Category: crypto

DeFi is evolving in 2025, with the merging of DeFi and AI known as DeFAI. Leading projects like Griffain, Orbit, and Aixbt are combining AI-driven features with decentralized protocols to enhance trading and lending. The market for these solutions is expected to grow significantly, but challenges such as transparency and regulation remain.

Deribit, a popular options trading platform, is reportedly exploring strategic opportunities with the help of FT Partners. It has seen a substantial increase in trading volume, reaching $1.2 trillion in 2024. Potential buyers, including Kraken, have shown interest in acquiring Deribit, with its valuation estimated at $4-5 billion. The surge in M&A activity in the…

Despite Bitcoin’s price drop, the market is still profitable and Bitcoin holders remain optimistic. NUPL, a metric measuring investor optimism, remains positive despite recent market volatility.

The Bank of England and HM Treasury are making progress in designing the digital pound, a proposed central bank digital currency. The digital pound aims to enhance the UK’s payment infrastructure, promote innovation, ensure user privacy, and require parliamentary approval. The Bank is engaging stakeholders and conducting experiments to explore various design options.

USD Coin (USDC) reached over $20 trillion in cumulative transaction volume in 2024, with $1 trillion in November alone. USDC’s growth is attributed to its integration into various blockchain platforms and its advantages over fiat money, such as cost efficiency and global reach. Partnerships with fintech companies and integration in venues like the Apple Store…

Bitwise CIO Matthew Hougan believes that the trend of companies adding Bitcoin to their balance sheets is growing and could transform the crypto market. Companies like MicroStrategy have been aggressively accumulating BTC, with 70 publicly traded companies holding Bitcoin. Regulatory changes allowing companies to mark Bitcoin holdings to market value are expected to further drive…

Bitcoin is facing pressure from macro risks, but a retracement below $90,000 could be a good buying opportunity, according to Standard Chartered’s head of digital assets research. Despite short-term risks, the bank maintains a long-term price target of $200,000 for Bitcoin by 2025. Investors are advised to remain cautious and monitor for strategic buying opportunities.

Blockchain security firm Elliptic reported that Huione, an online marketplace for illicit activities, has launched a dollar-pegged stablecoin called USDH. Huione promotes USDH as a solution to bypass restrictions imposed by traditional stablecoins like USDT and USDC. Huione is the largest illicit online marketplace, with transactions exceeding $24 billion.

The TON Foundation is gearing up for expansion in the US under the pro-crypto Trump administration. With new opportunities arising due to historical regulatory scrutiny, Stotz is leading the efforts for growth and adoption in the country.

Japan, South Korea, and the US issued a joint statement warning about the threat of North Korean hackers targeting the global crypto industry. The statement highlighted high-profile hacks in 2024, resulting in over $370 million in losses. The authorities emphasized the need for increased cybersecurity measures and collaboration between governments and private sector stakeholders. Additionally,…