The Ethereum Foundation plans to convert 5,000 ETH into stablecoins as part of an ongoing shift in its treasury management strategy, balancing exposure to ether with the need for predictable funding. The transaction, valued at approximately $10 million to $11 million at current market prices, will be executed using a time-weighted average price (TWAP) mechanism through the CoWSwap protocol. The approach allows the foundation to spread the sale over time, reducing market impact and limiting price disruption. According to the foundation, the move is intended to support ongoing funding for research, grants, and ecosystem development initiatives. The organization emphasized that the conversion reflects routine treasury operations rather than a directional view on ETH price movements. Treasury strategy shifts toward stability The decision highlights a broader evolution in how the Ethereum Foundation manages its reserves. Historically, the foundation has maintained significant exposure to ETH, making its treasury sensitive to market volatility. By converting a portion of its holdings into stablecoins, the foundation aims to ensure predictable funding for operational expenses, regardless of fluctuations in crypto markets. Stablecoins provide price stability, enabling more consistent budgeting for long-term initiatives such as protocol development and developer grants. The move aligns with an updated treasury approach focused on maintaining sufficient liquidity to cover operational needs while preserving long-term exposure to ETH. This strategy reduces reliance on market timing and helps ensure continuity in funding during periods of market stress. In parallel, the foundation has expanded its use of staking as part of its treasury strategy, allocating ETH to generate yield while contributing to network security. This combination of staking and stablecoin allocation reflects a more diversified approach to managing reserves. Execution strategy and market considerations The use of a TWAP execution model via CoWSwap is designed to minimize the impact of the sale on market prices. Large, single transactions can create downward pressure in relatively short timeframes, particularly in volatile markets. Spreading execution over time reduces slippage and limits visibility of the trade. At current price levels, the 5,000 ETH allocation represents a relatively small portion of the foundation’s overall holdings, which exceed 100,000 ETH. As a result, the conversion is unlikely to materially affect broader market conditions. Nevertheless, transactions involving the Ethereum Foundation are closely monitored by market participants, as they can provide insight into treasury management practices and ecosystem funding strategies. The conversion reflects a wider trend across the digital asset industry, where organizations are adopting more structured treasury management practices. As blockchain ecosystems mature, maintaining financial stability has become a key priority alongside technological development. For Ethereum, the move reinforces the foundation’s focus on sustaining long-term ecosystem growth through consistent funding. By securing stable liquidity, the organization can continue supporting research, infrastructure development, and community initiatives without being constrained by short-term market volatility. The decision also highlights the increasing role of stablecoins as a financial tool within crypto-native organizations, serving as a bridge between volatile assets and operational funding needs. While the transaction is modest in scale, it underscores the ongoing evolution of treasury management within major blockchain ecosystems. As Ethereum continues to develop, such strategies are expected to play a central role in ensuring financial resilience and supporting long-term innovation.

A whale with $60 million placed a 5x short on oil and a 10x long on Bitcoin minutes before Trump announced the ceasefire on April 8, and walked away with $5 million in two hours according to CoinDesk. They knew. They always know. The bitcoin price prediction shifted from fear to greed in one evening, and the wallets that positioned before the headline are collecting right now. Many of those same whale patterns showed up inside the Pepeto presale days before the CoinMarketCap preview page went live. These wallets move on information the market has not processed yet, and $8.84 million flowing in during extreme fear tells you what they expect. The btc price is heading higher, but the real 100x math lives inside Pepeto. Bitcoin Price Prediction Turns Bullish as Whale Moves Prove They Knew Before Everyone Else BTC jumped 5% to $71,727 on April 8 after Trump confirmed a two-week ceasefire, triggering $600 million in short liquidations according to CoinDesk. Exchange reserves sit at 2.7 million BTC, the lowest since 2019, while whale wallets added 61,568 BTC in the past month. Bernstein holds its $150,000 target. Morgan Stanley launched its MSBT Bitcoin ETF. The bitcoin price prediction is pointing up, but from $71,727 even $150,000 is roughly 2x over months. Bitcoin Price Prediction and the Presale Whale Wallets Are Stacking While the Crowd Watches Charts If you watched BTC run from $16,000 to $126,000 without entering, this window matters. Pepeto is pulling heavy capital during the exact fear conditions that turned 2022 buyers into 2024 winners. Unlike large caps that bleed with every headline, this exchange already runs during the presale. The bridge connects Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Solana so tokens move between networks without losing a dollar. The scanner reads every contract for scam patterns, giving you a clear answer before your wallet touches anything. Early wallets are well ahead, and every round has pushed the presale past $8.84 million. A developer who built exchange systems at Binance handles the technical side. SolidProof cleared the full codebase before any money entered, and 186% APY staking adds to positions daily. More listings across CEX and DEX platforms follow Binance. At the center is the builder who took Pepe from nothing to $11 billion on 420 trillion tokens with no utility. Getting to that cap from $0.0000001863 is over 100x, and Pepeto has PepetoSwap handling every trade at zero cost, the bridge, and the scanner Pepe never shipped. The bitcoin price prediction would need BTC above $7 million to match that math, a number no serious analyst has written down. The wealth that defined past cycles was built by wallets that bought working presales while everyone else froze, and the Binance listing will shut this entry and every multiplier connected to it for good. Bitcoin Price Prediction: Will BTC Break $100K From Here? The btc price trades near $71,727 as of April 8 according to CoinMarketCap. Exchange reserves at 2.7 million BTC mark a multi-year low. The weekly RSI mirrors oversold prints from 2015 and 2018, both right before massive runs. When the ceasefire holds and markets price in rate cuts, the bitcoin price prediction of $100,000 to $150,000 gets real. From $71,727 that is 38% to 106% over months. A presale targeting 100x from one listing event is a return no large cap can deliver. Conclusion The bitcoin price prediction points to recovery, but the presale delivers what the recovery cannot. Over $8.84 million committed while the Fear Index sat in single digits, led by the builder who created $11 billion and a Binance developer running the exchange. Whale wallets are buying Pepeto. They have always been the ones who win in crypto, and they do not broadcast their moves because they do not want the crowd to find these entries before they finish filling. Right now, you are looking at the same setup they are loading, and that does not happen often.  The bitcoin price prediction turns bullish the moment sentiment shifts, but by then these wallets will already own the positions that the rest of the market spends the entire cycle chasing. Not following them here would be the kind of mistake that sticks with a portfolio for years. The Pepeto official website still has the presale entry open, but the Binance listing gets closer every day, and the moment trading begins, the price these whales locked in disappears forever. Click To Visit Pepeto Website To Enter The Presale FAQs How did whale wallets predict the bitcoin price prediction rally before the ceasefire? A whale placed $76 million in leveraged trades minutes before Trump's announcement and made $5 million in two hours. Whale wallets consistently move before headlines, and many of the same patterns appeared inside the Pepeto presale before the CoinMarketCap page went live. Does the bitcoin price prediction support buying BTC at $71,727? The bitcoin price prediction targets $100,000 to $150,000, roughly 38% to 106% over months. Pepeto at $0.0000001863 targets 100x from presale to Binance listing, the kind of compressed return the btc price at $71,727 cannot match.

Polygon Labs is in discussions to raise up to $100 million to launch a regulated stablecoin payments business, marking a strategic shift as the company expands beyond blockchain scaling into financial infrastructure. According to reports, the firm is in early-stage talks with investors to secure between $50 million and $100 million to fund a dedicated payments unit focused on stablecoin-based transactions. The new business is expected to operate as a separate entity designed to deliver compliant, on-chain payment services for enterprises, fintech platforms, and financial institutions. The initiative reflects a broader repositioning by Polygon toward real-world use cases, particularly cross-border payments, merchant settlement, and treasury operations. By leveraging stablecoins as a settlement layer, the company aims to offer faster and lower-cost alternatives to traditional payment rails. Stablecoin payments underpin strategic pivot Polygon’s payments push builds on recent infrastructure investments aimed at creating a full-stack financial ecosystem. The company has pursued acquisitions and integrations across wallet technology, fiat on-ramps, and blockchain settlement to support what it has described as an “open money” framework. Stablecoins are central to this strategy, providing programmable, dollar-denominated liquidity that can be used for instant settlement across jurisdictions. Polygon’s network has processed trillions of dollars in on-chain value, positioning it as a candidate platform for high-volume payment activity. The proposed payments unit is expected to emphasize regulatory alignment, operating within compliance frameworks in the United States and other jurisdictions. This approach reflects growing demand from institutional clients for blockchain-based payment solutions that meet established financial standards. Industry participants increasingly view stablecoins as one of the most viable applications of blockchain technology, particularly for cross-border transfers and real-time settlement. Polygon’s move places it in direct competition with both crypto-native firms and traditional payment providers developing similar capabilities. Competition intensifies in global payments infrastructure The expansion comes amid rising competition in the stablecoin payments sector, where financial institutions and technology companies are investing heavily in digital settlement systems. Firms such as payment processors, card networks, and blockchain platforms are building infrastructure to support real-time, programmable money movement. Stablecoin transaction volumes have grown significantly, reaching trillions of dollars annually, and are increasingly being used in enterprise and financial workflows. This growth has reinforced the view that stablecoins could become a core component of global payment systems. Polygon has also gained traction in non-dollar stablecoin activity, which could support localized and cross-currency payment use cases. The planned payments business aims to leverage this positioning while expanding into regulated financial services. The shift comes as blockchain networks compete to capture long-term value from real-world applications rather than speculative trading activity. For Polygon, success will depend on its ability to secure regulatory approvals, attract institutional clients, and scale infrastructure to meet enterprise requirements. If completed, the funding round would provide capital to accelerate development and deployment of the payments platform. The move underscores a broader industry trend toward integrating blockchain-based settlement into mainstream financial systems, with stablecoins at the center of that transition.

Traders placed a roughly $950 million bearish bet on oil prices just hours before the United States announced a ceasefire agreement with Iran, a move that was followed by a sharp drop in crude prices and has drawn scrutiny across energy markets. The position, executed at approximately 19:45 GMT on April 7, involved the sale of around 8,600 combined lots of Brent and U.S. crude futures. The trade occurred less than three hours before the ceasefire announcement at approximately 22:30 GMT, which signaled a potential easing of tensions in a region critical to global oil supply. Following the announcement, oil prices declined sharply as markets repriced geopolitical risk. Crude futures fell by roughly 15%, pushing prices below the $100 per barrel level at the start of the next trading session. The move reflected reduced expectations of supply disruption through key routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. The size and timing of the trade have raised questions among market participants, particularly given the typically gradual execution of large positions in oil futures markets. Trading patterns and market structure under scrutiny While significant directional bets are not unusual in energy markets, the concentrated nature of the trade and its proximity to a major geopolitical development have prompted increased attention. Large positions are generally executed over extended periods to minimize market impact, particularly during lower-liquidity trading windows. Analysts noted that the trade was placed outside peak liquidity hours, when large orders are less common. This has contributed to speculation around whether the timing reflected informed positioning or coincidental alignment with unfolding geopolitical events. The trade also follows a similar pattern observed in prior market activity. In March, traders reportedly placed a $500 million bearish position on oil shortly before a U.S. decision to delay military action targeting Iranian energy infrastructure, which was followed by a decline in prices. Although there is no evidence of misconduct, the recurrence of well-timed large trades has intensified focus on information asymmetry in global commodities markets. Exchanges and regulators have not issued public statements regarding the specific transaction, but such activity may attract closer monitoring of trading behavior around major policy announcements. Geopolitical developments drive volatility in oil markets The market reaction highlights the sensitivity of oil prices to geopolitical developments, particularly those affecting supply chains and maritime routes. The ceasefire reduced immediate concerns about disruptions in the Middle East, a region that accounts for a significant share of global oil exports. Oil prices had previously risen sharply amid escalating tensions, with Brent crude trading above $120 per barrel in late March before reversing following the announcement. The subsequent decline marked one of the largest single-day price moves in recent years. Trading volumes have remained elevated throughout the period of heightened geopolitical risk, with daily Brent futures volumes exceeding one million contracts. This level of activity reflects both hedging demand from commercial participants and speculative positioning by institutional investors. The $950 million trade underscores the scale and speed at which large market participants can position around macroeconomic and geopolitical events. It also illustrates the rapid repricing that can occur in energy markets as new information emerges. As markets continue to assess the implications of the ceasefire, attention is likely to remain on both price movements and trading patterns. The intersection of geopolitical developments and financial markets remains a key driver of volatility, with oil continuing to serve as a central indicator of global economic and political stability.

European currencies strengthened against the US dollar as markets reacted to reports of a temporary ceasefire agreement between Washington and Tehran. The reduction in geopolitical risk has shifted sentiment, weakening demand for so-called defensive assets and encouraging flows into higher-risk currencies, particularly across developed markets. At the same time, falling oil prices added to the pressure on the dollar. Expectations of more consistent supply through the Strait of Hormuz have eased concerns around energy-driven inflation, contributing to a softer outlook for price pressures. This has, in turn, reinforced the view that the Federal Reserve may adopt a more flexible policy stance in the coming months. Declining US Treasury yields have further supported this narrative, with market participants increasingly factoring in potential rate cuts before the end of the year. As a result, the dollar remains on the back foot, with limited signs of a sustained recovery at this stage. EUR/USD The euro has pushed higher against the dollar, breaking above its recent consolidation phase. If momentum is maintained, the pair could continue moving towards the 1.1740–1.1770 area. However, after the recent advance, a near-term retracement towards the 1.1610–1.1630 region — previously acting as resistance — could be a technically consistent development. A move back below 1.1600 on a daily basis would suggest that bullish momentum is fading and that price may return to a range environment. Key events for EUR/USD: 09:00 (GMT+3): German industrial production 15:30 (GMT+3): US Core PCE Price Index 15:30 (GMT+3): US GDP GBP/USD Sterling has also benefited from the broader dollar weakness, with GBP/USD moving decisively higher. Following this upward move, the pair could experience a period of consolidation or a pullback towards the 1.3320–1.3350 zone. Should buying pressure persist and recent highs give way, the next upside targets could be around 1.3510–1.3560. Key events for GBP/USD: 11:30 (GMT+3): Bank of England Credit Conditions Survey 12:00 (GMT+3): UK mortgage rate data 15:30 (GMT+3): US initial jobless claims Summary The current move in European currencies is underpinned by improving risk sentiment, softer energy prices, and a shift in expectations regarding US monetary policy. The recent upside moves in EUR/USD and GBP/USD indicate that markets are, for now, favouring risk exposure over defensive positioning. Looking ahead, incoming US data will be key in shaping the next phase. Continued declines in yields and stronger conviction around policy easing could maintain pressure on the dollar. On the other hand, any upside surprises in macroeconomic releases may prompt a reassessment, potentially leading to a stabilisation in the greenback and a pause in the current trends. 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.

Transcend Street Solutions has announced that it connected its collateral and liquidity optimization platform to the Canton Network, enabling institutions to move tokenized and traditional assets in real time across counterparties and markets. The integration represents a step toward combining distributed ledger infrastructure with existing financial systems, as firms seek to improve collateral efficiency and reduce settlement delays. The development positions Transcend as a coordination layer between traditional finance and emerging tokenized asset networks. What The Canton Integration Enables The connection allows Transcend clients to mobilize collateral and cash instantly, using both traditional securities and tokenized assets. This capability addresses a long-standing limitation in financial markets, where collateral movement often involves delays due to settlement cycles and fragmented infrastructure. By linking to the Canton Network, Transcend extends its platform beyond traditional systems into distributed ledger environments. Clients can now allocate collateral dynamically, responding to changes in margin requirements and market conditions without waiting for standard settlement windows. The system supports interactions across multiple counterparties, including central counterparties and triparty agents, while incorporating tokenized assets into the same workflows. This reduces the need to manage separate processes for different asset types. Why Collateral Mobility Matters In Modern Markets Collateral plays a central role in financial markets, supporting derivatives trading, securities financing, and risk management. Efficient use of collateral can reduce funding costs and improve capital allocation, particularly for institutions operating across multiple markets. However, traditional collateral systems are often constrained by settlement delays, limited interoperability, and operational complexity. Moving assets between counterparties can take hours or days, depending on the market and infrastructure involved. Real-time collateral mobility addresses these constraints by enabling assets to be transferred and reused quickly. This allows institutions to optimize positions continuously, rather than relying on static allocations. The integration of tokenized assets introduces additional flexibility. Tokenized instruments can be transferred on distributed ledgers with fewer intermediaries, potentially reducing friction and improving transparency. Bridging Traditional Finance And Distributed Ledger Systems Transcend’s approach focuses on connecting existing financial systems with distributed ledger networks rather than replacing them. The platform is developing connectors that link Canton nodes to internal systems, enabling two-way communication between traditional infrastructure and decentralized environments. These connectors allow institutions to translate data and transactions between different systems, supporting interoperability without requiring fundamental changes to existing workflows. This is particularly important for large financial institutions, which rely on complex legacy systems. The company is also developing node-as-a-service capabilities, allowing clients to access Canton infrastructure without managing nodes directly. This reduces technical barriers and supports broader adoption among institutions that may not have in-house blockchain expertise. By providing these integration tools, Transcend positions itself as an intermediary layer that coordinates activity across multiple systems and asset types. Institutional Adoption Depends On Integration The ability to incorporate tokenized assets into existing workflows is a key factor in institutional adoption. While distributed ledger technology offers potential efficiency gains, integration challenges have limited its use in large-scale financial operations. Solutions that bridge this gap can accelerate adoption by allowing firms to use new technologies without abandoning established systems. This incremental approach reduces risk and allows institutions to test new models in controlled environments. Bimal Kadikar, CEO at Transcend Street Solutions, commented, “By connecting networks like Canton with traditional financial infrastructure, we enable institutions to analyze and mobilize collateral across both environments.” Kelly Mathieson, Chief Business Development Officer at Digital Asset, commented, “Integrating tokenized assets into existing collateral workflows is a key step toward enabling real-time, cross-market collateral mobility.” The emphasis on interoperability reflects a broader industry focus on creating systems that can operate across different technological frameworks. What This Means For Collateral And Liquidity Management The integration of real-time collateral mobility has implications for liquidity management and risk control. Institutions can adjust collateral positions more quickly, reducing the need to hold excess assets as buffers against potential requirements. This can improve capital efficiency, allowing firms to deploy resources more effectively across trading strategies and markets. It also supports more dynamic risk management, as positions can be adjusted in response to market changes without delay. At the same time, real-time systems require robust controls and monitoring to ensure stability. Faster movement of assets can amplify risks if not managed properly, particularly in volatile market conditions. The balance between efficiency and control will be a key factor in how these systems are adopted and regulated. What To Watch Next The development of additional connectors and integration tools will determine how widely the system is adopted. Expanding compatibility with other distributed ledger networks may also increase the platform’s reach. Regulatory frameworks will play a role in shaping how tokenized assets are used as collateral. Clear guidelines on eligibility, valuation, and risk management will be necessary to support broader adoption. The evolution of collateral systems is likely to continue as institutions seek to improve efficiency while managing increasing complexity in global markets. Takeaway Transcend’s connection to the Canton Network enables real-time movement of collateral across traditional and tokenized systems. The impact will depend on how effectively institutions integrate these capabilities into existing workflows.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has proposed a regulatory framework requiring stablecoin issuers to implement controls to block, freeze, and reject transactions linked to illicit activity, marking a significant expansion of oversight across digital asset payments. The proposal, developed with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), forms part of the broader implementation of federal stablecoin legislation. It would subject permitted stablecoin issuers to anti-money laundering (AML) and sanctions compliance obligations comparable to those applied to traditional financial institutions. Under the draft rules, issuers would be required to maintain comprehensive AML and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) programs, alongside systems capable of identifying and preventing transactions involving sanctioned entities or suspicious activity. A key provision mandates that issuers demonstrate the technical ability to block, freeze, or reject transactions in real time when risks are identified. The framework effectively positions stablecoin issuers as core compliance intermediaries within the financial system, extending regulatory expectations beyond exchanges and custodians to the issuers of digital dollars themselves. Stablecoin issuers face expanded compliance obligations The proposal would classify stablecoin issuers as financial institutions under the Bank Secrecy Act, requiring risk-based compliance programs tailored to blockchain-based transactions. These programs would include ongoing transaction monitoring, suspicious activity reporting, and customer risk assessment procedures. Regulators emphasized that compliance measures should be proportionate to risk, with greater scrutiny applied to higher-risk users, jurisdictions, and transaction patterns. Issuers would also be expected to coordinate with law enforcement and regulatory agencies when addressing flagged activity. Treasury officials noted that stablecoins have become a growing vector for illicit finance, due in part to their global accessibility and ability to facilitate rapid, cross-border transfers. In some cases, funds can move through multiple jurisdictions before entering traditional financial systems, complicating enforcement efforts. By imposing direct obligations on issuers, the proposal aims to close gaps where illicit activity can occur outside regulated intermediaries or through decentralized infrastructure. Implications for market structure and digital payments The requirement to block and freeze transactions introduces a higher degree of centralized control into stablecoin systems, which have historically been associated with decentralized and permissionless networks. While many major issuers already have the capability to freeze assets, the proposed rules would standardize these controls and make them mandatory across the industry. Compliance implementation is expected to increase operational complexity for issuers, particularly those operating across multiple jurisdictions. Firms may need to invest in advanced monitoring tools, identity verification systems, and compliance infrastructure to meet regulatory expectations. At the same time, regulators argue that these measures are necessary to integrate stablecoins into the broader financial system while mitigating risks related to money laundering, sanctions evasion, and financial crime. The proposal will be subject to a public consultation period before finalization, with feedback from industry participants likely to shape the final rule. The outcome is expected to influence how stablecoins are designed, issued, and integrated into payment systems globally. The move reflects a broader regulatory trend toward treating stablecoins as critical financial infrastructure, subject to the same safeguards as traditional payment networks. As oversight expands, the balance between compliance, privacy, and innovation will remain central to the evolution of digital asset markets.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 9th, 2026, Chainwire Gobi Partners today announced its investment in Transak, a global payments infrastructure provider enabling compliant movement between traditional currencies and stablecoins and other digital assets. The investment reflects Gobi’s conviction that regulated digital asset payment rails will play a growing role in cross-border settlement, remittances, and financial services as blockchain adoption accelerates globally. Stablecoins and digital assets have moved beyond speculation into real financial infrastructure. Major payment networks and financial institutions are now integrating stablecoin rails, governments are passing dedicated legislation, and the tokenisation of real-world assets is opening entirely new categories of on-chain financial products. For fintechs and financial institutions, the question is no longer whether to adopt stablecoins and digital assets, but how to do so compliantly, at scale, and across multiple jurisdictions. This is the infrastructure gap Transak was built to solve. Founded in 2019, Transak operates a regulated payments layer that enables fintechs and financial institutions to offer bidirectional conversion between fiat currencies and digital assets through a single API. The platform manages identity verification (KYC), anti-money laundering (AML) controls, risk monitoring, licensing requirements, and local payment integrations across more than 64 countries. Transak holds 21+ regulatory approvals in the United States, United Kingdom, Euro Zone, Australia, Canada, and India, and is soon expanding into the Middle East, LATAM, and broader APAC. Today, more than 600 applications globally integrate Transak and support access to over 130 digital assets across 45 blockchains. The company powers seamless onboarding and payments for more than 10 million users through bank transfers, cards, local payment methods, and stablecoins. As stablecoins and digital assets become embedded in mainstream financial products, the ability to onboard retail users, compliantly, across payment methods, and across borders, will determine which platforms scale and which stall. That is the layer Transak provides. Transak has established its APAC headquarters in Hong Kong and plans to deepen integrations with regional payment networks and banking partners to support regulated digital asset payments and stablecoin adoption across ASEAN markets. Jamaludin Bujang, Managing Partner of Gobi Partners, said, “The future of digital asset adoption depends on infrastructure that meets the expectations of regulators, financial institutions, and global enterprises. Compliance, licensing, and risk management are no longer differentiators; they are operating requirements. Transak has built a platform that addresses these complexities at scale, positioning itself as a critical bridge between traditional financial systems and digital asset networks.” Sami Start, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Transak, said, “When we started Transak in 2019, moving between traditional money and crypto was broken. We set out to fix that by building the invisible infrastructure that lets any financial application do it compliantly. Six years and 600 integrations later, the world is waking up to stablecoins. Gobi's investment helps us bring that infrastructure to Asia, where the opportunity is massive.” Hisham Ibrahim, Managing Director of ASEAN for Gobi Partners, added, “Digital assets and blockchain technologies reshape how value moves globally. Infrastructure providers like Transak ensure that digital payment rails integrate with existing financial systems securely and compliantly. We believe Transak is well positioned to support the next phase of financial innovation across Asia.” Through this investment, Gobi supports the expansion of blockchain payment rails that meet supervisory standards while enabling responsible growth across Asia. ENDS About Transak Transak builds the payments infrastructure that connects traditional money with stablecoins and crypto. Through a single API, wallets, fintechs, remittance companies, payroll platforms, marketplaces, and financial institutions can enable users to onboard, fund, and withdraw using stablecoins or crypto directly inside their products. Transak handles licensing, compliance, identity verification, fraud monitoring, and global payment coverage. Today more than 600 applications trust Transak, serving over 10 million users worldwide. Headquartered in Miami, Transak operates globally with offices in London, Bengaluru, Dubai, and Hong Kong. Learn more at transak.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn. About Gobi Partners Founded in 2002, Gobi Partners is a leading pan-Asian investment firm specialising in bespoke capital solutions for family offices, sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions and corporate investors. Headquartered in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, Gobi manages US$2 billion across 20 funds, investing in early to growth-stage companies with the potential for generational and global impact. The firm’s team of over 90 investment professionals operates from 17 locations, curating a diversified portfolio of more than 400 companies, with 75 exits achieved to date. Gobi is recognised for its long-term, values-aligned approach, building ecosystems at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and inclusion. From pioneering TaqwaTech for two billion Muslims, to advancing the circular economy, to promoting gender-diverse leadership, Gobi backs the trends that are reshaping societies. Gobi's edge lies in identifying structural and demographic shifts, forging partnerships with universities and institutions of higher education; bridging world-class research with private capital and bringing deep technology breakthroughs to commercialisation. For more information, please visit: https://gobi.vc/ Media Contact Raof Zainuddin marcom@gobi.vc Gobi Partners Contact Marketing and Investor Relations Lead Harshit Gangwar Transak harshit@transak.com

ATFX Connect has released its Q2 2026 edition of Institutional Edge, examining how institutional participants can navigate increasingly volatile market conditions through disciplined strategy and execution-focused decision-making. Geopolitical tensions, shifting rate expectations, and uneven liquidity continue to drive cross-asset volatility, while Institutional Edge highlights that long-term performance is shaped as much by process and execution as by market direction. Macro Outlook  The publication examines the evolving macro landscape, including Middle East developments, energy markets, inflation expectations, and capital flows. Recent market behaviour has reinforced the US dollar’s strength as a defensive asset, while gold and other precious metals have shown volatility as investors seek protection amid uncertainty. These dynamics illustrate how quickly initial reactions can transition into broader repricing across multiple asset classes, highlighting the importance of execution timing and liquidity access when managing cross-asset exposure during periods of market stress.  Wei Qiang Zhang, Managing Director of ATFX Connect Global, commented on the current geopolitical environment: “In times of geopolitical uncertainty and market volatility, the ability to remain calm is one of the greatest assets an investor can possess. At ATFX Connect, we believe that lasting success in institutional trading comes not from reacting to every headline, but from adhering to a disciplined, well-structured strategy built on sound analysis and robust risk management.” Discipline Over Reaction Periods of market stress often trigger reactive behaviour, which can introduce costs and weaken strategy consistency. Maintaining structured investment frameworks allows institutions to deploy capital while staying aligned with long-term mandates, particularly in environments where liquidity conditions and pricing efficiency can shift rapidly.  This Q2 2026 edition provides a focused institutional perspective on managing volatility, offering insights into how institutions approach market dislocations, execution strategy, and risk in real time. Access your copy of the Q2 2026 Institutional Edge here to see how ATFX Connect supports institutional clients in volatile markets About ATFX Connect ATFX Connect is a trading name of AT Global Markets (UK) Limited (authorised and regulated by the FCA),  AT Global Markets (Australia) Pty Limited (authorised and regulated by ASIC), and AT Global Financial Services (HK) Limited (authorised and regulated by the SFC). Connect is the Institutional arm of the wider ATFX Group. ATFX Connect offers Institutional and Professional traders an extensive range of services for both Agency PB and Margin accounts, provides bespoke aggregated liquidity in Spot FX, NDFs, indices, Commodities and Precious metals to a wide range of institutional clients from hedge funds, Tier 1 and regional banks, high net worth investors, asset managers, family offices and other brokers.   ATFX Connect's liquidity pool is constructed from Tier 1 banks and non-bank providers that it has partnered with, trading in both sweepable and full amount forms.   Agency PB Clients can connect via direct FIX API, external technology solutions or via our own trading platform. For margin clients, ATFX Connect provides market access via the group's MT4/MT5 platform and provides a bridge solution for those who wish to connect via FIX API.  For further information on ATFX Connect, please visit ATFX Connect website https://www.atfxconnect.com

Perpetuals.com has announced that it launched a quantum-resilient security service designed to address emerging risks posed by advances in quantum computing, as financial institutions begin to reassess the durability of existing encryption standards. The new offering, Quantum-Resilience-as-a-Service, targets organizations that rely on secure data transmission and storage, including banks, trading platforms, payment networks, and enterprise systems. The service focuses on strengthening cryptographic processes without requiring changes to existing infrastructure, positioning it as an incremental upgrade rather than a system overhaul. Quantum Computing Raises New Security Concerns Advances in quantum computing have introduced the possibility that widely used encryption methods could become vulnerable over time. Many current cryptographic systems rely on mathematical problems that are difficult for classical computers to solve but may be significantly easier for quantum machines. This includes encryption methods used across financial systems, digital assets, and communications networks. If these systems are compromised, it could expose sensitive data, transaction records, and digital assets to unauthorized access. Research suggests that sufficiently advanced quantum systems could break certain types of cryptography within minutes, depending on hardware scale and capability. While such systems are not yet widely available, the trajectory of development has prompted institutions to consider long-term security risks. One concern involves data that is intercepted today and stored for future decryption. Even if current encryption remains secure, future advances could allow stored data to be decoded later, creating a delayed exposure risk. QRaaS Focuses On Strengthening Existing Encryption Perpetuals’ service addresses these concerns by improving the quality of randomness used in cryptographic key generation. Rather than replacing existing encryption algorithms, the system enhances the entropy underlying those systems, making keys more difficult to predict or reproduce. The approach is designed to integrate with established standards such as RSA, AES, and TLS, allowing organizations to strengthen security without redesigning their entire cryptographic framework. This reduces implementation complexity and allows for faster adoption. The service introduces quantum-based random number generation, using physical quantum processes to produce non-deterministic values. These values form the basis of stronger encryption keys, improving resistance to both classical and quantum attacks. By focusing on entropy rather than algorithms, the system provides a layer of security that can be applied across different environments and use cases. Deployment Options Reflect Infrastructure Requirements The service is available through multiple deployment models, including hardware-based solutions and cloud-based APIs. Dedicated quantum random number generator hardware can be installed directly within client infrastructure, while software options allow integration through existing systems. These options include colocation environments, managed server deployments, and an entropy delivery API, allowing organizations to select configurations based on their operational requirements. The infrastructure is hosted in data centers in Europe and the United States, providing geographic coverage and compliance with regional regulatory frameworks. The system includes monitoring and audit capabilities to support governance and reporting requirements. This flexibility reflects the diverse needs of financial institutions, which often operate across multiple jurisdictions and require systems that can integrate with existing infrastructure without disruption. Financial Markets Face Increasing Exposure The potential impact of quantum computing extends across financial markets, where encryption underpins trading systems, payment networks, and data exchanges. As digital assets and tokenized financial instruments grow, the volume of data exposed to cryptographic risk increases. Estimates suggest that a significant portion of existing digital assets could be vulnerable to future quantum attacks if current encryption methods are not updated. This includes assets secured by elliptic curve cryptography, which is widely used in blockchain systems. The expansion of tokenized assets is expected to increase the amount of value dependent on cryptographic security. As this exposure grows, the need for quantum-resistant solutions becomes more immediate. Patrick Gruhn, CEO at Perpetuals, commented, “Stronger entropy and more resilient key generation are essential for improving cryptographic security today. QRaaS enables organizations to strengthen their security without disruptive changes to existing systems.” Why Incremental Security Upgrades Matter Transitioning to entirely new cryptographic standards can be complex and time-consuming. Many organizations operate systems that depend on established protocols, making large-scale changes difficult to implement. Incremental solutions, such as improving key generation processes, provide a way to enhance security while maintaining compatibility with existing systems. This approach allows institutions to address immediate risks while preparing for longer-term changes in cryptographic standards. It also supports a phased transition, where organizations can gradually adopt more advanced security measures as technology evolves and regulatory guidance becomes clearer. What This Means For Financial Infrastructure The launch of quantum-resilient services reflects a broader shift in how institutions approach cybersecurity. Rather than focusing solely on current threats, firms are beginning to consider future risks that may emerge as technology advances. Quantum computing represents one such risk, with the potential to alter the balance between encryption and decryption capabilities. Preparing for this shift requires investment in infrastructure that can adapt to new conditions. Financial institutions, in particular, face pressure to maintain secure systems while supporting high-performance trading and data processing environments. Solutions that can enhance security without affecting performance are likely to play a key role in this transition. The development of services such as QRaaS indicates that the industry is moving toward proactive security measures, rather than reacting to threats after they materialize. Takeaway Perpetuals’ quantum-resilient service addresses emerging risks to encryption by strengthening key generation without changing existing systems. Adoption will depend on how institutions balance immediate security needs with long-term cryptographic transitions.

Canary Capital has filed preliminary documentation with U.S. regulators for a proposed exchange-traded fund tied to Pepe, a meme-based cryptocurrency, marking one of the first attempts to package a meme coin into a regulated investment vehicle. The filing, submitted as a Form S-1 registration statement, outlines plans for a spot ETF that would track the price of the PEPE token. If approved, the product would allow investors to gain exposure to the asset through traditional brokerage accounts without directly holding the cryptocurrency. The proposal represents a notable expansion of the crypto ETF landscape, which has so far been dominated by products linked to large-cap assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. A Pepe ETF would introduce a higher-risk category into regulated markets, reflecting growing demand for broader crypto exposure. ETF filing signals shift toward alternative crypto exposure Canary Capital’s application follows a wave of ETF filings tied to alternative digital assets, including layer-1 tokens and other non-core cryptocurrencies. A meme coin-based ETF, however, represents a departure from assets with established network utility, as Pepe is primarily driven by community sentiment and speculative trading activity. Launched in 2023, PEPE gained traction during periods of elevated market speculation, often recording significant price swings and high trading volumes. Its performance has been closely tied to social media-driven momentum rather than fundamental value drivers. The proposed ETF would likely mirror structures used in existing spot crypto funds, with a custodian holding the underlying tokens and shares issued to reflect market value. Pricing would be based on aggregated data from multiple exchanges to track the token’s spot price. Market participants note that such a product could appeal to retail investors seeking access to high-volatility assets within a regulated framework. However, the speculative nature of meme coins raises questions about investor suitability and long-term demand. Regulatory hurdles and market implications The filing faces significant regulatory scrutiny, as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has historically taken a cautious approach to crypto ETF approvals. While spot Bitcoin ETFs were approved in 2024 and Ethereum ETFs followed in 2025, regulators have not yet signaled openness to funds tied to more speculative tokens. Key concerns are likely to include market manipulation risks, liquidity conditions, custody arrangements, and the overall suitability of meme-based assets for public investment vehicles. The underlying market structure for PEPE, including trading concentration and volatility, may also be subject to close review. Despite these challenges, the filing highlights a broader trend toward the financialization of crypto markets, as asset managers seek to expand product offerings beyond core digital assets. Competition among ETF issuers is increasing, with firms exploring differentiated strategies to capture investor interest. Even if the proposed Pepe ETF does not receive approval, the filing is expected to inform future discussions around the scope of permissible crypto investment products. It underscores the ongoing tension between innovation and regulation as digital asset markets continue to evolve.

ETHUSD jumps over 5%, eyes mediumterm downtrend line resistance Reclaims close above the 20 and 50day SMAs Momentum improves but still lacks strong followthrough Ether (ETHUSD) is edging higher, trading above 2,250 for the first time since March 18, and is now eyeing resistance at a mediumterm descending trendline just overhead. A break higher would expose the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement of the January 14-February pullback near 2,375, aligning with midMarch highs. Beyond this, the 50% Fibonacci retracement at 2,571 is a key upside level, with a clean break potentially paving the way toward 2,767. That said, the nearterm bias remains cautiously bullish. The RSI is tilting higher above the neutral 50 level, reinforcing the recovery, while the MACD remains flat around the zero line, signalling that upside momentum is still muted and arguing against a runaway rally for now. On the downside, a pullback below the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement at 2,133 would bring the rising 20 and 50day simple moving averages (SMAs) back into focus just above the psychological 2,000 level. A deeper retracement could target the recent swing low near 1,935, followed by the lower bound of the multimonth consolidation range around 1,850. Overall, Ether is stabilising just below the key descending trendline. A decisive break above this barrier could revive bullish positioning toward the 2,300-2,500 zone. That said, the 200day SMA remains well above current price action, continuing to flag the dominant longerterm downtrend.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has urged Congress to pass comprehensive crypto market structure legislation, increasing pressure on lawmakers to establish a federal regulatory framework for digital assets. In recent remarks, Bessent emphasized that regulatory uncertainty continues to hinder the growth of the U.S. crypto sector, arguing that the absence of clear rules is driving companies and capital toward jurisdictions with more defined frameworks. “The regulatory framework for digital asset markets is unclear,” Bessent said, noting that firms operating abroad benefit from predictable compliance standards, while U.S.-based companies face ongoing legal ambiguity. The proposed Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, which passed the House of Representatives in 2025, seeks to establish federal rules governing digital asset markets, including registration requirements, oversight responsibilities, and compliance standards. The legislation is currently under consideration in the Senate. Bill aims to define regulatory boundaries A central objective of the bill is to clarify jurisdiction between key regulators, particularly the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The lack of clear boundaries has long been cited as a barrier to growth, with firms uncertain whether specific tokens fall under securities or commodities regulations. Bessent framed the legislation as a necessary step to replace fragmented oversight with a unified regulatory structure. The framework would define how digital asset platforms register, what disclosures are required, and how custody and investor protections are implemented. He also linked the proposal to broader legislative efforts, including stablecoin regulation, arguing that a comprehensive market structure framework is needed to support the development of digital financial infrastructure in the United States. Industry participants have actively lobbied for clearer rules, emphasizing the need for legal certainty to enable institutional participation and long-term investment in the sector. Global competition and policy urgency Bessent’s remarks reflect growing concern among U.S. policymakers that the country risks losing its leadership position in digital asset innovation. He pointed to jurisdictions such as Singapore and Abu Dhabi, where regulatory clarity has attracted crypto firms and capital. The warning comes as global financial centers move to implement structured digital asset regimes. The European Union, the United Kingdom, and several Asian jurisdictions have already introduced comprehensive frameworks, increasing competitive pressure on U.S. policymakers. Despite bipartisan support for crypto legislation, progress in the Senate has been slowed by disagreements over specific provisions, including aspects of stablecoin regulation and the treatment of yield-bearing products. Market participants view the legislation as critical for unlocking broader institutional adoption and integrating digital assets into regulated financial systems. Without clear rules, firms may continue to expand operations overseas, limiting domestic market development. Bessent’s call for action underscores the urgency of establishing a cohesive regulatory framework, positioning crypto policy as both an economic and strategic priority for the United States.

Apax Digital Funds has announced that it invested $60 million in MillTech, valuing the FX risk management platform at $325 million, as demand grows for technology-driven solutions in currency hedging and treasury operations. The investment marks a shift in the relationship between the two firms, with Apax moving from client to minority investor. The capital will support MillTech’s expansion into North America and further development of its treasury and cash management capabilities. Investment Targets Growth In FX Risk Management Technology MillTech operates in the foreign exchange market, the largest financial market globally, where institutions manage currency exposure across investments and operations. Despite the scale of the market, many organizations continue to rely on manual processes and fragmented systems to manage FX risk. This creates inefficiencies and exposes firms to unhedged currency movements. Industry data cited by MillTech indicates that a majority of companies experienced losses from currency exposure in 2025, with average losses in the United States approaching $10 million per firm. The investment from Apax reflects increasing interest in platforms that automate these processes. By integrating calculation, execution, settlement, and reporting into a single system, firms can manage currency exposure with greater consistency and control. MillTech Scales With Strong Revenue And Volume Growth MillTech has reported sustained growth, with revenue increasing by 79% in 2024 and 73% in 2025. The platform processes approximately $500 billion in annual trading volume and supports hedging programs exceeding $35 billion. This growth highlights the expanding role of technology in treasury and risk management. As market volatility increases, firms require systems that can handle large volumes while maintaining transparency and operational oversight. The company’s model aggregates liquidity across multiple banks through an agency structure, allowing clients to access pricing from a range of counterparties. This approach can improve execution efficiency compared to traditional single-bank arrangements. By operating independently of counterparty banks, MillTech positions itself as a neutral layer between clients and liquidity providers, focusing on execution quality and cost efficiency. Expansion Focus Shifts Toward North America The new capital will support MillTech’s expansion into North America, where demand for FX hedging solutions continues to grow. The region represents a large market for treasury technology, particularly among asset managers and corporates with global operations. Expanding in this market requires both regulatory alignment and integration with existing financial systems. MillTech’s platform connects with bank accounts, fund administrators, and portfolio management systems, enabling clients to incorporate the service into established workflows. Eric Huttman, CEO at MillTech, commented, “The investment supports our next phase of growth, including our planned North American expansion, as we continue to deliver treasury solutions by combining technology with our operational model.” The expansion also reflects a broader trend of fintech firms targeting the U.S. market, where competition is strong but demand for specialized solutions remains high. Product Development Extends Into Cash Management And AI Alongside its FX hedging capabilities, MillTech has expanded into cash management through a collaboration with BlackRock’s CacheMatrix. This addition allows clients to automate cash investment processes and manage liquidity more efficiently. The company has also introduced an AI-based advisory tool, Co-Pilot, designed to support decision-making in currency management. The system enables users to model hedging strategies, assess interest rate differentials, and optimize cash allocation. These developments reflect a broader shift toward integrating analytics and automation into financial workflows. As data volumes increase and market conditions change more rapidly, firms are adopting tools that can process information and support decision-making in real time. Marc Henckel, Managing Director at Apax Digital, commented, “MillTech enables clients to automate and scale treasury workflows with stronger controls and transparency, improving efficiency across FX operations.” Mark Beith, Partner at Apax Digital, added, “FX hedging can affect performance, and platforms that improve execution and oversight can address that issue.” Why FX Hedging Remains A Structural Challenge Currency exposure is a persistent issue for global firms, particularly those operating across multiple markets. Exchange rate movements can affect revenues, costs, and investment returns, making hedging a critical component of financial management. However, traditional approaches to hedging often involve manual processes, multiple counterparties, and limited visibility into execution costs. This can lead to inefficiencies and inconsistent outcomes. Technology platforms such as MillTech aim to address these challenges by standardizing workflows and providing clearer insight into transactions. By centralizing data and automating processes, firms can improve governance and reduce operational risk. The increasing complexity of global markets adds to the need for such solutions. As firms expand across jurisdictions, managing currency exposure becomes more demanding, requiring systems that can scale and adapt to different regulatory environments. What This Means For The Fintech And Treasury Market The investment in MillTech reflects growing interest in fintech solutions that target specific operational challenges within financial institutions. Rather than competing with large trading platforms, these firms focus on areas such as risk management, data integration, and process automation. Private equity involvement indicates confidence in the long-term growth of this segment. As institutions seek to improve efficiency and manage costs, demand for specialized technology is expected to increase. At the same time, competition remains strong, with multiple providers offering treasury and risk management solutions. Differentiation will depend on integration capabilities, execution quality, and the ability to deliver measurable improvements in performance. The expansion into North America will test MillTech’s ability to scale its model in a highly competitive market, where established players and emerging firms compete for institutional clients. Takeaway Apax’s investment in MillTech highlights rising demand for automated FX hedging and treasury solutions. The company’s expansion into North America will be a key test of its ability to scale in a competitive market.

Most finance teams today are aware that they have payment infrastructure problems, but because they've been living with them for so long, they've built workarounds around them. These include custom scripts to reconcile different settlement files, manual dashboards to consolidate multi-provider data overnight, and other things. And while these band-aid solutions seem to, more or less, work, when something moves quickly, and the data isn't current enough to act on, problems arise and produce measurable differences in outcomes. As a result, 80% of organizations globally have already begun hyper-automating their treasury workflows and are expected to have the same completed by the end of the year, covering payments, forecasting, and liquidity management. The Compounding Cost of Running Blind As per PwC, finance teams globally spend roughly 30% of their working time managing manual reconciliation, a direct cost that is quite significant by any metric or standard. Not only that, indirect costs too seem to be quite prevalent, but are harder to quantify and are arguably more consequential. For illustration's sake, businesses running multiple payment providers across several currencies don't really have a real-time liquidity position but instead a lagging picture assembled from settlement files that arrive on different schedules, in different formats, that too from providers with different processing windows. Consequently, any forecasting from that position could mean making decisions using numbers that aren't completely accurate. It is for this very reason that companies are losing upwards of 5% of their annual revenue to payment processing inefficiencies. Some of that is direct, i.e. fees, failed transactions, FX slippage but a meaningful portion of that sum is also the opportunity cost of capital sitting idle in one account while another runs short, because nobody has a consolidated view until it's too late to act. For a business doing $100 million in revenue, that's $5 million in leakage per year that doesn’t show up in any single line item but is present in the aggregate. There's also the structural drag aspect, which is specific to multi-provider payment operations, so that a marketplace processing 50,000 monthly payouts across three separate providers spends more than 15 hours every month standardizing settlement data into a workable format before reconciliation even begins. What Treasury Automation Actually Delivers The shift from fragmented to unified payment infrastructure isn't primarily about switching providers but about changing what the underlying architecture can do. API-first payment platforms, for example, can connect multiple rails, SEPA, Faster Payments, SWIFT, local ACH systems, through a single integration, with a unified view of balances across currencies updated in real time. OpenPayd is one such platform and has been built around exactly this consolidation logic. It deploys a single-API infrastructure that connects traditional payment rails with digital asset capabilities as well as a virtual IBAN architecture, enabling automatic transaction matching and multi-currency accounts, giving treasury teams a real-time view of balances via a single dashboard.  Beyond that, the platform also supports on/off ramp capabilities for businesses that need to move between fiat and digital assets within the same workflow, pooled accounts for optimizing liquidity across client funds, and open banking integrations that bring pay-by-bank into the same infrastructure alongside fiat and crypto rails.  Webhook support means that systems downstream can respond to payment events in real time rather than waiting for a batch window to close. For businesses running high-volume, multi-currency operations, consolidating all of that into one API means one reconciliation layer, one compliance framework, and one provider relationship to manage rather than several.  In fact, research suggests that businesses making this shift are able to incur cost reductions of between 20% and 50% from fewer integrations, automated reconciliation, and better FX pricing through a single provider. Additionally, the platform's regulatory coverage spans the UK FCA, Malta MFSA, and Canadian FIN-TRAC, which matters for businesses expanding into new markets without wanting to rebuild payment infrastructure separately for each jurisdiction. Similarly, from a numbers standpoint, OpenPayd already processes $180 billion in annualized transaction volume across more than 1,000 clients at 99.99% reported uptime. Thanks to these numbers alongside its technical and business proposition, the project has been able to accrue a client list consisting of high-profile entities like Kraken, Ripple, Bitfinex, and Wirex, all of whom are businesses that treat payment infrastructure as a strategic asset rather than a back-office function. The Road Ahead From the outside looking in, businesses that have modernized their payment workflows haven't just been able to save on reconciliation costs; rather, they've been able to run tighter liquidity positions with less capital locked in float. This has allowed them to enter new markets faster and make treasury decisions with data that reflects what's actually in the accounts right now. On the other hand, the companies that haven't done the needful have not only continued to incur higher operational overheads but also started to lag behind their contemporaries.

Transaction Network Services has announced that it combined its Financial Markets business with Radianz to form Waypoint Trading Solutions, a new entity focused on delivering trading infrastructure across global markets. The launch reflects continued consolidation in market connectivity and infrastructure services, as financial institutions seek to manage increasing operational complexity. The new organization brings together connectivity, market data, and low-latency infrastructure under a single structure, positioning Waypoint as a provider of end-to-end services for trading firms, exchanges, and institutional participants. What The Formation Of Waypoint Changes The combination integrates two established infrastructure providers into a unified platform, allowing clients to access connectivity, execution infrastructure, and market data services through a single provider. This reduces the need to manage multiple vendors across different parts of the trading stack. Waypoint organizes its offering into three main areas. Radianz focuses on global connectivity through a financial extranet that links trading venues and institutions. Xpress provides managed low-latency infrastructure designed for high-performance access to exchanges. Sentinel delivers market data services that support distribution, normalization, and management at scale. By consolidating these capabilities, the company aims to simplify how firms deploy and manage trading infrastructure, particularly in environments where speed, reliability, and global reach are essential. Why Infrastructure Has Become Central To Trading Performance Trading strategies increasingly depend on the quality of underlying infrastructure. Latency, data accuracy, and system reliability can affect execution outcomes, particularly in high-frequency or multi-asset environments. As markets become more electronic and fragmented across venues, firms must connect to a growing number of endpoints while maintaining consistent performance. This creates operational challenges that extend beyond technology selection into network design, data management, and system integration. Mike Keegan, CEO at Transaction Network Services, commented, “Waypoint is a business built for the demands of modern trading, reflecting that we are better positioned to help clients operate faster and more efficiently.” The emphasis on infrastructure reflects a shift in how firms approach trading. Execution quality is no longer determined solely by strategy. It also depends on how quickly and reliably systems can access markets and process information. Consolidation Reflects Demand For Integrated Solutions The formation of Waypoint fits into a broader trend of consolidation in trading infrastructure. Financial institutions are seeking integrated solutions that reduce complexity and improve operational control. Managing multiple vendors across connectivity, hosting, and data services can increase costs and introduce points of failure. Combining these functions within a single provider allows for more consistent performance and streamlined operations. Tom Lazenga, President at Waypoint Trading Solutions, commented, “Financial institutions are dealing with operational complexity, not just technology choices. Waypoint provides a clearer path to manage market data and deploy infrastructure globally.” This approach also supports scalability. As firms expand into new markets or asset classes, they can extend existing infrastructure rather than building new systems from scratch. Global Reach And Network Scale Waypoint’s infrastructure connects to more than 180 exchanges and over 6,500 market endpoints across more than 70 countries. This scale reflects the global nature of modern trading, where participants operate across regions and asset classes. The network supports a wide range of institutions, including banks, asset managers, trading firms, and exchanges. For these participants, access to multiple venues and data sources is a baseline requirement rather than a differentiator. The ability to manage this connectivity within a single framework can reduce latency variability and improve consistency in execution, particularly for firms operating across time zones and regulatory environments. What This Means For Financial Market Infrastructure The launch of Waypoint highlights the growing importance of infrastructure providers in financial markets. As trading becomes more automated and data-driven, the role of connectivity and data management continues to expand. Firms are placing greater emphasis on reliability and predictability, particularly in volatile markets where system performance can affect outcomes. Infrastructure providers are responding by offering managed services that reduce the burden on internal teams. At the same time, competition in this segment remains strong, with multiple providers offering connectivity, hosting, and data solutions. Differentiation is likely to depend on network scale, service integration, and operational performance. The consolidation of TNS and Radianz into Waypoint reflects a move toward larger, integrated providers that can address multiple aspects of the trading process within a single platform. Takeaway The creation of Waypoint Trading Solutions combines connectivity, low-latency infrastructure, and market data services into one platform, reflecting demand for integrated trading infrastructure. The impact will depend on how effectively the platform simplifies operations for global market participants.

IG Group used its latest annual report to deliver more than a set of financial results. The document, covering a shortened reporting period after the company moved its year-end to December, outlines a business in transition from a leveraged trading specialist into a broader multi-asset platform.The statutory report reflects a seven-month period to 31 December 2025, but the company also disclosed full calendar-year figures to provide a clearer performance baseline. On that basis, IG reported revenue of £1.1234 billion, with net trading revenue at £1.0046 billion and EBITDA of £531.1 million. Adjusted earnings per share reached 115.3p, while profit before tax rose to £563.7 million. Results Supported by Core Trading Engine The bulk of earnings continues to come from over-the-counter derivatives. In the reported period, OTC trading generated £450.6 million in net trading revenue, far ahead of exchange-traded derivatives at £92.8 million and stock trading and investments at £46.9 million. Crypto contributed £0.6 million. Despite diversification efforts, the figures confirm that IG remains structurally dependent on its OTC model. The company acknowledged this while pointing to expansion in other segments as a long-term priority rather than an immediate earnings driver. Revenue growth came alongside higher investment in product development and marketing. EBITDA increased modestly, while margins declined from 49.9% to 47.3%, reflecting increased spending rather than operational pressure. Freetrade Acquisition Drives Customer Growth Customer metrics showed sharp increases, though much of the expansion came through acquisition. First trades rose 81% to 128.8k and active customers climbed 174% to 742.1k on a headline basis. However, on an organic basis excluding acquisition effects, first trades increased 54% to 103.8k, while active customers rose 6% to 281.3k. The difference highlights the impact of IG’s acquisition of Freetrade, which added a large base of retail investors. The deal also shifts IG further into commission-free equity trading and younger customer demographics. Investor Takeaway Customer growth is heavily acquisition-driven, masking modest organic expansion. Sustainability will depend on whether IG can retain and monetize the newly acquired retail base. Product Expansion and Market Positioning The report highlights product rollout as a key growth driver. During the period, IG introduced extended 24/5 trading, pre-IPO markets, and enhancements to its professional client offering. In equities, the company launched zero-commission UK stock trading and expanded that model into Ireland, Singapore, and France. Trading activity reflected these changes. In the UK and Ireland, share dealing volumes increased 52% year over year in the three months to February 2026. Management is moving toward a lifecycle model, where clients can shift between trading, investing, and other financial products within a single platform. Crypto Remains Small but Strategic Crypto activity remains limited in revenue terms but features in the company’s forward plans. IG secured regulatory approvals in the UK and Europe, including MiCA licensing, and completed the acquisition of Freetrade’s crypto-related capabilities in January 2026. The company has already launched spot crypto trading in Australia using that infrastructure and plans to expand into Singapore and the UAE later in 2026. Investor Takeaway Crypto is not yet a revenue driver for IG, but it is being built as a strategic capability. Expansion will hinge on regulatory rollout and cross-selling to existing clients. Capital Returns and Strategic Review IG returned £320.8 million to shareholders through dividends and buybacks during 2025 and announced an additional £125 million buyback in March 2026. Regulatory capital stood at £808.2 million against a requirement of £298.6 million, leaving a surplus of more than £500 million. Alongside the results, the company confirmed a strategic review aimed at enhancing shareholder value. The review includes potential acquisitions, changes to listing or domicile, and possible industry combinations, with an update expected in autumn 2026. The outcome will determine whether IG’s transition beyond its OTC core can scale without eroding margins, and whether diversification can materially reduce reliance on its primary revenue engine.

Why is crypto up today? Question every serious investor is asking now, and this is a full breakdown of the reason. Bitcoin spiked to $71,068 after Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran, triggering $600 million in futures liquidations with $420 million from shorts alone according to CoinDesk. The bears got crushed, and the bull run signal just fired. Your portfolio is turning green, and the presale with a Binance listing days away could turn this ceasefire rally into the trade you never stop talking about. Bitcoin Hits a 3-Week High as $420 Million in Shorts Get Wiped The rally starts with a geopolitical shock. As Bloomberg reported, Bitcoin jumped 4.9% to $71,068, its highest since March 18, after the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz. According to CoinDesk, $600 million in crypto futures got liquidated in 24 hours with shorts making up $420 million. ETH jumped 7.4% to $2,273, and open interest climbed 7% to $114.26 billion. That is why is crypto up today: the war risk dropped overnight, the shorts got burned, and prices snapped higher. What the Rally Means for Your Holdings Pepeto: The Play That Turns a Green Day Into a Year That Rewrites Everything The rally matters because your holdings are bouncing, and the Pepeto presale still takes entries at the price point that early meme coin wallets grabbed before their tokens ran into the billions. The platform is already live. The built-in scanner checks every token before it reaches the trading floor. PepetoSwap runs trades across Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Solana with zero fees, and the bridge connects all three networks without charging anything. Over $8.84M raised during a stretch where the Fear and Greed Index barely left single digits shows how deep the conviction runs, and the ceasefire rally only adds fuel to the presale momentum. SolidProof completed a full audit on every contract, and the team features a Pepe cofounder who helped create a token that hit $11 billion plus a former Binance executive on the build. Staking pays 186% APY that compounds daily while you wait for the debut. The Binance listing is close. And here is why the ceasefire matters for Pepeto: the fuse just got lit. You close your screen tonight and open it tomorrow to Bitcoin at $80,000. When that happens, verified presales with working products shoot straight up while tokens already sitting at billion-dollar caps barely budge. Locking Pepeto before the listing is the difference between a bounce-back year and one that rewrites your whole financial picture. Bitcoin: Why Is Crypto Up Today and Where BTC Goes From Here BTC trades at $71,068 according to CoinMarketCap, hitting a three-week high after the ceasefire wiped $420 million in shorts. Morgan Stanley's new BTC ETF (MSBT) also launched today on the NYSE at 0.14% according to CoinDesk, challenging BlackRock's $55 billion IBIT. BTC needs $75,000 to escape the multi-month range. If the ceasefire holds and Morgan Stanley drives fresh inflows, $80,000 opens fast. But the math stays the same: $80,000 from here is about 10%, nothing close to what presale entries deliver on a Binance listing. XRP Joins the Rally but the Trend Has Not Flipped XRP trades at $1.35 according to CoinDesk, up 4.5% on the ceasefire rally. Whale buying backed the move, but the downtrend is not confirmed broken. XRP needs $1.50 to shift bullish. A push to $2.00 is roughly 46%, far from what presale pricing delivers on a Binance debut. Conclusion Now you know why is crypto up today: the ceasefire crushed the shorts, the charts are turning green, and the rally is here. Your BTC is climbing. Your XRP is climbing. But watching numbers go up and actually building wealth are two separate things. Every cycle, the wallets that won biggest held their blue chips AND grabbed one early entry that the crowd missed. The Pepeto official website still takes entries. The Binance listing is close. The distance between a portfolio that just recovered and one that printed life-changing numbers is one presale position bought before the debut. The wallets that acted first are the ones to finish the cycle with the biggest returns, and this is historical proven how presales launching in bull markets perform, while the rest of the market spends this cycle regretting they did not follow. Click To Visit Pepeto Website To Enter The Presale FAQs Why is crypto up today on April 8 2026? Bitcoin hit $71,068 after Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran, wiping $420 million in shorts and sending crypto higher. Morgan Stanley's BTC ETF also launched the same day, adding fresh institutional demand. Is it smart to add Pepeto while crypto rallies? The Binance listing replaces the presale price permanently, and blue chips top out at 2x to 4x in a recovery. Pepeto at $0.0000001863 with 186% APY staking could deliver the debut return that separates a recovering portfolio from the standout winner of this cycle, visit Pepeto official website.

What Does Her Exit Indicate for the Cyprus Brokerage Sector? Anet Azrielant has left 24markets after less than a year in the role of Group Head of Partnerships, marking another senior-level move within Cyprus’s retail FX and CFD brokerage sector. Azrielant joined 24markets in July 2025, based in Cyprus, where she was responsible for business development and partnership strategy. Her departure in April 2026 comes after approximately 10 months in the role, continuing a pattern of relatively short tenures across several firms in recent years. How Has Her Career Evolved Across Brokerage and Fintech? Before joining 24markets, Azrielant served as VP of Sales at Collect Group between November 2023 and March 2025. The firm operates across Israel, Canada, the US, and Cyprus, providing SaaS and API-based payment solutions, including cash flow management and global collection services. In that role, she led sales teams and worked on expanding business development initiatives tied to payment systems, including SWIFT-based infrastructure. Her move into fintech payments followed a stint at Eurotrader, a CySEC-regulated broker, where she was Head of Sales and Business Development for the Cyprus operation from January 2022 to April 2023. Her exit from Eurotrader came after roughly 16 months, during a period when European regulators continued tightening restrictions on retail trading products, including leverage limits and marketing practices. Azrielant joined Eurotrader after a longer tenure at Capital.com, where she served as Head of Global Sales from October 2018 to December 2021. At Capital.com, she managed global sales teams, reflecting a move toward more technology-driven brokerage operations. Investor Takeaway Short executive tenures highlight ongoing structural adjustments in the retail FX sector, where firms are reworking commercial strategies under tighter regulation and shifting toward partnerships and fintech integration. What Defines Her Experience in the FX Industry? Earlier in 2018, she spent around 10 months as Head of Global Sales and Business Development at IronFX, where her responsibilities included increasing first-time deposits, improving client retention, expanding partnerships, and overseeing internal system optimization projects. Before IronFX, Azrielant held a dual role as Chief Operating Officer and Head of Sales at FXGlobe between September 2016 and October 2017. In that position, she managed headquarters operations, supervised compliance and back-office functions, and worked on internal CRM and business intelligence systems. The longest period of her career was at easyMarkets, where she spent more than a decade between 2006 and 2016. During that time, she held several roles, including Senior Account Manager, Sales Manager for Europe, VP of Business Development, and VP of Sales. At easyMarkets, she built and scaled sales operations, including establishing a call center focused on client acquisition and high initial deposits. The initiative doubled the number of first-time deposits compared to the previous year and expanded the number of account managers within a short period. She also managed affiliate teams, developed digital marketing initiatives, and worked on payment structures and system integrations. Investor Takeaway Experience across sales, operations, and payments reflects the direction of the industry, where growth depends less on aggressive acquisition and more on infrastructure, retention, and diversified revenue streams. How Does This Fit Broader Industry Changes? Azrielant’s career trajectory mirrors broader shifts within the Cyprus-based retail trading sector. The industry expanded rapidly after 2008 through EU passporting rights, relying heavily on call centers, affiliate networks, and high-deposit acquisition models. Regulatory intervention, particularly from CySEC and European authorities, introduced stricter controls on leverage, bonuses, and marketing practices, forcing firms to adapt their strategies. In response, many brokers have expanded into adjacent areas such as payments, partnerships, and infrastructure services. Azrielant’s move into Collect Group and later into a partnerships-focused role at 24markets aligns with this transition. Azrielant has not publicly disclosed her next role.

What Was the Core of the Yuga Labs Lawsuit? Yuga Labs has settled its lawsuit against artist Ryder Ripps and Jeremy Cahen over their alleged replication of the Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT collection, bringing an end to a two-year legal dispute over intellectual property in digital assets. The case centered on the RR/BAYC NFT collection, which reused imagery from Yuga’s original Bored Ape Yacht Club series. Yuga argued that the project misled buyers and generated millions in revenue by leveraging confusion around one of the most recognizable NFT brands in the market. Ripps and Cahen disputed that claim, arguing their work was satirical and intended as commentary on the original collection rather than a commercial imitation. The legal battle became a closely watched test of how trademark law applies to NFTs and digital art. How Did the Legal Process Unfold? A district court initially ruled in favor of Yuga Labs, awarding nearly $9 million in damages and fees. The decision suggested that the RR/BAYC collection crossed into trademark infringement by creating a likelihood of confusion among buyers. However, the ruling was later overturned on appeal. The appellate court determined that the question of whether consumers were actually misled should be decided by a jury rather than resolved at summary judgment. This shift raised the stakes of the case, as it opened the door to a full trial that could have set a more detailed precedent on the boundaries between parody and infringement in NFT markets. The settlement avoids that outcome, closing the case before a jury could weigh in on the central issue. Investor Takeaway The case leaves unresolved how courts will distinguish between satire and infringement in NFTs. Without a jury ruling, legal clarity around digital asset branding and derivative works remains limited. What Are the Terms of the Settlement? According to a filing in California federal court, the proposed settlement includes a permanent restriction preventing Ripps and Cahen from using Yuga Labs’ trademarks and imagery. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The resolution effectively protects Yuga’s intellectual property rights without further litigation, reinforcing its control over the Bored Ape Yacht Club brand. At the same time, it removes the risk of a jury trial that could have introduced uncertainty into how NFT-related disputes are interpreted under trademark law. What Does This Mean for NFT Market Structure? The dispute reflects broader tensions in the NFT ecosystem, where questions around ownership, licensing, and creative reuse remain unsettled. As NFT collections function both as digital assets and cultural products, the boundary between artistic expression and commercial infringement is not always clearly defined. For market participants, the outcome highlights the importance of brand control in a sector where value is often tied to recognition and community identity. Projects with strong intellectual property protections may be better positioned to defend against copycat activity, while others may face ongoing legal risk. At the same time, the absence of a definitive court ruling leaves open questions about how similar cases will be handled in the future, particularly as NFT markets continue to intersect with traditional legal frameworks.