The Federal Reserve Board took a decisive step on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, by officially withdrawing a restrictive 2023 policy statement that had effectively barred many state-chartered banks from the cryptocurrency sector. This major regulatory pivot centers on the interpretation of Section 9(13) of the Federal Reserve Act, which previously imposed a "strong presumption" against allowing state member banks to engage in activities not explicitly permitted for national banks. By rescinding this guidance, the central bank is creating a new pathway for both insured and uninsured state member banks to seek permission for "innovative activities," signaling a broader shift toward integrating digital assets into the formal U.S. banking system. Dismantling Barriers for Uninsured State Member Banks The 2023 policy was originally implemented during a period of intense regulatory scrutiny following the collapse of major crypto platforms and the failure of several crypto-friendly banks. At that time, the Fed aimed to level the playing field by ensuring that all banks, regardless of their insurance status, adhered to the same narrow set of permissible activities as national banks supervised by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. In practice, this meant that uninsured institutions, such as Wyoming-chartered "special purpose" banks, were frequently denied access to the Fed's master accounts and payment systems if they intended to hold digital assets on their balance sheets or provide stablecoin services. The withdrawal of this policy acknowledges that the financial system and the Board’s own understanding of these technologies have matured, making the rigid restrictions of the past two years no longer appropriate for a modern economy. Under the updated 2025 framework, the Federal Reserve will now evaluate applications from uninsured banks on a case-by-case basis rather than applying a blanket presumption of denial. This change is particularly significant for institutions like Custodia Bank, which has long challenged the Fed's authority to block its entry into the central banking system. By adopting the principle of "different activity, different risks, different regulation," the Board is moving away from the "same risk, same regulation" mantra that critics argued stifled innovation. Regulatory Dissent and the Future of Financial Stability The decision to rescined the policy was not unanimous, passing with a 6 to 1 vote that highlighted deep divisions within the Federal Reserve's leadership regarding the pace of crypto adoption. Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle W. Bowman, a vocal proponent of the change, argued that creating a pathway for responsible innovation is essential for ensuring that the U.S. banking sector remains efficient and competitive. She noted that new technologies offer significant potential for improving bank operations and customer services, provided they are implemented within a clear regulatory structure. This perspective reflects an emerging consensus in Washington that the U.S. must provide a stable legal environment for digital finance to prevent capital and talent from migrating to offshore jurisdictions with more favorable rules. However, the dissenting vote from Governor Michael S. Barr underscores the persistent concerns about systemic risk and "regulatory arbitrage." In his dissent, Barr warned that rescinding the 2023 policy could encourage banks to seek out state charters with the least restrictive rules, potentially undermining the stability of the entire financial network. He argued that the original policy provided a vital safeguard by ensuring that the same banking activities were subject to the same regulatory standards across all types of institutions. As the Federal Reserve begins to review new applications for crypto-related services, the industry will be watching closely to see how the Board balances this commitment to innovation with the need to prevent the kind of contagion that rocked the markets in early 2023.

Why Is Binance Reassessing Its US Strategy? Binance is exploring ways to re-establish a stronger foothold in the United States, and discussions include scenarios where Changpeng “CZ” Zhao’s majority stake in the exchange could be reduced. Bloomberg reported that Zhao’s controlling interest has been viewed as a barrier to operating in important US states, according to people familiar with the matter. The talks remain open-ended, with no specific plan agreed upon. The reassessment follows years of regulatory tension and the ongoing separation between Binance’s global operations and Binance.US, the independent platform created in 2019 to serve American customers. The world’s largest crypto exchange by trading volume is again evaluating whether a broader return to the US is possible, and what structural changes may be required to make that happen. Speculation intensified in October after former President Donald Trump issued a pardon for Zhao. Crypto industry executives interpreted his public comments afterward as a possible signal of renewed US ambitions. “Will do everything we can to help make America the capital of crypto and advance Web3 worldwide,” Zhao said at the time. Investor Takeaway A US comeback would give Binance access to American liquidity and institutional partners, but any move may depend on reducing CZ’s stake and satisfying state-level regulatory requirements. What Role Could Partnerships With US Firms Play? Binance is evaluating partnerships with American companies, including BlackRock and World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a DeFi platform connected to President Trump. These discussions are described as early-stage but reflect the exchange’s attempt to align with regulated institutions or US-affiliated platforms to ease market entry. If Binance proceeds, such arrangements could offer credibility in jurisdictions where regulators remain skeptical. Some US states require stringent ownership structures for financial service providers. Any revised corporate framework may need to show that Zhao no longer holds a controlling stake, or that decision-making authority has shifted to leadership acceptable under state rules. Binance.US—operated separately by BAM Trading Services—remains limited compared with the global exchange. It does not offer derivatives or access to Binance.com liquidity, and has been under scrutiny since the SEC alleged in 2023 that Binance Holdings Ltd. exerted influence over both platforms. Both companies have denied that allegation. How Big Is the US Market Opportunity for Binance? The United States ranks second in global crypto adoption, according to Chainalysis’ 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index. It is also home to some of the deepest liquidity pools and the largest institutional asset managers. For Binance, regaining visibility in the US would reinforce its global lead and create new onramps for traders who cannot access Binance.com directly. Despite stepping away from US customers in 2019, Binance has remained the top centralized exchange by volume, according to CoinGecko. But the absence of a full US presence limits the exchange’s access to American capital—one of the key reasons Binance is now reconsidering structural changes. Neither Binance nor Binance.US responded to requests for comment. Investor Takeaway If Binance manages a compliant return, the global exchange landscape could shift again. The challenge lies in navigating state-level rules and political pushback tied to CZ’s past legal issues. What Political Headwinds Could Binance Face? Trump’s pardon of Zhao has already sparked opposition among Democratic lawmakers. Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized the decision as “corruption,” while Congresswoman Maxine Waters called it a form of pay-to-play, accusing Trump of doing favors for an industry that “helped line his pockets.” Their reactions highlight tensions that could resurface if Binance seeks broader US approval. Some lawmakers remain deeply skeptical of the company’s compliance history and have warned against giving the crypto industry additional leverage in the US financial system. Still, the political landscape is divided. While some Democrats view the sector as a source of systemic risk, others in Washington see blockchain development as a competitiveness issue. The response to a potential Binance re-entry would likely depend on the regulatory package the company presents—and whether Zhao retains any direct operational authority. What Comes Next? Any path forward remains unsettled. The internal discussions reported so far point to two major questions: how far Binance is willing to go in restructuring ownership, and whether US partners are prepared to link their brands to the company’s comeback effort. The timing also aligns with shifting regulatory expectations and ongoing debates about how large crypto exchanges should be supervised. For now, Binance appears to be weighing its options. A re-entry into the United States would be one of the company’s largest strategic moves since its exit in 2019. Whether it becomes possible will depend as much on political reaction as regulatory design.

Where Has Caroline Ellison Been Moved—and Why Now? Caroline Ellison, the former CEO of Alameda Research who pleaded guilty for her role in the collapse of FTX, has been transferred out of the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Connecticut. Federal Bureau of Prisons records on Wednesday showed Ellison listed at a Residential Reentry Management field office in New York City. This marks her first housing change since beginning her two-year sentence in November 2024. Prison officials recorded the transfer on Oct. 16, though no explanation was provided. According to public records, Ellison is scheduled to be released on Feb. 20—roughly nine months before the end of her original sentence. The reason for the accelerated timeline was not disclosed. Ellison received one of the shortest prison terms among the former FTX executives. Sam Bankman-Fried, the exchange’s founder and former CEO, was sentenced to 25 years. Former FTX Digital Markets co-CEO Ryan Salame accepted a plea deal and received a seven-and-a-half-year sentence. Investor Takeaway Ellison’s early release and renewed public attention could revive interest in the FTX case as financial settlements, civil claims, and media projects continue to unfold. How Did Ellison’s Testimony Shape the FTX Criminal Case? Ellison, Bankman-Fried and other senior FTX and Alameda executives were indicted in late 2022 after the exchange imploded. Unlike Bankman-Fried, who pleaded not guilty and fought the charges at trial, Ellison admitted to fraud and money laundering conspiracies and cooperated extensively with prosecutors. Her testimony became a key part of the government’s case. In court, she described the internal systems and decisions that led to Alameda drawing an estimated $14 billion from FTX customer accounts. According to reporting from the courtroom, Ellison told jurors that Bankman-Fried “set up the systems” that enabled Alameda to access the funds. Her cooperation stood in contrast to Bankman-Fried’s approach. After his arrest, he remained active online, kept posting to social media and maintained a public-facing posture. A federal judge later revoked his bail in August 2023 after he allegedly leaked portions of Ellison’s personal diary to The New York Times. That incident pushed Ellison back into public view briefly, but her location remained unknown until she appeared on the witness stand in October 2023. Her detailed account of FTX’s internal structure and Alameda’s liabilities helped shape the narrative that led to Bankman-Fried’s conviction. Why Is Ellison’s Case Still Drawing Attention? Ellison became one of the most scrutinized figures tied to the FTX collapse—second only to Bankman-Fried. In remarks included in a September 2024 sentencing recommendation, prosecutors wrote: “She was mobbed outside the courthouse for comment and photographs, making it difficult to enter and exit without an escort, her physical appearance was scrutinized and criticized, and she was mocked in memes and other content on social media.” Authorities noted that although public backlash is common in high-profile cases, Ellison faced an unusually intense reaction online. Her brief relationship with Bankman-Fried also drew attention, often overshadowing the technical details of the criminal investigation. Ellison’s background added further interest. A native of Boston, she met Bankman-Fried at Jane Street in 2016 before joining Alameda in 2017. She became co-CEO with Sam Trabucco and later the sole chief executive when Trabucco stepped down in 2022—just months before FTX collapsed. Investor Takeaway Media coverage of Ellison is likely to spike again ahead of her February release, especially with Netflix’s “The Altruists” set to revisit the collapse of FTX and Alameda. What Happens Next for Ellison—and for the FTX Story? With Ellison now in transitional custody and nearing early release, attention is shifting to how her role will be portrayed in upcoming legal proceedings and media projects. Netflix is preparing a miniseries, The Altruists, featuring Julia Garner as Ellison. The show is expected to examine her relationship with Bankman-Fried and the chain of events that led to the exchange’s collapse. Meanwhile, civil cases tied to FTX continue. Creditors, customers and institutions involved in the exchange’s operations are still working through lawsuits, clawback attempts and settlement negotiations. Ellison’s early release does not affect these processes, but it puts one of the investigation’s central witnesses back in public focus at a time when the story is being retold through books, documentaries and court filings. Her cooperation helped prosecutors secure one of the most high-profile financial-crime convictions of the past decade. As she leaves federal custody, Ellison’s role in the FTX saga will remain part of the broader effort to assess how one of crypto’s largest failures unfolded.

What Happened and When Will Pham Join MoonPay? Commodity Futures Trading Commission Acting Chair Caroline Pham will take a senior role at crypto finance company MoonPay once her time at the agency ends, the firm said on Wednesday. Pham has already stated publicly that she plans to leave after a new CFTC chair is confirmed. President Donald Trump’s nominee, Mike Selig, is expected to appear at a confirmation hearing this week. MoonPay said Pham will become its chief legal officer and chief administrative officer. Her exact start date remains unsettled because Selig has not yet been confirmed. A MoonPay spokesperson said in an email that her transition depends on when leadership at the CFTC formally changes. MoonPay CEO Ivan Soto-Wright welcomed the move, writing on X: “Her leadership at @cftc has shaped policies that expand financial freedom and crypto innovation. Now we’ll turn that progress into real outcomes for users and partners globally.” Investor Takeaway A senior U.S. regulator moving directly into a top crypto role signals how closely traditional policy work and private-sector digital asset initiatives are intertwining—especially around compliance and market structure. What Has Pham Focused on During Her Time at the CFTC? Pham has played a central role in the agency’s crypto work over the past year through its “Crypto Sprint,” a multi-track effort to clarify how existing rules apply to digital assets. Last week, she said the CFTC would withdraw guidance on the “actual delivery” of digital assets, describing it as “outdated and overly complex.” The step was framed as part of the agency’s effort to streamline compliance expectations and reduce ambiguity for trading platforms. Earlier this month, Pham announced that Bitnomial became the first exchange to list spot crypto products approved by the regulator. The approval widened the CFTC’s oversight footprint and marked a shift toward more standardized listings under the U.S. derivatives regulator. Pham also created a CEO Innovation Council to give the agency direct input from market leaders as crypto platforms grow more active in derivatives and settlement infrastructure. The first round of participants included Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan, Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman, and Gemini CEO Tyler Winklevoss. What Does Her Move Mean for MoonPay? MoonPay, which builds tools for crypto payments, wallets, and enterprise onboarding, has spent the past two years improving its regulatory standing as it expands internationally. Bringing in Pham gives the firm a former U.S. regulator with direct experience handling enforcement priorities, guidance withdrawals, and approval pathways for new trading products. The hire arrives during a period of wider repositioning for the company. MoonPay’s infrastructure is increasingly used by payment firms and consumer brands experimenting with blockchain-based tools. A senior legal and administrative executive with federal regulatory experience may support MoonPay’s plans to work more closely with financial institutions trying to move into regulated digital asset products. Investor Takeaway MoonPay is adding regulatory depth at a moment when crypto firms are under heavier scrutiny. Pham’s background could help the company navigate licensing work, product reviews, and partnerships with firms that require clearer compliance pathways. What Comes Next? Pham will remain at the CFTC until the Senate acts on Selig’s nomination. Once a new chair is confirmed, she is expected to shift to MoonPay immediately. Her departure will close a tenure that made the CFTC one of the most active federal agencies on crypto-related matters, from delivery rules to spot product approvals. How quickly she begins at MoonPay depends entirely on the timing of the confirmation. Until then, she continues to oversee the agency during a period when digital asset oversight remains one of the CFTC’s most visible priorities.

As 2025 comes to an end, more people are intentionally positioning themselves for Web3 jobs. Companies are recruiting with Specific organizational needs, defined role expectations and long-term execution in mind. Web3 startups are concentrating on building reliable infrastructure that is secure, scalable, compliant, and user-friendly. This transition has changed the types of roles companies hire for and the skill sets they consider valuable. In this article, we examine the Web3 roles that are gaining relevance as we move into 2026, what these roles actually involve, and why demand for them is increasing in the Web3 market. Key Takeaways • Web3 hiring in 2026 prioritizes durability, security, and operational discipline. • AI expertise is increasingly integrated across multiple Web3 roles. • Both technical and non-technical roles are critical for scaling startups effectively. • Legal, compliance, and leadership positions are growing rapidly in importance. • Early hands-on experience and proof of work significantly improve access to Web3 Jobs. Top Web3 Jobs in Demand for 2026 Web3 startups are focusing on a core set of roles essential for security, growth and sustainable product development. These positions are consistently found across established teams. 1. AI Automation Engineer AI automation engineers design systems that streamline operations across Web3 platforms. They build workflows that automate monitoring, analytics, fraud detection, and internal processes. This role sits at the intersection of AI and blockchain, helping teams scale without increasing operational risk. Demand is strong because automation improves efficiency and reduces human error, making this one of the most important Web3 jobs today. 2. Blockchain Engineer Blockchain engineers play a critical role in Web3 development. They design smart contracts, protocol logic, and network integrations. In 2026, companies expect deeper expertise in system design, upgradeability, and security. Creating functional code is only part of the job. Engineers must be aware of how decentralized systems behave in live environments. 3. Web3 Product Manager Product managers guide how decentralized technology becomes usable products. They translate complex systems into features users can understand. This role requires technical literacy, user empathy, and regulatory awareness. Strong product leadership has become a defining factor in successful Web3 startups, which keeps demand high and makes it one of the web3 jobs that is very important today. 4. Smart Contract Security Analyst Security analysts focus on protecting protocols from vulnerabilities and economic attacks. They review contract logic, simulate threat scenarios, and support audit processes. With the cost of exploits well documented, this role is now considered essential. Security expertise directly affects users and survival of the platform. 5. Legal and Compliance Specialist As Web3 integrates with global financial systems, legal and compliance expertise has become critical. These professionals help startups navigate regulatory frameworks while maintaining decentralization principles. Their work enables expansion into new markets. This role is one of the fastest growing categories in web3 jobs. How to Position Yourself for Web3 Jobs in 2026 • Intentional learning  Focus on intentional learning that builds relevant skills for web3 jobs. Pick a protocol, understand how it works, and practice building on it. Companies want people who can deliver results. • Engage with Real Products Use Web3 platforms, test smart contracts, or explore DeFi tools. Engage with real products to improve your eligibility for Web3 jobs. The more you understand how products behave, the better you can contribute to building or improving them. • Contribute to the Ecosystem Open-source contributions, governance participation, or active community work show you can collaborate and this demonstrates your value.These are far more visible to recruiters than a CV alone. • Understand Startup Operations Learn how Web3 startups operate day-to-day. Knowing how teams manage projects, scale, and solve problems sets you apart. Being able to hit the ground running is a huge advantage. • Build Proof of Work Showcase your skills through tangible contributions. Deliver tangible outputs, deploy a smart contract, manage a project, or lead a small initiative. These are the proofs hiring managers actually look for. • Align Skills with Market Demand Study the roles companies are hiring for and tailor your experience to them. Whether it’s security, AI integration, or product management, show that your capabilities match current demand. The closer your skills are to what companies need, the stronger your advantage in 2026. Final Thoughts Now you have an idea of what Web3 companies are looking for in 2026 and the roles that are driving growth and innovation. By positioning yourself intentionally, focusing on building relevant skills, and aligning your experience with what companies need, you can secure a meaningful role and make a impact in the Web3 ecosystem. Taking the initiative to contribute, learn, and adapt puts you ahead of the competition and opens doors to opportunities where your contribution is visible and valued.  

What Is B3 Building for 2026? Brazil’s main stock exchange, B3, is preparing a broad push into tokenized finance through a new platform that will allow assets to be issued, traded and settled onchain. Alongside it, the exchange plans to launch a stablecoin linked to the Brazilian real to serve as the clearing asset inside this environment. The two systems will run with shared liquidity, creating a unified market between tokenized instruments and traditional securities. Luiz Masagão, B3’s vice president of products and clients, said the structure is designed so buyers will not need to distinguish between tokenized and conventional assets when submitting an order. “The token buyer won't know they are buying from a traditional stock seller,” he said. “This allows for a smooth transition, with both systems using the same liquidity.” The exchange expects the tokenization platform and the stablecoin to launch next year, marking one of the most direct attempts by a major market operator to merge centralized market infrastructure with onchain rails. Investor Takeaway B3 is preparing to offer tokenized assets with the same liquidity pool as its traditional markets. This is a rare case where a national exchange is building tokenization directly into its core trading stack. How Will B3’s Stablecoin Work Inside the Exchange? B3’s planned stablecoin will function as the settlement and payments layer for tokenized trades. Instead of relying on fiat settlement cycles, the coin will move inside the exchange’s closed environment to clear transactions instantly. Masagão said, “We are also going to launch a B3 stablecoin, which will serve as a tool to enable token trading.” The token is expected to maintain a peg to the Brazilian real. B3 views the stablecoin as critical infrastructure rather than a retail-facing product, letting the exchange handle payment, transfer and clearing without depending on legacy cash rails. A unified settlement token also allows tokenized assets and traditional assets to coexist in the same liquidity pool, reducing fragmentation. The plan follows a broader push by exchanges and market operators globally to bring tokenization into regulated settings. The RWA market reached more than $18 billion this year, according to RWA.xyz, led by tokenized commodities and U.S. Treasuries. Where Do Crypto Derivatives Fit Into B3’s Strategy? B3 is also preparing new crypto-linked derivatives. The exchange is developing weekly options tied to bitcoin, ether and solana, along with event-based contracts that track crypto prices. These instruments are currently under review by Brazil’s securities regulator, the CVM. Derivatives expansion builds on years of crypto exposure through listed products. B3 listed its first crypto ETF in April 2021, ahead of the U.S., and now offers products tied to BTC, ETH, SOL and multi-asset indices. These ETPs are held by roughly 600,000 investors and represent about $2.4 billion in assets under management. Asset manager Valour also listed four new ETPs earlier this month. Taken together, the new derivatives, the tokenization platform and the stablecoin form B3’s broadest digital-asset roadmap to date. Rather than treating tokenization as a separate venue, B3 intends to make it an extension of its existing market structure. Investor Takeaway A real-linked stablecoin operating inside B3’s ecosystem could streamline settlement for tokenized credit, funds, commodities and equities, removing friction between onchain and traditional markets. Could B3 Become a Regional Hub for Tokenized Markets? Brazil has one of the most active regulated crypto markets in Latin America, and B3’s shift into tokenization signals a deeper integration of crypto infrastructure into mainstream finance. The shared-liquidity model also sets B3 apart from most pilot programs, which often silo tokenized assets on separate systems. If B3’s model works in practice, tokenized products could reach the same investor base that already trades ETFs, equities and derivatives on the exchange. That reduces the entry barrier for issuers exploring tokenized debt or equity, while giving investors access to new formats without changing their workflows. The move also comes as regulators worldwide examine tokenization frameworks. The CVM’s ongoing review of crypto derivatives suggests Brazil wants crypto-linked instruments inside the supervised market rather than on offshore venues. For B3, that opens the door to deeper liquidity for tokenized assets if regulatory approval keeps pace. B3’s 2026 roadmap shows the exchange is preparing for a market where traditional and tokenized assets coexist with minimal distinction. Whether investor demand expands from listed crypto products to fully tokenized assets will be one of the key tests when the system goes live next year.

KEY TAKEAWAYS DBS offers a bank-grade digital asset custody and exchange ecosystem rather than a retail crypto wallet. Institutional security features include cold storage, multi-layer key management, and audited controls. Singapore’s regulatory framework provides added oversight and compliance assurance for investors. Custody, trust structures, and asset segregation reduce counterparty and insolvency risks. Despite strong safeguards, operational, market, and third-party risks still require due diligence.   As banks move into digital assets, institutional and high-net-worth (HNW) investors face a familiar trade-off: convenience and regulatory cover versus counterparty and operational risk. DBS, one of Asia’s largest and most respected banks, has staked a major claim in that middle ground with its digital-asset offerings: DBS Digital Exchange (DDEx), DBS Digital Custody, and related private-bank trust solutions.  But is a “DBS crypto wallet” (really: a bank-grade custody and trading stack) safe enough for institutions and HNW clients? Short answer: It’s a strong option provided investors understand the scope of protections, the custody model, and the remaining limitations. Below, we’ll unpack what DBS offers, the security and regulatory guardrails, and the practical due diligence checklist institutions should use before allocating material capital. What DBS Actually Offers (and What “Wallet” Means) DBS provides an institutional digital-asset ecosystem rather than a consumer hot wallet. That ecosystem includes a trading venue (DBS Digital Exchange), institutional custody services marketed as “DBS Digital Custody,” and private-bank trust structures that let wealth clients hold digital assets within a licensed trust framework. DBS reports growing traction: trading value and assets under custody have climbed significantly as its digital-asset business scales.   Key takeaway: when people say “DBS crypto wallet,” they usually mean custody + exchange + trust capabilities offered by DBS, not a simple self-custody mobile keypair. The Security Architecture: Institutional Controls, Not DIY Keys DBS’s public materials emphasize institutional-grade custody controls, examples include air-gapped cold storage, multi-layer key management, hardware security modules (HSMs) and audited operational procedures meant to meet bank-grade standards. Their custody factsheet explicitly describes air-gapped cold storage and institutional controls designed for professional clients.   Why that matters for institutions and HNW clients: Key Management & Access Controls: Multi-party approvals and segregated roles reduce the chance that a single operator or compromised credential leads to loss. Cold Storage & Air-Gapping: The most valuable private keys are kept offline and only touched using defined, auditable processes. Audits & Reporting: Banks can integrate custody reporting into corporate reconciliation and regulatory audit trails in ways most retail providers cannot. That architecture narrows but does not eliminate operational risk. Institutions must still validate implementation details: exact key-rotation policies, how signing ceremonies work, and whether multisig uses independent key custodians. Regulation and Supervision: an Advantage for Singapore-Based DBS DBS operates under Singapore’s regulatory framework, where the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has clarified rules for digital token service providers and custody practices. Regulators in Singapore require segregation of client assets, strong AML/KYC controls and cyber-risk management guidelines, a meaningful layer of oversight that retail exchanges often lack.   For institutional investors, this brings two benefits: Regulatory Recourse and Disclosure: DBS must meet standards (and is easier to supervise) compared with unregulated offshore venues. Fewer Compliance Blind Spots: Integration with bank reporting systems simplifies KYC/AML and tax reporting. Still, regulation isn’t insurance. It reduces the likelihood of malfeasance and forces transparency, but it doesn’t fully remove counterparty or technology risk. Understanding DBS’s Custody Structure, Insurance Coverage, and Asset Segregation DBS’s model blends bank custody, trust structures, and an exchange environment, each of which has different protections: Bank Custody/Trust: Holding assets in a licensed trust or with a regulated custodian generally means stronger legal segregation and clearer remedies in insolvency events than leaving assets on an unregulated exchange. DBS has offered private-bank trust solutions for crypto custody in the past. Insurance Coverage: Many institutional custodians buy insurance for theft/hacker loss, but limits and exclusions vary widely (policy caps, excluded vectors, social engineering, third-party bridge hacks). Confirm the insurer, coverage limits, and whether the policy covers custodial key compromise vs. exchange solvency. Segregation: Ensure client assets are held separately from the firm’s operating treasury and that DBS’s legal docs provide client primacy on insolvency. Practical due diligence: ask DBS for its custody factsheet, insurance summary, segregation wording, and sample custody agreement, then have legal counsel review. Operational and Counterparty Risks Still Apply Even well-run bank custodians face industry-level risks: Third-Party Dependencies: Providers rely on oracles, blockchain-node operators, and sometimes external custody technology vendors. A third-party toolchain failure or bridge exploit can cause losses even when core custody is secure. Liquidity & Market Risk: For large block trades or OTC needs, execution risk matters. DBS’s integration across custody and exchange can help, but counterparties should test liquidity, slippage, and settlement timelines. DBS has been expanding tokenized fund partnerships and liquidity products, which help but require vetting. Operational Complexity and Human Error: Bank processes reduce risk but introduce complexity. Signing ceremonies, cross-jurisdictional compliance, and bespoke client workflows require operational maturity. Industry context: as custodianship has professionalized, vendors like Fireblocks and others supply custody technology while banks build compliance wrappers. The model is maturing but still evolving. Institutional clients should map the entire operational stack, not only the bank layer. Why DBS Could Be a Good Fit for Institutions and HNWs and When It Might Not DBS can be a strong fit for institutional and high-net-worth investors seeking regulated crypto exposure within a traditional banking framework. Its custody services operate inside a top-tier bank environment, offering institutional-grade controls, audited reporting, and regulatory oversight that appeal to investors prioritizing security and compliance. The integration between custody, trading through DBS Digital Exchange (DDEx), and broader banking services such as fiat rails and tokenized instruments adds further value. This unified setup simplifies execution, settlement, and reporting while reducing operational friction. In addition, DBS’s private-bank trust structures align well with long-term wealth management, estate planning, and intergenerational asset strategies. However, DBS may be less suitable for investors who require full self-custody and direct control over private keys, as its model places operational control with the custodian. It may also not meet the needs of those seeking exposure to highly illiquid altcoins or permissionless DeFi strategies that depend on non-custodial wallet interactions. Finally, investors requiring non-bank settlement rails or operating extensively in jurisdictions outside DBS’s licensed footprint may find limitations in coverage and flexibility, making alternative custody or hybrid solutions more appropriate. A practical Due Diligence Checklist for Institutions / HNW Investors Institutional and high-net-worth investors must approach crypto custody with the same rigor applied to traditional financial assets. A structured due diligence checklist helps identify operational, legal, and security risks while ensuring the custody solution aligns with internal governance and regulatory requirements. Obtain the Custody Factsheet and Insurance Schedule: Confirm air-gap and HSM arrangements and the exact wording of insurance coverage.   Review Segregation & Insolvency Protections: Get legal confirmation that client assets are ring-fenced. Map the Operational Stack: Which third parties run keys, oracles, and node infrastructure? How are they vetted? Test Liquidity and Settlement: Do these via small pilot trades and OTC quotes; validate settlement timing with accounting systems. Check Regulatory Scope: Ensure DBS’s services cover your jurisdictional and reporting needs (use MAS guidance as a baseline).   Understand Product Limits: Which tokens are supported, and what governance/version risks exist for those tokens? DBS Crypto Custody: A Bank-Grade Option for Institutional and HNW Investors DBS offers a credible, bank-grade custody and trading ecosystem that removes many of the pain points institutional and HNW clients face on unregulated venues: regulatory oversight, segregation, audited controls, and integration with traditional banking. Public materials and recent product partnerships show the bank scaling custody and tokenized liquidity services, a positive signal for institutional clients.   That said, “safe” is relative. Institutions must perform legal, security, and operational due diligence: read the custody agreement, verify insurance, stress-test settlement flows, and map third-party dependencies. For most institutional and HNW investors seeking regulated custody (over self-custody), DBS presents a strong, defensible option, but it’s not a silver bullet that removes all crypto-specific risks. FAQs What is the DBS crypto wallet? The DBS crypto wallet refers to DBS’s institutional digital asset custody and trading services, including DBS Digital Exchange and custody solutions, not a consumer self-custody wallet. Is DBS crypto custody regulated? Yes. DBS operates under Singapore’s regulatory framework, with oversight from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), which enforces strict compliance and risk management standards. How secure is DBS’s crypto custody solution? DBS uses institutional-grade security measures such as cold storage, air-gapped systems, multi-signature approvals, and audited operational processes to protect client assets. Does DBS insure digital assets held in custody? DBS may maintain insurance coverage for certain custodial risks, but coverage limits and exclusions vary. Institutional clients should review insurance terms carefully during due diligence. Is DBS suitable for self-custody investors? No. Investors seeking full control of private keys or deep DeFi interaction may find DBS’s custodial model restrictive compared to non-custodial wallets. References MAS: MAS Clarifies Regulatory Regime for Digital Token Service Providers Reuters: DBS, Franklin Templeton, Ripple team up on tokenised money market fund trading Fireblocks: Digital Asset Custody as the Strategic Foundation for Banking’s Digital Future

EDX Markets has entered into a strategic partnership with the Canton Network, marking a further step in the convergence of traditional market infrastructure and blockchain-based financial systems. The collaboration brings together EDX’s institutional-only digital asset trading venue and central clearinghouse with Canton’s public, permissionless blockchain designed specifically for regulated financial markets. Under the agreement, EDX Markets will list Canton Coin on its spot exchange, allowing clients to trade and settle the asset directly. In parallel, EDX will support settlement in stablecoins on the Canton Network, enabling institutions to execute digital asset transactions with faster settlement cycles and improved capital efficiency, while maintaining the regulatory safeguards expected in institutional environments. Both EDX Markets and the Canton Network are backed by blue-chip financial institutions, positioning the partnership as a bridge between established market participants and emerging onchain finance models. The initiative reflects growing demand from institutions seeking blockchain-native efficiencies without compromising governance, compliance or operational oversight. Takeaway: The EDX–Canton partnership highlights how institutional trading venues are moving beyond crypto market access toward regulated, blockchain-based settlement and infrastructure integration. Stablecoin Settlement and Validator Participation Strengthen Canton A core element of the partnership is EDX Markets’ support for stablecoin settlement on the Canton Network. By enabling institutions to settle trades using stablecoins on Canton, EDX aims to reduce friction in post-trade processes and offer clients greater flexibility in managing liquidity across digital and traditional asset classes. Beyond trading and settlement, EDX Markets will also operate as a validator on the Canton Network. This role places EDX directly within the network’s governance and security framework, reinforcing Canton’s institutional-grade design and contributing to the resilience of the blockchain as adoption scales across global financial markets. “Partnering with the Canton Network is a natural extension of our commitment to deliver high-performance, institution-ready infrastructure to the digital asset marketplace,” said David Olsson, Chief Commercial Officer for EDX Markets. “By supporting stablecoin settlement on Canton and participating directly in network validation, we’re advancing our mission to provide secure, compliant and efficient solutions that meet the needs of institutional investors.” Accelerating Institutional Adoption of Tokenized Assets The collaboration reflects a shared objective between EDX Markets and the Canton Network to accelerate institutional adoption of digital assets and tokenized financial instruments. Canton’s privacy-enabled architecture is designed to allow regulated entities to transact onchain while retaining control over data visibility, compliance obligations and counterparty risk. “We’re delighted to welcome EDX Markets as both a validator and a strategic partner,” said Melvis Langyintuo, Head of Canton Foundation. “EDX shares our commitment to meeting institutional requirements for privacy, security, compliance and scalability. Their involvement will help accelerate the development of new capabilities for institutions building on Canton.” Looking ahead, EDX and Canton plan to continue collaborating on additional integrations and joint initiatives aimed at modernising legacy market workflows and expanding the use of blockchain infrastructure in institutional finance. As more regulated participants seek to engage with digital assets, partnerships like this signal a shift from experimentation toward production-grade, institutionally governed onchain markets.  

What Prompted the DFSA’s Latest Warning? The Dubai Financial Services Authority has issued new alerts after identifying multiple impersonation schemes targeting investors and financial firms linked to the Dubai International Financial Centre. The warnings follow two separate cases where scammers used the names of regulated and non-regulated firms to pass themselves off as authorised entities. In the first case, fraudsters impersonated GSB Capital Ltd, a firm authorised by the DFSA. The group created a website, “getmyloans.info,” which has since been removed, and used the identities of real employees to present the operation as legitimate. The regulator noted that this is the second time GSB Capital Ltd’s name has been misused and stressed that the firm has no involvement in the activity. A second alert involved a group claiming false DFSA authorisation while impersonating Mirante Fund Management SA, a legitimate Swiss firm supervised by FINMA. The scammers circulated a forged document containing a UK stock exchange logo and a fabricated DFSA reference number in an attempt to convince recipients the firm operated under DFSA oversight. Investor Takeaway The DFSA says neither GSB Capital Ltd nor Mirante Fund Management SA is involved in the scams. Any unsolicited offers referencing these names or claiming DFSA approval should be treated as fraudulent. How Are Scammers Exploiting Investor Trust? Both schemes relied on tactics that have become increasingly common in financial fraud: forged regulatory documents, misused company names, and fake reference numbers. The DFSA noted that scammers often use the branding of well-known authorities or exchanges to create the appearance of legitimacy, hoping that investors will not verify the details. By using real employee names or mimicking authorised firms, fraudsters attempt to sidestep the usual red flags associated with unlicensed operators. The DFSA said such behaviour aims to exploit public trust in regulated structures and create pressure for quick decisions, especially in communications involving loans, investments, or “exclusive” opportunities. In both cases highlighted this week, the regulator urged the public not to respond to any communications linked to the scams and not to send money or disclose personal or financial information to unknown parties. What Tools Does the DFSA Provide to Verify a Firm’s Status? To help stem the increase in impersonation attempts, the authority maintains an Alerts section on its website where it publishes known scams and fraudulent activity. It also offers consumer guidance explaining common tactics used in impersonation schemes, including spoofed email domains, counterfeit licences, and cloned websites. Investors can verify the regulatory status of a firm or individual through the DFSA’s Public Register, which lists all entities licensed to operate in or from the DIFC. The regulator also encouraged users to contact the DFSA directly if they receive correspondence that appears suspicious or inconsistent with known regulatory procedures. The authority also reminded the public that it does not solicit investments, request payments, or send unsolicited offers. Any message claiming to be issued by the DFSA or DIFC Authority that asks for funds should be regarded as suspicious until confirmed through official channels. Investor Takeaway Verify any firm or individual through the DFSA Public Register before engaging. The regulator stresses that it never requests payments or investment commitments from the public. Why Are Impersonation Schemes Rising? The alerts reflect a broader increase in cross-border digital scams targeting investors in regulated hubs. Fraud groups often operate outside the UAE and use web-based templates that can be quickly cloned. The DFSA said these schemes now frequently involve fabricated regulatory identifiers, forged approvals and documents referencing bodies such as the DFSA, the DIFC Authority or foreign exchanges. As these cases grow more complex, the regulator urged firms and individuals to remain alert, check regulatory credentials independently and report any suspected wrongdoing. Concerns involving false claims of authorisation can be raised with the DIFC Authority by phone or submitted directly to the DFSA through its complaints function.

Bhutan promised up to 10,000 Bitcoin, worth about $1 billion, to help build Gelephu Mindfulness City. In his National Day speech, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck spoke about the Bitcoin Development Pledge as a promise to the people, youth, and the country's future. The project makes Bitcoin a key part of the envisaged special administrative region's economy and job development. Pledge Commitment The vow says that the Bitcoin reserves can only be used for the city's benefit, and it stresses making money above selling them. Jigdrel Singay, a board member at Gelephu Mindfulness City, told Decrypt that the 10,000 BTC is "both a reserve delegation and a proactive effort to generate yields from these BTC for the growth of GMC." Bhutan clearly says it won't liquidate, prioritizing capital preservation over short-term gains. Singay discussed plans for the future, including using collateral to preserve the value of digital assets, managing risk through yield and treasury approaches, and storing assets for long-term purposes. The monarchy will leverage its existing blockchain expertise to manage these reserves, with strict oversight and open governance. Mindfulness City Vision Gelephu Mindfulness City combines Bhutanese Buddhist ideas with long-term economic growth to keep young people in the country and help it grow. The monarch said that "every Bhutanese will be a custodian, stakeholder, and beneficiary of GMC." Since the majority of the land is under government control, a new policy treats people from all Dzongkhags as shareholders, ensuring that everyone benefits. "Think of GMC as a business and landowners as its shareholders," His Majesty said. Most of the land in Bhutan is held by the government, thus people from all Dzongkhags would benefit from its success. The project aims to create jobs, diversify the economy, and improve infrastructure. It builds on Bhutan's early use of blockchain technology for hydroelectric-powered Bitcoin mining. A Bigger Bitcoin Plan According to Arkham Intelligence data, Bhutan is the eighth largest sovereign holder of Bitcoin, with 5,984 BTC valued at over $522 million through Druk Holding and Investments. This promise is one of the most significant uses of digital assets by a government for infrastructure, showing that Bitcoin is becoming a more mature strategic reserve asset. The promise shows how Bhutan is adopting a new strategy for managing its national wealth in a world where cryptocurrencies are becoming increasingly popular. The monarch is betting on Bitcoin's long-term value to help Gelephu Mindfulness City become a model for mindful economic growth by not selling anything.

KEY TAKEAWAYS Tokenized assets convert traditional instruments like cash, bonds, and real estate into blockchain-based tokens. Fractional ownership and 24/7 trading improve liquidity and portfolio diversification. Smart contracts automate compliance, settlement, and dividend distribution, reducing operational costs. Tokenized collateral and receivables streamline risk management and working capital optimization. Regulatory clarity and adoption remain key challenges for corporate treasuries integrating tokenized assets.   Tokenized assets are converting traditional financial instruments like bonds, real estate, and cash equivalents into blockchain-based digital tokens, enabling corporate treasuries to operate with unprecedented speed, liquidity, and transparency. This shift allows treasurers to move beyond legacy banking constraints, unlocking 24/7 global markets and programmable money for optimized cash flows. Firms like BlackRock and JPMorgan, piloting tokenized funds, demonstrate that corporate balance sheets could gain billions in efficiency as adoption increases. In this article, we examine how tokenized assets are reshaping corporate treasury management, the benefits they offer, and the challenges companies face when integrating these digital instruments into their financial strategies. Core Mechanics of Tokenization in Treasury Tokenization represents real-world assets (RWAs) as digital tokens on blockchains like Ethereum or specialized enterprise networks, often using standards such as ERC-20 or ERC-1400 for regulatory compliance. These tokens can denote fractional ownership of Treasury Bills, invoices, commercial real estate, or even idle cash, with smart contracts automating transfers, dividend payouts, and compliance checks. For treasuries, this allows instant settlement to replace traditional T+2 cycles, reducing counterparty risk and freeing trapped capital. Platforms from providers like Antier, Fireblocks, or Techahead integrate with ERP systems to provide real-time dashboards for cross-border liquidity sweeps without relying on intermediaries. This kind of automation is particularly valuable for multinational corporations, where capital moves across multiple subsidiaries and jurisdictions. Liquidity Transformation for Cash Management Traditional treasuries often deal with idle cash stuck in low-yield accounts due to settlement delays and geographic silos. Tokenized cash or deposit tokens enable “always-on” money, transferable 24/7 across subsidiaries, partners, or investment platforms, cutting working capital needs by 20–30% in some models. Fractionalization democratizes access: a $10M Treasury Bill can be split into 10,000 tokens tradeable globally, injecting liquidity into otherwise illiquid holdings. Treasurers can also deploy programmable liquidity pools, where excess cash automatically invests in tokenized funds or DeFi protocols yielding 5%+ annually, all while maintaining full audit trails. This liquidity transformation also impacts treasury forecasting. Real-time visibility into tokenized holdings allows finance teams to predict cash requirements more accurately and respond to market volatility instantly. It reduces reliance on overnight sweeps or interbank transfers, which historically incur delays and costs. Collateral and Risk Management Upgrades Collateral posting for derivatives, repos, or credit lines typically ties up assets for days across custodians. Tokenized assets streamline this process: securities or cash equivalents move atomically via smart contracts, with price oracles triggering auto-adjustments based on real-time valuations. Blockchain’s immutable ledger reduces disputes over ownership, enabling dynamic collateral optimization. Underutilized assets can now secure multiple obligations simultaneously, enhancing capital efficiency. For multinational corporations, tokenized collateral allows intraday margin calls in volatile FX or commodity markets, improving liquidity utilization and risk management. Traditional Collateral Tokenized Collateral T+2 settlement, custodian silos Near-instant atomic swaps Manual valuation, error-prone Oracle-fed smart contract automation High opportunity cost Multi-use across protocols Limited to banking hours 24/7 global access Revolutionizing Supply Chain Finance Tokenized invoices and trade receivables transform payables into instant liquidity sources. Suppliers receive tokens backed by corporate guarantees, tradeable on secondary markets, while buyers settle via stablecoins without SWIFT delays. Smart contracts enforce automatic payments once delivery is verified through IoT oracles, reducing Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) by over 50% and mitigating fraud risks through on-chain provenance. For instance, Cummins India’s blockchain-based trade finance project reduced processing times from weeks to hours, stabilizing supplier relationships and ensuring continuity during economic stress. Tokenization also facilitates supply chain financing for smaller vendors, enabling early access to capital that would otherwise require complex banking approvals or credit arrangements. By digitizing and fractionalizing receivables, treasuries can free up working capital while providing financial support across the supplier network. Investment Portfolio Expansion Tokenization broadens corporate treasuries’ investable universe to include previously illiquid assets such as real estate, art, carbon credits, or private equity. Fractional shares lower entry barrier. For example, owning 0.1% of a commercial property through tokens can provide a steady income stream, while 24/7 trading boosts overall portfolio returns. Compliance is embedded directly: KYC/AML checks via soulbound tokens ensure only eligible investors participate, simplifying reporting under IFRS or GAAP. Surplus cash can be deployed into tokenized money market funds with instant redemption, outperforming traditional MMFs by minimizing liquidity drag. Furthermore, tokenized portfolios enable treasurers to hedge risks more effectively. By diversifying across multiple tokenized RWAs, treasuries can reduce exposure to single-asset volatility while maintaining transparent, blockchain-verified ownership records. Operational Efficiency and Cost Savings Administrative burdens like dividend payouts, interest calculations, and shareholder votes are dramatically reduced through automation. Smart contracts distribute interest proportionally to token holders, cutting manual reconciliation by up to 80%. Global visibility consolidates siloed bank feeds into unified ledgers, allowing AI-driven forecasting for precise cash pooling. Transaction fees drop 70–90% without intermediaries, and pilot programs for large corporates report millions saved annually. Operational efficiency extends to cross-border settlements as well. Tokenized cash or stablecoins reduce dependency on intermediaries, minimize FX conversion costs, and allow instant transfers across multiple jurisdictions, which is especially advantageous for firms with global operations. Capital Markets and Funding Innovation Issuing tokenized bonds or fractional equity allows access to deeper investor pools, including retail investors. Cap tables update instantly on-chain, aiding governance, while secondary markets provide exit liquidity before maturity. For treasurers, tokenization reduces debt costs: tokenized commercial paper trades dynamically, reflecting live credit risk and compressing spreads. Mid-sized companies can access global liquidity without traditional investment banks, democratizing funding for broader market participation. Tokenization also opens doors for innovative funding models such as hybrid instruments, dynamic dividend tokens, or programmable bonds, providing treasuries with new tools for flexible capital management. Regulatory and Adoption Hurdles Adoption depends on regulatory clarity. Europe’s MiCA framework and SEC pilots in the U.S. are beginning to define tokenized securities treatment. Interoperability remains a challenge, as cross-chain bridges can be vulnerable to hacks, though layer-2 solutions like Polygon mitigate fees and improve transaction speed. Accounting and tax treatment are evolving. Tokens pegged to fiat and highly liquid may qualify as cash equivalents, but interpretation varies by jurisdiction. Early adopters like Siemens and Visa are piloting frameworks, with PwC estimating $16 trillion in tokenized assets by 2030. Strategic Roadmap for Treasuries Corporations can start small by tokenizing idle cash or T-Bill pools with trusted custodians. APIs enable integration into treasury management systems such as Kyriba or GTreasury for hybrid workflows. Once governance policies, oracles, and compliance protocols are established, firms can expand to tokenized collateral, invoices, and full RWA portfolios. Implementation Phase Key Actions Pilot Tokenize idle cash, test settlements Expand Collateral management, invoice financing Enterprise Full RWA portfolios, DAO-like pooling The Broader Economic Impact Tokenization compresses value chains, potentially generating $5 trillion in annual efficiency gains by 2030. Corporations benefit from working capital, risk hedging, and yield generation, transforming treasury from a cost center into a strategic profit driver. Interoperable CBDCs and programmable treasuries could make instant, cross-border asset flows standard, fundamentally reshaping corporate finance in the digital era. Tokenized Assets: The Future of Strategic Corporate Treasury Management Tokenized assets are reshaping treasury management by combining liquidity, transparency, and automation. Corporations that adopt these innovations can optimize capital allocation, diversify portfolios, and streamline operations across cash, collateral, and investments. While regulatory and technological challenges remain, early adopters are positioned to turn treasuries into strategic growth engines. As blockchain adoption matures, tokenized assets will redefine how corporate balance sheets operate in a digital-first financial ecosystem. FAQs What are tokenized assets? Tokenized assets are digital representations of real-world or financial assets recorded on a blockchain, enabling secure, transparent, and tradeable ownership. How do tokenized assets benefit corporate treasuries? They provide faster settlement, 24/7 liquidity, fractional ownership, automation via smart contracts, and access to alternative investments. Can tokenized assets be used for cash management? Yes. Tokenized cash and stablecoins enable instant global transfers, reduce idle cash, and improve working capital efficiency. Are tokenized assets compliant with regulations? Compliance depends on jurisdiction and asset type. Many platforms embed KYC/AML checks via smart contracts, but firms must monitor evolving regulations like MiCA in Europe or SEC guidance in the US. What challenges do treasurers face with tokenization? Key challenges include regulatory uncertainty, cybersecurity risks, liquidity constraints for some assets, and integration with existing treasury management systems. References Techaheadcorp: Transformative Impact of Tokenized Securities on the Financial Industry Alphapoint: The 8 Biggest Benefits Of Tokenized Assets Antier: How Asset Tokenization Can Future-Proof Business Operations?

KEY TAKEAWAYS Digital fitness crypto combines blockchain with wearables to reward healthy behavior in real time. Tokenized incentives help solve long-term motivation and engagement issues in wellness apps. Blockchain improves data privacy by allowing activity verification without exposing raw health data. Interoperability lets users carry fitness achievements across apps and platforms. Despite challenges like regulation and volatility, the model is shaping the future of user-owned wellness ecosystems.   Digital fitness has come a long way since just counting steps and keeping track of workouts. Wearables and wellness apps today can keep track of sleep cycles, heart rate variability, recovery levels, and long-term health trends.  Digital fitness crypto is a new layer that is changing how people interact with their data and stay motivated as this ecosystem grows. By combining blockchain technology with health tracking, fitness platforms are unlocking new ways to reward healthy behavior, protect personal data, and build more engaging wellness experiences. In this article, we explore how digital fitness crypto works, why it matters for wearables and wellness apps, and how it is helping power the next generation of health technology. What Is Digital Fitness Crypto? Digital fitness crypto is the use of blockchain, tokens, and decentralised systems in fitness and wellness platforms. These platforms use crypto-based rewards to encourage users to be physically active, stick to their routines, and live healthy lives, instead of just relying on subscriptions or ads. At a basic level, people earn tokens by doing things like walking, running, working out, or meditating. You can use these tokens in the app, trade them for real-world rewards, or trade them like other digital assets. Blockchain technology keeps track of achievements in a clear way and gives users more control over their data. Why Wearables and Wellness Apps Are Adopting Crypto Models Fitness platforms are adopting crypto to improve user engagement, create new monetization models, and give users greater control over their data. Fixing the Motivation Problem Long-term engagement is one of the hardest things about digital fitness. A lot of people stop using fitness apps after a few weeks. Crypto-based rewards give you real reasons to do things that go beyond badges and streaks. When people know that finishing a workout will get them something of real value, they are more likely to stay motivated. Token rewards change fitness from a short-term challenge into a system where hard work leads to measurable results. Creating New Monetization Without Ads Many traditional wellness apps depend on monthly subscriptions or ads. Cryptocurrency offers different ways to make money that are more in line with what users want. Platforms can make money by using token ecosystems, offering premium features, and forming partnerships without selling user data or filling apps with ads. This change makes the app and its users' relationship healthier because they share value instead of taking it. How Blockchain Enhances Data Privacy and Ownership Wearables collect extremely sensitive health data. Digital fitness crypto allows platforms to separate data verification from data exposure. Using blockchain-based identity systems, users can prove they completed an activity without sharing raw biometric data. For example, an app can verify that a user walked 10,000 steps without storing precise GPS locations or heart rate logs. This model gives users ownership over their data while still allowing apps, insurers, or researchers to validate outcomes securely. Tokenized Rewards and Real-World Utility Crypto rewards provide tangible benefits, allowing users to earn, spend, or stake tokens based on their health and fitness activities. Earn-to-Move and Earn-to-Stay-Healthy Models Many fitness crypto platforms use “earn-to-move” mechanics, where physical activity generates token rewards. These models encourage daily movement rather than extreme workouts, making them accessible to a wider audience. Beyond movement, some platforms reward sleep quality, recovery, hydration, and mindfulness, expanding the definition of wellness beyond exercise alone. Spending, Staking, and Upgrading Tokens earned through fitness activities often have multiple uses: Unlocking premium coaching or analytics Purchasing digital gear or wearables integrations Staking tokens to join challenges or competitions Exchanging tokens for discounts, products, or other assets This utility transforms fitness achievements into flexible assets rather than one-time app metrics. Interoperability Between Devices and Platforms Wearables and wellness apps have always been stuck in closed ecosystems. Digital fitness crypto makes it possible for different systems to work together by using shared standards and on-chain credentials. You can see achievements stored as blockchain-based certificates or NFTs on many different platforms. You can get rewards in partner apps, gyms, or online communities if you reach a verified running milestone or wellness badge. This portability makes it harder for vendors to lock you in and lets users take their fitness history with them wherever they go. Smart Contracts and Wellness-Based Incentives Smart contracts allow fitness platforms to automate rewards and conditions without manual oversight. These contracts can power: Group challenges with shared reward pools Insurance discounts tied to verified activity levels Corporate wellness programs that reward consistent participation Community-funded wellness initiatives By removing intermediaries, smart contracts ensure rewards are distributed fairly and transparently based on predefined rules. Challenges Facing Digital Fitness Crypto Integrating crypto with fitness apps brings challenges such as regulatory hurdles, token volatility, and maintaining a seamless user experience. Token Volatility If token rewards fluctuate too much in value, user trust can suffer. Many platforms address this by stabilizing rewards through fixed-value systems, hybrid tokens, or capped emissions. Regulation and Compliance Health data and financial incentives sit in heavily regulated spaces. Platforms must navigate data protection laws, consumer protection rules, and financial regulations to scale responsibly. User Experience Barriers For mass adoption, crypto complexity must stay hidden. Successful platforms prioritize simple onboarding, seamless wallets, and intuitive interfaces that feel no different from traditional apps. The Future of Wearables Powered by Crypto As wearable hardware becomes more advanced, the combination of secure sensors and blockchain verification will grow stronger. Devices will be able to sign health data cryptographically, proving authenticity without exposing raw information. In the long term, digital fitness crypto could support: Preventive healthcare programs Decentralized wellness communities Global incentive systems for healthy living Personalized health economies owned by users Rather than being passive data sources, wearables will become active participants in value networks centered around well-being. The Long-Term Impact of Digital Fitness Crypto on Wellness Technology Digital fitness crypto is changing wearables and wellness apps by making sure that users' data is safe, aligning incentives, and coming up with ways to keep users interested over time. Instead of making money from ads and subscriptions, platforms can give users rewards for living healthier lives. There are still problems with regulation, volatility, and usability, but the path is clear. As blockchain technology gets better and user experiences get better, digital fitness crypto could turn everyday wellness into a clear, user-owned economy where health progress finally works for the user. FAQs What is digital fitness crypto? Digital fitness crypto refers to the integration of blockchain technology and token-based rewards into fitness wearables and wellness apps. Users earn digital tokens for verified health activities such as walking, workouts, sleep, or meditation, which can be used within the app or exchanged for real-world value. How do wearables work with fitness crypto platforms? Wearables collect activity and health data, which is then verified by the fitness app. Instead of storing all data publicly, blockchain is used to confirm that specific goals were met, triggering automated rewards through smart contracts while keeping sensitive information private. Are fitness crypto rewards real money? In many cases, yes. Some tokens can be exchanged for other cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, or fiat money, while others are designed for in-app use only. The value depends on the platform’s token model and utility. Is digital fitness crypto safe to use? Safety depends on the platform. Reputable projects prioritize encrypted data storage, transparent smart contracts, and compliance with data protection standards. Users should still research platforms carefully before connecting devices or wallets. Will fitness crypto replace traditional wellness apps? Not entirely. Instead, it is more likely to coexist with and enhance traditional apps. Many mainstream wellness platforms are already experimenting with blockchain features while keeping familiar user experiences. References Bitcoinsensus: Blockchain in Health and Fitness: Revolutionizing Wellness and the Fitness Industry Kuchoriyatechsoft: Blockchain in the Fitness Industry: Top Benefits, Real Use Cases & Expert Comparisons Neuron: How Blockchain is Revolutionizing Health, Fitness, and Wellness with Crypto Rewards

LSEG and Citi have announced a multi-year strategic partnership that will see LSEG deploy its data, analytics, and workflow solutions across Citi at enterprise scale. The agreement is designed to strengthen Citi’s core data foundations, support its broader modernisation programme, and enhance the quality, consistency, and speed of client delivery across the bank. Under the arrangement, LSEG’s data and analytics will be embedded into Citi’s front-to-back workflows spanning markets, investment banking, wealth, trading, risk, finance, and compliance. By consolidating data access and standardising governance, entitlements, and usage rights, Citi aims to reduce fragmentation and enable more consistent data-driven decision-making across business lines. The partnership reflects the growing importance of treating data and analytics as strategic infrastructure rather than point solutions. For global banks like Citi, aligning data sources and workflows across complex operating models has become a prerequisite for scaling client service, managing risk, and deploying advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence. AI-Ready, Multi-Asset Intelligence Embedded Into Daily Workflows As part of the agreement, LSEG will provide Citi with AI-ready content and multi-asset class data covering economic indicators, pricing and market data, company and reference data, benchmarks and indices, fund and Lipper data, deals data, commodities, news, and regulatory and risk intelligence. This curated dataset is intended to support clearer insights and more informed client conversations across Citi’s global franchise. The partnership also gives Citi access to LSEG’s end-to-end workflow solutions, led by LSEG Workspace, alongside wealth and advisory APIs and enterprise platforms. These capabilities will be complemented by multi-channel delivery of real-time and historical pricing, investment and advisory content, wealth and trading feeds, FX and buy-side trading functionality, and professional services. David Livingstone, Citi’s Chief Client Officer, said: “High-quality data underpins how we deliver for clients. This partnership with LSEG gives our teams a comprehensive, trusted base of intelligence that spans Citi’s franchise, strengthening how we design products, advise clients, and execute on their behalf. By integrating LSEG’s data and analytics directly into our workflows, we can deliver sharper insights, faster responses, and a more consistent client experience.” Takeaway: By embedding LSEG’s AI-ready data and workflow tools across the organisation, Citi is positioning data standardisation and analytics as core infrastructure for modern client delivery, risk management, and operational scale. Governance, Risk and Compliance Central to the Agreement Beyond front-office and advisory use cases, the partnership places strong emphasis on governance, risk, and compliance. By integrating LSEG’s World-Check risk-intelligence data, Citi aims to strengthen the consistency, auditability, and coverage of its KYC, onboarding, and ongoing monitoring processes across markets. Ron Lefferts, Co-Head of Data & Analytics at LSEG, said: “We are proud to deepen our relationship with Citi through this long-term agreement. Our focus is on delivering trusted, multi-asset class content and workflow solutions that function as strategic infrastructure. By combining AI-ready content, cloud-native analytics and integrated workflow tools such as LSEG Workspace, we are supporting Citi’s modernisation agenda while strengthening governance, risk management and compliance.” Together, the capabilities are expected to support a broad range of internal and client-facing activities, from portfolio construction, index-linked product design, and wealth advisory, to treasury operations, trading decisions, investment banking origination, risk management, and regulatory reporting. The agreement underscores LSEG’s role as a strategic data and analytics partner to global financial institutions seeking to modernise infrastructure and unlock new sources of growth.  

Why Are Monzo’s Largest Shareholders Challenging the Board? Monzo’s biggest shareholders are pressing to reinstate CEO TS Anil and remove chairman Gary Hoffman, according to reports, escalating tensions inside one of the UK’s highest-profile fintechs. The group — including Accel and Iconiq — is said to represent more than 40% of the bank’s shares and has called for greater investor representation on the board. The dispute follows the unexpected October announcement that Anil would step down and be replaced by former Google executive Diana Layfield. Investors have pushed back, arguing that Monzo’s leadership should not change at a moment when the company is preparing for a new phase of growth. “The investors are currently working constructively with the board to find the right way forward acting in the interest of all Monzo’s stakeholders,” one person familiar with the matter told the Financial Times. Founded in 2015, Monzo has grown to 13 million customers and reached its first annual profit this year. But questions around its international strategy, valuation trajectory and timing of a potential IPO have widened internal divides. Reports suggest that Anil and several major shareholders favoured a faster listing and were open to New York, whereas parts of the board preferred a more cautious approach. The UK government has also been lobbying for a London float. Investor Takeaway Monzo’s investor revolt centers on strategy, not operations. Disagreement over IPO timing and location has triggered a governance standoff that could influence the bank’s next growth phase. How Does This Clash Connect to Monzo’s Growth Pressures? Despite rapid customer acquisition and a return to profitability, Monzo’s valuation has stayed flat in recent funding rounds. Investors questioning the bank’s next steps say the limited international footprint leaves considerable room for expansion — and believe leadership continuity is needed to execute that plan. Monzo’s long-delayed entry into overseas markets has been a recurring criticism from shareholders who want the bank to move faster. Some saw a New York listing as a route to a higher valuation and deeper liquidity, while others on the board preferred to build in Europe before revisiting public markets. The clash has surfaced at a sensitive moment: Monzo has just secured a full European banking licence, opening the door to a major international rollout. What Does Monzo’s New EU Licence Enable? Monzo has obtained a full banking licence from the European Central Bank and the Central Bank of Ireland, giving it the regulatory footing needed to operate across the EU. The bank will base its European headquarters in Dublin and has opened a waitlist for Irish customers. Initially, Monzo will offer personal, joint, business, children’s and instant-access savings accounts, each paired with budgeting tools and an Irish IBAN. The launch positions the bank to tap one of Europe’s most engaged digital-finance user bases. Elaine Deehan, Monzo’s country manager for Ireland, said: “We’re excited to be launching an Irish digital bank serving customers and businesses. People here are tech-savvy who value digital-first products that are built around their real life. Banking with Monzo is designed to make managing money effortless — an account with no maintenance fees, packed with clever savings, budgeting and security features and human customer support on hand 24/7.” The timing is notable. The licence gives Monzo a concrete path for cross-border growth just as shareholders are challenging the board’s direction and calling for changes at the top. Investor Takeaway Monzo’s EU licence removes a major barrier to expansion. But growth plans now collide with internal disagreement over leadership and IPO strategy. What Comes Next for the Bank? Shareholder pressure puts Monzo in a rare public governance dispute at a moment when the bank is preparing its largest geographic expansion since launch. Investors want Anil to stay, Hoffman to step aside and more formal input into strategic decisions. The board has not publicly responded. How the standoff resolves will shape the bank’s ability to move ahead with a European rollout and revisit its plans for a public listing. For now, Monzo’s leadership picture remains unsettled even as the bank secures the regulatory footing needed for its next stage of growth.

KEY TAKEAWAYS Digital twin crypto combines virtual patient models with blockchain-based data security. Patients gain greater ownership and control over sensitive healthcare data. Predictive modeling enables more accurate, personalized treatment decisions. Tokenized incentives support data sharing, preventive care, and medical research. Blockchain improves interoperability, trust, and efficiency across healthcare systems.   Healthcare is slowly moving away from treatment models that work for everyone and towards care that is tailored to each patient and based on data. Wearables, genomics, AI diagnostics, and remote monitoring are all making it possible for doctors to customise treatments for each patient. Digital twin crypto is a new idea that is coming up at the crossroads of blockchain and health technology. It could take personalisation to the next level. Healthcare providers, patients, and researchers can make secure, verifiable, and constantly updated virtual copies of people by combining digital twin technology with blockchain-based systems. These copies can help make better medical decisions, protect data privacy, and speed up the delivery of healthcare. In this article, we explore what digital twin crypto is, how it works in healthcare, and why it could fundamentally transform personalized healthcare systems in the years ahead. What Is Digital Twin Crypto? A digital twin is a virtual model that mirrors a real-world entity using real-time data. In healthcare, a digital twin can represent a patient’s physiology, medical history, lifestyle, and treatment responses. This model can be updated continuously using data from electronic health records, wearable devices, imaging systems, and lab results. Digital twin crypto adds blockchain technology to this framework. Blockchain provides a decentralized layer for data verification, access control, and value exchange. Instead of storing sensitive health information in centralized databases, digital twin crypto systems use encrypted data references, smart contracts, and token-based permissions to manage who can access, analyze, or contribute to a patient’s digital twin. The Role of Blockchain in Personalized Healthcare Blockchain technology underpins digital twin systems by providing secure, decentralized data storage, transparent access controls, and verified patient records. We’ll take a look at how blockchain ensures privacy, integrity, and interoperability in personalized healthcare. Enhancing Data Ownership and Patient Control One of the biggest challenges in modern healthcare is data ownership. Patient data is scattered across hospitals, labs, insurers, and apps, often without clear consent mechanisms. Digital twin crypto puts patients at the center of their data. Through blockchain-based identity systems, patients can grant or revoke access to specific parts of their digital twin. A researcher may access anonymized metabolic data, while a physician sees full clinical records. Every access request is logged transparently, ensuring accountability and trust. Improving Data Integrity and Interoperability Healthcare decisions rely on accurate data. Blockchain’s immutable ledger ensures that data inputs into a digital twin are verifiable and tamper-resistant. This is particularly valuable when multiple providers contribute to a single patient model. Interoperability also improves as blockchain standards allow digital twins to integrate data from different devices and institutions without relying on a single centralized authority. How Digital Twins Enable Truly Personalized Care Digital twins create real-time virtual replicas of patients that integrate medical history, biometric data, and treatment responses. Let’s look at how these models allow clinicians to simulate therapies, predict outcomes, and deliver more precise, individualized care. Predictive Treatment Modeling Digital twins let doctors try out treatments on virtual patients before giving them to real ones. Healthcare providers can better predict side effects and how well a treatment will work by testing different medications, dosages, or therapies on a virtual twin. These simulations become more reliable when they are used with crypto-secured data inputs. Verified data sources make sure that the digital twin shows real physiological conditions, which makes decisions more accurate. Continuous Monitoring and Adaptive Care Wearables and remote sensors send real-time information to digital twins of patients. Blockchain makes sure that this data is verified and has a time stamp, so it can't be changed or lost. This makes it possible for adaptive care models, in which treatment plans change on the fly. For instance, a digital twin can show early signs that a disease is getting worse, which can lead to preventative measures before symptoms get worse. Tokenized Incentives in Healthcare Ecosystems Tokens can be used to motivate patients to share data, adhere to treatments, and participate in research programs. They can also be used to: Rewarding Healthy Behavior and Data Sharing Digital twin crypto introduces token-based incentives that encourage patient participation. Patients may earn tokens for: Consistently sharing wearable data. Participating in clinical studies Adhering to treatment plans Engaging in preventive care programs These tokens can be used for reduced healthcare costs, premium services, or exchanged within healthcare ecosystems. Funding Research and Innovation Tokenization also creates new funding models for medical research. Patients can opt into data-sharing programs where anonymized digital twin data is used for research, with participants compensated transparently via tokens. This approach accelerates research while respecting consent and privacy. Privacy and Security Advantages of Digital Twin Crypto Healthcare data is one of the most private pieces of personal information. Digital twin crypto systems are made to keep data from being seen as much as possible. Encrypted references and cryptographic proofs are used to check the integrity and access rights of data instead of putting raw health data on the blockchain. Zero-knowledge proofs can confirm health conditions or treatment compliance without showing any data. This lets insurers, employers, or regulators check claims while keeping patients' information private. Reducing Costs and Improving System Efficiency Digital twins can help personalise care and lower healthcare costs by a lot. Predictive modelling cuts down on trial-and-error treatments, which means shorter hospital stays and fewer bad drug reactions. Smart contracts that automate blockchain tasks cut down on administrative costs. Based on verified digital twin data, insurance claims, billing, and compliance checks can all be done automatically. This makes things run more smoothly and cuts down on fraud. Challenges and Ethical Considerations Digital twin crypto has the potential to change the world, but it also brings up important questions about rules, morals, and how to run a business.  Regulatory Compliance There are a lot of rules about both healthcare and crypto. Digital twin crypto platforms must follow rules for protecting personal information, medical devices, and financial oversight. For adoption to happen, there is a need for clear governance models and cooperation with regulators. Data Bias and Model Accuracy Digital twins are only as good as the information they get. Predictions can be wrong if the data is biased or incomplete. Strong validation, a wide range of datasets, and clear model governance are all very important. User Trust and Adoption Patients need to know that the data from their digital twin is safe and used in a moral way. For people to use something, it needs to have clear communication, easy-to-use interfaces, and clear consent processes. The Future of Personalized Healthcare Systems As AI, wearables, and genomics continue to advance, digital twin crypto could become the backbone of next-generation healthcare systems. Instead of reactive treatment, healthcare will shift toward proactive, preventive, and personalized care. Hospitals, insurers, and researchers will collaborate through decentralized networks, while patients retain control over their data and benefit directly from its value. Digital twins may eventually support population-level health planning, epidemic modeling, and global research collaboration. What Digital Twin Crypto Means for the Future of Personalized Healthcare Digital twin crypto has the potential to transform personalized healthcare by combining predictive modeling with secure, patient-owned data systems. By enabling accurate simulations, real-time monitoring, and transparent data sharing, it addresses many of the inefficiencies and trust issues in modern healthcare. While challenges remain around regulation, ethics, and adoption, the long-term impact could be profound. Digital twin crypto points toward a healthcare future where patients are not passive data sources but active participants in a secure, intelligent, and personalized health ecosystem. FAQs What is digital twin crypto in healthcare? Digital twin crypto refers to the use of blockchain technology to secure and manage digital twin models of patients. These virtual replicas use real-time health data to support personalized treatment while ensuring data privacy and controlled access. How does digital twin crypto improve personalized care? It allows clinicians to simulate treatments, monitor patients continuously, and adjust care plans based on verified data inputs, leading to more accurate and individualized healthcare decisions. Is patient data stored on the blockchain? No. Sensitive health data is typically stored off-chain in encrypted systems. Blockchain is used to manage access rights, verify data integrity, and record permissions securely. Can patients benefit financially from digital twin systems? Yes. Some platforms use token-based incentives to reward patients for participating in research, sharing anonymized data, or maintaining healthy behaviors. What challenges does digital twin crypto face? Key challenges include regulatory compliance, data accuracy, ethical concerns, and building user trust. Overcoming these issues is essential for mainstream adoption. References PMC: Unlocking the potentials of digital twins for optimal healthcare delivery in Africa Sciencedirect: Concepts and applications of digital twins in healthcare and medicine Scalacode:Digital Twins in Healthcare: The Future of Personalized and Predictive Medicine 

Fed’s patience clashes with cooling jobs, Europe diverges on rates, Venezuela blockade boosts gold, lifts oil, and reshapes FX risk. Fed "Patience" vs. a Cooling Labor Market The Federal Reserve finds itself in a precarious position, attempting to project calm while the foundational pillars of the US labor market begin to show visible cracks. Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller’s recent assertions that there is "no rush" to cut interest rates seem increasingly at odds with the latest data showing unemployment hitting a four-year high of 4.6%. While Waller correctly points out that inflation remains "well-anchored," the decision to prioritize price stability over a softening job market suggests the Fed is willing to risk a harder landing to ensure inflation doesn't re-accelerate. This "hawkish patience" has provided a temporary floor for the US Dollar, but it sets the stage for a massive market repricing should the upcoming CPI data show even a hint of cooling, which would likely force the Fed's hand toward a more aggressive easing cycle in 2026. A "Super Thursday" for European Central Banks Across the Atlantic, we are witnessing a fascinating divergence in monetary policy that underscores the uneven nature of the global recovery. The Bank of England appears ready to blink, with markets almost entirely pricing in a 25 basis point cut to address economic stagnation, despite inflation remaining stubbornly above the 2% target. In contrast, the European Central Bank is expected to maintain a posture of "watchful waiting," likely holding rates steady while shifting focus toward long-term economic projections. This policy limbo creates a challenging environment for the Euro and Sterling, as traders weigh the risks of the BoE cutting too early against the ECB's potential for staying restrictive for too long. The outcome of this "Super Thursday" will likely dictate the path of the EUR/USD pair for the remainder of the year. Geopolitical Escalation: The "Venezuela Factor" Beyond interest rates and inflation figures, the sudden re-emergence of significant geopolitical risk has fundamentally altered the risk-reward calculus for global investors. President Trump’s dramatic announcement of a naval blockade on Venezuela has reintroduced a "conflict premium" to the markets that we haven't seen in months. This move has acted as a powerful catalyst for Gold, pushing it toward all-time highs as the "ultimate hedge" against unpredictability. The blockade doesn't just threaten oil supply; it signals a return to a more aggressive, unilateral US foreign policy that favors safe-haven assets over riskier, commodity-linked currencies like the AUD and CAD. For now, as long as the "Armada" remains in South American waters, the floor for Gold and Crude Oil prices remains significantly elevated. Top upcoming economic events: 1. 12/17/2025 – Gross Domestic Product (QoQ) (NZD) As the primary gauge of New Zealand’s economic health, the quarterly GDP release is the most significant data point for the NZD this week. This high-impact event tells investors whether the economy is expanding or contracting. A higher-than-expected figure can bolster the currency, as it suggests the economy is resilient enough to handle current interest rate levels. 2. 12/17/2025 – Fed's Bostic speech (USD) Speeches from Federal Reserve officials, particularly Raphael Bostic, are closely watched for clues regarding the US central bank's next move. Coming just before major CPI data, his remarks may provide context on how the Fed views the current balance of inflation versus employment, often causing immediate volatility in the US Dollar and Treasury yields. 3. 12/18/2025 – BoE Interest Rate Decision (GBP) The Bank of England’s decision on interest rates is the pivotal moment for the British Pound this week. Beyond the rate itself, the "MPC Vote" (Hike/Cut/Unchanged) is vital, as it reveals the internal split among policymakers. This decision sets the tone for UK borrowing costs and mortgage rates heading into the new year. 4. 12/18/2025 – ECB Main Refinancing Operations Rate (EUR) This is the European Central Bank's most powerful tool for managing the Eurozone economy. Changes to this rate directly impact the cost of credit for millions of businesses and consumers across Europe. Investors will be looking to see if the ECB maintains its stance against inflation or begins to pivot toward supporting economic growth. 5. 12/18/2025 – Consumer Price Index (YoY) (USD) Arguably the most influential data point on the list, the US CPI is the gold standard for measuring inflation. Because the Federal Reserve's primary mandate is price stability, this "HIGH" impact report will likely dictate the direction of global markets for the remainder of the month. If inflation remains sticky, expectations for rate cuts will quickly diminish. 6. 12/18/2025 – ECB Press Conference (EUR) While the rate decision provides the "what," the press conference provides the "why." President Christine Lagarde’s commentary often carries more weight than the actual rate announcement, as she provides forward guidance on future policy. Traders listen for specific keywords that signal a "hawkish" (tighter) or "dovish" (looser) future path for the Euro. 7. 12/18/2025 – National Consumer Price Index (YoY) (JPY) This report serves as the final piece of the puzzle for the Bank of Japan (BoJ) before their own rate decision. Japan has famously struggled with low inflation for decades; a high reading here would put immense pressure on the BoJ to finally move away from its ultra-loose monetary policy, potentially causing a major rally in the Yen. 8. 12/19/2025 – BoJ Interest Rate Decision (JPY) The Bank of Japan is currently the global "wildcard." As other central banks have raised rates, the BoJ has remained an outlier. Any shift in their interest rate or the language in their Monetary Policy Statement can cause massive ripples in global carry trades, making this a high-stakes event for the JPY and international markets. 9. 12/19/2025 – Retail Sales (MoM) (GBP) Following the BoE rate decision, Retail Sales provide a "real-world" look at the British consumer. High interest rates are intended to cool spending; this report will show if that is happening too quickly or if the UK consumer remains resilient, which in turn influences whether the BoE needs to keep rates high for longer. 10. 12/19/2025 – Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index (USD) This index is a leading indicator of consumer spending, which accounts for the majority of US economic activity. By measuring how optimistic or pessimistic households feel about their finances and the broader economy, it provides an early look at future economic trends before the hard data (like actual spending) is even recorded. The subject matter and the content of this article are solely the views of the author. FinanceFeeds does not bear any legal responsibility for the content of this article and they do not reflect the viewpoint of FinanceFeeds or its editorial staff. The information does not constitute advice or a recommendation on any course of action and does not take into account your personal circumstances, financial situation, or individual needs. We strongly recommend you seek independent professional advice or conduct your own independent research before acting upon any information contained in this article.

KEY TAKEAWAYS Crypto dominance metrics show how market capitalization is distributed across digital assets. Bitcoin dominance is a key indicator of risk sentiment and capital preservation. Ethereum and altcoin dominance highlight innovation cycles and growth opportunities. Stablecoin dominance provides insight into liquidity and sidelined capital. Businesses can use dominance trends to guide treasury allocation and strategic timing.     As the cryptocurrency markets grow, businesses are no longer just looking at the prices of individual tokens to make investment choices. Instead, they are paying more attention to bigger market indicators that show where money is going and how people's feelings about risk are changing.  Crypto dominance metrics are one of the most important but often misunderstood of these indicators. For companies allocating capital, managing treasury exposure, or building products tied to digital assets, understanding dominance metrics can provide strategic insight that simple price charts cannot. In this article, we explain what crypto dominance metrics are, how they work, and why they are increasingly relevant for informed business investment decisions. What Are Crypto Dominance Metrics? Crypto dominance metrics measure the share of total cryptocurrency market capitalization controlled by a specific asset or group of assets. The most widely tracked is Bitcoin dominance, which shows Bitcoin’s market cap as a percentage of the total crypto market. Other common dominance metrics include: Ethereum dominance Stablecoin dominance Altcoin dominance (often calculated as total market minus Bitcoin and Ethereum). Rather than focusing on price movements alone, dominance metrics show relative strength. They reveal whether capital is concentrating in safer, established assets or rotating into higher-risk alternatives. Why Dominance Metrics Matter Beyond Price Action Price movements alone rarely tell the full story of what is happening in the crypto market. Assets can rise or fall while underlying capital flows move in a very different direction. Dominance metrics fill in this gap by showing how market share changes between major assets. This gives businesses and investors a better idea of risk sentiment, capital rotation, and the overall structure of the market beyond just price action. Capital Flow Visibility Price increases can be misleading without context. A token may rise in price while still losing market share overall. Dominance metrics cut through that noise by showing where capital is actually moving. For businesses, this matters because capital flows often precede broader market trends. Rising Bitcoin dominance, for example, can indicate risk aversion, while falling dominance may signal increased appetite for innovation, experimentation, and growth-stage projects. Market Sentiment at a Macro Level Dominance metrics act as sentiment indicators for the entire crypto ecosystem. They help businesses understand whether the market is in: A defensive phase A growth or expansion phase A speculative altcoin cycle This macro awareness supports smarter timing for investments, partnerships, and product launches. Crypto Dominance and Risk Management Crypto dominance is more than just a number on a chart; it shows how much of the total value of the crypto market is in Bitcoin. Businesses can use these trends to figure out the overall market risk, get a sense of how investors feel, and make smart choices about how to allocate their treasury, when to invest, and how much riskier altcoins to buy. Interpreting Crypto Dominance Trends Crypto dominance tends to rise during periods of uncertainty. When markets become volatile or macroeconomic conditions worsen, investors often rotate capital into Bitcoin as a perceived safer asset within crypto. For businesses, rising crypto dominance can signal: Reduced appetite for experimental or early-stage crypto investments Increased focus on capital preservation A potential slowdown in funding for altcoin-based startups Conversely, declining crypto dominance often suggests confidence, risk-taking, and capital dispersion into alternative assets. Strategic Treasury Allocation Companies that have crypto on their balance sheets can use dominance metrics to help them decide when to rebalance. When Bitcoin is very popular, conservative allocations may be better. When dominance goes down, companies may choose to invest more in Ethereum, DeFi tokens, or infrastructure projects that are in line with growth trends. Ethereum and Altcoin Dominance in Innovation Cycles The dominance of Ethereum and altcoins gives us a look at where new ideas and money are going in the crypto world. By keeping an eye on these numbers, businesses can spot new trends, check on the health of decentralised platforms, and plan when to make strategic investments in projects that will help them grow, even if they aren't directly related to Bitcoin. Ethereum Dominance as an Ecosystem Signal Decentralised finance, NFTs, and smart contract innovation are all closely linked to Ethereum's dominance. Ethereum's growing dominance is often a sign of more activity on the blockchain, more developers getting involved, and more businesses trying new things. Ethereum's dominance can be a sign of the health of the blockchain ecosystem for companies that are building on or investing in it. Strength that lasts means that the network is still useful and people are still using it. Altcoin Dominance and Opportunity Windows Altcoin dominance often spikes during innovation-heavy phases of the market. This is when capital flows into newer protocols, sector-specific tokens, and emerging narratives. From a business perspective, rising altcoin dominance may indicate: Increased funding opportunities Stronger demand for blockchain services A favorable environment for token launches or ecosystem partnerships However, these phases also carry higher volatility, making disciplined analysis essential. Stablecoin Dominance and Liquidity Conditions Stablecoin dominance shows how much of the crypto market is made up of digital assets that are tied to fiat currency. Tracking this metric helps companies figure out how liquid the market is, how much risk investors are willing to take, and how likely it is that capital will flow back into growth assets. This information helps them make decisions about when and where to invest. What Stablecoin Dominance Reveals Stablecoin dominance shows how much of the crypto market is made up of assets that are linked to fiat currencies. A lot of stablecoins can mean that capital is on the sidelines waiting for clearer signals. This metric gives businesses an idea of how liquid things are. High stablecoin dominance can mean: Reduced risk appetite Potential for sudden market moves once capital redeploys Opportunities to enter positions strategically before rotations occur Declining stablecoin dominance, on the other hand, may signal renewed confidence and active capital deployment. Using Dominance Metrics for Timing Business Decisions Dominance metrics give businesses a macro-level view of how capital is flowing across the crypto market, helping guide strategic actions and reduce timing risks. Investment and Entry Timing Businesses entering the crypto space face timing risks. Dominance metrics help reduce these risks by offering a broader view of market structure. For example: Launching an altcoin-focused product during peak crypto dominance may limit adoption. Entering during declining crypto dominance may improve traction and investor interest. Dominance metrics help align business actions with prevailing market dynamics rather than isolated price movements. Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships Companies looking to buy other companies or form strategic partnerships in the crypto space can use dominance trends to gauge how fast the sector is growing. Higher valuations may be justified by rising dominance in a certain ecosystem, while declining dominance may be a sign to be careful. Dominance Metrics and Long-Term Strategic Planning Beyond short-term moves, dominance metrics support long-term strategic planning by highlighting structural market shifts, helping businesses allocate capital and resources with a data-driven perspective. Supporting Data-Driven Decisions Unlike short-term technical indicators, dominance metrics are better suited for medium- to long-term planning. They reflect structural shifts rather than daily volatility. For executive teams and boards, dominance data supports risk assessment, portfolio diversification strategies, and capital allocation frameworks. This makes them especially useful for institutional and enterprise-level decision-making. Aligning With Market Cycles Crypto markets are cyclical. Dominance metrics help businesses recognize where they are in the cycle and adjust expectations accordingly. Understanding whether the market favors consolidation or expansion allows companies to pace hiring, marketing spend, and product development more effectively. Limitations of Crypto Dominance Metrics While dominance metrics are powerful, they are not standalone tools. They do not account for: Token supply inflation Off-chain adoption metrics Regulatory developments Project-specific fundamentals Businesses should use dominance data alongside financial analysis, regulatory monitoring, and sector research to avoid overreliance on a single indicator. Integrating Dominance Metrics Into Business Strategy To use dominance metrics effectively, businesses should: Track multiple dominance indicators, not just Bitcoin. Combine dominance analysis with volume and on-chain data. Review trends over weeks or months rather than days. Use dominance as a directional guide, not a trigger. This balanced approach transforms dominance metrics from abstract charts into actionable intelligence. Leveraging Crypto Dominance Metrics for Smarter Business Decisions Crypto dominance metrics give businesses a big-picture view of how the market works, how people feel about it, and how money moves around. They help businesses make better decisions about investments, treasury, and strategy by showing them where money is concentrated and where risk appetite is changing. In an industry defined by volatility and rapid change, dominance metrics provide clarity. Businesses that understand and apply these insights are better positioned to manage risk, time, and opportunities and navigate crypto markets with confidence rather than speculation. FAQs What are crypto dominance metrics? Crypto dominance metrics measure the percentage of the total crypto market capitalization held by a specific asset, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or stablecoins. They help investors understand capital concentration and market sentiment. Why is crypto dominance important for businesses? Crypto dominance often rises during periods of market uncertainty, signaling risk aversion. For businesses, this can indicate when to focus on capital preservation rather than aggressive expansion into higher-risk assets. How can dominance metrics improve investment timing? By showing whether capital is rotating into or out of certain asset classes, dominance metrics help businesses align entry, exit, and expansion decisions with broader market trends rather than isolated price movements. Do dominance metrics apply to long-term strategies? Yes. Dominance metrics are most effective when analyzed over longer timeframes, making them useful for strategic planning, portfolio diversification, and market cycle analysis. Are crypto dominance metrics enough on their own? No. They should be used alongside fundamentals, regulatory analysis, and broader market research to support well-rounded business investment decisions. References Usenobi: Crypto Dominance Explained Chiliz: What Is Dominance in Crypto? Understanding Market Share in the Blockchain Ecosystem Tokenmetrics: Bitcoin Dominance – What it is and How it Affects Altcoins

Given the strong multi-month daily upend and the bullish US dollar sentiment seen today across the FX markets, USDJPY currency pair can be expected to rise further to the next strong resistance level 157.00 (which stopped the previous minor correction b).   USDJPY reversed from support area Likely to fall to resistance level 157.00 USDJPY currency pair recently reversed up from the support area located between the key support level 154.50 (low of the previous minor correction a, as can be seen from the daily USDJPY chart below), lower daily Bollinger Band and the 38.2% Fibonacci correction of the sharp upward impulse from October. The upward reversal from this support area is likely to form the daily Japanese candlesticks reversal pattern Bullish Engulfing – which will signal the continuation of the active impulse wave 3 from the middle of September. Given the strong multi-month daily upend and the bullish US dollar sentiment seen today across the FX markets, USDJPY currency pair can be expected to rise further to the next strong resistance level 157.00 (which stopped the previous minor correction b). [caption id="attachment_177932" align="alignnone" width="800"] USDJPY Technical Analysis[/caption] The subject matter and the content of this article are solely the views of the author. FinanceFeeds does not bear any legal responsibility for the content of this article and they do not reflect the viewpoint of FinanceFeeds or its editorial staff. The information does not constitute advice or a recommendation on any course of action and does not take into account your personal circumstances, financial situation, or individual needs. We strongly recommend you seek independent professional advice or conduct your own independent research before acting upon any information contained in this article.

What Is Mizuho Buying—and Why India? Japan’s Mizuho Securities will purchase a majority stake in Indian investment bank Avendus for up to 81 billion yen ($523 million), taking control of between 61.6% and 78.3% of the firm’s shares. The deal, announced Wednesday, extends the push by Japanese financial institutions into India as they look for growth markets to offset the effects of an ageing population and stagnant domestic demand. The acquisition will make Avendus a consolidated subsidiary and give Mizuho deeper access to India’s dealmaking, advisory and capital-markets landscape. KKR, which first invested in Avendus in 2016, is selling the majority portion of its stake. For Mizuho, India has become a top priority. Chief Executive Masahiro Kihara told reporters in Tokyo that the bank is seeing a sharp rise in inquiries from corporate clients seeking expansion in the country. “On the investment banking side we thought India was a missing piece,” he said, adding that clients routinely ask how to position themselves in a market growing far faster than Japan. Investor Takeaway Japan’s financial groups are accelerating their India footprint as they chase growth outside a stagnant domestic market. Mizuho’s acquisition adds another large foreign bank to India’s expanding advisory and lending ecosystem. How Does Avendus Fit Into Mizuho’s Global Network? Mizuho says the deal strengthens its ability to link advisory teams across regions, including Greenhill, the U.S. M&A firm it bought in 2023. Kihara said the Greenhill acquisition has already improved cross-border dealmaking and that adding India fills a key geographic gap. “Better cross-regional collaboration has been one of the great things about the Greenhill acquisition,” he said. The Avendus stake is meant to bring India into that network, giving Mizuho a local partner with sector depth in technology, industrials, healthcare, energy and infrastructure—areas where global interest in India has been climbing. Avendus CEO Gaurav Deepak said the partnership will allow the bank to expand. “We expect to invest far more in industrials, healthcare, infrastructure and energy,” he told reporters, noting that the firm plans to increase hiring to support that growth. Why Are Japanese Banks Increasing Their Exposure to India? The acquisition comes as Japanese lenders ramp up activity in India, drawn by strong GDP growth, a large corporate sector and rising inbound investment. Earlier this year, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group purchased 24.2% of Indian lender Yes Bank, a move that gave it a foothold in retail and corporate banking. The divergence between the two economies is stark. Japan faces a shrinking workforce and persistent low growth, pushing its banks to search abroad for higher-return opportunities. India, by contrast, has a young demographic profile, a growing manufacturing sector, and deal flow that continues to rise across private equity, infrastructure financing and cross-border M&A. Mizuho’s move follows years of Japanese corporate interest in India, from automotive investments to industrial partnerships. As competition for advisory mandates picks up, owning a local investment bank provides a faster route into transactions that require on-the-ground presence. Investor Takeaway India has become a strategic focus for Japanese lenders. Control of Avendus gives Mizuho direct access to India’s deal pipeline at a time when corporate clients are expanding into the region. What Comes Next for Avendus and Mizuho? Once the acquisition closes, Avendus will operate as part of Mizuho’s global advisory platform, with increased coordination between teams in India, the U.S., Europe and Japan. The companies expect the partnership to deepen sector coverage and support cross-border mandates for Indian corporates tapping foreign capital and for international clients entering India. For Avendus, the deal provides capital to scale and a direct line into Mizuho’s multinational client base. For Mizuho, it represents a structural entry point into one of the world’s strongest investment-banking markets outside China.

Coinbase has announced the launch of its tokenized stocks platform.  The largest U.S. crypto exchange has described the tokenized stock offering as an “everything application,” where users will be able to trade popular equities such as NVIDIA, Tesla, and Meta, according to a Bloomberg report citing unnamed Coinbase sources. The Coinbase report coincided with Ondo Finance’s announcement that it will be launching a tokenized stocks and ETF trading platform on the Solana blockchain, while the Edel Finance testnet for its tokenized stock lending and borrowing solution also went live. Coinbase ($COIN), Ondo Finance ($ONDO), and Edel Finance ($EDEL) are positioned to become dominant players in the increasingly valuable tokenization market, which, according to RWA.xyz, has seen its total value grow by more than 400% over the past year alone. Why Tokenized Stocks Could Be the Biggest Winners in 2026 The Coinbase and Ondo announcements are part of a broader trend in financial markets towards tokenization. From a technical perspective, tokenized equities represent a shift toward wallet-based ownership and on-chain settlement, reducing reliance on traditional custodians and fragmented clearing systems. This structure enables faster settlement, global accessibility, and continuous market availability compared with legacy equity infrastructure. Beyond technical improvements, the market opportunity itself is expanding rapidly. A report from Mordor Intelligence estimates that the tokenized asset market could exceed $13 trillion by the end of the decade.  Companies that capture a meaningful share of this growth stand to benefit significantly, as do investors holding their equity and crypto-native tokens. [caption id="attachment_177928" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Mordor Intelligence sees asset tokenization growing into a multi-trillion-dollar industry. Source: Mordor Intelligence[/caption] Mordor Intelligence sees asset tokenization growing into a multi-trillion-dollar industry. Source: Mordor Intelligence Coinbase’s Role: Distribution and Market Access Coinbase’s move into tokenized assets signals a major shift in the tokenization industry. The sheer scale of Coinbase, which serves more than 100 million users, has the potential to unlock a surge in demand for these assets, bringing with it significant liquidity from both institutional and retail traders. In this context, Coinbase’s primary role is distribution. Its existing custody infrastructure, regulatory positioning, and user-friendly interface place the exchange in a strong position to onboard users into tokenized equities at scale. By integrating stocks alongside crypto-native assets, Coinbase could normalize tokenized equities for a mainstream audience. Despite the announcement, Coinbase ($COIN) stock has traded largely flat over the past few days, with year-over-year gains remaining in the single digits, reflecting a broader downturn in crypto-linked equities. However, longer-term upside potential could be unlocked if Coinbase establishes itself as the leading centralized exchange for tokenized assets.  Ondo Finance: Bridging Traditional Finance and On-Chain Assets Ondo Finance ($ONDO) was one of the first movers in the tokenized asset market. The platform has successfully launched several tokenized products, with its OUSG asset representing a tokenized short-term U.S. Treasury that distributes daily yield directly to the wallet holding the asset. Ondo’s Nexus solution allows treasuries and stablecoins to be instantly minted while providing a structured redemption process. This product has primarily targeted institutional users and has opened the door to partnerships with some of the largest names in traditional finance, including BlackRock and Franklin Templeton. Ondo recently announced plans to launch a Solana-based product for tokenizing assets, including exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The announcement has done little to move the $ONDO price, which has struggled this year, shedding more than 80% of its value and leaving its market capitalization just above $1 billion. Edel Finance: The On-Chain Securities Lending Layer “Traditional securities lending has long been dominated by a small group of intermediaries, resulting in opaque pricing, slow settlement, and limited access for most market participants,” said Andrés Soltermann, CEO of Edel Finance.  “Despite its importance to global markets, securities lending remains one of the least transparent and least accessible parts of the financial system.” Tokenization opens the door to overcoming these shortcomings, but simply moving assets on-chain does not solve the problem; this requires an additional solution built on top of the base infrastructure,” Soltermann continued.  Edel Finance aims to provide the solution by using smart contracts to automate lending, borrowing, and collateral management for tokenized stocks. They aim to create a transparent, efficient, and globally accessible securities lending layer that allows equities to be used as productive financial assets.  The Edel ecosystem integrates multiple financial networks and DeFi protocols, including Ondo Finance and Chainlink, to bring this vision to life. The team launched the Edel testnet on December 15, demonstrating how the platform will operate once fully deployed. Functionally, Edel can be viewed as an Aave-style lending market for equities. Users can earn yield by lending tokenized stocks such as Tesla and Meta, or borrow these assets by posting tokenized equities or crypto as collateral, enabling on-chain long and short exposure. The project’s native $EDEL token launched last month on Base. Its market capitalization briefly exceeded $50 million before a pullback, and it has since found support above $10 million. The testnet launch was followed by a 20% price increase as markets responded to product validation. “As exchanges like Coinbase expand access and issuers like Ondo bring assets on-chain, infrastructure becomes the critical next step. Edel is designed to sit between these layers, ensuring tokenized stocks can actually be lent, borrowed, and used efficiently at scale,” concluded Andrés. Conclusion: The Future of On-Chain Equity Markets The future of equities trading could well be built on-chain. Coinbase’s announcement has generated additional momentum across the sector and reflects growing competition among major financial players seeking an early-mover advantage. Ondo Finance has strengthened its position through its Solana-based tokenization plans, while Edel Finance appears well-positioned to become a key provider of tokenized asset lending and borrowing infrastructure.  FAQs Which tokenization platform is the best for traders? The best platform depends on a trader’s goals. Exchanges like Coinbase will prioritize access and liquidity, while infrastructure-focused platforms such as Edel FInance enable lending, borrowing, and deeper capital efficiency for tokenized equities. How do Ondo and Edel Finance complement each other? Ondo focuses on compliant issuance and structuring of tokenized assets, while Edel provides the lending and borrowing infrastructure that allows those assets to be used productively once they are on-chain. Which tokenized stocks platforms should new and experienced traders use to monetize their portfolios? New traders may favor platforms offering simple access and custody, while experienced traders often seek protocols that support lending, collateralization, and yield generation on tokenized equities.