Ripple Sees Narrow Fed Account as a Breakthrough Ripple supports the concept of a limited-access, or “skinny,” Federal Reserve payments account for non-banks — a proposal that could give fintech and crypto firms faster access to the U.S. payments system without triggering the same risks as full banking privileges. “I think it’s an attractive idea, and I think it should give traditional banks some comfort,” said Stu Alderoty, Ripple’s chief legal officer, in an interview with Reuters on Tuesday. “You’re using it for a limited purpose, and you’re not going to be using it for a broader purpose, which potentially could infringe upon the business of a traditional bank.” The comments come as the Federal Reserve weighs how far to open its payment network to non-bank financial firms. Fed Governor Christopher Waller said last month that the central bank is exploring a “skinny” master account that would give firms access to the Fed’s payments infrastructure — but without the other privileges available to banks, such as interest-bearing reserves, overdraft protection, or access to the discount window. Investor Takeaway Ripple’s support for a limited-access Fed account shows how stablecoin issuers and fintechs are testing ways to operate within the U.S. regulatory perimeter while improving settlement efficiency. Ripple’s Application and the Fed’s Reluctance Ripple said in July that it had formally applied for a Fed master account, which would allow it to connect directly to the central bank’s payment rails instead of relying on intermediary banks. The company argues that such access would improve the efficiency of its dollar-backed stablecoin, RLUSD, by allowing instant redemption of reserves for U.S. dollars or Treasuries. The Fed has been cautious about expanding access to its core systems, long wary of letting lightly regulated entities tap into what it sees as critical financial infrastructure. U.S. banks have opposed the idea, warning it could create new systemic risks and unfair competition if non-banks were granted privileges similar to depository institutions. Despite those concerns, Ripple says even a stripped-down account would make a difference. “Thinking about that issue of redeemability — to be able to get in and out of Treasury or U.S. dollar assets quickly — the most efficient and transparent way to do that would be with access to a master account,” Alderoty told Reuters. Banks Watch Closely as the Fed Tests the Idea Waller described the “skinny” account as a prototype still under discussion. The model would let non-banks settle payments in central bank money without giving them access to the broader suite of benefits that banks enjoy. The goal, according to regulators, is to test a version that supports innovation while maintaining safeguards against liquidity or credit risk. Banks remain skeptical. Many lenders argue that allowing fintechs or crypto firms to link directly to the Fed’s payment system could weaken oversight and blur the line between regulated banks and non-bank intermediaries. How the Fed balances those competing interests will determine whether the “skinny” account concept becomes a new category of access or remains a policy experiment. Investor Takeaway If the Fed moves ahead, Ripple’s RLUSD could gain a competitive edge in liquidity and redemption speed — but banks are unlikely to welcome broader non-bank access to central bank infrastructure. Regulatory Stakes for Stablecoins The debate over master account access reflects a broader policy challenge: how to integrate stablecoin issuers into the traditional financial system without undermining its guardrails. For Ripple, direct Fed access could help reduce settlement times and costs while assuring investors that RLUSD reserves are fully backed and redeemable on demand. Still, the Fed’s approach remains cautious. Officials have said any pilot would take time to develop and test. Waller stressed that the concept could change as regulators assess its implications for monetary policy and bank competition. For now, Ripple’s support for the “skinny” account proposal places it among a handful of non-bank institutions pressing for a hybrid model — one that brings stablecoin settlement closer to central bank money without blurring the boundary between banking and fintech.

Bitcoin is finding grassroots strongholds across middle America, from Oklahoma meetups to Main Street businesses accepting BTC for beer and daily purchases. At the same time, DeFi just got safer after RedStone launched Credora risk ratings following a $20 billion liquidation wipeout. But traders with eyes on genuine upside are flocking to DeepSnitch AI, whose presale just crossed $500K, following dev updates that the network has gone fully operational. At only $0.022, early backers are stacking a project that delivers live AI tools retail can actually use. DeepSnitch AI is likely one of the best altcoins for portfolio growth heading into the Santa rally. Bitcoin adoption spreads beyond Wall Street Bitcoin is now being used for everyday purchases in Oklahoma, where small-town businesses accept it for goods, and local meetups are buzzing. Broadcaster Matthew Moore says baby boomers still control massive US wealth but often misunderstand Bitcoin, so he’s bringing an educational push to traditional TV and AM/FM radio in the hopes of helping older generations get on board. While Washington drags its feet, state governments are moving faster, with Oklahoma having already passed two Bitcoin-focused bills and nearly closing talks about building a strategic reserve. Moore’s view is that states can function as laboratories for innovation, pushing Bitcoin policy forward faster than the federal government. Meanwhile, DeFi markets needed a reality check when October 10 saw above $20 billion in leveraged positions liquidated. In response, RedStone launched Credora to bring dynamic risk ratings to lending protocols like Morpho and Spark. Co-founder Marcin Kaźmierczak said this marks a shift toward Low-Risk DeFi, which still offers yield just with clearer risk controls. Historically, the period from November through brings 7% higher monthly returns than the rest of the year. With Bitcoin adoption spreading and DeFi infrastructure maturing, the stage may be set for the next altcoin breakout. 3 long-term crypto investments: Which coins deliver real staying power? 1. DeepSnitch AI: The network just went fully operational Bitcoin and Ethereum are solid blue chips, but DeepSnitch AI is already shipping tools that solve real problems. The network is now fully operational, meaning its five AI agents are live and tracking whale wallets, flagging rugs, and delivering alpha straight into Telegram before the world reacts. Most AI projects promise abstract infrastructure, but DeepSnitch AI targets retail traders directly with tools they can use today. Among its AI agents, AuditSnitch instantly analyzes contract risk, SnitchGPT answers on-chain questions in seconds, and SnitchFeed monitors social sentiment 24/7 to catch mood shifts before they move markets. With security audits from both Coinsult and SolidProof in the bag, DeepSnitch AI has firmly dodged the trust gap that sinks most presales. And with millions of tokens already staked, early backers are clearly holding for the long term rather than flipping at launch. At $0.022 with above $500K raised, DeepSnitch AI is early and utility-driven enough to easily deliver 100x upside. There are no vague promises or smoke and mirrors to be found here, as DeepSnitch AI is providing working tools that plug straight into Telegram's billion-plus users, giving it distribution unlike any other. 2. Bitcoin: Mainstream adoption accelerates across Middle America Bitcoin is forecasted to climb around 8% to approximately $110,000 come December 6. Current sentiment sits bearish with the Fear & Greed Index showing 27, but grassroots adoption tells a different story. The coin has seen 47% green days over the last month, with volatility holding at around 4%, so there’s plenty of reason to believe Bitcoin remains the best crypto to invest in for those seeking stability. Nevertheless, some analysts foresee Bitcoin shedding nearly half its value if its recent slide keeps up. But not everyone agrees the situation is that dire, with other analysts seeing the pullback as more routine than alarming. Bloomberg’s Mike McGlone weighed in on X, saying a move to $100,000 might simply be “a speed bump toward $56,000.” BTC's approximately $101.5K price point today makes it a solid store of value, but for a coin so established, 100x gains are incredibly hard to come by for traders who are after explosiveness rather than stability. For the former, newer cryptos like DeepSnitch AI offer better risk-reward. 3. Ethereum: Layer 2 networks hit record speeds Ethereum just clocked a record 24,000 TPS across Base and other Layer 2 networks, proving the ecosystem is ready for mass adoption. Priced at the time of writing at around $3,320, ETH is forecasted to rise around 11.7% to around $3,800 by December 6. With 47% green days over the last month, Ethereum remains a core holding for long-term crypto investments. The network's scaling improvements position it as infrastructure for DeFi.  Yet, at its over $400B valuation, moonshot gains require looking elsewhere. DeepSnitch AI combines the utility Ethereum delivers with the explosive upside only presales can offer. At $0.022, it's positioned for the kind of growth ETH delivered in 2016. The verdict Bitcoin and Ethereum are building the future, but DeepSnitch AI is shipping tools today. The network is fully operational, audits are complete, and early backers are staking millions of tokens. At $0.022, this presale offers the rare mix of working product and presale pricing. November through April is historically a strong stretch for crypto. DeepSnitch AI combines live utility with timing that could make it the breakout of this cycle.  Visit the official website to buy into the presale and follow X and Telegram for official updates. FAQs Why is Bitcoin gaining grassroots adoption in Middle America?  Small businesses across Oklahoma and other states are accepting Bitcoin for daily purchases. State governments are passing Bitcoin-friendly legislation faster than Washington, making BTC among the best cryptocurrencies to invest in for stability and incremental gains. What makes DeepSnitch AI different from other AI crypto projects?  DeepSnitch AI is fully operational with live tools targeting retail traders. Unlike TAO or ICP, which focus on abstract infrastructure, DeepSnitch AI delivers working AI agents inside Telegram, making it the best crypto to invest in for explosive growth. Are Ethereum and Bitcoin still good long-term investments?  Yes, both are solid, safe cryptos for 2025. Bitcoin is forecast to reach around $110,341 and Ethereum around $3,804 by December. However, presales like DeepSnitch AI offer higher upside potential priced at a low $0.022. Disclaimer: This content is provided by a sponsor. FinanceFeeds does not independently verify the legitimacy, credibility, claims, or financial viability of the information or description of services mentioned. As such, we bear no responsibility for any potential risks, inaccuracies, or misleading representations related to the content. This post does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation and should not be treated as such. We strongly advise seeking independent financial guidance from a qualified and regulated professional before engaging in any investment or financial activities. Please review our full disclaimer for more details.

The European Central Bank will begin routing part of its securities-lending operations through Eurex’s centrally-cleared repo market in the first quarter of 2026, a move that brings the Eurosystem’s collateral-lending activity inside a clearing-house framework for the first time. Eurex, owned by Deutsche Börse, confirmed that the ECB and national central banks will become members of its cleared repo platform next year. The step follows a sharp expansion in secured-funding volumes across euro money markets: Eurex said outstanding repo balances are about 50 per cent higher than at the end of 2024, with October 2025 posting a record jump in its GC Pooling segment. The ECB will also join LCH RepoClear SA in Paris around the same time, pointing to a multi-venue approach rather than exclusive reliance on one clearing house. Since 2015, the ECB and national central banks have lent bonds purchased under the Asset Purchase Programme (APP) and Pandemic Emergency Purchase Programme (PEPP) to ease collateral scarcity and prevent settlement failures. Those loans have until now been conducted largely through bilateral and agent-lending channels such as Clearstream’s ASL and ASLplus. Bringing a share of that activity into a central counterparty, or CCP, standardises risk management and opens the flow of high-quality collateral—Bunds, OATs, BTPs—to a wider pool of counterparties. It also reflects the changing plumbing of the euro money market as the ECB shrinks its balance sheet and policy rates remain positive. Eurex’s surge in cleared repo volumes since 2024 mirrors that shift. Banks and buy-side firms have sought safer, nettable funding routes as quantitative tightening drained liquidity from bilateral channels. Brussels’ push for “on-shore” clearing The decision dovetails with the European Union’s long-running effort to deepen domestic clearing capacity after Brexit. Brussels has pressed banks to reduce their dependence on UK-based CCPs, and the Commission’s 2022 central-clearing review explicitly urged migration of more activity into EU venues. By joining both Eurex and LCH SA, the ECB signals support for that agenda while avoiding a monopoly. Paris-based LCH SA already clears large volumes of euro government-bond repos, and Eurex has been building market share through its GC Pooling baskets and dedicated “specials” segments. For dealers, central-bank collateral coming through a CCP offers clear benefits: netting across positions, consistent margining, and access to a broader counterparty set. A CCP interposes itself between buyer and seller, managing default risk through daily variation margin—an approach codified under Europe’s EMIR framework for derivatives after the 2008 crisis. But market groups including the International Capital Market Association warned that CCP margin and haircut models can amplify stress if they become procyclical. Policymakers will watch closely how Eurex and LCH calibrate their collateral baskets and margin levels once central-bank flows arrive. What the ECB wants to achieve The ECB has long said its securities-lending programmes are designed to keep bond markets liquid, not to steer funding conditions. Moving into cleared venues should make those operations more transparent and operationally consistent across national central banks. It may also ease the periodic “specials” squeezes that appear around quarter-ends when collateral is scarce. Officials have not disclosed what share of Eurosystem lending will be channelled through CCPs, nor the exact fee or haircut schedules that will apply. Those parameters will indicate how aggressively the ECB intends to relieve collateral bottlenecks without distorting repo pricing. Eurex’s gain could spark renewed competition with LCH SA and Euronext, which announced its own expansion of repo-clearing services earlier this year. Dealers say the ECB’s arrival should lift volumes across the board, potentially accelerating migration from bilateral to cleared trades in line with regulators’ long-term goals.  

Redemptions Reach 80% as Protocol Halts Operations DeFi protocol Elixir said it will discontinue its deUSD synthetic dollar following the collapse of its main borrower, Stream Finance. The project processed redemptions for roughly 80% of holders and has taken a snapshot of the remaining balances, which will be redeemable 1:1 for USDC when a claims portal opens. The decision follows Stream Finance’s suspension of withdrawals on Nov. 4 after an external fund manager disclosed a $93 million loss. Stream owes at least $285 million to lenders, including over $68 million borrowed from Elixir, which was used to back its own xUSD stablecoin. That token has since collapsed below $0.20, triggering wider market contagion. Elixir said on X that it has disabled mint and redeem functions to prevent any further liquidation risk before repayments are finalized. “We have taken the snapshot and will ensure all redemptions occur 1:1 in USDC,” the team wrote. Investor Takeaway The deUSD closure underscores the knock-on effects of leveraged lending in DeFi, where interlinked collateral systems can unravel quickly after a single counterparty failure. Stream Finance Collapse Exposes DeFi Credit Web Stream’s losses have rippled through the decentralized credit ecosystem. The platform had borrowed heavily across multiple protocols, using synthetic dollars like deUSD as collateral to support its xUSD issuance. Elixir described itself as Stream’s only creditor with “full redemption rights at $1,” but later said Stream had “decided not to repay or close positions.” According to Elixir, Stream currently holds about 90% of deUSD’s supply, or $75 million, while Elixir’s own reserves are mostly tied up as a Morpho loan to Stream. “deUSD remains fully backed and Elixir is beginning the process of unwinding its lending position,” the protocol said. “Any affected LPs in AMM pools or lending markets will be able to claim the full value of their position.” The statement follows mounting criticism of synthetic dollar projects that rely on cross-protocol lending loops to maintain peg stability. The rapid contagion from Stream’s collapse has drawn parallels with the 2022 implosions of Terra’s UST and Iron Finance, though the scale this time remains contained within the DeFi credit niche. Repayment Plan and Future Steps Elixir said it is working with decentralized lenders Euler, Morpho, and Compound as well as vault curators to unwind positions and recover funds from Stream. The team plans to distribute recovered assets through a dedicated claims portal. It also said withdrawals from the existing portal were disabled “to remove any risk of Stream liquidating deUSD before repaying their loan.” The protocol maintains that all deUSD liabilities remain fully backed and that redemptions will be honored in full. Elixir’s communications suggest the team is prioritizing creditor protection over immediate market operations, likely to prevent forced liquidations during ongoing recovery talks. deUSD, launched in mid-2024, was marketed as a “truly decentralized” synthetic dollar competing with Ethena Labs’ USDe. It gained traction as a collateral asset across DeFi platforms and was even used by Hamilton Lane’s tokenized HLSCOPE fund for backing. The unwind of Stream Finance now appears to have ended that growth story prematurely. Investor Takeaway Synthetic dollar protocols remain exposed to opaque lending practices and cross-platform leverage. Elixir’s swift wind-down may limit contagion but highlights DeFi’s fragility. Contagion Spreads Beyond Elixir Stream Finance’s failure has already affected several stablecoin projects. Stable Labs’ USDX token has sharply depegged amid exposure to xUSD, and several liquidity pools on decentralized exchanges have seen steep outflows. Market observers warn that while Elixir’s redemption plan may restore user funds, confidence in uncollateralized synthetic stablecoins is eroding. For now, Elixir’s focus is on ensuring an orderly redemption process. The claims portal, once live, will allow users to redeem remaining deUSD balances directly for USDC. The team has not disclosed an exact launch date but said development is underway.

Deal Expands Access to Private Market Trading Charles Schwab (SCHW.N) said Thursday it will acquire private shares trading platform Forge Global (FRGE.N) in a transaction valued at $660 million, deepening Wall Street’s push into the private markets as investors seek exposure to high-growth startups. The all-cash deal values Forge at $45 per share, a 72% premium to its last closing price. Forge Global’s stock surged 65% in premarket trading following the announcement. The companies said they expect to complete the acquisition in the first half of 2026. The acquisition comes amid rising demand from individual and institutional investors for access to private company shares. With venture-backed firms such as OpenAI, SpaceX and ByteDance now valued on par with major S&P 500 companies, the gap between public and private markets has narrowed sharply. Investor Takeaway Schwab’s purchase of Forge marks a shift toward mainstream access to private markets, reflecting investor appetite for startup equity that was once out of reach. Wall Street’s Race to Tap Private Equity Liquidity Major financial institutions have been expanding platforms that give clients access to pre-IPO shares and secondary trading opportunities. The Forge deal follows Morgan Stanley’s October agreement to acquire EquityZen, a rival private shares marketplace, as competition intensifies to dominate liquidity in private equity trading. Forge operates a trading marketplace that has facilitated more than $17 billion in private share transactions, connecting accredited investors with early-stage companies seeking liquidity. The platform went public in 2021 through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) during the peak of the blank-check boom. Its stock has gained 87% so far this year on takeover speculation. Strategic Fit for Schwab Charles Schwab, one of the largest U.S. financial institutions, manages about $11.6 trillion in client assets and has a market capitalization near $170 billion. The brokerage said the deal will broaden its suite of investment offerings and strengthen its position among wealth management clients interested in diversified exposure beyond public equities. The acquisition aligns with Schwab’s broader effort to provide clients with alternative investment access, including venture capital and private equity funds. Analysts said the move underscores how large brokerages are responding to demand from high-net-worth clients seeking early-stage exposure traditionally limited to institutional investors. Investor Takeaway The Forge deal highlights how traditional brokerages are moving to capture flows from private market trading, an area once dominated by boutique firms and venture networks. Private Markets Go Mainstream Private company valuations have soared in recent years as firms opt to stay private longer, using direct placements and venture rounds to raise capital instead of pursuing IPOs. According to market data, secondary trading in pre-IPO shares has more than tripled since 2020, reflecting investor efforts to participate earlier in the growth cycle. Analysts said Schwab’s acquisition reflects a growing recognition that private assets will play a larger role in diversified portfolios. Forge’s marketplace, coupled with Schwab’s distribution network, could help bridge liquidity gaps and offer clients access to previously restricted deal flow. “Some of the world’s largest startups now rival public companies in size and influence,” one analyst said. “Investors want access to those returns before the IPO window reopens.” For Schwab, the acquisition offers both strategic and competitive advantages. As more high-growth startups delay listings, demand for secondary market liquidity is expected to remain robust. The deal positions the brokerage to service both retail and institutional investors seeking private equity exposure under a regulated umbrella. The companies did not disclose financial details beyond the $660 million valuation. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals.

KEY TAKEAWAYS Smart contracts automate shipment verification, reducing manual errors and paperwork. Blockchain ensures tamper-proof, transparent records accessible to all stakeholders. Real-time validation speeds up customs clearance, delivery confirmation, and payments. Implementation requires defining clear contract logic and integrating IoT sensor data. Challenges include interoperability, regulatory compliance, and adoption resistance. Early adopters will benefit from faster operations, reduced costs, and higher customer trust.   In today’s globalized economy, transport companies face increasing pressure to ensure the accuracy, transparency, and security of their shipment verification processes. Traditional methods often rely on paper-based documentation, manual verifications, and multiple intermediaries, creating opportunities for errors, fraud, delays, and disputes. As supply chains grow more complex, these inefficiencies translate into rising costs and customer dissatisfaction. Enter blockchain technology and smart contracts tools that are revolutionizing shipment verification by providing automated, tamper-proof, and transparent solutions. For transport companies aiming to enhance operational efficiency, build trust across partners, and reduce costs, implementing smart contracts represents a strategic leap forward. This guide explains how smart contracts work to verify shipments, the benefits they offer, and practical steps transport companies can take to leverage this technology effectively. What Are Smart Contracts and How Do They Work in Shipment Verification? Smart contracts are programmable, self-executing contracts encoded on a blockchain network. They automatically enforce the terms and conditions agreed upon by parties once predefined criteria are met. Unlike traditional contracts that require manual enforcement and intermediaries, smart contracts embed contract logic directly in computer code, which eliminates human error and delays. In the context of shipment verification, smart contracts enable automation along the entire logistics chain from order placement and cargo pickup to transportation milestones, customs clearance, and delivery confirmation. Here’s how implementation typically works: Each key event or checkpoint in the shipment process triggers the recording of verified data to the blockchain. This may include timestamps, GPS coordinates, sensor data, or official customs clearances. The smart contract monitors real-time data inputs and acts automatically as conditions are fulfilled. For example, upon customs approval, the contract can release payment or transfer ownership. Because all transactions and updates are stored immutably on the blockchain, tampering or unauthorized revisions are nearly impossible without network consensus. All authorized stakeholders, shippers, freight forwarders, customs agents, insurers, and receivers access the same transparent, cryptographically secured data in real-time. This end-to-end automation reduces paperwork, accelerates verification, limits disputes, and fosters collaboration by establishing a single source of truth. Key Benefits of Using Smart Contracts for Shipment Verification Transport companies integrating smart contracts into their verification workflows experience multiple tangible benefits: 1. Enhanced Transparency and Trust Smart contracts on a decentralized blockchain ledger provide all supply chain participants with an identical view of shipment status and history, eliminating information asymmetry. This transparency builds trust between carriers, clients, and regulatory bodies, minimizing fraud and miscommunication. 2. Real-Time, Automated Verification Shipment checkpoints and events are recorded instantly and automatically verified by the smart contract once predefined conditions are satisfied. This immediate validation streamlines processes like customs clearance, reducing delays caused by manual inspections and paperwork. 3. Improved Security and Data Integrity Blockchain’s immutable ledger ensures shipment data cannot be altered or deleted retroactively. Cryptographic encryption safeguards sensitive information such as bills of lading and customs documents, protecting against tampering and unauthorized access. 4. Cost and Time Savings By automating verification steps previously done manually by intermediaries, smart contracts reduce labor and administrative expenses. Fewer delays in shipment processing lower storage costs and accelerate cash flows with timely payment releases. 5. Streamlined Dispute Resolution With a transparent, tamper-proof record of all transactions and contract conditions, resolving disputes over shipment status or contract compliance becomes simpler and faster. Automated execution reduces ambiguity and potential conflicts among parties. Practical Applications of Smart Contracts in Shipment Verification Smart contracts enhance shipment verification across different stages of the supply chain: Order and Cargo Management: Automatic tracking of when goods are loaded, sealed, and dispatched. Smart contracts can trigger alerts if conditions like temperature or humidity deviate from agreed thresholds. Transportation Milestones: Verification of shipment locations using GPS and IoT sensors logged to blockchain, enabling real-time tracking visible to all authorized parties. Customs Clearance: Automated submission and validation of customs documentation. Smart contracts can trigger customs approvals and release payments instantly upon clearance, accelerating border crossings. Final Delivery Confirmation: Proof of delivery recorded on-chain using digital signatures or QR code scans, which can automatically unlock payments or release collateral. Insurance Claims Automation: Triggering instant insurance payouts for cargo damage or loss based on verified sensor and inspection data recorded transparently. Steps to Implement Smart Contracts for Shipment Verification Transport companies can follow these steps to deploy smart contract-based shipment verification systems effectively: Step 1: Assess Your Current Shipment Verification Workflow Map out all key verification points in your existing logistics and documentation processes. Identify bottlenecks, sources of delays, and risks of fraud or errors that smart contracts could mitigate. Step 2: Choose the Right Blockchain Platform Select a blockchain tailored to enterprise supply chain needs, typically permissioned or hybrid blockchains like Hyperledger Fabric, IBM Blockchain, or consortia blockchains that offer scalability, privacy, and security for multiple stakeholders. Step 3: Define Smart Contract Logic and Conditions Collaborate with legal, operational, and IT teams to codify your shipment verification rules, including: Event data triggers (e.g., delivery scanning, customs clearance) Automated actions (e.g., payment releases, ownership transfers) Compliance checks and regulatory validations Step 4: Integrate IoT and Sensor Technologies Leverage IoT devices such as GPS trackers, RFID tags, temperature sensors, and seals that feed real-time data into the blockchain, enabling automated contract execution based on physical shipment conditions. Step 5: Develop or Deploy Smart Contract Solutions Partner with blockchain developers or supply chain software providers to build and test smart contracts. Use an iterative approach with simulations before live deployment to ensure accuracy and robustness. Step 6: Onboard Stakeholders and Train Staff Secure engagement from all supply chain participants (shippers, customs, freight forwarders, insurers) by demonstrating transparency and benefits. Provide technical training to ensure smooth adoption. Step 7: Monitor, Audit, and Optimize Continuously track system performance, transaction validity, and stakeholder feedback. Adjust smart contract parameters and expand functionalities as needed to enhance efficiency over time. Challenges and Considerations While promising, implementing smart contracts for shipment verification requires addressing: Interoperability: Integrating blockchain with legacy transport management systems and data sources. Data Accuracy: Ensuring reliable and tamper-proof input data from IoT devices. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Adapting contracts to comply with international trade laws and data privacy regulations. Change Management: Overcoming resistance from stakeholders accustomed to traditional methods. Cost of Implementation: Budgeting for initial development, infrastructure, and ongoing maintenance. Overcoming these challenges is essential to realize the full advantages of the technology. Future Outlook With growing digitalization of supply chains and advances in blockchain scalability, smart contract-based shipment verification will increasingly become mainstream. Emerging trends include integrating AI analytics on-chain to proactively detect shipment anomalies, expanded use of tokenized logistics assets, and the establishment of industry consortia sharing trusted verification ledgers. Transport companies at the forefront of adoption will gain significant competitive advantages through operational efficiencies, improved client trust, and new revenue opportunities. Driving the Future of Shipment Verification Through Smart Contracts Smart contracts represent a transformative solution for transport companies seeking to modernize shipment verification. By enabling real-time, secure, and automated tracking and approval processes, smart contracts reduce delays, cut costs, and foster unparalleled transparency and cooperation across supply chains. Transport organizations interested in this technology should begin by mapping their workflows, selecting suitable blockchain platforms, and collaborating with technology partners to develop tailored smart contract applications. While challenges exist, the long-term benefits of enhanced trust, efficiency, and cost savings make smart contracts an indispensable tool for future-ready shipment verification.   FAQ What is a smart contract in the context of shipment verification? A smart contract is a self-executing digital agreement encoded on a blockchain. It automatically verifies shipment events such as loading, customs clearance, and delivery based on predefined conditions. How does blockchain improve shipment transparency? Blockchain stores shipment data immutably and shares it with all authorized parties in real time. This eliminates data manipulation, fraud, and discrepancies across carriers, shippers, and regulators. Can smart contracts completely replace traditional verification documents? Not immediately. While they digitize and automate most verification steps, some jurisdictions still require physical documents for customs or legal validation. Hybrid systems are most common during transition periods. What types of data can smart contracts use to trigger actions? They can process GPS coordinates, temperature, or humidity readings from IoT sensors, digital signatures, customs approvals, and delivery scans to automatically execute contract conditions. How do smart contracts reduce costs for transport companies? By eliminating intermediaries, reducing manual paperwork, and accelerating payments upon verified delivery, smart contracts minimize administrative overhead and shorten the payment cycle. Which blockchain platforms are suitable for transport and logistics? Popular enterprise-grade platforms include Hyperledger Fabric, IBM Blockchain, and Quorum, offering scalability, permissioned access, and data privacy tailored to logistics networks. Are smart contracts legally recognized in international trade? Recognition varies by jurisdiction. Many countries are updating digital contract laws to support blockchain-based agreements, but companies should consult legal experts before cross-border deployment.

As gold prices fell sharply on October 23, investor sentiment shifted toward a potential rebound in the Australian dollar, creating renewed activity among retail traders. In response, CFD trading platform Mitrade has doubled down on its mission to promote financial literacy and responsible trading, reinforcing its educational initiatives as market volatility increases retail participation. The move follows Mitrade’s recognition as winner of the “Best Educational Resources” award at the Global Forex Awards 2025 – Retail, where more than 200,000 votes were cast across 400 nominees. The award underscores Mitrade’s growing reputation as a leader in trader education, delivering learning tools that empower users to make informed decisions in fast-moving markets. According to Finance Magnates’ Q1 2025 Intelligence Report, Australia now ranks fourth globally for active CFD traders, with approximately 81,000 retail participants. Yet, a University of New South Wales study revealed that 45% of Australians remain financially illiterate—a gap that has become increasingly concerning amid the surge in market activity and regulatory warnings from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Takeaway With gold volatility driving new retail trading interest, Mitrade is intensifying its education-first approach to help Australians trade more responsibly and confidently. CEO Elven Jong: “Education Is Our Responsibility to Traders” As market swings draw in a wave of retail traders, Mitrade CEO Elven Jong emphasized the company’s commitment to bridging the knowledge gap between opportunity and risk. “Market volatility draws in more retail traders across the industry, but many begin their journey with surface-level understanding of risks,” he said. “This literacy gap shows up in real time — in the way people respond to price swings, use leverage, or misjudge market signals.” Jong highlighted that while ASIC has placed consumer protection at the forefront of regulation, true protection starts with trader knowledge. “We embed educational resources and real-time insights into our platform because we see education as our responsibility — it’s how we support Australia’s broader financial literacy goals.” Mitrade’s education strategy integrates market insights, interactive learning modules, and real-time trading examples to help retail traders interpret signals and manage exposure effectively. These tools are designed to make complex concepts — from leverage ratios to technical analysis — accessible to new and experienced users alike. Takeaway Mitrade’s CEO says that trader protection begins with education — a philosophy that underpins the firm’s learning-focused platform and risk management tools. Expanding Global Presence and Industry Recognition Mitrade’s renewed education push comes amid a banner year for the Melbourne-founded fintech. In 2025 alone, the firm collected 16 international awards, including four within Australia. These accolades reinforce its growing global footprint and the impact of its education-driven trading model across key financial hubs. Operating under a suite of top-tier licenses — including ASIC (AFSL398528), CySEC (CIF438/23), CIMA (SIB1612446), FSCA (54842), and FSC (GB20025791) — Mitrade continues to expand access to regulated CFD trading worldwide. The platform supports more than 800 instruments spanning indices, forex, commodities, ETFs, and equities, offering traders a transparent and seamless experience backed by microsecond execution and razor-thin spreads. By combining local roots with global standards, Mitrade positions itself not just as a trading platform, but as a financial education ecosystem—one that helps traders interpret market movements, navigate volatility, and pursue opportunities responsibly. As gold’s dip renews speculation about an AUD rebound, the company’s ongoing literacy mission aligns with both regulatory priorities and long-term investor sustainability. Takeaway With award-winning education tools and strict global regulation, Mitrade continues to expand its mission to make financial literacy central to modern CFD trading.

Michael Prime, a man from Florida who has been found guilty of many federal crimes, was arrested in 2019 for crimes like access-device fraud, aggravated identity theft, and having a gun without a license. During the inquiry, the FBI took many devices, including an orange external hard drive that Prime later said included the private keys to 3,443 Bitcoin.  Bitcoin was worth less than $10,000 at the time, but the stash's value grew when the price of Bitcoin rose to $100,000 per coin in 2025.​ That year, Prime admitted guilt and presented official financial accounts, saying that his only surviving assets were between $200 and $1,500 in Bitcoin.  He didn't say anything about the hard disk or any large amounts of Bitcoin. After the case was decided, investigators treated the seized gadget like normal evidence and wiped it clean, following standard FBI protocol. The Appeals Court's Decision and Reasoning Prime's legal battle started after he got out of prison in 2022 and claimed to own millions of dollars in missing Bitcoin. He then asked for payment. Judges Jill Pryor, Britt Grant, and Stanley Marcus in the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals turned down Prime's claim.  They pointed out that he had been lying about his crypto assets for years and had been denying them. The court said that the government had relied on Prime's own admissions when it got rid of the evidence, using the legal principle of laches, which says that inordinate delay precludes claims.  Prime said that people misunderstood what he had said before, saying that he meant the worth of each Bitcoin, not the overall amount he had. The judges threw this out as "ridiculous," pointing to evident discrepancies and the currency's price history at the time in question. FBI Procedures: Protecting Privacy, Not Portfolios The ruling made it clear that the FBI followed normal rules for privacy and evidence when they wiped the hard disk. Once deleted, Bitcoin's cryptographic keys cannot be found again. According to industry estimates, up to 17% of the entire Bitcoin supply may be permanently lost due to misplaced keys, and this now includes Prime's coins.​ The court stated that even if the Bitcoins were true, Prime didn't have to pay because they had previously denied it and didn't inform anyone. The courts have made it clear that the primary role of law enforcement is to protect people's privacy, not to safeguard assets for those who conceal them.  Wider Effects on Crypto Holders This decision sends a strong message to those who own cryptocurrencies: they must be honest and transparent during judicial processes. If you don't honestly tell people about your digital assets, you could lose a lot of money.  In Prime's case, the court said that the owner's silence, not the FBI's actions, caused the loss.​ The verdict establishes a standard for handling confiscated digital assets and demonstrates how crypto ownership actually works: if you don't possess the private keys, you will lose your coins permanently.

During its Q3 2025 earnings call, Robinhood answered queries about whether it might keep Bitcoin or other digital assets on its balance sheet. Shiv Verma, the company's vice president of finance and strategy, stated that Robinhood does not currently view this as the most effective use of its funds.  Executives recognize that a crypto treasury may bring the company closer to the digital asset ecosystem, but Robinhood remains uncertain whether this plan is suitable for its shareholders.​ Verma said, "We've thought about this a lot," stressing that they were still evaluating it rather than outright rejecting it. He said that investors may currently buy and hold Bitcoin directly on Robinhood, which raises more issues about whether the company should bear that risk on behalf of all shareholders.​ Company Performance and Strategic Focus Robinhood's stance on the crypto treasury project comes at a time when the company is financially strong. The company's third-quarter sales of $1.27 billion were a shocking 97% higher than the same time last year and beat Wall Street's estimates. The share price has risen more than 260% to an all-time high of $152.46, which shows that many investors trust the brokerage's ability to do well.​ Robinhood doesn't want to put money into digital assets because it has a strong financial position and is constantly investing in new products, engineering, and growth methods. "Is this the best way to use our money?" Verma raised this question as a way to show that the company was more interested in expansion than in risky treasury activities.​ Trends in The Crypto Treasury Industry More and more companies want to have digital assets on their balance sheets; therefore, the idea of a corporate crypto treasury is becoming more popular. Some companies, like Strategy, have gotten billions of dollars and higher valuations because of this tendency. But experts and authorities in places like Hong Kong, Australia, and India are still cautious because they perceive risks that are similar to those seen in prior speculative booms.​ Robinhood's leadership is being cautious, even though the company would be a good fit for crypto treasury adoption, given its large number of retail crypto users. They don't want to jump on a trend that might not fit with their long-term financial or strategic aims.​ Robinhood is not setting up a crypto treasury, but the business is still working on and expanding its cryptocurrency offers. Staking, perpetual futures, tokenized stocks, and prediction markets are among the new products that have been introduced.  This indicates that crypto remains a significant component of Robinhood's growth strategy, although it is not yet a top priority on the balance sheet.​ Robinhood's approach is one of careful thought and caution. The company is open to new opportunities in the future, but currently, it is focused on maximizing shareholder value and leveraging its core business strengths.

Bitcoin slipped below its 365-day moving average, touching lows near $99k before recovering slightly. The breach triggered debate over whether this signals a bear market or just a routine correction. Meanwhile, traders hunting alpha are rotating into earlier entries, scanning for the best crypto presale opportunities before the next bull leg accelerates. While Standard Chartered's RWA outlook lifts institutional confidence, retail traders are locking into their presale positions. DeepSnitch AI has just sailed across $496K raised, priced at only $0.02157. With five AI agents shipping real-time alpha and a fully operational network already live, this could be the best crypto presale to buy, with serious moonshot potential as Bitcoin consolidates. Bitcoin tests bear market threshold while Solana ETFs defy the selloff Bitcoin dropped below its 365-day moving average, down over 20% from its October highs above $126k. The metric tracks Bitcoin's average price over the past year, serving as a sentiment gauge, and flurries of traders typically take price dips like this as a strong bearish signal. Still, Bitrue research analyst Andri Fauzan Adziima noted that this is merely the fourth correction in the 2025 bull cycle, a routine cleanse rather than prolonged winter. Historical data shows 40% rebounds within 60 days after 20% drawdowns in bull markets. Tom Cohen from Algoz Technology said that as long as the $100k barrier holds, a Santa rally remains just as possible as further downside. Meanwhile, Spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs recorded above $578 million and $219 million in outflows, respectively, at the start of November, as institutions trimmed risk exposure. BlackRock's IBIT and Fidelity's FBTC led withdrawals, while Ethereum products extended a five-day streak that wiped nearly $1 billion in capital since late October. Solana ETFs have defied the gloom, posting nearly $15 million in net inflows on their sixth consecutive day of gains, and Bitwise's BSOL and Grayscale's GSOL have attracted fresh capital as institutional traders rotate toward yield-bearing products. Vincent Liu from Kronos Research noted that Solana's speed, staking, and fresh ETF narrative are keeping momentum tilted upward, even as macro jitters drive broader risk-off behavior. 1. DeepSnitch AI: Network operational, tools shipping to early backers DeepSnitch AI is already shipping tools, making abundantly clear that it’s fully functional, not smoke and mirrors. The network has now gone fully operational, according to recent dev updates, meaning early backers now have immediate access to whale surveillance and contract audits rather than waiting months post-launch. That's rare for upcoming crypto presales 2025 and gives DeepSnitch AI a trust edge competitors can't claim. The platform’s five AI agents target different risk vectors. For instance, SnitchFeed monitors Telegram alpha groups and social sentiment shifts, AuditSnitch runs instant smart contract checks, and SnitchGPT delivers blockchain insights straight into chat. These are the practical, utility-driven live features rolling out to presale participants as the platform scales, the sort that most new cryptos promise only later.  As Bitcoin tests critical support and correction fears mount, the timing of DeepSnitch AI’s release couldn’t be sharper. Now more than ever, retail traders need tools to identify opportunities while whales accumulate. DeepSnitch AI gives users the same intelligence whales monopolize, democratizing access to whale wallet tracking, rug detection, and alpha aggregation.  Security audits from Coinsult and SolidProof eliminate the trust gap plaguing most presales. With staking live and rewards flowing to early participants, DeepSnitch AI combines sharp utility with powerful yield generation, a combination that will almost certainly keep holders locked in rather than flipping at the first pump. At $0.02157 in Stage 2, the entry point remains accessible before broader discovery and later price tiers. 2. Solana: Fresh ETF inflows buck broader market selloff Solana ETFs have registered their sixth consecutive day of inflows, while Bitcoin and Ether products are bleeding capital. Bitwise's BSOL and Grayscale's GSOL pulled curious capital as institutions rotated toward yield-bearing assets with speed advantages. Vincent Liu from Kronos Research noted that Solana's narrative, combining speed, staking, and fresh ETF appeal, keeps momentum lifted, even as macro jitters fuel broader risk-off behavior. Priced at around $158 as of November 5, CoinCodex targets show Solana potentially reaching above $170 by early December, an above 7% upside from current levels. Yet, technical indicators flash bearish with Extreme Fear at 23, suggesting cautious positioning despite the bullish price forecast. Solana's ETF growth also remains niche, driven by early adopters chasing yield rather than institutional conviction. This, alongside its $88 billion market cap, will keep a lid on near-term upside, especially compared to projects entering with smaller market caps and far higher growth potential. 3. Ethereum: Bleeding outflows despite treasury evolution narrative Ethereum ETFs faced above $219 million in redemptions, extending a five-day streak that wiped nearly $1 billion in capital since late October. Fidelity's FETH and BlackRock's ETHA bore the brunt as institutions trimmed exposure amid strengthening dollar conditions and tightening liquidity. Despite outflows, Ethereum remains central to the RWA thesis. Standard Chartered's prediction that DeFi infrastructure will challenge traditional finance dominance positions Ethereum as a backbone for tokenized assets.  From here, Ethereum stands a fair chance of climbing above 11% to reach near $3,697 by early December, especially after having printed green on 14 of the last 30 days with volatility around 6%.  But at current valuations, its 100x days are firmly behind it, and the top new crypto ICOs with fresh narratives and smaller caps will offer better risk-reward for traders hunting moonshots. The final word DeepSnitch AI combines everything traders want: operational tools shipping now, audited security, staking rewards, and a $500k raise that leaves explosive upside on the table. Majors like Ethereum and Solana can anchor portfolios, but only early-stage projects priced at $0.02157 have all the room in the world still to run.  While Bitcoin tests support and majors consolidate, DeepSnitch AI can still deliver potential 100x returns when the next bull leg accelerates.  Visit the website to buy into the presale and follow X and Telegram for official updates. FAQs Why is DeepSnitch AI considered the best crypto presale right now?  DeepSnitch AI ships operational tools immediately rather than shiny promises, with five AI agents already delivering whale tracking and contract audits. At $0.02157 in Stage 2, the entry remains accessible before broader adoption compounds price growth. What makes upcoming crypto presales attractive compared to established coins?  Upcoming crypto presales 2025 offer exponentially higher return potential than large-cap coins. Projects like DeepSnitch AI at $500k raises can 100x, while Ethereum and Solana deliver steadier but smaller gains due to their massive valuations. How does Bitcoin's correction impact the best crypto presale opportunities?  Bitcoin dropping below its 365-day moving average creates uncertainty among majors, pushing traders toward asymmetric bets. The best crypto presale projects, like DeepSnitch AI with operational tools and sub-$500k valuations, position early backers for explosive gains. Disclaimer: This content is provided by a sponsor. FinanceFeeds does not independently verify the legitimacy, credibility, claims, or financial viability of the information or description of services mentioned. As such, we bear no responsibility for any potential risks, inaccuracies, or misleading representations related to the content. This post does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation and should not be treated as such. We strongly advise seeking independent financial guidance from a qualified and regulated professional before engaging in any investment or financial activities. Please review our full disclaimer for more details.

The Swiss government released its consultation proposal on October 22, initiating a national discussion on the best way to oversee payments guaranteed by stablecoins. The idea proposes a new FINMA-regulated license for issuers of "value-stable blockchain-based tokens."  To obtain this license, issuers must fully back their tokens with high-quality, liquid assets, maintain separate reserves, and provide whitepapers that have been reviewed by the regulator.​ The government seeks feedback from industry professionals and the general public by February 2026. After that, the government will finalize the law and implement it.​ Expert Opinions: Making the Franc Stronger Financial experts believe that Switzerland's cautious approach provides the national currency with an opportunity to become more stable. Dea Markova, policy director at Fireblocks, says that the framework will help Switzerland's tokenized asset and bond markets grow by providing them with "cash on chain" as a secure foundation for new ideas. Hany Rashwan, the inventor of 21Shares, stated that regulated stablecoins could make the Swiss franc more trustworthy and independent, which would help it maintain its value in a world economy that is becoming increasingly digital.​ Details and Protections For The Framework If the plan is approved, stablecoin issuers will be required to notify FINMA at least 60 days before launch and provide users with the opportunity to redeem tokens at face value within a specified timeframe. Additionally, stablecoins that are traded but not issued in Switzerland will be considered crypto assets rather than payment instruments.  This means that offshore corporations won't have to meet domestic reserve requirements until they issue tokens in Switzerland. The goal of the consultation is to fill the gaps in the legislation, as Swiss laws before this one only covered stablecoins under banking and anti-money laundering rules, without a separate set of rules for token-based payment methods.​ The Stablecoin Ecosystem in Switzerland Stablecoins are already being utilized in stores, online shopping, tax payments to the government, and cross-border business transactions in Switzerland. Sygnum, SEBA, and Amina are among the largest Swiss banks that now offer stablecoin services for trading and settlements.  This illustrates the growing importance of the asset.​ Last year, FINMA provided specific guidance to stablecoin issuers on how to address certain risks. This shows that the organization is moving toward more specialized monitoring. The Global Regulatory Landscape Switzerland's move is part of a larger global push for stablecoin regulation, which recent laws, such as the US GENIUS Act, have accelerated. The European Union, Japan, the UK, and places like Singapore and Hong Kong are also taking steps to control the issuance, custody, and redemption of stablecoins. The consultation process is expected to position Switzerland as a leader in digital asset regulation, fostering innovation while maintaining monetary stability.

U.S. President Donald Trump has declared his intention to turn the United States into a “Bitcoin superpower” after his initial promise to make America the crypto capital of the world.   Speaking in Washington earlier this week, President Trump emphasized that the U.S. should not allow China or other nations to dominate the future of digital assets and blockchain infrastructure. Trump’s latest comment on digital assets supports his new advocacy. It also signals the start of a new geopolitical race with China over crypto dominance and could urge policymakers to embrace the digital asset sector as a tool for national strength. Trump’s Crypto Stance Opens Room For U.S.-China Competition Earlier this week, Trump said the U.S. must lead in Bitcoin or risk falling behind China, a reference to Beijing’s growing influence in digital payment infrastructure and blockchain development.  Trump’s call to make the U.S. a “Bitcoin superpower” highlights how the administration views digital assets as part of a broader strategy to secure technological leadership over China. The move mirrors earlier initiatives that positioned semiconductors and artificial intelligence as pillars of national strength. He further emphasized that Bitcoin mining and blockchain technology could be central to restoring American manufacturing competitiveness. Trump’s Bitcoin comments also highlight a geopolitical undertone that reflects the competition with China for digital supremacy following the recent U.S.-China trade wars Although China was once the world's largest Bitcoin mining hub, the country had issued multiple restrictions between 2013 and 2021 that ultimately banned all crypto transactions and mining. However, it has rapidly advanced its central bank digital currency (CBDC), positioning the digital yuan as a potential challenge to U.S. dollar domination in global trade through stablecoins like Tether’s USDT and Circle’s USDC. What Could a ‘Bitcoin Superpower Battle’ Look Like? If implemented, the policy could reshape the global crypto mining sector, attracting firms to relocate operations to the U.S., especially with new infrastructure incentives like lower fees and energy agreements. Such a shift could reinforce the U.S. dollar’s influence in crypto-based settlements while extending the reach of American-led capital markets. Trump’s move could also reshape international narratives around Bitcoin and state power. A U.S.-led push for Bitcoin dominance might accelerate institutional adoption and spark regulatory competition among major economies. Analysts further note that such a move could globalize Bitcoin’s legitimacy, forcing traditional financial blocs to define clearer stances on decentralized assets. Meanwhile, China’s own blockchain strategy continues to evolve, focusing less on open cryptocurrencies and more on state-controlled digital frameworks. For investors, the message is that the world’s largest economies are now treating cryptocurrencies as strategic and not just speculative assets. Whether this rivalry drives innovation or regulatory concerns remain, it’s clear that the crypto industry is no longer a fringe sector, but a topic in global politics. 

Bitcoin.com, one of the most popular crypto ecosystems in the world, has teamed up with Concordium, a PayFi-focused Layer-1 blockchain that protects privacy while still allowing for compliance. The partnership will bring age-verified stablecoin payments to more than 75 million wallets around the world. This is a big step forward for digital payments that are compliant and respect privacy. Giving people the power to protect their privacy while still following the rules The integration will bring Concordium’s ‘1-Click Verify & Pay’ technology directly into the Bitcoin.com Wallet, allowing users to verify critical identity attributes—such as age or jurisdiction—without exposing personal details or relying on centralized ID databases. Verification will happen off-chain by independent third-party providers, so no personal information will be stored on the blockchain. Zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) technology keeps transactions safe by letting users prove their eligibility without giving away their identity. This way, they can be fully compliant while still keeping their privacy. “At Bitcoin.com, our focus has always been on empowering people to take control of their finances through self-custody,” said Corbin Fraser, CEO of Bitcoin.com. “As the regulatory landscape evolves, partnerships like this one with Concordium help bridge the gap between privacy and compliance. By enabling age-verified payments that preserve user anonymity, we’re supporting a maturing crypto industry—one where individuals maintain sovereignty over their data while giving regulators the confidence they need for Bitcoin and crypto to achieve global adoption.” What Concordium Does: Privacy Meets Utility Concordium's "1-Click Verify & Pay" makes payments on the blockchain easier by combining verification and transaction settlement into one step. Fraser’s comments were echoed by Concordium CEO Boris Bohrer-Bilowitzki, who said, “Partnering with Bitcoin.com brings our vision to life: secure, verified, reliable, and cheap payments that work for everyone, from individuals to institutions. By combining anonymous verification and payment into one easy step, we are reducing friction for users and merchants alike, enabling a new era of Smart Money worldwide.” The system lets merchants accept stablecoin payments while also checking that customers are old enough to buy things like alcohol, games, or adult content. The process doesn't require complicated setup or ongoing compliance costs like traditional verification systems do. Instead, it offers a decentralized, cost-effective, and privacy-first alternative to centralized identity schemes. Taking on a global regulatory problem Governments around the world are making rules about digital identity and online safety stricter, which is why the partnership is happening. The Online Safety Act requires more than five million age checks to be done every day in the UK alone. Similar programs are also being put in place in other European countries and U.S. states. Because of this, there has been a huge increase in the need for compliance solutions that protect privacy. Bitcoin.com and Concordium's partnership directly meets this need by letting businesses follow the law without having to collect personal information in a way that is intrusive. It also promises to help the $308 billion stablecoin market grow beyond trading ecosystems and into regular e-commerce, where the lack of verified payment infrastructure has been a major problem. Connecting crypto payments to real-world use The integration of Concordium's regulatory-ready identity protocol with Bitcoin.com's huge global reach makes it possible for stablecoin payments to be used by a lot of people for everyday transactions. Merchants and consumers will soon be able to transact in verified stablecoins—quickly, privately, and compliantly—in use cases where existing digital payment methods either fail regulatory checks or compromise personal privacy. The solution also offers a compelling alternative to state-mandated digital ID systems, providing individuals with self-sovereign verification options that align with decentralized finance (DeFi) principles. About Concordium Concordium is a scalable Layer-1 blockchain offering a built-in identity layer that combines privacy and accountability. Powered by zero-knowledge proof technology, Concordium enables verified yet anonymous transactions suitable for both individuals and enterprises. Founded in 2018, the platform supports Smart Money applications, programmable tokens, and PayFi-focused features such as time-locked releases, compliance controls, and ID-based geofencing. With a focus on enterprise-ready stablecoin infrastructure, Concordium is emerging as a key blockchain for regulatory-compliant digital payments. ? Learn more at www.concordium.com . About Bitcoin.com Since 2015, Bitcoin.com has been a global leader in introducing newcomers to cryptocurrency. Its ecosystem offers educational resources, news coverage, and intuitive self-custodial tools, enabling users to buy, trade, spend, and manage crypto securely. With a user base of more than 75 million wallets, Bitcoin.com continues to drive mainstream crypto adoption, empowering individuals to take control of their finances while shaping the future of decentralized payments.

In 2022, residents of Mitchell Bend, a small town in Hood County, started protesting when MARA Holdings, which used to be called Marathon, opened a big Bitcoin mining operation. There are around 60,000 computers in the building, and enormous industrial fans keep them cool. Neighbors say the noise is like a nonstop, roaring hum. Noise levels that are often higher than 85 dB have caused many people to have trouble sleeping, migraines, hearing issues, and even worse health. Despite MARA Holdings constructing a 24-foot wall and converting most cooling to quieter liquid systems, residents complain the changes have not lessened the disturbance.​ Ballot Measure Fails, Legal Options Limited Residents had high hopes for a referendum proposition that would have made Mitchell Bend a city, which would have given them the power to create noise laws. Out of 138 votes cast on Election Day, 62% of voters turned down the plan. This ended the immediate effort to implement noise regulations that could be enforced. MARA Holdings lost the election after a federal judge threw out their lawsuit to stop it. For a lot of people, voting was their only choice because Texas counties don't have much power to regulate businesses. Residents are unhappy with the outcome and worried about more industry growth. There Are Still Legal and Health Issues Even if the city vote didn't go their way, citizens and advocacy groups are still taking MARA Holdings to court. Citizens Concerned About Wolf Hollow and Earthjustice are suing for private nuisance and noise abatement. They say that the noise has caused problems like irreversible hearing loss, terrible migraines, and interrupted animal patterns. Politicians throughout Texas investigated the connection between bitcoin mining and the state's electricity system, concerned about public health. Some officials argue that the sector generates few jobs and places a significant strain on local infrastructure. Community Split, Path Unclear The fight has divided the town, with some people refusing to follow city rules and others fearing unregulated industrial growth. Advocates promise to keep looking for additional ways to cut down on noise, such as more lawsuits and appeals to state politicians for new regulations. Even though they lost their most excellent chance for self-government and stronger noise rules, the people of Mitchell Bend are still motivated to find solutions.

Ultima Markets and FC Internazionale Milano (Inter) have officially brought their Asian Regional Partnership to life with an exclusive event held at Inter’s headquarters in Milan. What began as a digital alliance has transformed into a tangible celebration of shared excellence — merging the worlds of trading performance and football prestige. The gathering united key leadership figures from both organizations, including Ultima Markets Board Director Jean-Philippe Mota, Regional Business Director Jack Li, and Inter Legend Christian Vieri. The event featured a private tour of Inter’s Heritage and Trophy Rooms, followed by a signing ceremony in the Media Room. The evening culminated in a matchday experience at the iconic San Siro Stadium, where attendees witnessed Inter face Fiorentina in Serie A. “Standing where football legends have made history reminds us that greatness is never accidental — it’s earned through discipline, vision, and unity,” said Mota. “Those are the same principles that define Ultima Markets and how we serve our traders every day.” Takeaway Ultima Markets’ partnership with Inter celebrates shared values of performance, integrity, and teamwork — connecting trading excellence with sporting achievement. A Champion’s Journey: Celebrating Shared Values of Precision and Integrity The partnership, first announced on 29 August 2025, has evolved into a broader collaboration centered on excellence, transparency, and ambition. Together, Ultima Markets and Inter embody a commitment to pushing boundaries — both on the pitch and in financial markets. Their alliance has inspired the launch of “A Champion’s Journey”, Ultima Markets’ newest campaign highlighting trader resilience and achievement through the lens of sport. This campaign emphasizes the parallels between professional athletes and traders: both thrive on preparation, adaptability, and strategic execution. By aligning with Inter, a club known globally for its legacy of passion and perseverance, Ultima Markets deepens its emotional and cultural connection with clients across Asia, reinforcing its identity as a brand that champions precision and purpose. “Sport and trading share the same DNA — focus, agility, and resilience,” said Mark Goater, Director at Ultima Markets. “This partnership is more than a sponsorship; it’s a statement of shared belief in excellence as a habit, not a goal.” Takeaway Through its “A Champion’s Journey” campaign, Ultima Markets connects trading mastery with athletic discipline — transforming a sponsorship into a shared pursuit of greatness. Global Growth and Commitment to Trust and Transparency The Milan event also marked another major milestone for Ultima Markets, whose UK subsidiary, Ultima Markets UK Limited, recently obtained authorization from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This approval underscores the company’s dedication to regulatory excellence, investor protection, and global credibility. Ultima Markets continues to expand its presence as a licensed, award-winning, multi-asset broker offering more than 250 CFDs across forex, commodities, indices, and shares. The company’s focus on innovation, education, and integrity has earned it titles such as Most Advanced Multi-Asset Trading Platform Europe 2025, alongside recognition as the first CFD broker to join the UN Global Compact. From its Melbourne roots to global markets, Ultima Markets is proving that success is about more than numbers — it’s about values. The partnership with Inter reflects that vision, uniting two champions from different arenas in a celebration of discipline, trust, and shared ambition. Takeaway With new FCA authorization and a growing global footprint, Ultima Markets is strengthening its reputation as a transparent, trusted broker committed to responsible trading and excellence.

Ripple has launched a new pilot program with Mastercard, WebBank, and Gemini Trust to test the use of its stablecoin, RLUSD, in fiat payment settlements. The pilot will explore how a blockchain-based stablecoin can facilitate faster, compliant transactions across established financial systems. Under the collaboration, the Gemini Credit Card, issued by WebBank, will serve as one of the testing grounds for RLUSD transactions. These payments will be settled through Mastercard’s global network, using the XRP Ledger (XRPL) as the underlying settlement layer. The test aims to showcase how blockchain technology can improve speed and transparency in payment settlements while maintaining strict regulatory oversight. RLUSD—Ripple’s U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin—is fully regulated under the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) framework. Designed for institutional-grade use, RLUSD maintains one-to-one backing with U.S. dollar reserves and provides a compliant bridge between fiat and blockchain-based systems. Monica Long, President of Ripple added that: “This partnership is a meaningful step toward showcasing how regulated digital assets like RLUSD can enhance settlement, paving the way for other card programs to adopt stablecoins for faster, compliant payments. The XRPL will serve as the backbone for these and other institutional use cases that are transforming how financial services operate.” This partnership also extends Mastercard’s ongoing efforts to integrate digital assets into traditional payment systems. The company has been experimenting with blockchain settlement solutions to enhance real-time payments and improve liquidity management across its network. For Ripple, the RLUSD pilot represents a strategic step beyond its well-known cross-border payment operations. By introducing a regulated stablecoin into mainstream settlement infrastructure, Ripple seeks to position itself at the center of a new model for financial interoperability between banks, payment networks, and blockchain systems. While the pilot is still in its early phase and subject to regulatory review, it could signal a turning point in how stablecoins are adopted within established financial ecosystems. If successful, the project may set a precedent for other institutions exploring blockchain-based settlement solutions under regulatory compliance. RLUSD Crosses $1B and Expands Into Derivatives Ripple’s RLUSD has surged past the $1 billion market cap, earning a place among the top 10 U.S. dollar-backed stablecoins less than a year after launch. The milestone underscores growing trust from both retail and institutional users, as trading activity around the token continues to climb across major exchanges. Building on that momentum, U.S.-regulated derivatives platform Bitnomial has become the first to accept RLUSD as margin collateral—a groundbreaking move that extends the stablecoin’s utility beyond payments. The integration highlights RLUSD’s growing relevance in institutional finance, signaling Ripple’s deeper push into real-world, regulated trading and settlement environments.

Francis Suarez, one of the first U.S. lawmakers to accept Bitcoin as payment, said in a recent interview that his holdings have grown by about 300% since he started accepting the digital currency. The price of Bitcoin was roughly $30,000 when Suarez got his first paycheck in Bitcoin. He said that even though Bitcoin briefly went above $120,000 earlier in 2025, his pay had gone up by 400% before settling down to a constant 300% rise after the market corrected itself.​ Unfazed About Market Fluctuations Suarez talked about Bitcoin's recent price drops, which brought it below $100,000. He said that short-term changes don't matter much. He says that Bitcoin's long-term fundamentals, such as its fixed supply and clear protocol, give him confidence that the currency will continue to do well, even though the market changes every day. Suarez said that his view on investing is based on the bigger picture of Bitcoin as a store of value, not its daily price changes.​ Miami and Crypto's Vision Suarez's choice to get paid in Bitcoin fits with his goal of keeping Miami at the cutting edge of financial technology. Suarez is a supporter of decentralized finance and sees Miami using digital assets to make its economy stronger in the future.  He has already said that cities should use cryptocurrencies in their daily operations, like paying city personnel and taking BTC for taxes and fees. These initiatives that look to the future are part of his plan to get more investment, make the economy more diverse, and set Miami apart from other big financial centers.​ Being a Role Model In 2021, it was rare for public officials to get paid in Bitcoin, but Suarez wanted to create an example for more people to use digital currencies. He still strongly supports making cryptocurrencies more useful for spending, saving, and investing.  He believes that a strong Bitcoin ecosystem might give Miami an edge over other cities. Suarez has helped raise Miami's prominence in the worldwide technology and financial world by being an early adopter.​ Mayor Francis Suarez's experience with his Bitcoin paycheck, which is now worth three times what it was when he received it, illustrates both the potential benefits and the broader context that drives cities to adopt cryptocurrencies. By weathering the ups and downs of the market and focusing on the technology's core qualities, Suarez keeps Miami at the forefront of the convergence of finance and innovation.

A Long-Running Scam Reaches Its Endgame German and U.S. authorities this week wrapped up a years-long investigation into one of Europe’s largest online payment-fraud operations. Between 2016 and 2021, three interconnected rings siphoned small recurring payments from more than 4.3 million cardholders in 193 countries, using about 2,000 fake streaming, dating and adult-content sites. German police estimate losses above €300 million. The coordinated raids, carried out from Nov. 4 to 6 across Europe, North America and Asia, capped “Operation Chargeback.” Five suspects were arrested in California under U.S.–Germany extradition treaties, while German police executed warrants against 13 others across the continent. German Authorities Step In The investigation was led by Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) and prosecutors in Koblenz, supported by financial regulator BaFin. BaFin’s involvement underscores the stricter enforcement posture it adopted after the 2020 collapse of Wirecard, which revealed a €1.9 billion hole in the company’s accounts. Following Wirecard, Germany’s Financial Market Integrity Strengthening Act (FISG) expanded BaFin’s powers over fintechs and payment service providers. It tightened anti-money-laundering oversight and merchant-onboarding controls—areas that proved critical in Operation Chargeback’s evidence trail. Investor Takeaway Operation Chargeback highlights how post-Wirecard reforms are now being tested through coordinated enforcement rather than policy statements. The Payment Gateways Investigators say the network depended on compromised or negligent German payment processors to slip fake microcharges through card systems. Several large PSPs were affected, though none have been charged. Media reports cited firms including Unzer GmbH—formerly Heidelpay and backed by KKR—whose merchant-acquisition activities were frozen by BaFin in 2022 due to AML deficiencies. The ban was lifted in October 2024 after remediation under a special monitor. PAYONE, a Worldline–Sparkassen joint venture, disclosed supervisory actions in early 2025 over internal controls, while Nexi S.p.A.—the Italian processor behind SIA and Nets—has been mentioned in discussions about acquirer exposure to fraud risk. All three companies deny any connection to the current probe, and authorities have not alleged corporate wrongdoing. How the Fraud Worked The fraud’s mechanics were unsophisticated but resilient. Card data came from leaks and phishing campaigns. Micro-subscriptions—charges of just a few euros—were processed through dummy content sites to avoid detection and minimize chargebacks. Shell entities in the U.K. and Cyprus acted as merchants, rotating descriptors to stay ahead of alerts. PSP insiders allegedly bypassed compliance checks, allowing fake merchants into legitimate payment networks. Funds were routed through roughly 500 front companies before being parked offshore. Forensic teams have linked more than 19 million transactions to the scheme. German investigators say €35 million in assets have been seized so far. Investor Takeaway The investigation underscores ongoing weaknesses in merchant onboarding and cross-border PSP oversight across Europe’s payments sector. Why Germany Became the Focal Point Germany’s vast acquiring market and its deep links to global card networks made it an ideal staging ground. Structural gaps left after Wirecard’s collapse gave fraudsters cover. Although the scams ceased in 2021, investigators say tracing the layered flows required three years of mutual-legal-assistance requests and digital forensics spanning 30 jurisdictions. The U.S. Dimension The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed the arrests of five suspects in California under the bilateral extradition treaty. Officials described the coordination as routine, with no U.S. indictments filed so far. The suspects are expected to be handed over to German prosecutors once extradition hearings conclude. What Comes Next Prosecutors in Koblenz are weighing whether to pursue corporate cases alongside charges against individual insiders. BaFin and the European Central Bank are reviewing whether supervisory follow-ups on AML compliance are warranted. Consumer-rights groups anticipate a surge in chargeback and compensation claims as affected customers come forward. At a policy level, regulators are considering stricter screening for high-risk merchants, real-time monitoring of recurring payments, and enhanced coordination among European financial-intelligence units. If convictions follow, Operation Chargeback would stand as Germany’s most extensive enforcement action against payment fraud since Wirecard—an outcome that gives substance to the country’s post-crisis pledge of tighter oversight.  

Crypto investment firm Galaxy Digital has reportedly revised its Bitcoin price forecast for 2025, cutting its target from $180,000 to $120,000, as trading sentiment and institutional demand show signs of fatigue following a challenging third quarter. The move marks a notable change of trajectory in tone from one of the most bullish institutional players in digital assets, reflecting growing caution across the broader crypto market. The revised forecast comes amid what Galaxy describes as a “temporary cooling” in capital inflows and liquidity. While the firm remains optimistic about Bitcoin’s long-term role as a macro hedge, its analysts cited weaker derivatives data, reduced inflows of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and flattening retail activity as the current challenges limiting Bitcoin price acceleration in the last months of 2025. Galaxy Digital Comes Back to Earth After Optimistic Bitcoin Prediction According to reports, Galaxy Digital analysts cutting down on their initial Bitcoin price prediction is a result of the revised outlook on macroeconomic trends and blockchain activities. The firm observed that Bitcoin’s on-chain transaction volumes and active address counts have declined from their mid-year highs, suggesting that speculative interest is waning. As such, Galaxy’s new forecast projects that Bitcoin will trade within a $70,000–$120,000 range through 2025, supported by continued adoption but restrained by macro uncertainty. The firm also noted a growing contradiction between ETF inflow optimism and the actual capital entering the market. This implies that some institutional players may be readjusting their Bitcoin investment plans.  Market Sentiment Shifts as Institutional Flows Stall Bitcoin’s price trajectory has faced headwinds in recent months as investors reassess risk exposure across asset classes. Reports state that Galaxy Digital’s analysts attributed much of the slowdown to the Federal Reserve’s cautious monetary stance.  The Fed had stated that there would be no further interest rate reductions this year, resulting in a weaker appetite for speculative assets in global markets. Also, the absence of strong macro factors, such as inflation hedging or liquidity expansion, has left Bitcoin trading largely on technical strength rather than conviction-driven accumulation. Meanwhile, Ethereum and other altcoins have failed to mount a convincing rally, further signaling a period of risk aversion across digital assets. Despite its tempered near-term view, Galaxy Digital reiterated its long-term confidence in Bitcoin’s growth. The firm emphasized that halving effects, supply scarcity, and expanding corporate adoption remain core bullish drivers over the multi-year horizon. However, Galaxy Digital’s recalibration shows the broader trend of reduced optimism among institutional Bitcoin investors. Rather than a bearish pivot, analysts interpret the move as evidence of a more data-driven, disciplined approach to crypto asset valuation. As 2025 comes to an end, Bitcoin’s price performance may hinge less on speculative demand and more on its ability to integrate into traditional capital markets. For Galaxy Digital, that integration remains inevitable, but perhaps slower and more methodical than initially projected.

Several companies are moving into digital assets, and the crypto treasury adoption has been growing significantly in 2025, as 48 new firms were created in just 3 months, according to Bitwise Asset Manager’s report in October. The announcement suggests there are 207 companies in total holding more than one million tokens, worth over $101 billion. Companies are immersing deeply into technology, implementing new tools in order to generate great revenues for their clients. For example, Telegram already runs half the trading conversation through bots and groups. DeepSnitch plugs into Telegram’s 1 billion active users. DeepSnitch AI scans contracts and wallets for risk signals before you click buy. This protection narrative alone could sell it hard in an altcoin boom, which helps explain why it raised half a million dollars in record time, now priced at only $0.02157, up from only $0.0151. Crypto adoption booms in 2025 Retail traders want more exposure to crypto, and many investors are already launching treasury companies, adopting a “quick pump-rich mindset”  as Malekan stated. The narrative seems to be appealing, and capital is flowing into it as the number of crypto treasuries surged this year, with another 48 new companies embracing this model. Currently, there are 207 companies in total holding more than one million digital assets, valued at over $101 billion. However, investors blamed trade tensions between the US and China, along with other macroeconomic factors, for the crypto market’s decline, which has led Bitcoin’s price down to 98K. However, many bought the dip, so BTC now bounced back above $103k, as of November 5. Every cycle, traders and investors lose money due to sudden crashes, but DeepSnitch AI  solves this fear by scanning contracts and wallets for risk signals. This crucial protection narrative is strong enough to drive massive demand during the next altcoin boom. 3 long-term crypto investments for 2026 returns 1. DeepSnitch AI ($DSNT) Long-term investors are aware that the market is highly volatile, going through unpredictable price variations, but AI projects like DeepSnitch solve this, as its 5 AI agents can process data, removing unnecessary information that generates confusion or emotional buying and selling. With DeepSnitch AI, information overload is minimized completely by providing clear safe signals and alerts. This positions the project as one of the safest long-term crypto investments in 2025. At a price of $0.02157, Stage 2 is nearly sold out, after 42% gains so far, and at this presale valuation, even a small move is enough to trigger multiple higher returns, making DeepSnitch AI the best crypto to buy now. Smart investors know those who join the presale phase now are potentially exposed to a 100x run this cycle. 2. Chanlink (LINK) LINK is moving around $15 after losing momentum, and traders experienced hard selling pressure at $20. As a result, the price did a fast flush back to $10 and is now trying to build a support zone around $12. FTSE Russell just tapped Chainlink to pipe their index data on-chain. This could change sentiment rapidly because it gives LINK real-world flow instead of just crypto echo-chamber buzz. Price-wise, LINK’s been coiling under $20, and this news is the kind of catalyst that can break that range. If volume follows through, $25 could be next.  3. Toncoin (TON)  Toncoin price is currently trading at $1.88 as bulls want to take control again from the bears’ selling pressure. Traders are defending this level, now aiming for $2, since that is a key zone for potential rallies to ignite. However, price prediction is uncertain, and TON has not shown signs of solid support around $1.80-$1.90 price range. It has been falling down since June’s ATH at $8, and is likely to slide even more if the market can’t reclaim bullish momentum. If the price holds at this level, there might be a slow accumulation. Investors need to see momentum building up again, targeting the $2 zone. Probably, coins like Chainlink and Toncoin won’t be giving you 100x anymore since they have already run in the last cycle. DeepSnitch AI is at only $0.02157, which gives new investors an opportunity where even a small move can rally up quickly, multiplying digits once it arrives on exchanges. Final verdict: AI attracts more capital Long-term investors are injecting capital into AI, buying early-stage tokens like DeepSnitch AI. Probably, this is not only because of the huge appeal of the AI market, which is now hovering around $27 billion, but also because DeepSnitch AI is set to become the best AI tool of this cycle. And now, the dev team behind DeepSnitch announced that the network is fully operational. Every signal, every movement, every anomaly in the market is processed through an expanding neural layer that turns noise into actionable intelligence. Real tools and smart signals are boosting DeepSnitch AI presale, securing over $490K in capital, positioning the project as one of the best crypto to invest in 2025. Visit the official website for more information. Frequently asked questions What are the best cryptos to invest in November? Seeing the potential benefits from its AI agents, DeepSnitch AI has positioned itself as one of the best crypto investments for 2025 alongside other tech-heavy tokens like Chainlink and Toncoin. Why investors are putting capital into DeepSnitch AI? Currently, there are plenty of reasons why money is flowing into DeepSnitch AI. Not only because its top-tier technology innovation provides actionable daily alerts and signals, but also because its early stage status means that DeepSnitch AI could be the next token to 100x. Are there any updates about DeepSnitch AI? Yes, the dev team continuously keeps the community updated through dev updates on the website, Telegram, and X social media pages of the project. For example, on October 31, the team announced that both SnitchFeed and SnitchScan are now live.  Disclaimer: This content is provided by a sponsor. FinanceFeeds does not independently verify the legitimacy, credibility, claims, or financial viability of the information or description of services mentioned. As such, we bear no responsibility for any potential risks, inaccuracies, or misleading representations related to the content. This post does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation and should not be treated as such. We strongly advise seeking independent financial guidance from a qualified and regulated professional before engaging in any investment or financial activities. Please review our full disclaimer for more details.