INDUSTRY NEWS & GUIDES

Tether and Circle, the dominant stablecoin issuers, are now facing increased competition from new decentralized and regulated alternatives. Emerging projects and evolving global regulations are challenging their market share, pushing both companies to adapt. As the stablecoin space grows, success will depend not just on liquidity, but also on transparency, compliance, and innovation.

Binance will compensate users affected by sudden price crashes in wBETH, bnSOL, and Ethena’s USDe, which caused unexpected liquidations. The exchange cited market volatility and liquidity issues as the cause and is reviewing the incident to improve safeguards. Eligible users will be reimbursed, and Binance plans to enhance protections for trading less liquid assets.

Over 250,000 letters have been sent to U.S. senators urging them to protect yield-generating stablecoins. Supporters argue these digital assets offer accessible alternatives to traditional savings, especially for underserved communities. The campaign comes as lawmakers debate how to regulate stablecoin yields amid rising scrutiny. The public response highlights growing demand for clear, innovation-friendly policies in the digital finance space.

The U.S. government shutdown has entered its second week, halting key services and delaying economic data and regulatory decisions. Agencies like the IRS and SEC are affected, creating uncertainty in both traditional and crypto markets. With no resolution in sight, concerns are growing over the potential economic fallout if the political deadlock continues.

Ethereum’s upcoming Fusaka upgrade has successfully passed testing on the Holesky testnet, moving it closer to a planned mainnet launch in December 2025. The upgrade focuses on improving blob data handling to support cheaper and more efficient layer 2 transactions. With testing complete, developers will now prepare for final audits and broader network coordination. Fusaka plays a key role in Ethereum’s long-term plan to scale through rollups and modular design.

A Chinese woman has been convicted in the UK for leading a $6.9 billion bitcoin laundering scheme linked to a global crypto scam. She managed large-scale transfers of illicit funds using digital wallets to hide their origin. The case involved international cooperation and is one of the biggest crypto-related convictions to date. Sentencing is expected soon and could influence how future crypto crimes are prosecuted.

Vitalik Buterin has criticized the EU’s proposed chat control law, warning that mandatory scanning of private messages could harm user privacy and security. He believes the legislation risks turning messaging apps into surveillance tools and weakening encryption. The proposal has sparked backlash from privacy advocates and the tech community, who fear it could set a dangerous precedent.

Hyperliquid launched its own stablecoin, USDH, which quickly surpassed $2 million in trading volume shortly after going live. Built on Hyperliquid’s custom Layer 1 blockchain, USDH is designed to offer fast, low-cost transactions within the platform. The stablecoin is part of a broader push to enhance liquidity and user experience across the ecosystem. Its early momentum signals strong interest from traders and market participants.

Ethereum developers have scheduled the Fusaka upgrade for December 2025, aiming to improve the network’s scalability by enhancing blob capacity. Blobs are used to store large data efficiently, especially for layer 2 rollups. This upgrade builds on previous efforts like Dencun and continues Ethereum’s push toward a more modular, rollup-friendly infrastructure. Testing is already underway ahead of the mainnet launch.

The Ethereum Foundation created the dAI Team to make it easier for autonomous AI agents to pay, coordinate, and settle on Ethereum. Early work centers on standards like ERC-8004 to verify agent integrity and enable trustless payments, aligning with broader moves such as Google’s AP2 and Coinbase’s agent-payments efforts. Next steps include draft specs, testnets, and reference implementations to prove secure agent-to-agent and agent-to-human transactions.

An early Ethereum ICO whale moved 150,000 ETH (about $646M) into staking after years of inactivity, rather than sending coins to exchanges. The wallets still hold roughly 105,000 ETH, and the stake adds to a positive staking queue backdrop and steady ETF inflows. Traders view it as a confidence signal that limits immediate sell pressure.

Etherealize raised $40 million in a Series A co-led by Electric Capital and Paradigm to build institutional Ethereum infrastructure. The New York startup plans a zero-knowledge privacy layer, a tokenization settlement engine, and apps for tokenized fixed income, led by co-founders Danny Ryan and Vivek Raman. The funding aims to help banks and asset managers move assets like mortgages and other credit onto Ethereum, aligning with Wall Street’s growing interest in tokenization from firms such as BlackRock and JPMorgan.

Hackers are targeting WLFI token holders with phishing scams that abuse wallet delegation approvals to seize funds. Scammers use cloned contracts and fake links on Telegram and X to trick users into signing malicious permissions. Officials urge holders to verify contract addresses, use approval managers, revoke risky approvals, and avoid unsolicited DMs or seed requests.

River’s research says businesses are buying about 1,755 BTC per day while miners produce roughly 450 BTC, creating a persistent supply gap. Corporates have become major net buyers in 2025, which can tighten supply and support prices if demand holds. The flip side is higher cyclicality and headline risk if prices turn lower and treasury buyers pull back.

Long-term bitcoin holders have realized about 3.27 million BTC in profits since early 2024, already above the entire 2021 cycle and second only to 2016–2017. Selling is coming from strength, with realized profits elevated but not extreme, while more than 72% of supply remains in illiquid wallets, which can soften persistent sell pressure. The mix of distribution and illiquidity points to choppier price action. Whether the cycle extends or consolidates will hinge on demand absorbing supply, with on-chain flows, ETF activity, and miner behavior as key signals.

Bitcoin mining is shifting from a halving-driven cycle to a power-first business. Executives say cheap, long-term electricity, grid relationships, and high uptime now matter more than raw hashrate. Big U.S. miners are acting like energy companies by monetizing power, selling grid services, and leasing capacity to AI clients, while ETF-driven activity has softened on-chain fee income. Scale and siting are key, exemplified by Hut 8’s plan for 1.5 GW of new capacity, and the takeaway is clear: in 2025, electricity is the real currency.

Rapper Ye (formerly Kanye West) appeared to launch a Solana-based token called YZY/YZY Money on August 21, triggering a breakneck rally that briefly pushed the token’s fully diluted valuation toward the billions before a swift plunge wiped out much of the gains.

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said there is “nothing to be afraid of” in using tools like smart contracts, tokenization and distributed ledgers for everyday transactions, framing them as the latest turn in a long history of payment-technology upgrades.

MicroStrategy, led by executive chairman Michael Saylor, has once again expanded its Bitcoin holdings, purchasing an additional $51 million worth of BTC last week.

Odin.fun, a Bitcoin-centered memecoin launchpad, fell victim to a major exploit on August 13, when attackers drained approximately 58.2 BTC—valued at around $7 million—from its liquidity pools.

After a $500 billion market crash, the crypto sector is showing signs of recovery heading into Q4. Bitcoin and Ethereum have rebounded, leverage has cooled, and long-term holders are accumulating again. While risks remain, many traders are hopeful for a year-end rally as market conditions begin to stabilize.

Over $16 billion in crypto long positions were liquidated in a single day as a wave of selling hit both traditional and digital markets. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and altcoins saw sharp declines following a Wall Street sell-off triggered by rising bond yields and global uncertainty. The sudden crash caught many leveraged traders off guard, leading to widespread losses and increased volatility across the crypto space.

Bitcoin is climbing higher as the U.S. dollar weakens and bond yields drop, signaling caution in traditional markets. Investors are turning to Bitcoin as a hedge against economic uncertainty, with rising trading volume and renewed interest from institutions. The current macro environment is boosting confidence in crypto as an alternative store of value.

Bitcoin has broken above $120,000, sparking optimism for a strong October rally. Traders see this milestone as a sign of growing momentum, supported by steady accumulation and improved macro sentiment. With rising open interest and stable funding rates, the market appears positioned for further gains as the final quarter of the year begins.

Leveraged long positions on Bitcoin are rising again, signaling renewed confidence among traders expecting a market rebound. Despite recent volatility and external pressures, open interest in bullish futures is climbing. While these positions carry higher risk, they reflect a growing appetite for upside as sentiment shifts toward cautious optimism.

Bitcoin fell sharply during the 38th week of the year, a period that has historically brought weak performance. The drop was influenced by seasonal patterns and broader market caution, including rising interest rates and risk-off sentiment. Investors are now watching for a possible rebound in the final quarter, which has often brought stronger momentum in the past.

BNB hit a new all-time high of $1,000 as speculation grows around Binance nearing a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice. The rally is also fueled by rumors that founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) might return to a more active role. With Binance maintaining its dominance in trading and ecosystem activity, investors see renewed confidence in the exchange’s future.

Memecoins outperformed on Sept 13 as traders priced a likely Fed rate cut and speculated about upcoming U.S. altcoin ETFs. The CoinDesk Memecoin Index rose about 7% in 24 hours, led by Shiba Inu-linked tokens, while Bitcoin dominance slipped. The rally could reverse if the Fed disappoints or ETF approvals stall.

HBAR rose about 5% from Sept 10 to 11, rebounding from support near $0.23 to test resistance around $0.24 during CPI-driven volatility. Volume jumped from an average ~35.4M HBAR to ~156.1M, helping defend support. A break above $0.241 to $0.248 would target late summer highs, while failure keeps focus on $0.23 and the low $0.22s.

Whales sold roughly 115,000 BTC in the past month, the biggest distribution this year, setting up a key September test. Long-term holders are still accumulating, so price action is choppy rather than outright bearish. BTC cohorts turned net sellers, XRP is range-bound near $3, ETH tracks risk sentiment, and upcoming U.S. data plus the Fed decision will determine whether demand absorbs supply or the market slips into deeper consolidation.

XRP led large-cap gainers on August 26 with a rise of about 6% as Bitcoin reclaimed $111,000 and risk appetite improved. Solana, Dogecoin and Ether also advanced, while CME crypto futures open interest reached roughly $30 billion, signaling steady institutional activity. The bounce follows a sharp selloff the day before, and positioning remains fragile, so a reversal is possible if Bitcoin cannot build on gains.

Bitcoin slipped back below $110,000 after a volatile weekend, wiping out most of its rebound. Ether fell about 8% as more than $500 million in long positions were liquidated and ETF outflows and weaker fee revenue signaled market fragility. Traders are watching support near $107,000 and then $100,000, with resistance around $117,000 and $123,000. Near term action looks choppy, with either a quick squeeze if flows improve or a range-bound consolidation if they do not.

Ether jumped about 15% on August 22 to a new all-time high near $4,880, helped by rising bets on a September Fed rate cut after Powell’s Jackson Hole remarks. Futures priced an 85% to 90% chance of easing, risk assets rallied, and fresh inflows into spot ETH ETFs and ETH-linked tokens added momentum. Traders are watching whether price holds above the breakout, with the Sept 5 jobs report and the following week’s inflation data likely to guide the next move.

Polkadot has launched a new division called Polkadot Capital Group, a capital-markets–focused arm designed to connect traditional finance with the network’s Web3 infrastructure. Announced on Aug.

A Nasdaq-listed pharmaceutical distribution company has become one of the latest major enterprises to leverage blockchain for real-world utility, announcing that it will use the XRP Ledger (XRPL) to run a new payments platform for pharmacies.

Connect is organizing two exclusive networking events ahead of Blockchain Life 2025 in Dubai - a Pre-Party on October 27 and a Crypto Yacht experience on October 28. Both gatherings will bring together speakers, investors, and Web3 leaders for high-value conversations and connections in a more informal setting.

Coinbase has launched a new payments platform built around USDC, aiming to simplify global transactions for businesses and developers. The service offers faster, cheaper, and more efficient payments using blockchain infrastructure. It’s part of Coinbase’s push to expand beyond trading and become a key player in stablecoin-powered financial services.

Coinbase is increasing its investment in one of India’s largest crypto exchanges, aiming to strengthen its position in the growing Indian market. The move supports the exchange’s expansion strategy and prepares it for upcoming regulatory changes. With strong user adoption in India, the partnership could help Coinbase scale its presence across Asia.

Bitcoin dropped below $119,000 after Donald Trump suggested new tariffs on Chinese imports, sparking market-wide caution. The threat of renewed trade tensions led investors to pull back from riskier assets, including crypto. While Bitcoin remains strong in the long term, its short-term price is reacting to global political and economic uncertainty.

JPMorgan analysts predict that Solana ETFs may see only modest inflows even if approved by the SEC. While Solana is gaining traction as a blockchain, it still lacks the institutional familiarity of Bitcoin or Ethereum. Past technical issues and cautious investor sentiment could limit early demand. However, ETF approval would still mark a positive step for Solana’s growth and the broader crypto investment landscape.

Tether is planning a new venture with Antalpha to launch tokenized gold and U.S. Treasury products, aiming to raise $200 million. The project will offer blockchain-based assets backed by real-world value, targeting both crypto and institutional investors. This move marks Tether’s broader push into financial infrastructure and the growing market for real-world asset tokenization.

Marathon Holdings mined 736 bitcoin in September, bringing its total holdings to 52,580 BTC. The company continues to expand and optimize its mining operations while maintaining a long-term strategy of holding most of its mined assets. With Bitcoin’s recent price increase, the value of its treasury has grown significantly, reinforcing Marathon’s position as a major player in the crypto mining sector.

Tether and Circle remain the dominant forces in the stablecoin market, generating billions in volume and revenue. However, industry experts believe competition is on the way, with new players exploring alternative models like decentralized stablecoins and regional solutions. As the market evolves, trust, innovation, and regulation will shape which stablecoins thrive in the next phase of digital finance.

KuCoin is facing a $14 million enforcement action in Canada for operating without proper registration and failing to follow anti-money laundering rules. Authorities claim the exchange provided services to Canadians without complying with national regulations. The case highlights Canada’s stricter stance on crypto oversight and the growing global pressure on unregistered platforms.

Nine major European banks are teaming up to launch a euro-backed stablecoin that complies with the EU’s new MiCA regulations. The stablecoin will be fully backed and aimed at both retail and institutional users, with a focus on faster payments and cross-border efficiency. By working together, the banks aim to offer a secure, regulated digital euro alternative and strengthen their role in the future of digital finance in Europe.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong revealed plans to transform the platform into a global financial super app, offering services like payments, lending, and investments alongside crypto trading. The goal is to create an all-in-one financial hub, especially in markets where traditional banking is limited. With tools like its Base blockchain and stablecoin integration, Coinbase aims to make decentralized finance accessible to a mainstream audience worldwide.

Crypto ETF listings in the U.S. have become easier as the SEC provides clearer guidelines and streamlines the approval process, especially for futures-based products. Issuers no longer need to file complex exemptions for many fund types, speeding up launches. While spot bitcoin ETFs still face hurdles, the overall environment for crypto-related ETFs is becoming more predictable and accessible.

Traditional finance is embracing crypto as major firms like Franklin Templeton and Bitwise integrate digital assets into platforms used by financial advisors. Tools such as model portfolios, SMAs, and crypto indices are making it easier for advisors to offer clients regulated, diversified exposure. Education and compliance support are also improving, helping crypto become a standard part of long-term investment strategies.

Google and Coinbase have teamed up to launch the Agent Payments Protocol (AP2), an open-source standard that lets AI applications send and receive stablecoins. Backed by over 60 partners—including the Ethereum Foundation and American Express—AP2 aims to bridge crypto and traditional payments with secure, auditable, and programmable transactions. Coinbase’s x402 integration enables machine-speed stablecoin payments, ideal for micropayments and automation. As stablecoin circulation surges past $289 billion, the focus now shifts to trust and clear user consent. If successful, AP2 could let AI agents handle payments autonomously across a wide range of services.

St. Cloud Financial Credit Union plans to launch “Cloud Dollar,” a dollar-pegged stablecoin by late 2025, claiming the first U.S. credit-union issuance. Built with Metallicus and DaLandCUSO, it will integrate into the credit union’s core banking so members can mint and redeem at par for instant, low-cost transfers with compliance controls. The project tests how community institutions can use blockchain rails as U.S. stablecoin policy matures.

Strategy (MicroStrategy) bought 1,955 BTC between Sept 2 and Sept 7 for about $217.4M at an average price near $111,196. The firm’s holdings are now roughly 638,000 BTC, funded through equity raises as part of its long term treasury plan. Market reaction is mixed, with shares volatile and debate over dilution, but the company continues buying regardless of short term price moves.

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko urged regulators to finalize a clear crypto rulebook to attract investment while protecting users, after inspections found violations and funds failing to return from abroad. The plan builds on Decree No. 8, which legalized mining and token issuance under the Hi-Tech Park and grants a favorable regime through 2049. Minsk aims to balance stricter oversight and record-keeping with an open, “digital haven” pitch for blockchain firms.

Binance became the first exchange to list the Trump-linked WLFI token on September 1 with USDT, USDC, and TRY pairs, moving it from a restricted presale to open trading. Day one was volatile, with WLFI dropping about 25% before stabilizing near $0.24, and only a portion of supply tradable while early investors could sell up to 20% of allocations. Binance is adding WLFI across products and plans a WLFIUSDC perpetual with up to 75x leverage. The project ties into World Liberty Financial’s broader plans, including a USD1 stablecoin, and has drawn investor interest and political scrutiny.

Trump’s pro-crypto stance has revived the bitcoin vs gold debate, but the analysis says they hedge different risks. Gold tends to help in equity selloffs, while bitcoin can shine during rate or currency stress. In 2025 gold is up about 30% and bitcoin about 15%, with strong BTC ETF inflows and central bank gold buying, so a barbell of both is the practical takeaway.

Binance briefly halted all futures trading on August 29 due to a glitch in its Unified Margin system, affecting every futures instrument. Service was restored within about 20 to 30 minutes, though the exchange did not disclose a root cause. The incident highlights the risks of cross-margin setups and the need for strong resiliency and failover plans on centralized derivatives venues.

ARK Invest bought $15.6 million of Bitmine Immersion Technologies across three ETFs, even as BMNR fell about 7.9% to roughly $46. Bitmine positions itself as an Ethereum treasury company with more than 1.7 million ETH (about $8 billion) and aims to earn yield via staking and treasury strategies. ARK’s cumulative exposure to Bitmine is now above $300 million, giving it a liquid way to express an ETH thesis without holding the token in those funds. Key watch items include ETH’s price, staking rewards, any share issuance, and evolving rules around staking and custody.

Rapper Ye (formerly Kanye West) appeared to launch a Solana-based token called YZY/YZY Money on August 21, igniting a frenzied debut that sent prices soaring thousands of percent before a sharp reversal.

The U.S. Federal Reserve has decided to disband its internal working group dedicated to crypto oversight, raising fresh questions about how the central bank plans to manage the fast-growing digital asset sector.