Category: crypto

Pharos Network has raised $44 million in a Series A round, bringing its total funding to $52 million. The EVM-compatible Layer 1 blockchain aims to build institutional-grade infrastructure for tokenized real-world assets in Asia and globally. The funding will help scale RWA rails and prepare for a public testnet launch.

Polymarket has acquired DeFi startup Brahma in an all-stock deal to enhance execution speed and liquidity in its prediction markets platform. Brahma’s smart account technology will be integrated to simplify blockchain complexity for users. The acquisition aims to strengthen Polymarket’s position in the growing prediction markets sector amid regulatory challenges.

Thailand’s SEC plans to include hidden funders of crypto firms in its major shareholder regime to prevent illicit capital flows. This move comes as Thailand tightens oversight on digital assets while also allowing Bitcoin-linked derivatives and ETFs. The country aims to be a regional hub for crypto investments while cracking down on money laundering.

Polygon Labs is seeking up to $100 million in funding to expand its stablecoin payments business, transitioning from generic Layer-2 infrastructure to a regulated payments stack. The company aims to compete with Solana and other networks by focusing on stablecoin payments, with plans to establish a presence in the U.S. regulated payments market.

BlackRock ETF wallets transferred $49 million in BTC and ETH to Coinbase Prime, continuing a trend of using the platform for institutional reallocations. This move reflects a broader pattern of institutional activity through regulated prime brokers amid market fluctuations. Coinbase Prime offers tools tailored for ETF issuers and other large asset managers.

Traders on Polymarket are predicting a prolonged Israel-Hezbollah conflict despite a two-week US-Iran ceasefire. The market is pricing a ceasefire deadline for June 30, with significant money being invested in both “Yes” and “No” shares. The markets are reacting to continued Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon and mixed political signals from various countries.

The Russell 2000 Index and Bitcoin both surged on news of a tentative Iran-US ceasefire, signaling a relief rally in global markets. Small-cap stocks and cryptocurrencies are benefiting from the de-escalation, with investors showing renewed interest in risk assets. However, the ceasefire remains fragile, with potential for a return to volatility.

U.S. stocks surged after news of a temporary ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, with the Dow up 2.76%, S&P 500 up 2.64%, and Nasdaq up 3.5%. Tech and China stocks led the rally, reflecting a broader risk-on shift in the market. The rally was driven by hopes of de-escalation in the Middle East and…

Fox Corporation has partnered with Kalshi to stream real-time event probabilities on its news and streaming platforms. This move aims to integrate prediction markets into mainstream finance media and provide viewers with accurate and unbiased data. Kalshi’s success reflects the growing popularity of prediction markets and their potential as a new asset class. Regulatory oversight…

SOL Strategies is acquiring Solana-native zk startup Darklake Labs for $1.2 million, integrating the Zyga privacy engine for privacy and MEV protection. The deal includes cash and stock, bringing Darklake’s team and technology under SOL Strategies’ control to enhance Solana’s privacy and MEV-resistance capabilities in a competitive on-chain environment.