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U.S. Regulators Clarify Crypto Custody Rules for Banks
U.S. banking regulators are laying down clearer ground rules for how financial institutions can handle crypto, especially when it comes to custody.
In a joint statement released Monday, the Federal Reserve Board, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) said banks should treat crypto custody the same way they would any new product or service with careful attention to risk.
The notice didn’t introduce new rules, but it did underline that banks need to think seriously about cybersecurity, access controls, and safeguarding private keys when offering crypto safekeeping. They also advised institutions to develop governance frameworks that keep pace with the fast-moving digital asset space.
“A banking organization that is contemplating providing safekeeping for crypto-assets should consider the evolving nature of the crypto-asset market, including the technology underlying the crypto-assets,” the statement read.
The update comes amid a broader change in Washington’s approach to crypto since Donald Trump returned to the White House. Over the past few months, federal agencies have released a series of clarifications around how banks can engage with crypto markets.
The OCC in May said that U.S. banks are allowed to buy and sell digital assets for their customers. Meanwhile, the FDIC dropped its previous requirement for banks to notify the agency before getting involved in crypto services.
For its part, the Federal Reserve officially scrapped “reputational risk” from its supervision framework for banks, a move that could ease pressure on lenders to steer clear of crypto clients and other industries viewed as controversial.
The Fed said it would replace the vague reputational risk label with more specific financial risk categories to provide clearer guidance on how banks are assessed. The move mirrors recent moves by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
While the change won’t stop banks from considering reputational risks in their own internal processes, it removes the concept as a formal part of the Fed’s examination procedures — something that has been widely criticized by crypto firms who say they’ve been unfairly “debanked.”
The Fed also withdrew its 2022 supervisory letter that required banks to pre-notify regulators about crypto-related activities, along with separate 2023 guidance on stablecoin services. Going forward, banks’ crypto activities will be monitored through the standard supervisory process rather than through additional reporting.
Crypto advocates have also been landing key roles. Last week, the Senate confirmed Jonathan Gould—former chief legal officer at blockchain firm Bitfury—as the new head of the OCC. Gould previously served as senior deputy comptroller and chief counsel at the same agency.
GBPUSD Technical Analysis Report 14 July, 2025
GBPUSD currency pair can be expected to fall further toward the next support level 1.3370 (which is the forecast price for the completion of the active impulse wave c, low of the previous correction iv).
GBPUSD broke support zone
Likely to fall to support level 1.3370
GBPUSD currency pair recently broke the support zone located between support level 1.3545 (which has been reversing the price from the start of this month, as can be seen from the daily GBPUSD chart below), 38.2% Fibonacci correction of the upward impulse from May and the support trendline of the extended up channel from February. The breakout of this support zone accelerated the active short-term impulse wave c, which belongs to the ABC correction 2 from the end of June.
Given the strongly bearish sterling sentiment and the equally strongly bullish sentiment seen across the FX markets today, GBPUSD currency pair can be expected to fall further toward the next support level 1.3370 (which is the forecast price for the completion of the active impulse wave c, low of the previous correction iv).
GBPUSD Technical Analysis
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Exchanges Bent Listing Rules to Meet Demand for Trump Meme Token
Several crypto exchanges fast-tracked the listing of the Trump-themed meme token $TRUMP, sidestepping usual governance hurdles and flagging risks tied to its concentrated ownership, according to executives and statements reviewed by Reuters.
MEXC, Bitget, and OKX were among the platforms that gave the green light to the token despite internal concerns and, in some cases, regulatory limitations. In the U.S., some state residents were blocked from accessing the token entirely, while others could trade freely. A full listing in New York, for instance, would triggered a lengthy checklist of risk assessments and corporate disclosures, a process most platforms avoided.
At MEXC, Chief Operating Officer Tracy Jin acknowledged the token didn’t meet the firm’s usual criteria for its main board. Still, strong customer interest won out. A company spokesperson later said the coin’s market momentum and early compliance with listing standards justified a “faster-than-usual” rollout. The spokesperson added that market dynamics around political meme tokens changed since 2022, making historical comparisons “less relevant.”
Bitget CEO Gracy Chen also flagged red flags, particularly the fact that around 80% of $TRUMP tokens were held by insiders. “Even with a lock-up period, that level of control is very risky,” Chen said. Still, user demand ultimately outweighed those concerns. Bitget, which operates out of the Seychelles and does not serve U.S. clients, saw global appetite for meme tokens as a driving force. “People understand the risks,” she said.
Upbit, South Korea’s largest exchange, declined to comment on any specific token but said it applies a “rigorous and comprehensive evaluation process” to all listings.
At OKX, the listing moved at breakneck speed just 26 hours. CEO for Europe Erald Ghoos said the firm’s legal and compliance teams worked across time zones through the night to vet the decision. While the Seychelles-based platform emphasized the care in its due diligence, it also made clear that market demand was too strong to ignore.
FCA to Review Client Categorisation Rules to Unlock Investment and Support UK Capital Markets
The Financial Conduct Authority is preparing to revise its client classification framework to ease access to capital markets for high-net-worth and sophisticated investors, aiming to encourage investment and reinforce the UK’s position as a global financial hub.
The review, announced ahead of the FCA’s Secondary International Competitiveness and Growth Objective (SICGO) report, is part of a broader effort to drive economic growth. It will focus on balancing investor protection with expanding opportunity, particularly for individuals who fall outside traditional retail investor definitions but are not yet classified as professionals under current regulation.
“We want to rebalance risk to support growth and competitiveness”
Nikhil Rathi, chief executive of the FCA, commented, “Modernising the client classification regime will provide greater clarity about the rules and protections applying to different customer groups, particularly for wholesale firms. We want to rebalance risk to support growth and competitiveness, which is at the heart of our strategy. We are delivering a large number of reforms to support a bolder risk appetite, making it easier for companies to raise capital and reimagining financial advice and guidance to boost investment.”
The regulator said the client categorisation review would form part of around 50 growth-related reforms to be delivered this year. Ten initiatives have already been implemented since January, targeting sectors ranging from mortgage lending to fintech and private capital markets.
Among those completed measures is the launch of PISCES, a private share trading venue designed to improve investor access to fast-growing companies before public listing. The FCA also introduced the Digital Securities Sandbox in partnership with the Bank of England, allowing firms to trial tokenization and other distributed ledger-based models in a controlled setting.
Other key actions include enhancements to the pre-application support process for firms seeking regulatory approval. The FCA confirmed that this now covers wholesale, payments, and cryptoasset firms, with 80 firms supported in the past year alone. The agency also established international offices in the United States and Asia-Pacific to promote UK financial services abroad and attract foreign capital.
To reduce regulatory friction, the FCA is revising its prospectus regime, eliminating unnecessary reporting requirements, and simplifying capital adequacy rules for investment firms. According to the regulator, this last step alone will reduce the length of legal text by 70 percent.
The FCA said these actions build on structural changes made last year to streamline the UK’s listings regime. Since the reform, 23 major transactions have gone through with fewer obstacles, helping to increase efficiency in public markets.
In the latest Global Financial Centres Index, London retained its position as the world’s second-highest rated financial center and closed the gap to New York. The UK capital also rose to the top global position for banking, up from third place last year.
The FCA will consult on changes to elective professional client status later this year, as part of its broader client categorisation reform. The forthcoming SICGO report will provide further details on these plans and outline the full scope of the agency’s growth commitments.
The regulator first laid out its growth objectives to the government in a letter to the Prime Minister and Chancellor in January and published its 2025–2030 strategy in March.
FPFX Sues The Funded Trader and Easton Consulting Over Unpaid Invoices and Contract Breaches
FPFX Technologies has filed a lawsuit against The Funded Trader LLC and Easton Consulting Technologies LLC in Palm Beach County, Florida, alleging breach of contract, unpaid software licensing fees, and violation of exclusivity provisions in a licensing agreement between the firms.
According to the complaint, FPFX granted a software license to both defendants on February 26, 2024, covering access to proprietary API-based trading infrastructure. The agreement required monthly payments and included restrictive covenants barring the use of similar services from competing vendors.
FPFX said that over several months, the defendants repeatedly failed to meet their payment obligations. As of July 2025, the outstanding balance is stated as $184,079.25, not including late fees or interest. FPFX noted that this followed a series of amended agreements aimed at giving The Funded Trader and Easton more time to pay, stretching from May 2024 through April 2025.
FPFX also seeks $500,000 in liquidated damages
The complaint includes four separate addenda and a lien agreement, which was intended to secure FPFX’s position while deferring payment. The lien covered various forms of collateral including client lists, trading software, websites, and social media accounts. FPFX later agreed to substitute this with personal guarantees from the companies’ principals.
FPFX also accused the defendants of breaching Section 12 of the license agreement, which imposed exclusivity and non-compete terms. The company alleges that both The Funded Trader and Easton engaged a competing vendor to provide similar services in violation of the agreement. FPFX is seeking $500,000 in liquidated damages for that breach.
Carlos Rico-Ospina and Angelo Ciaramello, who signed the original agreement on behalf of Easton and The Funded Trader respectively, are named in the complaint as the responsible parties behind the joint operations. The complaint describes how both men continued to acknowledge the debt in written communications, including emails in May and June 2025 that admitted limited liquidity and requested relief.
FPFX is represented by Berger Singerman LLP and is asking the court for judgment against both defendants for the full unpaid balance, liquidated damages, interest, attorney’s fees, and other relief.
The case underscores growing legal friction in the funded trader platform industry, where complex licensing deals and white-labeled services can leave disputes unresolved when commercial partnerships sour.
FPFX Technologies won against Funded Engineer
FPFX Technologies recently secured a judicial default ruling in Florida against Funded Engineer and its principals, Tristian Talbot and Harri Sawicki, following a legal battle centered on allegations of fraud. In an exclusive interview, FPFX Tech CEO Justin Hertzberg confirmed the company’s intention to enforce the court’s decision and pursue nearly $1 million still owed.
“Securing a judgment against Funded Engineer and its principals Tristian Talbot and Harri Sawicki for fraud was important,” said Hertzberg. “It legally validates the actions we took last February to stop their fraudulent activities and protect customers from their predatory practices. However, our company is still owed close to $1 million which we will now seek to recover. We intend to enforce the judgment in all jurisdictions and against all assets held by Funded Engineer, Talbot and Sawicki until we’ve satisfied the judgment.”
FPFX Technologies accused Funded Engineer of engaging in systematic deception, including wash trading and non-payment of technology and service fees. The court’s default ruling, which was granted after the defendants failed to respond or appear, allows FPFX to move forward with enforcement proceedings.
Asked whether the judgment could help protect the broader prop trading sector, Hertzberg said, “We certainly hope it serves as a warning that actions have consequences, and that prop trading operators will be held accountable for their actions. Prop trading is an industry that should be operated by individuals with real experience, capital and integrity – not by people like Talbot and Sawicki.”
According to Hertzberg, the fraud was not superficial or opportunistic but rather “calculated, multi-faceted and intended to avoid detection from both FPFX Tech and their own customers.” He noted that this type of misconduct is not isolated in the industry. “In the prop industry, most of the fraud we see today is from groups of traders trying to game prop firms out of money by manipulating outcomes of challenge and funded accounts,” he said. “At FPFX Tech, we are continuing to build out new and better tools to guard against and detect such fraudulent activity to protect our licensees and promote fairness in the industry.”
Hertzberg pointed to a broader industry need for regulatory safeguards. “The actions of Funded Engineer highlight the need for regulation to come into the prop industry,” he said. “We have recently joined an advisory group, The Prop Association, in order to allow industry participants to share best practices and promote fairness in the industry. We feel that this is a necessary ‘next step’ to police the industry and highlight those operators who do not operate in a fair and equitable manner.”
The judgment order against Funded Engineer, Talbot, and Sawicki was entered on the basis of FPFX Tech’s renewed motion for judicial default. It concludes a phase of litigation that began after FPFX terminated its business relationship with Funded Engineer and filed suit in Florida.
Market Insights with Gary Thomson: Inflation Rate in Canada, US, and UK, US PPI, Earnings Reports
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Moomoo Surpasses One Million Users in Malaysia
Moomoo Securities Malaysia has announced that it now serves over one million registered users, marking a milestone in its rapid rise as a key player in Malaysia’s digital investing space. The platform reached the one-million threshold just over a year after entering the market, underscoring retail investors’ growing demand for global access, professional-grade tools, and data-driven insights.
The platform had already become Malaysia’s most-downloaded financial app within six weeks of launch. Its user base has since grown tenfold, reflecting a broader shift among Malaysian investors toward platforms that combine global market access with analytical capabilities typically reserved for institutional users.
“Malaysian investor behaviour is clearly evolving”
Ivan Mok, CEO of Moomoo Malaysia, commented, “Malaysian investor behaviour is clearly evolving. We’re seeing a more informed, discerning investor emerge — one who looks beyond low fees and transactional platforms, and instead seeks robust analytics, real-time data, and education to make better long-term decisions. Crossing the one-million-user threshold isn’t only about our growth; it signals the rising expectations and maturity of Malaysia’s capital markets.”
Moomoo’s Malaysian platform provides users access to U.S., Hong Kong, China A-shares, Singapore, and local equities. It also supports trading in REITs, warrants, and U.S. options. Investors can make use of fractional-share investing, Cash Plus, and automated savings plans — features intended to help users build diversified portfolios.
The platform recently introduced moomoo AI, a feature designed to help investors identify stock patterns, trends, and interpret complex financial data through artificial intelligence. The rollout reflects a continued focus on embedding machine learning into retail trading workflows.
Mok added, “As more retail investors take a global perspective, the brokerage industry must evolve with them. What sets moomoo apart is our ability to combine advanced tools and insights with simplicity and clarity — so that every investor can approach the markets with confidence.”
Moomoo Malaysia has also worked to build an engaged community of investors. Globally, more than 26 million users are part of its network. The platform hosts an educational library of over 700 resources, with content supported by AI-powered analytics that has attracted over 2.7 million views.
In 2024, the company organized Moofest, an event that drew over 3,000 participants to a three-day program featuring investing discussions and learning sessions. The event brought together experienced and first-time investors, strengthening the platform’s role in investor education.
Moomoo Malaysia holds a Capital Markets Services License issued by the Securities Commission Malaysia and is a subsidiary of a Nasdaq-listed company. It also partners with the NYSE and Nasdaq globally. Moomoo has earned multiple industry awards, including “Best Retail Broker” in Singapore and “Best Trading Platform” honors from international fintech rating agencies.
While the platform continues to grow its user base, it has also positioned itself as a gateway for Malaysians to global financial markets. Its model blends technology with accessibility, aiming to set new benchmarks for the country’s retail investing experience.
Moomoo’s announcement follows a period of fast-paced user growth across Southeast Asia, where investor interest in cross-border assets and real-time analytics continues to expand.
Kraken, Backed, and BNB Chain Partner to Expand Access to Tokenized U.S. Equities Through xStocks
Kraken has announced a partnership with Backed and BNB Chain to expand access to tokenized U.S. equities globally. The move brings BNB Chain into the xStocks Alliance and enables BEP-20 versions of tokenized stocks like AAPLx, TSLAx, SPYx, and NVDAx to be deposited and withdrawn via Kraken by eligible clients.
Backed, the Swiss-based issuer of tokenized stocks, will deploy its xStocks product line on BNB Chain. Kraken said this integration supports the goal of creating an always-on equity market that is accessible across jurisdictions and compatible with decentralized finance.
“It is critical that assets like equities can move fluidly across ecosystems”
Arjun Sethi, Kraken’s Co-CEO, commented, “The response to xStocks has made one thing increasingly clear — the future of capital markets will be chain neutral, composable, and multichain by design. Expanding to BNB Chain reinforces our core belief that tokenized equities are not just digital wrappers for traditional assets — they are a foundational upgrade to the financial system itself. These instruments behave as programmable settlement primitives, unlocking atomic settlement, real-time global transferability, and composability with onchain lending, derivatives, and structured products.”
He added, “In a world that will inevitably be multichain, it is critical that assets like equities can move fluidly across ecosystems, protocols, and liquidity layers without being gated by jurisdiction or legacy custodial rails. As more chains integrate xStocks, we are not just expanding access — we are building the infrastructure to make equities globally accessible, usable, and interoperable for both retail and institutional capital.”
Backed’s co-founder, Adam Levi, said the BNB Chain integration is key to establishing xStocks as a neutral standard for tokenized equities. Adam Levi commented, “xStocks are built as a neutral, public-good asset class, and expanding to BNB Chain is a key step toward making them the standard for tokenized equities. Our goal is to bring traditional finance onto blockchain rails — not just by improving access, but by enabling true composability. Integrated into DeFi, tokenized equities will surpass the scale and utility of stablecoins. With BNB Chain’s global reach and deep liquidity, it’s a natural partner for advancing that vision.”
BNB Chain is one of the largest blockchain ecosystems by user activity and total value locked, with roughly $10 billion in TVL and a broad base of developers and applications. The network was selected for its low fees, high performance, and compatibility with Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) infrastructure.
Sarah S, Head of Business Development at BNB Chain, commented, “Tokenizing real-world assets on BNB Chain is a meaningful step in making global finance more accessible and transparent. Our collaboration with Kraken and Backed reflects BNB Chain’s commitment to bringing high-quality financial instruments on-chain and connecting traditional markets with decentralized finance for users around the world.”
Kraken recently launched over 60 tokenized U.S. equities on Solana as SPL tokens. These products, created by Backed, are available in over 140 countries but are not offered in the U.S. or to U.S. persons due to regulatory constraints.
The addition of BNB Chain follows a broader trend of integrating tokenized real-world assets across multiple blockchains. By making xStocks available in BEP-20 format, the alliance seeks to reach users in regions with limited access to U.S. equity markets. The initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to improve global market participation by offering 24/7 access to compliant, tradable financial products through blockchain infrastructure.
xStocks remain off-limits to U.S. residents due to regulatory limitations. Kraken, Backed, and BNB Chain will continue to expand this product line across additional networks in the coming months.
The partnership signals further institutional interest in tokenized equities as a long-term category of programmable financial infrastructure.
Weekly data: Oil and Gold: Price review for the week ahead
This preview of weekly data looks at USOIL and XAUUSD where economic data coming up later this week are the main market drivers for the near short-term outlook.
Highlights of the week: US & UK inflation, US PPI, UK unemployment rate, Japanese Inflation
Tuesday
Chinese GDP growth rate at 02:00 AM GMT. Market participants are expecting the figure to come out at 5.2% over 5.4% of the previous reading for the quarter. If this is confirmed then we might see some short term loses on the yuan against its pairs.
China Industrial production at 02:00 AM GMT. The figure for the month of June is expected to decline to 5.6% against the previous reading of 5.8%. If this is confirmed on the publication of this data then it might create some losses on the production related commodities such as crude oil, silver and copper.
Canadian Inflation rate at 12:30 GMT. The anticipation here is for a decline of around 0.2% reaching 1.5% for June. In the event of this anticipations becoming reality then the loonie might see some short term losses against its pairs.
US Inflation rate at 12:30 GMT where the consensus is for an increase of around 0.2% reaching 2.6% for June. If this is broadly accurate then it most probably not influence a change in the stance of the Federal Reserve on their next meeting where the probabilities for now stand around 93% for holding the rates stable. If there is any significant surprise change on the actual figure then it will respectively affect the dollar in the short term.
Wednesday
UK inflation rate at 06:00 AM GMT. The consensus is that the rate will remain at the current level of 3.4%. If the publication comes out higher than expected then the pound might find some short-term support against its pairs. On the other hand, if the figure is lower than expected it could influence a more dovish stance from the Bank of England on their next meeting.
U.S Producers Price Index (PPI) at 12:30 PM GMT. Market participants are expecting the figure to come out at 0.2% over 0.1% of the previous reading. If this is confirmed then it could potentially hint to potential higher inflation figures in the coming months since higher producers’ costs usually roll down to consumers pushing inflation figures to the upside.
Thursday
UK unemployment rate at 06:00 AM GMT. For the month of May is expected to hold steady at 4.6% while the claimants are expected to decline from 33,100 to 17,900.
Japanese inflation rate at 23:30 GMT. The expectations for the month of June is that the rate could go down to 3.3% from the previous 3.5%. This might be somewhat bearish news to the market participants trading the yen.
USOIL, daily
Oil prices held steady despite fresh trade war threats from President Trump, including proposed 30% tariffs on EU and Mexican goods, which have dampened risk appetite and outlooks for energy demand. While geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have eased, the U.S.-led trade war is escalating, and OPEC+ continues to unwind supply cuts, raising concerns of a crude glut. Still, near-term market signals remain somewhat supportive, with tight U.S. distillate inventories and signs of backwardation. Key updates from OPEC and China later this week will provide further direction for crude.
On the technical side, the price of crude oil has extended its sideways movement last week and is currently testing the resistance of the 100-day simple moving average line. The Stochastic is pushed to the overbought level, hinting that a bearish move might be the immediate short-term move for this week. The Bollinger bands are showing signs of contraction, but are still pretty expanded; therefore, volatility is not dried up just yet. The moving averages are also validating an overall bearish move in the market, further supporting the bearish connection narrative for this week.
Gold-dollar, daily
Gold was largely absent, or at least less volatile, from the market’s immediate reaction to Trump’s latest 30% tariff threats on the EU and Mexico, but the rising trade tensions and uncertainty over Fed leadership could increase safe-haven demand. With growing risks around U.S. monetary policy and geopolitical instability, gold may gain favor if markets begin to take these threats more seriously or if the dollar weakens on fears of Fed politicization.
From a technical point of view, the price of gold continued projecting to the upside following last week’s bullish closure. The faster 50-day simple moving average is still trading well above the slower 100-day and therefore validating the overall bullish trend in the market, while on the other hand, the Stochastic oscillator is in the extreme overbought level. This could be an early indication of a bearish correction, which in combination with the fact that the price is closing in at a major technical resistance level, could potentially show weakness to climb higher in the immediate short term. The level of $3,380 is the first major resistance level that the price needs to cross above to show any potential of retesting the latest high around $3,440.
Disclaimer: The opinions in this article are personal to the writer and do not reflect those of Exness or Finance Feeds.
The Binance Model: Crafting the World’s Largest Crypto Exchange
Binance.com experienced a rapid rise in size and scale, eventually becoming the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, with nearly 300 million active users and 26.68% of Q1 exchange spot volume market share.
Binance’s strong willingness to adapt to changing regulatory landscapes, coupled with a strong focus on innovation, security, and industry best practices, also likely contributed to the company’s fast success. Binance CEO Richard Teng has also played a pivotal role by pushing global regulator clarity, security and compliance standards that create the environment for continued growth.
In a recent X post Teng commented on Binance’s #1 exchange ranking, “Honoured to see #Binance ranked #1 in both Spot & Derivatives in the @CoinDesk Exchange Benchmark. This recognition reflects the trust of our 270+M users and the hard work of our team. Thank you for believing in us. We keep building – for you.”
After making it to the top of the crypto industry, Binance now faces challenges related to staying at the top. However, the company and its crypto trading platform appear to have what it takes to sustain digital dominance.
With this, let’s take a closer look at Binance’s history, its current status as the leading cryptocurrency exchange, and what this means for the company moving forward.
Binance’s Meteoric Rise: From Launch to 280 Million Users in Just 8 Years
So, how did Binance, in the span of just eight or so years, scale up into the world’s largest cryptocurrency company? Chalk it up to two key factors instrumental in Binance’s rapid rise to the top.
For one, since its founding, Binance has operated with a global mindset. Instead of being tied to a single corporate headquarters, the company embraced a remote-first structure. This approach allowed the firm to build its team by tapping into top talent from any region, creating a workforce that reflects its worldwide user base. This borderless model has been a key strategic advantage in an industry that never sleeps.
This focus on global talent was matched by a rapid expansion of its product offerings. The company quickly evolved beyond a simple spot exchange, launching a comprehensive suite of tools to build a complete Web3 ecosystem. It introduced innovative platforms like the community hub Binance Square and the early-stage project discovery platform Binance Alpha, giving users more ways to engage with the market.
Second, unlike other crypto companies that have a strong presence perhaps only in North America, Binance.com was able to gain global dominance, thanks to its focus on offering lower fees and faster transaction speeds. These helped Binance.com quickly attract customers, and also enabled the company’s expansion to prove profitable, almost immediately. Profitable in its first year in business, Binance was generating $1 billion in annual earnings within two years.
How Binance.com Remains A Crypto Leader
Today, Binance.com is estimated to generate approximately $20 billion in annual revenue, with earnings around $9 billion. In comparison to the valuations of publicly traded competitors like Coinbase Global, these figures highlight Binance’s substantial market position and financial strength.
That said, making it to the top is one thing, staying there is another. The threat of competition on market share and profitability is a very real risk. However, Binance still has numerous strategic advantages that could help the company continue to keep the competition at bay.
For example, as a product of its fast move into multiple jurisdictions, Binance has had to become highly compliant with “know your customer” (KYC) and AML regulations. Constant improvement of these procedures, coupled with Binance’s industry-leading security protocols, have helped to furnish Binance’s reputation as a reputable and safe cryptocurrency exchange.
Binance has remained focused on technological innovation, launching unique products in recent years — including the Binance Web3 Wallet, AI-powered trading tools, copy trading for futures, zero maker fees on new spot pairs, and high-yield Earn campaigns like Yield Arena — all designed to empower users with smarter, more flexible ways to trade and grow their crypto portfolios. Additionally, enhanced features on Binance Pay and Binance Earn have further streamlined the user experience across both DeFi and CeFi ecosystems.
Binance’s Digital Dominance Could be Here to Stay
CoinDesk’s Exchange Benchmark Report provides “an institutional-grade assessment” of crypto exchanges, measuring factors pertinent to institutional clients, such as counterparty risk, market quality, security, and regulatory compliance. In short, Binance is a safe, reliable cryptocurrency services provider for the institutional market.
While growth may naturally moderate at scale, Binance continues to evolve rapidly. With the core drivers of its success still firmly in play, the company appears well-positioned to maintain its dominance in the digital asset space.
Binance is poised to not only retain its market dominance but also accelerate its growth trajectory in the years ahead.
Bitcoin Surges Past $122K Amid ETF Inflows and Regulatory Tailwinds
Bitcoin (BTC) has surged past the $122,000 mark, powered by institutional buying and a favorable U.S. regulatory climate. The leading cryptocurrency is currently trading around $122,623, with bullish momentum supported by ETF inflows and strong price action. Technical support remains near $117,800, while resistance builds near $123,200.
The rally is underpinned by more than $51 billion in ETF inflows year-to-date, as institutional investors continue to accumulate BTC. The trend gained strength this week amid bipartisan support in Washington for pro-crypto legislation. Bills like the CLARITY Act and GENIUS Act aim to clarify digital asset frameworks and encourage broader adoption. There is also growing support for a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, signaling a shift in federal policy.
Public companies, including MicroStrategy and GameStop, have also increased BTC exposure, validating the asset as a long-term treasury holding. This combination of institutional interest and government momentum has created a strong foundation for further upside.
Analysts project short-term targets as high as $142,000, with year-end forecasts ranging from $160,000 to $200,000. A breakout beyond $125,000 could trigger the next leg up. However, traders should remain cautious. Volatility has declined, and a break below $118,000 could invite correction.
While short-term risks remain, Bitcoin’s recent rally suggests a maturing market backed by regulatory legitimacy and sustained institutional interest. If current conditions persist, BTC may soon redefine its role—from speculative asset to sovereign-scale financial instrument.
Ethereum (ETH) has reclaimed the $3,000 level, signaling renewed confidence across digital asset markets. Trading at approximately $3,034, ETH has bounced from recent lows near $2,950. Analysts are monitoring the $3,065–$3,200 range, with a breakout potentially setting the stage for a continued rally. Technical support remains firm around $2,940.
Investor appetite has intensified following the approval of spot ETH ETFs. Inflows topped $900 million in just one week—marking the highest since launch—underscoring Ethereum’s emergence as a cornerstone in institutional portfolios. Unlike Bitcoin, ETH offers staking yield and is supported by a deflationary supply model, enhancing its appeal to asset managers.
The upcoming Pectra upgrade and zkEVM integrations aim to boost scalability and reduce gas costs, driving broader adoption. These enhancements strengthen Ethereum’s dominance in DeFi, NFTs, and stablecoin ecosystems. With Layer-2 activity surging, Ethereum’s infrastructure is evolving to support the next wave of on-chain growth.
ETH is eyeing a move toward $3,200. If bullish momentum continues, analysts forecast targets between $5,500 and $8,000 by year-end—fueled by ETF flows, protocol upgrades, and broader macro tailwinds. However, regulatory risks persist. U.S. scrutiny around staking practices and ETF classifications could introduce near-term volatility.
Ethereum’s recovery above $3,000 reflects increasing institutional conviction and growing technical strength. As on-chain activity accelerates and structural improvements take hold, ETH appears poised for further gains—solidifying its status as more than just a smart contract platform, but a foundational layer of the decentralized internet.
BTCC Adds POPMART and WTI Crude Oil to Tokenized Futures Suite, Integrates TradingView Tools
BTCC has expanded its tokenized futures lineup by adding contracts for Pop Mart International Group Ltd. (POPMART) and WTI Crude Oil (USOIL), while upgrading its platform with TradingView’s technical analysis capabilities. The additions bring the total number of tokenized futures offered on the exchange to over 370.
Tokenized futures on BTCC give users exposure to traditional financial assets using cryptocurrency, with USDT serving as the trading currency. The exchange now covers 49 traditional market assets across four categories: stocks, commodities, forex, and indices. Traders can access leverage of up to 50x on equities like Tesla and Apple, 150x on gold and silver, and 200x on major currency pairs.
The new contracts for POPMART and USOIL recorded 1 million USDT in trading volume within their first week of launch in June 2025. This momentum reflects growing interest in tokenized instruments that bridge the gap between traditional finance and digital assets.
“We’ve been offering tokenized futures ahead of this trend”
Alex Hung, Head of Operations at BTCC, commented, “We’ve been offering tokenized futures ahead of this trend, recognizing early how blockchain technology can revolutionize access to traditional markets. This product category seamlessly integrates traditional finance with DeFi, allowing easy access to diverse markets through a single crypto platform.”
In parallel with the product expansion, BTCC has rolled out several new TradingView-powered features for web users. These include drag-and-drop tools to set Take Profit and Stop Loss levels directly on charts, a split-screen interface to view multiple charts simultaneously, and Fibonacci Bollinger Bands (FBB), a technical indicator that blends Fibonacci retracement with Bollinger Band analysis.
BTCC’s continued development in tokenized futures comes amid broader demand from crypto-native traders seeking exposure to stocks, commodities, and forex without moving funds out of the digital asset ecosystem. The exchange said it plans to introduce additional assets in the coming months.
Founded in 2011, BTCC is among the longest-operating cryptocurrency exchanges in the world. It offers leveraged futures trading and a suite of risk management tools aimed at retail and professional users. The platform reports growing participation from traders looking to diversify portfolios across both crypto and traditional financial markets.
Metaplanet Adds 797 BTC Amid Market Surge, Eyes 210,000 BTC Target by 2027
Metaplanet, a publicly traded investment firm listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, has deepened its commitment to Bitcoin with a fresh purchase of 797 BTC, valued at approximately $93.6 million. The acquisition, completed at an average price of $117,451 per Bitcoin, pushes Metaplanet’s total holdings to 16,352 BTC, making it the fifth-largest corporate holder of Bitcoin globally. This move represents a roughly 5% increase in its total BTC reserves and underscores the firm’s aggressive accumulation strategy.
The latest purchase comes amid renewed bullish sentiment in the crypto markets, as Bitcoin continues to trade near all-time highs. Metaplanet’s aggressive accumulation approach has attracted considerable attention from both institutional investors and market analysts, many of whom see the company as an emerging bellwether in corporate digital asset strategy.
A Bold Strategic Shift Toward Bitcoin-Backed Expansion
Metaplanet’s CEO, Simon Gerovich, has positioned the firm’s Bitcoin pivot as a foundational component of a broader acquisition and growth strategy. In public statements, Gerovich has referred to Bitcoin as a “digital gold rush,” noting that the company intends not only to hold BTC as a store of value but to use its Bitcoin reserves as collateral to finance strategic acquisitions—especially in the digital banking sector in Japan.
The company initiated its Bitcoin-first treasury strategy in December 2024. Since then, it has pursued an ambitious roadmap to scale its holdings to 210,000 BTC by 2027, equivalent to nearly 1% of Bitcoin’s total maximum supply. This places Metaplanet on a trajectory to rival or even surpass traditional corporate crypto giants like MicroStrategy in terms of total BTC owned.
The firm has also adopted innovative financial instruments to support its Bitcoin expansion, including the issuance of yen-denominated bonds earmarked for BTC purchases. This approach has allowed Metaplanet to grow its holdings without immediate equity dilution, a strategy that has been praised for its financial prudence.
Market Response and Institutional Implications
Investor reaction to Metaplanet’s Bitcoin strategy has been overwhelmingly positive. The company’s stock has surged over 345% year-to-date, reflecting strong market confidence in its long-term vision. Metaplanet’s proprietary “BTC Yield” indicator—which tracks the performance of its Bitcoin holdings—has reportedly grown over 430% in 2025 alone.
Analysts are divided, however. Supporters argue that Metaplanet is pioneering a new model of capital deployment using crypto-native strategies. Critics caution that the firm’s heavy reliance on Bitcoin makes it vulnerable to market volatility, particularly if prices retrace or regulatory conditions shift.
Nonetheless, Metaplanet’s aggressive accumulation marks a significant evolution in institutional crypto adoption. As the company continues to scale its holdings and deploy BTC in broader M&A strategies, it is poised to reshape corporate finance norms in Japan and potentially set a precedent for similar moves across Asia.
With its sights set on 210,000 BTC and a fast-growing public profile, Metaplanet is positioning itself not just as a Bitcoin accumulator, but as a Bitcoin-native holding company for the next financial era.
SharpLink Gaming Doubles Down on Ethereum with $64 Million Buying Spree
SharpLink Gaming has significantly escalated its Ethereum holdings with an aggressive accumulation of approximately 31,487 ETH worth nearly $64 million between July 11 and July 12. This move includes a standout 16,373 ETH purchase for $48.85 million executed through Galaxy Digital’s OTC desk, signaling growing corporate conviction in Ethereum as a strategic treasury asset. Following these acquisitions, SharpLink’s total ETH holdings have swelled to over 270,000 ETH, positioning the firm just behind the Ethereum Foundation in terms of corporate ETH ownership.
Notably, part of the recent ETH was sourced directly from the Ethereum Foundation itself. According to public reports, SharpLink purchased 10,000 ETH (~$25.7 million) from the Foundation, while the remaining 21,487 ETH was acquired through Galaxy Digital and Coinbase Prime. The strategic timing of the acquisition coincided with a notable $3,000 increase in ETH price, which many analysts attribute partially to SharpLink’s concentrated demand over a short time window.
Staking Strategy Signals Long-Term Commitment
What sets SharpLink apart from other corporate ETH holders is its hands-on participation in Ethereum’s Proof-of-Stake ecosystem. The company has reportedly staked its entire ETH treasury and is actively restaking to earn yields and participate in protocol-native finance. By doing so, SharpLink is contributing to the network’s security and decentralization while simultaneously optimizing its treasury management.
This staking and restaking approach aligns with Ethereum’s vision of a self-sustaining, yield-generating financial ecosystem and has already yielded substantial benefits. Analysts estimate SharpLink’s ETH position has generated over $45 million in unrealized profit, factoring in both token price appreciation and staking rewards.
Ethereum’s ‘MicroStrategy Moment’ for Institutional Adoption
Industry watchers have drawn parallels between SharpLink’s Ethereum strategy and MicroStrategy’s landmark Bitcoin play. Like MicroStrategy, SharpLink is placing a bold bet on the future of a decentralized digital asset, but with a more participatory stance. Rather than simply storing ETH on its balance sheet, the firm is integrating it into its operational and financial model.
The strategic direction is being shaped under the leadership of Joseph Lubin, Ethereum co-founder and now SharpLink’s chairman. Lubin has framed the ETH accumulation as a long-term commitment to Ethereum’s decentralization and on-chain financial infrastructure. In public statements, Lubin rejected the notion that this was a speculative play, emphasizing that SharpLink’s participation was rooted in network support and ecosystem alignment.
With its ETH treasury now valued at over $600 million, SharpLink is emerging as a central figure in Ethereum’s evolving institutional landscape. Its active participation not only bolsters Ethereum’s network health but also sets a precedent for how corporations can blend treasury management with protocol engagement. As Ethereum continues to mature, SharpLink’s model could pave the way for a new wave of corporate adoption rooted in both conviction and contribution.
India Intensifies Crypto Crackdown Amid Terror Financing Concerns
India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has initiated a broad investigation into leading cryptocurrency exchanges Binance and WazirX amid mounting concerns that digital assets are being used to fund cross-border terrorism. At the heart of the probe are several suspicious transactions traced to wallets in Pakistan and the Jammu & Kashmir region, with funds allegedly moving through Tron (TRX) tokens to entities in Syria—a region with known extremist group activity.
Regulators believe that these transactions may be part of a larger terror-financing infrastructure exploiting the pseudonymous nature of crypto assets. A significant concern is the use of private wallets not directly controlled by exchanges, which allow actors to move funds outside of the regulatory perimeter.
FIU officials have reportedly identified transaction patterns suggesting organized flows of funds from regions flagged for militancy. These findings have pushed authorities to intensify scrutiny on the KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) practices of the involved exchanges.
Enforcement Directorate and SIA Coordinate Legal Action
The Financial Intelligence Unit’s investigation comes alongside a parallel probe by India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is reviewing Binance’s operations for potential violations of India’s Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). The ED has reportedly frozen several bank accounts tied to Binance’s local partners as part of its investigation into illicit financial flows.
On July 11, the Jammu & Kashmir State Investigation Agency (SIA) carried out raids at three locations—Jammu, Doda, and Handwara—as part of a wider terror funding case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Investigators suspect that cryptocurrency was used to channel funds across borders to support militant activities. Seized digital evidence is currently under forensic analysis.
Adding to the scrutiny, a Singapore court is reviewing a legal case involving WazirX, where user ownership claims over crypto assets are being contested. A confidential affidavit submitted in the case alleges that TRX token wallets tied to WazirX were used to funnel funds to Syria-based entities, potentially breaching international sanctions and raising questions about the platform’s compliance protocols.
Regulatory Fallout and Future Implications
These investigations have reignited calls for tighter regulation of the crypto industry in India. Analysts expect that Indian authorities will soon introduce stricter KYC standards and enhanced wallet monitoring to prevent misuse of digital assets.
The outcome of the Singapore court proceedings could also set significant legal precedents regarding user rights, exchange accountability, and cross-border cooperation in crypto enforcement. If proven, the allegations could lead to further international regulatory alignment and shared intelligence operations.
While Binance has not issued a public statement regarding the allegations, WazirX has denied any direct role in terror financing and reaffirmed its commitment to full regulatory compliance. The case is being closely watched across global crypto and policy circles as a litmus test for how emerging markets will address the intersection of digital finance and national security.
As digital assets continue to expand their reach, India’s aggressive stance suggests a pivotal moment in global crypto governance—one that may redefine how authorities approach security risks in decentralized financial systems.
Pump.fun’s $PUMP Token Sale Raises $600 Million in 12 Minutes
In one of the most eye-catching events in recent crypto history, memecoin launch platform Pump.fun completed its public $PUMP token sale, raising between $500 million and $600 million in a mere 12 minutes. The sale offered 125 billion tokens—12.5% of the total 1 trillion supply—at a fixed price of $0.004 per token, implying a fully diluted valuation (FDV) of approximately $4 billion.
The sale saw overwhelming interest, briefly straining infrastructure across several participating exchanges. Kraken, one of the platforms involved, reported service interruptions and announced it would compensate affected users with free PUMP tokens. The lightning-fast raise and subsequent exchange issues underscore the intense speculative fervor surrounding memecoins, especially those backed by innovative or viral platforms.
Pre-Market Trading, Token Lock-Up, and Price Speculation
While the tokens remain locked during an ongoing 48- to 72-hour distribution period, early indicators suggest strong market interest. Pre-market pricing showed a surge of between 16% and 40%, with some trades occurring near $0.007 before stabilizing closer to $0.006. Given the initial $0.004 sale price, these early movements indicate heightened anticipation for the token’s open market debut.
During the lock-up period, buyers cannot trade or transfer their PUMP tokens, which has added to the anticipation. Analysts warn of heightened volatility once the tokens become tradable, as retail traders and bots rush to secure gains or accumulate positions. The performance of PUMP post-distribution will likely be viewed as a barometer for the broader memecoin market in the second half of 2025.
Kolscan Acquisition Signals Broader Ecosystem Vision
In a parallel announcement, Pump.fun revealed its acquisition of on-chain analytics firm Kolscan. The move is intended to enhance user tools across the platform, offering real-time wallet tracking, profit and loss analysis, and more sophisticated data visualizations for memecoin traders.
Kolscan’s integration is expected to deepen the platform’s functionality and appeal beyond its viral memecoin roots. By incorporating data analytics and trader tooling, Pump.fun appears to be targeting a more sustainable user base that values transparency, insight, and performance tracking. This evolution positions the platform not just as a memecoin launchpad but as a fully integrated trading ecosystem.
With tokens set to unlock in the coming days and the Kolscan integration on the horizon, Pump.fun finds itself at a crossroads between hype and utility. Whether $PUMP can sustain its momentum depends on post-launch trading performance and the platform’s ability to deliver on its expanded feature set.
If successful, Pump.fun may emerge as a blueprint for memecoin platforms that blend speculative energy with durable infrastructure. As the dust settles from its explosive token sale, the crypto world will be watching closely to see whether the platform can deliver on its multi-billion-dollar promise.
Weekly Roundup: Binance Backs Trump, GMX Hacker Wins $5M Bounty
Big names, bold moves: At iFX EXPO and FinTech Unplugged in Cyprus, leaders from Perfect.Live and Finery Markets share what’s next for tech and stablecoins. Plus500 sees record deposits, and Axi unveils ‘AxiPrime’ for institutions. Meanwhile, Revolut targets a $65B valuation, Swissquote fully acquires Yuh, and the FF Podcast dives into 24-hour markets. Here’s the wrap.
Perfect.Live at iFX EXPO 2025: Dimitri Laush on Merging Tech, Travel, and VIP Concierge Services
At iFX EXPO International 2025 in Cyprus, FinanceFeeds caught up with Dimitri Laush, co-founder of Perfect.Live and former executive at Admirals and GetID. The interview was led by FinanceFeeds Editor-in-Chief Nikolai Isayev on site in Limassol. Read More
Finery Markets at FinTech Unplugged 2025: Bridging the Stablecoin Infrastructure Gap
FinanceFeeds Editor-in-Chief Nikolai Isayev sat down with Konstantin Shulga, CEO and co-founder of Finery Markets, during the third annual FinTech Unplugged in Limassol, Cyprus. The interview marked a dual celebration: the continued growth of the event and Finery Markets’ sixth year of operations. Read More
Plus500 Onboards 56,000 New Clients, Hits Record $3.1 Billion in Deposits
Plus500 Ltd (LON:PLUS) has wrapped up the six months ending June 30, 2025 on a high note as the online trading platform continues its expansion across the U.S. and other strategic markets. Read More
FF Podcast: 26 Degrees’ James Alexander on Hedging, Volatility, and 24-Hour Markets
FinanceFeeds Editor-in-Chief Nikolai Isayev welcomed 26 Degrees Global Markets to the debut video edition of the FinanceFeeds Podcast. The episode featured James Alexander, Group Chief Commercial Officer at 26 Degrees, who offered an in-depth look into how the liquidity provider is navigating volatility, client hedging demands, and extended market hours. Read More
Axi Launches Institutional Arm ‘AxiPrime’ to Compete in B2B Liquidity Space
Online broker Axi has launched a new institutional liquidity division, AxiPrime, as it moves to expand beyond its retail roots and compete with established players in the B2B and institutional trading space. Read More
CME Group Sets International Trading Volume Record in Q2 2025
CME Group has reported a record international average daily volume (ADV) of 9.2 million contracts in the second quarter of 2025, an 18 percent increase from the same period last year. Read More
Revolut Eyes $65B Valuation in Fresh $1B Raise
Revolut is in talks to raise around $1 billion in a mix of new and existing shares, targeting a $65 billion valuation as it gears up for a major push into the U.S. market. The Financial Times first reported the fundraising talks on Wednesday. Read More
Swissquote Acquires Full Ownership of Yuh in CHF 180 Million Deal
Swissquote has acquired PostFinance’s 50 percent stake in Yuh, taking full control of the digital finance app four years after the joint venture was launched. Read More
This Week in Crypto – Tokenization, Staking, and Scrutiny
Robinhood’s tokenized stocks are drawing private firm interest—and regulator attention. Galaxy partners with Fireblocks to expand institutional staking, while the GMX exploiter starts returning funds. Meanwhile, ESMA flags issues with Malta’s crypto licensing and reports link Binance to the Trump-backed stablecoin USD1. Here’s the lowdown.
Robinhood’s Tokenized Stocks Spark Rush from Private Firms—But Also Regulatory Questions
Robinhood’s latest foray into tokenized finance is drawing crowds—and questions. After launching its blockchain-based stock token platform in the European Union last week, the company has seen interest from private firms eager to join. Read More
Galaxy Digital Partners With Fireblocks to Expand Institutional Access to Staking
Galaxy Digital has announced an integration with Fireblocks that brings its staking services directly to over 2,000 institutional clients on the Fireblocks platform. The partnership enables capital-efficient staking from within Fireblocks vaults, eliminating the need to move assets off-platform. Read More
ESMA Flags Gaps in Malta’s Crypto Licensing Under MiCA
Malta’s process for licensing crypto asset service providers (CASPs) has come under the microscope of Europe’s top securities regulator, which says the country’s approval procedures fell short in key areas. Read More
GMX Exploiter Starts Returning $40M in Crypto After Accepting $5M Bounty
The hacker behind this week’s $40 million exploit of decentralized exchange GMX has begun returning stolen funds, days after the protocol offered a $5 million bounty and promised no legal action if most of the crypto was sent back. Read More
ESMA Warns Crypto Providers to Clearly Distinguish Regulated from Unregulated Services Under MiCA
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has issued a public statement cautioning crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) about investor protection risks when offering both regulated and unregulated services. The warning comes just months after the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) entered into application across the EU. Read More
Binance Quietly Helped Build Trump-Backed Stablecoin USD1
Cryptocurrency giant Binance reportedly helped develop the technology behind USD1, a stablecoin launched earlier this year by World Liberty Financial (WLF), a crypto firm backed by U.S. President Donald Trump and his sons. Read More
CySEC Blacklists 19 Unauthorized FX and Crypto Brokers in Latest Crackdown
The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) has intensified its efforts to combat unauthorized brokers by issuing yet another warning against multiple unlicensed providers.
These providers have been blacklisted for offering trading services in foreign exchange (FX) and cryptocurrencies without the necessary authorization from CySEC.
CySEC has also highlighted that some of these unlicensed brands are deceptively claiming affiliation with other brokers that are already regulated in Cyprus and hold the Cyprus Investment Firm (CIF) License. In response, CySEC has published a list of blacklisted domains associated with these unauthorized providers.
com
market-trading.ltd
com
pro
com
com
fasat-g.pro
com
fr
com
com
com, iqforextrade.net, metaindextrade.net,
online, viptradersclub.com, stockforexinvestment.com
co
com
com
com
quantoria-markets.net
As CySEC’s attitude of adopting more stringent licensing guidelines and operating regulations becomes ever clearer, certain aspects of the rules and operations start to come into sharper focus.
Key among these changes is the obligation for every service provider dealing with crypto assets to register with the CySEC. Firms or individuals failing to adhere to this new stipulation will face severe consequences. Penalties for noncompliance range from hefty fines, potentially reaching up to €350,000 ($370,000), to custodial sentences lasting up to five years. In some cases, violators may face a combination of both fine and imprisonment.
CySEC warns of ‘gamification’ and “finfluencers”
CySEC has recently released retail investment behaviour research showing what it views as a concerning rise in unregulated, volatile investment products.
The research also showed that too few spend enough time researching the products they plan to invest in or the firm selling them, raising concerns that investors did not understand the relevant risks. Of the retail crowd, a quarter revealed that they spent 6-7 days researching a particular product, 7% said they did less than 30 minutes due diligence or none at all before committing their money to a product.
Meanwhile, only 30% of all respondents looked up their broker on the website of the country’s regulator to check it was licensed. While 15% didn’t do any checks at all, more than half (51%) said they looked at company reviews or the firm’s own website.
With many people afraid of missing out on the chance to make easy money, Cypriot regulators also launched a campaign to educate its citizens on the potential risks involved when it comes to online trading.
The country’s financial regulatory body was behind the campaign, which warns of using colorful apps that make trading seem empowering instead of intimidating.
Tether’s USDT Pulls Plug on Five Legacy Blockchains, Citing Low Usage
Tether, the world’s largest stablecoin issuer, is ending support for five “legacy” blockchains — Algorand, Bitcoin Cash, EOS, Kusama, and Omni — in a move to streamline operations and focus on platforms with more active usage.
Redemptions will cease and remaining tokens on those chains will be frozen starting September 1, the company said Thursday.
The decision follows an earlier announcement in August 2023 that support for Bitcoin Cash, Kusama, and Omni would be phased out due to low activity and ongoing performance issues. Minting on those networks already stopped, but users could still redeem tokens — until now.
“Sunsetting support for these legacy chains allows us to focus on platforms that offer greater scalability, developer activity, and community engagement — all key components for driving the next wave of stablecoin adoption,” said Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino.
While these networks were once part of Tether’s multi-chain strategy, most have faded into relative obscurity. Omni, in particular, played a historic role as the original home for USDT when it launched in 2014. Built on top of Bitcoin, it offered a way to issue tokens long before Ethereum became the industry standard. But usage plummeted over the years as faster, more flexible blockchains gained ground.
On-chain data reflects the fading role of these networks. Omni once carried nearly $888 million worth of USDT, but only around $82 million is still in circulation. Bitcoin Cash hosted $5 million, now down to less than $1 million. Kusama saw $3.5 million in total issuance, with just $250,000 remaining. EOS, despite its earlier hype, has under $5 million circulating, while Algorand currently holds around $841,000 in USDT.
Tether is now doubling down on faster infrastructure like Bitcoin’s Lightning Network, which it named as a key focus. Ethereum and Tron remain the primary homes for USDT, with about $74 billion and $81 billion issued, respectively — accounting for the bulk of the $159 billion total in circulation.
In a notice to users, Tether urged those holding USDT on the deprecated chains to redeem their tokens or request reissuance on a supported blockchain.
The move also comes as the regulatory spotlight intensifies. In the U.S., lawmakers are pushing forward on a long-delayed “stablecoin bill” that could land on President Trump’s desk later this summer. In Europe, the rollout of MiCA led several platforms to delist or deprioritize USDT.
Tech stocks lead the rally, oil slides
Markets have been moving between contradictory narratives this week: the strong NFP print last week had boosted hawkish expectations for the US dollar, lifted yields of 30-year bonds and pressured Gold along with major currencies against the greenback. On the other hand, “sell America” narrative seems to step back as US stocks indices climb to new peaks, and corporate earnings start to roll in.
NVDA had reached 4 trillion dollars of market cap – the precedent between tech companies, TSLA climbed 7%, whereas Delta airlines had declined, though both Nasdaq and Dow Jones indices stayed within bullish rallies after short consolidations.
However, the main shift in the narrative has evolved in the rise of probabilities of the interest rate not changing in September for the US from 5% to over 30%. That is still far from parity yet and the main scenario of September is still a quarter a point decline. Though, the sell-off had stopped for the US dollar and we observe it regaining positions across the board against major currencies.
Probabilities for interest rate in September for the US. Source: https://www.cmegroup.com/markets/interest-rates/cme-fedwatch-tool.html
While Gold is trying to catch the upward momentum (without visible success), Crude oil displays weakness around the $68 price area and slides down, not being able to break through the 20-moving average ceiling, pushed down by the increased production output from Opec+ and revised STEO forecast from eia.gov.
Markets are looking forward to the publication of US inflation next week to assess the influence of the strong NFP on the retail prices.
Crude oil
WTI Crude oil had rejected the 20-moving average area, having reversed off the $68 price area after the OPEC+ announcement about the upcoming production increase. The short-term energy outlook forecast from eia.org had lowered the expected fair price for CL futures based on supply and demand estimation for 2025 – the average price is projected around $60 with a possibility to drive lower.
COT reports show the increasing short position for commercial traders, which had almost reached the new bottom – a potential short signal for the oil.
Given the weak sentiment (we’ve seen the massive drop of oil futures after the resolution of Israel-Iran situation) and overall downtrend, we can project the downside move as shown at the chart.
Nasdaq
While crude oil is declining, tech stocks are gaining momentum: Nasdaq had reached another all-time-high recently and that might not be over: according to statistical studies, it rarely reverses quickly above the upper Bollinger Bands line and the average swing duration is between 17 and 20 days (which gives us several days of potential continuation).
The earnings season fuels growth for many technological stocks, and the “sell America” narrative steps back, so we may see Nasdaq growing as shown in the chart below.
USTEC (Nasdaq). Source: Exness.com
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