Category: crypto

Stablecoin transfers are fast, but converting them into spendable local currency is slow. Gravity Team launched an OTC desk for instant fiat settlement in 20+ currencies. Stablecoin payments rely on different liquidity for trading and payments. Stripe and Mastercard acquired stablecoin infrastructure. Stablecoin settlement costs are lower than traditional banking.

WBT is trading at around $72.70 after reaching a new high, coinciding with developments in blockchain infrastructure and digital assets. Exchange tokens like WBT are gaining utility, with Whitechain transitioning to an Ethereum Layer 2 network. WBT’s full supply is now unlocked, with an active burn program targeting a reduction in total tokens.

Two U.S. crypto trade groups are suing three Illinois officials to block a 0.2% digital asset tax set to take effect in 2027. The lawsuit alleges constitutional violations and challenges the tax’s implementation, collection, and enforcement. Another group filed a separate lawsuit against the same tax earlier.

Bitcoin briefly dropped to $78,200 before recovering to $79,300 as Trump announced 50% tariffs on Canadian automotive and steel imports starting in 2027. U.S.-Canada trade negotiations ended without an agreement, causing tensions. Despite the news, Bitcoin’s price remained relatively stable due to strong upward momentum and Treasury buybacks supporting the rally.

ERC-8392 proposed by Ethereum developer Eric Conner aims to establish a common status interface for tokenized assets, addressing issues related to market sessions, trading halts, valuation status, and redemption availability. The proposal standardizes queries for asset status information without determining the safety or appropriateness of trading or using an asset.

CME Group added ENA token reference rates for three market closes, calculated by CF Benchmarks using trades from eligible spot exchanges. These benchmarks support portfolio valuation, risk controls, and financial products linked to ENA. The addition expands CME’s cryptocurrency benchmark suite to include a growing list of assets beyond Bitcoin and Ether.

Bitcoin has surpassed Strategy’s average purchase price of $75,385 after a 24% increase last week. Bitfinex analysts believe Strategy’s next treasury decision will be crucial for the rally. Strategy’s treasury activity, including $2 billion raised through sales, is seen as a key signal for Bitcoin’s movement.

Stand With Crypto endorsed 32 incumbent House members for reelection in November, all of whom supported the CLARITY Act. The group has over 3 million advocates and has committed close to $200 million in election spending. They aim to return lawmakers who backed the bill to Congress and have a bipartisan approach.

The U.S. Treasury Department has launched Operation Economic Outcast to target Iran’s financial links, including cryptocurrency activity supporting sanctions evasion and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The operation covers various financial channels, with the goal of isolating Iran from international financial networks. Bitcoin remains stable around $79,000 amid these developments.

Coinbase has introduced four tokenized U.S. stock products to Base, allowing non-U.S. investors to trade Apple, NVIDIA, Meta, and Alphabet exposure 24/7. Each token represents a beneficial interest in a real share held in segregated regulated custody. U.S. investors cannot access these securities due to regulatory restrictions.