Trading Surges on xStocks Launch Kraken said its tokenized U.S. equities platform has recorded more than $5 billion in combined trading volume since its launch earlier this year, reflecting growing demand for tokenized financial assets. The offering, known as xStocks, was introduced through a partnership with Backed and allows non-U.S. investors to trade digital representations of major U.S. stocks. The exchange said xStocks “surpassed $5 billion in combined CEX and DEX volume, generated over $1 billion in on-chain transactions and reached more than 37,000 unique holders.” The product, unavailable to U.S. residents, gives international users exposure to U.S. equities via blockchain tokens that trade continuously and across networks. Kraken launched xStocks in July and expanded the service to Europe last month. The platform now operates in more than 160 countries, supported by integrations with Bybit, Phantom, OKX Wallet, and Telegram. The exchange described the product as a bridge between traditional finance and digital markets, offering fractionalized, blockchain-based access to equity exposure. Investor Takeaway Kraken’s tokenized equities push signals growing institutional and retail interest in digital representations of real-world assets, even as U.S. regulation lags behind. Financial Results Highlight Growth Momentum Alongside the update, Kraken reported third-quarter revenue of $648 million, more than double its $303.5 million in the same period last year. The company said the increase was driven by higher transaction volume and strong activity in spot and derivatives markets. Adjusted EBITDA rose sharply to $178.6 million, compared with a $6.8 million loss in the prior-year quarter. Total transaction volume reached $561.9 billion, up 23% from the previous quarter, marking a new record for the exchange. The performance reflects a broader rebound in crypto trading activity this year, supported by rising Bitcoin prices and increased institutional participation following regulatory progress in Europe and Asia. Kraken’s results put it among the fastest-growing large exchanges in 2025. The exchange has expanded product offerings from traditional spot and futures trading into staking, custody, and tokenized assets as it competes with Coinbase, Binance, and Bullish for global market share. Tokenized Assets Emerge as Next Growth Driver Industry analysts view tokenized equities as one of crypto’s most promising new sectors, offering investors round-the-clock access to securities without relying on traditional intermediaries. For Kraken, xStocks represents both a diversification move and a step toward integrating blockchain infrastructure with legacy finance. The exchange said the success of xStocks reflects demand for “permissionless, always-on markets” that combine the transparency of decentralized trading with the stability of real-world assets. While regulatory frameworks in the U.S. still limit such products domestically, Kraken’s international rollout has positioned it to capture early-mover advantage in tokenized securities. Investor Takeaway Tokenized equities could become a key revenue stream for exchanges like Kraken, offering exposure to traditional assets through compliant, global crypto rails. Looking Ahead Kraken’s success with xStocks may encourage other exchanges to explore tokenized equities, though most major platforms remain focused on stablecoins, ETFs, and institutional custody. Industry executives say that clearer rules around securities tokenization will be critical for expansion in the U.S. market. Until then, overseas exchanges are likely to dominate trading in blockchain-based equities. Kraken’s latest results suggest that the exchange is entering its strongest growth phase since 2021, with tokenization now part of its long-term strategy. The firm’s global expansion, diversified product lineup, and improving profitability mark it as a key player in crypto’s next stage — where digital and traditional finance increasingly overlap.

Prediction markets are platforms where people can buy and sell contracts based on the outcome of future events. These markets aggregate opinions, knowledge, and expectations across large groups of individuals to forecast real-world outcomes. In essence, prediction markets transform speculation into data. By putting real money on the line, participants reveal how strongly they believe in a particular outcome. The resulting market prices reflect collective probabilities—often more accurate than traditional expert forecasts or polls. Key Takeaways Prediction markets are platforms where participants trade contracts based on future event outcomes, turning opinions into probabilistic forecasts. Contracts are priced between $0 and $1, reflecting the market’s collective probability for an event, and are settled automatically when the outcome is known. They aggregate diverse information, incentivize accurate predictions, provide real-time updates, and are highly transparent. Blockchain-based markets offer trustless settlement, censorship resistance, global access, and tokenized incentives for participants. Widely used in politics, finance, corporate strategy, sports, entertainment, and Web3/crypto ecosystems to forecast events and trends. How Prediction Markets Work Prediction markets function like financial exchanges, but instead of trading company stocks, participants trade outcome-based contracts. 1. Market Creation A prediction market begins when someone defines an event with clear, verifiable outcomes. For instance, a market might ask: “Will Bitcoin exceed $100,000 by December 2025?” “Will the incumbent president win re-election?” “Will a specific pharmaceutical company get FDA approval for its new drug by Q2 2026?” Each market must be objectively resolvable—meaning there should be an indisputable source or oracle confirming the result. 2. Contract Issuance and Trading Once the market is live, users can buy or sell contracts representing possible outcomes. These contracts are priced between $0 and $1 (or 0–100%), corresponding to the perceived likelihood of each event. For example, if a contract predicting that Bitcoin will surpass $100,000 by December 2025 trades at $0.70, traders collectively believe there’s a 70% chance of that happening. If the event occurs, holders of the “Yes” contract receive $1 per share. If it doesn’t, the “Yes” contract becomes worthless while the “No” contract pays out. 3. Price Discovery and Information Aggregation Prices fluctuate as new information emerges — just like stock markets. If positive news strengthens confidence in an outcome, demand rises and the price adjusts upward. If sentiment weakens, prices fall. These fluctuations create a dynamic, self-updating forecast that reflects the latest collective sentiment and available information. 4. Resolution and Settlement When the event concludes, the market resolves according to the predetermined data source. Winning contracts are redeemed for full value, and losing contracts expire worthless. Advantages of Prediction Markets Prediction markets offer several structural and informational advantages over traditional forecasting methods: 1. Information Aggregation: They consolidate insights from a diverse group of participants. Each trader brings unique knowledge—from data analysis to insider perspective—creating a composite view that often surpasses individual predictions or expert opinion. 2. Incentive Alignment: Participants have a financial stake in being right. This eliminates guesswork and encourages informed decision-making since traders risk capital based on their conviction. 3. Accuracy and Real-Time Updates: Unlike static polls, prediction market prices evolve continuously as new information surfaces. This makes them real-time indicators of collective expectations, sensitive to breaking developments or sentiment shifts. 4. Transparency: All market data—prices, volumes, and liquidity—is visible to everyone. This open structure prevents manipulation by opaque intermediaries and offers verifiable insights into market sentiment. 5. Wide Applicability: Prediction markets can forecast a broad range of outcomes — from political elections to macroeconomic events, product launches, and even social trends—making them versatile tools for data-driven decision-making. Use Cases of Prediction Markets Prediction markets are used across various industries to harness the power of collective forecasting: 1. Political Forecasting: Markets like PredictIt and Polymarket allow users to trade on election outcomes, voter turnout, and legislative events. Historically, prediction markets have often outperformed traditional polls because they aggregate real-time sentiment and insider expectations. 2. Financial Forecasting: Financial institutions use internal markets to predict indicators such as inflation rates, stock performance, or monetary policy decisions. These markets help organizations assess economic risk and scenario probabilities more effectively. 3. Corporate Decision-Making: Tech companies like Google and Microsoft have run internal prediction markets to estimate project completion times, sales figures, or product adoption rates. These internal forecasts often outperform traditional management estimates. 4. Sports and Entertainment: Prediction markets enable participants to speculate on the outcomes of major sporting events or entertainment awards, like who will win the World Cup or an Oscar. This use case merges gamification, data analysis, and audience engagement. 5. Web3 and DeFi: Decentralized platforms like Augur, Polymarket, and Gnosis have integrated prediction markets into blockchain ecosystems. These markets operate on smart contracts, offering censorship resistance, transparency, and global accessibility. Decentralized Prediction Markets: A New Era Blockchain technology has redefined prediction markets by removing intermediaries and introducing trustless mechanisms for trading, resolution, and payouts. 1. Censorship Resistance: Unlike traditional platforms that rely on centralized servers or licenses, decentralized prediction markets cannot be easily shut down or censored. Users can create or participate in markets without institutional barriers. 2. Transparency and Auditability: Smart contracts record every transaction on the blockchain, making the system verifiable and immutable. Anyone can inspect market activity, liquidity flows, and resolution data—ensuring complete transparency. 3. Trustless Settlement: In decentralized systems, smart contracts automatically handle trade execution and payouts. Once an event resolves, the code autonomously distributes winnings without needing intermediaries. This minimizes human error and manipulation risk. 4. Global and Open Participation: Decentralized platforms like Polymarket or Augur are borderless. Anyone with internet access and a crypto wallet can join, removing geographic restrictions and enabling truly global participation. 5. Oracle Systems for Data Integrity: Decentralized oracles (e.g., Chainlink) verify event outcomes using secure data feeds. This ensures accurate resolution without relying on centralized authorities. 6. Tokenized Incentives and Governance: Many decentralized prediction platforms introduce native tokens that reward liquidity providers, traders, and dispute resolvers. Token holders can also vote on governance matters — such as fee structures or dispute resolution frameworks. Challenges Facing Prediction Markets Despite their potential, prediction markets still face critical hurdles: 1. Regulatory Barriers: In many jurisdictions, prediction markets are classified as gambling or fall under securities regulation. This creates legal uncertainty and limits access for retail users. 2. Liquidity Issues: Small or niche markets often lack sufficient trading volume, leading to inaccurate price discovery and higher volatility. Liquidity incentives or automated market makers (AMMs) can mitigate this but remain imperfect solutions. 3. Ambiguous Event Definitions: Markets must define events precisely to avoid disputes. For example, unclear timelines or data sources can make settlement contentious and harm trust. 4. Market Manipulation: In thinly traded markets, large participants (or “whales”) can distort prices to create misleading probabilities. Transparent mechanisms and liquidity depth are needed to counter this. 5. Oracle Vulnerabilities: Decentralized prediction markets depend heavily on oracles for data verification. If an oracle is compromised or reports incorrect data, it can lead to wrongful payouts. Conclusion Prediction markets aren’t just about trading—they turn collective knowledge into real-world forecasts. Blockchain and decentralized platforms make them transparent, secure, and accessible to anyone. As these markets grow, they can help people and organizations make smarter decisions in finance, governance, and research. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) How do prediction markets differ from regular betting or gambling?Unlike traditional betting, prediction markets are designed to aggregate information and provide real-time probabilities, incentivizing informed predictions rather than pure chance. Are prediction markets legal?Legal status varies by jurisdiction. Many countries regulate them as gambling or securities, but decentralized blockchain-based markets operate globally with fewer restrictions. What is a decentralized prediction market?Decentralized markets use blockchain and smart contracts for trade execution, settlement, and resolution without intermediaries, ensuring transparency and trustlessness. Q4: How accurate are prediction markets?They often outperform polls and expert forecasts because they aggregate the knowledge of diverse participants and adjust prices dynamically as new information emerges. Can AI improve prediction markets?Yes. AI can analyze market data, detect anomalies, reduce bias, and enhance forecast accuracy, creating hybrid systems that combine human and machine intelligence.

DraftKings Picks Polymarket as Clearing Partner Polymarket will serve as the clearinghouse for DraftKings’ planned entry into prediction markets, according to founder Shayne Coplan. The announcement followed DraftKings’ purchase of Railbird Technologies, a designated contract market regulated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). “Congrats to DraftKings on their acquisition of Railbird,” Coplan wrote on X on Wednesday. “We’re proud for Polymarket Clearing to be their designated clearinghouse as they enter the prediction market space.” The arrangement expands Polymarket’s role in clearing and settlement infrastructure for event-based markets, a function that has become central as regulators weigh how to classify prediction contracts under U.S. commodity law. Investor Takeaway Partnering with DraftKings gives Polymarket institutional reach and regulatory cover in the U.S., strengthening its position as the backbone for compliant prediction markets. Industry Impact and Competitive Landscape The move marks a pivot for Polymarket toward business-to-business services, supplementing its retail base on Polygon, where it hosts thousands of prediction markets on politics, sports, and current events. For DraftKings, the partnership provides an immediate pathway to offer CFTC-regulated markets without building clearing infrastructure from scratch. Analyst Dustin Gouker, who covers the gambling industry, said the entrance of mainstream operators such as DraftKings could alter the sector’s balance of power. “If DraftKings and FanDuel start doing sports prediction markets in the short term, it’s kind of over for Kalshi as a B2C company,” he wrote on X. “They need to be aggressive on the B2B front.” Kalshi, another U.S.-regulated platform, has recently overtaken Polymarket in volume, driven by sports-related contracts. Both firms signed a multi-year licensing deal with the National Hockey League earlier this week to test sports betting products tied to tokenized prediction outcomes. DraftKings Expands Into Regulated Prediction Markets Founded in 2012, DraftKings operates in 28 U.S. states and Canada for sports betting and in five states for online gaming, accounting for over 90% of its total sales. Its acquisition of Railbird provides a regulated foundation for launching prediction markets under the supervision of the CFTC. Railbird had previously said it would use Polymarket as its clearing partner, a plan that now appears to be moving forward under the DraftKings umbrella. The partnership also positions DraftKings to compete with blockchain-native platforms through a model familiar to U.S. retail bettors. For Polymarket, integration with a mass-market betting brand extends its technology into a new regulatory domain, aligning it more closely with traditional financial infrastructure. Investor Takeaway DraftKings’ entry brings prediction markets into mainstream betting. For Polymarket, it’s a validation of its clearing model—and a bridge between blockchain and regulated finance. Backed by Institutional Capital Earlier this month, Intercontinental Exchange (ICE)—the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange—said it would invest $2 billion in Polymarket, underscoring Wall Street’s growing interest in blockchain-based financial infrastructure. The funding provides a foundation for scaling clearing operations and integrating with larger trading platforms. Polymarket’s collaboration with DraftKings arrives as regulators seek to distinguish between prediction markets, gambling, and derivatives. The partnership may serve as a model for how licensed operators can offer retail-accessible markets while maintaining compliance with U.S. commodity laws. As CFTC-registered venues expand and large consumer brands enter the space, prediction markets are poised to evolve from niche blockchain experiments into a regulated asset class. For now, Polymarket’s clearing deal with DraftKings stands as one of the most concrete signs of that shift.

Nearly 16,000 BTC Moved in Coordinated Transfers Wallets connected to the hacked Chinese mining pool LuBian have transferred 15,959 bitcoin, worth about $1.83 billion at current prices, to four new addresses. The movement marks the first major onchain activity linked to the long-dormant wallets since the 2020 theft that remains one of crypto’s largest unsolved cases.According to blockchain analytics firm OnchainLens, which cited data from Arkham Intelligence, the funds were split across four transfers: two tranches of 4,999 BTC (about $539.8 million each), one of 3,424 BTC ($369.7 million), and another of 2,535 BTC ($274.4 million). The timing and even distribution suggest a coordinated operation rather than isolated movements.The bitcoin flows were first flagged by onchain trackers late Thursday. Analysts said the destination wallets are newly created and show no prior links to exchanges or mixers, a detail that has raised questions about whether the coins are being prepared for laundering or internal reshuffling by whoever controls them. Investor Takeaway Large-scale movements from dormant hack-linked wallets often precede laundering or over-the-counter sales. Market participants are watching for spillover effects on bitcoin liquidity and sentiment. The 2020 LuBian Heist LuBian rose to prominence in China’s mining scene before collapsing in late 2020 amid reports of missing funds. Investigations later revealed that 127,426 BTC — now valued at roughly $14.5 billion — had been stolen in what was then the largest crypto theft by dollar value. At the time, the bitcoin was worth about $3.5 billion. While the Mt. Gox breach in 2014 involved a greater volume of bitcoin — around 744,000 BTC — the lower price of the asset back then meant LuBian’s dollar losses far exceeded any prior case. The mining pool’s collapse drew attention to the opaque management structures and weak internal controls common among smaller, privately operated pools. Blockchain analysts said the LuBian hack remains largely unresolved, with no public record of recovered funds or arrests. Industry observers believe that insiders may have orchestrated the theft, though no suspects have been identified by Chinese authorities. Renewed Scrutiny and Market Implications The sudden movement of nearly $2 billion worth of bitcoin has reignited scrutiny of legacy hacks and dormant wallets that hold substantial amounts of stolen cryptocurrency. Investigators are expected to track whether the four addresses consolidate their balances or start interacting with known exchange wallets, which would indicate an attempt to liquidate the funds. Past examples, such as movements from Bitfinex and Mt. Gox-related wallets, have often been followed by market volatility, although onchain analysts caution that there is no immediate sign of liquidation in this case. “These are fresh, clean wallets,” OnchainLens said in its post. “We have not yet observed outbound flows to mixing or trading platforms.” The transfers also coincide with renewed attention on mining-related custody risks. The 2020 LuBian case, long seen as an outlier, is now cited as a reminder of how internal security failures at infrastructure providers can trigger large losses that ripple through the ecosystem years later. Investor Takeaway Analysts expect continued onchain monitoring of the wallets. Any movement toward exchanges could draw regulatory or law enforcement action and influence market confidence in bitcoin’s short-term stability. Unresolved Questions Around Custody and Control Four years on, it remains unclear who controls the stolen LuBian coins. The lack of public communication from Chinese authorities has left open speculation about whether the original operators or external attackers are behind the recent transfers. Blockchain security firms said the coordinated activity suggests access to the original private keys, possibly retained by insiders involved in the original breach. The market reaction to the news has so far been muted. Bitcoin traded around $114,700 on Friday, largely unchanged on the day. Traders said they were watching for any signs of liquidation from the newly active wallets before expecting broader market impact.

U.S. Exchanges Open Up to Binance-Linked Assets Robinhood has added support for Binance’s BNB token, extending access to the world’s fourth-largest cryptocurrency to its roughly 27 million funded accounts. The listing comes as U.S. trading platforms show a more open stance toward assets tied to Binance, following years of regulatory caution. The move follows Coinbase’s inclusion of BNB on its listing roadmap last week, a signal that the token is moving into the mainstream of U.S. crypto trading. Both decisions mark a reversal from the cautious approach most American exchanges adopted after Binance and its founder Changpeng Zhao faced U.S. enforcement actions in 2023. BNB rose from about $500 in February to an all-time high above $1,350 earlier this month, driven by heavy on-chain activity and speculative flows into BNB-based memecoins. Traders dubbed the rally “BNB SZN” as record volumes on PancakeSwap attracted more than 100,000 on-chain participants at its peak. The token now trades near $1,070, with a market capitalization just under $150 billion, according to The Block. Investor Takeaway U.S. listings of BNB mark a turning point for Binance-linked assets, hinting at softer regulatory risk perceptions and a broader reopening of the American market to global exchange tokens. Robinhood’s Broader Crypto Expansion Robinhood processed $8.6 billion in crypto volume in August, underscoring its growing reliance on digital assets for trading revenue. The company has built out its crypto business since introducing bitcoin and ether in 2018, now offering more than 40 tokens across its main app and international exchange. Chief Executive Vlad Tenev said earlier this month that the firm sees tokenization as its next major growth engine. “Tokenization is like a freight train — it can’t be stopped,” he said, referring to the wave of real-world assets being digitized on public blockchains. In parallel, Robinhood is expanding into prediction markets and tokenized investment products, building on its retail user base while courting institutional interest in compliant digital-asset infrastructure. The company’s international crypto exchange, launched in 2023, has added liquidity for top DeFi assets and now lists multiple stablecoins, Layer-1 tokens and governance coins. Market Context and Industry Implications BNB’s return to prominence reflects a broader thaw between Binance and U.S. market participants. The exchange has spent much of the past year addressing compliance concerns, restructuring its governance, and separating U.S. operations from its global business. Analysts say U.S. platforms are watching closely as Binance attempts to re-establish credibility following its multibillion-dollar settlement with regulators in 2024. For Robinhood, the timing aligns with renewed retail engagement after a sluggish 2022–2023 period. Trading volumes have climbed alongside bitcoin’s rally and renewed speculative interest across alternative assets. By adding BNB, Robinhood expands its exposure to one of the most liquid tokens outside bitcoin and ether, while signaling confidence that Binance’s ecosystem remains too large to ignore. Investor Takeaway The BNB listing gives Robinhood new retail momentum and reflects a wider recalibration of U.S. exchanges toward global crypto liquidity rather than isolation from it. What Comes Next Analysts expect other U.S. brokers and exchanges to follow if regulatory conditions remain stable. With Coinbase and Robinhood now both supporting BNB, more platforms may revisit listings for major exchange tokens, including OKB and CRO, that were previously excluded from U.S. markets. For Binance, the development offers indirect validation from U.S. peers, even as the exchange itself remains barred from direct operations in the country. For Robinhood, it strengthens its reputation as one of the few American fintechs actively expanding in crypto during a period when most rivals have retrenched. BNB’s rally and its adoption by regulated platforms underscore the renewed appetite for liquid, exchange-native tokens — and the steady re-entry of U.S. investors into the broader global crypto economy.

Plus500 (LSE: PLUS) has struck an exclusive deal with Topstep, the Chicago prop-trading firm known for its “funded-account” challenges, a move that further entrenches the London-listed broker’s presence in the U.S. futures market. Under the agreement, Plus500 will handle clearing, order-routing, and risk infrastructure for Topstep’s brokerage arm. It’s a partnership that gives Topstep’s traders live access to CME Group markets through Plus500’s regulated U.S. futures business. “This partnership marks another step in our expansion across the U.S. futures market,” said David Zruia, Plus500’s chief executive. He called Topstep’s client base “a major opportunity for Plus500 to expand its U.S. footprint,” adding that the firm’s institutional-grade systems would “unlock new revenue streams and drive growth for both companies.” On paper, the structure is simple. Topstep Brokerage LLC is a registered introducing broker (IB) with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission and a member of the National Futures Association. It can market and service clients but not hold their funds or execute trades. That’s where Plus500, operating as a Futures Commission Merchant (FCM), comes in — it clears and executes every order, handles customer funds, and manages the back-office side. For traders, Topstep remains the front-end brand. For Plus500, the relationship is a gateway to a ready-made community of active futures traders. From trading challenges to full brokerage Founded in 2012 by Michael Patak, Topstep carved out a niche by letting retail traders prove their skills on simulated accounts before being “funded” to trade live capital. Its model helped popularize a new generation of prop-evaluation firms that charge monthly fees — typically between $49 and $149 — for access to trading combines that mimic real markets. But running a proprietary evaluation business and a brokerage under one roof is a regulatory balancing act. The Plus500 partnership allows Topstep to offer live market access without building its own FCM operation. Patak called it “a best-in-class brokerage experience backed by world-class technology.” For Plus500, the move continues a three-year campaign to diversify beyond its CFD and retail-FX roots. The company entered the U.S. futures arena in 2021, when it acquired Cunningham Commodities, an FCM, and Cunningham Trading Systems (CTS), which owned the T4 futures-trading platform. That deal gave Plus500 an instant foothold in exchange-cleared markets — and a proprietary tech stack that now powers its U.S. futures unit. The prop-trading backdrop The tie-up lands at a turbulent moment for the prop-firm world. In 2025, the industry gained breathing room after My Forex Funds won a high-profile legal battle against the CFTC, prompting regulators and firms alike to clarify how evaluation accounts differ from brokerage activity. At the same time, platform providers such as Spotware (cTrader) have begun launching purpose-built demo environments for prop firms — a sign the segment is maturing rather than vanishing. That maturation plays directly into Plus500’s strengths. Its clearing and risk infrastructure were built for exchange-traded products and heavy compliance workloads — the very things prop outfits often lack. The Topstep arrangement effectively lets Plus500 sell that capability wholesale. Neither company has disclosed financial terms, but the alignment is obvious. Topstep gains a regulatory and technological backbone; Plus500 gets a captive flow of traders and order volume. It also gives Plus500 an indirect route into the fast-growing prop-evaluation ecosystem without operating a prop brand itself — a delicate distinction given public-company optics and regulatory sensitivities. Topstep continues to act as marketer and customer-facing intermediary. Plus500 remains the entity actually clearing trades through the CME and ICE networks. The division of roles keeps both firms on familiar regulatory ground while blending Topstep’s community reach with Plus500’s institutional plumbing.

Composer, the AI-native, no-code investing platform, has launched Trade With AI, a next-generation feature that allows retail investors to design, back-test, and automate trading strategies in less than 60 seconds. The update marks a major leap in democratizing access to institutional-grade quantitative investing by combining artificial intelligence, automation, and intuitive user design. Through Trade With AI, investors can now transform plain English prompts or single-click selections into fully executable, data-driven trading strategies. The system leverages large language models (LLMs) to translate natural inputs into precise, back-tested strategies — enabling anyone to deploy algorithmic trading without writing a single line of code. Since its founding over five years ago, Composer has evolved into a vertically integrated trading ecosystem designed to infuse intelligence and automation into retail investing. Its proprietary trading language allows LLMs to perform sub-second back-testing and execute across multiple asset classes — including stocks, crypto, and options. With daily trading volume surpassing $200 million, the platform is redefining the relationship between individual investors and quantitative technology. Takeaway Composer’s new Trade With AI feature bridges the gap between retail and institutional investing by automating strategy creation, back-testing, and execution through natural language input. The Trade With AI suite introduces several intuitive discovery and creation tools that guide users from idea to execution: “Find My First Symphony”: Enables investors to browse over 3,000 community-built algorithms, helping them identify proven strategies. “Help Me Choose”: Conducts a short, AI-powered discovery session that asks users three core questions — about desired performance, preferred assets, and trading style — before presenting three back-tested strategies within a minute. “Make My Own Symphony”: Leverages advanced clustering and behavioral modeling to identify common trading approaches across thousands of user strategies. It then constructs a personalized algorithm, runs a live back-test, and visualizes potential performance instantly. “Retail traders have long faced an impossible choice: simplify their best ideas or abandon them entirely,” said Benjamin Rollert, CEO and Founder of Composer. “Composer changes the game by instantly transforming any trading idea into a live, back-tested, and executable strategy. With Trade With AI, sophisticated automation is now accessible to every investor.” Takeaway Composer’s AI-guided features — including Find My First Symphony and Help Me Choose — make algorithmic investing approachable for everyday users without compromising analytical depth. Composer’s approach merges automation with human control, offering investors both flexibility and precision. Whether discovering community strategies or creating unique portfolios, users can execute trades seamlessly across asset classes within a single platform. Each strategy is powered by Composer’s proprietary infrastructure — built for speed, transparency, and institutional-grade reliability. The company’s AI-driven framework not only improves user experience but also empowers traders to test hypotheses, optimize portfolios, and identify diversification opportunities at unprecedented speed. By reducing friction in how retail investors interact with data and algorithms, Composer is establishing a new standard for digital investing platforms. “We’ve developed the first true AI-for-trading platform,” added Rollert. “Our technology transforms investment ideas into automated, back-tested, executable strategies in under a minute — putting advanced quantitative tools into the hands of millions of investors.” Takeaway With Trade With AI, Composer cements its role as a leader in AI-driven investing — empowering retail investors to harness automation, data, and strategy-building tools once reserved for Wall Street.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, October 22nd, 2025, FinanceWire B2PRIME Group, a global financial services provider for institutional and professional clients, has announced the appointment of Emanuel Georgouras as its new Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). The move strengthens the company’s executive leadership as it continues to expand its institutional liquidity and technology offerings. Emanuel brings more than 25 years of experience across financial markets, with a strong focus on FX, precious metals, and bullion trading, an area that has defined much of his career success. Over the years, he has built long-standing relationships across global markets, working closely with key institutions and liquidity venues while maintaining active involvement with the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) and other leading industry bodies. Prior to joining B2PRIME, Emanuel served as CEO of FCA regulated broker Edgewater Markets, following his earlier role as EMEA Head. He led the firm’s institutional growth strategy and expansion across Europe and the Middle East, with particular emphasis on building efficient access to precious metals and FX liquidity for professional clients. Before that, he was Head of Trading at AxiCorp (AxiTrader), where he oversaw global trading operations and helped establish the company’s footprint among institutional and professional investors. At B2PRIME, Emanuel will lead the group’s revenue generation and institutional business growth. He will focus on aligning liquidity and technology offerings with evolving client needs and market opportunities. “Emanuel’s background in institutional trading speaks for itself. He understands the complexities of liquidity, risk, and technology from the inside out,” says Eugenia Mykuliak, CEO and Founder of B2PRIME Group. “His experience and leadership style are a perfect fit for the next stage of B2PRIME’s development and we are proud to welcome him in our team.” Commenting on his appointment, Emanuel Georgouras said: “B2PRIME has a very strong and collaborative culture, and it’s great to join a team that’s ambitious but still keeps its feet on the ground. I’m excited to build on that, strengthen our institutional relationships, and expand our footprint in precious metals with a commitment to transparency and performance.” Alex Tsepaev, Chief Strategy Officer of B2PRIME Group, adds: “I’m very glad to welcome such an experienced executive to our team. I believe that Emanuel brings a rare combination of market insight and practical experience in our institutional trading. His expertise will be invaluable as we continue to grow our business and enhance the solutions we offer to clients worldwide.” About B2PRIME Group B2PRIME Group is a global financial services provider for institutional and professional clients. Regulated by reputable authorities—including CySEC, SFSA, FSCA, FSC Mauritius, DFSA (Dubai) —the group of companies offer access to competitive liquidity across multiple asset classes. Committed to the highest compliance standards, B2PRIME provides institutional-grade trading solutions with a focus on reliability, transparency, and operational excellence. Contact B2PRIME Group sales@b2prime.com Disclaimer: This content is a press release from a wire service. This press release is provided for informational purposes only. We have not independently verified its content and do not bear any responsibility for any information or description of services that it may contain. Information contained in this post is not advice nor a recommendation and thus should not be treated as such. We strongly recommend that you seek independent financial advice from a qualified and regulated professional, before participating or investing in any financial activities or services. Please also read and review our full disclaimer.

Silver prices have fallen below the $50 threshold, marking a sharp reversal from the record peak of $54.40 reached on 17 October, according to the XAG/USD chart. The correction has been accompanied by a classic bearish ABCD formation, with the market sliding beneath the key psychological barrier at $50. The weakness has mirrored movements in gold, which has fallen this week from around $4,375 to just above $4,000 per ounce. Analysts note that the recent downturn is largely corrective within an otherwise strong bullish cycle, supported by a still-solid fundamental backdrop. Nevertheless, the speed and intensity of the sell-off raise questions about the durability of the recent metals rally. The sell-off appears to reflect two main forces: → An overheated speculative surge, fuelled by excessive leveraged long positions; → A decisive shift in sentiment, with bears exploiting technical weaknesses to force liquidations. Technical View: XAG/USD Chart analysis of XAG/USD reveals key inflection points forming an expanded ascending channel, which has widened after this week’s decline. The move has effectively turned the former lower boundary into the new median line, indicating an adjustment in momentum structure. From a bullish standpoint: → The lower boundary of the expanded channel is now acting as robust support. → The RSI indicator shows an emerging bullish divergence. → Recent price action around point D hints at a potential Triple Bottom reversal. From a bearish perspective: → Sellers remain in control after breaking below: $52.60, a key level that has flipped to resistance; The psychological $50 threshold. Considering these factors, it is plausible that buyers could attempt to stabilise prices along the lower boundary of the channel, aiming to revive the broader uptrend. However, given the magnitude of recent declines, market sentiment may remain fragile. If $50 continues to act as resistance, bears may target the next major support near $45.88. FXOpen offers spreads from 0.0 pips and commissions from $1.50 per lot. Enjoy trading on MT4, MT5, TickTrader or TradingView trading platforms! The FXOpen App is a dedicated mobile application designed to give traders full control of their accounts anytime, anywhere. This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice. Disclaimer: This sponsored market analysis is provided for informational purposes only. We have not independently verified its content and do not bear any responsibility for any information or description of services that it may contain. Information contained in this post is not advice nor a recommendation and thus should not be treated as such. We strongly recommend that you seek independent financial advice from a qualified and regulated professional, before participating or investing in any financial activities or services. Please also read and review our full disclaimer.

The London Metal Exchange (LME) has announced the appointment of Stephen “Steve” Higgins as a Non-Executive Director on its Board, bringing more than four decades of leadership experience in the global metals industry to the organization. Higgins currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Freeport-McMoRan, one of the world’s largest copper producers. Over his 34-year tenure with the company, he has played a pivotal role in shaping operational and strategic initiatives across the global mining and metals landscape. Beyond his corporate role, Higgins serves as Chairman of The Copper Club, a Board Director of the International Copper Association, and was Chairman of the LME Copper Committee for the past five years — a position through which he helped strengthen collaboration between producers, traders, and end-users in the copper market. John Williamson, Chairman of the LME, commented on the appointment: “I’m delighted to welcome Steve to the LME Board. As a widely respected and experienced industry leader, Steve brings a wealth of physical market expertise and a focus on sustainability that dovetails well with the Exchange’s development plans. As a global business, the LME must ensure strategic input and representation from key geographies to effectively serve the diverse needs of our international user base — and Steve’s appointment will help us deliver on this commitment.” Takeaway Steve Higgins’ appointment strengthens LME’s global leadership bench, adding deep industry expertise and sustainability insight to guide the Exchange’s next phase of strategic growth. Higgins’ appointment underscores LME’s commitment to enhancing board diversity and technical expertise at a time of continued transformation in the global metals markets. With his experience spanning both the production and trading sides of the industry, he is expected to contribute valuable insights into supply dynamics, sustainability initiatives, and the evolving role of metals in the global energy transition. Higgins holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Cornell University and a Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University. His deep-rooted industry experience and leadership across international forums make him a key addition to the Exchange’s governance team as the LME continues to modernize its market structure and advance transparency in global metals trading. Takeaway With decades of leadership at Freeport-McMoRan and active engagement in global metals organizations, Higgins will play a crucial role in supporting LME’s modernization and sustainability agenda.

Bitcoin (BTC) is currently hovering near $108,000, reflecting a modest intraday gain of around 0.2% after touching a high of $113,925. The latest technical readings indicate a mixed outlook as traders weigh short-term weakness against longer-term bullish momentum. Short-term signals suggest consolidation after recent volatility. While some oscillators such as the MACD remain in “buy” territory, Bitcoin’s price is still trading below several key moving averages, including the 20-day and 50-day lines, indicating a lack of near-term bullish strength. Analysts note that failure to reclaim these averages could keep BTC in a sideways-to-down trend. Medium-term indicators, however, remain constructive. Market watchers are closely monitoring support between $101,000 and $106,000, which has held firm during recent dips. A decisive break below this zone could trigger a deeper correction. On the upside, resistance between $115,000 and $125,000 represents the next major hurdle. A breakout above this range with strong volume could confirm a bullish continuation toward new highs. For now, Bitcoin appears to be in a holding pattern, caught between strong support and formidable resistance. A move beyond either boundary could signal the next major trend. Analysts caution that traders should monitor momentum indicators and moving averages closely, as shifts in these technicals often precede larger price swings. Ethereum (ETH) is currently consolidating around the $3,800 to $4,000 range, reflecting indecision in the broader market. Recent price action shows ETH slipping below its 50-day exponential moving average near $4,370, a move that signals weakening momentum in the short term. Oscillators such as the RSI and MACD have also softened, suggesting buyers are losing control as the market awaits a clearer catalyst. Despite the muted short-term outlook, analysts point to Ethereum’s strong network fundamentals as a stabilizing factor. With more than 36 million ETH now staked, the protocol continues to attract long-term holders and institutional participation. Analysts also note that Ethereum’s expanding role in tokenized assets and decentralized finance ecosystems provides structural support that could underpin future price gains. Ethereum’s technical structure remains balanced between key support and resistance levels. Immediate support sits between $3,700 and $3,800, a zone that has repeatedly absorbed selling pressure in recent weeks. A sustained break below this range could trigger a pullback toward $3,100, where the next significant support lies. On the upside, reclaiming the $4,000 to $4,100 zone would mark a return of bullish sentiment, potentially opening the path toward the mid-$4,000s. For now, Ethereum appears to be in a holding pattern, with short-term signals leaning slightly bearish. Analysts caution that traders should look for confirmation before committing to directional positions, as volatility could increase if either boundary of the current range is breached. Long-term sentiment remains constructive, supported by Ethereum’s network strength and the ongoing demand for on-chain assets, even as near-term momentum indicators suggest a period of consolidation ahead.

Over the past few years, the concept of decentralization has changed how we think about data, money, and ownership. It began with digital assets such as crypto and NFTs. Now, the movement is extending into the real world. One of the most recent innovations at the forefront of this shift is DePIN, short for Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks. DePINs offer a new way to build and manage physical infrastructure, such as data storage systems, internet networks, and mapping services. With DePINs, you don’t have to depend on big corporations. Instead, they leverage blockchain technology to enable individuals and communities to contribute live resources like equipment or devices and get rewarded for it.  In this article, we’ll break down what DePINs are, how they function, and why they’re becoming an essential part of the growing Web3 ecosystem.  Key Takeaways DePINs merge real-world assets with blockchain technology to create community-owned infrastructure. They empower users to earn tokens by sharing storage, connectivity resources, or devices. DePINs are a major step towards a decentralized economy where individuals own what they help build. DePINs are still developing, and they’re set to redefine how infrastructure is built and managed globally. What are DePINs? DePIN stands for Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network. It is a system where physical infrastructure is owned and managed by individuals or small groups. These users connect their physical devices to a blockchain network. Then, they get rewarded for helping the system operate smoothly. DePINs allow people globally to contribute little pieces of real-world infrastructure and get paid for the value they bring. Additionally, they merge blockchain technology with real-world assets and community incentives to build physical networks that are efficient, transparent, and owned by individuals who power them.  Benefits of DePINs To The Real World DePINs come with many advantages, making them a solid alternative to traditional centralized infrastructure systems. They redefine how people own, build, and maintain physical networks. Here are some of the major benefits of DePINs. 1. Community ownership and fair rewards DePINs allow everyday users to become part-owners of large-scale infrastructure. In traditional models, a single organization manages the physical network and retains most of the profit. The case is different with DePINs, as every participant who contributes resources like devices, storage, or power is rewarded.  Each user’s contribution is monitored on the blockchain for transparency and fairness. The shared ownership model creates a sense of community and helps keep the network healthy and active.  2. Reduced central control Traditional infrastructure systems are usually controlled by big corporations or governments that can limit access, censor data, and set prices. In comparison, DePINs eliminate the single point of control by spreading power among all users. The blockchain ensures no one user can manipulate the system or exploit others. This decentralization makes DePINs more secure, censorship-resistant, and democratic.  3. Lower costs and greater efficiency Building and maintaining large-scale infrastructure like cloud servers or telecom networks is usually very expensive. DePINs remove these costs by using existing resources contributed by members of the community.  For example, instead of an organization building hundreds of towers, individuals can deploy smaller and affordable nodes that connect together. This approach reduces waste, removes heavy administrative costs, and ensures faster expansion. It is an efficient way to grow networks because it uses what people already have.  4. Global participation and inclusivity DePINs are open to any individual, regardless of their background or country. With an internet connection and the right hardware, you can contribute and earn rewards. This mainstream participation creates a permissionless and global system that accepts people from locations usually ignored by big corporations.  It also bridges the gap between developed and developing nations by giving more people access to income opportunities and infrastructure.  5. Transparency and trust through blockchain In centralized systems, individuals must trust that organizations are transparent about data usage, pricing, and performance. However, with DePINs, all contributions and transactions are recorded on a public blockchain that can be verified by anyone. This transparency builds trust, reduces fraud, and ensures that rewards are distributed fairly. Also, it helps communities monitor the health of the network without depending on private data or hidden reports.  6. Scalability and long-term sustainability DePINs are designed to grow naturally with time. As more people join and contribute, the network becomes more valuable and efficient. This self-scaling structure enables the system to expand without any need for central coordination and massive external funding. Since contributions are rewarded continuously, there’s an in-built motivation to preserve and improve the network.  Why DePINs Matter For The Future of Web3 DePINs play a crucial role in connecting blockchain technology to real-world infrastructure. Here are some key reasons why they are important for the future of Web3.  1. They bridge the digital and physical worlds Many blockchain applications operate purely online, like NFT or DeFi platforms. DePINs extend the power to the physical world by using blockchain to manage and reward contributions to real infrastructure like mapping systems, internet networks, and storage devices.  2. They make Web3 more useful and practical DePINs power real-world services to show how decentralization can solve everyday problems like lowering storage costs and improving connectivity. This practicality ensures that Web3 technology is more valuable and relatable to everyday users.  3. They promote fairer access and shared ownership DePINs reduce the dominance of large corporations by enabling anyone to contribute to building and maintaining infrastructure. This encourages shared rewards, equal opportunity, and a solid sense of community ownership. 4. They encourage innovation and global collaboration Because DePINs are permissionless and open, anyone in the world can contribute computing power, ideas, or devices. This global participation drives innovation and helps networks grow faster than centralized systems. Conclusion: The Growing Promise of DePINs in a Decentralized Future DePINs are changing how the world builds and manages physical infrastructure. By combining blockchain with real-world assets, a new path is opened towards community-owned systems that are efficient, fair, and transparent.  As Web3 continues to evolve, DePINs stand out as one of its most profound real-world applications. They show that decentralization isn’t just a digital concept. It is a movement that can change how we connect, live, and build the physical world around us.   

Bybit EU Expands European Presence Through Winter Sports Partnership Bybit EU, the European division of Bybit and a MiCAR-licensed crypto-asset service provider headquartered in Vienna, has announced a landmark partnership with Ski Austria (Österreichischer Skiverband, ÖSV) — one of the world’s most successful winter sports federations. The collaboration connects two domains defined by precision and performance: elite alpine sport and regulated digital finance. The agreement names Bybit EU an Official Partner of Ski Austria, extending through the 2025/26 FIS World Cup season. The partnership signifies Bybit EU’s growing engagement with European culture and its commitment to bridging crypto innovation with mainstream excellence. Investor Takeaway Bybit EU’s partnership with Ski Austria strengthens its European brand presence while linking MiCAR-compliant crypto innovation with elite international sport. Bridging Digital Finance and Alpine Performance Through this collaboration, Bybit EU will support Ski Austria athletes competing in the FIS World Cup and other major international events. The partnership underscores shared values of discipline, transparency, and pushing boundaries — both in sport and in advancing access to regulated digital assets across Europe. Bybit EU’s branding will appear across selected 2025/26 World Cup venues, including Sölden, Gurgl, Semmering, Stubai, Montafon, and Flachau. The visibility campaign extends to Ski Austria’s digital platforms, joint fan activations, and coordinated event promotions, combining physical presence with digital engagement across Europe’s leading winter-sports audience. Aligning with MiCAR Compliance and European Growth Bybit EU operates under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR), making it one of the first fully licensed digital asset service providers in the European Union. The Ski Austria partnership enhances its visibility and credibility among European audiences by aligning the Bybit brand with trusted, high-profile institutions. This collaboration also represents a new model for sports sponsorship — one that emphasizes responsibility, compliance, and community engagement. Bybit EU aims to demonstrate how regulated crypto entities can partner with established organizations to foster innovation while maintaining consumer trust and transparency. Investor Takeaway Bybit EU’s MiCAR compliance provides a foundation for credible partnerships with major institutions — setting a precedent for responsible crypto branding in the EU. European Expansion Through Sports and Culture The Ski Austria partnership forms part of Bybit EU’s broader strategy to integrate crypto into everyday European life through meaningful partnerships in sports, technology, and education. Bybit’s global sponsorship portfolio already includes collaborations with motorsport and esports — now extending its reach to the alpine sports community. As the FIS 2025/26 World Cup season begins on October 26, 2025, Bybit EU and Ski Austria will activate joint initiatives across major events, celebrating both athletic achievement and digital innovation. The partnership aims to inspire European audiences to explore the intersection of financial empowerment and sports excellence. Christian Scherer, CEO of the Austrian Ski Federation, said: “We are very pleased that we have been able to establish a completely new sector within winter sports. For the first time, a national association is welcoming a partner from this industry into the world of skiing. This shows how our sport connects both traditional and technology-driven sectors – a fact we are proud of and a clear sign of skiing’s power as the perfect stage for strong brand presence.” Georg Harer, Managing Director, Bybit EU: “Austria stands at the crossroads of alpine excellence and financial innovation. Partnering with Ski Austria allows us to celebrate the same values that define both great athletes and great companies: discipline, transparency, and the courage to lead change. With our MiCAR license and European base in Vienna, Bybit EU is proud to bring regulated digital finance to the heart of European sport.” The partnership highlights a shared belief in performance with integrity, whether that means mastering a World Cup slope or building trust in the next era of finance. As a MiCAR-licensed exchange, Bybit EU continues to build trust through transparency and responsible innovation, reflecting its long-term commitment to Europe.

RTX Fintech & Research, a leading U.S. electronic interdealer trading platform for interest rate swaps, has announced the appointment of André Léger as Chief Product Officer and Head of Markets, Asia. Léger will oversee end-to-end product development, steer the firm’s global platform roadmap, and lead efforts to enhance market connectivity and functionality through integrated research and dealer engagement. With more than 15 years of trading experience at top global institutions including BNP Paribas and Goldman Sachs, Léger brings deep insight into the global interest rate swaps landscape. Having actively traded across USD, EUR, CAD, and JPY markets, he is uniquely positioned to expand RTX’s reach in Asia and strengthen its support for clients across emerging markets. “Joining RTX is a fantastic opportunity — we’re not just improving how the global swaps market operates; we’re transforming it,” said Léger. “At our core, we see ourselves as partners with banks, providing solutions that eliminate the costly, cumbersome workflows that have long constrained the market. With competition for customer business at an all-time high and bid/offer margins compressed, traders need a platform that actually alleviates these pressures.” Takeaway Léger’s appointment signals RTX’s commitment to modernizing the swaps trading ecosystem through smarter workflows, electronic innovation, and a global expansion strategy focused on Asia. Léger added, “My mission is to make trading smarter, faster, and more intuitive — empowering participants to bridge traditional dealer workflows with advanced electronic execution. Having traded a variety of products across currencies, I’m excited to help build the kind of platform I wish I always had — one that truly reflects how modern markets should work.” James Cawley, CEO of RTX Fintech, welcomed the appointment: “We’re delighted to have André join RTX at this pivotal stage of growth. His market knowledge and proven track record in both trading and product innovation make him an exceptional addition to our leadership team. His expertise will be instrumental as we continue to scale our platform globally and deliver innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of our clients.” Takeaway As Chief Product Officer, Léger will play a central role in driving product development and enhancing the electronic execution experience for global derivatives participants. RTX Fintech’s proprietary Request-for-Trade (RFT) technology underpins its mission to revolutionize derivatives trading by streamlining negotiations, improving price transparency, and delivering real-time clearing and trade surveillance. The platform offers dealers and Eligible Contract Participants (ECPs) a centralized hub for efficient, capital-optimized trading, addressing long-standing challenges in the interdealer swaps and options markets. Founded by seasoned industry experts and backed by major global financial institutions, RTX is redefining how interdealer trading is conducted — combining cloud-based infrastructure, real-time analytics, and workflow automation to deliver speed, efficiency, and transparency across markets. Takeaway RTX Fintech continues to strengthen its leadership team and expand its global footprint as it reimagines the derivatives market structure through cutting-edge technology and dealer collaboration.

Bealls Inc., the century-old American retail chain, has announced a strategic partnership with digital payments platform Flexa to enable cryptocurrency payments across more than 660 stores in 22 states. This marks one of the largest crypto payment integrations in U.S. retail to date, signaling a growing acceptance of digital assets in mainstream commerce. The collaboration will allow Bealls customers to pay using over 99 different cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and popular stablecoins such as USDC and DAI. Transactions will be processed through Flexa’s proprietary system, Flexa Payments, which converts digital assets into U.S. dollars instantly—removing price volatility risks for the retailer. Expanding flexibility and customer convenience The integration applies across all Bealls retail brands, including Bealls, Bealls Florida, and Home Centric, giving shoppers more payment flexibility at checkout. Customers can complete purchases using any of more than 300 supported crypto wallets, with transactions settled securely and instantly on-chain. Bealls CEO Matt Beall said the company’s move into digital currency aligns with its mission to innovate while enhancing customer choice. “Digital currency will reshape how the world transacts,” Beall said in the official announcement. “Our partnership with Flexa is about more than payments—it’s about preparing for the future of commerce and ensuring our customers have access to the latest technology.” The announcement comes as Bealls celebrates its 110th anniversary, underscoring its evolution from a family-owned retailer to a nationwide innovator. The company said the crypto payment rollout supports its vision of combining traditional retail values with emerging financial technologies. Crypto adoption gains traction in retail Industry observers view Bealls’ partnership with Flexa as a milestone for crypto adoption in brick-and-mortar environments. While online businesses have gradually integrated digital asset payments, large physical retailers have been slower to follow due to operational complexity and regulatory uncertainty. Bealls’ move demonstrates growing confidence in crypto’s role as a legitimate payment method. According to Flexa, the collaboration showcases how retailers can securely and compliantly accept blockchain-based payments without needing to hold crypto assets. The platform supports more than a dozen blockchains, enabling seamless transactions with minimal fees and instant settlement. However, analysts note that widespread consumer adoption may take time. Many shoppers remain unfamiliar with using digital wallets in retail settings, and differences in refund, dispute, and chargeback processes compared to traditional card payments could present challenges. Still, proponents argue that the convenience and low transaction costs of crypto payments make them an increasingly attractive option. The Bealls-Flexa partnership also positions both companies as leaders in the growing convergence of retail and decentralized finance (DeFi). For Bealls, it enhances its brand image as an early mover in fintech adoption. For Flexa, the deal represents a key milestone in proving that large-scale crypto payment systems can operate seamlessly in high-volume, real-world retail environments. The nationwide rollout of Flexa-powered crypto payments began on October 20, 2025, with Bealls stores now accepting digital assets for in-person purchases. As more major retailers explore similar integrations, Bealls’ early adoption may pave the way for broader use of cryptocurrencies in everyday shopping experiences.

Stock exchanges in Hong Kong, India, and Australia are tightening scrutiny on companies seeking to adopt or list under the Digital Asset Treasury (DAT) model, underscoring growing regulatory caution toward publicly traded firms whose value depends heavily on cryptocurrencies. The coordinated pushback across major Asian markets signals increasing efforts to insulate traditional financial systems from digital asset volatility while shaping the next phase of regulated crypto participation. The DAT concept has recently gained attention as companies look to hold large treasuries of digital assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum and offer investors equity exposure to their crypto holdings. While this model has attracted interest from investors seeking indirect access to digital assets, regulators view it as a potential backdoor for unregulated crypto speculation within the public equities market. HKEX rejects DAT transitions amid tightening oversight The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) has reportedly blocked at least five listed companies from pivoting toward the DAT model. Citing existing rules that prohibit listings of so-called “cash companies,” HKEX considers firms that primarily hold liquid or speculative assets — such as cryptocurrencies — to fall outside its acceptable operating structure. Bloomberg reports that the exchange has upheld this stance despite growing investor demand for listed crypto-treasury vehicles. This move comes as Hong Kong attempts to balance its ambitions as a digital asset hub with investor protection concerns. Although HKEX recently approved spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs, regulators appear cautious about extending similar flexibility to corporate entities structured around crypto holdings. Authorities worry that DAT listings could blur the line between regulated financial instruments and speculative token exposure, potentially undermining confidence in traditional capital markets. Australia and India mirror Hong Kong’s resistance In Australia, the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) has reportedly advised companies pursuing DAT-like listings to consider exchange-traded fund (ETF) structures instead. While Australia’s regulatory environment is more advanced in establishing digital asset licensing frameworks, the ASX has maintained strict listing criteria to ensure corporate entities derive value from operational business activity rather than speculative asset reserves. Meanwhile, in India, both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), under the supervision of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), have taken a similarly conservative approach. Regulators are unlikely to permit DAT listings given India’s restrictive stance on crypto trading and the lack of a legal framework for incorporating digital assets into company balance sheets. SEBI’s existing capital market policies prioritize financial transparency and prohibit listings that rely on unregulated or volatile asset classes. Industry analysts suggest the coordinated resistance among Asia’s top exchanges could slow the rise of listed Digital Asset Treasury firms, despite growing institutional appetite for regulated crypto exposure. By rejecting DAT listings, exchanges are reinforcing the separation between crypto investments and traditional equity markets, ensuring investor protections remain intact while regulators continue developing comprehensive digital asset policies. As demand for transparent and regulated crypto exposure grows, the DAT debate may push innovation toward new hybrid structures — potentially ETFs, tokenized funds, or offshore corporate models. For now, the position of Hong Kong, Australia, and India signals that while Asia is open to digital finance innovation, the integration of crypto treasuries into public markets will face significant regulatory roadblocks.

B2C2, one of the world’s leading crypto-native liquidity providers, has officially joined the Pyth Network as a new institutional market data contributor. Through this collaboration, B2C2 will publish its proprietary real-time pricing data directly to Pyth’s network of more than 125 first-party data providers—further expanding the most comprehensive, on-chain source of institutional-grade market information in digital assets. This partnership marks a significant advancement in bridging traditional market-making expertise with decentralized finance (DeFi). By integrating its deep liquidity and data insights into Pyth, B2C2 enables decentralized applications to access verifiable, executable pricing sourced directly from one of the most active trading entities in global crypto markets. Takeaway B2C2’s integration into Pyth brings high-quality institutional liquidity data on-chain, strengthening transparency, precision, and reliability across decentralized and traditional market infrastructures. The Traditional Market Data Challenge Market data across both traditional and digital finance has long been hindered by fragmentation, latency, and inefficiency. In crypto markets, liquidity is distributed across multiple venues, intermediaries, and jurisdictions—resulting in pricing that often depends on third-party aggregators. These intermediaries consolidate exchange data after the fact, introducing delays, opacity, and unnecessary cost. The result is a misaligned ecosystem where liquidity providers and price creators, like B2C2, historically have had limited control over how their data is distributed and monetized. Meanwhile, end users are left with incomplete or delayed views of true market conditions—a persistent inefficiency in the $50 billion global market data industry. Takeaway By connecting price originators directly to the blockchain, Pyth Network eliminates intermediaries and latency, aligning data creation with data consumption in real time. Redefining Price Discovery Through Pyth Network The Pyth Network addresses this long-standing market data gap by creating a direct channel between institutional price setters and end users. B2C2’s proprietary pricing, drawn from one of the deepest liquidity pools in digital assets, enhances Pyth’s coverage by providing real-time, first-party data that reflects executable market conditions—before fragmentation or redistribution occurs. With more than 125 leading institutions—including Jane Street, Jump Trading, and Cboe—Pyth has become the global standard for first-party financial data. The network distributes over 2,000 live price feeds spanning crypto, equities, FX, and commodities to more than 600 applications across 100+ blockchains. Its architecture provides millisecond-level updates and transparent aggregation, making it one of the fastest and most accurate decentralized data networks in existence. Takeaway B2C2’s addition enhances Pyth’s institutional credibility, reinforcing its role as the foundational “price layer” for decentralized and traditional financial ecosystems alike. Building the Future of Institutional-Grade Market Infrastructure “At B2C2, we’re committed to helping shape a more transparent and efficient market structure across both traditional and digital asset classes,” said Thomas Restout, CEO of B2C2. “Contributing our proprietary pricing data to the Pyth Network aligns with that mission—bringing institutional-quality data on-chain and supporting the growth of reliable infrastructure for the broader ecosystem.” Mike Cahill, CEO of Douro Labs and a key contributor to the Pyth Network, added: “B2C2 has long been a driving force in digital asset market development. By contributing to Pyth, they’re redefining how price discovery happens and helping establish a unified, transparent data layer for global finance.” B2C2’s leadership in liquidity provision—spanning OTC trading, derivatives pricing, and continuous electronic execution—adds unique depth to Pyth’s data network. Together, the collaboration enhances accessibility to high-quality, real-world data that supports developers, traders, and institutions building the next generation of decentralized and hybrid financial applications. Takeaway As B2C2 joins Pyth’s expanding ecosystem, the partnership sets a new benchmark for on-chain data quality and brings institutional-grade liquidity insights directly to the digital asset economy.

Investor demand for Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) surged on Tuesday, October 21, as total net inflows reached nearly $477 million across major issuers. The strong inflow marked one of the most active trading days for Bitcoin ETFs this month, driven by renewed institutional positioning and improved macro sentiment. In contrast, U.S. spot Ethereum ETFs recorded approximately $165 million in outflows, with no fund posting net inflows for the day. Bitcoin ETF inflows highlight institutional confidence The largest contributions came from ARK Invest’s ARKB, which attracted $162.9 million in fresh capital, followed by BlackRock’s IBIT at $34.1 million and Fidelity’s FBTC at $20.1 million. VanEck’s HODL added $17.4 million, Bitwise’s BITB saw $8.9 million, Invesco’s BTCO recorded $6.5 million, and Valkyrie’s BRRR added $2.5 million. Grayscale’s GBTC, which had been experiencing consistent outflows since its conversion to a spot ETF earlier this year, also turned positive with $13.9 million in net inflows. The $477 million total represents one of the strongest single-day performances for Bitcoin ETFs in recent weeks. Analysts suggest the rebound may reflect a combination of institutional reallocation toward Bitcoin and growing optimism around upcoming monetary policy developments. With inflation pressures easing and rate-cut expectations strengthening, Bitcoin appears to be regaining appeal as a hedge asset within diversified portfolios. In contrast, Ethereum-based ETFs saw widespread redemptions, with total net outflows nearing $165 million on Tuesday. None of the nine listed Ethereum spot ETFs posted net inflows during the session, signaling continued investor caution. Market observers attribute the withdrawals to Ethereum’s recent underperformance relative to Bitcoin and lingering uncertainty about the network’s long-term scalability and fee structure. While Ethereum remains the leading platform for decentralized finance (DeFi) and smart contracts, analysts note that competition from newer layer-1 networks and fluctuating staking yields have dampened institutional interest. The absence of inflows also suggests that traders may be rotating capital into Bitcoin exposure as macro and regulatory conditions become more favorable to the flagship cryptocurrency. ETF flows as a barometer of sentiment The contrasting flows between Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs highlight the evolving dynamics within the digital asset investment landscape. Spot Bitcoin ETFs continue to establish themselves as a mainstream entry point for institutional and retail investors seeking regulated crypto exposure. Meanwhile, Ethereum’s ETF market appears to be struggling to maintain momentum amid shifting market narratives and competitive pressure. Despite the divergence, total crypto ETF activity remains elevated, underscoring the asset class’s growing role in institutional investment strategies. Analysts expect continued volatility in ETF flows as investors respond to macroeconomic data and crypto market developments heading into the final quarter of 2025.

Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has approved the region’s first-ever spot Solana (SOL) exchange-traded fund (ETF), issued by ChinaAMC (Hong Kong). The approval, confirmed on October 22, 2025, marks a significant milestone for digital asset markets and positions Hong Kong as a frontrunner in Asia’s regulated crypto investment landscape. The ChinaAMC Solana ETF is set to debut on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) on October 27, 2025, with three currency tickers: 3460 (HKD), 83460 (RMB), and 9460 (USD). Carrying a management fee of 0.99%, the ETF will offer investors institutional-grade exposure to Solana, one of the fastest-growing layer-1 blockchains in the digital asset space. Expanding regulated access to Solana The SFC’s approval of a spot Solana ETF signals a new phase in the evolution of Hong Kong’s crypto ETF market, expanding beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. Solana, known for its ultra-fast transaction speeds and low fees, has become a key player in decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and blockchain-based payments. The ETF will allow investors to gain price exposure to SOL through a regulated, exchange-traded product without managing private keys or digital wallets. ChinaAMC’s Solana ETF aims to bridge traditional financial institutions and the on-chain economy, enabling broader participation from banks, fund managers, and retail investors seeking compliant exposure to blockchain assets. The product is expected to attract inflows from investors across Hong Kong, mainland China, and other Asia-Pacific markets looking to diversify their digital asset portfolios. Hong Kong’s growing digital asset ETF ecosystem Hong Kong has rapidly emerged as a leading hub for regulated crypto investment products. Earlier in 2024, the city approved spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, which collectively attracted significant inflows and positioned Hong Kong as a global competitor to U.S. and European markets in the digital asset ETF space. The addition of Solana now establishes a broader foundation for regulated multi-asset crypto exposure. ChinaAMC (Hong Kong) has been at the forefront of this growth, becoming one of the first asset managers to launch both spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs under SFC supervision. With the Solana ETF, the firm continues to expand its digital asset lineup, offering investors a comprehensive range of blockchain-based investment vehicles under a unified regulatory framework. Analysts note that the SFC’s decision to approve Solana reflects growing institutional confidence in alternative blockchains and their real-world applications. Solana’s network has shown strong resilience and scalability, processing millions of daily transactions across decentralized exchanges, stablecoin protocols, and gaming applications. A step toward diversified blockchain ETFs The approval of the Solana ETF could pave the way for additional blockchain-based investment products, potentially including multi-chain or sector-specific ETFs. Industry experts believe Hong Kong’s progressive regulatory stance could serve as a model for other jurisdictions aiming to balance investor protection with innovation in the Web3 economy. As trading begins on October 27, the ChinaAMC Solana ETF is expected to become a key benchmark for institutional adoption of layer-1 blockchain assets in Asia. The move further cements Hong Kong’s position as a global leader in the development of compliant, transparent, and accessible digital asset markets.

tZERO Group, Inc., a pioneer in blockchain-powered multi-asset infrastructure, has announced the appointment of Shobhit Khandelwal to its Board of Directors. Khandelwal’s addition marks a key milestone in the company’s ongoing digital transformation as it focuses on integrating artificial intelligence, automation, and data interoperability into its blockchain infrastructure under the leadership of CEO Alan Konevsky. Khandelwal, the Founder and CEO of ShyftLabs — a global data and AI product company — and Carter, a privacy-first retail media platform, brings deep expertise in distributed systems, applied AI, and enterprise-scale analytics. His experience building and scaling data-driven products across retail, government, and healthcare sectors aligns with tZERO’s ambition to modernize financial market infrastructure and extend its reach across institutional, regulated markets. Khandelwal has also collaborated with tZERO’s investors and partners, including Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. “Shobhit’s appointment is key as we evolve tZERO’s technology stack and expand our multi-asset digital infrastructure in the U.S. and globally,” said Alan Konevsky, CEO of tZERO. “His fluency in disciplines central to building compliant, high-performance marketplaces — and experience integrating AI and automation in regulated environments — will help us scale, transform, and strengthen collaboration with our partners and shareholders.” Takeaway Khandelwal’s appointment strengthens tZERO’s technological leadership as it integrates AI and automation into its blockchain infrastructure to build scalable, compliant digital marketplaces. As tZERO continues to refine its strategic priorities, Khandelwal’s appointment signals a sharper focus on innovation that bridges blockchain, regulatory compliance, and institutional functionality. His guidance will help shape the company’s efforts to embed AI and tokenization frameworks within its marketplace infrastructure, further reinforcing tZERO’s reputation as a leader in regulated digital securities trading. “Having someone with Shobhit’s technical depth and product vision on our board adds tremendous value at this inflection point for tZERO,” said Matt Mosman, Chairman of the Board of tZERO and Partner at Pelion Venture Partners. “His experience scaling data-driven organizations will help guide tZERO as it continues building the institutional infrastructure needed to support tokenized assets and other on-chain financial products.” Takeaway tZERO is reinforcing its leadership bench with deep technical expertise to accelerate the institutional adoption of blockchain and tokenized financial products. Marcus Lemonis, Executive Chairman and Principal Executive Officer of Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc., tZERO’s largest investor, added: “Having worked with Shobhit previously, I know that his expertise, maturity, and focus — especially in scalable architectures and emerging technologies — will bring a valuable new dimension to tZERO’s board as the company continues to innovate across the digital asset landscape.” Khandelwal’s appointment follows tZERO’s strategic reset under CEO Alan Konevsky, which prioritizes regulatory alignment, infrastructure modernization, and global market expansion. His experience at Citigroup, Walmart, and Jet.com, where he embedded intelligence and automation into enterprise systems, positions him to provide strategic oversight as tZERO enters its next growth phase. Khandelwal holds a degree from Columbia University and is recognized for his ability to merge technical innovation with practical scalability — a perspective that aligns directly with tZERO’s mission to redefine how digital assets and tokenized securities are issued, traded, and settled within a regulated environment. Takeaway With Shobhit Khandelwal joining its board, tZERO gains critical expertise in AI, data systems, and scalable product design — reinforcing its mission to modernize capital markets through blockchain innovation.