Traders woke up to a slightly greener market today as capital flowed back into large caps, with XRP jumping around 8% toward the $2.20 region and Solana climbing roughly 5% to about $136. There’s a familiar macro story behind the bounce. Softer data and increasingly dovish comments from Federal Reserve officials have lifted rate-cut odds for December’s FOMC meeting, encouraging investors to rotate from cash and treasuries back into risk assets. ETF data shows fresh inflows into ETH, SOL, and XRP products even as some Bitcoin funds are still leaking capital, which helps explain why altcoins are leading the latest move. One striking trend in this environment is how strongly crypto presales have held up. While majors spent most of November grinding lower, presales have continued to attract seven-figure totals, with specialist coverage pointing to steady demand from larger wallets looking for fixed entry prices and high staking rewards rather than choppy spot charts. For investors hunting the best crypto to buy in late 2025, three presales in particular have become magnets for whale capital: the gym-themed meme coin Maxi Doge (MAXI), a gamified mining project called PEPENODE (PEPENODE), and the AI creator platform SUBBD (SUBBD). Each taps a different narrative, but all three show strong Q4 traction from big buyers. Maxi Doge Presale: Viral Gym Meme Coin Pulling in Whales Maxi Doge (MAXI) is a meme-fueled Ethereum token that leans hard into the culture of over-caffeinated, max-leverage traders. This “never skip the pump” lifestyle coin ties holders to a community built around green candles, gym reps, and degen energy rather than sober DeFi minimalism. The ecosystem includes a staking pool with smart-contract-based reward distribution, trading contests for top ROI hunters, and planned partner events with futures platforms. A sizable marketing allocation (40% of the MAXI supply) is geared toward KOL campaigns and social media saturation, giving Maxi Doge the ingredients for viral meme potential if broader risk appetite recovers. That combination is already drawing big money. The MAXI presale has raised about $4.1 million, with totals now pushing toward $4.2 million despite weakness across the legacy meme coin sector. On-chain data shows continued activity in the presale, and investments such as the recent 3.72 ETH scoop (38,000,000 MAXI) are not an uncommon sight. In the current stage, MAXI is selling for $0.00027, while staking offers a chunky 73% APY. With spot markets still wobbling, whales seem happy to park capital in a fixed-price meme coin that blends lifestyle branding with aggressive token incentives. Visit Maxi Doge Presale PEPENODE: Gamified Meme Mining With Huge Staking APY PEPENODE (PEPENODE) takes the meme coin idea in a different direction by turning presale participation into a fully gamified mining experience. This ERC-20 project lets users build virtual server rooms, purchase Miner Nodes, and upgrade Facilities inside a browser-based dashboard that tracks simulated hashpower, energy use, and rewards. The core problem it tries to solve is the boredom of traditional staking. Instead of locking tokens and waiting, PEPENODE holders will be able to construct and optimize virtual rigs, generate rewards, and climb leaderboards. The rewards will be distributed in PEPENODE, as well as established memes like FARTCOIN - one of the biggest memecoin gainers recently, up over 18% in the last 24 hours. Media coverage has already highlighted PEPENODE as one of the more resilient presales during this year’s selloff, noting that the raise recently smashed through the $2 million barrier and continues to climb. Current campaign data shows the sale has raised $2.1 million, edging toward $2.2 million, with tokens priced at $0.0011638. Staking is where things get wild: early buyers can currently earn around 589% APY by locking their PEPENODE allocation while the presale continues. In a market where whales are seeking asymmetric upside and interactive ways to deploy capital, a mine-to-earn meme coin with such elevated staking rewards naturally grabs attention. Visit PEPENODE Presale

Crypto wallet provider Exodus Movement, Inc. has announced a $175 million acquisition of W3C Corp, including its subsidiaries Baanx and Monavate, in a move to expand into regulated on-chain payments. The acquisition gives Exodus control over the full payments stack, from wallets to card issuance and processing, allowing it to issue cards on Visa, Mastercard, and Discover networks and support stablecoin-based payments globally. “Today’s announcement is a major step in our mission to make self-custody and crypto payments practical for everyday life,” said JP Richardson, Co-Founder and CEO of Exodus. “People already trust Exodus to hold their dollar stablecoins and crypto. By bringing card and payments infrastructure in-house, we are closing the gap between holding and spending, and positioning Exodus as the only platform you need for your money.” “The economics from interchange, processing and program fees are expected to become a foundational part of our payments business,” added James Gernetzke, CFO of Exodus. “These offerings will diversify our revenue streams while continuing to allow Exodus to take advantage of crypto market volatility.” The acquisition will be funded through a combination of cash reserves and a Bitcoin-backed credit facility, and is expected to close in 2026, pending regulatory approval. The deal could be a strategic move to diversify revenue beyond wallet and swap services and tap into the growing demand for crypto-native payment solutions. Exodus Builds a Complete Crypto Payments Ecosystem Through Strategic Acquisitions Exodus has been on an acquisition streak to expand its payments capabilities. Just weeks ago, it acquired Grateful to enhance stablecoin payments across Latin America, and now the W3C deal adds card issuance, processing, and on-chain payment infrastructure under the same umbrella. Together, these acquisitions give Exodus the ability to seamlessly bridge holding digital assets, executing stablecoin transactions, and spending via crypto-backed cards — creating a more comprehensive payments ecosystem. The move echoes broader industry trends, such as Coinbase’s launch of a Bitcoin rewards credit card with American Express, which allows users to earn Bitcoin on everyday purchases. As more crypto platforms explore card-based rewards and payment integrations, Exodus’ strategy suggests it aims to capture a growing market of users looking to directly spend digital assets while leveraging stablecoins for everyday transactions.

Why Did ASIC Target Learn To Trade Now? Australia’s financial regulator has taken aim at Learn To Trade Pty Ltd (LTT), imposing new licence conditions after more than a decade of repeated compliance failures. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) said the trading education firm consistently missed mandatory reporting deadlines, failed to notify the regulator of key audit changes and breached conditions tied to its Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence. While it may sound like an administrative issue, ASIC’s move is anything but. Financial reporting is the backbone of licence oversight in Australia, and late filings raise questions about solvency, governance and whether a firm can operate safely while influencing retail traders. Learn To Trade, founded by British entrepreneur Greg Secker, has been active in Australia for over ten years and is one of the industry’s most recognizable course providers. But LTT has long carried regulatory baggage. The brand has faced criticism across multiple countries for aggressive marketing, high-pressure sales tactics and training programs that often steered customers toward expensive upsells. In Australia, LTT maintained its licence but remained on ASIC’s radar for years. Now, after repeated lapses, the regulator has acted decisively. Investor Takeaway ASIC is signaling that trading educators must meet the same governance standards as financial institutions. The era of lax oversight in retail trading education is ending. What Exactly Did Learn To Trade Do Wrong? ASIC said it imposed new licence conditions after concluding LTT had failed to lodge its audited financial statements for the 2023 and 2024 financial years on time. These were not isolated lapses. According to the regulator, LTT has filed late “on multiple occasions since 2012,” marking twelve consecutive years of delayed reporting. The company also failed to notify ASIC when appointing a new auditor — an obligation every AFS licensee must take seriously, as auditors serve as an external gatekeeper over financial integrity. While the breaches may appear procedural, the implications are not. On-time audits demonstrate that a business is solvent, adequately resourced and meeting its obligations. Chronic delays undermine trust — and when the firm in question teaches retail traders how to manage leveraged products like forex and CFDs, ASIC’s tolerance evaporates. The regulator’s message is clear: financial educators must meet the same transparency standards as the product issuers and brokers they discuss. What Are the New Licence Conditions? ASIC has ordered Learn To Trade to hire an independent compliance consultant — a significant regulatory escalation typically reserved for firms with persistent governance failures. The consultant will conduct a full review of the company’s controls and must report findings directly to ASIC. The review covers: Financial reporting processes: how the firm ensures timely lodgment of statements and audits Compliance framework maturity: whether LTT meets all AFS licence obligations Breach identification and reporting: how governance failures are escalated Overall corporate governance: whether systems, leadership and culture support lawful operations Two formal reports will be delivered to ASIC, giving the regulator the evidence it needs to decide whether LTT can get back on track or whether tougher penalties — including suspension — are warranted. Investor Takeaway External compliance reviews are often a prelude to heavier enforcement. If deficiencies are significant, licence restrictions or legal action can follow quickly. Why This Crackdown Matters for the Trading Education Sector Learn To Trade received its AFS licence in 2010, giving it authority to provide financial advice on derivatives, forex and securities. But the environment has changed dramatically since then. Between 2018 and 2022, ASIC launched a series of enforcement waves targeting CFDs, leverage limits, binary options, unlicensed signal providers and high-pressure trading funnels. Several brokers were fined or shut down, including ForexCT and AGM Markets. Even reputable firms like Pepperstone, FP Markets and OANDA have faced additional licence conditions. Education providers — once operating in a semi-regulated grey area — are now firmly in ASIC’s sights. Many blur the line between motivational content and regulated advice, using success stories and flashy marketing to target inexperienced traders. ASIC has spent years warning against unrealistic claims and “get rich by trading” sales tactics. Learn To Trade’s compliance failures land squarely in this broader crackdown. The regulator now expects education firms to behave like proper financial services companies, not marketing-driven event businesses. What Happens Next for Learn To Trade? The regulator’s action does not immediately end LTT’s operations. The firm remains licensed but is effectively under probation. The tone of ASIC’s announcement suggests diminishing patience, and the independent consultant’s findings will determine the company’s fate. Possible outcomes include: successful remediation and continued operations under stricter oversight extended licence conditions if governance weaknesses persist suspension or cancellation of the AFS licence in severe cases civil penalties if major breaches are uncovered For now, Learn To Trade continues to operate — but under the most serious scrutiny it has faced in its 14 years in Australia. ASIC’s message to the entire trading education sector is unmistakable: compliance is no longer optional, delays will no longer be tolerated and firms selling trading dreams must now prove they can meet the same standards as the rest of the financial industry.

In bearish conditions, narratives die, and cash flow survives. The recent market downturn has investors scrambling to secure investments in the PayFi sector, and almost all the best altcoins to buy in 2025 are focused on payments. As liquidity tightens and animal spirits unwind, investors are dashing towards products that can show real revenue and growth. That’s why Digitap ($TAP) crypto presale has quietly pulled in more than $2.1 million while other tokens bleed. Its live, no-KYC Visa card has been a game-changer, and with its stablecoin integration, it looks like it could be the best crypto to buy now for anyone bullish on payments. XRP’s original vision for modernising cross-border flows was directionally correct, but stablecoins have become the winning rails. Investors need to adapt, and the leading altcoins to buy in 2025 look very different from the 2021 cohort. Digitap is capturing Gen Z and Millennials with its digital-first approach and rapidly outpacing XRP’s old rails.  XRP’s Rails: Right Idea, Wrong Vehicle Ripple’s On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) showed that crypto rails could collapse settlement times in illiquid corridors from days to seconds. It was a massive breakthrough, and while XRP has built out an impressive list of partnerships, almost nobody is using the XRP ledger to make settlements at scale. Why? Stablecoins arrived. Objectively offering a better solution with fewer moving parts and risk. Ripple itself has admitted this, leaning into stablecoin-powered cross-border solutions. But perhaps it is too little too late—the chart certainly sends that message. As stablecoins displace Ripple, naturally, XRP is no longer the leading altcoin to buy in the payments narrative. Now investors are looking for projects that will benefit from the enormous adoption of stablecoins. Digitap’s No-KYC Visa Card and Omni-Bank UX Digitap approaches payment from the opposite direction. Instead of trying to persuade institutions to adopt a payment rail, it accepts that stablecoins have already won and focuses on making them usable for regular people. Created as the world’s first omni-bank, Digitap offers a single, global money app where users can hold multi-currency fiat balances and on-chain assets in one interface, move value across borders in real-time, and spend on-chain balances instantly with a Visa card. The big feature is the non-KYC virtual Visa card, which can be spun up in minutes and used at millions of merchants worldwide. Thousands of users are already spending, and going after the consumer first seems to be the better strategy in the payments game. Under the surface, Digitap integrates multiple rails, including public blockchains and traditional payment systems such as SWIFT, SEPA, ACH, or Faster Payments.  This is a huge advantage as Digitap can onboard new and faster stablecoin-centric chains as they come online. They make the Digitap product stronger instead of acting as competition. The app, which anyone can download today, feels like a modern neobank but with crypto speed. Going after the consumer with familiar products, such as Google and Apple Pay, regular Visa cards, and a digital-first app, are all things that XRP never did. Gen Z and Millennials don’t want to think about bridging assets; they just want their money to move faster. Digitap takes all these consumer behaviours and wraps them in a single app, and is basically Revolut and Binance joined together. That’s why this payment token has become a leading altcoin to buy this year.  Why Digitap Could Beat XRP as the Best Payments-Focused Crypto to Buy Now in 2025  Another big feature for the Digitap crypto presale is the tokenomics model that uses 50% of platform profits for permanent burns and staking rewards. This allows token holders to share in the platform’s success, and the current pricing of $0.0326 makes $TAP look incredibly undervalued. Ranking among the best cryptos to buy now is not easy, but Digitap has managed it with its token flywheel. Investors should also be on the lookout for the 96-hour Black Friday bonanza that will feature $1 million in giveaways starting this Friday. XRP versus Digitap is a story about where value accrues in a stablecoin-dominated world. XRP proved enormous demand for cheaper, faster cross-border payments. Stablecoins showed how it could be done at an institutional scale. Now Digitap wraps all this progress into a familiar interface for regular users and is the type of app that could onboard the next billion users into crypto. This growth potential is what makes this crypto presale stand out this year, and a clear favorite to be the best crypto to buy now in 2025 for PayFi bulls.  Discover the future of crypto cards with Digitap by checking out their live Visa card project here: Presale https://presale.digitap.app   Website: https://digitap.app  Social: https://linktr.ee/digitap.app Win $250K: https://gleam.io/bfpzx/digitap-250000-giveaway 

KuCoin said Tuesday its Australian subsidiary has been formally registered as a Digital Currency Exchange (DCE) with AUSTRAC, bringing the global crypto platform under Australia’s anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) oversight. The company framed the registration as a milestone in its compliance roadmap and said it will use the approval to expand regulated services for Australian customers. KuCoin said it will pursue registration for additional designated services with AUSTRAC while aligning its derivative products with a locally compliant structure through a partnership with Echuca Trading, an AFSL-holder licensed by ASIC. The arrangement is intended to place KuCoin’s futures business within an Australian regulatory framework tailored to local market requirements. The exchange also announced the rollout of local fiat on-ramp support, giving Australian users more direct and compliant channels to deposit and withdraw funds. KuCoin has been building a stronger local presence in recent months, including the launch of a Sydney office and the appointment of James Pinch as its Australian Managing Director. BC Wong, KuCoin’s Global CEO, described the AUSTRAC registration as a key milestone in strengthening the company’s global compliance architecture, noting Australia’s high standards for digital asset oversight and reaffirming KuCoin’s commitment to transparency and responsible operations. Pinch added that the combination of AUSTRAC registration and an AFSL-backed framework would enable safer, smoother fiat access and ensure KuCoin’s products align with the expectations of Australian users and regulators. KuCoin Ramps up Global Reach With Payments and Institutional Push KuCoin has expanded its global payments and settlement capabilities, notably integrating KuCoin Pay with Brazil’s Pix system. This enables users to convert over 50 cryptocurrencies directly into Brazilian reais and pay merchants via Pix QR codes, bridging crypto with mainstream payment infrastructure. At the same time, KuCoin has upgraded its Fast Tradeservice to allow users to sell USDT and withdraw funds to Visa or MasterCard in 41 different fiat currencies, with most transfers settling within minutes. On the institutional side, KuCoin launched KuCoin Institutional, a division designed for professional investors, funds, brokers, and enterprises. The service combines liquidity, advanced trading infrastructure, custody solutions, and compliance frameworks, allowing institutions to access digital assets securely and efficiently. These expansions underscore KuCoin’s strategy to strengthen its presence in both retail and professional markets while providing seamless, compliant solutions worldwide.

After a brutal series of wipeouts that erased more than $1 trillion from the crypto market since early October, including one of the largest Bitcoin liquidation events on record, prices have finally started to stabilize. The total crypto market cap is currently sitting at the $3 trillion mark and is up 1.9% over the past 24 hours, while Bitcoin is trading near $87,000 after a steep drop from its October all-time high above $126,000. That mix of green daily candles and heavy recent drawdowns has pushed many traders toward shorter-term, defined-risk ideas. Presales fit that brief with their fixed token prices, no exchange order-book slippage to worry about, and staking rewards that can soften the impact of a choppy spot market. At the same time, self-custody wallets and supporting infrastructure remain one of the clearest long-term themes, as more users move funds off exchanges and into non-custodial apps. Best Wallet Token (BEST) sits right at that intersection. Its presale has already attracted close to 17.5 million for a live, non-custodial mobile wallet with over 100,000 active users and more than 1 million downloads – a rarity in a segment where many raises launch without a working product.  With only three days left before the sale ends and $18 million in sight, Best Wallet Token is shaping up as a standout presale play and a longer-term bet on the wallet narrative that the rest of this article will unpack in more detail. Crypto Market Finds Short-Term Support as Cycle Matures Crypto is catching its breath after a wild month, with the total market capitalization pushing back above $3 trillion and 80 of the top 100 coins posting gains over the past 24 hours. Bitcoin has inched up 1.4% to roughly $87,000, while Ethereum has added about 3.3% to trade near $2,880. That kind of slow, positive grind suggests short-term support rather than a full-blown trend reversal. Analysts remain divided on whether the ultimate bottom for this leg is in, but some expect a more durable low to form over the next five to seven months. Research from NYDIG’s Greg Cipolaro points to a reversal in several key on-chain and macro trends and argues that we may be moving into the later stages of the current growth cycle rather than its beginning. At the same time, US equity indices have stopped sliding, which could help Bitcoin avoid a deeper correction if risk sentiment stabilises. ETF flows also show how cautious things have become. U.S. spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs still attracted more than $238 million and $55 million in inflows on Friday, even as sentiment indicators hovered near multi-year lows and more investors took profits and stepped aside.  With major asset managers reporting that clients increasingly see BTC as a long-term store of value rather than a payment asset, short-term traders are looking elsewhere for clearer upside, which is one reason structured opportunities like the Best Wallet Token presale are drawing fresh attention right now. Best Wallet Token Presale Fuels a Live Multi-Chain Self-Custody Ecosystem Best Wallet Token powers a non-custodial mobile wallet that is already live at scale, with more than a million downloads and hundreds of thousands of active users handling their day-to-day crypto in the app. The wallet supports dozens of blockchains in one interface; lets users buy, send, swap, and track thousands of assets; and adds quality-of-life tools like scam filters, portfolio views, and presale alerts so people don’t have to juggle multiple apps. Within this setup, the BEST token is the key to extra utility. Holding BEST unlocks reduced transaction and swap fees, boosted staking rewards, early access to new token launches through the Upcoming Tokens feed, governance rights, and higher cashback rates when using the upcoming Best Card on the Mastercard network. BEST is also at the center of future upgrades such as gasless transactions, a deeper derivatives and staking hub, and integrations with partnered iGaming platforms that can reward holders with bonuses. Nazza Crypto, a crypto analyst and YouTube personality, has openly praised the BEST presale in his latest review, pointing to the rare mix of a working self-custody product, clear in-app token demand, and a growing ecosystem. As the presale moves into its final days, the numbers behind that story are becoming just as important as the features. Best Wallet Token Presale Nears $18 Million With 75% Staking APY The Best Wallet Token presale is closing out on strong numbers. The current token price of $0.025995 gives new buyers a clear entry point at a time when spot markets are still working through heavy volatility. With the raise now inching towards the $18 million mark, BEST is firmly in the upper tier of 2025 presales by size, which matches the fact that it backs a fully-live wallet ecosystem. A 75% APY on BEST, combined with more than 350 million tokens already locked into the staking pool, points to a large base of holders who are positioning for yield from day one instead of quick flips. That lockup reduces the immediate circulating supply once the token lists, which can help support price discovery if demand from wallet users and new investors continues to build. In a market where many traders are taking profits on majors and rotating into clearer asymmetry, the combination of fixed presale pricing, high on-chain participation, and an app with real users puts BEST in a different category from most presales – giving the project a credible bullish case and strong appeal as this cycle matures. With just 3 days left before the presale ends, investors have one final chance to acquire BEST at current prices before exchange listings.  Visit Best Wallet Token Presale

What’s Behind 21Shares Choosing Standard Chartered as Custodian? Standard Chartered has been selected by digital asset manager 21Shares as its new crypto custodian, marking another push by major banks into a field long dominated by crypto-native firms. According to an announcement shared with Cointelegraph, the bank will provide digital asset custody through its Luxembourg-based platform, expanding the bank’s growing crypto infrastructure. Margaret Harwood-Jones, global head of financing and securities services at Standard Chartered, said the partnership allows the firm to extend its expertise into “the fast-evolving digital asset ecosystem.” The move raises a clear question: what happens to 21Shares’ existing crypto custodian? In June 2024, the company partnered with crypto-native Zodia Custody to hold its assets. Zodia was co-founded by Standard Chartered in 2020 but operated separately at a time when the bank publicly distanced itself from direct crypto exposure. Whether Standard Chartered’s new custody unit will replace Zodia or operate alongside it remains unclear. Neither Standard Chartered nor 21Shares nor Zodia responded to media requests at publication time. Investor Takeaway Banks are aggressively reclaiming crypto custody from native providers. Institutional clients may increasingly choose regulated banks over standalone custodians for compliance and risk visibility. Why Traditional Finance Is Expanding Into Crypto Custody The partnership comes amid a broader wave of traditional finance firms entering the digital asset market. Standard Chartered launched an institutional crypto trading service in July, allowing corporate and professional clients to trade major tokens through a fully regulated channel. For 21Shares, one of the world’s largest exchange-traded crypto product issuers, bank-level custody adds perceived security and credibility — key factors for a firm whose products must meet institutional and regulatory standards across multiple jurisdictions. Mandy Chiu, global head of product development at 21Shares, called the partnership an “important milestone” in bringing institutional-grade infrastructure to the digital asset space, citing Standard Chartered’s reputation in traditional finance. The bank is not alone. U.S. Bancorp relaunched its digital asset custody service in September after previously pulling back due to regulatory pressure. Citigroup is exploring cryptocurrency custody and payment tools, and Deutsche Bank has reported plans to allow clients to store crypto assets. European banks, in particular, are positioning themselves for the MiCA era — a regulatory framework that will tighten oversight over stablecoins, custodians and digital asset service providers starting in 2025. How TradFi’s Entry Is Reshaping Crypto Infrastructure As more established banks move into the sector, crypto-native institutions are facing renewed competition. Banks bring regulatory clarity, balance-sheet strength, compliance frameworks and entrenched client relationships — advantages that can be decisive for asset managers managing billions. This competitive shift is not without cultural backlash. Some long-time industry participants view the migration of large Bitcoin wallets into ETFs, institutional channels and bank-backed custodians as a departure from the original crypto ethos. Martin Hiesboeck, head of blockchain and crypto research at Uphold, argued in October that these moves represent “another nail in the coffin of the original crypto spirit,” as Bitcoin transitions from grassroots asset to regulated financial instrument. His criticism followed comments from BlackRock’s head of digital assets, Robbie Mitchnick, who revealed that the asset manager had already processed more than 3 billion dollars’ worth of real Bitcoin conversions into ETFs. Many long-term holders, he said, prefer the convenience of managing exposure through their existing private-bank or advisor relationships. Investor Takeaway The custody battleground is shifting. Institutional flows are increasingly gravitating toward bank-operated platforms, suggesting a consolidation of crypto infrastructure under regulated incumbents. What Comes Next for Crypto Custody and Institutional Adoption? Standard Chartered’s deepening involvement suggests that large financial institutions see digital asset custody as a core future revenue stream, not a side experiment. With ETFs, tokenized assets, and institutional trading volumes rising, custody has become a strategic pillar for banks looking to anchor themselves in the next wave of capital markets infrastructure. For 21Shares, the move reinforces its positioning as a compliant issuer in a market that increasingly requires institutional guardrails. For the broader industry, it underscores a trend: as regulation tightens, traditional finance is not just entering crypto — it is taking over parts of the stack that once belonged exclusively to crypto-native operators. Whether this transition strengthens or dilutes the sector’s long-term identity is still debated. What is clear is that regulated banks now play a central role in the custody of billions in digital assets — and that role is likely to grow.

In the third quarter of 2025, venture capital investments in crypto and blockchain businesses totaled $4.65 billion across 415 acquisitions. This was a significant increase for the industry, and these numbers show that capital deployed has gone up by 290% over the last quarter, while the number of deals has gone up by 9%.  Even though activity is still below the highs of the 2021–2022 bull market, the total for the quarter is the second-highest since FTX went bankrupt in late 2022, which caused investor sentiment to drop for a long time. The rise comes as the market as a whole stabilizes, but analysts say there is no obvious link between the rise in Bitcoin values since early 2023 and the amount of venture capital. So far this year, through the third quarter of 2025, more money has been invested than in 2023 and 2024, even though there have been fewer deals than in previous years. Sector Breakdown Due to Rise in Trading and Infrastructure Investments were highly skewed toward established categories, with trading, exchange, investing, and lending platforms taking in the most money, over $2.1 billion. This area regained its status as the top receiver since there is a lot of demand for financial tools that are compliant and can grow with the changing rules. There was also a lot of interest in infrastructure projects, such as staking and blockchain access solutions. This shows that people are interested in basic technology. With the rise of stablecoins, new fields like AI integration and payments gained ground. Tokenization, on the other hand, stood out as a bright spot in the midst of expected legal clarity.  Web3, NFTs, DAOs, metaverses, and gaming, on the other hand, have become less popular than they were during the profile-picture (PFP) NFT boom of prior cycles. However, early-stage bets are still being made in these areas. The diversified portfolio was filled out by DeFi protocols and payments based on rewards. This showed that the ecosystem was growing and putting utility ahead of speculative excitement. Notable Deals Drive the Rally A few big rounds made up almost half of Q3's total capital. Fintech company Revolut got $1 billion to add more cryptocurrencies to its platform, and exchange Kraken got $500 million to improve its worldwide infrastructure. Erebor's $250 million for institutional-grade custody, Treasury's $146 million in tokenized assets, and Fnality's $135 million for payment networks.   Mesh Connect's $130 million in connectivity solutions and ZeroHash's $104 million in fiat-to-crypto rails were among the other big investments. These acquisitions show that venture firms are investing in startups that are further along and have established revenue streams. This is because they want to take less risk in a post-FTX world. U.S. Maintains Grip on Global Activity The United States received the most capital and deals, accounting for 47% of capital and 40% of deals. The United Kingdom came in second with 28% of capital and 6.8% of deals. Singapore and Hong Kong came in last with 3.8% and 3.6% of deal shares, respectively. The Netherlands had 3.3% of the capital. A pro-crypto legislative agenda, such as the planned GENIUS Act and possible laws regulating the structure of the crypto market, might make this U.S. lead even bigger. These laws could make monitoring easier and bring in more institutional players. Moving Toward Later-Stage Maturity Funding stages showed a preference for later-stage rounds, with 57% of capital allocated to them, compared to 43% for early-stage ventures. There were consistent numbers of deals in the pre-seed stage, but more in subsequent rounds, indicating that the industry is maturing.  The median deal size remained at $4.5 million, while the pre-money valuation rose to a record $36 million, close to the highs of 2021. Cohorts that started in 2018 raised the most money because they had been around longer. Startups founded in 2024 had the most deals, indicating that new ideas were entering the market.

Over 300 people who were hurt or lost loved ones in Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023 have filed a legal claim in U.S. federal court against Binance, Zhao, and senior CEO Guangying Chen.  According to the plaintiffs, the exchange "knowingly facilitated" more than $1 billion in transactions linked to Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. According to the complaint, Binance reportedly let these accounts operate even though they were under sanctions. This charge runs counter to crypto's efforts to curb money laundering. History of Not Following the Rules This new 284-page case is the fourth US lawsuit against Binance and Zhao for failing to do enough to stop money laundering. The U.S. Department of Justice earlier fined the exchange $4.3 billion in criminal court. As part of a 2023 deal, Zhao stepped down as CEO and served a short prison sentence.  Plaintiffs say that even though the case was settled, new evidence suggests that Binance is still doing business with terrorist groups, and some of these transactions are said to have happened after Binance settled its lawsuit with the government. Claims of Systemic Failures in Oversight Court documents say that Binance "deliberately set itself up as a haven for illegal activity." The plaintiffs explain how the platform allegedly used a network of offshore companies and minimal recordkeeping to allow those who were not allowed to move large amounts of money.  One example is that a Venezuelan woman is said to have received more than $177 million through Binance, even though there wasn't much of a valid economic reason for it. The complaint also says that $300 million was sent to sanctioned wallets before the October hack and another $115 million was sent later, indicating ongoing concerns about continuous monitoring. Legal and Political Consequences The case, led by lawyer Lee Wolosky, says that Binance ignored standard counter-terrorism measures to make money. Lawyers for Binance have not agreed to the new charges and say they are still following international sanctions legislation. In the meantime, Donald Trump recently pardoned Zhao, sparking a political stir and raising questions about potential commercial ties between Binance and crypto businesses linked to the Trump family. The Future of Binance and the Crypto Market This investigation, which observers say is the "most detailed to date" into the exchange, raises more questions about whether cryptocurrencies comply with anti-terrorism laws. As more lawsuits are filed, Binance and other industry players are under more pressure to make on-chain activity more open and easier to track. This is especially true as regulators step up oversight amid rising geopolitical risks.

What Did Metaplanet Borrow and Why? Tokyo-based Metaplanet has drawn another 130 million dollars from its 500 million dollar bitcoin-backed credit facility, bringing total utilization to 230 million dollars. The company said the funds will support new bitcoin purchases, the expansion of its BTC income-generation business, and potential share repurchases. The loan was executed on November 21 with a lender that requested anonymity. It renews automatically on a daily basis and can be repaid at Metaplanet’s discretion. Interest is calculated using a U.S.-dollar reference rate plus a spread. The facility, backed entirely by bitcoin holdings, is becoming a core component of Metaplanet’s strategy: leveraging BTC reserves to finance additional accumulation and generate returns. As of October 31, the company held 30,823 BTC valued at roughly 3.5 billion dollars. Metaplanet said the size of its bitcoin holdings provides “significant collateral headroom,” allowing the firm to borrow conservatively even during sharp price swings. Investor Takeaway Metaplanet is deepening a Strategy-style balance-sheet model: borrow cheaply against BTC, buy more BTC, and amplify long-term exposure. Daily-renewing credit gives flexibility but also requires strong collateral discipline. How the Credit Facility Fits Into Metaplanet’s BTC Strategy The company’s growing use of its credit facility indicates a push to scale its bitcoin-centric treasury framework — one that resembles high-profile corporate BTC strategies seen elsewhere in the market. Metaplanet emphasized three key uses for the new loan: additional bitcoin acquisitions expansion of BTC income-generation initiatives potential share buybacks if conditions allow A core element of its income-generation model involves selling options backed by bitcoin collateral to capture premium yield. This allows the firm to generate returns without liquidating holdings, although such strategies carry market and volatility risk if BTC moves sharply. The firm also recently issued new perpetual preferred shares, giving it an additional long-term funding instrument alongside the credit facility. Why the Collateral Position Matters During Market Volatility Metaplanet’s credit facility is over-collateralized by tens of thousands of bitcoin, creating a substantial cushion. With 30,823 BTC pledged against 230 million dollars in loans, the company retains a wide buffer even during downturns. Management reiterated that: the company maintains conservative loan-to-value ratios the credit line is used only when collateral headroom is significant draws are structured to absorb severe BTC volatility This positioning is vital: BTC’s recent drop below 88,000 dollars — roughly 20 to 25 percent off early-October highs — increases pressure on leveraged holders. Metaplanet’s message is that its collateral posture reduces risk of margin stress or forced selling. Shares rose 2.24 percent to 365 yen following the announcement, though the stock remains more than 80 percent below its record high from June. Investor Takeaway Metaplanet’s credit usage is rising, but collateral remains deep. With over 30,800 BTC backing a 230M loan balance, the company has room — but volatility remains the key variable for leveraged BTC strategies. What This Means for Bitcoin-Backed Corporate Finance Metaplanet’s move highlights a trend that is gaining traction: companies leveraging bitcoin reserves to access low-friction financing while increasing economic exposure to the asset. Instead of selling BTC, firms are borrowing against it to scale balance-sheet growth. Several forces make this attractive: BTC-backed loans can be cheaper than equity financing or unsecured corporate debt Bull-market conditions strengthen collateral buffers Companies retain long-term BTC upside rather than selling into market volatility Lenders like BTC as collateral due to its liquidity and deep market depth With more corporates exploring bitcoin treasury strategies, the success or failure of Metaplanet’s structure will serve as a reference point for similar initiatives globally. The company is positioning itself as Japan’s leading BTC-centric listed firm, mirroring the role Strategy plays in the U.S. market: a public stock functioning as a leveraged Bitcoin proxy. Whether this model outperforms depends on what BTC does next. But Metaplanet is doubling down — using bitcoin to buy more bitcoin, expand yield strategies, and enhance shareholder positioning.

Santiment's developer rankings for November show that Bitcoin BEP2 is top of other BSC-based projects, with 57.43 significant GitHub activities happening in the last 30 days. This makes Bitcoin BEP2 the most actively developed project on the network, showing that its contributors are still working hard to add new features and functions to the protocol. According to Santiment's theory, these occurrences show real advancements to the product, not just tiny changes like code forks or small commits.​ Strong Performance from FLUX and BNB FLUX, a decentralized cloud computing protocol, came in second with 212 development events, closely following Bitcoin BEP2. This shows that there is a lot of work aimed at expanding cloud-based infrastructure on the blockchain.  BNB, Binance's own flagship asset, has 17.47 development events, which kept it at the top of the list of exchange-native projects in the BSC ecosystem. These numbers show that there is a dynamic group of developers who are always working on new protocols and ways to deliver services. Key Activity Across DeFi and Privacy Aside from the top three, Zcash continued to improve its security and privacy protocols, and Trust Wallet added more functionality for cross-chain connections and wallets. This shows that digital asset management platforms are growing in a healthy way.  Dusk was acknowledged for its ongoing work in the areas of zero-knowledge proofs and regulated finance. This shows that more and more institutions are interested in private, compliant blockchain solutions. Santiment's top ten list included projects including Band Protocol, Beefy Finance, 0x Protocol, and Saito. Each showed focused improvements, from better blockchain networking to better DeFi yield optimization. This shows that the ecosystem is dedicated to innovation in many areas. Trends in the Big Picture: Growth and Distribution of Developers Santiment's data shows that development is happening across many areas of the BSC and native Binance platforms, and no single area or protocol has been in charge for a long time. The fact that cloud computing, privacy, DeFi, and wallet infrastructure companies are at the top of the list shows that there is significant competition and that technology is advancing quickly. Some methods moved up the ranks, while others made minor but steady progress.​ Santiment made it clear that its rankings do not include vanity metrics intentionally, which provides a clearer picture of real project progress. These results show that BSC is still growing as a center for both established blockchain projects and newcomers in areas such as governance, yield strategies, and decentralized infrastructure. As developers pay more attention to cloud services, privacy protocols, and DeFi, BSC is likely to remain relevant as a place to test and develop new ideas. The current level of activity shows that the ecosystem is robust and growing, and that investing in open-source project development will pay off.​

After losing over 20% of its value in the last month, the Relative Strength Index (RSI), one of the most impactful indicators for technical analysis, is now flashing the ‘oversold’ signal for Bitcoin. This means that, based on Bitcoin’s past history, this is usually the point where the price begins to rebound.  While most experts believe Bitcoin will soon experience a price resurgence, there are altcoins whose gains could outpace Bitcoin’s over the next few weeks. Digitap ($TAP) is the number one pick for the best altcoin to buy by many experts, as its high investor interest, coupled with its Black Friday sale, could make it the best crypto presale of the year. Bitcoin RSI Points to Upward Price Momentum The Relative Strength Index is a technical indicator that can analyze an asset's momentum with reasonable accuracy. Basically, the RSI measures both the speed and magnitude of an asset’s price movements to give a reading between 0 and 100. A reading above 70 implies the asset is overbought, while a reading below 30 means the asset is oversold. Over the last week, Bitcoin’s RSI managed to hit the “extremely oversold” level. At one point, Bitcoin’s weekly RSI was at the lowest level it had been since the bear market in 2022. This means that Bitcoin’s RSI fell below 20 at multiple points during the week, indicating that the price should stabilize at this level and eventually rise again. However, while analysts believe Bitcoin’s price will not drop much further, they remain skeptical about its future prospects. Most analysts believe that even in a best-case scenario, Bitcoin will only be close to its all-time high of $126,000 at the end of its rally. Many analysts instead recommend Digitap, a utility token currently in presale. Due to its focus on bridging the gap between crypto and fiat through its multi-rail mechanism, analysts believe that Digitap could be the top crypto to buy before the next bull phase of the crypto market begins. Experts Predict Digitap’s Gains Could Outperform Bitcoin  Bitcoin is undoubtedly the backbone of the crypto industry. Most other coins tend to follow Bitcoin’s price trend. However, just like how memecoins tend to underperform Bitcoin during bear markets due to their speculative nature, some experts believe utility tokens can outperform Bitcoin’s gains during the next bull market. One utility token currently garnering a lot of attention is Digitap. Digitap is the world’s first omnibank. Its multi-rail architecture enables transactions across both crypto and fiat payment networks. It offers high-interest accounts, a Visa card, advanced security features, and business support, making it an all-in-one banking solution. Digitap is being heralded by many as the best crypto presale of the year, and experts predict that it will outperform Bitcoin over the next few months. Despite being immensely popular among crypto analysts, Digitap is still a relatively new presale. This means that there is potentially a lot more value to unlock for the token.  With a potential target market of trillions, Digitap’s eventual push towards mass adoption could deliver exceptional returns for early investors. Digitap has a specific plan for mass adoption, which includes a full-scale marketing push. This plan will be put in motion after the presale ends. Digitap’s Black Friday Sale - 96 Hours of MADNESS, 96 Exclusive Offers Digitap’s utility focus approach had already convinced many analysts that it was one of the best crypto presales of the year. Once Digitap announced its 96-hour Black Friday mega event, investor interest skyrocketed due to exclusive discounts and limited-time offers. For the 96 hours from Friday through Monday, Digitap is offering 96 unique offers on its presale. This means that there will be a new offer every hour with different rewards. Each offer will only be limited to 60 minutes, and the rewards will be accessible instantly. Rewards are not just limited to Digitap tokens, but also encompass physical products such as bank cards. In total, the Digitap development team is offering over $1 million in rewards. These rewards will be in the form of discounts, token bundles, free credits, and much more. Users will need to check back every hour to see what the rewards are, and those participating in the most offers will be able to receive the most rewards. While each specific offer is a surprise, there will be offers tailored to every kind of crypto enthusiast. Many offers will be limited to the first few investors who can claim them. As such, time will be of the essence as investor interest increases over the 96-hour period. USE THE CODE “QUICKTAP40” FOR 40% OFF FIRST-TIME PURCHASES Digitap’s Black Friday sale is just around the corner. Impatient investors can also currently claim a 40% discount on the Digitap token. This discount is at the coin’s current price of $0.0326, which is already discounted from the confirmed launch price of $0.14. Extreme bargain-hunters looking to purchase what could be the best altcoin to buy for the end of 2025 should be eagerly looking forward to Friday. That is when the mega-sale launches, and everyone should remember to check in regularly over the four days as the offers update every hour. Digitap is Live NOW. Learn more about their project here: Presale https://presale.digitap.app Website: https://digitap.app  Social: https://linktr.ee/digitap.app  Win $250K: https://gleam.io/bfpzx/digitap-250000-giveaway 

During November, Avax One Technology bought 9,377,475 AVAX tokens between November 5 and November 23. This brought the company's total holdings to more than 13.8 million, and this growth is meant to improve the company's institutional infrastructure on the Avalanche blockchain and increase the value of AVAX per share for its investors. Management said that building up a large AVAX treasury is a key aspect of its digital asset strategy and would increase shareholder value over time. Goals For The Treasury and The Share Repurchase Program The corporation has also started a share buyback program to help it build up its digital assets. Avax One combines the interests of investors and management by buying back shares. This helps the company reach its goal of maximizing AVAX per share growth.  Company officials said that keeping cash on hand gives them the freedom to buy tokens when they see a good deal and to buy back stock in the future. Management says that the treasury initiative is based on strong market analysis to make sure that decisions are based on value. The program helps the company reach its goal of becoming the largest AVAX digital asset treasury in the ecosystem. Yield Generation and Onchain Leadership Avax One Technology said it would use a variety of yield-generating methods with its existing AVAX holdings to help it reach its ambitions for an on-chain financial sector. The company also changed its name to show that it is still focused on growing its treasury using blockchain technology and being the leader in digital assets on the Avalanche network. Management stressed that all actions, whether buying back stock, buying more AVAX, or improving operations, are in line with producing long-term value. The company's strategy is built on transparency and good governance. These are key parts of its plan to build confidence with investors and grow its digital asset reserves. Ongoing Participation in the Market The business said that it is keeping an eye on market chances to buy more AVAX while also working to keep its finances stable overall. Management is dedicated to a careful yet opportunistic approach, prioritizing both AVAX accumulation and operational flexibility for future growth in the digital asset and blockchain services space. All of these actions show that Avax One aims to be a leader in advancing financial services on the Avalanche network and in developing on-chain capital formation techniques.​

Legal papers show that Brevan Howard's Nova Digital fund has the right to ask for a refund of its $25 million Series B investment in Berachain. This right can be used within a year of the project's token launch in February 2025.  But Nova Digital can only use this privilege if it puts $5 million into a Berachain wallet within 30 days of the token launch. Neither party has confirmed that this happened. According to the agreement, the reimbursement clause would end if this deposit were not made or were later returned.​ The Market and Legal Context It is very rare for a crypto enterprise to have a post-Token Generation Event (TGE) refund right. Lawyers say these kinds of deals are rare and usually occur only when someone doesn't do what they promised, as when a token doesn't launch. In this situation, the condition allows Brevan Howard to request a full refund within a year.  This might compel Berachain to find $25 million in cash while also losing Nova Digital's locked token allotment.​ It has been reported that other Series B investors were not informed about this side deal, raising questions about openness. Nova Digital's $25 million investment was about a fifth of Berachain's $100 million Series B round, which valued the blockchain network at $1.5 billion.​ Berachain's Answer Berachain's leaders, including an unnamed founder known as Smokey The Bera, have talked about the topic directly. They admit there is a side letter granting conditional reimbursement, but say the clause is not a privilege or a secret arrangement.  Berachain, on the other hand, says that it was a consensual arrangement based on the fund's need for liquidity and the usual rules for big institutional investors. The team says that Brevan Howard was involved on the same basic terms as other Series B investors and firmly disputes that Nova Digital got any special treatment.​ Concerns About Uncertainty and Transparency It's not clear whether the refund right is still valid, as neither Berachain nor Brevan Howard has said whether the $5 million activation deposit was made. The scandal has sparked a discussion in the crypto investment world about how common and ethical "risk-free" terms are for big venture funds, especially when they aren't made clear to other stakeholders.​ Berachain says that everyone acted in accordance with the law. But this circumstance shows that there is a growing demand for openness in private blockchain financing as the industry grows.

BlackRock and AccessFintech have entered into a wide-ranging strategic partnership designed to reshape how buy-side and sell-side firms collaborate across the post-trade lifecycle. The initiative integrates AccessFintech’s Synergy Network with Aladdin, BlackRock’s global investment management and operations platform. By unifying these ecosystems, the firms aim to introduce unprecedented levels of interoperability, real-time data sharing, and exception management across global markets. The partnership connects Aladdin’s extensive buy-side community with more than 250 banks, brokers, custodians, and market-infrastructure providers already operating on AccessFintech’s network. This creates a directly linked workflow between institutions that typically rely on fragmented connections, manual interventions, or bilateral reconciliations to resolve trade discrepancies. Both firms describe the integration as a milestone in their long-standing collaboration and a step toward “intelligent workflow” across asset classes. AccessFintech CEO Sarah Shenton emphasized that the integration is built around secure, API-first connectivity designed to replace legacy friction points with shared, real-time visibility. BlackRock leaders echoed this focus on connectivity, noting that the partnership accelerates the adoption of modernized post-trade infrastructures that surface actionable, predictive insights rather than relying on after-the-fact reporting. Takeaway: A combined Aladdin–AccessFintech workflow ecosystem positions the two firms to set a new industry benchmark for connected, real-time post-trade operations, reducing costs and accelerating exception resolution for institutions worldwide. Real-Time Data, AI-Enhanced Insights and Operational Transparency Through this integration, Aladdin clients gain immediate access to cross-asset, multi-region post-trade data delivered in real time. Users will be able to collaborate directly with brokers, custodians, and servicing partners through shared dashboards and automated workflows. The result is a reduction in settlement delays, better exception management, and a deeper understanding of where operational risks emerge throughout the lifecycle of trades. Beyond transparency, the partnership brings predictive analytics powered by the Synergy Network’s data models. Firms will receive early warnings on potential fails, mismatches, and bottlenecks—all within the Aladdin framework they already use for portfolio management, trading oversight, and risk analysis. BlackRock believes this approach not only improves post-trade efficiency but materially strengthens operational resilience across securities, derivatives, and private markets. For sell-side firms and asset servicers, the partnership opens a new distribution channel directly into one of the world’s largest buy-side technology ecosystems. AccessFintech’s network allows them to interact with Aladdin clients in a standardized manner, streamlining communication and reducing the resource burden typically associated with reconciliation. According to BlackRock’s Global Investment Operations leadership, this cooperative model elevates decision-making while improving service outcomes for end investors. Takeaway The integration gives market participants a shared source of truth for trade lifecycle data, allowing firms to resolve issues faster and reduce operational risk through AI-driven analytics. Investment Signals Long-Term Commitment to Post-Trade Innovation Alongside the operational partnership, BlackRock has made a strategic investment in AccessFintech to support its next phase of global expansion. The funding is expected to underpin product innovation, enhance cross-platform integration, and accelerate adoption of Synergy Network capabilities across new markets. While financial details were not disclosed, both firms view the investment as a signal of their joint commitment to modernizing capital market infrastructure. The investment comes at a time when institutions are under pressure to automate and standardize post-trade processes that remain costly and inefficient. With regulatory expectations rising globally—and with operational errors often resulting in expensive remediation—firms are turning to data-driven solutions that reduce manual intervention. BlackRock and AccessFintech aim to address these challenges by providing a single, interoperable solution built on secure cloud-based architecture. AccessFintech plans to use the capital infusion to accelerate development of new predictive models, expand support for complex asset classes, and deepen integrations with custodians, agent banks, and clearing entities. The broader objective is to create the industry’s most comprehensive post-trade collaboration network—one that digitizes communication flows and streamlines exception management across thousands of institutional users relying on Aladdin. Takeaway BlackRock’s strategic investment underscores confidence in AccessFintech’s infrastructure and signals a long-term push toward unified, next-generation post-trade systems supporting global markets.

Digital Asset has introduced a significant leadership realignment as it prepares for its next stage of global expansion, announcing the appointment of Odette Rodrigues as Chief Financial Officer and the promotion of longtime CFO Emnet Rios to Chief Operating Officer. The shift comes as the company accelerates its execution strategy, deepens organizational discipline, and continues to position its platform at the center of institutional adoption of blockchain technology. Rodrigues joins at a time when Digital Asset’s ecosystem is expanding across multiple regions and sectors, with institutional clients increasing their engagement around tokenization, interoperability, and distributed ledger solutions. Her remit spans financial planning, accounting, tax, treasury oversight, and investor relations—functions that are crucial as Digital Asset strengthens its financial infrastructure to support larger enterprise deployments. CEO Yuval Rooz described the appointments as timely and strategic. He emphasized that the company is moving into a phase requiring rigorous financial stewardship and global operational alignment, noting that Rodrigues’ background navigating complex capital structures and Rios’ impact on Digital Asset’s financial transformation complement each other to support the company’s long-term growth trajectory. Takeaway: Digital Asset’s leadership restructuring reinforces the company’s shift toward scaled global execution, ensuring financial discipline and operational efficiency drive its next phase of growth. Rodrigues Brings Capital Strategy Expertise From High-Growth Enterprises Prior to joining Digital Asset, Rodrigues served as Treasurer at Uber, where she oversaw corporate liquidity management, global capital markets activity, and financial strategy across one of the world’s most complex, rapidly scaling technology organizations. Her experience spans optimizing balance sheets, implementing enterprise-wide financial controls, and coordinating investor strategies in highly regulated global markets. Her appointment reflects Digital Asset’s need for a CFO versed in high-velocity environments, where market appetite for tokenization, interoperability frameworks, and decentralized financial infrastructures is expanding rapidly. She is expected to play a central role in structuring capital plans that support the company’s product roadmap, international expansion, and deepening partnerships with financial institutions. Rodrigues will also be responsible for sharpening internal financial governance as the company increasingly works with global banks, market infrastructure operators, and regulated entities. Her capital markets background aligns with Digital Asset’s long-term goal of becoming a critical connective layer for regulated digital assets and next-generation financial market workflows. Takeaway: With Rodrigues, Digital Asset gains financial leadership built for high-growth, global scaling environments—supporting the company’s evolution into an institutional-grade infrastructure provider. Rios Transitions to COO to Drive Operational Scale and Integration After eight years as CFO, Rios transitions into the role of COO, where she will lead Digital Asset’s global operational strategy. During her tenure as CFO, she played a pivotal role in the company’s financial evolution, including steering its Series E capital raise completed this past summer. Her move reflects Digital Asset’s need for operational cohesion as its deployments grow in size and complexity across industries such as capital markets, post-trade infrastructure, and asset tokenization. Rios will focus on optimizing execution across the company’s international teams and product groups, ensuring that internal processes scale at the same pace as enterprise demand. Her responsibilities include operational efficiency, workflow modernization, and aligning engineering, client delivery, and corporate operations within a unified strategic framework. The aim is to build an operational backbone capable of supporting a broader suite of institutional solutions. Leadership emphasized that Rios’ shift into the COO position is a natural evolution. Her deep institutional knowledge, financial expertise, and experience managing growth-stage complexity make her uniquely suited to strengthen the global systems Digital Asset relies on as it moves from pioneering deployments to mass-scale enterprise adoption. Takeaway: Rios’ promotion positions Digital Asset to execute more effectively at global scale, ensuring the company’s operations mature in parallel with its expanding client footprint.

What Did the UK Announce About T+1 Settlement? The UK has taken its next major step toward accelerating how securities move through its markets, publishing draft legislation that will shift the country’s standard settlement cycle from T+2 to T+1 on 11 October 2027. The move aligns London with North America’s faster settlement regime and signals that the government is determined to keep the City competitive in global markets. HM Treasury released a draft Statutory Instrument amending the UK’s post-Brexit Central Securities Depositories Regulation. The Financial Conduct Authority issued a joint statement urging market participants to review the text and begin preparations, emphasizing that firms should not wait for the final legal version to start operational planning. Today, most UK cash equities settle on T+2, providing two business days to affirm trades, manage foreign-exchange flows, deliver cash and transfer securities. Cutting that window in half will require banks, brokers, custodians, asset managers and infrastructure providers to compress workflows that have been built around decades of T+2 operations. Investor Takeaway The shift to T+1 reduces counterparty and settlement-failure risk, but it increases pressure on FX, funding and reconciliation processes—especially for global managers trading cross-regionally. How Did the UK Reach the Decision? The draft legislation caps a multi-year effort. In 2022, the Treasury formed the Accelerated Settlement Taskforce to evaluate whether London should follow the United States toward faster settlement. The group—led by former Ashurst senior partner Charlie Geffen—brought together major trading venues, large asset managers, global banks, custodians and infrastructure providers. The taskforce’s March 2024 report recommended a move to T+1 by the end of 2027, citing three main benefits: Lower counterparty risk. Moving from two days to one cuts the exposure window for unsettled trades. Reduced capital tied up in margin. Shorter cycles lower the collateral demands at central counterparties. Global competitiveness. Without T+1, London risked becoming an operational outlier. Its final implementation blueprint in February 2025 set 11 October 2027 as the target date and listed dozens of required operational changes, including: earlier trade allocation deadlines faster trade confirmations automation of standing settlement instructions accelerated stock-loan recalls One participant described the cultural shift as “an action-this-day mindset,” highlighting the rapid adoption required across the post-trade ecosystem. The Treasury endorsed the recommendations quickly. The draft Statutory Instrument now begins the formal legislative process, though the direction is effectively locked in. Why Is London Pushing to Catch Up? The UK’s timeline follows the United States’ successful transition to T+1 in May 2024, which Canada and Mexico adopted simultaneously. SEC Chair Gary Gensler described the shift as smooth, with only isolated early-week processing issues. North America’s move immediately raised pressure on other major financial centers. Investors now transact across regions that settle on different timelines, creating cash-management friction when one leg of a trade settles a day earlier than another. The UK taskforce warned that if London stayed on T+2, it risked becoming “the odd one out,” especially for asset managers trading across US, European, Middle Eastern and Asian markets. The Treasury echoed this concern, noting that London could not afford to fall between New York (already T+1) and Brussels (still evaluating the timeline). ESMA’s advisory group has also warned that European ETFs and parts of the bond market could face disruption if Europe does not move to T+1 with appropriate safeguards. Investor Takeaway Cross-region trading will become smoother once London aligns with North America, reducing mismatched settlement timelines and improving capital efficiency for global funds. What Challenges Will the Industry Face? Supporters highlight clear benefits, but the shift compresses timelines across the financial system. Key friction points include: FX settlement pressure. Global asset managers will have less time to execute foreign-exchange trades to fund equity purchases. Legacy infrastructure constraints. Many brokers and custodians still rely on manual processes that cannot support one-day cycles. Time-zone stress. Investors in Asia will need to affirm trades even earlier to meet UK deadlines. Stock-loan recalls. Shorter windows increase operational risk for lending programs. Euroclear UK & International, operator of CREST, will need to revise rulebooks, workflows and cut-off times. Asset managers and brokers must also upgrade automation to reduce the risk of failed trades. What Happens Next? Nothing changes immediately. The draft law is open for technical comments until February 2026, with a final version expected later that year. But regulators say firms should begin their transition now. The FCA emphasized that the draft provides “sufficient clarity” for firms to map operational, funding and technological changes well before the 2027 deadline.

The latest Ethena (ENA) price drop has placed full attention on weak momentum and strong selling across the market. The recent Uniswap (UNI) price analysis also shows growing swings, with prices moving up and down as traders react to new data. These shifts are making traders rethink short-term moves, with many now on the hunt for promising networks that show long-term potential. This is where Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) has stepped into the spotlight, boasting a powerful partnership with FC Barcelona, one of the biggest sports brands in the world. This move draws in sports fans, strengthens community belief, and places the project among top rated crypto currencies before its presale auction even begins!  With global attention rising and its name spreading fast, Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) is moving into a position that even established networks are struggling to reach. Ethena (ENA) Price Drops 8.54%: What’s Next? The recent Ethena (ENA) price drop shows clear signs of weakness. ENA is trading close to $0.2528 after sliding by around 8.54% in a single session. This price is now well below its key moving averages, including the MA-20 at $0.3218 and the MA-50 at $0.4251. Technical indicators such as RSI and CCI also point toward an oversold area, meaning the market is under stress but not yet showing strong signs of a comeback. Short-term expectations remain cautious. Price movement is likely to stay in a narrow range, with the risk of further dips if important support breaks. While this kind of behavior can sometimes attract short-term buyers, confidence remains low. In contrast to more stable and structured projects, this decline highlights how quickly positions can weaken in the race among top rated crypto currencies. Uniswap (UNI) Price Analysis Reveals Sharp Swings The current Uniswap (UNI) price analysis shows both strength and weakness. UNI recently fell around 7.65% to near $6.999, showing sharp movement in a short time. Even after this drop, it is still trading slightly above the MA-20 and MA-50, which suggests some short-term support is present. However, the price remains far below the MA-200, which signals long-term pressure. Uniswap also completed a major governance update that included burning 100 million UNI from its supply. This move aims to reduce the available amount in circulation over time. Despite this, daily momentum is still unstable, and large swings continue.  For the coming days, UNI is expected to move between $6.80 and $7.20. While there is a chance of a rebound, strong resistance sits above these levels, making quick gains difficult in the near term. Zero Knowledge Proof’s FC Barcelona Partnership Draws Global Attention! Few blockchain projects manage to break into the global spotlight before launching, but Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) has done exactly that with its multi-year FC Barcelona partnership. This move has instantly pushed ZKP in front of one of the world’s largest and most dedicated fanbases.  For a project that hasn’t even entered its presale yet, this level of visibility is rare. The partnership signals confidence, scale, and ambition, and it is already sparking serious discussion across both sports and crypto communities, making ZKP one of the most-watched upcoming names. Behind this momentum sits a powerful and fully built system. ZKP has already completed its 4-layer blockchain structure, covering compute operations, storage architecture, zero-knowledge processing, and application support.  Backed by more than $100M in self-funded development, the network is designed for verifiable AI computation, real privacy, and fair on-chain distribution through its unique Initial Coin Auction model. This combination of unique technology and real-world readiness is what separates ZKP from projects still working from concept. Strengthening it further is the $17M investment in Proof Pods, manufactured in advance and will be delivered globally within five days of the presale launch. These upgradeable devices perform real computational work and form the backbone of ZKP’s ecosystem, reinforcing its credibility at every level. Wrapping Up The ongoing Ethena (ENA) price drop reflects strong selling, and recent Uniswap (UNI) price analysis confirms heavy swings in the market. These changes are shaping how people view top rated crypto currencies. In the middle of this uncertainty, Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) moves in a very different direction.  Backed by its multi-year FC Barcelona partnership and a fully prepared infrastructure, the project is building trust before its presale even begins. With the whitelist already drawing attention and systems in place for launch, ZKP is steadily positioning itself as one of the most watched names among top rated crypto currencies for the next phase ahead. Find Out More About Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP):  Website: zkp.com

Bitkub, Thailand’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, is reportedly considering a $200 million IPO in Hong Kong as early as 2026, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. The move would mark a strategic shift after plans for a domestic IPO in Thailand stalled. The country’s equity market has struggled this year, with the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) falling around 10%. The talks are in early stages, and the details—such as timing and structure—are not yet final, said the sources. Hong Kong listing could give Bitkub access to deeper pools of international capital and regulatory clarity. Hong Kong’s proactive crypto framework—including licensing for exchanges and a roadmap for tokenized assets—makes the city an attractive venue. Moreover, Hong Kong’s IPO market has surged. In the first ten months of 2025, companies raised about HK$216 billion (≈ approximately US$27.8 billion) there, a more than 200% increase year over year. Bitkub’s leaders have not publicly confirmed the IPO plan, and no formal filing has been made. If carried through, the IPO could help Bitkub fund regional expansion, product development, and compliance efforts — while also strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a hub for digital-asset firms. Hong Kong’s appeal to traditional investors in the crypto market remains limited, according to recent data. The Hong Kong Bitcoin ETF reports a total net asset value (NAV) of just $312 million, with a daily trading volume of only $4 million. A similar trend is seen in Ethereum ETFs, which hold $88.87 million in NAV and record roughly $800,000 in daily trading volume. This remains minimal compared with the U.S. market, which continues to thrive. The U.S. Bitcoin market alone holds over $120 billion in assets under management, dwarfing Hong Kong’s relatively modest figures and highlighting the disparity in investor adoption and liquidity between the two regions. Crypto IPOs Face Growing Headwinds Amidst Bitkub Entry While Bitkub eyes a $200 million Hong Kong IPO in early 2026, other crypto firms are encountering significant obstacles in their public-market ambitions. Grayscale Investments’ recent filing revealed a 20% drop in revenue for the first nine months of 2025, declining from $397.9 million to $318.7 million, highlighting the pressure even established digital-asset firms face amid market volatility. At the same time, Circle Internet Financial is trading near its IPO price as insiders unlock shares, triggering sell-offs that weigh on investor sentiment. Shares recently hovered around $85.15, close to levels shortly after the company’s debut, underscoring the delicate balance between market enthusiasm and internal liquidity events. These developments illustrate the broader headwinds facing crypto companies seeking public listings. From revenue contractions to insider-driven sell pressure, the ecosystem is increasingly testing investor confidence and emphasizing the importance of sustainable growth, strong governance, and clear regulatory positioning.

KEY TAKEAWAYS AMG Crypto promises daily payouts from cloud mining contracts, but transparency is limited. Fixed return claims are suspicious; legitimate mining profits fluctuate with network difficulty and BTC price. User complaints often cite failed withdrawals and blocked accounts. Cloud mining carries counterparty, liquidity, and regulatory risks. Small “trial” investments may allow testing the system without major losses. Due diligence, separate wallets, and cautious investment are critical.   Cloud mining services have become a popular way for retail users to "mine" cryptocurrencies without owning physical hardware. But not all cloud mining platforms are created equal, and in the case of AMG Crypto, there are serious questions about how (or whether) the promised payouts actually materialize. In this article, we'll walk through how AMG Crypto's cloud mining allegedly works, what payout mechanisms it claims to use, and what evidence (from reviews, risk assessments, and users) suggests about its legitimacy so you can make an informed decision. What Is AMG Crypto Cloud Mining's Pitch? According to media reports and AMG's own materials, AMG Crypto offers a "free Bitcoin cloud mining" program. Users reportedly create an account in minutes, and they are rewarded with "daily rewards" that are credited into their wallet.  Some of the key features the platform advertises include: Very Low Entry Point: Reported contract levels start at $12. Fixed "Returns" for Short-Term Contracts: For example, a 1‑day contract allegedly gives +10% (earning $1.2 on a $12 investment), and longer 30-day contracts are said to pay around +2.28% daily.  "Auto-Mining" Model: Users are told their cloud mining happens fully in the background, without the need to manage hardware. On paper, these features sound very attractive, particularly for beginners wanting to dip a toe into mining without buying ASICs or paying for power and maintenance. But in the cloud‑mining world, claims like these also line up with patterns common in less‑reliable or fraudulent platforms. How Cloud Mining Payouts Should Work (in a Legitimate Model) To understand whether AMG's payout claims are reasonable, it's helpful to compare them with how legitimate cloud mining often works: Contracts are tied to Real Hashing Power: A user rents or buys a portion of mining rig capacity (hash rate) in a real data center. Revenue Depends on Network Difficulty and Crypto Prices: Mining rewards are not fixed; they depend on how hard the blockchain is to mine (difficulty), the current block reward, and the coin's market value. Fees are Deducted: Real cloud miners often charge a "maintenance" or "hosting" fee, covering electricity, cooling, and operations. Daily or Monthly Payouts: Earnings are credited to a user account or wallet based on the proportion of hash power they control. Transparency and Proof of Mining: Trustworthy platforms provide real-time pool statistics, mining performance, or proof-of-mining (hashrate reports, pool shares). Red Flags and Potential Issues With AMG's Payout Model When examining AMG Crypto, several serious warning signs emerge from independent reviews and community discussions that suggest its payout model may not be reliable or even genuine. 1. Low Credibility Score Scam Detector gives amgcrypto.com a trust score of 37.8/100, labeling it as "questionable" due to risk factors such as phishing potential and unclear business operations. According to Scam Detector, the website's design, metadata, and user trust indicators are weak or poorly maintained. 2. High Return Claims Without Evidence The "fixed return" model that promises up to ~2.28% daily on a 30-day contract is highly suspicious. In legitimate cloud mining, returns should fluctuate with network difficulty and BTC price. Such high daily fixed returns are more characteristic of advance-fee or Ponzi-style operations rather than genuine mining operations. 3. User Complaints About Withdrawals On many forums like Reddit, some users allege they can't withdraw their earnings. Another user reported trying the "free $12" trial mining plan, only to later be unable to log back in or access their account. These reports strongly suggest that while the platform advertises "daily mining rewards," in practice, withdrawal mechanisms may be broken, non-functional, or deliberately restricted. 4. Cloud Mining in General Is Risky The cloud mining model itself is fraught with risk, especially for retail users. As explained by independent analysts, cloud mining platforms may promise guaranteed returns but often fail due to increases in mining difficulty or falling coin prices. Common scam tactics include "too-good-to-be-true" stable returns, lack of proof of real mining operations, and withdrawal fees or forced reinvestment.  How (and If) AMG Payouts Could Work: The Hypothetical Model If AMG Crypto were operating legitimately, here is how its payout structure might be justified   , but with very tight caveats: Your $12 buys you a tiny fraction of hash power. With very small hash power, your share of the mined BTC is extremely small, so "10% return" in one day could be marketing spin, not real profit. The company could be subsidizing short-term plans (1-day contracts) with money from newer users or paying out from reserves, but this is risky and unsustainable long-term. "Maintenance costs" might be hidden behind vague terms. If AMG charges very low or no maintenance fee publicly, they may be masking it in other ways or reducing payouts. They might rely on the volatile BTC price to justify "fixed return" claims, meaning if the BTC price falls, they could lose money or even default. However, given the transparency issues, it's difficult to validate whether any of these scenarios reflect what actually happens on AMG's infrastructure. The Risks to Users If you're considering investing in AMG Crypto cloud mining, here are some of the biggest risks you should weigh very carefully: Counterparty Risk: Without clear proof of actual mining rigs, your "mining contract" may be purely speculative. Withdrawal Risk: As reported by users, getting your rewards out may be difficult or impossible. Liquidity Risk: There may not be a robust secondary market to trade or exit your mining contract. Price Volatility: Even if AMG does pay out, the value of your mined crypto could drop sharply. Regulatory Risk: Cloud mining platforms fall into a risky regulatory space; depending on your jurisdiction, the operation may be unlicensed or unregulated. Scam Risk: Given many red flags (low trust score, user reports, etc.), the possibility of a Ponzi scheme or scam structure is real. What to Do If You Want to Proceed: Advice for Cautious Users If, after considering these risks, you still want to try AMG (or any similar cloud mining platform), take these steps: Start Small: Use only the minimal investment ($12)   and don't allocate significant capital. Test Withdrawals: After your first few rewards, try to withdraw to your own crypto wallet. If withdrawal fails, don't scale up. Use a Separate Wallet: Don't link your main crypto holdings. Use a new wallet address for any payout attempts. Document Everything: Take screenshots of your dashboard, earnings, and any withdrawal attempts that could matter if things go wrong. Verify Legitimacy: Try to find proof of data center operations, ownership, or third-party audits. Be Ready to Walk Away: If something seems off, particularly with payouts, be prepared to pull your capital. Can AMG Crypto Cloud Mining Truly Deliver on Its Payouts? While AMG Crypto Cloud Mining may offer an appealing "mine without hardware" pitch, there is scant trustworthy evidence to prove that its payout model works as advertised in a sustainable, transparent way. Low third-party trust scores, multiple user complaints about withdrawals, and the nature of its "fixed returns" all raise red flags that suggest this may not be a traditional or legitimate mining operation. For cautious or risk-averse users, cloud mining in general, especially with smaller, less-proven platforms, should be approached with skepticism. If you do decide to engage, do so conservatively, test the payout mechanism, protect your funds, and don't invest money you can't afford to lose. FAQs How does AMG Crypto Cloud Mining claim to pay out? The platform credits daily mining rewards to users’ accounts based on their contract level, supposedly in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. Is AMG Crypto mining legitimate? There is no clear proof of real mining operations; multiple user complaints and low trust scores suggest caution. Can I withdraw my rewards reliably? Some users report failed withdrawals and blocked accounts, indicating that payouts may not always be possible. What are the main risks? Counterparty risk, withdrawal risk, BTC price volatility, liquidity risk, and potential scams. How can I minimize risk if trying AMG Crypto? Invest only small amounts, use a separate wallet, test withdrawals early, and document all transactions. References Coinpedia: AMGCrypto Launches A New Program To Earn Bitcoin With No Fee Crypture: Is Cloud Mining a Legitimate Way to Earn Crypto or Is It Usually a Scam? Scam Detector: Is amgcrypto.com Legit?