The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has launched a consultation on modernising its market integrity rules, citing the rapid spread of algorithmic and AI-driven trading across equities and futures markets. The move comes as automated systems now dominate order flows and regulators worldwide scrutinise the risks of machine-led strategies. ASIC’s consultation paper proposes new obligations for trading participants, including controls over algorithm development and testing, mandatory kill switches, and real-time monitoring requirements. The regulator said the goal is to strengthen safeguards, simplify outdated rules, and harmonise oversight across securities and futures markets. Industry participants have until 22 October 2025 to respond. Amended rules are expected in March 2026 following a 12-month transition period. What did ASIC announce? The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has opened consultation on sweeping amendments to its Market Integrity Rules covering trading systems and automated trading. The proposals, set out in Consultation Paper 386, reflect the dominance of algorithmic trading in equities and futures markets and the growing use of artificial intelligence.ASIC said algorithmic trading now represents around 85% of all activity in listed equities, 94% in SPI 200 futures, and nearly half of trading in three-year Treasury bond futures. The regulator wants to embed safeguards such as kill switches, mandatory testing, and consistent governance obligations across all forms of trading systems. Why does this matter for markets? ASIC warned that the complexity and opacity of AI and machine-learning models heighten risks of disorderly trading and unintended consequences. During volatile periods, multiple algorithms reacting at speed could amplify moves or trigger flash-crash events. These risks have been flagged by IOSCO and global regulators, who stress the need for oversight of AI use in markets. The consultation proposes a formal definition of “Trading Algorithm,” extending rules to cover their development, approval, deployment, and monitoring. Participants would be required to test algorithms before deployment and after material changes, with records kept for seven years. Algorithmic and AI trading is now the backbone of Australian markets. ASIC’s planned safeguards could raise compliance costs but aim to reduce flash-crash risks and improve confidence in equities and futures trading. How do the proposals change existing rules? The existing Market Integrity Rules differentiate between designated trading representatives and automated order processing. ASIC intends to scrap this distinction, creating a single technology-neutral framework. That means all trading systems, whether manual or automated, will face uniform obligations around controls, testing, and monitoring. Annual notification requirements will be simplified. Instead of sending yearly forms to ASIC, participants will provide internal confirmation of compliance, reducing administrative burden. A 12-month transition is planned, with final rules expected in March 2026 after feedback closes on 22 October 2025. ASIC is aligning local rules with MiFID II and IOSCO principles. Traders can expect clearer but stricter governance on testing, record-keeping, and kill-switch functionality. How does this compare internationally? ASIC’s approach mirrors rules in the EU and UK requiring investment firms to document algorithmic strategies, conduct annual system reviews, and maintain kill-switch controls. Canada and the U.S. also mandate testing of automated systems and post-trade monitoring. The regulator notes that vendor concentration in AI services is an emerging systemic risk, with potential global implications if major providers fail. International bodies such as IOSCO have repeatedly called for robust oversight of AI and ML in markets. ASIC’s proposals aim to bring Australia’s framework closer to these standards while streamlining overlapping obligations inherited from earlier rulebooks. What comes next? Feedback on CP 386 is due by 22 October 2025, with amended rules slated for March 2026. Industry submissions are expected to highlight compliance costs, system testing standards, and how broad the AI definition should be. ASIC is also inviting input on which existing rules should be prioritised for simplification. If adopted, the changes will require all market participants to maintain governance frameworks over algorithmic trading, conduct stress testing, and install immediate suspension controls. The regulator believes the result will be stronger investor confidence and harmonisation across securities and futures markets. With AI becoming integral to trading, firms should prepare for mandatory algorithm testing, expanded monitoring, and harmonised futures and equities obligations by 2026.

Blockchains vary significantly in speed, cost, and settlement finality. Some are designed for high-frequency applications with sub-second confirmation, while others prioritize security and composability, scaling through Layer-2s. Below are seven networks widely used for low-cost, high-throughput transactions, arranged in descending order of their confirmed transactions-per-second (TPS) performance. Key Takeaways Solana, BNB Chain, and TRON dominate in real-world transaction throughput. Ethereum remains the most secure and composable ecosystem, scaling primarily through Layer-2 solutions. TPS alone does not determine blockchain quality — cost, security, and decentralization are equally important. Different use cases demand different chains: payments and gaming need speed, while DeFi and institutional apps require stronger security. The blockchain trilemma ensures no chain can maximize scalability, security, and decentralization simultaneously. Solana Solana consistently leads in throughput among public blockchains. With its Proof of History integrated into Proof of Stake (PoS), Solana processes transactions in parallel, resulting in fast confirmation times. While stress tests show peaks above 100,000 TPS, real-world usage averages around 1,000 TPS. This capacity makes Solana well-suited for high-frequency trading, micro-payments, NFT launches, and gaming applications that demand minimal latency. BNB Chain BNB Chain follows with strong throughput for a network optimized around low fees and short block times. Recent data places its real-world average around 157 TPS, with spikes exceeding 2,000 TPS during peak activity. Thanks to Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility and an active DeFi ecosystem, BNB Chain supports decentralized exchanges, token swaps, and high-volume consumer dApps requiring affordable and reliable settlement. TRON Tron delivers stable, high-performance throughput designed for payments and consumer applications. Its delegated Proof of Stake model and efficient resource system allow for fast, low-cost transactions. The network averages between 99 and 134 TPS, though its infrastructure can handle up to 2,000 TPS. TRON is widely used for token transfers, gaming platforms, and cross-border payment systems, maintaining one of the highest levels of daily blockchain activity. Polygon Polygon provides Ethereum-compatible scaling solutions through its PoS chain and zkEVM rollups. Polygon PoS averages between 48 and 71 TPS, with bursts that reach into the hundreds. Its combination of speed, cost efficiency, and EVM compatibility makes it a popular platform for dApps, NFT marketplaces, and microtransactions that require Ethereum interoperability without the high fees of mainnet. Avalanche Avalanche leverages a unique consensus model and subnet architecture to achieve fast finality. Despite theoretical capacities in the thousands of TPS, its observed network activity averages around 18 TPS, with the C-Chain itself closer to 3–4 TPS. Avalanche remains valuable for DeFi protocols, token launches, and enterprise subnets where deterministic finality is prioritized over raw transaction volume. Ethereum Ethereum remains the most widely used smart contract platform, anchoring the broader Web3 ecosystem despite its lower throughput. On Layer-1, Ethereum averages 16–18 TPS, with gas fees fluctuating based on demand. To scale effectively, Ethereum relies on Layer-2 solutions such as Optimistic and ZK rollups, which achieve much higher speeds and lower fees while inheriting mainnet security. This layered approach makes Ethereum central to DeFi, high-security settlements, and composable protocols. Algorand Algorand rounds out the list with modest real-world throughput but strong technical potential. Current averages hover around 9 TPS, though peaks have reached 2,000 TPS, and protocol upgrades aim for 10,000 TPS in the future. Its Pure Proof of Stake consensus ensures deterministic finality and consistently low fees, making Algorand a suitable option for tokenization projects, payments, and government pilots where predictability and security are critical. The Blockchain Trilemma And its Impact on TPS One of the central challenges in blockchain design is the trilemma — the trade-off between scalability, decentralization, and security. Networks that maximize throughput often compromise on validator distribution or decentralization, while those prioritizing decentralization and security may struggle with limited speed. Transactions per second (TPS) has become the most visible benchmark for scalability, but raw numbers only tell part of the story. Real-world TPS reveals how blockchains balance these three competing priorities: some opt for lightning-fast confirmation with fewer validators, others maintain security and openness at the expense of speed, and many seek middle ground through innovations like rollups or subnet architectures. Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Chain For Transactions When selecting a blockchain for transactions, the trilemma trade-offs become critical. No single chain perfectly balances scalability, security, and decentralization, so the right choice depends on the context of use: Scalability (TPS and latency): If your application requires thousands of microtransactions per second — like in gaming, payments, or trading bots — a high-throughput chain such as Solana or BNB Chain may be more suitable. Security and reliability: For high-value settlements, DeFi protocols, and institutional use cases, networks like Ethereum or Algorand may be preferred, even at lower TPS, because of their proven security and robust consensus mechanisms. Decentralization and trust: Public, widely distributed validator networks ensure censorship resistance and neutrality. Ethereum leads here, while chains with fewer validators may face centralization risks despite higher throughput. Cost efficiency: Transaction fees vary greatly across chains. Low-cost environments like TRON and Polygon can enable high-volume consumer applications, while Ethereum often requires rollups to stay cost-competitive. Ecosystem and interoperability: Beyond raw TPS, developer tooling, liquidity, and community adoption determine where applications thrive. Ethereum and its Layer-2 solutions dominate here, while other chains focus on niche ecosystems. Conclusion TPS highlights blockchain scalability, but it’s only part of the equation. Each network balances speed, security, and decentralization differently, making the right choice dependent on use case. Whether it’s Solana’s high throughput, Ethereum’s security, or Polygon’s cost efficiency, understanding these trade-offs is key to selecting the best chain for transactions. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. Which blockchain has the highest real-world TPS?Solana leads with real-world throughput averaging around 1,000 TPS, despite stress-test peaks above 100,000. 2. Why does Ethereum have lower TPS compared to other chains?Ethereum prioritizes decentralization and security, relying on Layer-2 rollups for scalability instead of pushing high TPS on its base layer. 3. How important is TPS when choosing a blockchain?TPS is important for scalability but should be considered alongside security, decentralization, cost, and ecosystem strength. 4. Which blockchains are most cost-efficient for high-volume transactions?TRON, Polygon, and BNB Chain offer low fees and high throughput, making them suitable for gaming, payments, and consumer apps. 5. What role does the blockchain trilemma play in transaction performance?The trilemma forces trade-offs: chains that optimize for speed often compromise decentralization, while highly secure networks may have lower throughput.

Google Cloud has announced the launch of GCUL (Google Cloud Universal Ledger), a Layer-1 blockchain designed specifically for financial institutions and enterprises. The move signals Google’s most direct step yet into the competitive blockchain infrastructure space, where major players are racing to capture institutional adoption. One of GCUL’s most distinctive features is its support for Python-based smart contracts. While the majority of blockchain ecosystems rely on Solidity or Rust, Google’s decision to integrate Python reflects an attempt to make development more accessible to enterprise engineers already proficient in widely used programming languages. This approach could significantly lower the barrier to entry for traditional financial institutions exploring on-chain deployment. Currently, GCUL is running in a private testnet phase, with its first pilot project involving the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME Group). The pilot focuses on tokenization and wholesale payments, two areas that have gained traction as institutions explore faster and more transparent financial settlement systems. Trust-Neutral Positioning Against Rivals Rich Widmann, Global Head of Strategy for Web3 at Google Cloud, described GCUL as a “trust-neutral” blockchain. Unlike closed or proprietary systems offered by competitors such as Circle and Stripe, GCUL is designed as a platform-agnostic infrastructure layer. This positioning could appeal to financial institutions that prefer flexibility over vendor lock-in. Widmann emphasized that GCUL is built on years of Google’s research and cloud networking expertise, enabling the platform to deliver high throughput, reliability, and scalability at a global level. The executive also suggested that institutions such as Tether and Adyen could find GCUL more suitable than rival networks due to its open framework and neutral governance approach. The company envisions GCUL as a backbone for 24/7 capital markets, offering around-the-clock settlement capabilities that align with the increasing demand for real-time finance. Additionally, Google sees potential in supporting on-chain commercial bank money and providing interoperability across multiple currencies and asset classes. Institutional Adoption and Roadmap The unveiling of GCUL comes amid a broader wave of institutional interest in blockchain infrastructure. With central banks, payment providers, and asset managers exploring tokenization at scale, demand for robust, enterprise-grade blockchains has accelerated. Google Cloud’s entry signals a significant shift, as the company seeks to compete directly with financial technology firms building their own ledgers. In the coming months, Google plans to release more detailed technical specifications of GCUL, offering insights into its consensus mechanism, transaction finality model, and governance structure. Broader testing with direct participation from market institutions is expected before the end of 2025. Full-scale services are projected to roll out in 2026, potentially positioning GCUL as a key player in the next generation of financial infrastructure. For Google, the success of GCUL could establish it as a dominant provider of blockchain solutions for global markets. If widely adopted, the platform could reshape how capital flows, settlements, and asset tokenization are managed—bridging the gap between traditional finance and blockchain-enabled innovation.

Numerai, the San Francisco-based hedge fund that combines artificial intelligence and crowdsourced data science, said on Tuesday it has secured a commitment of up to $500 million from JPMorgan Asset Management, a deal that could more than double its assets and underscore growing Wall Street interest in crypto-adjacent quantitative strategies. Founded in 2015 and backed early by veteran investor Paul Tudor Jones, Numerai currently manages around $450 million, the bulk of which has been raised in the past three years. Its strategies rely on thousands of independent data scientists who contribute machine learning models to forecast global equity movements, with Numerai blending them into a single meta-model to run the fund. The firm reported a 25% net return in 2024, driven by its mix of crowdsourced algorithms, AI-powered signals, and exposure to digital assets. “JPMorgan is one of the largest allocators to quantitative strategies in the world, including machine learning quant funds,” Numerai said in a statement announcing the investment. Numerai also issues its own cryptocurrency, Numeraire (NMR), which rewards contributors to its model-building ecosystem. Following news of the JPMorgan allocation, NMR surged as much as 38% to $11.40, with trading volumes climbing nearly ninefold in 24 hours, according to CoinMarketCap data. The hedge fund recently began a token buyback program, purchasing $1 million worth of NMR in July. JPMorgan’s Expanding Digital Push While JPMorgan did not comment on the Numerai commitment, the Wall Street bank has gradually broadened its exposure to digital assets. It has worked with Coinbase on crypto transaction services and is exploring products such as stablecoin issuance and crypto-backed loans, potentially allowing clients to borrow against bitcoin and ether holdings. JPMorgan’s blockchain unit, Kinexys (formerly Onyx), has also piloted deposit tokens and launched onchain settlement tools for institutional clients, positioning the bank as one of the most active global lenders in digital finance experiments. Numerai exemplifies a wider convergence between AI, blockchain, and finance. Its crowdsourced network leverages both crypto incentives and machine learning to guide investment strategy — an approach being mirrored elsewhere. In mining, firms including Hive Digital, Hut 8, TeraWulf and IREN are redirecting infrastructure toward AI and high-performance computing, seeing stronger growth prospects outside traditional bitcoin mining. Meanwhile, decentralized AI projects like Bittensor — a blockchain-based machine learning network with a market cap of about $3.2 billion — are attracting capital from specialist funds such as DNA Fund. Global policy groups expect the sector’s momentum to accelerate. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development projects that AI will become the world’s most valuable technology sector by the next decade, with its share of the “frontier tech” market expected to quadruple over the next eight years. With the fresh commitment from JPMorgan, Numerai said it plans to expand its team. Recent hires include an AI researcher from Meta and a trading engineer from quant firm Voleon. “We’re scaling the team to match the opportunity,” the company said. If fully deployed, JPMorgan’s allocation would take Numerai’s assets under management to nearly $1 billion, placing the niche AI-powered fund among the most closely watched quantitative managers bridging Wall Street, crypto, and machine learning.

HSBC has been fined HK$4.2 million ($537,683) after Hong Kong regulators found the bank failed to properly disclose its investment-banking links in thousands of research reports spanning nearly a decade. The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) said the lapses involved more than 4,200 reports on Hong Kong-listed companies between 2013 and 2021. The breaches came to light after HSBC self-reported, prompting a joint investigation. According to regulators, the problem stemmed from “deficiencies in data recording and mapping across systems” that caused required disclosures about investment-banking relationships to be omitted. The watchdogs stressed that they had found no evidence of client losses tied to the missing disclosures. HSBC described the matter as historical. “This is a historic matter,” the bank told Reuters, adding it had since overhauled its controls and reporting systems. Pressure on HSBC Hong Kong has penalised other global banks for similar failures. In 2019, the SFC fined Credit Suisse (Hong Kong) Limited and Credit Suisse AG a combined HK$2.8 million after they failed to disclose investment-banking ties in research covering Hong Kong-listed securities published from 2006 to 2016. Like HSBC, the lapses were traced to flawed internal processes. The enforcement push is part of a long-running effort by the SFC to ensure research is transparent about potential conflicts of interest. Analysts and banks are required to disclose whether they have or are seeking business relationships with companies they cover. Regulators argue that without clear disclosures, investors cannot properly weigh the impartiality of research recommendations. The fine is modest in monetary terms, but it adds to scrutiny of HSBC in its home Asian market. Earlier this year, its affiliate Hang Seng Bank, 62% owned by HSBC, was fined HK$66.4 million for overcharging clients in the sale of investment products. For HSBC, the latest penalty comes against the backdrop of efforts to simplify its operations and stress its compliance credentials in Asia, where it earns the bulk of its profits.  

On August 26, 2025, Bitcoin (BTC) fell below $109,000, its lowest point in seven weeks. This wiped out gains that had followed Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s Jackson Hole address, which had hinted at an interest rate reduction.  This sudden 2.8% drop in one day resulted in more than $900 million in liquidations in the crypto market, affecting 200,000 dealers. CoinGlass reports that most of them were long bets, with Bitcoin alone accounting for $277.21 million in liquidations. The market became more volatile as a big holder sold 24,000 BTC, which increased selling pressure. Market Cap Goes Down The total value of the crypto market dropped from $4 trillion to $3.84 trillion, a loss of nearly $200 billion. This downturn wiped out last week’s gains, as there was little liquidity over the weekend, and people were shifting away from risk assets.  In crypto bull markets, September has historically been a bad month, as observed in 2017 and 2021. This makes the view more cautious as traders are now wondering if this is just a brief respite or the beginning of a more significant decline. Ethereum Thrives Amidst the Liquidations Ethereum (ETH) experienced the largest liquidations of any cryptocurrency, totaling $320 million. However, it was more stable than Bitcoin, which was trading at $4,340. ETH remains above its low from last week, despite an 8% drop from its recent high of almost $4,900.  This is because institutional investors remain interested in it, and Ethereum has increased by 80% in the last 60 days, which is significantly more than Bitcoin’s 3% rise. This strength shows how appealing ETH is even when the market is unstable. Altcoins Are Under Pressure Solana, Dogecoin, and XRP also experienced significant losses, with Solana dropping 8.5% to $186 and Dogecoin plunging more than 10% to $0.208. The fact that traders had to sell off positions that were too leveraged and exceptionally long shows that they were not ready for a rebound. The market’s enormous leverage and sales led by whales caused the rapid drop, and the consecutive liquidations accelerated the plunge. What Do Crypto Traders Do Next? The $900 million liquidation event indicates that the market is volatile and that people are using excessive leverage. Long positions lost 86% of the money. Rachael Lucas and other analysts suggest that capital is shifting away from risky investments, although short pools above current BTC and ETH values could trigger a bounce if buyers return.  Past patterns indicate a possible reset, as seen following a $922 million liquidation on August 1. However, traders remain concerned as Bitcoin struggles to stay above $110,000, with options worth $14.6 billion set to expire.

Monex Group, a Tokyo-listed financial services company, is considering launching a stablecoin tied to the Japanese yen as regulators prepare to open the door to domestic fiat-pegged tokens, Chairman Oki Matsumoto said in a televised interview this week. “Issuing stablecoins requires significant infrastructure and capital, but if we don’t handle them, we’ll be left behind,” Matsumoto told TV Tokyo. He added the company would “respond properly” as the market develops. The proposed yen-backed stablecoin would be supported by assets such as Japanese government bonds and redeemable one-to-one against the yen. Potential uses include cross-border remittances and corporate settlement, according to the company. Japan is the world’s third-largest economy, with annual remittances from residents and businesses exceeding $4.5 billion, according to World Bank data, underscoring the potential demand for faster, cheaper digital settlement tools. Monex, which owns Japanese crypto exchange Coincheck and runs a domestic brokerage business, plans to leverage both arms of its operations to advance the initiative. Coincheck is one of Japan’s largest digital asset platforms, serving over 1.8 million verified users as of 2024, and was acquired by Monex in 2018 following a $530 million hack that shook the country’s crypto industry. Monex also oversees Monex Securities, a leading online brokerage with more than ¥6 trillion ($41 billion) in customer assets under custody. Matsumoto also disclosed that Monex is in final negotiations to acquire European crypto-related firms, hinting that an announcement could be made within days. Earlier reports in Nikkei suggested that the target could be a custodian or digital asset infrastructure provider, aimed at strengthening Monex’s cross-border business. The move would follow the listing of Coincheck Group on Nasdaq at the end of last year, further expanding Monex’s overseas footprint. Coincheck Group debuted via a SPAC merger with Thunder Bridge Capital Partners IV in March 2024, valuing the company at around $1.25 billion at the time of listing. The timing aligns with shifting regulation in Japan. The Financial Services Agency (FSA) is expected to approve the issuance of yen-denominated stablecoins as early as this fall — the first such domestic approvals. The push follows Japan’s 2023 decision to lift its ban on foreign-issued stablecoins, a move that has already enabled the introduction of Circle’s USD Coin (USDC) into the market. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation has also been developing its own “Progmat Coin,” a platform for issuing bank-backed stablecoins, signaling rising competition among Japanese financial institutions. Earlier this year, the FSA backed recommendations to ease rules governing stablecoin issuance, part of a broader effort to encourage digital asset adoption under regulated conditions. The reforms include requirements that issuers maintain reserves in trust with licensed Japanese custodians, provide daily disclosure of collateral, and implement strict anti-money laundering controls, according to FSA policy papers. Monex’s entry could place it among the first major Japanese financial groups to issue a locally backed stablecoin, positioning the company to compete with global rivals at a time when stablecoins are becoming a key piece of cross-border finance. Global stablecoin circulation now exceeds $160 billion, with Tether (USDT) and Circle’s USDC accounting for over 85% of the market, according to CoinGecko. Analysts expect yen-pegged coins to play a strategic role in Asia, where regional trade exceeds $6 trillion annually.

Exchange-traded fund (ETF) issuers are keenly interested in the cryptocurrency market’s rapid growth, but they are also cautious. Greg King, the CEO of REX Financial, has stated that most cryptocurrencies, especially those not in the top 10, are “pretty sketchy” and pose significant risks when it comes to being included in an ETF. In an interview with Bloomberg ETF IQ, he discussed the importance of being selective in a market that is constantly evolving. Dangers in the Crypto Market King said that cryptocurrencies below the top 10 are quite risky. He said, “Crypto gets pretty sketchy below the top 10, certainly below the top 20.” Many digital assets aren’t suitable for ETFs because they are too volatile and lack sufficient stability.  ETFs need safe and regulated investment vehicles. He said that ETF issuers need to be very careful about the assets they choose to safeguard investors from the market’s unpredictability, especially for coins that don’t have strong fundamentals. Solana As a Great Choice Solana is one of the cryptocurrencies that is gaining popularity and is a strong candidate for ETF issuers. King said that the blockchain was fast and suitable for stablecoin transactions, which made it seem like it might compete with Ethereum.  Nine companies, including VanEck, Bitwise, and Greyscale, have requested spot Solana ETFs. They are expected to be approved by October 2025. Adding Solana to your portfolio is a good idea because it has staking incentives and other technological benefits. The Growth of Memecoin ETFs REX Financial is exploring ETFs based on memecoins like Bonk, Official Trump, and Dogecoin, which is surprising given that they lack any real value. King said that they are becoming more popular, which is part of a larger trend among ETF issuers to branch out beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. These memecoins are risky, but they garner significant attention from the market, which could increase investor interest in new ETF products. What Will Happen To Crypto ETFs In The Future? King believes that instead of a large number of new coins entering the ETF industry, there will be more funds allocated to each cryptocurrency. This tendency is similar to how Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs have done well, with several issuers focusing on the same assets.  The SEC’s new leadership has made it more friendly, which has led to optimism. There are over 75 crypto ETF applications being reviewed, indicating that institutions are highly interested. Greg King’s warning about the changing crypto ETF market highlights the importance of conducting thorough research.  Issuers can safely explore memecoins while focusing on proven cryptocurrencies, such as Solana. This way, they can provide investors with regulated exposure while staying safe in the “sketchy” crypto sector. As regulations become clearer, ETF issuers will play a significant role in encouraging more people to adopt cryptocurrencies in 2025 and beyond.

Curious to know which top professional athletes are investing in cryptocurrency? If so, then you are in the right place. Here are 10 Top professional athletes who have invested in crypto. 1. Lionel Messi Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, has also stepped into the cryptocurrency space. Reports indicate that he has invested approximately $10 million in various digital assets, representing around 2.5% of his estimated $450 million net worth. Messi’s involvement shows that even elite athletes are looking beyond traditional investments to diversify their wealth in the digital space. 2. Serena Williams Serena Williams, through her venture capital firm Serena Ventures, has invested in several blockchain and crypto startups.  Notably, she led a $5 million funding round for Lolli, a Bitcoin rewards platform.  Her firm has also invested in Coinbase, one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges, reflecting her belief in the potential of blockchain to bring financial empowerment to communities worldwide. 3. LeBron James LeBron James has partnered with Crypto.com to launch initiatives providing students at his I PROMISE School access to blockchain education. Beyond philanthropy, his venture firm, SpringHill Company, has invested in various tech and blockchain startups, demonstrating his commitment to supporting innovation in the digital space. 4. Russell Okung In 2020, NFL player Russell Okung made headlines by converting half of his $13 million salary into Bitcoin.  While the Carolina Panthers confirmed that all salaries are paid in U.S. dollars, Okung’s move was facilitated through a partnership with the Bitcoin payment platform Zap, allowing him to receive his salary in Bitcoin.  This bold step underscored his belief in Bitcoin as the future of finance. 5. Cristiano Ronaldo Cristiano Ronaldo has made headlines for his association with the CR7 memecoin, a cryptocurrency project that aimed to leverage his global brand. The token initially experienced a surge in value, reflecting the market’s excitement around celebrity-backed digital assets, though it later faced volatility. Ronaldo’s move highlights how top footballers are exploring new financial opportunities through blockchain and crypto ventures. 6. Tom Brady Tom Brady has been a prominent figure in the crypto space, partnering with the now-defunct FTX exchange in 2021.  Reports indicate that Brady earned around $55 million for his role in promoting the platform over three years.  Additionally, he received equity in the company and reportedly held a significant amount of FTX’s native token, FTT.  Despite the platform’s collapse, Brady’s involvement highlighted the growing intersection of sports and cryptocurrency. 7. Klay Thompson & Andre Iguodala NBA players Klay Thompson and Andre Iguodala have been vocal supporters of cryptocurrency. In partnership with Cash App, both athletes converted a portion of their salaries into Bitcoin, expressing their belief in the digital currency’s future. Thompson has stated that he invests in Bitcoin because he believes it is “the future of money.” 8. Shohei Ohtani MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani joined FTX as a global ambassador, receiving compensation in cryptocurrency along with an equity stake in the company.  His involvement highlighted the growing acceptance of digital assets in the sports industry. 9. Trevor Lawrence NFL quarterback Trevor Lawrence made headlines by converting part of his signing bonus into cryptocurrency.  He partnered with FTX’s investment app Blockfolio, marking one of the first deals where a signing bonus was fully paid in cryptocurrency.  Lawrence’s investment portfolio includes mainstream cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. 10. Odell Beckham Jr. In 2021, NFL star Odell Beckham Jr. announced that he would be partnering with Cash App to receive his full salary in Bitcoin.  This move was part of a broader trend among athletes embracing cryptocurrency as a legitimate form of payment and investment. Conclusion These athletes prove that being great in sports can go hand in hand with making smart financial moves. By investing in cryptocurrency, NFTs, and blockchain, they’re finding new ways to grow their wealth and plan for the future. It’s a reminder that smart financial moves aren’t limited to certain people but anyone willing to think ahead. Who knows? You might just be next.

The supply dynamics of cryptocurrencies are crucial for determining a coin’s value, market stability, and long-term investment potential. The circulating supply, or the amount of coins currently in use, can significantly impact the price and perceived scarcity of a cryptocurrency. Some cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, have a limited supply to maintain their rarity. Others, on the other hand, have a large number of circulating tokens, which raises concerns about inflation. This article examines the cryptocurrencies with the most significant number of coins in circulation, the risks associated with high supply, and how investors can manage these risks. Learning About The Circulating Supply and Token Inflation The circulating supply of a cryptocurrency refers to the total quantity of coins or tokens that are publicly available and being actively exchanged. Circulating supply doesn’t include coins that are locked, reserved, or not yet distributed. It also doesn’t include the total supply, which is the entire number of coins that have ever been created, or the maximum supply, which is the highest number of coins that can be made.  Token inflation occurs when the number of tokens in circulation increases over time. This can happen through mining, staking rewards, or token issuance schedules, and it can result in each coin being less valuable. When there are a large number of coins in circulation, it may put pressure on prices to rise, which makes a cryptocurrency less valuable.  For instance, if the supply of a coin rises quickly, it may have trouble keeping its value unless demand increases at the same rate. Investors who want to know if a cryptocurrency will remain stable over time need to understand these dynamics. The Most Circulating Cryptocurrencies As of August 2025, there are a few cryptocurrencies that stand out due to their exceptionally high circulating supply. Here are some of the most well-known ones: Dogecoin (DOGE) Dogecoin was first established as a meme-based cryptocurrency, and it has one of the biggest circulating supplies in the crypto market. As of August 2025, there are more than 146 billion Dogecoins in circulation, with no limit on the number that can be created. Mining generates over 5 billion new DOGE each year, contributing to its inflationary nature. Dogecoin is easy to obtain because it costs so little for each coin, but its endless supply raises concerns about how long it will maintain its value. Shiba Inu (SHIB) Shiba Inu is another meme coin with a huge circulation quantity of more than 589 trillion units. Even though people are trying to lower the supply by burning tokens, the large number of SHIB coins in circulation results in significant inflation. The community’s excitement and speculative trading are what make it popular, but the massive supply makes it risky for investors who seek substantial price increases. Stellar (XLM) Stellar, designed for cross-border payments, has over 29 billion XLM in circulation. Stellar’s total supply is limited to 50 billion. Still, its inflation process (which used to be 1% per year but has since been adjusted) and vast circulating supply can impact the stability of its value. Stellar is distinct from currencies with low supply, such as Bitcoin, because it focuses on utility rather than scarcity. Cardano (ADA ) There are about 37 billion ADA in circulation on Cardano, a proof-of-stake blockchain. The maximum supply is 45 billion. Cardano has a lot of coins, but its limited issuance and active development ecosystem help keep inflation in check. However, because it has a much larger cap (21 million) than Bitcoin, it is less rare by design. Ripple (XRP) XRP is utilised for quick and cheap international transactions. There are currently 56 billion XRP in circulation, with a total supply of 100 billion. Ripple Labs holds a significant amount of XRP in escrow, and the scheduled releases of these coins can alter the market dynamics. XRP’s value is supported by its usefulness, but its enormous supply can make prices less volatile than those of rarer assets. Risks of Token Inflation and What They Mean Investors should think about the dangers that come with high circulation supplies: Decreasing Value: If the supply of a cryptocurrency grows faster than the demand for it, the value of each coin may go down. This is especially true for coins like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu, where fresh tokens are always being added to the market. If inflation rises faster than the growth in adoption or utility, investors may receive lower returns. Manipulation of the Market: Cryptocurrencies with a large number of coins are more susceptible to market manipulation, such as in pump-and-dump operations. Speculative traders may be drawn to high-supply currencies because they are cheap per coin. This can cause prices to fluctuate rapidly, which may not accurately reflect the project’s fundamentals. Less Appeal Due to Scarcity: Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have a fixed supply cap of 21 million coins, which makes them valuable. On the other hand, coins with a large quantity or no restriction on their availability may struggle to maintain demand based on scarcity, which makes them less appealing to investors seeking long-term store-of-value assets. Unstable Economy: High inflation can make it difficult for cryptocurrencies that aim to be digital currencies to be used as a stable means of trade. Rapid increases in supply could lead to users and merchants becoming less trusting, which would slow down real-world adoption. A Comparison of Cryptocurrencies with High and Low Supply Bitcoin and Ethereum are two examples of cryptocurrencies with more limited supply models. With a hard cap of 21 million BTC, Bitcoin is one of the most scarce cryptocurrencies. It has a circulating supply of about 19.7 million BTC. Ethereum doesn’t have a limit on the number of coins it can have, but it does have a circulating supply of about 120 million ETH. Mechanisms like EIP-1559 burn fees to slow down the rise of the supply over time. Investors often opt for cryptocurrencies with limited supply because they believe their value will increase due to their rarity. However, coins with an ample supply, such as Dogecoin and Shiba Inu, can still perform well in speculative markets or when they have significant community support or utility, like XRP and Stellar. The objective is to strike a balance between supply and demand, as well as to incorporate real-world applications. What Investors Can Do to Lower Inflation Risks There are several things that investors can do to deal with the hazards that come with cryptocurrencies that have a lot of supply: Learn about the coin’s issuance schedule, maximum supply, and how inflation works by researching tokenomics. Projects that have clear tokenomics and a steady supply growth are usually less dangerous. Focus on Utility: Prioritize cryptocurrencies with strong use cases, such as Stellar for payments or Cardano for smart contracts. This is because utility can fuel demand and counteract inflationary pressures. Keep an eye on burn mechanisms: Some projects, such as Shiba Inu, utilize token burns to reduce the circulating supply of tokens. Keep an eye on these projects to see how they affect value. Diversify your investments by allocating money to both high-supply currencies and low-supply assets, such as Bitcoin. This will help protect you from inflation threats. Keep up with the news: Use tools like market data platforms and community updates to stay on top of changes in supply dynamics or project progress. Discover The Right Balance Between Supply and Value In Crypto Investments Cryptocurrencies with the most significant circulating supply, such as Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, Stellar, Cardano, and XRP, have their own unique advantages and risks. High-supply coins can be easily obtained and have the potential to generate profits, but they also carry inflation risks that could impact their long-term value.  Investors can make informed choices in the complex world of cryptocurrencies by learning about tokenomics, evaluating utility, and diversifying their investments. As the market evolves, it will remain essential to monitor supply dynamics to prevent token inflation issues.

The cryptocurrency market is vast and comprises a wide range of tokens that serve various purposes. Security tokens are one of the most interesting because they combine blockchain technology with traditional finance in a way that no other type of token does.  Security tokens differ from cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, or utility tokens, which provide access to specific services or products. They show that you possess real-world assets, including firm shares, debt, or real estate. This essay offers an in-depth examination of what constitutes a cryptocurrency as a security token, how to identify them, and why they are crucial for investors seeking to understand the digital asset market. What is a Security Token? A security token is a digital asset linked to a real-world asset that can be traded and is subject to securities laws. The Howey Test in the United States and other legal systems is often used to determine whether an investment is considered a security. The Howey Test uses four things to figure out if a token is a security: Investment of Money: Investors buy the token with money or other things of value. Expecting Profits: The investor anticipates earning a return on the investment. Common Enterprise: The value of the token depends on the success of a joint project. Efforts of Others: The efforts of a third party, such as the issuing entity, are what generate the profits. Security tokens can demonstrate ownership of assets, including stocks, real estate, or debt instruments. Polymath, tZero, and Securitise are all well-known for helping with security token offerings (STOs). What Makes Security Tokens Different from Other Tokens It’s helpful to compare security tokens to other sorts of tokens to understand what they do: Utility Tokens: These give you access to a blockchain-based service or product, such as Ethereum’s ETH for transaction fees or Chainlink’s LINK for oracle services. They aren’t mainly used for investing, and they often don’t fall under securities laws. Cryptocurrencies: These are digital currencies that are not connected to any one object or entity. Bitcoin and Litecoin are examples of these types of currencies. Stablecoins: These are tokens, such as Tether (USDT) or USD Coin (USDC), that are linked to stable assets, like fiat currencies, to maintain consistent prices. They are not securities by nature unless they have ownership stakes. Security Tokens: These tokens are designed to be investments and are treated as such under the law. They protect investors and issuers, and they also hold them accountable for their responsibilities. Why Investors Should Care About Security Tokens By integrating blockchain technology with traditional finance, security tokens are transforming the way people invest. Here are some essential reasons why they matter to investors: Enforcing Regulations: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other global regulators enforce securities laws that apply to security tokens. This ensures openness, required disclosures, and accountability, which reduces risks such as fraud compared to unregulated tokens. Legal protections that increase trust in the asset class are beneficial for investors. Wide Range of Assets: Security tokens enable individuals to hold fractional ownership of high-value assets, such as real estate, private equity, or venture capital, that were previously inaccessible to most retail investors. Blockchain platforms enable smaller investors to diversify their investments and access markets typically reserved for the wealthy by tokenizing these assets. Increased Liquidity: Trading traditional securities, such as private company shares or real estate, can be challenging due to their limited liquidity. Security tokens, which are traded on exchanges that utilize blockchain technology, facilitate faster, cheaper, and more transparent transactions. Emerging platforms are making it easier for investors to buy and sell security tokens by developing secondary markets for them. Smart Contracts: Blockchain’s innovative contract technology is utilized by security tokens to automate tasks such as paying dividends, granting voting rights, and verifying compliance. This lowers expenses and mistakes for both issuers and investors. For example, a tokenized real estate asset might automatically distribute rental income to token holders based on predetermined criteria. Access to the Global Market: Blockchain platforms enable people to trade security tokens worldwide, eliminating regional constraints. Markets that were earlier closed to investors from certain areas are now open to them, which increases opportunities and makes the market more efficient. Problems and Dangers of Security Tokens Security tokens have several benefits, but they can come with problems: Regulatory Complexity: Different jurisdictions have varying rules regarding securities, which makes it challenging for issuers and investors to comply with them. There may be legal problems if a token is considered a security in one country but not in another. Emerging Market: The market for security tokens is still growing, and it lacks the same level of infrastructure as traditional finance. It may be hard for investors to discover trustworthy exchanges or custodians. Technical Vulnerabilities: Although blockchain systems are generally secure, they can still be hacked, contain errors in smart contracts, or experience other technical issues that could impact investments. How to Find Security Tokens By examining their purpose and structure, investors can determine what security tokens are. STOs issue tokens that are marketed as investment opportunities, and these tokens are typically considered securities under applicable law.  It can be helpful to verify if a token is registered with the relevant authorities or listed on sites that adhere to the rules. Platforms like Polymath and Securitize also have tools that help investors conduct their due diligence by allowing them to issue and verify security tokens. What Will Happen to Security Tokens in the Future As blockchain technology advances and regulations become clearer, the market for security tokens is expected to experience significant growth. The global security token industry is expected to be worth billions of dollars over the next decades, driven by increased institutional adoption and advancements in technology. Security tokens might change the way investments are structured and exchanged as more assets, from art to intellectual property, are tokenised. Security tokens represent a powerful blend of blockchain technology and traditional finance. They give investors access to regulated, liquid, and accessible investment options. Investors can feel confident in this new market if they understand what distinguishes a crypto as a security token: it must adhere to securities regulations and be utilized as an investment vehicle.  There are still issues, such as unclear regulations and an immature market, but security tokens have the potential to revolutionize investing in a significant way. Investors who want to capitalize on this new asset class will need to stay abreast of changes in technology and the law.

BTON, a London-based provider of AI-driven trading technology, has secured funding from Celero Ventures to expand its data-driven execution tools and accelerate growth in the United States. The investment comes eight months after BTON switched on its U.S. business, betting that American asset managers would be early adopters of tools designed to improve execution quality by predicting slippage and dynamically matching orders with the most effective brokers. “The game has changed – data is now central to execution quality, and attitudes in finance have shifted,” said Dan Shepherd, chief executive of BTON. “Our mission is to be the go-to provider of AI and collaborative data solutions for institutional trading.” BTON’s platform is built around what it calls “collaborative data.” It links buy-side trading desks with their brokers and uses a neural network to analyse historic fills, order characteristics and market conditions. The system then predicts likely slippage and re-ranks brokers for each order, helping dealers allocate flow in real time rather than relying on static scorecards or quarterly reviews. The pitch is that desks can squeeze out basis points of performance without ripping out existing workflows. For brokers, better-matched flow should mean more consistent results and improved relationships with their clients. Why Celero Bought in “BTON embodies exactly the kind of forward-looking technology we want to back – software that fundamentally reshapes how an industry works,” said David Wyatt, partner at Celero Ventures. “Their approach to collaborative data and AI addresses one of the biggest challenges in institutional trading: improving execution quality without disrupting workflows.” The funding will be used to expand engineering capacity, build U.S. client support teams, and develop features tied to multi-venue routing, conditional orders and block discovery. The deal follows a string of partnerships and product rollouts. In December 2024, BTON linked up with OptimX Markets to bring AI analytics to European block liquidity, giving dealers richer quantitative and qualitative tools for large trades. In January 2025, the company formally launched in the U.S., looking to capitalise on heightened interest in execution technology following the move to T+1 settlement and pressure on trading desks to deliver faster, cleaner fills. Shepherd argues the landscape is now ripe for data-driven execution. “The industry is moving away from manual processes and retrospective analysis. We’re giving desks the ability to act in the moment.”

Layer 2 blockchain developer Eclipse Labs has appointed a new chief executive and laid off two-thirds of its workforce as it pivots away from infrastructure toward building consumer-facing applications. The company said Monday that Sydney Huang, known online as “0xSydney,” will become CEO after the voluntary departure of Vijay Chetty (also known as “Litquidity”). The change was first disclosed in an X post on Aug. 25, which confirmed both the leadership transition and the layoffs. Alongside the leadership change, Eclipse said it would reduce its workforce by 65% to “align resources with our updated strategy.” The layoffs affect roughly 40 employees across engineering, product, and operations, according to people familiar with the matter. “Going forward, our priority is to build a breakout application on top of Eclipse’s L2 infrastructure,” the company said in a post on X. Huang added that while the firm’s mission to build scalable blockchain infrastructure remains intact, the next stage will focus on applications that “serve end users directly.” The announcement comes just weeks after Eclipse’s token generation event (TGE) for its native ES token, which is deployed across Eclipse, Ethereum, and Solana. The token has dropped 65% since its July launch, falling from an initial price near $0.45 to $0.16 late Monday, CoinGecko data showed. Founded in 2022, Eclipse Labs built a rollup network that connects to Ethereum but runs the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM), combining Ethereum’s security with Solana’s throughput. Often described as “Solana on Ethereum,” Eclipse initially targeted developers by offering an L2 framework for building decentralized applications. The company raised $50 million in funding across multiple rounds backed by investors including Polychain Capital and Tribe Capital. Despite the layoffs, the company said it would continue to maintain its rollup infrastructure while directing more resources toward building applications in-house.

The cryptocurrency industry has experienced significant growth in the past few years, with more than hundreds of digital assets that can be traded. There are over 18,000 cryptocurrencies as of August 2025. These range from well-known coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum to less well-known altcoins and meme coins. Cryptocurrency exchanges are the entry points to this vast ecosystem, but with around 200 options, picking the appropriate one might be hard.  The number of crypto listings an exchange has is an essential factor for many investors because it affects the quantity of trading opportunities. A bigger choice, on the other hand, frequently means less safety, security, and dependability. This article looks at which exchanges have the most crypto listings and talks about the critical balance between choice and protection. The Exchanges with the Most Crypto Listings Here are some of the crypto exchanges with the most crypto listings; Crypto.com and Kraken Lead the Way Crypto.com stands out since it has more than 350 digital assets that you can trade. This wide range of options makes it an excellent choice for investors who want to buy both well-known currencies and less well-known altcoins. Recent reviews say that Kraken is next, with support for over 450 coins. It has a broad spectrum of tokens, from stablecoins to speculative tokens, that may be used for different trading techniques. Both platforms have made a name for themselves as the best at offering a wide range of options, which is enticing to traders who value diversity. Other Popular Exchanges Coinbase is easy to use and supports over 240 cryptocurrencies. Gemini, on the other hand, only supports about 70 coins. BitMart is another option, especially for people who like altcoins, because it lets you trade a lot of niche tokens that you can’t find on bigger exchanges. Posts on X also point out that Coinsbit is the best place to find tokens, with 1,176 projects listed in 2022–2023, more than Gate.io (1,028 listings) and Crypto.com (613 listings). These stats show that Coinsbit may have an edge in terms of raw numbers, but mainstream financial publications don’t talk about its popularity in listings as much as they do about Crypto.com or Kraken. Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs) Uniswap, PancakeSwap, and Jupiter are examples of decentralised exchanges that have a lot of tokens listed. These tokens often include fresh and up-and-coming projects that aren’t currently available on centralised platforms. DEXs work on blockchains like Ethereum, Avalanche, or Polygon. They let people trade with each other via smart contracts or automated market makers (AMMs). DEXs have a lot of tokens available, but it’s hard to figure out how many there are because they are decentralised and don’t have a central registration system. The Safety vs. Selection Tradeoff When choosing a broker, traders often face a tradeoff between safety and selection. Opting for a highly regulated broker with a strong reputation can provide an added layer of safety and security for your funds. But brokers may have a more limited selection of instruments or higher trading costs. Prioritizing Selection Many crypto listings might be a big draw for traders. More listings provide you with more chances to spread out your investments, put money into new initiatives, or take advantage of speculative trends. For instance, exchanges like Crypto.com and BitMart draw in people who want altcoins with a lot of room to grow, which might not be offered on more selective sites like Gemini.  Also, having a wide range of tokens to choose from lets traders try out new ones, including those linked to decentralised finance (DeFi) or non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which can have distinct uses and investment possibilities. But some hazards come with going after long lists. Many altcoins are risky, can change a lot, or are scams. Exchanges with a lot of options may list tokens with little or no verification, making it more likely that investors may come across fake or low-quality businesses. Prioritizing Safety and Security In the area of crypto, safety is crucial because there have been numerous hacks and scams on exchanges. The failures of Mt. Gox in 2014 and FTX in 2022 show how dangerous it is to put selection ahead of security. Centralised exchanges like Kraken, Coinbase, and Gemini place a strong emphasis on security measures.  These include offline cold storage, two-factor authentication, and following the rules set by groups like the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FINCEN). For example, Kraken is a money services business that is registered with FINCEN and reports to the Wyoming Division of Banking. Gemini, on the other hand, offers FDIC protection for cash that isn’t invested and crypto insurance. On the other hand, decentralised exchanges don’t usually have any regulatory control and instead depend on community evaluations and aggregator sites like CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko to prove their legality. DEXs let people be free and anonymous, but they can also put users at risk of smart contract bugs or scams because there is no central authority to deal with problems like hackers or recovering stolen funds. Balancing Costs and Benefits Fees and trading features are also quite important, along with safety and choice. Exchanges with a lot of listings may charge higher transaction fees, which might cut into earnings. For instance, Kraken’s maker fees can be as low as 0.00% and as high as 0.25%, while Coinbase’s taker fees can be as high as 0.60%.  Gemini’s complicated fee structure, which includes extra fees for transferring fiat, can turn off traders who are careful about how much they spend. At the same time, DEXs have to pay blockchain transaction fees, which might change depending on network activity and are hard to anticipate. You should also think about trading pairings. Coinbase has more than 300 pairs that you may trade, but if you’re looking for rare cryptocurrencies, you might need to go somewhere else. Platforms like Crypto.com and BitMart are great at giving a wide range of pairs, which provides traders with more options. How to Pick the Right Exchange Choosing the right crypto exchange can be overwhelming, but by considering a few key factors, you can make an informed decision that suits your trading needs. Reputation and Research You need to do a lot of research before you pick an exchange. To begin, find out the exchange’s actual address and whether it is regulated. Centralised exchanges should be registered with the government, like FINCEN, whereas DEXs should be evaluated through user reviews and aggregator sites.  Look into the exchange’s past to see if there have been any security breaches or legal problems. For example, Kraken and Coinbase are well-known for being safe, but less well-known platforms might not be as open. Steps to Remain Safe Choose exchanges that have strong security measures. Cold storage, two-factor authentication, and insurance (which Gemini offers) are some of the features that provide added security. If you want to keep your assets safe for a long time, use a hardware wallet like Trezor or Ledger to store them offline. This will make them less likely to be hacked on exchanges. User Experience and Assistance Platforms like Coinbase are great for novices since they include easy-to-use UI and educational materials. For more advanced charting and order types, experienced traders like Kraken Pro or Gemini’s ActiveTrader prefer. Customer service is also essential. Coinbase and Gemini both need customers to fill out paperwork to get help, which might slow down the process of fixing problems. Aligning with Financial Goals It all depends on how you want to trade. Coinbase or Gemini may be enough for you if safety is your top priority and you are happy with major coins. Crypto.com, Kraken, or BitMart have more altcoins for people who like them. If you’re conversant with blockchain technology and want to get your hands on the newest tokens, DEXs are for you. But you need to know how to use them and be willing to take risks. It depends on how you define “most” when it comes to the cryptocurrency exchange with the most listings. Crypto.com (350+ currencies), Kraken (450+ coins), and Coinsbit (1,176 projects) are the best centralised platforms. DEXs like Uniswap, on the other hand, have a lot of less-regulated options. But having more listings doesn’t automatically mean better results. Safety, security, pricing, and user experience are significant concerns that sometimes are more important than having a lot of choices.  You can find a good mix between getting access to a wide range of cryptocurrencies and keeping your assets safe by looking at an exchange’s reputation, regulatory compliance, and security measures. Always make sure that your option fits with your risk tolerance and financial goals. Keep a lot of your money in a safe wallet to lower your risks.

Brief Explanation of what NFTs are NFTs(Non-Fungible Tokens) are digital assets that represent ownership of a specific content or item. They’re usually verified and secured through blockchain technology. NFTs are different from cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, which are fungible (identical and interchangeable). Each token has special characteristics that make it distinct.  In recent times, non-fungible tokens have been one of the few technological innovations that sparked much skepticism, excitement, and debate. The idea behind NFTs was to change the way we see art, ownership, and digital identity.  The NFT Boom The peak of digital collectibles came in 2021, when some crypto enthusiasts championed the technology, making it a mainstream cultural phenomenon. NFTs made headlines in global media, where digital art pieces sold for millions. One common example was Beeple’s digital creation, Everdays: The First 5000 Days, which sold for $69 million at a Christie’s auction in March 2021. This massive sale, along with others, positioned NFTs as reputable assets in the eyes of investors and collectors.  Over time, NFTs evolved beyond art. Popular collections like the Bored Ape Yacht Club and CryptoPunks have become digital status symbols. Their owners had exclusive access to special communities and real-world events. Musicians, athletes, and celebrities began to endorse NFTs, which boosted their hype. Platforms like OpenSea recorded billions in monthly trading volumes because FOMO pushed prices to remarkable heights.  Several projects were launched daily, with many being sold out within minutes or hours, regardless of their use case or quality. Many investors were focused on the promise of instant profits rather than considering the underlying technology.  The NFT Decline After the record-breaking highs in 2021, the NFT market experienced a sharp decline that left many people wondering if the trend was truly over. By mid-2022, trading volumes had fallen drastically. The Wall Street Journal reported that the NFT market was “collapsing”. Platforms like OpenSea lost more than 90% of their peak activity. Many expensive collections that were sold for thousands of dollars couldn’t easily attract bids. Also, the floor prices of such assets plummeted. Another report from dappGambl revealed that 95% of NFTs had zero monetary value, with 79% remaining unsold as of September 2023. Why People Say NFTs are Dead- 5 Signs While NFTs were once impossible to ignore, their presence and impact today feel far less pronounced. Knowing if NFTs are dead or not isn’t straightforward, but some signs indicate that the movement has collapsed.  1. Collapsing trading volume & activity During the peak of NFTs’ existence, several platforms processed massive sums and regular flips. There are fewer bids, lower daily users, and long gaps between sales. This cycle creates a feedback loop that scares off potential buyers and reduces liquidity. When metrics like the number of unique buyers and active wallets undergo a downward trend, it signals a decline in the ecosystem.  2. Sinking floor prices The floor price refers to the most affordable NFT in a particular collection. During the boom, the floor prices for popular projects, such as CryptoPunks, were extremely high. Their market value gave the impression that owning an NFT asset was like holding a luxury item. As interest began to drop, the floor prices started to fall. Many collections lost more than 80% of their value. Some projects that sold out in minutes received very few bids. Therefore, if the most hyped assets can lose much value, many assume that the NFT reign is over.  3. Several low-quality projects When NFTs were mainstream, the market was pumped with several new projects. Anyone could mint a collection and sell on platforms like OpenSea. Some were innovative and creative, while others were of low quality and duplicates. It became overwhelming for buyers to distinguish good projects from mediocre ones. This oversaturation diluted the sense of scarcity that once made NFTs fascinating. The market transitioned from feeling special and exclusive to one that is repetitive and crowded. Many critics believed that the presence of low-effort NFTs was proof that the trend had lost its originality. 4. Presence of scams The NFT space gained a reputation for scams, which discouraged many newcomers. A common ploy was the “rug pull”. This scheme occurs when project creators launch an NFT collection, sell out quickly, and then disappear with all the money. The buyers are left with worthless tokens. Rug pulls became very frequent during the NFT boom, which damaged trust. Legitimate projects also suffered because potential buyers were more skeptical and cautious. The number of scams revealed that NFTs were more about exploitation than art and innovation.  5. Celebrities and big brands pulled out. Big corporations and public figures were pivotal in making NFTs popular. Celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Madonna, and Serena Williams promoted their NFT collections. Brands like Nike and Coca-Cola used NFTs to produce unique digital assets and raise money for charitable causes. As the market declined, most stopped talking about their NFTs. Some quietly abandoned projects or deleted their posts, sending a strong signal to the public. The decline in celebrity hype made NFTs lose their appeal and mainstream visibility. This retreat made people believe that NFTs were dead, and even stars no longer wanted to identify with them. Top NFT Collection Prices Ranked by Market Cap- CoinGecko as at 26th August 2025.   Conclusion- The Likely Future of NFTs The conversation around non-fungible tokens in 2025 is not about hype, but its evolution. We’re witnessing a transition from speculative digital art sales to real-world applications with long-term value.  Many industries, such as gaming, art, real estate, and entertainment, are incorporating NFTs into their operations. They’re now offering users exclusive access, verifiable ownership, and smooth digital experiences. Also, advancements in blockchain technology, scalability, and eco-friendly protocols are addressing past criticisms around transaction costs and energy use. These innovations are making NFTs more accessible to everyone.  While NFTs may not repeat the meteoric rise of their early years, they’re gradually making a comeback into the fabric of the digital economy. Their return in 2025 is not intended to make people millionaires overnight. Instead, it’s about long-term integration that could change how we perceive value and ownership in both the physical and digital spaces.

In a time when digital technology is changing the way money works, the topic of whether Bitcoin can be used as a payment mechanism has gone from conjecture to reality. As we move into 2025 and beyond, Bitcoin acceptance is no longer limited to small groups; it is becoming increasingly common in everyday business. This change represents a turning point in how we do business, combining the decentralized nature of blockchain with real-world use.  The use of cryptocurrencies as a payment method by small enterprises and large corporations shows a trend toward more efficient, inclusive, and borderless finance. This essay looks at how cryptocurrency payments can be used in the real world, using both current instances and timeless ideas that will still be relevant after the market cycles. How Cryptocurrency Has Changed Payments Bitcoin’s launch in 2009 marked the start of the journey of cryptocurrencies from a theoretical experiment to a usable payment method. It was the first peer-to-peer electronic cash system. At first, early adopters saw it mainly as a way to store value, but with time, it became more useful. By the middle of the 2010s, platforms like BitPay had come out that let businesses accept cryptocurrencies and turn them into fiat money right away to lower the risks of price fluctuations. This set the stage for more people to receive it. Cryptocurrency has grown a lot by 2025. Stablecoins like USDC and USDT are now essential since they are tied to traditional currencies, which helps keep their value stable. These assets fix problems that people had with price changes in the past, making cryptocurrency a more trustworthy way to make transactions.  In places like the European Union and parts of Asia, rules and regulations have also helped build trust, which has led firms to add Bitcoin gateways. Cryptocurrency uses blockchain for direct, open exchanges instead of banks and intermediaries, which reduces fees and processing times. Real-World Examples in 2025 Cryptocurrency payments are doing well in many industries in 2025, showing that they are useful beyond just hype. Cross-border transfers and payroll are two critical areas. Freelancers in Latin America can get paid in stablecoins like USDC using platforms like Deel and Bitwage. This avoids costly transfer fees and losses from currency conversion. Argentinian developers, for example, commonly choose this way because traditional transfers could take days and cost up to 10% in fees. Here, cryptocurrency functions as a bridge, allowing rapid, low-cost payments to people all over the world, which helps people who lack access to traditional banking services. Another example of adoption is retail and e-commerce in Asia. Luxury brands in Singapore and South Korea accept cryptocurrencies through Binance Pay and BitPay. They also provide special discounts to get tech-savvy customers to shop with them. This not only reaches more customers, but it also fits with the region’s booming digital economy.  El Salvador’s choice to make Bitcoin legal tender has set an example for other countries in the tourism industry. Visitors to cafes and hotels can easily make Bitcoin transactions using QR codes. This creates an environment where digital assets help local economies grow. Video games and digital entertainment are a lively new area. Tokens like ETH and SAND make it easy to make small purchases on platforms like Axie Infinity and OpenSea. In virtual worlds, players can earn and spend money, which makes it hard to tell the difference between gaming and real money. This technique also works for non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which let people transfer ownership of Bitcoin without going via an intermediary. Companies use blockchain for settlements in business-to-business (B2B) transactions. Visa, for example, leverages Solana and Ethereum to make USDC-based payments across borders. This means that transactions are settled in seconds instead of days.  RippleNet and Stellar make international finance even easier by using programmable smart contracts to ensure that trades are straightforward and quick. Major exchanges like Kraken and Coinbase also play a role. Kraken’s Krak function lets you send crypto or fiat money worldwide without paying fees, and Coinbase’s features allow you to stake and use APIs for automatic payments. These examples show how cryptocurrency is used in regular business, from e-commerce giants like Shopify to everyday services. More than 15,000 businesses in the U.S. accept digital assets. This figure has almost doubled since 2024, thanks to payment services like Crypto.com. Pay. The Advantages of Using Cryptocurrency as a Payment Method The main benefits of cryptocurrency as a payment mechanism are what make it appealing. First, it saves money and time like nothing else. Cross-border wires usually cost 5% to 7% of the amount sent, but cryptocurrency transactions, especially on Layer-2 networks like Polygon or Lightning Network, only cost a few cents and settle in minutes. This is especially good for international trading, since stablecoins lower the dangers of foreign exchange. Another significant benefit is that it helps people get access to money. Cryptocurrency is a lifeline in places where there is hyperinflation or not enough access to banks, like several portions of Africa and Southeast Asia. Apps like MetaMask and Trust Wallet let people send money from one wallet to another, which makes it possible to give out microloans and pay salaries without the need for traditional banking infrastructure. This service reaches the estimated 1.7 billion adults without bank accounts around the world. Trust grows when things are safe and clear. The unchangeable ledger of blockchain makes fraud less likely, as seen by the drop in chargeback problems for retailers. Businesses that use Bitcoin gateways say they save up to 50% on processing expenses compared to credit cards. Also, it appeals to younger people; surveys show that crypto users are more inclined to interact with firms that accept digital payments, which increases consumer loyalty. Problems That Make Crypto Acceptance Hard Cryptocurrency payments have come a long way, but there are still problems that need to be fixed for growth to continue. Volatility is still a problem for non-stable assets like Bitcoin; however, technologies like auto-conversion to fiat help mitigate this.  Regulatory fragmentation is dangerous because some nations welcome Bitcoin. In contrast, others ban it or make it hard to follow the rules, which makes it hard for businesses to operate around the world. It’s essential to teach users. Many prospective adoptive parents are afraid of making mistakes that can’t be fixed, including sending money to the wrong address. Critics have pointed out the negative environmental impact of proof-of-work networks, but Ethereum and other networks are switching to proof-of-stake models to address these concerns.  Transactions can be sluggish because of scalability problems, particularly during peak hours. However, Layer-2 solutions are always getting better. Merchants also say that low adoption rates, with only around 2.6% of the U.S. population expected to use crypto for payments in 2025, are a problem, although this is likely to change as rules become clearer. Working with trustworthy processors can help with these problems by addressing compliance and volatility, allowing businesses to focus on growth. Future Trends and What to Expect Cryptocurrency payments are going to grow quite quickly after 2025. Stablecoins are likely to become the norm around the world, with estimates saying that blockchain will handle $60 trillion in cross-border transactions by 2030.  Interoperability between traditional banking and digital assets will be driven by institutional adoption, which is being helped by companies like Mastercard adding crypto to their existing systems. Tokenization of real-world assets, which lets people trade equities or real estate using Bitcoin, and Web3 connectors for decentralized apps are two new trends. By 2025, the market for payment gateways is expected to be worth $1.68 billion, expanding at a rate of 13.6% per year. This shows how mature the infrastructure is. Regulatory clarity, including possible U.S. regulations and EU incentives, will speed up the process of adoption. More and more stores, from airlines like Emirates to fast food franchises like Steak ‘n Shake, are accepting cryptocurrencies. This will make it more common as a payment method. The focus will move to making things easier for users, with AI-powered wallets simplifying transactions.

Swedish payments group Klarna is reviving its plan to list in the United States, targeting a valuation of between $13 billion and $14 billion, according to two people familiar with the matter. The buy-now-pay-later pioneer had paused its IPO ambitions in April after global markets were unsettled by sweeping U.S. tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump. Klarna had also explored going public in 2021 at a valuation close to $50 billion but ultimately held back. Shares in the upcoming offering could be priced between $34 and $36, with the deal potentially launching as early as this week, the sources said. Klarna is looking to raise about $1 billion from the transaction, one of the people added. The move comes as equity markets rebound and new listings draw strong investor demand. Design software maker Figma and stablecoin issuer Circle are among recent IPOs whose shares surged as much as 333% and 864% above their issue prices in early trading. According to LSEG data, the 20 largest U.S. IPOs so far in 2025 have recorded an average 36% first-day jump. Klarna’s Growth Founded in 2005, Klarna has reshaped online shopping with its installment-based financing model, now widely imitated by rivals. The company reported earlier this month that second-quarter revenue rose 20% year-on-year to $823 million on a like-for-like basis, while adjusted operating profit reached $29 million, up $1 million from a year earlier. Its customer base also continued to expand, with active users climbing 31% to 111 million. Klarna processes more than 2 million transactions per day and partners with over 500,000 global merchants, including major retailers such as H&M, Macy’s, and Sephora. Its app has been downloaded more than 150 million times worldwide, making it one of the most widely used BNPL platforms. The planned valuation of $13–14 billion represents a steep discount from Klarna’s 2021 ambitions of nearly $50 billion and is slightly below the more than $15 billion figure discussed earlier this year. Still, a successful listing could mark one of the biggest U.S. fintech IPOs in 2025 and provide a crucial test of investor appetite for the sector. The IPO also comes after Klarna cut its losses sharply in 2023, when it posted its first quarterly operating profit in four years. In 2022, the company had reported a $1 billion annual loss amid surging credit defaults and higher funding costs. The turnaround — driven by cost-cutting and stronger U.S. expansion — has been key in reviving investor confidence. Klarna’s biggest markets today are the U.S., Germany, and Sweden, with the U.S. now accounting for more than 30% of its transaction volume. Its main competitors include Affirm in the U.S. and Afterpay, owned by Block (formerly Square), in Australia.

A well-known cryptocurrency trader who goes by the name “The White Whale” has accused the crypto exchange MEXC of locking up $3.1 million in their account and requiring them to go to Malaysia in person to recover the assets. CryptoRank’s report on this strange request has caused widespread anger and raised issues about MEXC’s compliance practices and the safety of traders who use centralized exchanges.  The trader, who says they have more than $100 million in on-chain assets, turned down the offer because they were worried about their own safety, as kidnappings related to cryptocurrencies are on the rise. Derrick, MEXC’s Global Head of Customer Service, offered the trader a “VIP experience” and luxurious lodgings to get them to Malaysia for a face-to-face encounter, according to screenshots the trader posted.  This request came even though the trader had already met several Know Your Customer (KYC) standards, such as proving their residence, verifying their phone number, and doing a live video call. The requirement for in-person verification is not supported by MEXC’s Terms of Service, which do not require such procedures. This just adds to the skepticism regarding the exchange’s motivations. Community Backlash and Social Media Campaign The incident has caused widespread anger on social media, and the hashtag #FreeTheWhiteWhale is trending as people support the trader. White Whale started a $2 million campaign to put pressure on MEXC. The first 20,000 people to mint an NFT on the Base network and tag MEXC’s official X account will get a $1 million USDC bounty.  This project shows how crypto traders are becoming increasingly upset over random account freezes and unclear ways to get their money back. Other MEXC users have had similar problems. For example, Pablo Ruiz said that $2.08 million in Tether (USDT) was frozen in April 2025 under nebulous “risk control” rules, and there was no clear explanation or way to appeal. Industry and Safety Issues MEXC’s need for in-person verification is very different from what other businesses do, which is usually enough for distant KYC procedures like submitting documents and biometric scans. MEXC’s method seems old-fashioned and morbid because major exchanges like Binance and Coinbase do verifications online.  The trader’s hesitation to travel was based on real safety concerns, since kidnappings related to cryptocurrencies have increased, putting wealthy people at risk. When White Whale turned down the trip to Malaysia, MEXC recommended Hong Kong as an alternative. However, this did little to ease worries about the exchange’s plans. Regulatory and Transparency Issues People are looking into MEXC’s actions because they aren’t clear and don’t follow the rules. The exchange said it was following “risk control” rules, but it failed to demonstrate that the freeze or the trip restriction was necessary. The FATF Travel Rule and other rules that are in place now focus on sharing digital information, not checking people in person.  This makes MEXC’s requests hard to explain. This instance shows that there are bigger problems with centralized exchanges, which have significant control over users’ money. Community estimates say that about 10% of MEXC traders have had comparable freezes, which shows that this is a problem with the system. What This Means For The Crypto Industry This argument shows how easy it is to lose faith in centralized exchanges and how important it is to have precise rules. As the SEC, led by Chair Paul Atkins, pushes for more people to be able to invest in cryptocurrencies, such examples show how important it is to have strong consumer protections. The case of the White Whale may make traders more likely to use decentralized platforms or have authorities deal with arbitrary account freezes. This would make the crypto industry safer and more open.

Donald Trump Jr. has invested in prediction markets platform Polymarket and joined its advisory board, deepening his ties to the fast-growing crypto-based betting sector, the company said Tuesday. The investment was made through 1789 Capital, a venture capital firm where Trump Jr., son of President Donald Trump, is a partner. Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters the deal was worth “tens of millions of dollars,” marking one of the largest outside investments in Polymarket to date. The firm did not disclose the exact terms, which it described as “strategic.” Axios first reported the investment. “Polymarket cuts through media spin and so-called ‘expert’ opinion by letting people bet on what they actually believe will happen in the world,” Trump Jr. said in a statement. “I am pleased that 1789 Capital is investing in Polymarket and am honored to join the company’s advisory board.” The move means Trump Jr. now advises both Polymarket and its U.S.-regulated rival Kalshi, where he took a strategic advisory role in January. His dual role is unusual, given that Kalshi operates under full CFTC approval while Polymarket only recently resolved U.S. regulatory issues — suggesting Trump Jr. is hedging his bets across both regulated and crypto-native platforms. Polymarket surged in popularity during the 2024 U.S. election cycle as it enabled users to wager crypto on the outcomes of high-profile races, including the presidency. Both Polymarket and Kalshi climbed to the top of Apple’s App Store rankings the day before the election, boosted by billionaire Elon Musk’s public claim that prediction markets were “more accurate than polls.” According to company data, Polymarket processed roughly $6 billion in trades in the first half of 2025 alone, compared with just $500 million for the whole of 2022, highlighting its meteoric growth. The broader sector has attracted attention from traditional finance players. Coinbase and Robinhood have both signaled interest in rolling out prediction market features, blurring the line between financial speculation and regulated gambling. Polymarket previously ran into regulatory trouble. In 2022, it paid a $1.4 million fine to the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for allegedly offering illicit binary options contracts and agreed to block U.S. customers from its platform. In July 2025, the company completed a $112 million acquisition of QCEX, a CFTC-regulated derivatives exchange and clearinghouse, giving Polymarket a fully licensed pathway to re-enter the U.S. market. The deal followed the formal closure of CFTC and Department of Justice probes into the firm’s past activities.

After the S&P 500 index left off Robinhood Markets (HOOD) and Strategy (MSTR), which used to be called MicroStrategy, both stocks plummeted in after-hours trading on August 25, 2025. The S&P Dow Jones Indices said that Interactive Brokers Group (IBKR) would take the position of Walgreens Boots Alliance in the index starting at the market open on August 28.  This decision disappointed Wall Street, since both Robinhood and Strategy were seen as excellent candidates for inclusion because they had large market capitalizations and were becoming more critical in the financial and crypto industries. Robinhood, a well-known platform for trading stocks and cryptocurrencies, had its shares drop 0.5% to $107.40 in after-hours trading.  This was following a 1.26% drop during the regular session. Strategy, a software company that has a lot of money in Bitcoin, fell even further, ending the day down 4.17% and losing another 0.6% after hours, bringing the total to $341. The S&P 500 also fell, closing the day down 0.4%. Why S&P 500 Inclusion Matters Being included in the S&P 500 is a big deal for firms since it usually means more passive investors and index funds will want to buy their stocks. This can raise stock prices and liquidity, which makes a company more visible and trustworthy. Robinhood’s stock price has gone up almost 190% in 2025 because retail investors are excited about it again. Inclusion was expected to confirm the company’s growth path. Strategy’s eligibility also came from its expanding market cap, which was boosted by Bitcoin’s rise to new highs. But the S&P 500 selection process is strict and supervised by a committee that looks at more than just the stock price. Companies must be domiciled in the U.S., have a market value of at least $22.7 billion, and be listed on major exchanges like the NYSE, Nasdaq, or Cboe. They also have to meet volume and liquidity standards. Even though they met these requirements, both Robinhood and Strategy were ignored, which upset investors. The Growing Power of Crypto The exclusion happens at a time when crypto businesses are becoming more popular in traditional finance. Block, Inc., a financial services company that deals with crypto, joined the S&P 500 on July 23, 2025. This showed that digital assets were becoming more widely accepted. Robinhood is noted for its easy-to-use crypto trading platform, and Strategy has a lot of Bitcoin (632,457 BTC as of August 24, 2025). These two companies are at the crossroads of fintech and cryptocurrency. Their rejection makes others wonder if the S&P 500 is ready to accept companies that specialize in crypto entirely. Risks and Opportunities Ahead The drop in Robinhood and Strategy shares is not just because the S&P 500 didn’t like them; it’s also because of how the market works in general. Bitcoin’s price fell 2% as Strategy’s stock price fell, temporarily going below $110,000. Robinhood’s second exclusion this year, after a similar letdown in June, has raised questions about its value, which is now at a forward P/E of 55.04X, which is much higher than the industry average of 13.80X. Even with these problems, both companies are still strong. Robinhood’s concentration on crypto trading and tokenization, together with Strategy’s aggressive Bitcoin collection, puts them at the top of the changing financial world. Investors might see the downturn as a chance to purchase. However, there are still concerns like market volatility and regulatory scrutiny, especially since the SEC is looking at making alternative investments more available to regular people.