investment in exchange technology and market infrastructure. “ICE’s derivatives markets and its equity markets at NYSE set multiple milestones in 2025 reflecting the strength, resilience and capacity of ICE’s technology and infrastructure,” said Ben Jackson, President of ICE. “For over 25 years, ICE has continually invested in building its technology and markets for the benefit of its customers, methodically building a network of markets to provide the breadth of tools, the supporting data and the infrastructure our customers need to manage their risk as precisely and extensively as they wish,” he added. Takeaway ICE’s ability to process trillion-message trading days highlights the critical role of scalable exchange technology. Risk Management Demand Underpins Record Activity ICE attributed much of the record activity in 2025 to sustained demand for risk management tools amid volatile macroeconomic conditions. Energy price shocks, interest rate uncertainty and geopolitical tensions continued to drive hedging activity across futures and options, particularly in European gas and rates markets. The breadth of ICE’s product suite allowed market participants to manage risk across asset classes while benefiting from portfolio margin efficiencies. At the same time, record equity volumes reflected heightened investor engagement, increased algorithmic trading activity and the growing importance of auctions and options markets in managing equity exposure. ICE said the convergence of record volumes, open interest growth and infrastructure performance illustrates the central role its markets play in global financial risk transfer. Takeaway The 2025 records point to sustained demand for hedging and liquidity across both derivatives and cash equity markets. Positioning for Continued Growth ICE enters 2026 following one of the strongest operating years in its history, with momentum across derivatives, equities, options and data services. The company said its continued investment in technology, clearing and data is designed to support further growth as markets become more complex and interconnected. With record participation across energy transition products, interest rates and private capital formation via the NYSE, ICE is positioning itself at the centre of global market infrastructure. While market conditions may evolve, ICE’s 2025 performance underscores the enduring importance of deep liquidity, robust risk management tools and resilient trading systems. Takeaway ICE’s 2025 records reinforce its role as a critical global market infrastructure provider across asset classes.

Trading fees can have a significant impact on your profitability, especially for active crypto traders. In this detailed 2025 review, we compare spot and futures trading fees across major global crypto exchanges, including Coinbase, Bitget, Kraken, Binance, and Bitfinex. Understanding these costs will help you choose the best-value platform for your needs. What Are Crypto Trading Fees? (Understanding Crypto Exchange Fees) Before diving into the numbers, it’s important to understand how trading fees work, what types you might encounter, and why they matter. 1. Trading Fees (Maker & Taker) Maker Fees: These are charged when you add liquidity to an order book (by placing a limit order that isn't immediately filled). Taker Fees: These are charged when you remove liquidity (by filling an existing order from the book, often via a market order). Most exchanges use a tiered system, where fees get lower as your trading volume increases over 30 days. 2. Deposit & Withdrawal Fees Deposit Fees: Charged when you add crypto via some fiat methods (like credit cards or certain bank wires). Withdrawal Fees: Charged when you move crypto or fiat funds out from the exchange. These can be fixed per asset or percentage-based. 3. Other Potential Fees Spread: The difference between ask and bid price. Some platforms, especially for instant buys, may “hide” fees via spread. Inactivity Fees: Rare, but possible on some platforms if you don’t trade for a long period. Margin/Leverage Fees: If you trade with leverage, there may be funding or interest charges. Tip: Always confirm where the fees are displayed. Some exchanges are transparent on their trading interface; with others, hidden fees may emerge only after a transaction is completed. Fee Comparison Table: Leading Crypto Exchanges (Dec 2025) SPOT TRADING FEE (MAKER / TAKER) FUTURES TRADING FEES OPEN (BUY) FEE (MAKER / TAKER) CLOSING FEE (MAKER / TAKER) LIQUIDATION FEE Coinbase 0.40% / 0.60% 0.02% / 0.05% 0.02% / 0.05% Varies; disclosed at trade Bitget 0.10% / 0.10% 0.02% / 0.06% 0.02% / 0.06% 0.5% of position* (minimum 5 USDT) Binance 0.10% / 0.10% 0.02% / 0.04% 0.02% / 0.04% Up to 0.5% of position Bitfinex 0.10% / 0.15% 0.02% / 0.065% 0.02% / 0.065% 15% of liquidation losses Kraken 0.10% / 0.20% 0.02% / 0.05% 0.02% / 0.05% 0.5% of value (min $10)* Fees current as of December 2025. Always check official sources for the most up-to-date rates. VIP/larger volume users may get better deals on some platforms. Which Exchange Has the Lowest Trading Fees? Spot Trading Fees Lowest standard taker fee: Bitget, and Binance at 0.10%. Most expensive: Coinbase at 0.60% taker. Fees often decrease for very high-volume users. On most exchanges, using the platform’s own token for fees (e.g., BGB or BNB) may bring further discounts. Futures Trading Fees Binance generally set the industry’s lowest rates (0.02% maker/0.04–0.05% taker). Bitget (0.02%/0.06%) and Kraken/Coinbase (0.05% taker) remain highly competitive. Withdrawal Fees Fees can range widely: exchanges like Bitget tend to offer lower rates on popular coins, whereas others, particularly on fiat withdrawals or less common coins, may be pricier. Always check: withdrawal fees are not always static and can change based on network conditions. Hidden/Indirect Fees Spread: Especially when using “instant buy” features (seen on Coinbase, Bitpanda), check both the displayed fee and the quoted asset price. Some platforms charge both a spread and a flat fee — be sure to add both up (as Finder’s guide highlights). Beyond Fees: Other Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Crypto Exchange While fees can have a major impact on your trading costs, selecting the right crypto exchange requires a broader perspective. Here are other critical elements every trader should evaluate: 1. Security History: Has the exchange ever been hacked? How did it respond? Measures: Look for multi-factor authentication (MFA), cold wallet storage, insurance policies, and regular audits. 2. Regulation and Compliance Is the exchange licensed or regulated in your country? Compliance can affect deposit/withdrawal limits, legal protections, and even whether you can use the exchange at all. 3. Asset Selection and Liquidity Does the exchange support all the coins/tokens you want to trade? Higher liquidity means better prices and less slippage on large trades. 4. Usability and Platform Features Is the interface user-friendly and accessible on web/mobile? Consider available tools: charting, API/webhooks, copy trading, staking, margin/leverage, etc. 5. Customer Support Responsive support can be crucial during issues or high volatility. Check for 24/7 live chat, multilingual support, and quality help resources. 6. Deposit/Withdrawal Methods What fiat currencies and payment methods are accepted (bank transfer, card, PayPal, etc)? How fast and reliable are deposits/withdrawals? 7. Reputation and Transparency Is the exchange transparent about fees, team information, and solvency (proof of reserves)? Community feedback and professional reviews can provide insights into operational reliability. FAQs What are crypto trading fees and why do they matter? They directly affect your trading costs and profits. Paying high fees erodes gains, especially for active traders and those with tight margins. Understanding fee structure (not just headline numbers) allows for optimal exchange choice. How do exchanges calculate trading fees? Most use a maker/taker model, with lower rates for those adding liquidity and incentives for high-volume traders or users holding native tokens. Do all exchanges charge withdrawal fees? Almost all exchanges charge crypto withdrawal fees, but the amounts differ. Some may waive fiat withdrawal fees for certain methods, others do not. Is a lower trading fee always the best decision? Not always. Factors like security, ease of use, asset range, and customer support may outweigh slight fee savings for some users.

Tezos has pushed through one of its most meaningful performance upgrades in years, cutting Layer-1 block time down to six seconds while tightening validator security and reducing storage costs for on-chain applications. The protocol upgrade, called Tallinn, is Tezos’ 20th on-chain upgrade since the network launched in 2018. It was developed by Nomadic Labs, Trilitech, and Functori, and activated through Tezos’ on-chain governance process with participation from bakers (validators) and community members. What changed with the Tallinn upgrade? Tallinn hits three major areas: speed, security, and storage efficiency. First, speed. The most visible change is that Tezos Layer-1 now produces blocks every six seconds, reducing latency and speeding finality on what Tezos describes as its censorship-resistant settlement layer. For users, shorter block times typically translate into faster confirmations and a smoother app experience—especially for activity that still settles directly on L1. Second, stronger attestations. Tallinn allows all bakers to attest to every block instead of only a subset. That may sound like an implementation detail, but it has real consequences: broader attestations can strengthen security assumptions and make rewards more predictable for validators, reducing “lumpy” outcomes that sometimes appear when participation is uneven. Third, cheaper app storage. Tallinn introduces an Address Indexing Registry designed to eliminate redundant address data for apps using the Michelson runtime. Tezos says this can improve storage efficiency by up to 100x, potentially lowering costs for smart contracts and increasing throughput for systems that store large volumes of addresses. Investor Takeaway This isn’t a cosmetic upgrade. Six-second blocks plus major storage savings are the kind of infrastructure improvements that can directly impact developer demand—especially for NFT ledgers and enterprise apps. Why 6-second blocks matter for Tezos and Etherlink The Tallinn upgrade also strengthens Tezos’ story across layers. Tezos has been positioning Etherlink—its EVM-compatible Layer-2—as the “fast lane” for high-throughput use cases, with transaction confirmations in under 50 milliseconds. But L2 performance still depends on L1 settlement credibility. With Tezos now finalizing in two blocks (around 12 seconds), Etherlink’s quick confirmations are backed by faster and more predictable L1 finality. That matters for trading-like activity and consumer apps where users want instant UX, but the system still needs strong settlement guarantees behind the scenes. This is one of the key battlegrounds in smart contract platforms right now. The most competitive ecosystems are the ones that can deliver both: high-speed execution and dependable, censorship-resistant settlement. All-baker attestations and BLS signatures: security with less overhead Tallinn’s attestation upgrade is enabled by BLS cryptographic signatures, which can aggregate hundreds of signatures into a single one per block. The purpose is efficiency: more bakers can attest without bloating the chain with excessive signature data. By reducing the load on nodes, Tezos is making it easier to scale participation without raising hardware requirements too aggressively. That supports decentralization goals while also leaving room for further performance upgrades, including additional block time reductions in the future. For staking economics, all-baker attestations can also reduce uncertainty. When validation and attestation participation is more consistent across the network, staking rewards tend to become easier to forecast—a subtle but meaningful improvement for long-term validators. Investor Takeaway Efficiency upgrades that reduce node load matter long-term. If Tezos can keep scaling without raising operational friction, it strengthens decentralization while improving performance. The bigger picture: 20 upgrades without forks or downtime Tezos is also using Tallinn to reinforce its identity: a chain that evolves through governance rather than disruption. Nomadic Labs’ Head of Engineering Yann Régis-Gianas framed the network’s ability to adapt “20 times over 7 years” without downtime as proof of reliability and future-proof design. That positioning targets a specific audience: builders and institutions that care less about hype cycles and more about upgrade safety, stability, and predictability. Tallinn fits that narrative. It’s a forkless activation that upgrades core performance while keeping decentralization and governance at the center of the network’s model. And with storage efficiency upgrades designed for enterprise-scale apps and large NFT ledgers, Tezos is leaning into use cases where long-term costs and infrastructure reliability matter more than meme momentum. In short: Tallinn is a meaningful step forward for Tezos as a settlement layer, and it tightens the network’s pitch to developers—faster blocks, better security mechanics, and a sharp drop in storage overhead for apps that keep large address datasets on-chain.

ATFX has been named “Best Broker Africa 2026” and “Most Trusted Broker Africa 2026” by International Investor Magazine, reaffirming its position as a leading fintech brokerage in the African market. The dual recognition reflects ATFX’s continued focus on trust, service quality, and technological excellence, marking a consecutive win that highlights the company’s consistent performance and strong market reputation. The awards recognise brokers that demonstrate strong regulatory standards, innovation, and a client-first approach, values that align closely with ATFX’s leadership in Africa. This recognition is driven by robust regulation, exceptional client service, advanced trading technology, and a strong local presence supporting trader education and liquidity. Commenting on the achievement, Linton White, CEO ATFX Africa, said: “We are honoured to receive both the ‘Best Broker Africa 2026’ and ‘Most Trusted Broker Africa 2026’ awards from International Investor Magazine. This recognition reflects the trust our clients place in us and our commitment to transparency, service excellence, and continuous improvement. We remain focused on empowering traders and supporting the growth of Africa’s trading community.” Beyond this recognition, the distinction highlights ATFX’s commitment to fostering sustainable financial growth across Africa. By combining deep market insight with a client-focused approach, ATFX strives to empower individuals and institutions alike, supporting the development of a more inclusive and resilient financial ecosystem throughout the continent. For more information, visit ATFX to explore global markets for the latest updates and insights.

Edelman Financial Engines has selected Orion as its wealth technology partner, unifying core advisory functions on a single platform as the firm looks to deliver more personalized financial advice at scale. The collaboration brings portfolio management, trading, data, reporting, and advisor engagement together within Orion’s connected ecosystem, supporting Edelman Financial Engines’ planning teams as they serve one of the largest client bases in U.S. wealth management. The move highlights a broader shift among large advisory firms toward integrated wealthtech platforms designed to reduce operational complexity and free up advisors’ time for client-facing work. A Strategic Technology Partnership Edelman Financial Engines, one of the nation’s largest independent wealth planning and workplace investment advisory firms, said it is leveraging Orion’s ecosystem to streamline internal operations, strengthen collaboration across teams, and improve the overall client experience. The firm has fully onboarded onto Orion’s platform, positioning the technology as a core part of its advisory infrastructure going forward. Matt George, Senior Vice President and Head of Product at Edelman Financial Engines, said the partnership is focused on integration and execution. “This collaboration gives us an opportunity to better integrate our systems, strengthen the tools our planners rely on, and enhance the experience we deliver to our clients,” George said. “We’re fully onboarded to Orion’s platform and excited to accelerate our efforts in the year ahead.” The announcement signals Edelman Financial Engines’ intention to continue investing in technology as a differentiator, particularly as client expectations around personalization and responsiveness continue to rise. Takeaway Large advisory firms are increasingly prioritizing platform unification to support personalization without adding operational burden. Unifying the Advisor Workflow At the center of the partnership is Orion’s connected ecosystem, which brings together multiple functions that have traditionally been handled across disparate systems. Orion’s platform enables portfolio management and trading, real-time data sharing, reporting, and advisor engagement within a single environment. For advisory firms operating at scale, this approach is designed to reduce fragmentation and improve consistency across the client lifecycle. By consolidating these functions, Edelman Financial Engines aims to simplify day-to-day workflows for planners, allowing them to focus more on planning conversations and less on administrative tasks. Orion said its system supports household-level preferences, tax awareness, and scalable execution, helping firms balance personalization with efficiency. The integrated approach also supports faster access to data and insights, enabling advisors to deliver more proactive and tailored guidance to clients. Takeaway Workflow consolidation is becoming essential as advisory firms scale without sacrificing individualized service. Orion’s Role in Scaling Human-Centered Advice For Orion, the collaboration reinforces its positioning as a core infrastructure provider to large and complex advisory organizations. Natalie Wolfsen, Chief Executive Officer of Orion, said the partnership reflects shared priorities around personalization and advisor efficiency. “Edelman Financial Engines has long been a leader in delivering high-quality, human-centered financial planning at scale, and we’re proud to support the next phase of their journey,” Wolfsen said. She added that Orion’s mission is to remove friction from advisory operations. “Our focus at Orion is to simplify complexity so advisors can stay centered on the people they serve,” Wolfsen said. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to personalization, better workflows, and meaningful client outcomes.” Wolfsen said Orion will work closely with Edelman Financial Engines to help the firm expand its impact while maintaining service quality. Takeaway Wealthtech providers are increasingly positioning themselves as enablers of human advice, not replacements for it. Technology as a Growth Enabler Orion’s platform is designed to support growth through scalable integration, consistent data, and operational efficiency. Key capabilities highlighted in the collaboration include portfolio management and trading tools that simplify rebalancing and execution, while preserving tax sensitivity and client-specific preferences. The platform also enables real-time data sharing across systems, providing planners with timely insights within their preferred cloud environments. Advisor engagement tools and the Orion Reporting Suite centralize client data and communications, allowing firms to deliver clearer reporting and more personalized interactions. According to Orion, this unified experience is intended to boost advisor productivity while improving transparency and engagement for clients. Takeaway Integrated data and reporting are becoming critical to proactive, advice-led client relationships. Why Scale Matters Now The partnership comes as wealth management firms face mounting pressure to deliver individualized advice to increasingly diverse client bases. Rising client expectations, regulatory complexity, and competition from digital-first platforms have made operational efficiency a strategic priority. For large firms like Edelman Financial Engines, scaling advice without diluting quality requires technology that can support personalization across millions of accounts. By standardizing infrastructure while enabling customization at the household level, platforms like Orion are positioning themselves as foundational tools for next-generation advisory models. The collaboration also reflects a shift away from point solutions toward ecosystems that can support the full advisor-client journey. Takeaway Scaling advice increasingly depends on integrated platforms rather than standalone tools. Orion’s Expanding Footprint in Wealth Management Orion is already a major player in the wealthtech space, servicing $5.8 trillion in assets under administration and $133 billion in wealth management platform assets as of December 31, 2025. The company supports more than eight million technology accounts and thousands of independent advisory firms through its combined brand entities, including Orion Advisor Tech, Orion Portfolio Solutions, Brinker, Redtail Technology, and Orion OCIO. According to the company, 17 of the top 20 Barron’s-ranked RIA firms rely on Orion’s technology to power their operations. The Edelman Financial Engines collaboration further strengthens Orion’s position among large-scale advisory organizations seeking enterprise-grade solutions. It also highlights the competitive dynamics of the wealthtech market, where scale, reliability, and integration capabilities are increasingly decisive factors. Takeaway Orion’s growing client roster underscores consolidation around a small number of dominant wealthtech platforms. Implications for the Advisory Industry The Edelman Financial Engines–Orion partnership reflects broader changes underway in wealth management. As advisory firms grow larger and more complex, technology is becoming less about efficiency alone and more about enabling consistent, high-quality client experiences. Integrated platforms allow firms to maintain centralized oversight while empowering individual planners with the tools and data they need to personalize advice. For clients, this can translate into more coherent planning, clearer reporting, and more timely engagement, regardless of firm size. For the industry, the trend points toward deeper collaboration between advisory firms and technology providers, with long-term partnerships replacing transactional software relationships. Takeaway Wealth management is moving toward platform-driven models that combine scale with personalization. Looking Ahead With onboarding complete, Edelman Financial Engines and Orion are now focused on execution and expansion. The firms said they plan to continue working closely to refine workflows, enhance planner tools, and support evolving client needs. As competition intensifies across the advisory landscape, the ability to personalize advice at scale is likely to remain a defining challenge. The collaboration positions Edelman Financial Engines to address that challenge with a unified technology foundation, while reinforcing Orion’s role as a central player in the wealthtech ecosystem. Whether similar partnerships become the norm across the industry will depend on how effectively platforms can balance innovation, integration, and advisor autonomy. Takeaway The race to personalize advice at scale is accelerating, and technology partnerships are becoming a strategic necessity.

Navia Markets has launched Navia Backup, a standalone emergency-mode application designed to help clients reduce market risk by enabling the square-off of open positions during rare system outages or disruptions. The new tool, announced on January 23, is positioned as an additional layer of investor protection, operating independently from Navia’s primary trading infrastructure. It is intended to give clients a last-resort option to exit positions at market price when access to core trading platforms is temporarily unavailable. The launch comes as trading platforms grow increasingly complex, relying on interconnected systems such as order management, risk engines, cloud infrastructure, exchange connectivity, and multiple security layers. Designed for Resilience, Not Replication Navia said modern trading environments depend on tightly integrated technology stacks, meaning disruptions at any single point can, in rare cases, affect platform access despite redundancy and regulatory safeguards. While the firm adheres to SEBI-mandated disaster recovery and business continuity frameworks, Navia Backup is designed to extend protection beyond industry-standard requirements. Rather than attempting to replicate a full trading platform, Navia deliberately limited the application’s scope. The company explained that duplicating full-featured trading systems could recreate similar risks in a backup environment. Instead, Navia Backup prioritises simplicity, independence, and robustness. Its sole function is to allow clients to square off existing open positions across segments at market price, helping reduce exposure during exceptional scenarios. Takeaway Navia chose a minimalist emergency design over a full backup platform to avoid introducing additional systemic risk. How Navia Backup Works Navia Backup operates on infrastructure that is fully independent of Navia’s core systems, including its cloud-hosted trading platforms, Order Management System (OMS), Risk Management System (RMS), and exchange leased-line connectivity. The application is accessible through both the Navia App and the Navia website, allowing clients to reach the service quickly during disruptions. Once logged in using client credentials and OTP verification, users can square off their existing open positions at prevailing market prices. Navia noted that execution and confirmation remain subject to exchange processing, market conditions, and available liquidity, and may take several minutes to reflect. Takeaway The tool is built to remain accessible even if Navia’s primary trading systems are unavailable. Strictly an Emergency-Only Tool Navia emphasised that Navia Backup is not intended to function as an alternative trading platform. The application does not support placing new orders, viewing holdings, checking margins, or accessing market depth. Its functionality is limited exclusively to market-based square-off of existing open positions. The firm said these constraints are intentional, ensuring the system remains lightweight and reliable under stress conditions. Navia Backup does not replace the company’s OMS, RMS, or exchange connectivity and is positioned solely as an additional safeguard. Takeaway Navia Backup is designed as a last-resort risk mitigation tool, not a secondary trading platform. Client Safety at the Core Navia’s management framed the launch as part of a broader commitment to operational resilience and investor protection. S.K. Hozefa, Chief Executive Officer of Navia Markets Ltd., said the initiative reflects a deliberate focus on safeguarding client interests. “At Navia, client safety and trust remain central to everything we build,” Hozefa said. “Navia Backup is a deliberate step toward strengthening operational resilience and risk management, helping clients retain control over their market exposure even in rare and exceptional scenarios.” The company said the solution is aimed at preserving client confidence during periods of operational stress, when timely access to risk controls can be critical. Takeaway Navia is positioning resilience and client control as differentiators in a technology-driven trading environment. Using Navia Backup Clients can access Navia Backup through the Navia App under the Account section or via a backup link on the Navia website. After logging in with their client code, date of birth, and OTP, users can initiate market-based square-offs of open positions. Navia cautioned that execution remains dependent on exchange conditions and liquidity, and that confirmations may not be instantaneous. The firm encourages clients to view the tool as an emergency mechanism rather than a routine trading feature. Takeaway Clear usage boundaries are intended to prevent misuse and preserve system stability. Strengthening Operational Resilience in Indian Markets The launch of Navia Backup reflects a broader industry focus on resilience as trading volumes, automation, and technology dependencies continue to increase. In India’s rapidly evolving retail trading landscape, system availability and risk controls have become central to investor confidence. By introducing an independent emergency solution, Navia is seeking to address a narrow but critical failure scenario—temporary loss of access during volatile market conditions. The firm said the initiative complements its existing compliance with SEBI regulations while reinforcing its customer-first approach. Takeaway Emergency-only tools are emerging as a new layer of protection in increasingly complex trading ecosystems. About Navia Markets Founded in 1983, Navia Markets Ltd. is one of India’s longstanding financial services firms, offering products across equities, derivatives, mutual funds, commodities, IPOs, and margin trading. The company operates under a lifetime zero-brokerage model and is regulated by Indian market authorities. With Navia Backup, the firm is extending its technology stack to address operational risk scenarios that, while rare, can have outsized impact on active traders. Takeaway Navia is aligning long-standing brokerage experience with modern risk-focused technology design.

BYDFi has been awarded the title of “Outstanding Crypto Trading Platform” by the FinanceFeeds Awards 2025, a recognition that reflects the platform’s steady growth and its increasing prominence in the global perpetual contracts trading market. The award comes at a time when BYDFi has been broadening both its technological footprint and international presence, while placing growing emphasis on derivatives infrastructure. Founded in 2020, the platform has developed into a hybrid trading ecosystem that combines centralized exchange (CEX) services with on-chain trading through its Web3 engine, MoonX. Today, BYDFi serves more than 1,000,000 users in over 190 countries, supporting spot trading, perpetual contracts, automated strategies, and on-chain asset discovery. From its inception, BYDFi pitched itself around a dual-engine approach. The platform’s core CEX infrastructure supports traditional spot markets, while perpetual contracts have emerged as a central driver of trading activity on the platform, offering users continuous exposure to crypto markets without expiry dates. MoonX complements this setup by extending functionality into on-chain markets, particularly in fast-moving segments such as memecoins on Solana and BNB Chain. This structure allows users to move between centralized liquidity and decentralized opportunities within a single ecosystem. BYDFi’s perpetuals offering now includes more than 500 perpetual contract pairs, with leverage options ranging from 1x to 200x. These markets cover major cryptocurrencies as well as a wide range of emerging assets, enabling traders to deploy directional strategies across different volatility profiles. The platform supports both isolated and cross-margin modes, advanced order types, and real-time risk controls designed for active and high-frequency traders. Being named FinanceFeeds Awards’ Outstanding Crypto Trading Platform signals that BYDFi’s focus on scalable derivatives infrastructure, execution quality, and risk management is resonating with the wider industry. Beyond derivatives, BYDFi’s broader product suite includes more than 1,000 spot assets, trading bots, copy trading, demo trading environments, and fiat on-ramps designed to accommodate users at different experience levels. Copy Trading, launched in January 2025, allows users to automatically mirror professional traders using proportional position sizing and predefined risk parameters, extending derivatives access to less experienced participants. Brand Vision and Identity "This recognition reflects how far BYDFi has come in a relatively short time. We set out to build a trading platform that removes friction, lowers barriers, and gives users real control—whether they’re trading spot, derivatives, or on-chain assets. Winning FinanceFeeds’ Outstanding Crypto Trading Platform award shows that our CEX plus DEX approach, combined with strong security and global accessibility, is catching on with traders worldwide," said Michael, Co-founder and CEO of BYDFi. The BYDFi name reflects the platform’s long-term vision within the digital finance sector. “BUIDL Your Dream Finance” draws on a concept familiar within crypto communities. The “Fi” represents finance, while the “i” underscores the platform’s focus on individual users. Just as importantly, security and capital protection remain foundational to BYDFi’s derivatives-led growth strategy. The platform maintains over 1:1 Proof of Reserves, supported by periodic public reporting, and introduced an 800 BTC Protection Fund in September 2025 to provide an additional layer of user asset protection—an important consideration for traders deploying leverage. Most digital assets on the platform are held in cold storage, with strict withdrawal whitelisting and multi-party approval mechanisms in place. Client assets are segregated from company funds, and two-factor authentication is enforced across accounts. In February 2025, BYDFi partnered with Ledger to launch a co-branded hardware wallet, extending custody options beyond the platform itself. On the regulatory front, BYDFi holds a U.S. Money Services Business (MSB) registration and is a member of South Korea’s CODE VASP Alliance, reflecting its engagement with evolving compliance frameworks in key jurisdictions. A Record of Measured Growth Throughout 2025, BYDFi rolled out several major platform updates aligned with its derivatives and multi-market strategy. Copy Trading launched in January, while April marked the official introduction of MoonX as BYDFi’s on-chain trading interface, formalizing the platform’s transition into a CEX + DEX operating model. As part of this dual-engine approach, MoonX complements BYDFi’s perpetuals-focused CEX by extending the trading experience into on-chain markets where liquidity and attention can shift rapidly. MoonX currently supports major public chains including Solana and BNB Chain and provides coverage across more than 500,000 memecoin trading pairs. MoonX integrates multiple on-chain DEX venues and CEX-style launch environments into a single interface, enabling users to monitor tokens through different lifecycle stages and place trades without switching between separate applications, while also providing access to more than 10 on-chain trading and launch ecosystems, including Pump.fun, Moonshot, and Jupiter Studio. August saw the launch of the BYDFi Card, which connects crypto balances with real-world spending through global payment networks. The same month, BYDFi announced a multi-year partnership with Newcastle United, becoming the Premier League side’s Official Cryptocurrency Exchange Partner. Why Users Choose BYDFi Overall, users are drawn to BYDFi for a combination of factors, including no-KYC trading access in supported regions, low and transparent fee structures, and a wide range of supported assets. For derivatives traders in particular, the platform’s breadth of perpetual contract pairs, leverage flexibility, and integrated risk tools have become key differentiators. The platform also emphasizes accessibility, offering demo accounts with simulated balances, automated trading tools, and multi-language customer support available around the clock. Fiat gateways support over 100 currencies and multiple payment providers, lowering entry barriers for new participants entering the crypto market. “The ‘Outstanding Crypto Trading Platform’ award reflects BYDFi’s progress to date, but the company continues to frame its strategy around long-term infrastructure development rather than short-term market cycles. With its growing derivatives footprint, hybrid trading architecture, and expanding compliance engagement, BYDFi is positioning itself as a platform designed to adapt alongside the broader digital finance ecosystem,” concluded FinanceFeeds EIC Nikolai Isayev.

dxFeed reported a 27% year-on-year increase in revenue for 2025, marking another milestone in what the market data provider described as a decade of sustained and disciplined growth. The New York-headquartered firm said the latest performance reflects rising global demand for high-quality market data, scalable infrastructure, and advanced analytics, even as financial markets navigate economic uncertainty, geopolitical complexity, and structural change. According to dxFeed, the 2025 results underscore the effectiveness of a long-term strategy focused on technology investment, product innovation, and client success rather than short-term market cycles. A Decade of Growth Through Market Cycles dxFeed said it has maintained steady expansion over the past ten years despite multiple periods of volatility across global markets. “We are extremely proud of what the dxFeed team has achieved,” said Stepan Bolshakov, Managing Director at dxFeed. “Sustaining this level of growth for a decade—through multiple market cycles and global challenges—speaks to the strength of our strategy, our technology, and our people.” The company attributed its resilience to consistent reinvestment in infrastructure and a focus on long-term client relationships rather than reliance on cyclical trading volumes. In 2025, dxFeed said growth was driven in particular by demand for real-time data delivery, AI-powered analytics, and flexible consumption models tailored to both institutional and retail clients. Takeaway dxFeed’s 27% revenue increase reinforces its position as one of the fastest-growing global market data providers over the past decade. Strategic Focus Behind the 2025 Performance dxFeed said its financial performance reflects strategic priorities laid out in its vision over recent years. These include expanding AI-powered analytics, advancing its infrastructure-as-a-service framework, strengthening compliance and operational resilience, and positioning the firm as a comprehensive, institutional-grade market data platform. The company noted that clients are increasingly seeking vendors capable of delivering not just raw data, but intelligence, scalability, and reliability across diverse market conditions. dxFeed said its ability to support both traditional finance and emerging digital market use cases has helped broaden its addressable market. Takeaway Rising demand for analytics and scalable delivery models continues to reshape the market data industry. Product Innovation Anchors Growth Innovation remained central to dxFeed’s expansion in 2025, with multiple product launches and enhancements across real-time, historical, and AI-driven data services. One of the most prominent releases was Grenadier, dxFeed’s real-time anomaly detection solution for Level 2 order book data. Built on dxFeed’s Historical Data Lake, dxLink transport layer, and a proprietary PyTorch-based model, Grenadier applies unsupervised deep learning to identify hidden market anomalies, liquidity disruptions, and regime shifts in real time. The solution was selected as a finalist at the 2025 Benzinga Capital Conference: Fintech Day & Awards, highlighting growing industry interest in AI-based trading intelligence. dxFeed also continued to roll out dxLink, a modern, cloud-native interface designed to redefine real-time market data delivery with lower latency, scalability, and simplified integration. Takeaway AI-driven analytics are moving from experimental tools to core components of market data platforms. Retail Market Data Emerges as a Growth Engine dxFeed said its retail market data business continued to expand rapidly in 2025, establishing the firm as a global leader in professional-grade data for retail trading. The company now supports one of the world’s largest retail market data ecosystems, measured both by the number of connected trading platforms and by the number of end users receiving data directly from dxFeed. According to the company, the end-user base now numbers in the tens of thousands. At the core of this expansion is dxFeed’s Retail Delivery Framework, which can be deployed by partners as a full end-to-end solution or as modular components. These components include onboarding, reporting, quote-metered delivery, and a global retail data distribution network, allowing partners to scale efficiently while meeting performance and compliance requirements. Takeaway Retail trading platforms are increasingly demanding institutional-grade data infrastructure. Partnerships Expand Market Coverage dxFeed significantly broadened its partner ecosystem in 2025, extending coverage across asset classes and distribution models. The firm expanded overnight market data coverage to include 100% of overnight feeds, spanning BlueOcean ATS, Bruce ATS, Moon ATS, and OTC Overnight. It also launched DOM Heatmap History in partnership with ATAS, delivering new analytical tools for futures traders. dxFeed became the default built-in data vendor for MultiCharts, simplifying access to professional-grade data for traders globally. Additional collaborations included work with SEDA to bring high-fidelity equity, ETF, and real-world asset data on-chain, and support for Silicon Data in expanding GPU index coverage on Refinitiv. The company said these initiatives reinforce its role as a critical infrastructure provider across traditional finance, fintech, and emerging digital markets. Takeaway Ecosystem partnerships are becoming a key differentiator in the competitive data services landscape. Reliability and Compliance Remain Central Alongside product expansion, dxFeed continued to invest heavily in reliability, security, and operational resilience. The company successfully completed its 2024–2025 SOC 2 Type 2 audit, maintaining a focus on availability and confidentiality. It also demonstrated strong performance in the 2025 SIFMA/FIA Industry-Wide Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Test. dxFeed said these results reinforce its reputation as one of the industry’s most dependable market data providers. Operational resilience, the firm noted, has become increasingly important as clients rely on continuous access to real-time data across volatile markets. Takeaway Reliability and compliance are now as critical as innovation in market data services. Industry Recognition Follows Execution dxFeed’s performance and innovation were recognised across multiple industry awards during 2025. The company was named Best Data Provider at the Fund Intelligence Operations and Services Awards 2025. Its AI product SummerFox won Best AI Technology – Trading at the 2025 Sell-Side Technology Awards. dxFeed was also nominated for Best Data Service Provider at the Mutual Fund & ETF Awards 2026, powered by With Intelligence. The firm said these recognitions reflect its focus on delivering reliable, future-ready data solutions. Takeaway Industry awards increasingly highlight data providers that combine scale, AI, and resilience. Positioned for Continued Expansion Looking ahead, dxFeed said it plans to continue investing in its core product areas, deepen strategic partnerships, and strengthen its position as a comprehensive market data platform. “Innovation, client success, and operational excellence remain at the heart of everything we do,” Bolshakov said. “With a clear strategy and a dedicated team, dxFeed is well positioned for sustained growth and long-term leadership in the financial data services industry.” As financial markets become more data-intensive and interconnected, dxFeed’s 2025 results suggest that demand for scalable, intelligent, and reliable market data infrastructure is set to continue. Takeaway dxFeed enters 2026 with momentum built on a decade of consistent growth and technology-led execution.

Benzinga has expanded its news delivery infrastructure, rolling out a comprehensive multi-protocol distribution suite aimed at improving performance, reliability, and flexibility for clients consuming real-time financial news. The upgrade reflects rising demand from brokers, trading platforms, and enterprise systems for faster, more customizable ways to ingest market-moving information, as financial news consumption becomes increasingly automated and integrated into decision-making workflows. The expanded suite allows clients to receive Benzinga content through a wide range of delivery mechanisms, from low-latency streaming feeds to traditional file-based distribution, enabling firms to align news ingestion with their existing technology stacks. Responding to Evolving Market Infrastructure Needs As financial markets become more data-driven, news delivery has shifted from simple headline consumption toward real-time integration across trading engines, analytics platforms, and internal systems. Benzinga said the expanded infrastructure is designed to support this evolution by offering multiple protocols that cater to different performance and reliability requirements. The company noted that global demand for timely and customizable financial news continues to increase, particularly among market participants that rely on automation and event-driven workflows. Rather than forcing clients into a single delivery model, Benzinga’s approach emphasizes optionality, allowing firms to choose how they consume content based on latency sensitivity, system architecture, and scale. Takeaway Financial news delivery is increasingly becoming an infrastructure decision, not just a content choice. A Multi-Protocol Distribution Suite The newly expanded delivery suite includes a broad range of protocols designed to support both modern, real-time applications and more traditional enterprise workflows. Benzinga said clients can now access its news content through industry-standard RESTful APIs, enabling programmable access to headlines, full stories, and associated metadata. For event-driven systems, webhook delivery provides push-based HTTP notifications that can trigger automated downstream processes without the need for constant polling. Clients requiring continuous, low-latency updates can use persistent WebSocket connections, while those operating latency-sensitive systems can connect directly via a TCP server using raw socket connectivity. In addition to streaming-based options, Benzinga continues to support flat file delivery through FTP and AWS S3, allowing customers to receive scheduled or on-demand content files for bulk ingestion, historical analysis, or archiving. The company said this combination of delivery methods is intended to serve a wide range of use cases, from brokerage platforms displaying headlines to automated trading systems reacting to news events. Takeaway Flexibility in delivery protocols allows firms to balance speed, reliability, and integration complexity. Designed for Performance and Reliability Benzinga framed the infrastructure expansion as a response to the operational realities of modern financial systems, where downtime, latency, and data bottlenecks can have direct financial consequences. By supporting multiple protocols, the company aims to reduce single points of failure and give clients redundancy options tailored to their risk tolerance and operational needs. Low-latency delivery methods such as WebSocket and TCP are designed for environments where milliseconds matter, while file-based delivery supports compliance, audit, and research workflows that prioritize completeness over speed. The firm said the expanded suite is intended to scale with client growth, whether that means supporting a fintech startup integrating news into a mobile app or an enterprise platform distributing content across global regions. Takeaway News providers are increasingly expected to deliver enterprise-grade reliability alongside content. Supporting Diverse Client Use Cases Benzinga said the expanded delivery options are designed to support a wide spectrum of market participants, including brokers, asset managers, fintech platforms, and internal enterprise systems. For brokerage platforms, real-time streaming feeds can be used to surface headlines alongside price data, helping traders react quickly to breaking developments. Automated trading engines can integrate webhook or socket-based delivery to trigger strategies based on specific news events. Meanwhile, flat file delivery supports clients conducting historical research, backtesting strategies, or maintaining long-term archives of news content. The company said this versatility enables organizations to integrate Benzinga content into both front-end user experiences and back-end analytical systems. Takeaway One-size-fits-all news delivery is giving way to modular, use-case-driven integration. Leadership Emphasizes Flexibility and Integration Benzinga’s management said the infrastructure expansion reflects a broader commitment to meeting clients where they are technologically. Tommy Cotter, Director of Data Products at Benzinga, said the company’s focus is on enabling integration rather than prescribing how content should be consumed. “Expanding our delivery infrastructure reflects Benzinga's commitment to flexibility and innovation,” Cotter said. “By enabling news delivery across a wide range of protocols and formats, we support diverse use cases across the globe and open up new business opportunities for both legacy and new platforms.” He added that the goal is to make Benzinga’s content available wherever clients need it. “This empowers our clients to integrate Benzinga's trusted content where, and how, they need it most,” Cotter said. Takeaway News vendors are increasingly competing on integration capabilities, not just editorial output. Positioning in a Competitive News and Data Landscape The expansion comes amid intensifying competition among financial news and data providers, as clients demand faster delivery, greater customization, and seamless integration with proprietary systems. As algorithmic trading, AI-driven analytics, and event-based strategies become more prevalent, the technical aspects of news delivery are becoming as important as the content itself. Benzinga’s multi-protocol approach positions it to serve both traditional financial institutions and newer digital platforms without forcing either group to compromise on architecture or performance. The move also aligns with broader industry trends toward API-first and cloud-native data distribution models. Takeaway Infrastructure sophistication is emerging as a key differentiator among financial news providers. Scaling for Global Demand Benzinga said the expanded delivery suite is designed to support global distribution, enabling clients across regions to consume news in real time or through scheduled feeds. As market participation continues to grow internationally, particularly among retail and digital-first investors, scalable and reliable news infrastructure has become essential. The company said its delivery options are intended to support high-throughput environments without sacrificing data integrity or timeliness. This scalability is particularly relevant as clients integrate news into multiple endpoints, from trading terminals to mobile applications and internal dashboards. Takeaway Global market participation is pushing news providers to think in terms of infrastructure at scale. Looking Ahead Benzinga said the infrastructure expansion is part of an ongoing effort to modernize how financial news is delivered and consumed. As clients continue to demand faster, more customizable access to information, the company expects flexibility and performance to remain central to its product strategy. The firm said it will continue to invest in technology that supports a wide range of consumption models, from human-driven analysis to fully automated systems. With the expanded multi-protocol suite now in place, Benzinga is positioning itself to serve as both a content provider and a technology partner in an increasingly complex financial information ecosystem. Takeaway The future of financial news lies at the intersection of content, technology, and integration.

For decades, the events industry has struggled with counterfeit tickets, aggressive scalpers, dysfunctional resale systems, and opaque ticket distribution. NFT Ticketing Platforms are transforming how concerts, sports events, and conferences are sold and accessed by replacing paper tickets and centralized databases with blockchain based, programmable access. NFT Ticketing Platforms use non fungible tokens to represent event access on a blockchain. Each ticket becomes unique, traceable, and impossible to counterfeit. This model gives organizers direct control over resale mechanics, pricing logic, and audience data, while attendees benefit from provable ownership, easier transfers, and additional value tied to the ticket. This article presents the best NFT ticketing platforms actively used across concerts, sports, and conferences. Key Takeaways • NFT based tickets reduce fraud by making every ticket verifiable on chain and impossible to duplicate. • Organizers gain direct control over resale rules, royalties, and pricing mechanics after the initial sale. • Attendees can own, transfer, or resell tickets without relying on centralized intermediaries. • Leading NFT Ticketing Platforms already support concerts, sports events, and large scale conferences. • The technology enables new fan engagement models through collectibles, perks, and post event access. Leading NFT Ticketing Platforms in Web3 1. GET Protocol GET Protocol is one of the earliest and most validated NFT ticketing platforms. It focuses on white label solutions that allow event organizers and ticketing companies to issue blockchain based tickets under their own brand. The protocol prioritizes fraud protection and regulated ticket resale. Tickets are minted as NFTs but often abstracted away from end users, making onboarding seamless for mainstream audiences. GET Protocol has powered millions of tickets across multiple countries, particularly in Europe. 2. YellowHeart YellowHeart is built specifically for music and live entertainment. It works directly with artists, labels, and event organizers to issue NFT based tickets and collectibles. Beyond entry access,YellowHeart integrates fan engagement through exclusive content, merchandise drops, and post event perks. This makes the ticket more than a one time pass. It becomes a digital artifact tied to the experience. This NFT ticketing platform has been used by major recording artists and global tours. 3. SeatlabNFT SeatlabNFT enables both organizers and fans to gain financially, with a system that manages secondary sales and distributes royalties back to artists, venues, and even supporters. Covering sports, concerts, and festivals, the platform emphasizes fair pricing. SeatlabNFT positions NFT tickets as transparent access tools, resonating with both organizers and attendees. 4. GUTS Tickets GUTS Tickets is a consumer-focused platform that leverages NFTs behind the scenes to prevent fraud and scalping while keeping the experience simple. Users buy tickets without needing prior crypto knowledge, while blockchain infrastructure ensures authenticity. The platform has been used for large festivals and international events. GUTS demonstrates how NFT Ticketing Platforms can operate invisibly while still delivering blockchain level security and control. 5. TicketMint TicketMint operates as an enterprise grade NFT ticketing platform targeting large scale events and venues. It focuses on interoperability and integration with existing event management systems. The platform supports advanced features like dynamic pricing, programmable access, and analytics for organizers. TicketMint proves that NFT ticketing has progressed beyond pilot initiatives into fully operational infrastructure for the events industry. Key Challenges in NFT Ticketing Today Despite significant progress, NFT ticketing faces several ongoing challenges that organizers and attendees still need to navigate. • Technical Entry and User Experience Users who are not accustomed to blockchain wallets or private keys may find buying and storing NFT tickets challenging. While many NFT ticketing platforms now let users purchase with credit cards, the underlying onboarding steps for managing wallets and digital assets remain a hurdle for mainstream adoption. • Scalability and Infrastructure Costs When demand spikes during large ticket drops, some blockchains face congestion or elevated transaction fees. Even though many services use high-performance layer 2 solutions or alternative chains, handling thousands of transactions without friction is still a technical challenge. • Regulatory Uncertainty Across Regions The legal frameworks for NFT ticketing are still uneven across different countries. Variations in how digital assets and consumer protections are regulated can complicate international event sales or require extra compliance work from platforms and organizers. • Interoperability and Standards The NFT ticketing ecosystem is still somewhat fragmented. Different platforms may use different token standards or systems, which can make moving tickets or integrating with varied event software more complex than traditional ticketing integrations. • Education and Market Awareness Even with simplified interfaces, users still need more guidance and education to navigate NFT ticketing effectively. Many attendees who are not familiar with Web3 are still confused about how to use or safely store NFT tickets after purchase. Final Thoughts NFT ticketing is live, functional, and improving with every major event it supports. The leading platforms in this space are reinventing ticketing from the ground up, with transparency, ownership, and programmability as core principles. NFT Ticketing Platforms illustrate how blockchain technology can solve complex problems for large-scale events and audiences.

Wall Street isn’t debating if blockchain wins anymore; it’s racing to decide who gets in first. This week’s $82.5 million Series B raise by Superstate, backed by Bain Capital Crypto, made one thing clear: institutions are no longer experimenting with crypto infrastructure; they’re scaling it. With SEC-registered equities now being issued directly on Ethereum and Solana, and tokenized assets projected to grow into a multi-trillion-dollar market by 2030, the shift toward on-chain finance has officially entered its acceleration phase. When a capital of this size moves, it doesn’t chase hype; it positions early. That’s exactly where retail investors still have an edge. While institutions build compliant rails for trillion-dollar asset issuance, early-stage crypto opportunities are quietly emerging as moonshot cryptos. APEMARS is one of them. Meanwhile, Chainlink is making serious infrastructure moves, aiming to reshape how value is captured in DeFi so that everyday users aren’t left behind by bots and toxic transaction games. And then there’s the part that changes the entire risk-reward picture: APEMARS ($APRZ) is still in presale. That matters because presale entry is where the “before the crowd” advantage lives. This article breaks down how Ethereum and Chainlink look today, and why they still matter. As regulated capital flows into Ethereum ecosystems, projects aligned with narrative, structure, and early positioning stand to benefit most from the next phase of market expansion. APEMARS: The Moonshot Play for Top Crypto 2026 Hunters Let's talk like real investors: you don’t need another coin with a fancy slogan, you need timing, structure, scarcity, and momentum. That’s exactly why the APEMARS presale is attracting attention right now. APEMARS ($APRZ) presale is live in Stage 5, priced at $0.00003629. The planned listing price is $0.0055, and the projected upside from Stage 5 is 15,200% ROI (not guaranteed). The traction is visible too: 550 holders, $112k+ raised, and 5B tokens sold. That’s the kind of growth curve where early entrants typically feel like they “caught it” before it became obvious. APEMARS isn’t trying to copy what older projects do. It’s designed to feel like a mission, literally, where momentum doesn’t rely on one hype spike. It’s a staged system meant to keep demand alive and push urgency forward, week after week. Scheduled Burn System That Makes Scarcity Feel Real Most projects talk about scarcity like it’s a vibe. APEMARS treats scarcity like a schedule. APEMARS has a Scheduled Burn System with burn events planned at Stages 6, 12, 18, and 23. Here’s the important part: all unsold presale tokens from completed stages are burned. That’s a straightforward deflationary design that reduces potential supply over time and rewards earlier participation with a clearer scarcity narrative. Think about what that does psychologically: instead of “maybe later,” the market is nudged into “why wait?” because each progression can reduce what’s left. If you’re hunting a Moonshot crypto, this kind of designed urgency is exactly what you want to see. How To Buy APEMARS ($APRZ) Presale Go to the official APEMARS presale page. Connect your wallet. Choose your payment method. Enter the amount you want to contribute. Confirm the transaction in your wallet and save your confirmation details. The $4,000 Early-Mover Scenario Most Investors See Too Late Let’s make this tangible, because numbers are what separate hype from strategy. At Stage 5 price $0.00003629, a $4,000 buy gets you approximately ≈ 110,223,133 $APRZ Now imagine different outcomes after launch: Scenario Price Point Estimated Value (Not Guaranteed) Presale Entry (Now) $0.00003629 $4,000 Listing Price Target $0.0055 ~$606,600 Here’s the uncomfortable truth most people learn late: the biggest gains usually come from the hardest moment to act, when the project is early, not when it’s trending. If you’ve been struggling to find a worthy project that can actually change your financial story, you’re not crazy. Most coins already have the “easy money” phase behind them. Presales exist to flip that script. And with APEMARS, you’re not just buying a token, you’re buying the entry point that other buyers will wish they had once the market catches on. Ethereum: The Backbone of Decentralized Infrastructure Ethereum continues to serve as the foundational layer for much of the decentralized economy, supporting smart contracts, decentralized finance, NFTs, and an expanding range of onchain applications. Its broad developer adoption and network effects have made it the default settlement and execution layer for many blockchain projects, reinforcing its role as core infrastructure rather than a speculative asset alone. Beyond its base layer, Ethereum’s ecosystem has evolved through scaling solutions and modular upgrades designed to improve efficiency and accessibility. Layer-2 networks, rollups, and protocol refinements have helped extend Ethereum’s reach while preserving decentralization and security, allowing it to remain central to long-term blockchain innovation. Chainlink: Powering Real-World Data for Smart Contracts Chainlink plays a critical role in connecting blockchains with offchain data, enabling smart contracts to interact with real-world information securely. Its decentralized oracle network has become a standard component for decentralized finance, gaming, and enterprise blockchain use cases, where reliable external data is essential for automated execution. As blockchain adoption expands, Chainlink’s scope has grown beyond price feeds into areas like cross-chain communication, proof systems, and enterprise integrations. By focusing on reliability and security rather than hype, Chainlink has positioned itself as a quiet but essential layer in the broader blockchain stack, supporting applications that depend on accurate and tamper-resistant data flows. Conclusion Ethereum and Chainlink are not “bad” bets; they are proven projects with real infrastructure value, strong adoption pathways, and 2026 catalysts that could drive future growth. Ethereum remains the base layer giant, and Chainlink continues to tighten its grip on DeFi’s most important plumbing. These are the kind of projects that help shape the market’s future. But APEMARS ($APRZ) is the one giving you what most investors want but rarely catch: a presale entry with visible momentum, clear token design, and built-in scarcity triggers. If you’re chasing a Moonshot crypto and scouting the top crypto 2026 opportunities early, waiting can be the most expensive decision. Get into the APEMARS presale now while Stage 5 pricing is still live. For readers watching market rankings and early-stage plays, other data points in this article echo insights from best crypto to buy now, a hub for crypto trend tracking, comparisons, and emerging narratives. For More Information: Website: Visit the Official APEMARS Website Telegram: Join the APEMARS Telegram Channel Twitter: Follow APEMARS ON X (Formerly Twitter) Frequently Asked Questions About Moonshot Crypto What Is A Moonshot Crypto In 2026? A Moonshot crypto is a project with high upside potential, usually driven by early entry, strong narrative, token mechanics, and community growth. In 2026, timing and scarcity design matter more than ever. Is APEMARS ($APRZ) A Presale Opportunity Or A Regular Token? APEMARS ($APRZ) is a presale-only opportunity right now, currently in Stage 5. That means buyers are entering before public market trading begins, which can offer different risk-reward dynamics. Can Ethereum Still Be Considered Top Crypto 2026? Yes. Ethereum can still be top crypto 2026 because it remains the most established smart contract ecosystem with major on-chain activity. It’s a mature asset, not a presale-style entry. Why Are Investors Watching Chainlink’s Atlas And SVR News? Because it signals Chainlink’s push into transaction ordering and value recapture, aiming to reduce harmful MEV and return more value to users and protocols, strengthening DeFi trust and efficiency. How Do Staking And Burns Help APEMARS ($APRZ) Stand Out? Staking can reward holding with accumulated tokens, while scheduled burns can reduce supply over time. Together, they create stronger incentives for early participation and a tighter scarcity narrative. Summary Ethereum and Chainlink remain major, respected projects in 2026, one as a foundational smart contract network, the other as critical DeFi infrastructure. APEMARS ($APRZ) stands out because it’s in presale Stage 5 with momentum, scheduled burns, and 63% APY staking designed to reward early buyers.

A new shift is forming in the payments crypto space, and it is starting to worry XRP holders. Remittix has quietly sold out over 95% of its ICO allocation, and that level of demand is drawing direct comparisons to XRP’s early rise.  As supply tightens and capital rotates, many investors are openly calling Remittix the next serious payments contender. This is not hype-driven momentum. It is backed by real products, verified security, and a clear launch timeline. With XRP holders watching closely, Remittix is becoming impossible to ignore. XRP Faces New Competition In Payments Narratives Currently, XRP is trading at $1.91, with a total market capitalization exceeding $116 billion and a daily trading volume of $1 billion, keeping it firmly among the top digital assets. Recent Ripple updates and regulatory clarity have helped stabilize sentiment, yet upside remains measured.  This has led some investors to look beyond established leaders toward newer payment-focused projects with sharper growth curves. XRP remains strong, but its mature market position leaves less room for rapid upside compared to newer entrants. Why Remittix Is Making XRP Holders Nervous Remittix is emerging as a direct narrative challenger to XRP, and the numbers explain why. Positioned at the intersection of crypto, payments, and global remittance, Remittix targets a $19 trillion market with a crypto-to-fiat payment model built for everyday use. Unlike XRP, Remittix is still in its early allocation phase, and supply is nearly gone. Over 700 million of the 750 million tokens have already been sold, pushing the ICO past 95% sold. At $0.123, more than $28.8 million has been raised, and there is very little left for new investors. This scarcity is driving urgency, with many buyers openly stating they do not want to miss what they see as the next XRP-style payments run. Product delivery adds further pressure. The Remittix Wallet is already live on the Apple App Store, allowing users to store and manage assets today. The full Remittix platform officially launches on 9 February 2026, unlocking crypto-to-fiat payments, merchant tools, and PayFi infrastructure.  Trust and execution are also key. Remittix is fully verified by CertiK and ranked #1 on CertiK Skynet for pre-launch tokens, supported by a Skynet Score of 80.09 (Grade A) from over 24,000 community ratings. The team has completed full KYC, secured CEX listings on BitMart and LBANK, and confirmed a third exchange listing. Combined with the 15% USDT referral program, Remittix stands out as a crypto solving real-world problems with momentum accelerating fast. Key Factors Driving Remittix Demand include: Tackles the $19 trillion payments market with real-world solutions Direct crypto-to-bank transfers in 30+ countries Utility-first token with real transaction volume Deflationary tokenomics with growth potential Mass-market appeal beyond crypto natives Why This Shift Matters For The Payments Market The concern among XRP holders is not about replacement, but about rotation. Capital flows toward growth, scarcity, and execution, and Remittix currently checks all three boxes. With over 95% of tokens sold, a confirmed launch date, live products, and strong security validation, Remittix is no longer speculative. As investors search for the next major payments crypto with room to grow, Remittix is increasingly seen as that opportunity. XRP built its position early by solving a real problem at the right time. Many now believe Remittix is following a similar path, and the closing supply window is what makes the moment urgent. Discover the future of PayFi with Remittix by checking out their project here: Website: https://remittix.io/    Socials: https://linktr.ee/remittix   Frequently Asked Questions Why are XRP holders concerned about new payments crypto competition? XRP holders are watching new payments-focused crypto projects as capital rotates toward early-stage tokens with higher growth potential. While XRP remains a major payment asset, newer platforms with tighter supply and fresh catalysts are drawing investor attention. What is driving Remittix’s rapid ICO sellout? Remittix’s ICO demand is driven by its focus on crypto-to-fiat payments, strong security validation, and a clear PayFi platform launch timeline. With over 95% of tokens sold and limited supply remaining, investor urgency has accelerated sharply. How does Remittix position itself as a payments alternative to XRP? Remittix targets the $19 trillion global remittance market by enabling direct crypto-to-bank transfers and merchant payment tools. Its live wallet, an upcoming platform launch on 9 February 2026, and deflationary tokenomics support real-world adoption beyond speculative trading.

Grayscale made a bid to expand beyond its usual Bitcoin and Ether ETFs by applying for a BNB ETF with the US SEC. An approved BNB ETF would provide institutional investors with exposure to Binance’s coin. Meanwhile, traders are more interested in the best crypto to buy now. While major assets are recovering, short-term volatility could be expected. Thus, presale projects are back in fashion. DeepSnitch AI, particularly, represents an affordable entry into the AI market, which is made much more attractive due to the VIP discounts that unlock bonuses as high as 300% on larger investments. The project raised $1.3M in presale and will release at the end of January. BNB is closer to joining the ETF lineup On January 23, 2026, Grayscale filed an S-1 registration statement with the SEC to launch a spot BNB ETF. The move marks a major expansion beyond Bitcoin and Ether for the company. If passed, the proposed Grayscale BNB ETF (GBNB) would trade on Nasdaq, providing regulated exposure to the world’s fourth-largest cryptocurrency without requiring manual custody. The move follows Grayscale's Delaware trust registration earlier this month and positions the firm alongside VanEck in the race to secure a BNB-linked product. Overall, BNB’s utility within the Binance ecosystem is central to the filing, but the SEC’s ongoing review of the token’s security status is the only challenge in the process. If approved, the new product will offer institutional investors a streamlined entry into the $120B BNB market. As the wider market logs a small recovery, traders are looking for the best crypto to buy now in an attempt to take full advantage of a possible pump. Top cryptocurrencies to buy today 1. DeepSnitch AI: Why $DSNT could be the next crypto to 100x  The crypto market had a dramatic week, to say the least. Because there’s no indication of which direction charts will move in the short term, it’s no wonder everyone is training to find the best crypto to buy now to get the odds. Well, DeepSnitch AI is currently leading the race, and with its presale securing over $1.30M and a massive launch scheduled just two weeks away, you may not have to wait too long to make the flip.  Priced at $0.03681, the DSNT token will give you access to an AI-powered platform that uses five specialized agents to score trading risks, audit smart contracts, and track social sentiment in real-time. Custom-built for the regular trader, it basically packs institutional-grade functions that are easily accessible. Just paste a contract address, and the AI agents scan for red flags like liquidity traps or honeypots instantly.  The community is already eyeing a 100x pump, and the FOMO is getting real, which contributed to DeepSnitch AI being one of the hottest trending coins this week.  The latest exclusive bonuses will likely push the presale to a whole new level as you and your fellow investors can unlock discounts ranging from 30% on $2K investments to 300% on whale-worthy investments of $30K and up.  2. Ethereum: What will ETH do next? According to CoinMarketCap, Ethereum maintained around $2.95K on January 23.  Hovering on the critical support line that has historically provided more power to the buyers, ETH’s January 23 position is the only thing stopping sellers from tanking the price to $2.6K. While the downturn remains in play, a bullish move is less likely in the short term. However, once the momentum picks up, ETH will surge past $3.1K.  If you’re willing to risk it, Ethereum could be the best crypto to buy now for long-term plays.  3. BNB: Is a relief rally coming? BNB recovered to $890 on January 23, according to CoinMarketCap. ETF hype could quickly turn things around, and getting in before the market prices it in could make it the best crypto to buy now.  If the uptrend line holds, a relief bounce could happen. While recovery will attract sellers at the moving averages, if BNB closes above $959, it could shoot past $1K. Alternatively, if BNB turns down from its current price, it could slip to the $790 support. Final words: Choose the best odds Since circumventing volatility in January is a herculean task, going for a presale may provide you with the best odds.  DeepSnitch AI is positioned as the best crypto to buy now as it blends not only immediate ROI potential, but also a long-term utility play that could take the market by storm. With $1.3M cleared and its late-January launch fast approaching, the community is buzzing about a potential asymmetric move. With Stage 4 currently priced at $0.03681, whale investors are already using high-value codes to maximize their bags: DSNTVIP30 (30% on $2K+), DSNTVIP50 (50% on $5K+), DSNTVIP150 (150% on $10K+), DSNTVIP300 for a 300% bonus on $30K+.  Secure your spot in the DeepSnitch AI presale, and check X and Telegram for the latest updates.  FAQs 1. What is the best crypto to buy now for high ROI?  DeepSnitch AI is currently a top contender, having raised $1.3M ahead of its late-January launch. With five specialized AI agents for rug-pull detection and sentiment tracking, it offers institutional-grade utility at a presale price of $0.03681. 2. How will Grayscale's BNB ETF filing impact the market?  On January 23, 2026, Grayscale filed for a spot BNB ETF (GBNB) to trade on Nasdaq. If approved, it would provide institutional access to the $120B BNB market, potentially driving the coin past $1,000 if it breaks resistance at $959. 3. What are the current DeepSnitch AI VIP bonus codes?  Investors can maximize their holdings with tiered codes: DSNTVIP30 (30% on $2K+), DSNTVIP50 (50% on $5K+), DSNTVIP150 (150% on $10K+), and DSNTVIP300 for a 300% bonus on investments of $30K or more.

Why Did Bitcoin ETFs Record Their Worst Week Since February 2025? U.S. spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds posted $1.33 billion in net outflows during the week ended Jan. 23, marking their largest weekly redemption since February 2025, according to data from SoSoValue. The selling took place during a shortened four-day trading week, with markets closed on Monday for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. The scale of the withdrawals stood in sharp contrast to the previous week, when spot bitcoin ETFs attracted $1.42 billion in net inflows. This reversal highlights a rapid change in investor behavior, with capital moving out of crypto-linked products despite bitcoin prices holding above key technical levels for much of the period. Wednesday accounted for the bulk of the damage, with $709 million leaving bitcoin ETFs in a single session. Tuesday followed with $483 million in outflows. Redemptions slowed later in the week, with $32 million exiting on Thursday and $104 million on Friday. Investor Takeaway The concentration of outflows into two sessions suggests institutional positioning changes rather than gradual retail selling. How Does This Compare With Previous ETF Drawdowns? The latest outflow represents the heaviest weekly redemption since late February 2025, when bitcoin ETFs lost $2.61 billion during a sharp market pullback. That earlier episode coincided with bitcoin falling from above $109,000 to below $80,000 and included a record single-day outflow of $1.14 billion on Feb. 25. By contrast, bitcoin prices during the latest week did not experience a comparable collapse, suggesting that ETF flows may be reacting more to broader portfolio allocation decisions than to immediate price stress. BlackRock’s IBIT, the largest spot bitcoin ETF by assets, recorded outflows on all four trading days. According to SoSoValue, the heaviest redemptions occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday. IBIT currently holds about $69.75 billion in net assets, representing roughly 3.9% of bitcoin’s circulating supply. Despite the weak week, cumulative net inflows into U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs since their January 2024 launch remain substantial, totaling $56.5 billion. Total net assets across products stand near $115.9 billion. Ethereum ETFs Track Bitcoin’s Weakness Ethereum ETFs followed a similar path, posting $611 million in net outflows over the same four-day period. Wednesday again proved the heaviest session, with $298 million redeemed, followed by $230 million on Tuesday. The drawdown reversed the prior week’s trend, when ether ETFs recorded $479 million in net inflows, driven largely by BlackRock and Grayscale products. Total net assets across U.S. spot Ethereum ETFs now stand at approximately $17.7 billion, with cumulative net inflows of $12.3 billion since their launch in July 2024. Investor Takeaway Synchronized outflows across bitcoin and ether ETFs point to asset-allocation pressure rather than token-specific concerns. Which Crypto ETFs Defied the Trend? Not all crypto-linked ETFs saw money exit. Spot Solana ETFs attracted $9.6 million in net inflows during the week, extending a run of positive flows. Bitwise’s BSOL continued to lead the category by assets under management. Spot XRP ETFs posted a net outflow of $40.6 million. Tuesday accounted for most of the redemptions, with $53 million leaving the funds, while the remaining sessions saw modest inflows between $3 million and $7 million. The week followed XRP ETFs’ first daily net outflow since their mid-November debut earlier in January. Market participants have pointed to a wider divergence between crypto and traditional assets. “Crypto has been weaker relative to other asset classes, with investors feeling more comfortable taking positions in stocks than in crypto,” said Min Jung, research associate at Presto Research, in comments previously published by The Block. On-Chain Data Points to a Shift in Market Behavior ETF outflows have coincided with a change in on-chain metrics. According to a CryptoQuant report published Thursday, bitcoin holders have begun realizing net losses for the first time since October 2023. CryptoQuant reported that the market has moved from a profit-taking phase into a loss-realization phase over the past 30 days, with cumulative realized losses totaling about 69,000 BTC since Dec. 23. The firm added that the current on-chain structure resembles patterns seen during the 2021–2022 transition from bull to bear market conditions. Together, ETF flows and on-chain data suggest that investor behavior is becoming more defensive, even as headline prices have avoided a sharp breakdown so far.

Why Is Binance Revisiting Tokenized Equities Now? Binance has confirmed plans to reintroduce tokenized equities to its platform, marking a return to stock-linked digital assets for the first time since 2021. A Binance spokesperson said the exchange is “exploring the potential to offer tokenized equities,” framing the move as part of a broader effort to connect traditional financial products with crypto-based infrastructure. If implemented, the move would reverse a decision Binance made nearly four years ago, when it announced it would stop supporting stock tokens amid regulatory pressure in Europe. At the time, the exchange cited compliance considerations after scrutiny from financial authorities in Germany and the UK. The spokesperson said Binance has already been laying groundwork through other initiatives. “Since last year, we started supporting tokenized real-world assets and we recently launched the first regulated TradFi perpetual contracts settled in stablecoin,” the statement said. Investor Takeaway Binance’s renewed interest in tokenized stocks suggests exchanges see demand returning, but any rollout will depend heavily on regulatory tolerance rather than user appetite alone. What Happened to Binance’s Original Stock Tokens? Binance first launched tokenized equities in April 2021, starting with shares linked to Tesla. The offering later expanded to include tokens tracking companies such as Coinbase, MicroStrategy, Apple, and Microsoft. The products were designed to give users price exposure to publicly listed stocks without directly owning the underlying shares. The initiative quickly ran into regulatory resistance. German watchdogs questioned whether the products complied with securities rules, while the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority ordered Binance to stop carrying out regulated activity in the country in June 2021. One month later, Binance announced it would discontinue its stock token offerings entirely. The episode became an early example of how tokenized versions of traditional assets could trigger securities law concerns, even when offered through crypto-native platforms. What Signals Point to a Broader Shift? Hints of a revival emerged in December, when changes to Binance’s application programming interface suggested preparation for potential stock-related features. At the time, the exchange did not publicly confirm any plans. The latest comments now confirm that tokenized equities are actively being considered again. The renewed interest is not limited to Binance. Coinbase has also been reported to be examining tokenized stock offerings, reflecting a wider push among major exchanges to bring traditional financial instruments on-chain as part of a broader real-world asset trend. Unlike the 2021 cycle, the current environment places greater emphasis on regulatory alignment. Exchanges are increasingly tying new products to licensed entities, clearer jurisdictional boundaries, and settlement models that resemble traditional derivatives markets rather than retail trading experiments. Investor Takeaway Tokenized equities are resurfacing alongside regulated real-world asset products, but exchanges appear more cautious about how and where they offer them. How Could US Legislation Shape Tokenized Stocks? In the United States, tokenized equities have become a point of contention in ongoing debates over digital asset market structure. Both the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Senate Banking Committee have been reviewing proposals aimed at defining regulatory oversight for crypto markets. While the agriculture committee is scheduled to hold a markup on its version of the bill, progress in the banking committee has stalled after Coinbase withdrew its support. In a Jan. 14 social media post, Coinbase chief executive Brian Armstrong warned that the draft legislation could amount to a “defacto ban on tokenized equities” if enacted in its current form. Opposition has also come from banking groups and lawmakers concerned about provisions covering stablecoin rewards, conflicts of interest, and decentralized finance. The uncertainty around US rules leaves open the question of whether tokenized equities will gain traction domestically or develop primarily in offshore or tightly ring-fenced markets. What Comes Next for Tokenized Equities? Binance has not announced a launch timeline or detailed structure for any future stock tokens. Much will depend on jurisdictional approvals, product design, and how regulators classify digital representations of equities relative to existing securities frameworks. The return of tokenized stocks to the agenda suggests exchanges see unfinished business rather than a closed chapter. Whether this revival leads to a sustainable market, however, will hinge on regulatory clarity rather than technical capability.