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.

Given the strength of the support level 140.00 and the bullish sentiment seen across the cryptocurrency markets today,  Solana cryptocurrency can be expected to rise to the next resistance level 160.00.  Solana reversed from support zone Likely to rise to resistance level 160.00 Solana cryptocurrency recently reversed up from the support zone between the key support level 140.00 (which has been reversing the price from the end of April, as can be seen from the daily Solana chart below), lower daily Bollinger Band and the 50% Fibonacci correction of the sharp upward impulse wave (1) from the start of April. The upward reversal from this support zone stopped the C-wave of the intermediate downward ABC correction (2) from the end of May. Given the strength of the support level 140.00 and the bullish sentiment seen across the cryptocurrency markets today,  Solana cryptocurrency can be expected to rise to the next resistance level 160.00. Solana Technical Analysis 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.

The World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) has expressed strong support for the European Commission’s (EC) Savings and Investment Union (SIU) initiative, while calling for a refocus on measures that drive tangible growth and market participation. In its formal response to the EC’s consultation, published June 5, 2025, the WFE outlines key proposals to simplify regulation, empower investors, and strengthen market structure, while warning against overreliance on centralised supervision or regulatory consolidation. “Real growth will come from removing barriers and giving investors the tools, incentives, and confidence” Nandini Sukumar, CEO of the WFE, commented, “We welcome the ambition of the Savings and Investment Union; and call for ambition to be aligned with economic reality. Real growth will come from removing barriers and giving investors the tools, incentives, and confidence to participate fully in European markets. The Single Supervisory Mechanism for banks is not something to emulate, such centralisation has not propelled EU banks into global leadership positions by market capitalisation. The EU should focus on actionable, high-impact areas such as tax incentives and investor empowerment to further growth.” The WFE cautioned against expectations that a single supervisory authority would attract capital or catalyze growth. According to the group, the Single Supervisory Mechanism has not produced a globally competitive banking sector and would not necessarily deliver better outcomes for financial market infrastructure. “Increasingly concerned about the growing trend toward internalisation of order flow in Europe” Richard Metcalfe, Head of Regulatory Affairs at the WFE, noted, “We are increasingly concerned about the growing trend toward internalisation of order flow in Europe. The U.S. experience demonstrates that internalisation fragments markets and undermines price discovery—exactly what the EU is trying to prevent. Exchanges provide transparent, lit markets with equal access and robust investor protections. These essential benefits, and the clear distinction from opaque bilateral trading, must be recognised and preserved.” The WFE submission urges the Commission to focus on five areas it considers more effective than centralised oversight or structural reforms: Tax Reform: The WFE welcomed the idea of tax-advantaged accounts but argued this is only a starting point. It called for elimination of transaction taxes, reduced listing costs, and resolution of the debt-equity bias. These reforms, it argued, would unlock productive capital. Investor Empowerment: Beyond regulatory protection, the WFE emphasized giving both retail and institutional investors tools like regulated derivatives to manage risk. It argued that overregulation and excessive paternalism restrict participation and hinder financial resilience. Proportional, Principles-Based Regulation: Citing burdensome proposals under EMIR 3.0 and DORA, the WFE advocated for a shift away from detailed, prescriptive rulebooks. It proposed a principles-based framework that would permit flexibility, innovation, and targeted supervision without duplicative compliance structures. Market-Led Infrastructure Consolidation: The WFE warned that forced consolidation risks destroying national expertise and operational efficiency. Instead, it recommended removing legal and structural barriers so market forces can guide integration. Balanced Treatment of Bilateral Venues: The organization drew attention to the growing siphoning of liquidity from exchanges to systematic internalisers (SIs) and bilateral venues. These shifts reduce transparency and price discovery, which the WFE argued are critical to market quality and issuer incentives to list. Regulation Fatigue and Consultation Overload The WFE also criticized the SIU consultation process itself, calling it burdensome and rushed. “A 93-page, 370-question consultation is not ‘targeted,’” the response noted. The group asked the Commission to keep an open channel for continued feedback and to avoid overwhelming stakeholders in future consultations. In particular, it pointed to EMIR 3.0’s change authorization procedures as an example of rules that defeat the goal of simplification. Under current proposals, even routine operational changes at CCPs would trigger full documentation, board-level approvals, and redundant attestations. The WFE said these requirements disincentivize innovation and make timely changes harder to implement. Similarly, DORA, originally designed to regulate third-party IT providers, ended up placing heavier burdens on financial firms than on tech vendors. The WFE urged more careful scoping in future rules to ensure that simplification rhetoric matches implementation reality. The WFE argued that the EU’s tendency to go beyond global standards often introduces unnecessary rigidity. It cited the anti-procyclicality margin measures in EMIR 3.0 as one such example, saying these rules are more demanding than international norms and should be revised in line with the global joint working group on margin reforms. The group stressed that Europe’s leadership in regulation is already recognized globally and does not require continual escalation. It also cautioned against following the U.S. “order protection rule” under Regulation NMS, which, despite good intentions, led to increased market fragmentation, latency, and inefficiencies. The WFE urged the EC to avoid importing similar mechanisms into European markets. The WFE’s response was grounded in the idea that exchanges and clearing houses exist to serve the real economy. It advocated for placing both investors and issuers at the core of the SIU strategy. It supported efforts to reduce listing burdens for SMEs and mid-cap companies, and noted that retail equity ownership remains one of the most powerful tools for long-term investment and inflation protection. “The EU must go beyond technical reforms and embrace politically difficult, but high-impact measures,” the document states. “Tax harmonisation, retail investor empowerment, and proportionate rules are what will drive Europe’s competitiveness.” Post-Trade, Private Markets, and Digital Innovation In its extended response, the WFE also addressed post-trade fragmentation, arguing that reforms in cross-border settlement and clearing could significantly reduce market friction. It criticized the barriers created by inconsistent corporate, insolvency, securities, and tax laws across Member States. It offered detailed recommendations on clearing incentives, collateral flexibility, and capital treatment under CRR and NSFR rules. On innovation, the WFE backed a limited expansion of the DLT Pilot Regime but downplayed the transformational claims of tokenisation. While acknowledging its potential, the group said the hype often exceeds real-world feasibility and warned that current DLT infrastructure may not handle high-volume trading environments efficiently. While the WFE reiterated support for the Savings and Investment Union’s objectives, it cautioned against symbolic or bureaucratic initiatives. “Ambition must be matched by realism,” the response concluded, urging the EC to direct its energy toward the “most impactful levers of capital markets growth.”

BridgeWise has announced the launch of SignalWise, a real-time AI-driven alert and insight system designed to improve investor engagement and decision-making across trading platforms and advisory services. The release was presented during Money20/20 Europe and marks a key development in the company’s strategy to deliver predictive, multilingual market intelligence that goes beyond conventional notifications. SignalWise offers personalized market alerts that adapt to investor behavior, portfolio composition, and market activity. It identifies events across asset classes and delivers contextual analysis in multiple languages. The platform supports equities, ETFs, mutual funds, forex, crypto indices, and commodities. “In the current global geopolitical landscape, where uncertainty and volatility reign…” Dor Eligula, Co-founder and Chief Business Officer at BridgeWise, commented, “In the current global geopolitical landscape, where uncertainty and volatility reign, we’re excited to introduce a tool like SignalWise, which leverages transparent and responsible AI to give you the speed and clarity to invest with confidence. SignalWise sets a new bar by combining immediate market insights across every asset type with investors’ interests. This translates to alerts that engage, contextualize, and lead to action.” BridgeWise described SignalWise as a modular system consisting of live event detection, contextual insight layers, and deep personalization. Real-time triggers such as price breakouts or volatility shifts are combined with historical data and investor segmentation to generate relevant alerts. These can be delivered through email, SMS, push notifications, or direct platform integration. France-based trading platform Goliaths.io has already begun integrating SignalWise. David Cohen, CTO and Co-founder at Goliaths.io, said, “At Goliaths.io, we are committed to staying at the forefront of innovation in trading technology. Partnering with BridgeWise and adopting SignalWise is a game-changer that will set our platform apart and provide a second-to-none experience for our users.” Cohen continued, “By leveraging SignalWise’s AI-driven, real-time market intelligence, we will empower our users with personalized, actionable insights that enhance decision-making and engagement like never before. This collaboration reinforces our position as a market leader dedicated to delivering cutting-edge tools that truly add value to our clients’ trading experience.” The company reported early traction across multiple implementations. Engagement metrics include a 15 percent average click-through rate, $3 in revenue per alert triggered by trading activity, and increased client deposits. BridgeWise emphasized that SignalWise is positioned not only as an alert tool, but also as a growth engine for trading platforms and a productivity enhancer for advisors. For platforms, SignalWise is designed to boost session frequency and client retention. The system uses intelligent segmentation and behavioral analytics to reactivate inactive users. For advisors, it fills a gap between long-term planning and daily market events, providing shareable, compliant commentary that facilitates client communication. BridgeWise also confirmed that SignalWise will be integrated into Bridget, its AI-based investment assistant. Bridget generates regulatory-compliant recommendations for financial advisors and users, further expanding BridgeWise’s suite of automation tools for the investment industry. The company operates in 15 languages and works with over 50 institutional clients and 25 million end users. Its client network includes Japan Exchange Group, SIX Swiss Exchange, B3, eToro, TASE, Rakuten, KBank, and Interactive Brokers. BridgeWise maintains offices in Singapore, London, Brazil, Thailand, Japan, Israel, the United States, and Dubai.

Yesterday, as expected, the European Central Bank (ECB) cut interest rates for the eighth time since May 2024, lowering the main refinancing rate from 2.40% to 2.15% (down from 4.50% in May 2024), according to ForexFactory. Reuters reports: → ECB President Christine Lagarde said rates are now at a “good level” despite high uncertainty from tariff threats by President Trump. → Markets interpreted her comments as a sign that further cuts are unlikely at the ECB’s July meeting. Following the decision, EUR/USD surged to its highest level in 1.5 months before pulling back (as shown by the arrow) to previous levels. Technical Analysis of EUR/USD Four days ago, our analysis noted: → An ascending channel formation. → Potential bullish momentum pushing EUR/USD toward the psychological 1.1500 level this week. Yesterday, EUR/USD nearly reached 1.1500 but closed with a candlestick showing a long upper shadow. This morning, the 1.1450 level has acted as resistance, signaling bearish pressure. This could drive the rate down toward the lower boundary of the local channel (marked in black), possibly triggering a breakout below it. FXOpen offers spreads from 0.0 pips and commissions from $1.50 per lot. Enjoy trading on MT4, MT5, TickTrader or TradingView trading platforms! The FXOpen App is a dedicated mobile application designed to give traders full control of their accounts anytime, anywhere. This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

BTCC has launched a major upgrade to its demo trading feature, introducing self-service virtual fund top-ups and a reward system to help new users gain experience and confidence in crypto trading. The new functionality is aimed at beginners and reflects BTCC’s strategy to support first-time traders with practical tools and educational pathways. The exchange, which has operated securely since 2011, now allows users to independently add up to 500,000 USDT in demo funds per week without approval. Previously capped at 100,000 USDT, the new feature gives users immediate access to increased virtual capital, enabling broader exposure to different market strategies without risking real assets. “We’re empowering beginners to gain the comprehensive experience they need to succeed in live trading” “We recognized that learning crypto trading requires extensive practice, and while our previous 100,000 USDT virtual balance was already generous compared to other exchanges, we wanted to go further,” said Alex, Head of Operations at BTCC Exchange. “By allowing users to self-manage their virtual funds and earn real trading rewards, we’re empowering beginners to gain the comprehensive experience they need to succeed in live trading.” The second upgrade allows users to complete specific demo trading tasks to earn trading fund rewards that can be used in live markets. This creates a bridge between simulation and real trading, easing the transition by reducing initial trading costs and encouraging user engagement. Dan Liu, CEO of BTCC, added, “At BTCC, we believe that true crypto adoption begins with understanding. This upgraded demo trading feature lowers the barrier to entry and gives new users the freedom to explore, learn, and grow—at their own pace, without pressure.” The launch includes a promotion campaign titled “Trade Your First Win” hosted on BTCC’s official X account. Participants in the demo trading competition will be eligible to win Amazon Gift Cards and additional trading bonuses, further encouraging user participation and platform interaction. BTCC said the initiative reinforces its mission to make crypto trading accessible and secure. In addition to demo trading, the platform supports new users with beginner guides, copy trading services, and educational content, all developed to simplify the learning curve. The exchange’s 14-year track record includes zero security breaches, positioning BTCC as one of the longest-operating platforms in the crypto market. With this upgrade, BTCC aims to extend its reputation for safety and user focus to a broader group of retail and first-time traders.

Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at approximately $103,682 as of June 6, 2025, following a 1.05% drop over the past 24 hours. This weekly decline of 5.5% comes on the heels of a mid-May peak near $112,000, as the market navigates profit-taking and broader macroeconomic uncertainties. BTC has entered a consolidation phase, fluctuating between $100,500 and $106,800 over the past week. Analysts are closely monitoring the $100,000 level, a critical psychological and technical support zone. A weekly close above $100,700 is considered pivotal to avoid a deeper multi-month correction. The 50-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) for Bitcoin has reached a new record high, but the narrowing spread between the SMA and spot price indicates a potential loss of bullish momentum. Meanwhile, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) has dipped below 30, pushing BTC into oversold territory — a condition often preceding a short-term rebound. Resistance remains firm around the $107,000 mark. A breakout above this level could reinvigorate bullish sentiment and lead to another leg upward. However, failure to hold the $100,000 floor may accelerate downside pressure and trigger broader market sell-offs. Market sentiment has been dampened by a combination of factors, including recent geopolitical tensions and a widely publicized clash between Donald Trump and Elon Musk. These developments have added volatility to an already fragile crypto market. At the same time, an uptick in profit-taking behavior has further weighed on price performance. Despite the recent dip, long-term fundamentals remain intact. Traders are now watching for a decisive move in either direction, as BTC teeters on a key inflection point in its 2025 trajectory. Ethereum (ETH) is trading at approximately $2,472 as of June 6, 2025, posting a 5.15% daily decline and a weekly loss of 6.5%. This downturn mirrors broader crypto market weakness, as traders grapple with shifting sentiment and key technical pressure points. The current pullback has brought ETH near its 200-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) around $2,424 — a crucial technical level. A sustained drop below this threshold could open the door to further losses, with potential downside targets at $2,275 and $2,027. Resistance remains firm between $2,540 and $2,555, marked by the convergence of the 20-day and 50-day EMAs. A breakout above this zone would signal renewed bullish momentum and could push prices toward $2,675. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) on the 4-hour chart is slowly rebounding from oversold territory and currently sits around 43. However, the Stochastic RSI indicates the asset may already be overbought on shorter timeframes, suggesting limited upside without a clear catalyst. Despite short-term technical weakness, institutional interest in Ethereum remains strong. Notably, a trader recently placed a $2 million bet on call options targeting a price range of $3,200–$3,400 by the end of June — a vote of confidence in a potential recovery. On the protocol side, Ethereum’s recent “Pectra” upgrade has enhanced network scalability and validator flexibility, improving long-term fundamentals and bolstering developer and investor confidence. With immediate support holding near $2,424 and strong resistance above $2,550, Ethereum remains in a tightly contested range. A decisive move beyond either side may set the tone for the rest of June. Until then, traders are advised to watch macroeconomic sentiment, on-chain activity, and institutional flows for directional cues.

Dubai, UAE, June 5th, 2025, Chainwire The next-generation web3 investor and market maker DWF Labs has announced that the USD1 stablecoin has gone live on DWF Liquid Markets. Its introduction means that more than 1,000 counterparties can access USD1 via DWF’s institutional-grade trading solution. Developed by World Liberty Financial, USD1 operates as a fiat-backed stablecoin for institutional and retail traders. Custodied by BitGo, USD1 is fully backed by short-term US government treasuries, US dollar deposits, and other cash equivalents. USD1 will form a cornerstone of DWF Liquid Markets which supports instant OTC trades using a request for quote (RFQ) model. This enables traders to tap into competitive price quotes and execute OTC trades privately with no market impact. Characterized by deep liquidity and 24/7 access, DWF Liquid Markets is optimized for facilitating large trades of leading crypto assets. Andrei Grachev, Managing Partner at DWF Labs, said: “Stablecoin diversity is integral to supporting a robust trading ecosystem that isn’t reliant on any single dollar-based asset. The launch of USD1 on DWF Liquid Markers supports this goal, giving professional traders access to a versatile and transparent stablecoin that can serve as a base pair for all their trading activity.” The introduction of USD1 on DWF Liquid Markets will significantly expand access to the institutional-friendly stablecoin which is fully backed by a reserve portfolio audited regularly by a leading accounting firm. Initially launched on Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain, USD1 will eventually expand to other protocols in the future. Each token is designed to maintain a value of $1 USD and is fully backed by a reserve portfolio audited regularly by a third-party accounting firm. About DWF Labs DWF Labs is the new generation Web3 investor and market maker, one of the world’s largest high-frequency cryptocurrency trading entities, which trades spot and derivatives markets on over 60 top exchanges. Learn more: https://www.dwf-labs.com/ Contact VP of Communcations Lynn Chia DWF Labs press@dwf-labs.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.

There was a lot of news in the week of 24-30 May 2025, including the US 2nd estimate of GDP, notes from the Fed’s FOMC, the PCE index and NVDA earnings. Trading was kicked off with a big fall in Japanese bond yields after the Ministry of Finance conducted a special survey and delivered results to financial firms. As a result, the week turned out this way, with the US dollar index sliding and most investments remaining within narrow ranges all week. The most significant news of the week was how NVDA’s earnings were better than many people predicted, resulting in an earnings surprise of 9.89% and a revenue surprise of 1.68%. This brought a positive feeling to investing in stocks and indices, increasing the market’s hope. Even so, even with optimistic forecasts, most asset classes continued to stay in ranges, causing price fluctuations and louder trading. NVDA earnings per share. Source: Tradingeconomics.com The first quarter GDP for 2025 reported by the US Bureau of Economic Analysis was revised upward from -0.3% to -0.2%. Even though it was moderately positive, it was the first time the index fell in recent months. US GDP growth rate. Source: Tradingeconomics.com The chances for changes in monetary policy in the US are not seen in the market, as there are no changes expected over the summer. Price movement seems quick and choppy in the summer which means fewer big players are taking part in the markets. Attention in the market will be on the United States’ labor market statistics, set to release on June 6th. USTEC (Nasdaq) After the AI theme gained attention followed by NVDA’s good Q1 2025 earnings, the Nasdaq might start to rise again. At the moment, the price is next to the 20-day moving average which might be a good point to trade for an increase to $22,000. Every Monday, market players will be watching the ISM Manufacturing index, since it may affect the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, possibly supporting or opposing AI’s recent comeback story. Nasdaq (USTEC). Source: Exness.com USOIL The price range for crude oil has become tighter and it is moving with less turbulence. As a result, markets usually have less defined direction, though there can be fast swings to the edges and possible returns toward the middle of the trading range after. Since there are not many driving narratives in the market right now, quick moves in either direction from the current range may happen and then trading may slow down. Some opportunities exist for day traders, but those who use longer-term strategy may not have as many options right now. Having access to the petroleum status report every Wednesday (from eia.gov site) is helpful for traders. USOIL. Source: Exness.com Disclaimer: This sponsored market analysis 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.

FinanceFeeds sat down with Andreas Kapsos, Chief Executive Officer at Match-Prime Liquidity, for a wide-ranging interview at the firm’s offices in Nicosia. The conversation took place shortly after the Vision Forex Forum in Limassol, where Kapsos participated in a panel on risk and resilience in global markets. Match-Prime Liquidity is a CySEC-regulated liquidity provider offering multi-asset liquidity solutions tailored to brokers, investment firms, and other institutional clients. Through its proprietary Match-Trader PRO platform and integrations with MT4, MT5, and other trading systems, the company supports brokers with deep liquidity, flexible routing, and real-time support. As the firm’s co-founder and CEO, Andreas Kapsos brings years of expertise in institutional trading infrastructure, working closely with brokerages of all sizes. Known for his operational discipline and straight-talking approach, Kapsos has built Match-Prime into a preferred partner for brokers looking to optimize execution and mitigate exposure. Kapsos discussed how brokers handled the volatility triggered by Trump’s tariff announcements, why some lost money while others profited, and what concrete steps firms can take to reduce their risk. He also explained Match-Prime’s role as a liquidity provider, how they manage advisory boundaries, and why the growth of outsourced risk consulting has changed the way brokers operate. When volatility strikes, so do liquidity gaps Kapsos argued that volatility itself is not the problem. Instead, it’s how brokers respond to it that determines the outcome. “Trump is indeed causing volatility. Volatility shouldn’t, shouldn’t scare, from my perspective. This is what the industry wants at the end of the day. However, the players need to take the correct actions in order to face this situation and handle it to their best benefit.” The events triggered by tariff speculation exposed fundamental differences in how brokers manage risk. Some took on exposure without understanding the implications, while others used the moment to generate strong results. “It all comes down to the decision making of the company… in very simple words, the ones that choose to take the risk on their books, obviously they go through a tremendous risk because volatility and the predictability of this is not controlled.” “The ones that do choose to take the risk and position themselves wrongly, they will definitely lose on this timeline, let’s say.”  But market exposure isn’t the only danger. When volatility strikes, so do liquidity gaps, and firms without sufficient funds at their LPs find themselves caught offside. “This rapid volatility creates gaps in the market. A lot of the brokers might be affected by these… and because they don’t have the appropriate funds with the LPs, they might end up not being hedged. Whereas that strategy was to hedge, this will cause them 100% outside of their plans… and effectively will bring them to losses.” Many brokers continue to neglect even basic real-time risk tracking Match-Prime’s role in helping brokers navigate these scenarios is clear, but not always straightforward. Kapsos acknowledged that advisory guidance from a liquidity provider can raise questions around impartiality. “We try to consult… and prepare for such situations. However, this creates a bit of a conflict of interest in their perspective. Because… they might think, ‘ah, he’s telling me this so I can hedge with him,’ which… is not the case.” Instead, an emerging solution is the use of third-party risk consultants who can work with brokers and liquidity providers to structure risk routing, position sizing, and hedging strategies. “You have a lot of companies now that the brokers can actually outsource and pay them on a performance basis… that they will do the risk management on their behalf and advise them which flow to keep and which flow to send out.” Match-Prime often collaborates with these consultants and supports their work with real-time data and analytics. Kapsos sees this development as beneficial to the whole ecosystem, especially smaller brokers who cannot afford dedicated risk teams. “This helped give rise to an outsourced service that came into play in our industry now with risk management companies.” Still, many brokers continue to neglect even basic real-time risk tracking. “It sounds simple, but you would be surprised how many people are not doing it. That’s the number one risk from my perspective, because you don’t know where you’re working at the specific time.” Set up a hedge account before it’s too late A major theme throughout the discussion was the need for proactive planning. Kapsos warned against the all-too-common habit of waiting until volatility strikes to begin setting up hedge accounts or emergency routing. “We had a lot of our clients wanting it immediately, so the day after, to have a hedge account ready and set up. That creates a lot of problems… So you have a few days during which you are exposed, and you saw how quickly the charts will move.” “Don’t wait for the wave to come, and then prepare. Do it from the beginning… even if you don’t send anything to the LP, have him ready, be ready to switch on when the time comes.” Match-Prime’s onboarding process is structured to avoid these reactive patterns. The firm works with brokers to assess urgency and configure hedge accounts based on flow type, platform, and execution needs. “If it’s not urgent, then we can spend time with our teams and our dealing teams and our experts to help you configure and tailor the hedge account based on what you offer so you can be ready to go.” Inexperience and short-term thinking often lead newer brokers into dangerous territory The issue, according to Kapsos, isn’t just infrastructure. He believes that inexperience and short-term thinking often lead newer brokers into dangerous territory. “You have a lot of new brokers, which they haven’t experienced the risk and the losses, and they made a bit of money, and then they decide, ‘oh, I’m gonna market me now, I’m gonna be a bit more aggressive.’ But this is a short term… thinking. And then once it goes, once wrong.” Kapsos reiterated his team’s willingness to speak with both current and potential clients. “For us, it’s very important to communicate with our clients and also the potential clients. And I’m more than happy to discuss and be reached out by anyone who wants.” This article is part of an ongoing interview series with Andreas Kapsos, offering a close look at Match-Prime Liquidity’s perspective on broker risk, execution strategy, and market structure.

Clearstream and Azimut have announced a strategic partnership to develop a new digital solution aimed at addressing inefficiencies and transparency gaps in private market fund operations. The collaboration brings together Clearstream’s automated fund processing platform Vestima and its DLT-based infrastructure FundsDLT, with Azimut’s experience in private markets and global distribution. The joint initiative, currently in its pilot phase, offers a new digital layer for fund execution, custody, and reporting in the private markets space. By enabling multi-portfolio access through a single Clearstream custody account, the solution introduces improved investor servicing and operational streamlining for fund managers. Layer for fund execution, custody, and reporting Philippe Seyll, CEO of Clearstream Fund Services, commented, “We are thrilled to partner with Azimut on this digital initiative. The collaboration reflects our commitment to driving innovation and delivering advanced solutions for the private market space. By leveraging Azimut’s expertise and our robust technology, we aim to set new standards, while maintaining the highest levels of security, compliance and investor trust.” The digital solution integrates detailed reporting mechanisms and portfolio insights, including anonymized investor-level analytics. Through the use of distributed ledger technology, Clearstream and Azimut aim to reduce processing costs, automate fund subscription and redemption workflows, and broaden investor access to private strategies through wealth management channels. Giorgio Medda, CEO of Azimut Holding, commented, “We are transforming private market investments by leveraging technology to expand opportunities for private investors. The collaboration with Clearstream is another step forward to address long-standing challenges in the private market space. This innovative solution will provide broader access to private market strategies, along with a liquidity option that will allow investors to unlock the illiquidity premium embedded in private asset portfolios. As pioneers in this field, we have successfully tokenized portfolios of corporate loans, private equity investments, and fund units, demonstrating our commitment to innovation and delivering enhanced investment opportunities.” Clearstream’s Vestima platform currently supports processing for over 245,000 funds and connects asset managers to global distribution partners. By embedding new digital capabilities into this existing infrastructure, the firm is targeting enhancements in fund lifecycle efficiency and investor reach. The announcement follows recent trends across Europe and globally, where asset managers and infrastructure providers are expanding digital rails for traditionally manual investment vehicles. Private market funds, in particular, have become a focus due to their rising popularity among both institutional and retail investors, coupled with high operational costs and reporting constraints. Azimut, which has operations in over 20 countries, continues to position itself as an active player in the digitization of financial services. The firm’s recent experiments in tokenizing fund units and private assets now link directly with the fund servicing capabilities offered through Clearstream’s distributed ledger integration. The collaboration will support the distribution of private market products through wealth management networks, potentially unlocking new pools of capital and simplifying investor onboarding. As the pilot develops, both firms expect to expand availability to a wider group of asset managers and distributors across Clearstream’s global footprint.

Nasdaq has announced the launch of exclusive API access to Tape D, a real-time private company pricing dataset developed by Nasdaq Private Market. The move is designed to offer institutional clients, advisors, and investors greater insight into the opaque valuation environment of private companies, including unicorns and late-stage startups. As the exclusive distributor of Tape D via Nasdaq Data Link, Nasdaq is expanding its role in private market infrastructure by making secondary transaction pricing, primary funding data, and accounting-based valuations available through a single API integration. The Tape D dataset blends inputs such as mutual fund marks, 409A valuations, and private equity rounds to support more informed capital allocation and liquidity planning decisions. “The private market is now a critical arena for valuation, investment, and planning” Oliver Albers, Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer of Capital Access Platforms at Nasdaq, commented, “Nasdaq was founded on the principle of leveraging technology to make markets more efficient, and we are committed to driving the same transformation in private markets that we’ve achieved in public markets. The collaboration with Nasdaq Private Market builds upon this foundation, reflecting Nasdaq’s continued commitment to creating an ecosystem where transparency, accessibility, and improved outcomes naturally extend across the entire investment lifecycle.” Tape D is now available to Nasdaq clients through API integration and also via subscription through Nasdaq Private Market. The platform is positioned as a response to long-standing data limitations in the private sector, where price discovery has been fragmented, infrequent, and difficult to benchmark. Marc Perkins, CFA, Senior Vice President of Product at Nasdaq Private Market, commented, “The private market is now a critical arena for valuation, investment, and planning, and requires accurate, real-time data. With over 1,200 unicorns and billions in equity held by private shareholders, the need for a reliable valuation benchmark is greater than ever. Tape D brings essential clarity to private markets, and we are excited to partner with Nasdaq to broaden access to market participants.” The partnership reinforces Nasdaq’s commitment to providing transparency across the full lifecycle of investments. In recent years, Nasdaq has introduced services such as Nasdaq Fund Secondaries and cross-market portfolio tools for asset owners and allocators. These initiatives support the firm’s strategy of expanding beyond its traditional public market infrastructure to serve growing demand for data and execution services in private markets. Tape D’s target users include private fund managers, banks structuring secondary transactions, and wealth managers advising clients on illiquid asset portfolios. The data API allows for integration into internal systems, streamlining tasks such as pricing updates, client reporting, and investment committee decisions. Since its founding in 2013 as a Nasdaq initiative, Nasdaq Private Market has processed nearly $60 billion in secondary liquidity transactions. Now operating independently, NPM counts Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Citi, UBS, and other major institutions among its investors. The launch of the Tape D API comes as more asset managers seek tools to track unrealized gains, support liquidity events, and evaluate pricing in non-public investments. The broader private market, with over 1,200 unicorns and a growing pool of institutional capital, has increasingly demanded infrastructure akin to public markets. Nasdaq’s move to provide structured, real-time data reflects that trend. The service aims to address longstanding issues around delayed or manually collected private company valuations, giving stakeholders—from company boards to fund administrators—access to normalized and benchmarked pricing data in near real time.

Weak US data spurs Fed rate cut bets, boosts gold; trade tensions rise; global central banks diverge amid inflation, uncertainty. Weakening US Economic Data and its Impact on Monetary Policy Expectations The US economy is showing clear signs of losing momentum, impacting expectations for future monetary policy. The ADP Employment Change report for May revealed a significant slowdown in private sector job creation, with only 37,000 new positions added, a stark contrast to the anticipated 115,000 and the lowest figure since March 2023. Further compounding concerns, the US ISM Services PMI for May unexpectedly contracted to 49.9, marking the first such contraction in the services sector in nearly a year and falling short of the 52.0 forecast. This weaker economic data has exerted bearish pressure on the US Dollar, causing the USD Index to decline and driving a rally in Gold prices as investors seek safe-haven assets. Consequently, market participants are now increasingly anticipating rate cuts from the Federal Reserve, with 54 basis points of easing priced in by year-end, and even President Trump publicly urging the Fed to lower borrowing costs. Escalating US-China Trade Tensions Trade relations between the United States and China are intensifying, creating significant market uncertainty. US President Donald Trump signed an executive order, effective June 4th, 2025, to increase tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from 25% to 50%. This action occurred just prior to a hinted phone call between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, a discussion ostensibly aimed at de-escalating trade disputes. The imposition of these tariffs, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, signals a more aggressive stance from the US. This renewed trade conflict is cited as a key factor contributing to the rise in Bullion prices, reflecting investor apprehension. Furthermore, the Bank of Canada has identified US trade policies, particularly the “highly unpredictable” moves, as the “most significant headwind” facing the Canadian economy, directly influencing its own monetary policy decisions. Cautious Central Bank Stance and Diverging Global Economic Outlooks Central banks globally are adopting cautious approaches to monetary policy, leading to diverging strategies based on their respective economic conditions. The European Central Bank (ECB) is poised to announce its monetary policy decision on Thursday, with market expectations firmly set on a 25 basis point rate cut. In contrast, the Bank of Canada (BoC) opted to hold its interest rates steady at 2.75%, citing persistent inflationary pressures and the ongoing uncertainty stemming from US trade policies, though its Governor acknowledged that further rate cuts might be necessary if economic conditions deteriorate. Meanwhile, the Japanese Yen (JPY) has strengthened against the US Dollar, benefiting from its safe-haven appeal amid the US economic slowdown and heightened trade tensions. Concurrently, the Bank of Japan (BoJ) has reiterated its commitment to increasing interest rates in response to rising inflation. These varying policy stances highlight the differing economic trajectories and priorities among major global economies. Top upcoming economic events: Fed’s Beige Book (06/04/2025 18:00:00, USD) Importance: This report provides qualitative information on current economic conditions across the 12 Federal Reserve Districts. It’s crucial for understanding regional economic trends, business sentiment, and labor market conditions, which can influence the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decisions and, consequently, the USD. Trade Balance (MoM) (06/05/2025 01:30:00, AUD) Importance: A high-impact indicator for Australia, the Trade Balance reflects the difference between the value of a country’s exports and imports. A growing surplus (exports > imports) indicates strong international demand for Australian goods and services, which is generally positive for the AUD and points to economic growth. Caixin Services PMI (06/05/2025 01:45:00, CNY) Importance: As a high-impact indicator for China, the Caixin Services PMI measures the performance of the services sector, which is a significant part of China’s economy. A reading above 50 indicates expansion and suggests healthy economic activity, influencing the CNY and global market sentiment given China’s role in the global economy. ECB Main Refinancing Operations Rate, ECB Monetary Policy Statement, ECB Rate On Deposit Facility (06/05/2025 12:15:00, EUR) Importance: These are the European Central Bank’s (ECB) key interest rates and accompanying statement. They directly impact borrowing costs for banks and the wider economy in the Eurozone. Changes to these rates and the language in the statement provide crucial insights into the ECB’s monetary policy stance, inflation outlook, and economic projections, which are paramount for the EUR. ECB Press Conference (06/05/2025 12:45:00, EUR) Importance: Following the interest rate decisions and statement, the ECB President’s press conference is highly anticipated. It offers further clarification on the ECB’s policy decisions and forward guidance, often leading to significant market volatility for the EUR as traders interpret the central bank’s intentions. ECB’s President Lagarde speech (06/06/2025 08:30:00, EUR) Importance: Speeches by the head of the central bank can provide important insights into future monetary policy direction, economic outlook, and the ECB’s overall perspective on financial markets. Her comments can influence market expectations and the EUR. Gross Domestic Product s.a. (QoQ) and (YoY) (06/06/2025 09:00:00, EUR) Importance: These are high-impact indicators representing the total value of all goods and services produced in the Eurozone. GDP is the broadest measure of economic activity, and its growth rate (quarter-on-quarter and year-on-year) is a key gauge of economic health, significantly impacting the EUR. Retail Sales (YoY) (06/06/2025 09:00:00, EUR) Importance: This is a high-impact indicator for the Eurozone, reflecting consumer spending, which is a major component of economic growth. A higher-than-expected reading indicates strong consumer confidence and economic activity, generally bullish for the EUR. Net Change in Employment & Unemployment Rate (06/06/2025 12:30:00, CAD) Importance: These are high-impact labor market indicators for Canada. Net Change in Employment shows job creation or loss, while the Unemployment Rate reflects the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed. Strong employment figures are generally positive for the CAD, signaling a healthy economy and potentially influencing the Bank of Canada’s monetary policy. Average Hourly Earnings (MoM), Average Hourly Earnings (YoY), Nonfarm Payrolls (06/06/2025 12:30:00, USD) Importance: These are among the most closely watched and high-impact economic indicators for the US. Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) measure job creation, while Average Hourly Earnings indicate wage growth. Strong NFP numbers and rising wages suggest a robust labor market and potential inflationary pressures, which are key drivers for the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decisions and can cause significant volatility for the USD.  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.

BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager with more than $10 trillion in assets under management, has made a big move into the crypto market by investing $50 million in Ethereum. This action has sparked a lot of debate about whether big institutional players will make a bigger shift into digital assets. A Strategic Ethereum Accumulation Coinbase Prime is a platform developed just for institutions that want to safely get into the crypto market. That’s how the investment was made. Blockchain intelligence platforms say that BlackRock bought a lot of Ethereum, going from 9,000 to more than 58,000 ETH, which is worth over $50 million. This strategic buy means more than just an asset play; it shows that institutions are becoming more confident in Ethereum’s long-term prospects. Ethereum is a key part of the Web3 economy that is changing. It is recognized for its smart contract capabilities, its decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem, and its role in powering non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Institutional Confidence and Market Timing Interestingly, this investment was made at this time. It happened at the same time as a big increase in Ethereum exchange inflows, which went from about 200,000 ETH on May 27 to more than 1.3 million ETH by June 1.  Even though this rise happened, the price of Ethereum stayed the same, staying between $2,580 and $2,650. Analysts say that the price stayed stable even though there were big sell-offs because more institutions were buying, which probably included BlackRock’s purchase. This ability to stay strong in the face of market changes shows that Ethereum is becoming more mature and complex. The fact that BlackRock is involved makes that feeling more real, showing that Ethereum is more than just a speculative asset; it is a viable candidate for institutional portfolios. Growing Interest in Ethereum-Backed ETFs BlackRock has been producing financial products based on Ethereum in addition to buying it directly. Investors are becoming more interested in the firm’s spot Ethereum ETF, which is called ETHA. Reports say that ETHA’s net assets have grown to more than $3.5 billion, making it one of the largest Ethereum-based ETFs in the world. This news not only shows that BlackRock is optimistic about Ethereum, but it also shows that there is a lot of demand for regulated investment vehicles linked to crypto assets in the market as a whole. ETFs are a way for traditional investors to get into digital assets without having to own or manage them directly. A Signal to Traditional Finance BlackRock’s entrance into Ethereum could be the start of a bigger change in how traditional finance deals with cryptocurrency. Institutional investors have always been careful, but now they are more openly looking into blockchain-based assets as ways to protect against inflation, diversify their portfolios, and drive long-term growth. This $50 million investment may not seem like much compared to BlackRock’s entire assets, but it has a lot of symbolic importance. It shows that Ethereum is a good asset for institutions and might make other big financial players do the same. BlackRock’s investment in Ethereum marks a significant turning point in the relationship between institutional finance and the crypto industry. The lines between traditional markets and decentralized ecosystems are getting blurrier as more big asset managers start to use blockchain technology. The financial world is already feeling the effects of this, whether it’s the start of a full-scale turn or a cautious test.

USDCAD currency pair can be expected to fall to the next support level 1.3600 (target for the completion of the active impulse wave iii). USDCAD broke key support level 1.3750 Likely to fall to support level 1.3600 USDCAD currency pair recently broke the key support level 1.3750 (which has been steadily reversing the price from the start of May, as can be seen from the daily USDCAD chart below). The price earlier formed the daily Japanese candlesticks reversal pattern Morning Star near this price level. The breakout of this support level continues the active minor impulse wave iii from the end of May, which belongs to the C-wave of the multi-month downward ABC correction (2) from the end of January. Given the strongly bullish Canadian dollar sentiment seen across the FX markets today,  USDCAD currency pair can be expected to fall to the next support level 1.3600 (target for the completion of the active impulse wave iii). 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.

Revolut has introduced its first branded ATMs in Spain, offering a fresh take on a long-standing piece of banking infrastructure. Starting with locations in Madrid and Barcelona, the new machines provide Revolut customers with fee-free withdrawals, competitive exchange rates, and the option to collect new cards. This launch is part of Revolut’s strategy to bring a more modern and user-friendly experience to the ATM, which hasn’t seen much innovation in recent years. The first 50 ATMs will be rolled out across high-traffic areas in Madrid and Barcelona, with plans to add up to 150 more in other major cities like Valencia and Málaga. Revolut customers can easily find these ATMs through the Revolut app, which shows details like locations, hours, and directions. In a country where cash still plays a big role in transactions, Revolut said its new ATMs will provide a “smarter alternative” to the usual machines. Users can withdraw cash, check their balances, and even get a new physical card, all through an intuitive interface. One of the main benefits is that Revolut customers can withdraw money without the usual ATM fees, and they’ll get the same exchange rates they’re used to in the app, even when withdrawing in a foreign currency. Non-Revolut customers can also use the machines, though they’ll pay a fee and will be able to sign up for a Revolut account on the spot to enjoy the same benefits. “Launching our ATM network is an important step in offering a seamless financial experience to our customers,” said Manjot Bhatia, Operating Partner at Revolut. “By modernizing such an essential banking touchpoint, we’re improving access to cash and strengthening our presence across Europe.” Revolut plans to expand this ATM network to other European markets, including Germany, Italy, and Portugal, starting in 2026. In April, Revolut reported a record $1.4 billion in pre-tax profit for 2024, up 149% from the previous. The company’s strong performance was largely driven by explosive growth in its wealth division, which includes cryptocurrency trading, commodities, and savings products. Revolut’s wealth revenue soared 298% year-over-year to $647 million, supported by the launch of its standalone crypto exchange, Revolut X, in May and its expansion across 30 European markets. The company also secured a UK banking license in July after a prolonged three-year approval process. Overall revenue jumped 72% to $4 billion in 2024, compared to $2.2 billion in 2023. Other growth drivers included a 74% increase in subscription revenue to $541 million, a 58% rise in FX income to $540 million, card payment growth of 43% to $887 million, and a 58% increase in interest income to $1 billion. Revolut’s net profit rose 134% to $1 billion, up from $428 million, pushing its profit margin to 26% from 19% a year earlier.

South Korea has chosen Lee Jae-myung as its new president, which might have a big impact on the future of Bitcoin in Asia. His success is considered a significant sign that South Korea is becoming more interested in digital finance and blockchain innovation, which is a sign that the country is becoming more open to progressive and crypto-friendly regulations. Lee’s victory comes at a time when more and more people in the country are using cryptocurrencies, especially younger voters. More than 30% of South Koreans are said to be trading or investing in cryptocurrencies. The next government will have to make sure that national policy matches the needs of a digital economy that is growing quickly. A Vision For Digital Integration President Lee Jae-Myung has always been in favor of using digital technology in South Korea’s economy. During his campaign, he suggested a number of ways to encourage blockchain innovation, make digital assets more accessible, and keep investors safe from scams. One of his main policy ideas was to put off taxing capital gains from cryptocurrency exchanges. The crypto community widely supported this move, which was meant to give regulators and investors more time to get ready.  Lee also likes the notion of having several types of financial systems work together. This would mean that central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and private cryptocurrencies could work at the same time, which would make the financial industry more flexible and open to everyone. His position is a big change from how previous presidents handled crypto regulation, which was usually hesitant or doubtful. Lee has pledged a more balanced framework that encourages innovation while holding people accountable instead of broad crackdowns or rigid rules. Crypto Adoption on The Rise Because so many people in South Korea are using crypto so quickly, political authorities can’t ignore the industry. Cryptocurrency is no longer just a niche investment; it’s become a common way to do business, especially among younger people in the country. Young professionals, college students, and small investors are utilizing digital assets as a way to protect themselves against inflation and as a different way to invest than traditional ones. Because of this, the Bitcoin policy was a big topic in the last election. The change in political priorities is similar to the change in the types of voters. Younger voters, many of whom are quite familiar with digital platforms, liked Lee’s progressive policies and obvious support for new ideas. By connecting with these voters, Lee made himself not only a political leader but also a representative of a generation that is tech-savvy and looks to the future. Looking Ahead: Regulation and Innovation People are expecting President Lee to quickly make decisions about crypto-related policy as he comes into office. People expect his administration to introduce comprehensive laws that will make digital assets easier to understand, make crypto investors safer, and promote firms that use blockchain technology. This might mean stricter rules for crypto exchanges, clearer tax rules, and help for fintech businesses. These changes are likely to give South Korea’s crypto economy more credibility around the world, which is an important point. If Lee’s initiatives work as promised, South Korea might soon become one of the most crypto-friendly countries in the world, setting an example for other countries to follow.

UK small- and medium-sized enterprises are quietly losing up to £4 billion every year to hidden foreign exchange fees embedded in so-called “standard” bank rates, according to new data shared by fintech platform Volopa. As cross-border trade becomes more integral to SME operations, these costs are now drawing greater scrutiny from businesses and regulators alike. With the average SME turnover in the UK standing at £3.5 million, even a 2 percent drag from FX fees translates into nearly £71,000 in lost revenue per firm. When applied across the UK’s 5.45 million SMEs, the cumulative loss is substantial—especially for businesses already navigating tight margins, rising costs, and increasingly global supply chains. FX spreads charged to SMEs can reach as high as 3.71 percent Volopa, a UK-based fintech firm, has announced its expansion into the European Economic Area in direct response to this inefficiency. The firm aims to offer an integrated payments and expense platform tailored to SMEs with global footprints. It provides dedicated European IBANs, unified dashboards for expenses and supplier payments, and support for 26 currencies across 180 countries. Graham Smith, Managing Director at Volopa, commented, “At Volopa, we believe in the transformative power of innovation. Our expansion into the EEA underscores our commitment to empowering businesses to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. With Volopa as their trusted partner, businesses can unlock new horizons, seize untapped opportunities, and embark on a transformative journey towards growth and success.” A recent study from Accountancy Age found that FX spreads charged to SMEs—including hidden fixed fees—can reach as high as 3.71 percent. Over half of businesses surveyed reported concerns with high FX fees and poor rates, but many still rely on incumbent banks for international transfers, unaware of more efficient alternatives. With cross-border payments forecasted to reach $250 trillion by 2027, the cost of inaction is growing. Despite this, many SMEs continue to treat FX as a back-office function, rather than a strategic cost center. Volopa’s expansion reflects a wider shift in B2B finance. According to FXC Intelligence, non-bank providers now account for 8 percent of global cross-border B2B payments, a share that is expected to rise as platforms offering real-time payments, API integrations, and lower fees gain traction. Volopa’s solution also addresses back-office inefficiencies. Its multi-currency interface enables SMEs to manage international supplier payments and employee expenses in one platform, reducing the need for multiple bank relationships and cutting reconciliation costs. The inclusion of localized IBANs also facilitates compliance with EU regulatory standards, making it easier to scale operations across borders. The FX fee problem is not new, but it is growing more visible. With global payments accelerating and SMEs more exposed to currency volatility than ever, businesses are being urged to reevaluate their FX strategies. Fintech providers like Volopa are stepping in to challenge legacy infrastructure and offer tools that match the pace of modern trade. As margins tighten and international markets become more central to SME growth, the cost of sticking with outdated banking rails may soon outweigh the effort required to switch. Volopa’s move into Europe offers a glimpse of how that transition might take shape.

Pakistan is embracing digital innovation by announcing the creation of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve sponsored by the government. This project is part of a bigger plan that also includes creating artificial intelligence (AI) zones and working more closely with the United States on blockchain and cryptocurrency technology. Establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Bilal Bin Saqib, the Minister of State for Cryptocurrency and Blockchain in Pakistan and CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), said that the country plans to make a national Bitcoin reserve. Saqib spoke at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas and said that the government intends to keep Bitcoin in a national wallet and has no intention to sell it.  This shows a long-term commitment to digital currency. This initiative is in line with what is happening around the world, where more and more countries are seeing digital assets as a part of their financial plans. Powering Innovation: AI Zones and Bitcoin Mining Pakistan aims to give 2,000 megawatts of extra electricity to enable Bitcoin mining activities and AI data centers as part of this digital transformation. This allocation is meant to make good use of extra energy, encourage technological progress, and create jobs. Pakistan wants to become a center for digital innovation and economic transformation by putting money into these areas. Strengthening Ties With The United States Saqib met with Robert “Bo” Hines, Executive Director of the U.S. President’s Council on Digital Assets, at the White House to talk about working together with other countries. The talks were mostly about Pakistan’s plans for Bitcoin and how the two countries may work together on regulating digital assets and governing blockchain technology.  This involvement shows that Pakistan wants to follow global standards and build relationships that would help its digital economy. Navigating Regulatory Challenges Pakistan has big goals, but it has to deal with regulatory problems. The Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Pakistan have both said again that cryptocurrency transactions are still against the law. The fact that the government’s strategic plans and current rules are at odds with each other shows how important it is to have a clear regulatory framework to help the country’s digital goals. What to Expect Pakistan’s declaration of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and the creation of AI zones are important steps toward making digital assets a part of its economy. Pakistan wants to be a leader in digital banking by using extra energy to improve technology and working with other countries. The success of these projects, meanwhile, will rely on how well the government can deal with regulatory issues and put in place laws that support its goal for digital transformation.

Crypto payments firm MoonPay has received a BitLicense from New York state regulators, granting the company direct access to offer digital asset services across all 50 U.S. states without relying on third-party intermediaries. The license, issued by the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), places MoonPay among a select group of 34 firms approved since the framework’s introduction in 2015. Other holders include Coinbase, Circle, Robinhood, and Ripple. MoonPay’s regulatory milestone comes as the company sharpens its focus on U.S. growth. It recently established its U.S. headquarters in Manhattan’s SoHo district and reported what it described as its “strongest financial performance in history” in 2024. The firm has also acquired two infrastructure providers, Iron and Helios, to bolster its fiat-to-crypto on- and off-ramp services. The BitLicense remains one of the most rigorous state-level regulatory regimes for digital assets in the United States. Last year, only two companies — Anchorage Digital and Cumberland — were granted approval, according to NYDFS records. “Back in the day, my firm had some clients who abandoned the BitLicense application process because of the difficulty,” said crypto attorney James Murphy, known online as MetaLawMan. In recent years, however, the license has come to be viewed as a seal of credibility among institutional investors and enterprise clients. Founded in 2019, MoonPay provides payment infrastructure for crypto and Web3 businesses, allowing users to buy and sell digital assets using traditional currency. The firm has processed transactions for major brands and platforms, and has increasingly promoted itself as a compliant alternative in a market where regulatory scrutiny is tightening. Earlier this year, MoonPay made headlines after loans from Galaxy and Ripple helped the firm manage the overwhelming demand for Donald Trump’s official memecoin. The token saw its market capitalization soar from $200 million at issuance to over $10 billion in just 48 hours, generating more than $20 billion in trading volume. The huge demand came on a Saturday, leaving MoonPay unable to access over $100 million in liquidity due to banking closures over the weekend and a public holiday on Monday for Trump’s swearing-in. With no immediate access to fiat reserves, MoonPay sought emergency loans to maintain liquidity and meet trading demand. MoonPay executives initially turned to Galaxy Digital’s Mike Novogratz for a $100 million loan in USD Coin (USDC). The deal was secured quickly after vetting with a BlackRock executive, where MoonPay held its reserves.