LATEST BY NADIA CHEN
DeFi
FalconX Expands Tokenized Credit to Monad, Signaling New Era for Institutional DeFi Lending
FalconX has broadened its tokenized credit facility to the Monad network, enabling institutional clients to leverage digital assets as collateral within DeFi, marking a significant step for institutional participation.
Regulation
Australian Police Seize $4.1M Bitcoin in Major Darknet Bust, Signaling Intensified Crypto Crackdown
Australian police have seized 52 Bitcoin, valued at $4.1 million, in a significant crackdown on a darknet marketplace, underscoring law enforcement's growing capabilities in tracking illicit crypto transactions.
Regulation
Europe's Digital Payment Frontier: Bank of Italy Official Urges Tokenized SEPA Exploration
A senior Bank of Italy official has called for the European Union to seriously consider tokenized SEPA payments, signaling a potential shift in how traditional finance views blockchain technology for mainstream transactions and a strategic move against stablecoin dominance.
Markets
Bitcoin's $77K Ceiling: Profit-Taking and Dwindling Volume Stall Rally
Bitcoin's recent attempts to break past the $77,000 mark have repeatedly met resistance, largely due to consistent profit-taking by short-term holders and a significant drop in spot trading volumes. This dynamic suggests a temporary loss of market conviction and a potential pause in the rally.
Markets
Tether Backs Major Crypto Merger: Twenty One Capital, Strike, and Elektron to Form New Powerhouse
Tether, the majority shareholder of Twenty One Capital, has proposed a three-way merger involving Bitcoin payments firm Strike and Bitcoin mining company Elektron Energy, aiming to create a diversified crypto entity.
Regulation
Crypto Lobby Urges Fed to Codify 'Reputation Risk' Ban, Bolstering Banking Access
The Blockchain Association is pressing the Federal Reserve to formally remove 'reputation risk' from bank supervisory programs, a move critical to preventing future crypto debanking and ensuring regulatory consistency across federal agencies.
Infrastructure
Succinct Launches Zcam: Cryptographic Verification Takes Aim at AI Deepfakes
Cryptography firm Succinct introduces Zcam, an iPhone app that cryptographically signs photos and videos at capture, providing a crucial defense against AI-generated deepfakes and media manipulation.
Markets
Spot ETH ETFs Log 10-Day Inflow Streak: Is $3,000 Ether Next Amid Broader Market Caution?
Ethereum spot ETFs have attracted over $633 million in a 10-day run, signaling renewed institutional interest. Yet, with DApp revenues declining and derivatives traders showing restraint, the path to $3,000 for Ether remains uncertain.
Markets
CFTC-Regulated Kalshi Reportedly Preps Crypto Perpetual Futures Launch
Prediction market platform Kalshi, already regulated by the CFTC, is reportedly gearing up to launch perpetual futures contracts for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, signaling a significant expansion into the US derivatives landscape.
Infrastructure
Circle's USDC Bridge Streamlines Cross-Chain Transfers While CCTP Faces Legal Scrutiny
Stablecoin issuer Circle has launched its USDC Bridge, a new user interface designed to simplify native cross-chain stablecoin transfers. Built atop the existing Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP), the launch comes as Circle grapples with a class-action lawsuit alleging negligence related to a $230 million exploit th
Markets
X's Cashtags Ignite $1 Billion Crypto Trading Volume in Just Two Days
X's new Cashtags feature, integrated with Canadian broker Wealthsimple, has facilitated over $1 billion in trading volume for crypto assets and stocks within its first 48 hours, signaling a significant step towards mainstream financial integration on the platform.
Markets
North Korean Hackers Leverage AI in Zerion Attack, Signaling Evolving Threat Landscape
A recent attack on crypto wallet Zerion by North Korean-affiliated hackers utilized AI-enabled social engineering, resulting in a $100,000 loss from company hot wallets. This incident follows a similar, larger exploit against Drift Protocol, highlighting a critical shift in cyberattack vectors from smart contract vulne
Markets
Chainalysis Flags Crypto Payments to Iran as Major Sanctions Risk for Shippers
Shipping firms using cryptocurrency for payments to Iran face substantial sanctions exposure, warns Chainalysis, highlighting how crypto's transparent ledger makes illicit financial flows easier to trace and freeze.
Markets
Bitget Launches SpaceX Pre-IPO Proxy, Signaling Crypto's Deeper Dive into Traditional Assets
Bitget's new IPO Prime platform debuts with preSPAX, a tokenized proxy offering indirect exposure to SpaceX's post-IPO performance, highlighting a growing trend of crypto exchanges bridging the gap between digital assets and traditional finance.
Markets
Bitcoin Surges Past $72K Amid Geopolitical 'Truce,' But Derivatives Signal Caution
Bitcoin briefly topped $72,000 following a US-Iran ceasefire announcement, triggering $280 million in short liquidations. However, derivatives data suggests underlying bearish sentiment persists, raising questions about the rally's sustainability.