Argentine President Javier Milei has been cleared of wrongdoing by the country’s anti-corruption office over his promotion of the LIBRA memecoin, following a high-profile scandal that saw the token soar — and then crash — in a matter of days. The Anti-Corruption Office (OA) said Milei acted in a personal capacity “as an economist and not a public official” when he posted about the token from his personal X account in February. The agency concluded the post did not amount to official government communication or constitute misuse of public resources. The OA’s report noted that Milei’s account had been active “long before he was elected country president, and even before the beginning of his previous term as deputy.” The probe, which was initiated at Milei’s own request, aimed to determine whether any member of the national government, including the president, engaged in improper conduct. Milei originally described the Solana-based LIBRA token as a tool to help small and medium-sized Argentine businesses raise capital. Following the post, LIBRA climbed to a market capitalization of around $4.5 billion — before collapsing by more than 90% just hours later, after Milei deleted the post and claimed he had not been aware of the project’s full details. According to on-chain data from Nansen, 86% of traders lost money in the crash, with losses estimated at $251 million. A small number of wallets recorded gains totaling $180 million. The episode, dubbed “Cryptogate” by local media, led to public outcry, lawsuits, and calls for impeachment from opposition lawmakers. Allegations intensified after leaked messages showed LIBRA’s co-creator Hayden Davis boasting about his influence over Milei, allegedly through payments made to the president’s sister and close advisor, Karina Milei. While the OA has now closed its investigation, a federal criminal probe remains open. A class-action lawsuit representing plaintiffs in Argentina, the U.S., and the U.K. is also proceeding through the courts. Davis, who met with Milei in January, denied ties to the Argentine government. His wallets — containing over $57 million in USDC — were recently frozen by Circle following a U.S. federal court order.

A group of well-known internet billionaires is supporting an ambitious and controversial idea to build a “network state” powered by blockchain on Native American property. This has brought up old questions about sovereignty, exploitation, and the future of digital governance. The idea is to make a self-governing, crypto-based society with its own laws, money, and way of running things. Elon Musk and former Coinbase CTO Balaji Srinivasan are two well-known people who have led this movement. It envisions privatised towns that are run by blockchain protocols and paid for using cryptocurrency. Inside The Network State Vision Srinivasan made the phrase “network state” famous in his 2022 book, where he explained the theory. The idea is to create online communities that pool their money to buy land, establish towns, and eventually get diplomatic recognition as independent countries. This involves using decentralised governance systems, such as decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs), to handle day-to-day tasks like law enforcement and building infrastructure. These cities would put digital identification, crypto-financial systems, and meritocratic values ahead of traditional governance structures. Srinivasan has already started experimental learning centres like Network School in Malaysia to teach top students how to use Bitcoin, AI, and tokenised governance tools to establish these communities. Targeting Native American Land Recent sources say that Native American reserves are being looked at as good places for these network states. The reasons include the semi-sovereign status of tribal nations, tax breaks, and the chance to make legal deals directly with tribal administrations. But this plan has gotten a lot of criticism. Critics say that the people who support the initiative are “techno-colonialists,” which means they are using their economic power to take control over Native land while pretending to be innovative and working together.  Indigenous leaders and campaigners are worried that this could lead to the same kind of exploitation that has happened in the past, when promises of development benefit businesses more than the people who live there. Choosing to do this kind of research on marginalized groups raises moral problems about consent, representation, and power imbalances. People are worried that tribal property could become testing grounds for new ways of governing that don’t have clear lines of responsibility. Big Names, Bigger Ambitions Peter Thiel and Sam Altman, two venture capitalists, are also said to be participating in or supportive of the movement, along with Musk and Srinivasan. The idea is similar to other projects, such as Praxis, which is building crypto towns in other countries, and groups that are sponsoring libertarian enclaves in Wyoming and the Mediterranean. These elite tech groups all agree that traditional government isn’t working and that the future is in opt-in communities run by code. They say that blockchain makes things more open, allows for faster innovation, and gives people more power than traditional governments do. Legal and Cultural Difficulties Even with tribal approval, establishing a network state encounters significant obstacles. In many areas, U.S. federal law still applies on tribal grounds, and sovereignty is not absolute. Negotiations would involve complicated legal systems and working together between governments. Also, combining DAO governance with Indigenous practices and values might be a source of conflict. Tribal leaders are not sure if turning reserves into crypto-based enclaves will have long-term effects on society, the environment, and culture.

Binance, a global cryptocurrency exchange, has temporarily stopped XRP withdrawals in all areas. This has worried users and started new discussions about the risks of custodial services in the crypto world. Reports say that the suspension is because of a fault on the Ripple network, not a problem with Binance itself. Network Disruption, Not Exchange Failure When users tried to take XRP out of Binance, they saw a warning that said, “Ripple network withdrawal is suspended at this moment.” The exchange didn’t make a lengthy public statement, but how it worded its system message strongly suggested that the fault is with the Ripple blockchain infrastructure. Network-level problems, including node desynchronisation or ledger delays, can make it hard to confirm transactions quickly. This is why centralised exchanges like Binance stop withdrawals as a safety measure. The goal of this measure is to keep both the platform and its users safe from transactions that don’t go through or get stalled during the outage. User Reactions: Mixed Emotions and Warnings The XRP community reacted quickly, with many members expressing worry and guessing why the ban happened. A popular XRP-focused social media account was the first to talk about the withdrawal freeze, which led to a lot of people talking about what it could signify. Some people were worried that there were bigger problems with either Binance or the XRP network, while others reminded the community how important it is to have self-custody wallets, especially when things aren’t working right. This isn’t the first time that a network problem has made exchanges stop working for a short time. Ethereum and Solana have both had problems like this before. No Security Breach or Internal Binance Issue At this point, there is no sign that Binance was hacked or had any other kind of problem. Trading of XRP on the site goes on as usual, and the withdrawal halt has not affected any other crypto assets. The suspension seems to be a precautionary step taken because of how well the Ripple network is working, not because Binance’s system is broken. Binance stops withdrawals to make sure that customers don’t lose or have their money delayed because of transactions that are backed up or confirmations that are wrong. What Users Should Know For XRP users, this means: Withdrawals are on Hold: At this time, users can’t move XRP off the platform. Trading Goes on Without a Hitch: You can still buy and sell XRP on Binance. Funds are Still Safe: There is no proof that any user assets have been lost or compromised. Funds Remain Secure: Users should get updates from Binance’s official channels and not make quick judgments based on rumours or insufficient information. Lesson For The Community This event is a clear warning of the dangers of only using centralised exchanges to store Bitcoin. Users who need money immediately may feel stressed and lose money if they can’t get to their funds because of a technical problem that the exchange can’t fix. Users can keep better control and avoid problems when these things happen by spreading their assets among different types of wallets, such as cold storage and non-custodial wallets. The fact that XRP withdrawals are temporarily suspended on Binance is a technical problem with the Ripple network and does not mean that there are bigger problems with the exchange.

Cross River Bank has launched its new Request for Payment (RfP) solution, introducing a real-time pay-in capability designed to improve inbound money movement across the RTP network. Plaid will be the first partner to implement the feature through its Plaid Transfer platform, enabling instant funding for customer purchases. The move addresses a longstanding gap in payment infrastructure. While real-time disbursements have become widespread, inbound transactions still rely heavily on slower methods such as ACH or wire transfers. Cross River processed over $1 billion monthly in real-time payments across RTP and FedNow, yet inbound funding remained constrained by legacy rails. “The current reality of money movement is imbalanced” Adam Goller, Executive Vice President and Head of Fintech Banking at Cross River, commented, “The current reality of money movement is imbalanced—payments go out in seconds, but pay-ins often take a day or more. RfP is a smarter, more flexible way to receive incoming funds. It gives our partners greater control over timing, real-time visibility into each transaction, and reduces the need for overfunding or constant balance monitoring—all while delivering a better experience for the end user.” RfP enables businesses to initiate a digital request for payment, allowing customers to authorize and send funds instantly. The function offers real-time transaction visibility, reduced friction in digital wallet funding, and improved user experience during checkout and transfers. According to Cross River, this will particularly benefit firms that manage customer accounts, recurring payments, or time-sensitive purchases. Plaid’s implementation of RfP through Cross River marks the first commercial deployment. The integration allows Carvana customers to complete vehicle purchases instantly, replacing the delays often caused by manual bank transfers or batch-processed funding. Brian Dammeir, Global Head of Payments and Financial Management at Plaid, said, “Instant payment rails unlock huge value for businesses and end customers by reducing friction, accelerating funding, and boosting conversion. Through our partnership with Cross River, Plaid Transfer now offers instant pay-ins, instant payouts and Same Day ACH, as part of a full solution with best-in-class account linking and optimized conversion, so customers can tailor bank payments across their business.” The RfP feature operates on Cross River’s proprietary COS core banking infrastructure. According to the company, each request is delivered securely and presented for explicit customer authorization by the receiving financial institution. This setup enhances trust, security, and transparency by ensuring payers maintain control over the transaction flow. The bank positioned this release as part of a broader mission to offer real-time, API-first infrastructure to fintech platforms, marketplaces, and embedded finance providers. Cross River’s COS platform also supports card issuance, lending APIs, and crypto services. Cross River has pursued an early leadership role in the adoption of real-time rails. As one of the first banks to integrate RTP and FedNow services, it has tailored offerings for platform partners looking to consolidate both disbursements and funding on a unified infrastructure. Plaid’s role in the launch reflects the convergence of bank payment authorization and account-to-account connectivity. In recent years, the company expanded its capabilities beyond data aggregation into payments and money movement, and this partnership illustrates a further step toward full-stack integration. Both companies described the RfP rollout as a solution for operational inefficiencies and user drop-off related to deposit delays. The launch arrives amid rising industry interest in real-time funding for sectors like digital commerce, marketplaces, and wealth platforms, where speed, compliance, and liquidity visibility are directly linked to user satisfaction and business model execution. The RfP function is expected to support a range of use cases beyond retail purchases, including instant funding of brokerage accounts, B2B receivables, and platform wallet top-ups. Cross River said it will continue expanding partner access to the solution across its ecosystem in the coming months.

BiT Global ended its legal dispute with Coinbase over the delisting of its wrapped bitcoin token (wBTC), which closes a contentious standoff that drew accusations of anti-competitive behavior and reputational harm. According to a joint court filing on Friday, BiT Global agreed to dismiss the lawsuit with prejudice, meaning the case cannot be revived. Each party will cover its own legal costs. No further terms of the settlement were disclosed. Hong Kong-based BiT Global accused Coinbase of undermining wBTC to promote its own competing product, cbBTC, causing financial losses and diminishing consumer confidence in wBTC. The lawsuit alleges violations of the Sherman Act, predatory practices, and false claims regarding wBTC’s compliance with listing standards. The complaint noted that Coinbase launched its own wrapped bitcoin product, cbBTC, just two months before announcing the wBTC delisting. Coinbase said at the time that the move was based on “unacceptable risk” tied to the involvement of TRON founder Justin Sun, who had become affiliated with wBTC through a partnership announced in August 2024. The exchange said it had concerns that the token might “fall into the hands of Justin Sun” and requested clarity from BiT Global about his role. BiT Global, a partner of BitGo in the custody and issuance of wBTC, claimed the delisting severely impacted the token’s liquidity and undermined investor confidence. The lawsuit argued that Coinbase’s actions violated state and federal competition laws by favoring its own asset. Coinbase’s chief legal officer, Paul Grewal, welcomed the dismissal on social media. “This important win affirms our clear right to manage security and risk for Coinbase users,” he said. “We will not be bullied into continuing to list an asset that puts our customers at risk.” Wrapped bitcoin tokens, such as wBTC and cbBTC, allow users to engage with decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols on Ethereum while maintaining bitcoin exposure. However, they rely on centralized custodians to hold the underlying BTC and issue tokenized versions. Sun’s association with wBTC led several DeFi platforms, including MakerDAO and Aave, to reconsider the token’s status as collateral. While neither platform ultimately removed support, both imposed stricter risk measures. A previous legal attempt to force Coinbase to reinstate wBTC trading failed, after a federal judge ruled in December that the exchange retained the discretion to delist assets. BitGo, the long-time custodian of wBTC, faced criticism over Sun’s involvement in the partnership, though CEO Mike Belshe dismissed concerns. “People are going to realize this is a big nothingburger,” he told The Block at the time. As of early June, wBTC remains one of the largest wrapped assets with a market capitalization of $13.6 billion, while Coinbase’s cbBTC has grown to $4.7 billion, according to CoinGecko.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority has led an international enforcement initiative targeting unlawful financial promotions by social media influencers, known as “finfluencers,” resulting in arrests, takedowns, and global regulatory collaboration. As part of the “Global Week of Action Against Unlawful Finfluencers,” held from 2 to 6 June 2025, nine regulators across jurisdictions including the UK, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Italy, and the UAE joined forces to disrupt unauthorized and potentially fraudulent investment content promoted online. UK, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Italy, and the UAE Joined Forces In the UK, the FCA made three arrests, authorised criminal proceedings against three individuals, invited four others for interview, sent seven cease-and-desist letters, and issued 50 warning alerts. These warnings are expected to result in over 650 takedown requests across social media platforms and more than 50 websites operated by unlicensed finfluencers. Steve Smart, Joint Executive Director of Enforcement and Market Oversight at the FCA, commented, “Our message to finfluencers is loud and clear. They must act responsibly and only promote financial products where they are authorised to do so – or face the consequences.” Finfluencers are individuals who use their social media presence to promote investment opportunities or financial products. While many operate within legal boundaries, others make misleading claims, often presenting fabricated images of success and promoting high-risk products without appropriate licenses or disclosures. In addition to the UK’s enforcement actions, regulators around the world launched parallel activities. The British Columbia Securities Commission in Canada issued 74 warning letters to global content creators promoting BC-based companies and hand-delivered a caution letter to a local influencer. The Autorité des marchés financiers in Québec contacted influencers with a collective audience of over one million, issued guidance, and opened investigations in more severe cases. Éric Jacob, Executive Director of Enforcement at the AMF, said, “Most finfluencers are acting within the framework of the law. Some, however, are touting products or services without being registered with the regulators. Others are making false promises of a lavish lifestyle or easy profits.” The AMF produced educational videos and webpages to caution consumers about misleading financial advice online. The Alberta Securities Commission, Ontario Securities Commission, and other Canadian regulators joined the effort, working closely with international partners to increase public awareness and regulatory clarity for online financial content creators. The FCA’s enforcement builds on its previous actions against nine individuals linked to an unauthorised trading scheme. The regulator urges consumers to check its Warning List and use the InvestSmart platform before making investment decisions based on online content. The crackdown demonstrates the growing concern among regulators about the influence of social media on retail investing behavior, particularly among younger users. It also underscores the need for finfluencers to comply with financial promotion rules, including registration requirements and transparency over paid endorsements. The FCA declined to name the individuals involved in its UK enforcement actions due to ongoing proceedings. The international effort signals an evolving enforcement landscape, where regulators are coordinating responses across borders to respond to the risks posed by online finance influencers operating without oversight.

Q1: BTCC is widely regarded as one of the OG exchanges, dating back to the early days of Bitcoin. How does that legacy influence your strategy today amid a market crowded with newer platforms? A: Our 14-year legacy without a single security breach gives us unique credibility in an industry where hacks are unfortunately common. While newer platforms chase trends, our experience taught us that sustainable growth comes from a robust system and user protection over flashy features. This legacy enables us to focus on bridging traditional finance and crypto for mass adoption, backed by proven reliability.  Q2: Your appointment comes as BTCC marks its 14th anniversary. How does your vision for the exchange differ from that of previous leadership, and what direction are you setting for the next chapter? A: My vision builds on BTCC’s strong foundation while accelerating growth through innovation and user-focused development. We’re evolving from a trading platform into something bigger: a “bridge” that connects traditional finance with blockchain and brings novice users together with experienced traders. Putting users first has always been our approach, and it’ll continue to drive how we develop our business. Q3: How do you assess the current state of the crypto markets, especially in light of recent institutional adoption, regulatory developments, and shifting retail sentiment? A: The market is maturing as institutional adoption brings stability and regulatory clarity creates sustainable frameworks. I believe this isn’t just another bull cycle, it’s the convergence of institutional interest, regulatory progress, and educated retail participation. This environment favors exchanges that prioritize transparency and user protection. Q4: What should we expect from the crypto industry over the next few years in terms of adoption and innovation, and what role will BTCC play in shaping or responding to those developments? A: The next phase is about increased crypto adoption and the integration of traditional finance with blockchain. We’re leading this through tokenized futures that let users trade stocks with USDT. As crypto goes mainstream, we’re building a comprehensive information center that combines crypto news, on-chain data analysis, community trends, and original research—all focused on educating users and improving their trading decisions. Q5: What’s your take on the rise of meme coins? Do you see them as a distraction that could hurt crypto’s reputation and slow down mainstream adoption, or as a legitimate part of the ecosystem? A: Meme coins actually serve as gateway products that introduce millions to crypto. Our data shows users who start with meme coins often diversify into established cryptocurrencies and copy trading. Instead of dismissing them, we focus on educating users about risk management and portfolio diversification. The key is helping users move from speculation to informed trading, using their meme coin interest as a starting point. Q6: Bitcoin has reclaimed the $100,000 mark, and the broader crypto market appears resilient despite ongoing geopolitical tension. Do you think this is the moment Bitcoin finally solidifies its role as digital gold? A: While Bitcoin’s recent performance is impressive, gold has been a store of value for thousands of years – Bitcoin’s only been around for about 15 years. It’s probably too early to say Bitcoin has truly become digital gold. That said, in today’s digital world, Bitcoin’s limited supply does make it attractive for storing value. For investors, it’s worth considering as an alternative asset in their portfolios. Q7: Now the question everyone wants answered: Where do you see Bitcoin’s price by the end of 2025? A:I remain optimistic about Bitcoin’s upward trend and believe we could see Bitcoin reach a new all-time high of $250,000 by the end of 2025. Before trading, it’s crucial to consider the actions and intentions of policymakers and influential figures. Following the direction set by those in power is always wise. Currently, the US President is favorable towards Bitcoin, and as long as this stance remains unchanged, Bitcoin has significant potential for growth.

Bitcoin (BTC) is currently trading at $105,706, reflecting a minor intraday dip of 0.2%. The day’s range has seen BTC touch a high of $106,368 and a low of $105,110, suggesting ongoing consolidation within a narrow channel. Support is forming in the $105,400–$105,700 zone, while resistance near $106,600–$107,000 remains a key level to watch. The market structure points to potential volatility should these boundaries be breached. The formation of a Golden Cross in early June—where the 50-day moving average surpassed the 200-day—has historically been followed by substantial bullish momentum. Currently, BTC is trading within a symmetrical triangle, with a breakout to either side imminent. Notably, nearly $15 billion in short positions could be liquidated on a +10% move upward, indicating a possible short squeeze toward the $117,000–$125,000 region. On the downside, a fall to $97,100—the Short-Term Holder (STH) cost basis—may offer robust support. Other indicators include: RSI divergence, reminiscent of 2021, warns of potential correction. On-chain metrics like the RHODL ratio remain stable, showing long-term holders are not distributing. Institutional and corporate adoption of Bitcoin continues to climb. Firms like MicroStrategy and GameStop have added BTC to their treasuries, with over 80 public companies now holding nearly 3.4% of total supply. Projections suggest that corporate allocations alone could contribute $330 billion in demand by 2029. The U.S. government’s de facto strategic Bitcoin reserve—estimated at nearly 200,000 BTC—adds a further layer of legitimacy. Meanwhile, nearly 40% of global single-family offices are now allocating to crypto, often between 2% and 5% of total portfolios. Geopolitical and economic catalysts, including U.S.–China trade tensions and upcoming inflation data, may inject short-term volatility but are unlikely to derail the broader institutional accumulation trend. The current consolidation phase suggests BTC is coiling for a significant move. Key levels to monitor: Support: $105,400 → $100,000 → $97,100 Resistance: $106,600–$107,000 → potential breakout toward $115,000–$125,000 Bitcoin’s near-term path remains tightly bound within a $1,000 range, but technical, on-chain, and macro signals align in favor of a bullish resolution. As traders eye a breakout, institutional confidence continues to provide a strong foundation for long-term price growth. For short-term traders, $106,600 is the pivot level. Swing traders may look to accumulate on dips toward $100K, while long-term investors remain well-positioned for potential price expansion toward the $150K mark by year-end. Ethereum (ETH) is trading at $2,489.58 marking a modest 1.1% daily decline. The intraday price range between $2,482 and $2,537 reflects tightening market conditions and trader hesitation. Support has solidified between $2,460 and $2,485, while resistance is visible at the $2,532–$2,540 level—aligned with the 50-day exponential moving average and recent swing highs. A breakout above this zone could set the stage for a move to $2,700 or higher. ETH’s price structure remains within a narrow consolidation channel, with low volatility and neutral momentum indicators. Bollinger Bands are contracting, suggesting an imminent directional move, while the Relative Strength Index (RSI) hovers in neutral territory (55–60). Meanwhile, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) is leaning bearish on the short-term chart. A recent $870 million transfer of 350,000 ETH to exchanges has sparked short-term concern, though broader on-chain trends suggest long-term holder confidence remains intact. Institutional participation continues to rise, with BlackRock’s Ethereum ETF (ETHA) posting $492 million in net inflows last week. Simultaneously, staked ETH has climbed to over 32.8 million—more than 27% of the circulating supply—further reducing market float. Ethereum’s recent “Shanghai” and “Pectra” upgrades have bolstered network utility and staking flexibility. While ETH has lagged behind Bitcoin in 2025, analysts cite these protocol enhancements as foundational for future growth. Traders are closely monitoring the $2,540–$2,550 resistance band for signs of a breakout. If breached, ETH could rally to $2,700–$2,800. Conversely, a failure to reclaim $2,540 could see the asset drift sideways or retest support near $2,435. Macro risk-off events or sustained exchange selling could push ETH lower toward the $2,300–$2,344 zone, though underlying fundamentals remain constructive. Ethereum’s current price action reflects market indecision, but fundamental indicators—rising institutional adoption, increasing staking rates, and successful network upgrades—suggest a bullish undercurrent. While short-term direction remains uncertain, ETH’s long-term setup continues to strengthen. For traders and investors alike, the $2,460–$2,540 range offers a defined battleground, with clear upside potential should resistance break convincingly in the sessions ahead.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reaffirmed its longstanding cautious approach to cryptocurrencies, with Governor Shaktikanta Das stating there is “no change” in the central bank’s stance. This comes even as the Supreme Court of India recently noted the practical challenges in enforcing a total ban on digital assets. Speaking at a press briefing, the RBI Governor emphasized that the bank’s primary concerns stem from the potential risks cryptocurrencies pose to financial stability and the autonomy of monetary policy. “There is no new development post the Supreme Court judgment. Our view remains consistent,” Das noted. This position echoes the RBI’s previous warnings about digital currencies, including concerns that they could facilitate illicit transactions, increase volatility in financial markets, and weaken the central bank’s control over monetary supply. The RBI’s approach has historically been among the most conservative globally, with the central bank even instituting a now-overturned banking ban on crypto businesses in 2018. Policy Caution Amid Global and Domestic Debate The Indian government continues to deliberate on crypto regulation through an inter-ministerial committee, while the central bank maintains its advocacy for a conservative and tightly controlled approach. Despite calls from the crypto industry for tax rationalization and a clear regulatory framework, the RBI remains unconvinced of the benefits, especially when weighed against perceived risks. The RBI’s firm stance persists even as several countries move toward embracing digital assets with regulated frameworks. For example, the European Union has recently enacted the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, and the U.S. has advanced bills to oversee stablecoins and crypto exchanges. However, India appears to be charting a more cautious course, prioritizing monetary sovereignty and systemic integrity over rapid adoption. In parallel, the RBI recently announced a new three-pronged framework for financial regulation, focusing on public consultations, impact analysis, and dynamic policy reviews. This framework aims to make India’s financial regulatory environment more agile and inclusive, but the central bank has made it clear that digital assets remain outside its current comfort zone. “We are actively watching global developments, but our internal risk assessments continue to guide us toward a precautionary approach,” said an RBI official familiar with the matter. While India awaits clear legislative action on cryptocurrency, the RBI’s reaffirmation signals no immediate shift in regulatory posture. Industry participants, investors, and technology firms remain in a holding pattern, navigating a space marked by legal ambiguity, high taxation, and central bank skepticism. The Indian crypto community has repeatedly urged the government and regulators to engage in meaningful dialogue, proposing frameworks that ensure both innovation and consumer protection. Yet, with the RBI holding firm, progress remains slow. As global momentum builds around crypto adoption, India’s strategy of regulatory restraint may either shield its financial system from emerging threats—or risk sidelining the country from a rapidly evolving digital financial future.

DriveWealth, LLC has agreed to a $100,000 fine and censure from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) for failing to take timely action on over 1,200 customer requests to transfer securities and cash balances to other broker-dealers. The violations occurred between June 2020 and October 2022 and were discovered during a FINRA examination. According to the Letter of Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent (AWC), DriveWealth was responsible for transferring customer accounts under FINRA Rule 11870, which mandates that firms expedite and coordinate activity related to account transfers. DriveWealth cut ties with third party in 2022 to fix issue DriveWealth had an omnibus clearing arrangement in place with a third-party clearing firm during this period. Because the clearing firm did not have visibility into individual DriveWealth customers or their account details, the transfer process required DriveWealth to provide detailed data for each outgoing transfer. However, DriveWealth failed to do so in a timely manner, resulting in 1,206 Automated Customer Account Transfer Service (ACATS) requests being purged from the system without action. FINRA found that DriveWealth’s delay in fulfilling its obligations under Rule 11870 also violated FINRA Rule 2010, which requires members to observe high standards of commercial honor and equitable principles of trade. DriveWealth terminated the clearing arrangement in October 2022 and began processing ACATS requests itself, resolving the procedural delays. FINRA accepted the AWC in lieu of issuing a formal complaint, and the firm waived its right to a hearing or appeal. The firm did not admit or deny the findings but consented to the sanctions. No individuals were named in the settlement. This action is now part of DriveWealth’s permanent disciplinary record and is publicly available through FINRA’s disclosure system. DriveWealth expanded overnight trading with OTC Markets Group DriveWealth recently expanded its overnight trading capabilities through a collaboration with OTC Markets Group Inc. The company plans to launch this initiative in March, allowing investors to access multiple overnight trading venues. This move positions DriveWealth as a key player in round-the-clock trading, addressing growing demand from retail and institutional investors. The expansion enables DriveWealth to improve routing for investor orders by evaluating real-time pricing and liquidity across multiple venues. The company will also manage the transition of unexecuted orders from overnight venues to traditional market centers when the U.S. pre-market session begins. DriveWealth first entered the overnight trading space in 2023 by offering access to select alternative trading systems (ATS). The company sought to provide retail investors with greater flexibility, allowing them to execute trades outside regular market hours. In 2024, DriveWealth strengthened its overnight trading capabilities by integrating with a major ATS, which improved order execution efficiency. The company expanded access to a broader range of securities, increasing liquidity for investors seeking to trade during off-hours. Blaugrund previously emphasized the importance of overnight trading in a global market. “Investors across different time zones require continuous access to U.S. equities. Our goal has always been to eliminate barriers to investing, ensuring seamless execution regardless of market hours.” The latest expansion aligns with DriveWealth’s long-term strategy of improving market access through innovative technology. DriveWealth secured brokerage license in Europe DriveWealth has recently been granted a brokerage license in Europe by the Bank of Lithuania, the central bank of the Republic of Lithuania. The authorization will allow the fintech platform to provide Brokerage-as-a-Service across the European Union as part of its international expansion plans. The milestone marks DriveWealth’s third region with regulatory status, including the United States, Singapore, and now the European Economic Area. Founded in 2012, DriveWealth’s technology platform allows established companies and emerging digital-native firms to provide securities trading to their clients efficiently and in a compliant fashion. The brokerage license granted by the Bank of Lithuania will enable the company to support a further range of clients and open up more opportunities within its European audience. DriveWealth powers 24-hour trading and fractional share ownership for a community of global B2B partners. According to the firm, DriveWealth aims to expand its platform to offer European securities as well as provide a “follow-the-sun” 24/7 service model continuously across time zones. The new entity in Lithuania, named DriveWealth Europe, will be an integral component of DriveWealth’s international operations and European expansion. With this latest license, DriveWealth aims to expand its offerings by introducing additional market-specific products in the future. DriveWealth said it will work closely with Invest Lithuania, the country’s agency that promotes foreign investment and supports businesses in Lithuania. DriveWealth added securities lending to Brokerage as a Service DriveWealth is extending its securities lending offering with an agency lending capability powered by Sharegain, a prominent securities lending fintech, and tailored to the UK and European regulatory requirements. The financial technology platform offering Brokerage-as-a-Service has partnered with Sharegain to allow online brokers to seamlessly integrate the strengths and full suite of capabilities of both Sharegain and DriveWealth’s platforms for a more efficient, end-to-end experience. DriveWealth’s platform and APIs manage everything from execution and clearing to custody, instrument screening, pricing and more, delivering value across the entire investment process. DriveWealth integrated with multiple EMS and telecoms Last year, the fintech provider announced the integration with multiple execution management system (EMS) platforms, including Bloomberg EMSX, LSEG Autex, and TRAFiX. DriveWealth also added improved support for partners who leverage telecommunications providers, including TNS, BT Group, and Pico, to better establish and facilitate low-latency and point-to-point connectivity to DriveWealth’s infrastructure hosted in Secaucus, New Jersey. Expanded EMS integrations and telecom support will reduce integration times for broker-dealers and enhance trading capabilities and market access. DriveWealth is collaborating with EMS providers to enable its partners to access features such as fractional trading, auction orders, algorithmic orders, and 24-hour trading capabilities. With these integrations, institutional broker-dealers can connect with DriveWealth’s platform and benefit from streamlined trade booking, reduced integration times, and seamless access to advanced features. The company has reported rapid adoption recently in Korea with the onboarding of nearly ten broker-dealers, including NH Investment & Securities. According to DriveWealth, several newly onboarded firms completed setup in under 30 days, which represents a 67% reduction from the usual 90-day timeframe. DriveWealth offers patented fractional trading and Brokerage-as-a-Service API technologies, as well as a fully featured institutional trading capability that includes order routing, clearing, custody, stock loan, enhanced liquidity, and NYSE Floor execution. DriveWealth deployed 24/5 trading, options, and new system The recent moves comes on the heels of the appointment of Venu Palaparthi as Chief Operating Officer to oversee the Brokerage-as-a-Service platform’s risk and compliance functions, in addition to lending his strategic expertise to the company’s ongoing international expansion. DriveWealth also promoted Jason Pizzorusso as President, Marcus Anthony as Chief Financial Officer, and Emily Ellis as Chief People Officer. The firm also hired former Morgan Stanley leaders, Kyla Murphy as Chief Product Officer and Lauren Veisz as Head of Operations. Also last year, the “Brokerage-as-a-Service” platform partnered with Blue Ocean Technologies, LLC (BOT) to expand real-time access and connectivity for global brokers. As part of the agreement, DriveWealth will provide its global B2B partners extended real-time access to equities trading and trading data on the Blue Ocean ATS platform from 8 p.m. – 4 a.m., US ET. Blue Ocean will also grow its connectivity among the DriveWealth markets in Asia-Pacific and other global regions. DriveWealth recently launched options trading in its embedded finance platform used by hundreds of partners around the world. By enabling access to trade options against stock and ETF securities through its API, the global fintech and pioneer in fractional investing is addressing the growing demand for options products at a time of market uncertainty and volatility. The renowned fintech leverages an ultra-low latency proprietary trading system powered by Adaptive Financial Consulting. The fintech giant ordered the new trading system from Adaptive to address the increased demand in its retail brokerage business and respond to requests from a growing number of fintechs who are looking to add U.S. equity markets trading capabilities. The Adaptive-DriveWealth partnership has resulted in a well-functioning and ultra-low latency OMS built on top of the open source Aeron Transport and Aeron Cluster solutions.

Mercuryo has revealed the use of Passkey for easy and secure authentication of payments involving fiat and cryptos. Activating Passkey on Mercuryo allows users to sign in using only biometrics, so they do not have to receive an OTP by text or email beforehand. It relies on a strong encryption system and offers a proven great user experience. By using a fingerprint or a face to identify you, the process of signing in is both automatic and secure. You can access Passkey on iPhone, Android, or Windows, and it will soon be made available on Mercuryo’s network that covers more than 200 partners such as well-known non-custodial wallets. Passkey is a new feature that enables Mercuryo users to enjoy simple login and stronger security. Passkey is introduced by us to reinforce our effort to make the service better and attract more people to Web3 payments. “The addition of Passkey to the Mercuryo platform will further enhance the user experience for those buying and selling digital tokens in Trust Wallet. We are confident that there will be a ready uptake of this biometric security layer among our user base. Passkey provides an optimal and robust means of enabling users to obtain access to their accounts and make transactions.” said Tatiana Kurach, Business Development at Trust Wallet. Security offered by Passkey covers common risks in the digital space and adds an extra protection barrier against sudden threats connected to AI and advanced technology. Through defending against malware and phishing, Passkey avoids the dangers that come with authentication through email and texts. FIDO Alliance came up with Passkey, which creates one credential that is registered only on a user’s device the first time. The registered credential is then validated to the remote server with the use of the screen lock on the device. Getting payments to be simple and available to all has created a big challenge for Web3. Passkey eliminates the problem of identity fraud by simplifying and securing the whole verification process.

Deutsche Bank is actively exploring whether to launch its own stablecoin or collaborate with industry peers to develop a shared digital currency, according to Sabih Behzad, the bank’s head of digital assets. This strategic review places the bank among a growing list of major global financial institutions preparing to capitalize on the rapidly expanding digital asset landscape. Behzad confirmed that the Frankfurt-based institution is still in the decision-making phase, weighing two primary options: issuing a proprietary stablecoin or joining an industry-led initiative. Either approach would be part of a broader digital asset strategy aimed at increasing efficiency in cross-border payments and modernizing traditional banking infrastructure. The move reflects a broader industry trend as global financial players increasingly turn their attention toward stablecoins—digital assets typically pegged to a fiat currency like the U.S. dollar or euro—as a means of facilitating faster and cheaper transactions. Stablecoins are gaining traction for their ability to combine the benefits of blockchain technology with the stability of traditional currencies. Tokenized Deposits Also in Focus In parallel to its stablecoin deliberations, Deutsche Bank is examining the implementation of tokenized deposits—digitally represented liabilities held at the bank—as part of a broader effort to improve payment speed and transparency. Tokenized deposits differ from stablecoins in that they represent a claim on a regulated institution and are typically used within a closed network of financial entities. This consideration comes as global regulators begin to solidify the legal frameworks governing digital assets. The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, which is currently being implemented across member states, provides a clear legal foundation for stablecoins and tokenized financial products. In the United States, several legislative proposals are also in motion to establish a stablecoin regulatory framework. Deutsche Bank’s exploration is not occurring in isolation. The bank has already established a foothold in blockchain innovation through strategic partnerships and investments. It holds a stake in cross-border blockchain platform Partior, has joined Project Agorá—a global banking consortium focused on tokenized asset development—and partnered with Swiss-based Taurus to offer digital asset custody and tokenization services. A Rapidly Growing Market The global stablecoin market has experienced explosive growth, reaching over $246 billion in market capitalization by May 2025. This marks a dramatic rise from approximately $20 billion in 2020, reflecting a steady increase in adoption by both retail users and institutional investors. Other major banks such as JPMorgan, Citibank, and Wells Fargo have similarly been piloting digital asset initiatives. JPMorgan’s JPM Coin and Onyx platform are already in active use for institutional payments, setting a precedent that Deutsche Bank may follow. While Deutsche Bank has yet to announce a formal launch date for any digital currency offering, its deep dive into stablecoins and tokenized deposits signals a long-term commitment to redefining the infrastructure of financial services. The bank’s proactive approach indicates it aims to remain competitive as blockchain-based financial ecosystems continue to mature and expand. As regulatory clarity improves and market demand accelerates, Deutsche Bank’s next steps in the digital asset space will be closely watched by both its peers and the broader financial community.

Nasdaq has formally submitted a rule-change proposal to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to add four new cryptocurrencies to its flagship Nasdaq Crypto Index (NCI), including XRP, Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), and Stellar (XLM). If approved, this would mark a significant expansion beyond the current Bitcoin and Ethereum coverage, bringing the total index constituents to six. The move reflects growing institutional interest in diversifying crypto exposure beyond just the two leading digital assets. Filed on June 2, 2025, the proposal seeks to align the holdings of the Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF (ticker: NCIQ) with the broader index. This expanded version of the NCI already includes the four altcoins in question but is not yet reflected in the ETF’s underlying assets. Currently, regulatory restrictions have limited the ETF to holding only Bitcoin and Ethereum, despite market demand for broader access. The proposed change is aimed at reducing tracking error between the ETF and the full index, allowing for more accurate performance mirroring and increased investor confidence. SEC Decision Expected by November The SEC is reviewing the proposal under Rule 19b-4 and is expected to deliver a decision by November 2, 2025. The filing comes amid improving regulatory clarity for some of the proposed additions—particularly XRP. In April 2025, a federal court reaffirmed that XRP does not qualify as a security, removing one of the key legal obstacles that had previously hindered its institutional adoption. Should the SEC approve the rule change, the Hashdex ETF would be permitted to include all six assets in its holdings. This could be a watershed moment for altcoin legitimacy, signaling a shift in how traditional finance perceives non-Bitcoin and non-Ethereum assets. Analysts suggest that such a decision could lead to significant inflows into the ETF, improving liquidity for the newly added tokens and encouraging further product development around diversified crypto investment vehicles. A Turning Point for Altcoins? Market analysts view the proposal as a pivotal step in mainstreaming select altcoins, following in the footsteps of earlier ETF approvals for Bitcoin and Ethereum. A positive outcome from the SEC would further validate these tokens and could significantly influence ETF flows and investor sentiment heading into the final quarter of 2025. The inclusion of XRP, SOL, ADA, and XLM in a Nasdaq-linked financial product would provide these assets with unprecedented exposure to institutional investors. The proposed expansion of the index also reflects broader industry trends. Traditional financial institutions are increasingly integrating digital assets into their portfolios—not just as speculative plays, but as strategic components of diversified asset management. Nasdaq’s move could inspire similar initiatives from other index providers and fund managers, further accelerating the integration of crypto assets into traditional finance. With the SEC’s decision looming, all eyes will be on how this development unfolds. Whether it results in a broader wave of altcoin adoption or marks a more measured evolution of crypto investment vehicles, the outcome will likely have lasting implications for the market structure and investor landscape.

Singapore, Singapore, June 9th, 2025, Chainwir TrueNorth, led by a former chief of hybrid CeFi/DeFi exchange WOO and AI experts, raises a strategic angel round to pioneer the agentic economy. The founders of LayerZero, SEI, Selini Capital, Virtuals, Plume, and Presto Labs have collectively backed an AI platform that uses autonomous agents and real-time data to uncover crypto opportunities. AI-focused firm TrueNorth, co-founded by former WOO COO Willy Chuang and ex-Temasek AI tech investor Alex Lee, has raised $1 million in funding to develop Crypto’s first AI-powered engine. An engine symbiotic to the users’ discovery journey from intent straight to the outcome. TrueNorth’s agentic technology continuously scans across chains, socials, and macro and project data to surface timely, high-signal insights for every user personalized to their portfolio, trading style, and past behavior. “We see true AI agents becoming the foundation for how people invest in crypto for the future,” said Willy Chuang and Alex Lee, co-founders of TrueNorth. “The market is only getting more complex, and our goal is to cut through the noise with a hyper-personalized engine powered by a generative user interface (known as Gen UI) that adapts to each user’s style and behavior in real-time. We’re building a system where the agnetic flow and expert distilled reinforcement learning models work quietly in the background, driving the user’s intent infinitely closer to the outcome. Willy Chuang, who previously led operations at the CeFi/DeFi exchange WOO, emphasized the real-world need for tools that reduce cognitive overload in fast-moving markets. “Having led crypto exchanges and worked closely with a broad range of traders and investors, I’ve seen how fragmented data and constant noise creates friction in decision-making,” said Chuang. “TrueNorth is built to simplify this, delivering personalized insights that evolve with each user so they can move faster with more confidence.” For his part, Alex Lee, a PhD in AI, highlighted the platform’s AI-driven approach and ongoing development phase. “AI has reached a point where it can do more than just process data; it can understand context, adapt to users, and continuously improve decision-making,” said Lee. “That’s the foundation we’re building on: agentic intelligence that works behind the scenes to surface what matters most. We’re currently in closed beta, working closely with early users to refine a system that feels intuitive but is powered by serious intelligence.” TrueNorth’s backers, Bryan Pellegrino of LayerZero, Jeff Feng of SEI, Jordi Alexander of Selini Capital, and Yongjin of Presto Labs, as well as Will Wang of Generative Ventures, share a strong belief in AI’s transformative power in crypto trading. Their interests span key themes such as interoperability, data-driven AI models, algorithmic market strategies, and innovative infrastructure development. Together, these interests reflect not only a shared belief in AI’s potential but also the same principles driving TrueNorth’s mission to simplify and personalize decision-making in decentralized markets. TrueNorth, a platform under Singapore-registered Advent AI, is working closely with its first 500 early users, the Truthsayers, to refine agentic workflows for AI-native investing in closed beta. In the coming weeks, the team will unveil key details of its advanced architecture and agentic frameworks as it gears up for a public launch aimed at delivering smarter, hyper-personalized crypto discovery tools to a wider audience. To learn more about TrueNorth, users can visit https://true-north.xyz/ Contact: media@adventai.io About TrueNorth TrueNorth is the crypto industry’s first autonomous, AI-powered discovery engine, designed to be symbiotic with the user journey, bringing intent straight to an outcome. Combining on-chain, social, and macro data, TrueNorth uses advanced agentic infrastructure to deliver real-time, tailored insights that evolve with each user’s investment journey. Founded by DeFi/CeFi and AI experts, TrueNorth aims to democratize decentralized finance by making complex crypto information accessible and actionable for investors at all levels. TrueNorth is part of Delphi Labs’ dAGI accelerator, a protocol R&D lab focused on incubating and accelerating new Web3 primitives. Contact PR team media@adventai.io Disclaimer: This content is a press release from a wire service. This press release is provided for informational purposes only. We have not independently verified its content and do not bear any responsibility for any information or description of services that it may contain. Information contained in this post is not advice nor a recommendation and thus should not be treated as such. We strongly recommend that you seek independent financial advice from a qualified and regulated professional, before participating or investing in any financial activities or services. Please also read and review our full disclaimer.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore and the Singapore Police Force have announced that access to the websites of two online trading platforms, Octa and XM, will be blocked from 20 June 2025. Authorities determined both platforms to be in breach of the Securities and Futures Act 2001 for operating without a valid capital markets services licence while targeting Singapore residents. According to the official statement, Octa, operated by Octa Markets Ltd and Uni Fin Invest, and XM, operated by XM Global Limited, offered leveraged foreign exchange trading, commodities, indices, and equities to customers in Singapore. Police investigations found that both platforms actively solicited or marketed their services without the required regulatory approval. Brokers must hold a capital markets services licence issued by the MAS Section 82 of the Securities and Futures Act mandates that any entity carrying on business in capital markets products, including leveraged foreign exchange, must hold a capital markets services licence issued by the MAS. This requirement applies to foreign firms if their services are directed at Singapore residents or widely used in Singapore. The MAS and the SPF stated that none of the operating entities, Octa Markets Ltd and Uni Fin Invest, purportedly incorporated in the Union of Comoros and Mauritius; and XM Global Limited, incorporated in Belize, hold such a licence. As a result, access to their websites will be restricted under the Internet Code of Practice due to prohibited content. “Consumers with active accounts with Octa and XM will not be able to access their websites through Internet Access Service Providers based in Singapore,” the statement confirmed. The authorities also warned of the broader risks associated with unregulated platforms, particularly those based overseas. They noted that these platforms pose a heightened risk of fraud, often lack transparency, and make it difficult for customers to pursue legal claims. Many also facilitate payments through credit or debit cards, raising the likelihood of unauthorized transactions. The MAS and SPF advised members of the public to deal exclusively with licensed platforms listed in MAS’ Financial Institutions Directory. They underscored that most regulated trading platforms must meet stringent operational and conduct standards aimed at protecting investors. The MAS stated it will continue working with the police to monitor and block other unregulated platforms that breach local laws or pose risks to retail investors.

Cetus Protocol, a decentralized exchange on the Sui and Aptos blockchains, officially resumed operations on June 8, 2025, following a critical exploit that drained the platform on May 22. To support the relaunch, Cetus deployed a comprehensive recovery strategy that included $7 million in reserves, a $30 million USDC loan from the Sui Foundation, and partial recovery of stolen funds. As a result, concentrated liquidity market maker (CLMM) pools have been restored to between 85% and 99% of their pre-hack state. The platform’s leadership emphasized that user confidence and liquidity depth remain top priorities, as restored pools enable most trading pairs to resume regular functionality. “This was a defining test of resilience for our team and community,” a Cetus spokesperson said. “We were able to rally our stakeholders and ecosystem partners to rebuild quickly, and that collective effort is now bearing fruit.” In addition to technical recovery, Cetus has been actively engaging with its community through regular updates, forums, and open calls. This transparent communication strategy has helped maintain community morale and ensure users are informed of every development. The DEX’s swift turnaround, just 17 days post-hack, is seen by many in the DeFi space as an exemplary case of crisis management. Security Reforms and Transparent Open-Source Push In response to the exploit, Cetus has implemented extensive code reviews, third-party security patch audits, and launched a white-hat bounty program to incentivize further vulnerability discovery. The team also committed to a long-term open-source development roadmap to enhance transparency and invite wider community involvement in security oversight. The attacker was offered a white-hat bounty of up to $6 million in exchange for returning the bulk of the stolen assets—estimated at 20,920 ETH and $162 million in frozen funds. However, the individual declined the offer and has reportedly attempted to launder the assets through various channels. Cetus has initiated legal actions in multiple jurisdictions to pursue recovery and justice. To compensate affected users, 15% of the total CETUS token supply has been allocated for LP reimbursement. Of that, 5% became claimable at relaunch, with the remaining 10% unlocking gradually over 12 months beginning June 10. Cetus clarified that these tokens are sourced from unvested reserves and will not increase token supply inflation, thereby protecting the value of existing holdings. Following the relaunch, the CETUS token saw a modest dip of 7-12%, trading around $0.11. While the price movement reflects some short-term uncertainty, community sentiment remains cautiously optimistic. Industry observers note that token volatility post-incident is common and that investor confidence often stabilizes once systems prove secure and liquidity is restored. Cetus Protocol’s rapid and structured response to the exploit sets a precedent for incident recovery in decentralized finance. By balancing technical recovery, user compensation, and transparent security reforms, Cetus aims to position itself as a more resilient and trustworthy platform moving forward. As the DeFi ecosystem matures, such responses may become the standard by which crisis management is measured.

Trading activity in Eurex’s Micro-DAX and Mini-DAX futures is accelerating across Asia, as institutional and retail investors increasingly tap into the German index to diversify portfolios, hedge risk, and gain exposure to European assets. Data from the first half of 2025 shows a sharp increase in trading volumes and open interest, reflecting broader investor interest in European markets amid favorable ECB policy and attractive equity valuations. The Micro-DAX contract, launched in 2021 to offer smaller exposure to the DAX index, has rapidly gained popularity among retail traders. Its compact size allows for easier capital deployment, appealing to new and experienced traders alike. According to Eurex, Micro-DAX futures ADV rose 49.5% year-on-year in the first five months of 2025, while trading during Asian hours surged 98% in Q1 alone. Meanwhile, Mini-DAX futures, introduced in 2015, saw a 24% increase in Asian trading volume over the same period. “We see increasing demand across APAC from both retail and professional investors” Xing Wai Lim, Senior Vice President, Sales APAC at Eurex, commented, “We see increasing demand across APAC from both retail and professional investors. These investors are trading more on Eurex as they are looking to benefit from the lower corporate valuations against peers in other markets, favorable monetary policies by the ECB and diversification out of the U.S.” The DAX index, which tracks the 40 largest German companies, offers a mix of industrials, consumer goods, healthcare, and tech—making it an attractive benchmark for investors seeking broad economic exposure to Europe’s largest economy. With the ECB maintaining a pro-growth monetary stance and German equity valuations lagging U.S. counterparts, interest in the DAX futures complex has grown significantly. Options trading has played a key role in this uptick. DAX options volume increased by 55.6% year-on-year through May 2025. Eurex has noted a particular increase in demand for its DAX Daily Options, which traders use for short-term risk management, especially during market-moving events. During March, a spike in trading activity reflected heightened demand for these precision tools, which have proven popular with both institutional and retail clients. Lian Tuck Lee, Head of Listed Derivatives Asia at StoneX, explained that demand in the region is driven by a variety of strategic objectives. “Common themes that we observe include artificial intelligence and automation, sustainable and ESG investments, and gold as a potential hedge against inflation,” he said. “When trading listed derivatives on the German market—particularly on Eurex, one of the world’s largest derivatives exchanges—clients typically look for a combination of market access, liquidity, risk management tools and cost efficiency.” Lee added that institutional clients value Eurex’s deep liquidity for executing large trades, while corporate treasuries frequently rely on the exchange for hedging equity, interest rate, and FX exposures. Retail investors, meanwhile, are gravitating toward Eurex’s democratized products—such as Micro-DAX futures—which allow for tactical positioning with lower capital requirements. Total open interest in DAX futures hit EUR 26.1 billion by the end of May 2025. Mini-DAX contracts alone accounted for EUR 1 billion, reflecting steady adoption among investors seeking intermediate position sizes. Eurex’s multi-tiered product offering—spanning standard, mini, and micro contracts—has helped capture a broader client base while enabling users to manage exposure at scale. Asian investors have notably expanded their international strategies in recent years. With growing market sophistication, many are now more active in European instruments. The convergence of time-zone access, enhanced product design, and investor education has created favorable conditions for the growth of Eurex’s DAX suite in Asia. Lim noted that Eurex is committed to supporting this growth. “We are continuously improving liquidity for market participants during all trading sessions, including the Asian hours, to ensure that clients across the continent have access to a deep liquidity pool and tight spreads for trading,” he said. “In addition, we continue to educate the market and grow awareness of our products and the opportunities in our markets for Asia-based retail investors.” As Europe continues to attract attention as an undervalued and under-allocated market, particularly from Asian traders, Eurex’s strategic positioning as the gateway to European exposure—through instruments like the Micro-DAX and Mini-DAX futures—looks set to continue its growth trajectory through the second half of 2025.

The NAGA Group AG has announced that its audited consolidated financial results for 2024 outperformed preliminary estimates, closing what it described as a transition year with stronger revenue, earnings, and operating margins. Group revenue reached EUR 63.2 million, up from the previously reported EUR 62.3 million, while EBITDA came in at EUR 9.0 million, exceeding the EUR 8.1 million preliminary figure. The audited EBITDA margin stood at 14 percent, reflecting realized cost synergies from the reverse merger with CAPEX. The financial technology company, listed on XETRA under the symbol N4G, highlighted the successful completion of the merger in August 2024 as the key strategic milestone of the year. The full migration of clients to a single technology stack, a consolidated workforce, and a unified market strategy helped align operations, though NAGA acknowledged that the year was more about integration than expansion. “We not only met but clearly exceeded our preliminary figures” Octavian Patrascu, CEO of The NAGA Group, commented, “The audited financials for 2024 confirm that we not only met but clearly exceeded our preliminary figures. This performance validates the strength of our strategic transformation – from the successful CAPEX merger to the unified market approach and operational integration. Furthermore, our Q1 2025 results demonstrate that we are entering the new financial year with strong momentum and a clear growth trajectory.” The company emphasized that marketing expenditure was deliberately reduced in 2024 as it focused on long-term efficiencies, but resumed investment in early 2025 as it prepared to scale the platform further. The renewed marketing push helped strengthen brand awareness globally and supported the rebound in client acquisition. Operational performance in Q1 2025 showed signs of acceleration, driven by elevated trading volumes during a period of macroeconomic volatility and sustained growth in commission income. NAGA also reported early-stage cost savings and improvements in client activity across its trading and investment services. Founded in Germany and operating across more than 100 countries, NAGA offers what it calls a financial SuperApp that integrates social trading, crypto investing, stock trading, and neo-banking functionality. The firm’s platform includes a physical VISA card with crypto conversion, cashback features, and advanced autocopy tools for users to follow the trades of top-performing peers. 2024 was marked by reverse merger with CAPEX The company stated that 2024 was always intended to be a transformation year following its reverse merger with CAPEX Group. According to the report, internal changes laid the groundwork for a streamlined operation that is now focused on margin expansion, geographic scaling, and technology-driven user engagement. The 2024 audit also confirmed the positive impact of the CAPEX integration on financial reporting and operations, citing stronger-than-expected synergies and cost efficiencies across departments. As the company enters 2025, management expects continued improvement in revenue and EBITDA through a combination of client growth, market conditions, and improved efficiency. No updated full-year guidance was provided in the announcement. The complete 2024 Annual Report is available on the company’s website. The company noted that the financial results contain non-IFRS performance indicators such as adjusted EBITDA, which are used by management for planning and internal reporting. These measures are also increasingly used by analysts and institutional investors when evaluating companies in the fintech sector. In parallel, The NAGA Group warned that some of its forward-looking statements involve assumptions about economic conditions, regulatory trends, and market behavior that may not materialize. The group does not intend to revise forecasts unless significant developments occur. NAGA’s current product suite includes tools for both fiat and crypto trading, a live social feed, and personalized trading automation features. The company’s global expansion strategy remains focused on leveraging its integrated platform to gain market share in key financial hubs in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Limassol, Cyprus, June 6th, 2025, FinanceWire B2PRIME Group, a global financial services provider for institutional and professional clients, has announced the appointment of Stuart Brock as its new Institutional Business Development Manager. He joins the company from oneZero Financial Systems, where he most recently served as Head of Institutional Sales. Stuart brings to B2PRIME more than 15 years of experience in electronic trading, liquidity solutions, and institutional sales. During his tenure at oneZero, he played a central role in expanding the firm’s institutional client base across the UK and Central Europe. Prior to that, he held senior roles at Kx Systems, First Derivatives, and RBS Markets, where he contributed to the development of eFX infrastructure and client relationship management strategies. His appointment comes at a time of accelerated institutional growth for B2PRIME, which continues to invest in experienced professionals — recently appointing Lee Shmuel as Executive Sales Trader and Fernando Wladdimiro as Institutional Business Development Manager — to expand its reach across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. “Joining B2PRIME is an exciting opportunity for me,” said Stuart Brock. “It has built a strong reputation for agility, innovation, and integrity — joining a team that’s not only ambitious but also grounded in delivering value to clients feels like a natural next step in my career. I’m looking forward to contributing to B2PRIME’s mission of setting new standards in institutional liquidity.” Eugenia Mykuliak, Founder & Executive Director at B2PRIME Group, commented on the appointment: “Stuart is a highly respected professional with a strong track record of success in the institutional space. His hands-on experience and strategic mindset are exactly what we need as we continue expanding globally. We are proud to welcome him to the team.” Stuart’s arrival supports B2PRIME’s mission to deliver best-in-class liquidity solutions to institutional clients while building partnerships grounded in transparency, innovation, and performance. About B2PRIME Group B2PRIME Group is a global financial services provider for institutional and professional clients. Regulated by leading authorities—including CySEC, SFSA, FSCA, and FSC Mauritius—the company offers deep liquidity across multiple asset classes. Committed to the highest compliance standards, B2PRIME delivers institutional-grade trading solutions with a focus on reliability, transparency, and operational excellence. Contact B2PRIME Group sales@b2prime.com Disclaimer: This content is a press release from a wire service. This press release is provided for informational purposes only. We have not independently verified its content and do not bear any responsibility for any information or description of services that it may contain. Information contained in this post is not advice nor a recommendation and thus should not be treated as such. We strongly recommend that you seek independent financial advice from a qualified and regulated professional, before participating or investing in any financial activities or services. Please also read and review our full disclaimer.

US jobs data, ECB rate cuts, and US-China trade talks shape currency markets; weak NFP weakens USD, strong boosts it. Impact of US Employment Data on Currency Markets The US Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report for May is a significant factor influencing currency markets, with economists projecting a gain of 130,000 jobs, a decrease from the 177,000 jobs added in April. This comes after weekly Initial Jobless Claims rose to 247,000 in the week ending May 31, surpassing the market expectation. A notably negative NFP reading (below 100,000) is anticipated to weaken the US Dollar (USD), potentially leading to an appreciation of the EUR/USD and GBP/USD pairs. Conversely, a strong NFP print (170,000 or higher) could bolster the USD and reinforce expectations that the Federal Reserve will maintain its current monetary policy. Other key aspects of the May employment report include an expected steady Unemployment Rate of 4.2% and a projected month-on-month growth of 0.3% in Average Hourly Earnings, with a year-on-year increase of 3.7%, slightly down from April’s 3.8%. European Central Bank (ECB) Monetary Policy and its Effect on the Euro The European Central Bank (ECB) recently cut its key interest rates by 25 basis points (bps) following its June policy meeting. As a result, the deposit facility rate is now 2.00%, the main refinancing operations rate is 2.15%, and the marginal lending facility rate is 2.40%, effective from June 11, 2025. ECB President Christine Lagarde hinted that the central bank might be nearing the conclusion of its current policy cycle, which market participants interpreted as a signal for limited future rate cuts. The ECB also significantly revised down its inflation forecasts, now expecting headline inflation to average 2.0% in 2025 and 1.6% in 2026, a reduction from previous projections of 2.3% and 1.9% respectively. Despite this, markets are still pricing in approximately 30 basis points of further easing by December. US-China Trade Relations and their Market Influence Recent developments in US-China trade relations have played a role in stabilizing currency markets. US President Donald Trump’s phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss trade indicated a potential easing of ongoing trade tensions. Furthermore, reports from May 2025 pointed to a temporary agreement to reduce reciprocal tariffs, with US rates decreasing from 145% to 30% and Chinese tariffs on US goods from 125% to 10% for an initial 90-day period. This renewed optimism surrounding a potential trade resolution has contributed to the US Dollar’s stability. However, despite these positive discussions, deeper structural issues in the trade negotiations between the US and China remain unresolved, leading to stalls since a May 12 agreement. Top upcoming economic events: 06/06/2025 08:30:00 – ECB’s President Lagarde speech (HIGH Impact – EUR) Importance: Speeches by the President of the European Central Bank are closely watched for any hints regarding future monetary policy, interest rate decisions, or economic outlook for the Eurozone. Given the “HIGH” impact, this speech could significantly move the EUR as markets react to her commentary on inflation, growth, or potential policy shifts. 06/06/2025 09:00:00 – Gross Domestic Product s.a. (QoQ) and (YoY) (HIGH Impact – EUR) Importance: GDP figures are the broadest measure of economic activity and health. These “HIGH” impact releases for the Eurozone will provide a crucial snapshot of whether the economy is growing or contracting, influencing investor sentiment and potentially the ECB’s future policy decisions. 06/06/2025 12:30:00 – Nonfarm Payrolls (HIGH Impact – USD) Importance: This is one of the most significant economic indicators for the US. Nonfarm Payrolls reflect the number of new jobs created in the non-agricultural sectors, offering a key insight into the health of the labor market. A strong or weak report can significantly impact the USD and market expectations for the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy. 06/06/2025 12:30:00 – Unemployment Rate (HIGH Impact – CAD) Importance: The unemployment rate is a critical indicator of labor market health. A high impact rating suggests this release for Canada will be closely scrutinized for signs of strengthening or weakening in the Canadian economy, which could influence the Bank of Canada’s stance on interest rates and impact the CAD. 06/08/2025 23:50:00 – Gross Domestic Product (QoQ) (HIGH Impact – JPY) Importance: Similar to the Eurozone GDP, this “HIGH” impact release for Japan provides a comprehensive overview of the Japanese economy’s performance. It will inform decisions by the Bank of Japan and affect the JPY, especially if there are significant deviations from expectations. 06/09/2025 01:30:00 – Consumer Price Index (YoY) (HIGH Impact – CNY) Importance: CPI is a key measure of inflation. For China, a “HIGH” impact CPI release indicates its importance in gauging inflationary pressures within the world’s second-largest economy. This can influence the People’s Bank of China’s monetary policy and have ripple effects on global markets. 06/10/2025 06:00:00 – ILO Unemployment Rate (3M) (HIGH Impact – GBP) Importance: This is the UK’s official unemployment rate and a vital indicator of labor market conditions. A “HIGH” impact signifies its importance to the Bank of England’s monetary policy decisions and can lead to notable movements in the GBP. 06/11/2025 12:30:00 – Consumer Price Index (YoY) and ex Food & Energy (YoY) (HIGH Impact – USD) Importance: These are critical inflation indicators for the US. The “HIGH” impact indicates their significance in shaping expectations for the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy. Persistent high inflation could lead to further rate hikes, while a significant drop might signal a more dovish stance, both heavily influencing the USD. 06/12/2025 12:30:00 – Producer Price Index ex Food & Energy (YoY) (HIGH Impact – USD) Importance: The Producer Price Index (PPI) measures inflation from the perspective of producers. The “ex Food & Energy” component focuses on core inflationary pressures. A “HIGH” impact suggests this figure is keenly watched as an early indicator of consumer inflation trends and will influence Fed expectations and the USD. 06/13/2025 06:00:00 – Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (YoY) (HIGH Impact – EUR) Importance: The HICP is the primary measure of inflation for the Eurozone, used by the ECB for its monetary policy decisions. A “HIGH” impact rating means this release is paramount for understanding inflationary trends in the Eurozone and will heavily influence the ECB’s policy outlook and the EUR.  The subject matter and the content of this article are solely the views of the author. FinanceFeeds does not bear any legal responsibility for the content of this article and they do not reflect the viewpoint of FinanceFeeds or its editorial staff. The information does not constitute advice or a recommendation on any course of action and does not take into account your personal circumstances, financial situation, or individual needs. We strongly recommend you seek independent professional advice or conduct your own independent research before acting upon any information contained in this article.