Ether spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States have attracted billions in new inflows this month, while companies holding the token in their corporate treasuries are expanding, pushing prices higher. According to data provider SoSoValue, net inflows into Ether ETFs jumped 44% in August, climbing from $9.5 billion on Aug. 1 to $13.7 billion on Aug. 28. Analysts said the reversal in sentiment comes after months of lagging performance against Bitcoin. “Ethereum has recently seen a revival in both adoption and recognition of its value proposition,” said Fabian Dori, chief investment officer at Swiss bank Sygnum, adding that institutional demand has been a key driver of the rebound. Alongside ETFs, a growing number of firms are adding ether to their balance sheets. Companies now hold 4.4 million ETH, or 3.7% of the total supply, worth roughly $19.2 billion, according to research firm StrategicETHReserve. “Corporate treasuries are a massive buyer. They don’t sell, and that will keep pressure on the supply side,” said Geoffrey Kendrick, head of digital assets research at Standard Chartered. That demand helped fuel a 27% price rally in August, with ether trading at $4,316 on Friday, up from $3,406 at the start of the month, according to CoinMarketCap. Ethereum’s growth comes against a shifting policy backdrop. Analysts point to the Genius Act, a new U.S. law governing stablecoins, as an example of regulatory clarity that has encouraged larger investors to commit to blockchain infrastructure and token holdings. Network Upgrades and Outlook Ethereum developers are preparing for a busy upgrade cycle. The Pectra update in May expanded validator capacity and introduced account abstraction, while the Fusaka hard fork, scheduled for Nov. 5, will implement PeerDAS technology to ease node workloads and improve data availability. Analysts at Bitfinex said the roadmap is reaching “a critical inflection point,” with restaking via EigenLayer and activity on layer-2 rollups generating new protocol revenues and attracting developer interest. Despite the optimism, Ethereum’s fee revenue remains modest compared with rivals. Over the past 30 days, the network collected $41.9 million, far below Tron’s $433.9 million, according to CoinMetrics. Still, with institutional inflows mounting and companies holding larger treasuries in ether, investors say Ethereum is increasingly establishing itself as a second institutional settlement layer alongside Bitcoin.

The Solana Policy Institute, a nonprofit organisation that supports the Solana blockchain, has donated $500,000 to assist the Tornado Cash co-founders, Roman Storm and Alexey Pertsev, with their legal expenses. This significant donation, announced on August 28, 2025, is part of the growing financial support from the bitcoin community.  The money is intended to assist Storm, who was found guilty of operating an unregistered money-transmitting business on August 6, 2025, and Pertsev, who was convicted of money laundering in 2024, with their ongoing legal challenges. About the Tornado Cash case Tornado Cash is a privacy protocol on the Ethereum network that enables users to conceal the sources and destinations of their cryptocurrency transactions. Roman Storm and Alexey Pertsev, the individuals who developed the protocol, have faced legal issues related to their work on this open-source software.  Storm may spend up to five years in prison if he is found guilty in the U.S. Pertsev is appealing a five-year sentence in the Netherlands. The Solana Policy Institute’s gift will help Storm’s efforts to get his conviction overturned after his trial and Pertsev’s appeal procedure. Helping The Community and Raising Funds The crypto world has come together to support the Tornado Cash developers. The Free Roman Storm defence fund has raised more than $5.5 million, but it still needs $1.5 million more to reach its $7 million objective. In January 2025, the investment firm Paradigm gave $1.25 million, and the Ethereum Foundation gave $500,000.  The Ethereum Foundation also promised to match up to $750,000 in community donations. The Solana Policy Institute’s $500,000 donation demonstrates that the industry is collaborating to protect developers’ rights, despite Solana and Ethereum being competing blockchain ecosystems. Concerns In The Industry and Legal Issues Many lawyers and business experts are concerned about the convictions of Storm and Pertsev, arguing that holding creators responsible for third-party usage of open-source code sets a hazardous precedent. The Solana Policy Institute disagreed with the government’s position, saying, “If you write open-source code that anyone can use, for good or for bad, you are responsible for how it is used, even if you don’t have any control over it.” They argue that this approach is flawed for blockchain technology and could hinder innovation in decentralised finance (DeFi) and privacy solutions. Wider Effects and Future Prospects The Solana Policy Institute’s gift is part of a broader movement in the tech industry to protect open-source developers through legislation. The Institute, along with 113 other crypto groups, has asked the U.S. Senate to change the proposed crypto rules so that decentralised software developers are not held criminally responsible.  The outcomes of Storm’s appeal and Pertsev’s case could have a significant impact on the future of software development, privacy, and decentralisation in the crypto sector. This is a critical time for Web3 innovation.

Investors have withdrawn a class action lawsuit against Strategy, the bitcoin treasury company, that alleged the firm misled shareholders about its investment approach and failed to properly disclose the effects of new accounting standards. The case, filed in May by law firm Pomerantz LLP in the Eastern District Court of Virginia, named co-founder Michael Saylor, Chief Executive Phong Le, and Chief Financial Officer Andrew Kang as defendants. The suit accused Strategy of overstating the profitability of its bitcoin-focused treasury operations while minimizing volatility risks tied to the cryptocurrency. Pomerantz, a New York-based firm specializing in securities litigation, has previously represented investors in high-profile crypto-related cases, including actions against Coinbase and Silvergate Bank. Allegations Over Accounting Rules The complaint also challenged the company’s adoption of new accounting guidance from the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) requiring fair-value reporting for crypto assets. Plaintiffs argued that Strategy failed to spell out the scope of the accounting change on its financial results and downplayed risks to investors. The FASB’s rule, which took effect in 2023, marked the first time US companies were required to value cryptocurrencies at fair market prices each quarter, replacing the older “impairment only” model that critics said distorted earnings reports. Under the new rule, unrealized gains and losses flow directly into net income, amplifying quarterly swings in reported profits. The lawsuit was dropped on Thursday, with Bloomberg first reporting news of the dismissal. The reasons for the investors’ decision were not disclosed. Court filings did not indicate whether a settlement was reached or whether plaintiffs chose to voluntarily withdraw the case after reassessing litigation prospects. Strategy, one of the largest corporate holders of bitcoin, reported holdings of about $68.5 billion worth of the cryptocurrency as of Monday. The company’s bitcoin stash represents more than 1% of all coins in circulation — roughly 1.3 million BTC — making it by far the biggest corporate holder globally, ahead of Tesla and Block. Strategy first adopted its bitcoin treasury strategy in August 2020, when it began converting cash reserves into the digital asset, a move that has since become its defining feature. Shares in the company have climbed more than 150% over the past year, boosted by bitcoin’s rally. Bitcoin itself has risen from around $26,000 in August 2023 to above $65,000 this week, driven by institutional inflows and the launch of US spot bitcoin ETFs earlier this year. The end of the case removes a legal overhang for the company, which has become a high-profile proxy for bitcoin exposure in equity markets. Strategy’s stock (NASDAQ: STRY) now trades at a market capitalization of over $130 billion, making it larger than many S&P 500 financial firms. Analysts have described it as “a leveraged bet on bitcoin,” since nearly all of its enterprise value is tied to the cryptocurrency’s price trajectory.

On December 25, 2021, the famous arena, formerly known as the Staples Centre and a significant part of Los Angeles’ sports and entertainment scene, officially became Crypto.com Arena. The arena’s name change, which was part of a $700 million, 20-year naming rights deal with the Singapore-based cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com, marked a significant shift for the facility and highlighted the growing importance of digital finance.  Fans felt nostalgic as the name changed from Staples Centre to Crypto.com Arena. Since 1999, the arena has been a cultural landmark, holding Lakers and Clippers games, the NHL’s Kings, the WNBA’s Sparks, and many concerts and events.  The move to Crypto.com Arena highlights the growing popularity of Bitcoin, and crypto security is now a significant concern for both businesses and event attendees. This article provides all you need to know about navigating this world-class stadium, whether you’re a sports fan, a concertgoer, or someone interested in learning more about crypto security. The Move From Staples Centre to Crypto.com Arena Staples Centre opened on October 17, 1999. The office supply firm Staples, Inc. paid $116 million over 20 years to name the arena. The arena immediately became a global centre, holding 19 Grammy Awards ceremonies, six Lakers championships, and two Kings Stanley Cups. As downtown Los Angeles came back to life, its cultural importance expanded. The nearby L.A. Live complex made the region more lively.  By 2019, however, Staples’ brand was no longer critical, and AEG, the arena’s owner, purchased the naming rights, marking the beginning of a new era. AEG made a historic $700 million contract with Crypto.com in November 2021. The facility was renamed Crypto.com Arena on Christmas Day 2021, when the Lakers played the Brooklyn Nets.  This transaction was one of the biggest in sports history. It was made possible by the rise of cryptocurrencies and Crypto.com’s strong marketing drive, which included sponsorships with Formula One, the UFC, and the Philadelphia 76ers. The change wasn’t easy. Fans, notably Lakers coach Frank Vogel and former star Shaquille O’Neal, were closely tied to the Staples name, and many still refer to it as Staples Centre years later. X postings show how people feel about it right now. For example, @rgay says, “We are always gonna call it Staples Centre.” The name change aligns with trends in crypto security, as Crypto.com focuses on secure digital transactions and blockchain technology. For guests, this change highlights the importance of being mindful of crypto security, such as keeping digital tickets safe and utilising secure payment apps at the arena to ensure everyone has a safe and current experience. Location of Crypto.com Arena In the middle of downtown Los Angeles, next to the Los Angeles Convention Centre and L.A. Live, Crypto.com Arena is at 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015. The I-110 Freeway makes it easy to get to, and it’s a short walk from the 7th Street/Metro Centre station, which is served by Metro’s Red, Blue, and Expo lines.  The facility is surrounded by parking spaces; however, the prices vary by event. It’s best to arrive early because there is a lot of demand for games and concerts. The arena is in the middle of everything, making it a great place to go for entertainment. Nearby attractions include the Grammy Museum and the Figat7th shopping area. For people who use crypto security, the arena’s digital ticketing systems, which are commonly accessed through apps, need to use safe methods like two-factor authentication to stop fraud. People occasionally get confused when they search for “Staples Hollywood” because it’s so close to Hollywood (approximately 15–20 minutes by vehicle), but the arena’s unique downtown address makes it clear what it is. Hours of Operation and Event Access Crypto.com Arena doesn’t have set hours every day; instead, its hours vary depending on the event schedule. The hours for the box office are as follows: Days of the Event: 10:00 AM until halftime/intermission Days Without Events: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Times for events change. On weekdays, basketball and hockey games usually start around 7:00 or 7:30 PM, but on weekends, they can begin at any time. Concerts typically start later, about 8:00 PM.  Always check the official website for the exact event times and ticket availability. Gates usually open 90 minutes before events, allowing people to explore the facilities or get comfortable. Digital ticketing and contactless payments are the most common ways to keep Bitcoin safe, so fans need to protect their devices and accounts. Using encrypted apps and avoiding public Wi-Fi when visiting the arena enhances crypto security, aligning with the arena’s tech-savvy branding. Services and Amenities The Crypto.com Arena is a multi-purpose venue that hosts over 240 events annually, featuring concerts, sports, and award shows. Its services and facilities are suitable for a wide range of people, and recent upgrades have made the experience even better. Entry and Ticketing Most tickets are digital and may be bought through the Crypto.com Arena app or sites like Ticketmaster. Phishing scams that target digital tickets are frequent, so it’s essential to keep your tickets safe. Fans should only use trusted sources and turn on two-factor authentication for their ticket accounts. Premium Seating and Service The arena has luxury suites, including eight new ones that were installed after recent renovations. It also has the City View Terrace, which is a private terrace where you can eat inside and outside with views of the metropolis.  The Delta SKY360° Club and four “Tunnel Clubs” are great places to hang out because they have private bars and lounges. These venues are popular with wealthy people who may put a high value on the protection of their digital assets or payments for events. Food and Drink Concession stands have a wide range of food options, from conventional arena food to fancy dining at high-end clubs. Contactless payments, including those made with crypto-linked cards from Crypto.com, make transactions safer. To keep their crypto safe, visitors should make sure their payment apps are secure. Technology and Fan Experience Renovations added new video displays, like corner and ribbon boards, which made things easier to see. The HD centre-hung scoreboard that was put up in 2010 makes the experience better for fans. You can use free Wi-Fi for crypto security, but it’s ideal to use a VPN to protect your private information, which is what best practices for digital banking say to do. Hosting Events The arena hosts more than just sports. It also holds concerts (like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift), the Grammys, and the gymnastics contests at the 2028 Summer Olympics. It is a worldwide entertainment centre since it can do so many things. Event organisers sometimes use blockchain-based ticketing, which makes it even more important for attendees to be aware of crypto security. Why Visit Crypto.com Arena? Crypto.com Arena is still an essential part of the culture, combining its history as the Staples Centre with a modern, tech-focused look. The $700 million branding contract shows how powerful the cryptocurrency business is. It encourages visitors to use crypto security measures like encrypted transactions and protected wallets.  Fans like the venue’s history, which is clear from the memorials for Kobe Bryant and Nipsey Hussle, and they also welcome the improvements, like new suites and better displays. Yelp reviews of the arena praise its clean facilities and lively environment; however, some people say that parking can be hard to find during busy events.  For people who love crypto, the venue represents the rise of digital money in the mainstream. Crypto.com’s branding also promotes safe transaction methods. Things to Know Before You Go As you plan to visit Crypto.com Arena, keep the following in mind: Review the Event Schedules: Check www.cryptoarena.com to ensure the times are suitable for your visit. Arrive Early: Do this to avoid crowds and secure parking, especially during Lakers games or concerts. Secure Digital Tickets: Use trusted sites and enable security measures like two-factor authentication (2FA) for cryptocurrencies. Check out L.A. Live: You can eat and have fun close to before or after events. Use Secure Payment Methods: Choose cards that don’t require interaction or are linked to cryptocurrency, and ensure your devices are secure for crypto transactions. Public Transportation: Take the Metro to avoid parking problems. Crypto.com Arena, formerly known as the Staples Centre, is more than just a venue. It’s a sign of how Los Angeles has changed culturally and technologically. The name change to Crypto.com Arena in 2021 was a significant development, as it highlighted the growing popularity of cryptocurrency and the importance of keeping it safe in today’s entertainment landscape.  Located at 1111 S. Figueroa St., it offers flexible hours for events and top-notch amenities. It remains a must-see for sports enthusiasts, music fans, and those learning about digital banking. Visitors can fully appreciate this famous place by learning about its services and prioritising crypto security.

Cryptocurrencies are no longer just for trading. Today, you can actually spend them, especially stablecoins to pay for real products and services around the world. Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, which rise and fall in price, stablecoins are designed to stay steady and this makes them practical for everyday use. But who really accepts stablecoins? As of 2025, more and more global companies are opening their doors to digital payments, making it possible to shop, travel, and even pay for services using coins like USDT (Tether), USDC (USD Coin), DAI, and BUSD. In this article, we’ll explain what stablecoins are and highlight 10 companies that accept them but first of all, let’s take a look at what stablecoins are.   What Are Stablecoins? Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency designed to keep their value steady, usually by being tied to the US dollar. For example, 1 USDC = 1 USD. Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, which can rise or fall quickly, stablecoins stay steady making them more convenient for shopping, bills, and travel. Some of the most common ones include USDT (Tether),USDC (USD Coin),DAI etc 10 Companies That Accept Stablecoins Payments Now that we understand what stablecoins are, let’s look at 10 companies that accept them as a means of payment. 1. Shopify Shopify powers millions of online stores worldwide, and through crypto payment providers like Coinbase Commerce, many merchants on Shopify accept USDC and USDT. You can buy clothes, gadgets, or even groceries, depending on the store.   2. Overstock Overstock is one of the earliest adopters of crypto. Today, it allows payments in stablecoins like USDC and USDT, giving shoppers a convenient way to buy furniture, home décor, and more without worrying about crypto volatility.   3. Travala Do you love traveling? Well, Travala is a global travel booking platform that accepts stablecoins for hotels, flights, and experiences. Regardless of whether you’re paying with USDT or USDC, your booking price stays the same as dollars.   4. Newegg Newegg is a giant in electronics and computer parts, and they accept stablecoins payments. Tech enthusiasts can buy laptops, gaming gear, or office equipment using USDT and other crypto options.   5. Bitrefill With Bitrefill, you can use stablecoins to buy gift cards, phone refills, and vouchers for big brands like Amazon, Netflix, and Uber. It’s a smart way to convert your digital dollars into daily services.   6. Microsoft (via gift cards) Microsoft doesn’t accept crypto directly for Xbox or Office subscriptions, but through platforms like BitPay, you can buy Microsoft gift cards with USDC or USDT. That makes stablecoins useful for gamers and professionals alike.   7. AT&T In the U.S, AT&T allows bill payments with crypto via BitPay. Customers can settle their mobile bills using stablecoins, adding convenience to everyday expenses.   8. Twitch Twitch, the world’s leading game streaming platform, accepts stablecoins through payment processors. Fans can subscribe to streamers or support them with USDC and other digital dollars.   9. CheapAir CheapAir is a travel service that lets you pay for flights using stablecoins. Airfares are sensitive to price changes therefore stablecoins are ideal and suitable as they lock in the cost without volatility risk.   10. AMC Theatres Movie lovers can now buy tickets and snacks at AMC Theatres using crypto, including stablecoins via BitPay. It’s a fun and seamless way to turn your stablecoins into real purchases.     Final Thoughts The way we use and spend money is evolving, and stablecoins are at the leading edge of that change. They bring together the speed of cryptocurrency with the stability of conventional currency, making it possible to spend digital dollars without worrying about sudden price swings. These companies show that stablecoins are no longer just for trading but that they’re a practical way to pay for real-world products and services proving that crypto can be stable, spendable, and useful.

My Ubit is your personal doorway to the Ubit ecosystem, and it’s essential to understand how to use it, whether you’re new to decentralised finance or an experienced trader looking for practical tools. This guide covers the platform’s capabilities, shows you how to log in easily, and provides essential crypto security advice for 2025. An Overview of Ubit Ubit’s goal is to help people worldwide utilize blockchain more effectively. It is a whole platform built around its own token, UBIT. Ubit is based in a forward-thinking place and serves millions of customers in many countries. The company focuses on compliance and innovation. The platform has survived changes in the market by consistently delivering exemplary service and concentrating on the needs of users. Ubit has its own blockchain, Ubitscan.io, which makes sure that transactions are transparent and can’t be changed. Ubit has a total supply of 990 million tokens, and it uses its resources wisely for administration, development, airdrops, the treasury, the ICO, marketing, partnerships, charity, staking rewards, and liquidity. This balanced tokenomics architecture helps the system last a long time and gives users reasons to use it. Features and Products Ubit has a wide range of goods that meet the demands of different users, from casual users to expert traders. Here is a list of important things they offer: Ubit Wallet: This is a safe way to store, send, and receive digital assets, such as NFTs. You can get it as software, hardware, or via the web for more options. Ubit Pro Exchange: It is a decentralised exchange that makes it easy to transfer currencies, encrypts everything from start to finish, and stores your coins in a way that doesn’t require you to keep them. Ubit Pay: This is a payment gateway that lets you send money inside the ecosystem without paying any fees. It’s excellent for remittances, micropayments, and more. Ubit Card: A virtual or physical card that is linked to your wallet and lets you spend money at stores that accept it. Ubit Swap: Makes it easy to swap tokens between compatible chains and gives people the chance to earn incentives by providing liquidity. Ubit Ecommerce: Sites where people can purchase and sell things with UBIT, making digital commerce easier for everyone. Ubitscan.io:  is a blockchain explorer that lets you see transaction history and network data. Ubit is flexible since it supports spot trading, staking with up to 15% of your stake going to rewards, and advanced tools like API connectors for automated methods. The platform’s Layer-2 features, which are based on efficient networks, make transactions faster and cheaper than they are with traditional systems. Ubit offers guides on the basics of blockchain and trading tactics to assist customers learn more about the technology while they invest. All products have multiple protections to lower risks, with a focus on crypto security. Supported Assets  Ubit is a one-stop shop for portfolio management because it covers a wide range of digital assets. There are more than 300 tokens on the platform, including well-known ones like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins like USDT and USDC. The primary token for Ubit is UBIT; however, users can also swap assets on the BEP-20 and ERC-20 chains through Ubit Swap. There aren’t many fiat integrations yet, but they are expanding. Partnered gateways handle major currencies like USD, EUR, and others. This makes it easy to get on and off the road without having to make too many modifications. Ubit also supports NFTs, which means you may store and manage them in the wallet. The platform’s asset roadmap is open to the public, so everyone can see what listings are coming up. This curated method strikes a compromise between meeting demand and following the rules. It makes sure that customers have access to reliable solutions while keeping crypto security standards high. Costs and Fees Ubit has a clear price scheme that works for both people who use it a lot and people who don’t use it very often. The Pro Exchange has competitive maker and taker costs that start at less than 0.25%. Active traders can get even lower fees by trading more. Most assets and fiat methods don’t charge anything for deposits; however, withdrawals do have fixed, minimal fees that are mentioned up front. For instance, Ubit Pay lets you shift money around without having to pay any fees, which makes the ecosystem more efficient. Staking benefits make up for possible costs, and the APYs change depending on how well the network is doing. Ubit’s set and predictable fees make it easier for consumers to plan than fluctuating spread models on other platforms. This arrangement puts money back into making the platform better, such as by adding better security features for cryptocurrencies and better customer service. Access Guide Getting into My Ubit is easy and follows best practices for crypto security. To begin: Go to Ubitcoin. in to see the official Ubit website. Click “Sign Up” to make an account if you don’t have one yet. Give a real email address, create a strong passphrase, and confirm it by clicking the link. If you’re already a user, click “Login” and type in your email address or username and your passphrase. During setup, turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA). Ubit needs this extra layer of security, which usually means getting a one-time code given to your phone or app. When you log in, you’ll see your dashboard, where you can manage your wallet, check your balances, and start transactions. To avoid phishing dangers, always utilise the official site. If you forget your passphrase, you can use the recovery option, which may include answering security questions or verifying your email. For people who use hardware wallets, connect the device when you log in to verify your identity offline. Tips for Keeping Your Crypto Safe in 2025 Here are five crucial crypto security suggestions for Ubit users in 2025, based on what experts say: Always use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA makes your login more secure by adding levels that require something you know (a passphrase), something you have (a phone code), or something you are (biometrics). Please turn it on right now on Ubit to make crypto security stronger against unwanted access. Set Up Account Alerts: Get real-time alerts for logins, transactions, and changes to keep an eye on activities. Ubit’s alerts help you find problems fast, which is an essential step in keeping your crypto safe and reducing your losses. Choose Passphrases instead of Simple Passwords: Make sentences that are easy to remember yet hard to guess, like “BlueSky$Rain2025!” This makes brute-force attacks more challenging, which makes your crypto safer without making it harder to use. Only do Business on Sites you Trust: Don’t click on links that look dubious; constantly go straight to ubit. In. Scams that promise bargains that aren’t real can put your crypto security at risk. Always check URLs before entering your credentials. Update Your Software: You fix security holes; be sure you update your Ubit app, browser, and devices on a regular basis. This makes sure that the most recent crypto security improvements are used, which makes everything safer. Following these suggestions will strengthen your crypto security, allowing you to explore the Ubit ecosystem with confidence. Customer Experience Ubit offers responsive service in several languages through live chat, email, and phone. The team is known for being efficient and helps with everything from simple questions to technical problems. Twitter and Telegram are examples of social media that give updates on the community. Why You Should Pick My Ubit in 2025 My Ubit is a user-friendly platform with great features and a strong focus on keeping your bitcoin safe. The platform supports a variety of purposes, including trading, staking, and payments. Following the login guide and security advice will help you stay safe and have fun in 2025 and beyond.

The Ethereum Foundation‘s top priority for user experience (UX) in the foreseeable future is interoperability. The foundation aims to simplify the process of integrating all its layer-1 and layer-2 networks. Researchers wrote in a recent blog post that interoperability is the “highest leverage opportunity” for improving UX over the next six to twelve months.  This change in strategy follows years of efforts to increase throughput and lower costs. It marks a shift toward cross-chain functionality that works without problems. Three Fundamentals for Growth The Foundation has laid out three main steps to make things work together: initialisation, acceleration, and finalisation. The initialisation stream is centred on intent-based design, encompassing initiatives such as the Open Intents Framework, the Ethereum Interoperability Layer, and interoperability standards.  The Open Intents Framework is a modular stack for transactions based on intent. It is already live with production smart contracts, and audits are projected to be finished by the end of the third quarter of 2025, with cross-chain validation by the end of the fourth quarter. The ERC-4337 team leads the Ethereum Interoperability Layer, which lets you move data between layer two and layer three without having to trust anyone. Making Cross-Chain Interactions Equal Interoperability standards are crucial for ensuring that users have a consistent experience across all chains. ERC-7828 and ERC-7930 are examples of proposals that provide standards for interoperable address formats.  ERC-7811 is another example; it standardises asset consolidation by treating tokens across chains as one balance. ERC-5792 establishes multi-call flows as official, while ERC-7683 establishes a standard intent language that enables bridges and verification backends to interact with each other. These standards aim to standardise wallet behaviour and transaction flows, making it easier to connect with other chains. Enhancing Speed and Finality The goal of the acceleration stream is to speed up transactions across all tiers. One of the plans is to implement a Fast L1 Confirmation Rule by early 2026, which will reduce confirmation times to 15-30 seconds. Research on reducing cutting block times from 12 to 6 seconds could further improve cross-chain latency.  The finalisation stream examines layer-1 finality improvements and support for zero-knowledge proofs to ensure that cross-rollup transactions are robust. This makes Ethereum’s ecosystem feel like a single, cohesive network. What This Means For Ethereum’s Ecosystem This emphasis on interoperability could significantly enhance liquidity and capital efficiency, enabling applications to operate across multiple chains without compromising security or composability. Users can interact with Ethereum’s ecosystem without having to deal with complicated network limits when tools are abstracted away.  This aligns with the Foundation’s broader objective of making Ethereum function like the internet for both users and developers. The Ethereum Foundation’s focus on interoperability demonstrates that the ecosystem is expanding and prioritising user experience.  Ethereum aims to create a network where rollups function as integral parts of a unified system, achieved by combining an intent-based architecture, consistent standards, and speed enhancements. These plans, which will unfold over the next year, may alter Ethereum’s position in decentralised finance and other sectors.

Dollar weakens on Fed rate cut bets, political noise; Euro strengthens as ECB holds steady, tariffs sustain global trade tensions. Dollar Slides as Rate Cut Bets Mount, Euro Gains The US Dollar (USD) is facing headwinds, slipping below the key 98.00 mark on the US Dollar Index (DXY) to multi-day lows. The decline is fueled by a growing chorus of traders who believe the Federal Reserve (Fed) will cut interest rates as early as September. Adding to the greenback’s woes is the ongoing political noise stemming from President Trump’s public clashes with the Fed. Meanwhile, the Euro (EUR) is capitalizing on the USD’s retreat, extending its recovery and pushing the EUR/USD pair closer to the 1.1700 level. Market positioning data from the CFTC shows a clear conviction in the Euro’s strength, with net long positions rising to a three-week high. Tariffs Linger Despite Trade Truces While global trade tensions have eased, the specter of tariffs continues to hang over the market. The US and China have agreed to a 90-day truce, delaying further tariff hikes. However, the existing tariffs remain significant, with a 30% duty on Chinese imports to the US and a 10% levy on American goods entering China. In a separate development, a new US-EU deal sees Washington imposing a 15% tariff on European imports, while Brussels has scrapped duties on certain US industrial goods. The intricate web of tariffs, while temporarily static, highlights the persistent friction in global trade. A Tale of Two Central Banks: Fed vs. ECB The monetary policy paths of the world’s two major central banks are diverging. The Federal Reserve, under Chairman Jerome Powell, has adopted a data-dependent stance, keeping the door wide open for a rate cut as soon as next month to mitigate risks to the labor market. Investors are now keenly awaiting key data, including the August Nonfarm Payrolls and inflation figures, to gauge the timing of the Fed’s next move. In stark contrast, the European Central Bank (ECB) is exhibiting a more relaxed posture. President Christine Lagarde has signaled no urgency to cut rates, describing eurozone growth as “solid.” This leaves markets with the expectation that the ECB will hold steady, with the first potential rate cut not seen until spring 2026. Top upcoming economic events: Consumer Price Index (YoY) – EUR Date: 08/29/2025 at 12:00:00 CEST Importance: This is a crucial measure of inflation in the Eurozone. The “Year-over-Year” (YoY) figure compares prices to the same month in the previous year, providing a clear picture of the overall inflationary trend. High inflation can prompt central banks, like the European Central Bank (ECB), to raise interest rates to cool the economy, which in turn affects the value of the EUR and market sentiment. ·  Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (YoY) – EUR Date: 08/29/2025 at 12:00:00 CEST Importance: This index is the European Central Bank’s (ECB) primary measure of price stability. It is specifically designed for international comparison and is a key factor in the ECB’s monetary policy decisions. A higher-than-expected reading on the HICP could signal that the ECB may take a more hawkish stance, impacting the EUR. Gross Domestic Product Annualized – CAD Date: 08/29/2025 at 12:30:00 CEST Importance: GDP is the broadest measure of a country’s economic activity and health. The annualized figure represents the total economic output of a country, adjusted for inflation and projected over a full year. This high-impact report provides a snapshot of the Canadian economy’s growth and can significantly influence the Canadian dollar (CAD) and investor confidence. Core Personal Consumption Expenditures – Price Index (YoY) – USD Date: 08/29/2025 at 12:30:00 CEST Importance: The “Core” PCE Price Index is the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation in the United States. It excludes volatile food and energy prices to reveal the underlying inflation trend. A strong reading can increase the likelihood of the Fed raising interest rates, which directly impacts the U.S. dollar (USD) and global markets. ·  NBS Manufacturing PMI – CNY Date: 08/31/2025 at 01:30:00 CEST Importance: The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is a leading indicator of the health of China’s manufacturing sector, a key driver of the global economy. A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 indicates contraction. This report is a crucial barometer for global trade and commodity markets. ·  NBS Non-Manufacturing PMI – CNY Date: 08/31/2025 at 01:30:00 CEST Importance: Similar to its manufacturing counterpart, this index provides insight into the health of China’s services and construction sectors. As China’s economy continues to shift towards services, this report is becoming increasingly important for assessing overall economic health and can influence the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Caixin Manufacturing PMI – CNY Date: 09/01/2025 at 01:45:00 CEST Importance: The Caixin Manufacturing PMI is a private survey that complements the official NBS data, focusing more on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It offers a different perspective on China’s economic activity and is watched closely by traders and analysts for a more complete picture of the country’s manufacturing performance. ·  Core Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (MoM) – EUR Date: 09/02/2025 at 09:00:00 CEST Importance: This is a key measure of short-term inflation in the Eurozone, excluding volatile food and energy costs. The “Month-over-Month” (MoM) figure provides a timely reading of how consumer prices are changing, which can influence market expectations for the next ECB policy meeting. Core Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (YoY) – EUR Date: 09/02/2025 at 09:00:00 CEST Importance: As the year-over-year version of the core HICP, this is a highly significant report for the ECB and financial markets. It provides a deeper look at the long-term inflationary trend in the Eurozone and is a critical component of the central bank’s inflation targeting. Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (YoY) – EUR Date: 09/02/2025 at 09:00:00 CEST Importance: Another iteration of the HICP, this “High” impact report is a direct look at overall inflation in the Eurozone. It’s used by the ECB to guide its monetary policy decisions and is a major market mover for the EUR.    The subject matter and the content of this article are solely the views of the author. FinanceFeeds does not bear any legal responsibility for the content of this article and they do not reflect the viewpoint of FinanceFeeds or its editorial staff. The information does not constitute advice or a recommendation on any course of action and does not take into account your personal circumstances, financial situation, or individual needs. We strongly recommend you seek independent professional advice or conduct your own independent research before acting upon any information contained in this article.

Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, has announced a collaboration with CME Group to enhance transparency in the U.S. physical aluminum market through a new screen-based tool. The initiative will support the Platts Market-On-Close (MOC) assessment process for the US Aluminum P1020 Midwest Transaction Premium (MWP), the recognized industry benchmark.The tool, called PlattsView, will be powered by CME Group’s CME Direct front-end technology and is expected to launch in January 2026. Direct Digital Entry for Bids and Offers PlattsView will allow market participants to enter bids, offers, and transaction data directly into the price assessment process. This will streamline communications during the MOC process and give participants a real-time view of market activity. “PlattsView users will benefit from the ease of communication and the at-a-glance view of market activity,” said Matt Thompson, Head of Platts Global Trading Solutions at S&P Global Commodity Insights. “We are excited about the enhanced transparency it will bring to the US aluminum market and about our expanded work with CME Group in this important market.” The PlattsView platform will enable at-a-glance visibility of U.S. aluminum Midwest Premium market dynamics. Enhancing Market Transparency The collaboration responds to growing demand for transparency in regional aluminum price discovery. The Platts Midwest Premium benchmark plays a central role in physical aluminum trading, influencing contracts, hedging, and long-term supply agreements. “As regional price dynamics become increasingly important, our collaboration with PlattsView will enhance transparency for the US aluminum community,” said Jin Hennig, Managing Director and Global Head of Metals at CME Group. Market Engagement and Demonstrations Platts has begun engaging with U.S. aluminum market participants to prepare for the launch and will conduct demonstrations of PlattsView ahead of January 2026. The aim is to integrate user feedback, ensure operational clarity, and encourage broad adoption of the tool. About S&P Global Commodity Insights S&P Global Commodity Insights provides benchmark prices, analytics, and workflow solutions across global commodities, including energy, metals, agriculture, shipping, and the energy transition. Its Platts® brand delivers leading price assessments, including the U.S. Midwest Premium benchmark. Conclusion The partnership between Platts and CME Group represents a significant step in modernizing the price discovery process for U.S. aluminum. By digitizing bid and offer entry and enhancing visibility into the MOC process, the collaboration is expected to strengthen confidence in benchmark pricing and improve efficiency for physical market participants.

There isn’t a single, universal strategy for trading success. However, there can be a useful shortcut to learning from someone else’s experience. Veteran trader and Octa financial analyst Kar Yong Ang discusses three key lessons he discovered via trial and error—and development—in this article. His wish? that aspiring and novice traders can avoid typical pitfalls and get off to a better start. Kar Yong started trading at the age of 21 with just $500. He turned that small amount into $13,000 in just two years. He is now a respected voice in the Southeast Asian trading community, a skilled educator, and a financially independent trader. However, he had some setbacks along the way, and it was from those early lessons that he gained some of his most profound insights. 1. Risk management is necessary; it is not optional. A lot of traders ignore risk management tools or consider them to be less important than strategy. Kar Yong cautions against this way of thinking. Even the most promising strategies can fail when pressure mounts in the absence of organized risk controls. Principal advantages of risk management: decreases the use of emotion in decision-making stops devastating losses due to abrupt price fluctuations. increases trader confidence by establishing boundaries beforehand. Stop-loss and take-profit orders are two examples of tools that help traders focus on execution and distance themselves from price swings. Additional dynamic protection is provided by more sophisticated features like break-even settings and trailing stops. These features are integrated and readily configurable on OctaTrader, Octa’s proprietary trading platform, guaranteeing that traders can safeguard their capital while trading more intelligently rather than more difficultly. 2. Simplicity Is Better Than Complexity One of Kar Yong’s most potent insights was that straightforward tactics, when supported by consistency and logic, frequently work better than complex ones. A clear strategy that is based on volume, support/resistance, and price action is simpler to implement and less likely to be influenced by emotions. Hesitancy results from too many signals. An excessive number of steps leads to second-guessing. Execution of a strategy becomes almost automatic and consistency increases when it is simple and tested. By providing a clear, user-friendly platform with open terms, Octa demonstrates support for this idea. STAR Copy, educational materials, and a helpful support staff allow traders to concentrate on strategy rather than technical details. 3. Adhere to a Methodical, Repeatable Procedure Kar Yong stresses the value of following a systematic routine. His three-step framework is as follows: Guide: Determine the Market Trend Determine if the market is trending sideways, upward, or downward. For a clear read, use momentum indicators, trendlines, or price action. All decisions are based on this. Configuration: Identify the Entry Signal After determining the trend, search for a setup that supports it, such as moving average touches, breakouts, pullbacks, or candlestick patterns. High-probability entries that follow the direction of the market are the aim. Context: Assess Outside Factors Think about more general factors such as: Adaptability The time of day Being close to economic news Perception of the resistance/support zones In the wrong situation, even the best setup can go wrong. Just as crucial as knowing when to act is knowing when not to trade. A hallmark of successful traders, this methodical approach lowers emotional bias, maintains a low cognitive load, and promotes discipline over impulsive behavior. In conclusion, experience is the best teacher—but only if you can learn from it. It took some time for Kar Yong to become a successful trader. It was based on perseverance, introspection, and a readiness to change. Although there are no short cuts in the markets, you can make yours more effective by taking advice from someone who has been there before. Platforms like OctaTrader can be extremely helpful to new traders in accelerating their growth. Octa assists traders in concentrating on performance rather than preventable pitfalls by providing clear conditions, intelligent tools, smooth execution, and sophisticated risk management features. Octa also goes above and beyond in terms of customer satisfaction: award-winning support, commission-free access, and quick, dependable withdrawals all help make the experience safer and less stressful. Disclaimer: This article is not investment advice; it is merely informational. It doesn’t take your goals or financial status into account. Trading entails risk and might not be appropriate for every investor. Concerning Octa Octa is a global broker that was founded in 2011 and provides commission-free access to financial markets. The company offers state-of-the-art trading tools, free education, and a flawless user experience, and it has more than 61 million trading accounts opened in more than 180 countries. Additionally, Octa has received more than 100 industry honors and supports a wide range of humanitarian and educational projects worldwide, such as: The 2024 Global Forex Awards’ Most Reliable Broker 2024’s Top Mobile Trading Platform: Global Brand Magazine

Alphabet (GOOGL) shares have climbed to a new all-time high, with the price in August surpassing February’s peak. For the first time, the stock closed above $210. The rally is being fuelled by optimism around artificial intelligence and Alphabet’s ambition to stay at the forefront of the sector. Notably, Meta Platforms (META) recently entered into an agreement to use Google Cloud’s infrastructure for its AI projects—a deal expected to generate roughly $10 billion in revenue for Alphabet. Technical Outlook for GOOGL Shares In the long term, price movements continue to unfold within an ascending channel (blue). After dipping to the lower boundary in early April—coinciding with Trump’s initial tariff announcement—the stock rebounded and established a new medium-term upward channel (purple), now edging closer to the upper boundary of the blue channel. Several technical factors point to sustained bullish momentum: → The price has convincingly broken above the median line of the long-term channel. → It has consolidated above the key psychological barrier at $200, which didn’t allow the price to move higher earlier in the year. → Throughout the summer, trading has been concentrated near the upper boundary of the medium-term channel, reflecting strong demand; short-lived pullbacks toward the median line have been quickly stopped by the bulls. → In August, the $205.75 level flipped from resistance to support. On the downside, the RSI indicator shows divergence, hinting at potential exhaustion in the rally. Still, stronger catalysts may be required to reverse sentiment: → Technically, a move toward the channel’s upper boundary could encourage profit-taking. → From a macro perspective, a shift in the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy may be an important risk factor. FXOpen offers spreads from 0.0 pips and commissions from $1.50 per lot. 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. Disclaimer: This sponsored market analysis is provided for informational purposes only. We have not independently verified its content and do not bear any responsibility for any information or description of services that it may contain. Information contained in this post is not advice nor a recommendation and thus should not be treated as such. We strongly recommend that you seek independent financial advice from a qualified and regulated professional, before participating or investing in any financial activities or services. Please also read and review our full disclaimer.

The Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) has sanctioned Craig Michael Thompson and two companies he controlled—Black Box Management Corp. and Invader Management Ltd.—after they admitted to running a Ponzi scheme that raised $150 million CAD from over 1,000 investors across Alberta and the United States between 2020 and 2023.The case, resolved through a Statement of Agreed Facts and Admissions, revealed widespread fraud that left many investors with devastating losses after the scheme collapsed in late 2023. False Promises of Day-Trading Success Thompson misled investors by claiming he was a successful day trader who consistently generated strong returns. Most victims were recruited through introductory phone calls in which he falsely described his trading record. Early investors, convinced by fabricated results, spread the word and brought in additional clients. While a small portion of investor money was used for actual day trading, those trades produced a cumulative net loss of nearly US$15 million. The vast majority of funds were diverted to pay “returns” to earlier investors, creating the illusion of profitability. To sustain the deception, Thompson issued weekly emailed statements showing positive performance and growing balances—even though many accounts were effectively worthless. Thompson fabricated weekly account statements to hide losses and convince investors their money was growing, when in fact most balances were near zero. Penalties and Permanent Bans The ASC panel imposed severe sanctions on Thompson and his firms, ordering: $8.1 million CAD in disgorgement of ill-gotten gains $750,000 CAD administrative penalty $14,000 CAD in costs Thompson has been permanently banned from trading or purchasing securities, and must resign from all positions as a director or officer of any issuer. Black Box Management and Invader Management are also subject to permanent market-access bans, removing them entirely from Alberta’s capital markets. Regulator’s Warning on Day-Trading Scams Cynthia Campbell, Director of Enforcement at the ASC, said the case underscores the dangers of modernized Ponzi schemes disguised as trading opportunities: “This case involved a classic Ponzi scheme, dressed up as a modern trading success story. This individual exploited investor trust by falsely portraying himself as a successful day trader—a tactic we’re seeing more frequently, especially as AI tools make these fabrications appear more credible.” She cautioned investors to be skeptical of anyone promising guaranteed or outsized returns from day trading, noting that such promises almost always signal fraud. Campbell urged potential investors to report suspicious activity to the ASC before committing funds. The ASC warns: high returns with little or no risk—particularly from “day trading”—are major red flags for fraud. Impact on Investors The scheme affected more than 1,000 investors, many of whom lost substantial savings when the operation unraveled. The case highlights the continued vulnerability of retail and cross-border investors to fraudulent schemes that exploit trust, word-of-mouth referrals, and fabricated performance data. The ASC emphasized that its enforcement action reflects a commitment to both investor protection and the integrity of Alberta’s capital markets. About the ASC The Alberta Securities Commission is the provincial regulator responsible for administering securities laws and ensuring fair, efficient, and transparent capital markets. As a member of the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA), the ASC collaborates with other provincial regulators to harmonize securities rules and strengthen investor safeguards nationwide. Conclusion The nearly $9 million penalty handed down to Thompson and his firms demonstrates the ASC’s determination to pursue fraudsters and protect investors. For market participants, the case is a clear reminder: if an investment opportunity promises consistent, high returns with minimal risk—particularly in high-volatility activities like day trading—it is almost certainly too good to be true.

Given the strengthening bearish sentiment across the cryptocurrency markets and the multi-month downtrend, Monero cryptocurrency can be expected to fall to the next support level 248.50 (which reversed the price multiple times earlier this month).   Monero reversed from the key resistance level 286.30 Likely to fall to support level 248.50 Monero cryptocurrency recently reversed from the resistance area between the key resistance level 286.30 (former multi-month low June acting as the resistance after it was broken in August, as can be seen from the daily Monero chart below), upper daily Bollinger Band and the 50% Fibonacci correction of the previous downward impulse from the start of July. The downward reversal from this resistance zone created the daily Japanese candlesticks reversal pattern Dark Cloud Cover – which continues the active minor impulse wave C. Given the strengthening bearish sentiment across the cryptocurrency markets and the multi-month downtrend, Monero cryptocurrency can be expected to fall to the next support level 248.50 (which reversed the price multiple times earlier this month). Monero Technical Analysis Report The subject matter and the content of this article are solely the views of the author. FinanceFeeds does not bear any legal responsibility for the content of this article and they do not reflect the viewpoint of FinanceFeeds or its editorial staff. The information does not constitute advice or a recommendation on any course of action and does not take into account your personal circumstances, financial situation, or individual needs. We strongly recommend you seek independent professional advice or conduct your own independent research before acting upon any information contained in this article.

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher J. Waller used a speech at the Economic Club of Miami to press the case for easing monetary policy, arguing that weakening labor market conditions and contained underlying inflation justify cutting the federal funds rate. His remarks, titled “Let’s Get On With It”, emphasized that delaying rate cuts risks falling behind the curve as economic momentum slows. Calling for a Policy Shift Waller reiterated the position he first outlined on July 17, that the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) should not wait for a sharp deterioration in the labor market before easing. Since then, he said, the evidence has only strengthened: “Based on all the data in hand, I believe this argument is even stronger today, and that the downside risks to the labor market have increased.” He backed a 25 basis point cut at the September FOMC meeting, in line with market expectations. Neutral policy, Waller noted, is likely 125–150 basis points below the current rate setting of 4.25–4.5%. Waller: “I favored reducing the federal funds rate by 25 basis points at the July meeting, and subsequent data indicate this was the right call.” Labor Market Weakness Emerges Central to Waller’s concerns is mounting evidence of softening in employment. Payroll growth averaged just 35,000 jobs per month from May to July after downward revisions, with private-sector job creation at roughly half the pace of Q1 2025. Benchmark revisions due in September are expected to further lower employment figures by 60,000 per month. “Private-sector employment actually shrank, on average, in the past three months,” Waller said, warning that weakening labor demand is being masked by a smaller labor supply. He cited falling quits rates, lower wage growth for job switchers compared to stayers, and sharp increases in teen unemployment as further signs of deterioration. Waller also flagged how tariff uncertainty and the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) are freezing business hiring decisions, particularly in entry-level roles. Data Quality and Payroll Revisions Recent large revisions to payrolls have raised questions about survey quality, but Waller stressed the monthly jobs report remains indispensable. He explained that lower initial response rates from firms (60% today versus 75% a decade ago) are leading to noisier preliminary data and larger revisions. Final response rates, however, remain at 95%—similar to historical levels. He suggested that the recent pattern of negative revisions could indicate the labor market is at an “inflection point,” echoing J.P. Morgan research showing large revisions often occur at turning points. Inflation: Tariff Effects Mask Underlying Stability On inflation, Waller said July’s data showed PCE inflation at 2.6% year-on-year and core PCE at 2.9%. However, he emphasized that tariff effects are temporarily inflating prices, with underlying inflation still near the Fed’s 2% target. “Monetary policy should look through the tariff effects on inflation,” Waller argued, adding that anchored inflation expectations and slowing growth call for risk management via policy easing. Growth Slows in 2025 Waller pointed out that U.S. growth in the first half of 2025 was just 1.2%, down from 2024’s stronger performance. Retail spending has moderated, manufacturing is flat, and investment is being delayed amid tariff-related uncertainty. While some postponed projects may restart, employment trends remain “up in the air,” he noted. Looking Ahead Waller expressed confidence that the Fed has not fallen substantially behind the curve, but cautioned against delay: “I anticipate additional cuts over the next three to six months, and the pace of rate cuts will be driven by incoming data.” He closed with a clear call to action: “While I believe we should have cut in July, I am still hopeful that easing monetary policy at our next meeting can keep the labor market from deteriorating while returning inflation to the FOMC’s goal of 2 percent. So, let’s get on with it.” Conclusion Governor Waller’s remarks add to a growing consensus within markets and among some policymakers that the Fed should begin cutting rates. His focus on weak labor data, tariff-driven inflation distortions, and slowing growth underscores the risks of waiting too long. With the September FOMC meeting approaching, Waller’s speech sends a clear message: the Fed should move now to avoid a deeper downturn later.

The Financial Services Agency of Japan (FSA) has confirmed that as of June 30, 2025, a total of 344 institutional investors have signed up to the Principles for Responsible Institutional Investors, better known as Japan’s Stewardship Code. The figure underscores continued momentum in aligning asset managers, pension funds, and insurers with Japan’s sustainability and governance priorities. Background on the Stewardship Code First introduced in February 2014, Japan’s Stewardship Code provides a set of principles for institutional investors to encourage sustainable corporate growth through responsible engagement. The Code has undergone several revisions: 2017: First revision to strengthen stewardship responsibilities. 2020: Second revision, expanding requirements on ESG integration and transparency. June 26, 2025: Third revision, further clarifying disclosure standards and expectations for investor accountability. The most recent revision highlights greater emphasis on transparency, requiring signatories to disclose their stewardship policies, reasons for non-compliance with principles, and updates on implementation annually. Institutional Participation As of the latest tally, the 344 signatories comprise: Trust banks (Shintaku Ginko): 6 Investment managers: 214 Insurance companies: 25 Pension funds: 87 (including 190 corporate pension funds that formally adopted the Code in March 2025) Others (service providers, etc.): 12 The list includes investors who accepted the Code prior to the June 2025 revision. A refreshed list—highlighting those who adopt the revised Code—is scheduled for publication in January 2026. The steady rise in signatories reflects Japan’s ongoing effort to align investment practices with sustainable growth and corporate governance reforms. New Disclosure and Transparency Requirements The revised Code establishes detailed guidelines for transparency. Institutional investors are expected to publicly disclose on their websites: Their intention to adopt the Code. Policies on fulfilling stewardship responsibilities. Explanations for any areas where they do not comply. Annual reviews and updates to disclosures. In addition, investors must notify the FSA of the URL where these disclosures are published. The FSA will then consolidate this information into a public table for ease of access. Implications for Japan’s Corporate Governance The expansion of the Stewardship Code reflects the Japanese government’s efforts to deepen corporate governance reforms initiated under Abenomics. Greater institutional participation is expected to drive stronger dialogue between investors and companies, improve ESG integration, and ensure long-term value creation for shareholders. The growing inclusion of pension funds, particularly corporate pension funds, signals a wider institutional embrace of stewardship principles, further strengthening the link between Japan’s capital markets and sustainable growth. The 2025 revision emphasizes stewardship as not just a compliance exercise, but a driver of active engagement between investors and Japanese corporations. Next Steps The FSA’s next major milestone will be publishing the list of investors who have formally accepted the third revision of the Code in January 2026. This update will provide greater clarity on how institutions are responding to strengthened stewardship expectations. Conclusion With 344 institutional investors now aligned with Japan’s Stewardship Code, the framework continues to play a central role in promoting sustainable corporate practices and strengthening investor–company engagement. The upcoming 2026 publication of revised signatories will be a key test of how far institutions are willing to embed stewardship into their investment philosophies in the face of rising global standards for responsible finance.

Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, temporarily suspended all futures trading on Friday, August 29, after encountering a technical issue within its USDⓈ-M/Unified Margin system. The halt, which was reported around 06:46 UTC, froze activity across one of the most significant venues for crypto derivatives trading. For both retail traders and institutional participants, the sudden suspension sparked uncertainty, as Binance processes billions in daily futures volume. The outage underscored the fragility of centralized trading infrastructure, where even a brief malfunction can have an outsized impact on global markets. Market participants monitoring the situation noted that during the downtime, Binance’s vast user base was unable to open, close, or modify futures positions. This posed potential risks for traders exposed to market volatility, particularly given the rapid price swings common in digital asset markets. While no immediate market shock was reported, the incident reignited conversations around operational resilience and the risks associated with centralized trading venues. Resumption of Trading and Official Response Approximately 20 minutes after the disruption was first flagged, Binance announced that the issue had been resolved. By 07:10 UTC, the exchange confirmed that all futures trading had been restored and was “fully operational.” Binance communicated the updates through its official status page and social media posts, reassuring users that services were back online. While the exchange did not provide detailed information on the root cause of the issue, the speed of the resolution limited the scope of potential disruption. Industry analysts suggested that the quick recovery reflected Binance’s extensive internal monitoring systems, but also highlighted the persistent operational risks tied to running such a high-volume platform. For traders, the event served as a reminder of the vulnerabilities in centralized infrastructures, especially given that outages can occur without warning. Some market participants argued that reliance on centralized futures platforms remains a single point of failure in the broader digital asset ecosystem. Looking Ahead: Infrastructure and Reliability Binance has faced technical incidents in the past, with brief outages occasionally affecting trading services. Each event has fueled ongoing debates within the crypto community about the reliability and transparency of centralized platforms. The latest outage is likely to renew scrutiny from regulators and users alike, as futures trading continues to drive a significant share of liquidity in the crypto economy. For regulators, the incident may provide additional justification for closer oversight of system reliability and operational standards. For traders, it reinforces the importance of risk management strategies when using centralized venues. As the digital asset sector matures, the stability and resilience of major trading platforms like Binance will remain central to ensuring trust in the market. Although the outage on August 29 was short-lived, its implications reach beyond the immediate disruption, highlighting the critical need for robust infrastructure to support the growing scale of global crypto trading.

Rain, the enterprise-grade payments infrastructure provider, has announced native support for USD+, a yield-bearing stablecoin issued by Dinari. The move enables Rain’s partners—including global neobank Offramp—to offer customers outside the U.S. the ability to hold USD+ and spend it globally via Rain-issued cards. Unlocking Yield-Bearing Digital Dollars USD+ is backed 1:1 by U.S. Treasuries and cash equivalents and currently yields around 5% APY. Unlike conventional stablecoins, it allows users to earn yield while holding digital dollars, providing a stronger alternative to traditional accounts in markets with limited access to reliable U.S. dollar banking. Through Rain’s API, fintech partners can now create digital dollar accounts where balances automatically generate yield—without minimum deposits, foreign bank accounts, or complex investment structures. Crucially, funds remain instantly spendable anywhere Visa is accepted, making stablecoins both a savings and spending tool. USD+ transforms stablecoins from passive holdings into income-generating, globally spendable assets. Offramp Becomes First Launch Partner Offramp, a global neobank focusing on emerging markets such as LATAM, is the first to roll out Rain’s USD+ integration. Customers outside the U.S. can now: Hold USD+ in their accounts and earn yield daily Use Rain-issued Visa cards for global purchases Invest in tokenized equities via Dinari’s dShares “From the very beginning, we designed Rain’s technology to be token-agnostic, stablecoin-native, and built to evolve as the asset landscape expands,” said Charles Yoo-Naut, CTO & Co-Founder at Rain. “By supporting USD+, we’re giving partners like Offramp the ability to launch products that are both financially compelling and frictionless.” Offramp’s rollout demonstrates how yield-bearing stablecoins can combine financial inclusion with everyday usability. Dinari’s Tokenized Finance Ecosystem USD+ is issued and settled on the Dinari Financial Network, the same infrastructure powering Dinari’s dShares—fully-backed, compliant tokenized equities. Together, these instruments enable fintechs to provide customers with safe, regulated access to U.S. financial products that have historically been out of reach for many emerging market investors. “Rain’s integration of USD+ proves our infrastructure powers both yield-bearing stablecoins and tokenized equities for partners,” said Gabe Otte, Co-Founder & CEO of Dinari. “Our mission is to democratize access to U.S. dollars and equities globally. With Rain, fintechs can now put those dollars directly into users’ hands, where they can grow and remain spendable.” Expanding Access to Emerging Markets Offramp CEO and Founder Luc Loja emphasized the importance of combining yield with usability: “We’re excited to deepen our partnership with Rain and Dinari as the first launch partner for USD+. Through Rain’s support for USD+, we’ll be able to unlock the true potential of stablecoins for users in emerging markets by combining spendability with yield generation. This is a historic milestone in stablecoin innovation.” The integration addresses a pressing need in regions with high inflation and weak banking infrastructure, giving individuals and businesses access to dollar-denominated savings and global payment capabilities in a single product. By merging yield generation with everyday spending, USD+ could redefine stablecoins as tools for both financial inclusion and wealth creation. Conclusion Rain’s integration of Dinari’s USD+ marks a significant evolution in stablecoin adoption. For fintechs like Offramp, it means offering customers outside the U.S. the ability to save, earn, and spend in dollars without banking friction. For Dinari, it showcases the growing synergy between yield-bearing stablecoins and tokenized equities. Together, the partnership demonstrates how infrastructure innovation is turning stablecoins into true global financial utilities.

Low costs, fast execution, and a commitment to global partnerships In the fast-moving world of online trading, the choice of broker can define a trader’s success. Foti Markets is emerging as a trusted name, delivering a trading environment built on trust, performance, and unwavering support. The company’s philosophy is simple: provide the essential tools and conditions that traders and Introducing Brokers (IBs) need to succeed. By combining advanced technology with human support, Foti Markets is shaping a balanced ecosystem designed for long-term growth. Today, the company proudly serves clients in 25 countries and territories, reflecting its growing international footprint. Addressing the challenges traders face Market volatility demands speed and precision. High transaction costs can diminish return. Foti Markets tackles these challenges head-on by offering low-cost trading, instant execution, and flexible options, designed for traders who refuse to compromise. As an A-book broker, Foti Markets sends all client orders directly to top-tier liquidity providers with no dealing desk intervention. This ensures transparency, fair pricing, and execution that traders can rely on. Core Advantages for Modern Traders Foti Markets delivers a powerful set of features designed to empower traders with a feature-rich offering focused on cost reduction, speed and flexibility. These allow traders to implement their strategies with greater precision and confidence. These advantages form the foundation of Foti Markets’ success: Ultra-Low Commissions: Maximize profitability on every trade. Tight Spreads: Trade with precision across forex, crypto, stocks, indices, and commodities. Lightning-Fast Execution: Orders filled instantly to minimize slippage. Flexible Leverage up to 1:500: Tailored to suit diverse strategies and risk appetites. Instant Withdrawals: Withdrawal requests are processed in seconds, anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Round-the-Clock Support: A dedicated global team is always available to help. The power of the MT5 platform The broker’s environment is built on the MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platform, a top choice for traders worldwide. MT5 is a complete trading solution, offering advanced charting and technical analysis tools; multiple order types and risk management options; and even Expert Advisors (EAs) support for automated strategies. Available on desktop, web, and mobile, MT5 ensures traders can monitor the market, manage positions anytime, anywhere. Backed by Foti Markets’ low-latency infrastructure, traders get true-to-market pricing with reliability and speed. Building a Global Partner Network Foti Markets values collaboration and empowers Introducing Brokers (IBs) with attractive incentives, transparency, and dedicated support. Trusted by partners worldwide, the platform offers reliability and lasting relationships, enabling IBs to confidently connect traders with a broker committed to growth and long-term success. For partnership opportunities, traders and IBs can reach out at support@fotimarkets.com. Meet Foti Markets at iFX EXPO Asia 2025 Foti Markets is excited to announce its participation in iFX EXPO Asia 2025 in Hong Kong, one of the financial industry’s premier global events.  This is a perfect opportunity to meet the Foti Markets team in person, explore the trading platform live and discuss your needs as a trader or explore partnership opportunities as an IB. Meeting face-to-face is a great way to understand the culture and vision of a company. The team looks forward to demonstrating the platform and answering your questions. You can contact Foti Markets directly via email media@fotimarkets.com to book a meeting and join them in Hong Kong. Disclaimer: Trading complex financial instruments involves significant risk and may not be suitable for everyone. The information provided by Foti Markets is for reference purpose only and does not constitute investment advice. Make sure you fully understand how these instruments work and carefully consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your capital.

Cryptos markets have also had a strong recovery in 2025 with total capitalization rising by 9.9 percent year-to-date and 58 percent year-on-year. The year has been characterized by successive historic peaks in the BTC, ETH, and other majors in spite of initial volatility. The adoption by institutions, the liquidity of money, and the inflow of ETFs, as well as regulatory clarity, are some of the major components that determine the direction of the market. Binance Research creates ten charts to be the most comprehensive description of these transformative trends with the help of data. 1. Global Liquidity Reaches Four-Year Peak The M2 money supply increased globally by more than $5.6 trillion and the G4 monetary base grew as rapidly as it had since the year 2021. This increase was stimulated by accommodative policies beyond the U.S., even though the Fed is remaining on a hawkish pause. BTC and other digital assets have received large liquidity inflows that promote risk-on positioning by investors. 2. BTC and ETH Outperform Traditional Finance Ethereum came out as the highest performing major asset with increases of 36 percent with BTC trailing behind with 18 percent returns. The two outdid most equity markets around the world, such as the S&P 500 and NASDAQ. BTC showed a two-way character of a macro hedge and a high-beta risk asset. The boom of ETH underscores its rising significance to diversified portfolios. 3. Over $28B in Net Inflows to Crypto ETFs Spot ETFs are now the primary channels of institutional exposure and exceed 28 billion dollars of net inflows by 2025. The BTC ETF holdings topped over 1.29 million BTC with BlackRock taking the lead. ETH ETFs are getting closer and the market is ready to have altcoin ETFs. ETF flows are viscous, minimize market friction, and can become structural sources of liquidity, particularly, with 401(k) and pension fund access increasing. 4. BTC Dominance Peaks at 65%, Now Down to 57% Bitcoin market dominance reached its highest point of 65.1, which is considered its use as a macro hedge and treasury reserve. This dominance is also becoming relaxed towards 57.2 which shows a potential capital movement towards altcoins. In history, these retracements have frequently been an indicator of the start of altcoin-led booms, particularly when stablecoin liquidity and other discourses gain strength. 5. ETH Staking Hits 35.8M ETH With the Pectra upgrade, staking involvement has grown to 35.8 million ETH and makes up almost 30 percent of circulating supply now. EIP-7251 raised the number of validator caps to 2,048 ETH, (previously 32 ETH), allowing institutional and exchange-based stakers to participate more efficiently. This decreased its liquidity and increased network security and ETH as a capital asset. 6. Stablecoin Supply Climbs Past $277B Total value locked (TVL) of stablecoins grew more than 35 to a record high of $277.8 billion. The GENIUS Act was central to this growth, bringing clear reserve and compliance requirements to the U.S. Stablecoins are also being used outside the trading arena, as payment systems, settlement systems and cross-border finance. Innovation in RWA-backed and yield-bearing models is enhancing use of the asset class. 7. Corporate Holdings of BTC and ETH Expand Digital assets are becoming a common sight on the corporate balance sheets. Firms owned publicly hold more than 1.07 million BTC (5.4 percent of circulating supply) of which MicroStrategy contributes 59 percent. In the meantime, its corporate ETH holdings increased by 88 percent in a month to 4.36 million ETH. This is an increasing tendency and represents the opening up of ETH to its staking income and utility in DeFi ecosystems. 8. DEX Market Share Hits New Highs Spot and futures market shares now stand at 23.1 percent and 9.3 percent respectively, in decentralized exchanges (DEXes). Including the platforms that are behind this growth are PancakeSwap and Hyperliquid. There are also also emerging hybrid models that combine CEX liquidity with DEX execution, which contributes to the user experience and makes DEX more attractive. 9. On-Chain Lending Grows in Utilization The TVL of DeFi lending increased by 65 percent to $79.8 billion and borrowing increased by 80 percent, leaving an active footprint due to a replacement of passive deposits with active loans. Aave has the largest TVL at 39.9 billion. Modular architectures based on RWA use cases and institutional requirements are in use through new protocols, such as Morpho and Euler. The outcome is greater capital utilization and greater fee generation. 10. Tokenized Stocks Emulate Early DeFi Growth Innovation of issuers and regulatory developments led tokenized equities to a market cap of $349 million. Applications such as xStocks have increased their stock offerings to more than 60 equities and users have rapidly adopted the platform and the number of active wallets has increased by almost four times in two months, to 66,500. The volume has been reaching a steady value of $145 million per day, but the central exchanges have the greatest market share. Closing Outlook The year 2025 is turning out to be a year of crypto. There is a convergence of tradfi, maturity of regulation and a change in market structure. ETF flows, corporate treasuries and stablecoin growth are central to a more sustainable growth model. With the dominance of Bitcoin starting to decline, and altcoin infrastructure becoming more powerful, the digital asset ecosystem seems to be more likely to be integrated more deeply into the mainstream financial systems. Check out the full report here.

CME Group’s Ether futures have surged past $10 billion in open interest for the first time, underscoring growing institutional interest in the second-largest cryptocurrency. The milestone highlights Ethereum’s increasing role in professional trading strategies and signals stronger confidence in its long-term value proposition. Data from CME shows that the number of “large open interest holders” in Ether futures rose to 101, a record figure that indicates participation from hedge funds, proprietary trading firms, and asset managers. These entities, defined as holding at least 25 contracts, represent the segment of institutional investors with meaningful exposure. Analysts view this growth as a sign that Ethereum has become a core component of institutional crypto portfolios rather than a speculative outlier. Micro Ether contracts have also gained momentum, with open positions now exceeding 500,000. The smaller-sized instruments allow traders to fine-tune their exposure and risk management, making them particularly attractive for both sophisticated retail investors and institutions. At the same time, CME Ether options have seen open interest climb beyond $1 billion, reflecting appetite for more advanced strategies around Ethereum’s price dynamics. The simultaneous growth across futures and options emphasizes the breadth of institutional adoption. Market Context and Implications The record-setting open interest comes amid strong inflows into Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in August, reinforcing a broader narrative of rising institutional allocation. ETF flows and derivatives activity are often seen as complementary, with ETFs offering straightforward market access and futures providing tools for leverage, hedging, and arbitrage. Together, these developments highlight Ethereum’s deepening integration into global financial markets. The CME milestone carries symbolic weight because of the exchange’s reputation as a regulated U.S. platform. Unlike offshore derivatives venues, CME offers transparency and reduced counterparty risk, factors that are critical for traditional institutions bound by strict compliance standards. This gives Ethereum futures on CME added credibility as benchmarks for pricing and exposure management. Ethereum’s growing derivatives market also reflects the blockchain’s broader role in the digital economy. Beyond serving as a tradable asset, Ethereum underpins decentralized finance (DeFi), tokenization projects, and smart contract applications. Institutional engagement through regulated derivatives suggests recognition of Ethereum not only as an investment vehicle but also as a key pillar of digital infrastructure. Looking forward, analysts anticipate the expansion of Ethereum-linked financial products, including structured offerings tied to CME benchmarks and possibly derivative-driven ETFs. At the same time, regulators are likely to pay closer attention as institutional exposure scales up, balancing market innovation with oversight. For now, CME’s $10 billion open interest milestone cements Ethereum’s place in mainstream institutional trading. It reflects the evolution of crypto derivatives from niche products into critical instruments that connect digital assets with the frameworks of traditional finance, offering liquidity, legitimacy, and long-term integration into global markets.