The main goal of Hoskinson’s plan is to make it easy for the XRP Ledger and the Cardano blockchain to work together. This will let XRP holders stake, lend, and use DeFi protocols based on Cardano without sacrificing the main benefits of XRP’s speed and scalability. AInvest says that the connection might open up a lot of financial tools for XRP users. So far, XRP users have mostly been left out of the DeFi boom because Ripple’s focus has been on business solutions and cross-border payments. Hoskinson stressed that the vision is based on giving users more power and decentralisation. He said, “We’re not here to take XRP’s place.” “We want to make it more useful and get its holders involved in the bigger DeFi conversation.” A Strategic Partnership in a Future With Multi-Chains The crypto world is moving more and more towards a future with several chains where assets can move between networks. This lets consumers pick the tools and platforms that work best for them. The Cardano-XRP bridge could be a big deal in this situation. This isn’t simply about XRP holders being able to use Cardano. It’s about showing that two big groups that are frequently perceived as enemies can work together for their own good. The project might also make Cardano more liquid and get more people using it by letting XRP tokens work with Cardano-native DeFi protocols. This would be good for both parties. Community Reactions The XRP community has responded with cautious hope. Some people are delighted about new uses and financial independence, but others are worried because of prior tensions between supporters of Cardano and Ripple. These tensions mostly come from public comments and different ideas. There are still technical problems to deal with. To connect two very different networks, you need strong security, a smooth user experience, and the trust of the community. The timing for implementation isn’t set in stone yet, but developers say it should start in late 2025 in stages. Still, the long-term effects look good. If this effort works, it might be one of the most important collaborations in crypto history, giving XRP and Cardano new importance in the fast-changing DeFi field. ADA Founder Aims To Boost Its Ecosystem  Charles Hoskinson’s appeal to XRP holders could change the way that different crypto ecosystems work together and grow. As the founder of Cardano makes progress towards closing long-standing gaps, XRP holders may finally get the DeFi access they’ve been missing for a long time. The move shows that the crypto industry is growing and values working together across chains more than tribalism.

Decisions by key central banks this week can have the potential to change financial markets with investors waiting amid geopolitical tension and inflation worries. With 4 of the world most significant central banks about to release their remarks on their monetary policies, investors are anticipating how volatile it will turn out to be. Between June 17-19, the Bank of Japan (BoJ), U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed), Swiss National Bank (SNB), and Bank of England (BoE) are going to present their policy announcements that potentially could be one of the most significant epochs of the global markets or at least the forex market. Since the monetary policy has remained influential in regulating the currency rate, any unwanted results may spur market panic. They are made in a period of increased geopolitical insecurity, especially the new tensions between Israel and Iran that have driven oil prices up and sparked concerns of inflation. On this background, the majority of analysts anticipate that central banks will not change interest rates except the SNB. Octa Broker cautions however that there is an inflationary pressure that could cause policy makers to use hawkishness when least expected and traders should be on their toes in case there is a microscopic change in mentionings and statements along with post briefings. Bank of Japan: Tapering under the Spotlight in Economic Pressure The decision will be announced by BoJ at the early trading hours in Asia on 17 June. In contrast to its peers, the BoJ has already initiated tightening as it already halted its Yield Curve Control program last year and is slowly tapering off the purchase of bonds. The short- term interest rates were equally raised to 0.5 percent in January as Japan became nearer to its long-term mark of 2 percent inflation. Nevertheless, dark clouds are ahead. The export-based economy at Japan is under strain with trade tariffs in the United States and the bond market has not fared well as demonstrated by the trend in the low demand during the auction of the 20 year bond in May which recorded a drop in the bid-to-cover ratio at its lowest since 2012. ‘I believe the BOJ may not be able to delay rate hikes for an extended period due to inflationary pressures from elevated food costs, particularly for staple rice, so I think Governor Ueda may deliver a more hawkish tone that the market currently expects’, says Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa broker. Indeed, Japan’s core inflation has exceeded the BOJ’s 2% target for over three years, reaching a more than two-year high of 3.5% in April, largely driven by a 7% surge in food prices. Moreover, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East poses a risk of further increasing Japan’s import costs. At 6.30 a.m. UTC on 17 June, governor Kazuo Ueda will speak where the markets will be keen on getting an indication of tapering plans and any indication of rate hikes. U.S. Federal Reserve: Everything is in the Dot Plot Fed will announce its decision at 6:00 p.m. UTC and the press conference afterward at 6:30 p.m. UTC. Even though the federal funds rate is likely to be maintained at a level of 4.25-4.50 percent, traders are more concerned about the FOMC Statement, Economic Projections and dot plot-which is a graph showing the rate path expected by Fed members. ‘It is not going to be an easy decision for the Fed’, says Kar Yong Ang. ‘They are balancing between a weakening labour market, still elevated inflation, uncertainty regarding trade tariffs—and now the Middle East crisis and the oil price shock. Overall, the market is positioned for a relatively dovish Fed, so traders will be waiting for hints about whether the Fed might be poised to lower rates in the coming months. And this is where the market may be disappointed’. A hawkish climate might have the effects that the price of gold would hugely be resilient due to its safe-haven status even in the tensions in the Middle East, but against the U.S. rate hikes. Swiss National Bank: Market Ponders the Amount Under Which Rate Is Bound to Be Decreased The announcement by SNB on the 19 June is likely to bring in rate cut but by a debatable extent. The markets were pricing a 50-basis point (bp) cut but Octa thinks that a 25-bp cut is more likely. ‘Despite the Swiss headline CPI [Consumer Price Index] recently turning negative, I think the SNB will still opt for a smaller, 25-bp cut. Inflation shock coming from the Mideast conflict and policymarkers’ recent rhetoric suggest that the SNB will be careful not to overshoot with policy easing’, says Kar Yong Ang. Indeed, SNB board member Petra Tschudin recently highlighted that achieving medium-term price stability is more critical to their policy choices and that a single data point (i.e., latest inflation report) is not substantial enough to alter the current policy outlook. Moreover, with the SNB’s policy options being quite narrow now (the deposit rate bottomed out at -0.75% during the previous rate-cutting cycle), a 25-basis point rate cut looks like the most sensible choice for now. In the event that SNB decides to make a smaller reduction, there could be a temporary rise in the value of the Switzerland franc (CHF), although a dovish policy statement would probably promptly turn around any headway created. Bank of England: Inflation Data to Take the Centre Stage The decision by BoE will come on the evening of 19 June, hours after the SNB. Rates have been on hold at 4.50% since March, when one out of eight Bank members expressed the case to cut them. Despite an observed development on UK-US trade relations, the guidance of the BoE is still cautious, as the inflation forecasts are also uneven. ‘The latest U.K. CPI figures will be released on Wednesday, before the BoE decision, and I actually think that they will have a much bigger impact on the market than BoE’s verdict itself’, says Kar Yong Ang, adding that if the CPI report indicates a slowdown in inflation, the optimal strategy would be to go long EUR/GBP. Fixed rates are likely outcomes from the BoE, although a soft move toward dovishness in the voting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) might move the markets. Interest rate swaps, in turn, show only a 10 percent possibility of a cutdown, further supporting the point that the focus must be made on forward guidance and voting split among the members of the MPC. Note: This article is supposedly based on informational content and is not an offer to investment advice. Trading is done at your own risk and all the decisions made by you out of this content are taken at your own words. In financial decisions, Octa and the publisher will not take responsibility over losses. About Octa Octa, a worldwide broker was established in 2011 and offers a commission-free connection to the financial markets. Octa has the confidence of traders in 180 countries and has over 52 million customers; it offers educational articles, analysis, and webinars to assist clients in attaining their financial intentions. Octa also engages in charity activities, helping the community to develop, equip, and aid victims of emergencies. The broker has received more than 100 global awards, among which there are such titles as the award of Global Forex Awards as the Most Reliable Broker Global 2024 and the award of Global Brand Magazine as the Best Mobile Trading Platform 2024.

Zodia Custody has appointed Ryan Hodges as Managing Director for Australia, reinforcing its strategy to expand institutional access to regulated digital asset infrastructure in the country. The move marks another step in the company’s growth across key global markets. Backed by Standard Chartered, National Australia Bank Ventures, SBI Holdings, Northern Trust, and Emirates NBD, Zodia Custody positioned the appointment as a sign of its growing investment in the Asia-Pacific region. Hodges will lead the Australian business as the firm awaits approval of its Australian Financial Services License, and as it continues to develop offerings tailored to institutional clients navigating evolving regulatory conditions. Ryan Hodges affiliated with the Digital Economy Council of Australia since 2021 Hodges has held senior roles in Australian and global financial institutions including Westpac Institutional Bank and Commonwealth Bank. He has also been affiliated with the Digital Economy Council of Australia since 2021, contributing to policy discussions on the country’s digital asset framework. His experience combines traditional finance with digital asset advocacy, which Zodia Custody said will support clients looking to bridge both sectors. Julian Sawyer, CEO at Zodia Custody, commented, “Following the Australian election and the Labour win, there is a renewed focus on the digital asset industry, with regulators and markets already responding. Our Australian Financial Services License application ensures we are leading the market transformation and strengthening our Australian presence to elevate services for our institutional clients. Zodia Custody continues to invest in the Australian market, and the appointment of Ryan further enhances our position in the market.” Ryan Hodges, Managing Director, Australia, at Zodia Custody, added, “Zodia Custody operates at the pinnacle of regulated institutional digital asset custody. I’m thrilled to be joining the leadership team here in Australia to help make Zodia Custody’s vision for the region a reality. I’m confident that my experience across the industry will help me empower Australian financial institutions to embrace the regulated digital assets future.” Zodia Custody also confirmed that both Sawyer and Hodges will speak at the Australian Digital Economy Conference on June 16. They will address how the country’s political shift and emerging regulatory initiatives are influencing the institutional role of digital assets in Australia. This appointment follows several other announcements from Zodia Custody. The company recently revealed plans to acquire Tungsten Custody Solutions in the Middle East, expanding its regulated presence in the region. In addition, it has been appointed custodian for GEMx AG’s EmGemX token, which provides institutional access to tokenized gemstones. Zodia Custody also entered into a partnership with Galaxy to enable institutional staking, liquidity, and financing products. Zodia Custody provides custody, treasury, and settlement solutions alongside consulting and middle office support for institutional clients. The firm operates under authorizations from regulatory bodies including the UK Financial Conduct Authority, the Central Bank of Ireland, Luxembourg’s CSSF, and Hong Kong’s Registry for Trust and Company Service Providers.

Oracle (ORCL) shares jumped around 24% last week — their strongest weekly performance since 2001. The rally saw the stock break through the key $200 level and close above $215 on Friday, setting a new all-time high. A fresh record could follow in the coming days. What’s driving the rally? The primary catalyst was a strong quarterly earnings report: Earnings per share came in at $1.70, beating forecasts of $1.64;  CEO Safra Catz projected 12–14% revenue growth in the upcoming quarters;  Founder Larry Ellison highlighted “astronomical” demand for data centres and Oracle’s edge in building and maintaining them. Oracle also powers the infrastructure behind OpenAI and Meta Platforms — a significant vote of confidence. Technical view on ORCL ORCL shares have been notably volatile in 2025, largely reacting to news related to Donald Trump. His pro-AI stance boosted market optimism, while proposed trade tariffs triggered risk aversion. This volatility helped form a wide ascending channel: The price repeatedly rebounded strongly from the lower boundary (1), indicating robust demand;  By early June, shares stabilised near the channel’s midpoint (2). The recent surge, driven by the earnings release, pushed ORCL into the upper quartile (3) of the channel. While the RSI indicator now suggests overbought conditions, any pullback is likely to be limited — potentially toward the $200 level — given the company’s strong fundamentals and AI exposure. 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. 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.

Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) are both showing renewed strength, trading at $107,183 and $2,628 respectively. Both assets have recovered strongly from recent volatility, with institutional demand, regulatory clarity, and network developments driving renewed optimism. Bitcoin’s resilience has been notable in recent weeks, with the asset rebounding sharply after dipping to $103,000 during Middle East tensions. Strong support around $104K–$105K has held, and technical momentum is building as BTC eyes a move past $110K, potentially targeting $112K–$115K in the near term. Institutional adoption remains a major catalyst. Spot Bitcoin ETFs have now surpassed $132 billion in AUM, offering regulated access to a growing pool of investors. Meanwhile, political signals — including potential pro-Bitcoin policies from U.S. presidential candidates — continue to strengthen institutional confidence. Analysts see medium-term upside toward $120K–$125K, with some projecting $150K+ by late 2025. Ethereum has similarly seen growing institutional interest, with spot ETH ETPs recording their longest-ever streak of net inflows. Regulatory clarity on staking has further eased concerns for institutional investors. Technically, ETH is testing resistance near $2,850, with a breakout potentially opening a path toward $3,200–$3,700. Recent whale positions reflect confidence in near-term upside. Upcoming network upgrades — most notably the Pectra upgrade — promise significant improvements in scalability, gas fees, and validator participation, enhancing Ethereum’s long-term fundamentals. On-chain strength remains robust, with Ethereum continuing to dominate the stablecoin and DeFi sectors. As Layer 2 adoption expands and staking growth accelerates, analysts see ETH pushing toward $3,000–$3,500 in coming months, with potential for $4,000+ in 2025. Both Bitcoin and Ethereum remain sensitive to macroeconomic shifts. A surprise hawkish pivot by the Federal Reserve or renewed geopolitical tensions could weigh on sentiment. Ethereum also faces increasing competition from faster Layer 1 chains. However, with ETF inflows steady, regulatory clarity improving, and technical setups aligning, both assets appear well-positioned for continued upside if current trends hold.

Gemini and Coinbase are preparing to secure their long-awaited EU licenses under the bloc’s recently enacted Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, according to multiple reports. The approvals would mark a significant step forward in the crypto sector’s integration into Europe’s regulatory landscape while simultaneously exposing growing tensions among EU regulators. Gemini Nears Approval in Malta; Coinbase in Luxembourg Gemini is expected to receive an operational license from Malta, enabling the platform to offer its full suite of services across all 27 EU member states through MiCA’s passporting regime. Malta’s crypto licensing framework has accelerated in recent months, having already granted MiCA licenses to other major exchanges such as OKX and Crypto.com. By positioning itself as a hub for digital asset companies, Malta seeks to attract global crypto firms looking to capitalize on Europe’s unified regulatory framework. Coinbase, meanwhile, is advancing its application process in Luxembourg, a country known for its strong financial services sector and conservative regulatory approach. The US-based exchange has stated plans to expand its compliance and operations teams within Luxembourg, with projections to add over 20 new staff members by the end of the year. Once approved, Coinbase will similarly gain EU-wide access, a significant step in its broader strategy to diversify operations beyond the United States, where regulatory challenges have intensified. While the licensing progress represents a breakthrough for both exchanges, it has also triggered concern among European regulators about potential regulatory fragmentation. The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has signaled plans to review Malta’s licensing procedures amid fears that some smaller jurisdictions may offer expedited approvals at the expense of regulatory rigor. France’s Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) has voiced apprehensions about resource disparities between national regulators, warning that a fragmented approach could undermine MiCA’s intended harmonization. Smaller countries may lack the supervisory capacity to effectively monitor large global exchanges, raising questions about enforcement consistency and investor protection. Behind the scenes, EU officials are debating whether to grant ESMA expanded supervisory powers to ensure uniform application of MiCA standards across the union. This internal debate underscores broader tensions between national sovereignty and supranational regulatory authority, a recurring theme in the EU’s evolving financial oversight structures. Pan-European Access Meets Regulatory Crossroads The upcoming approvals are poised to give Gemini and Coinbase immediate access to Europe’s more than 450 million consumers, cementing MiCA’s role as a transformative framework for crypto markets. MiCA, which came into effect earlier this year, was designed to establish unified regulatory standards for digital assets across the EU, providing legal certainty for both crypto companies and consumers. However, the divergent licensing speeds among member states have exposed the complexity of balancing national discretion with the need for a level regulatory playing field. The debate over ESMA’s role could have long-lasting implications for how crypto regulation evolves within the EU, determining whether future oversight remains nationally led or increasingly centralized. For Gemini and Coinbase, securing these licenses would not only open up new markets but also serve as a critical strategic hedge amid tightening regulations in the US. As the MiCA framework continues to take shape, Europe may emerge as one of the most significant and competitive regions for regulated crypto activity worldwide.

ASX has completed the sale of its entire shareholding in Digital Asset Holdings, LLC for approximately $57 million. The transaction, finalized on June 13, will be reflected in ASX’s financial results for fiscal year 2025. The sale generates a pre-tax gain of about $42 million relative to the carrying value of the investment on ASX’s books. The gain will be recorded directly in the asset revaluation reserve in equity, consistent with the accounting treatment applied to the investment at the time of acquisition. Compared to the original acquisition cost, the transaction results in a pre-tax gain of roughly $10 million. ASX did not disclose the buyer or further terms of the deal. Digital Asset Holdings is a blockchain and smart contract software provider that was previously a key partner in ASX’s now-shelved initiative to replace its CHESS clearing and settlement system with distributed ledger technology. ASIC Launches Governance and Risk Management Inquiry Into ASX The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has announced the launch of an Inquiry into the ASX Group, targeting governance structures, operational capability, and risk management practices across the organization. The move follows what ASIC described as “repeated and serious failures” in ASX’s handling of its core infrastructure responsibilities. ASIC Chair Joe Longo commented, “ASX operates Australia’s critical markets infrastructure. Investors and market participants deserve to have absolute confidence that ASX is operating soundly, securely and effectively. ASIC’s decision to initiate an Inquiry follows repeated and serious failures at ASX. ASX is ubiquitous, you simply cannot buy and settle on the Australian public equities and futures markets without relying on ASX and its systems. The Inquiry provides an opportunity for ASX to bolster market trust. The Chairs of the ASX entities, members of the Board, and CEO and CRO have assured me ASX will fully cooperate with the Inquiry and ASIC welcomes this cooperation.” The expert panel leading the Inquiry will provide recommendations to address any identified shortcomings. A report of the findings will be published, and ASIC stated that it may take further action depending on the panel’s conclusions. The composition of the panel will be announced in the coming weeks. The Inquiry will incorporate review of the 20 December 2024 CHESS batch settlement failure, following ASIC’s decision to discontinue a separate investigation into the incident. Concerns raised in a joint letter by ASIC and the Reserve Bank of Australia in March 2025 will also inform the scope of the work. ASIC is acting under existing authority provided by sections 794C and 823C of the Corporations Act 2001, as well as additional powers introduced in the Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Market Infrastructure and Other Measures) Act 2024. The Inquiry will assess how ASX is meeting its obligations as both a market licensee and clearing and settlement facility licensee. The ASIC panel will be supported by a secretariat, which will include secondees from the RBA, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. ASIC emphasized that the Inquiry is separate from, but complementary to, the technical review of the CHESS system announced earlier this year. While the Inquiry proceeds, ASX is expected to continue focusing on the safe operation of its infrastructure and maintain momentum on its CHESS replacement project, with Release 1 scheduled for mid-2026.

Japanese investment firm Metaplanet has reached a significant milestone, officially surpassing 10,000 Bitcoin in its corporate treasury following its latest acquisition of 1,112 BTC, valued at approximately $117 million. This development positions Metaplanet ahead of Coinbase, which holds roughly 9,267 BTC, and establishes the company as the seventh-largest public corporate holder of Bitcoin globally. Originally operating as a hotel and hospitality group, Metaplanet has rapidly transitioned into a Bitcoin-focused investment firm. Its strategy echoes the highly publicized approach of U.S.-based MicroStrategy, which similarly leveraged debt and equity markets to amass substantial Bitcoin holdings. Metaplanet’s aggressive pivot underscores the growing interest among corporations worldwide to diversify their treasury holdings by allocating a significant portion to Bitcoin. Metaplanet Emerges as a Strong Player The firm’s recent Bitcoin acquisition was primarily financed through a combination of debt and equity mechanisms. Over the past several months, Metaplanet issued approximately $210 million in zero-coupon bonds and announced plans for a multibillion-dollar equity raise aimed at sustaining its Bitcoin acquisition strategy. These financial maneuvers reflect a high-risk, high-reward approach that leverages market instruments to rapidly scale its crypto reserves. Following the announcement of its latest purchase, Metaplanet’s stock price experienced a sharp uptick, rising between 17% and 25% as investors responded positively to the firm’s continued commitment to its Bitcoin accumulation strategy. This surge reflects increasing investor confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term value proposition and Metaplanet’s execution of its ambitious growth plan. Looking ahead, Metaplanet has outlined an ambitious roadmap for its Bitcoin holdings. The company aims to acquire 100,000 BTC by the end of 2026, and ultimately reach 210,000 BTC by the close of 2027, which would represent approximately 1% of Bitcoin’s total supply. Achieving these targets would significantly elevate Metaplanet’s status within the global cryptocurrency ecosystem and further cement its role as a leading institutional Bitcoin holder. Metaplanet’s aggressive accumulation strategy reflects a broader trend of growing institutional adoption of digital assets, particularly in Asia. As regulatory clarity improves and investor appetite for non-traditional assets expands, more corporations may follow Metaplanet’s lead in integrating Bitcoin into their financial strategies. This shift is also part of a larger narrative in which corporations view Bitcoin not merely as a speculative asset, but as a potential hedge against currency devaluation and macroeconomic uncertainty. By overtaking Coinbase’s Bitcoin holdings, Metaplanet highlights the evolving competitive landscape among public companies seeking Bitcoin exposure. Its ascent underscores the increasing significance of corporate actors in shaping the future of Bitcoin adoption and signals that the race for large-scale institutional accumulation is far from over.

GCEX has announced that Stanislav Bunimovich, previously Chief Operating Officer of Finalto, has joined the company as Managing Director for the Asia-Pacific region and Strategic Adviser to CEO Lars Holst. Operating from Australia, Bunimovich will lead GCEX’s expansion across Asia-Pacific. His responsibilities include onboarding hedge funds, brokers, family offices, and professional traders under GCEX’s regulated entities in the UK, Denmark, and the Middle East. The company operates under GC Exchange Ltd, GC Exchange A/S, and GC Exchange FZE. Bunimovich will focus on growing adoption of the firm’s full product offering, especially crypto-related services, and apply his experience in FX trade flow and institutional trading platforms to drive growth. Stanislav Bunimovich spent over a decade at CFH and Finalto He spent more than a decade at CFH and later Finalto, where he became COO and served on the board. His work centered on building scalable trading infrastructure and liquidity solutions. At GCEX, he will collaborate directly with Holst, with whom he previously worked at CFH, to shape APAC strategy and broaden the product portfolio. Lars Holst, Founder and CEO of GCEX, commented, “This is a significant hire for GCEX. Stanislav is widely respected in our industry for driving growth and championing client-focused innovation. His deep insights, network and leadership experience are major assets for GCEX. I’m delighted to welcome him back to my team and confident he’ll supercharge our ambitions across APAC and beyond.” Stanislav Bunimovich, Managing Director, APAC, GCEX, added, “I’m honoured and excited to join GCEX as Managing Director of APAC and as Strategic Advisor to the CEO. With interest in digital assets from institutional clients in the region at an all-time high, this is an ideal time to be focusing on accelerating GCEX’s growth in the region. I look forward to partnering with our exceptional team and industry leaders to further expand our footprint in APAC and advance GCEX’s mission of transforming financial markets through digital innovation.” GCEX provides institutional and professional clients access to liquidity in FX and CFDs on digital assets, as well as spot digital asset trading and conversion. Its solutions include brokerage infrastructure through its XplorDigital suite, which offers modular white-label services for crypto and FX brokers. These include custody options, risk management systems, staking, and access to tier 1 liquidity and pricing. The firm is headquartered in London and operates globally. It is regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority, registered with the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority as a currency exchange and virtual asset service provider, and licensed in Dubai by VARA. Investors include True Global Ventures.

Vietnam’s National Assembly has officially passed its first comprehensive digital technology law, introducing a clear regulatory framework for crypto assets. The legislation, approved on June 14, 2025, is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, marking a pivotal shift in the country’s approach to digital finance and signaling its intention to foster a more structured and transparent digital economy. Under the new law, digital assets are classified into two distinct categories: “virtual assets,” which encompass digital tokens used primarily for exchange or investment purposes, and “crypto assets,” which are defined as blockchain-based tokens utilizing encryption technology. This nuanced classification excludes securities, fiat-backed stablecoins, and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), thereby allowing regulators to focus specifically on decentralized digital assets without encroaching on other financial instruments. Regulatory Clarity and Financial Crime Prevention The introduction of this legal framework is expected to bring much-needed regulatory clarity to Vietnam’s rapidly growing digital asset industry. By establishing clear definitions and compliance standards, the government aims to create a safer environment for investors and encourage the responsible growth of blockchain-based businesses. The framework empowers the government to issue licenses, set operational standards, and implement robust compliance measures for entities operating in the digital asset space. Crucially, the law incorporates stringent requirements related to cybersecurity, anti-money laundering (AML), and counter-terrorism financing (CTF). These provisions align Vietnam’s regulatory approach with international best practices and financial oversight standards, a significant step as the country seeks to address its ongoing placement on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list since 2023. Vietnam’s inclusion on the FATF grey list has brought increased scrutiny, and policymakers are optimistic that the new regulations will demonstrate the country’s commitment to improving financial transparency and integrity. The legislation also comes in response to a series of high-profile fraud cases that have shaken public confidence in the sector. Notable scams such as BitMiner and Million Smiles inflicted substantial losses on Vietnamese investors during late 2024 and early 2025. These incidents underscored the urgent need for stronger consumer protections and regulatory oversight. With the new law in place, authorities hope to significantly reduce the risk of similar fraudulent schemes and enhance investor protection. Beyond its crypto-specific measures, the legislation is part of a broader digital technology initiative aimed at transforming Vietnam into a regional hub for technological innovation. The government is offering an array of incentives to encourage growth in adjacent sectors, including tax breaks, land-use incentives, and research and development support for industries such as artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, and digital infrastructure development. Educational initiatives are also a key component of Vietnam’s long-term strategy. The law includes provisions to enhance digital literacy, with updated national curricula and workforce development programs designed to equip Vietnamese citizens with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy. Provincial governments are expected to play an active role in rolling out these programs, ensuring that the benefits of technological advancement are distributed across the country. Positioning Vietnam in the Global Digital Economy Vietnam’s move to regulate crypto assets places it among a growing number of Southeast Asian nations that are proactively shaping their digital economies. By striking a balance between innovation and risk management, Vietnam aims to attract both domestic and international investment while safeguarding the stability of its financial system. As the global landscape for digital assets continues to evolve, Vietnam’s new legislation may serve as a model for other emerging markets seeking to embrace the potential of blockchain technology while minimizing its associated risks.

In the increasingly competitive world of proprietary trading, the firms that succeed aren’t always the ones with the most capital or the flashiest platforms. Instead, it’s the ones that understand how to build loyalty, community, and encourage returning traders and long-term retention, especially in the early stages. If you’re researching how to open a prop firm or wondering how to start a prop trading firm that sustains growth beyond the launch period, reward-based engagement systems deserve a serious look. They’re no longer a “nice-to-have”, they’re a growth engine. TASKS, POINTS, AND REWARDS: HOW TO BUILD A SYSTEM THAT WORKS Today’s prop firm technology makes community-building simple by integrating reward systems directly into the user dashboard. Users complete tasks and earn points, all within the same platform they use to trade. Founders set the rewards and define how many points each reward is worth, allowing them to tailor the experience based on trader behavior and brand goals. Here’s how a typical structure looks: Examples of Tasks: Posting payouts or trading results to social media Sharing announcements or updates on Instagram, Twitter, or Discord Tagging the firm’s account or joining an official community Examples of Rewards: Discounts on future purchases or challenges Free challenge entries or retry credits Access to exclusive features or analytics tools Branded merchandising (hoodies, caps, etc.) Once the reward system is active, all users, new and existing, can access it. The more tasks and rewards you include, the more time users are likely to spend engaging with your platform. WHY IT WORKS: PARTICIPATION BECOMES PROMOTION Reward systems turn trader participation into a form of organic growth. Every payout certificate shared, every story tagged, and every social @mention becomes a high-trust, zero-cost endorsement. Traders are incentivized to stay active, and in doing so, they help grow your brand, while you’re helping them. For founders asking how to start a prop trading firm on a lean marketing budget, this kind of user-driven visibility is incredibly valuable. It can boost any marketing ecosystem, and builds authenticity at the same time. Reward systems also reinforce positive behavior: traders who feel recognized and rewarded are more likely to stay engaged, refer others, and move through your challenges more consistently. 25% REVENUE INCREASE IN THE FIRST MONTH One of the clearest trends observed by TradeTechSolutions.io, a prop firm tech provider serving over 45 firms across the CFD, crypto, futures, and sports betting spaces, is this: nearly every firm that launched a reward system saw a 25% increase in gross revenue within the first month. Goat Funded Trader is a strong example. After introducing its reward system, the firm jumped from 13th to 9th on Prop Firm Match rankings in under three weeks, and saw over 16,000 user tasks completed in the first month alone. That level of trader engagement doesn’t just boost visibility, it directly translates into more sales, more challenges started, and a stronger community around the brand. These results are not outliers. The same pattern has repeated across multiple markets, whether the firm is offering CFD, crypto, or futures-based evaluations. A SCALABLE SYSTEM BUILT ON SECURITY AND RISK CONTROL For reward systems to truly drive sustainable growth, they need to be supported by a stable and secure technology foundation. Without proper infrastructure, increased engagement can quickly expose a prop firm to operational risk. That’s why modern prop firm tech providers are focusing heavily on scalability, risk tools, and cyber security. It’s key to be able to handle high user volumes and detect threats like: Copy Trading events News Trading events Hedging between multiple accounts Unauthorized activities like using HFT bots Suspicious IP Addresses Whether you’re running a small firm or aiming for high-volume growth, having reliable risk and security systems in place is non-negotiable. It’s what makes features like reward systems viable at scale, not just as a marketing experiment, but as a long-term strategy. THE TAKEAWAY FOR NEW PROP FIRM OWNERS If you’re exploring how to start a prop firm, think beyond basic challenge design “the right pricing”. Ask yourself: What will keep traders coming back? What will turn one-time users into loyal users & maybe even promoters? A built-in reward system can be the answer, and the data proves it. When executed well, these systems lead to: Higher revenue since the first month Stronger user retention Organic brand growth through social media contents Better rankings on third-party platforms For new firms looking to grow smart, not just fast, reward-based engagement is one of the most practical and proven tools available today. This content is the opinion of the paid contributor and does not reflect the viewpoint of FinanceFeeds or its editorial staff. It has not been independently verified and FinanceFeeds does 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 ultimate goal of trading is to earn more while staying safe. Low-fee, high-security exchanges do just that. Non-KYC crypto exchanges are unique since they let traders buy BTC without having to sign up and offer strong security features like multi-signature wallets and real-time monitoring. These exchanges, whether they require KYC or not, decrease trading costs to maximize profits and use the latest security measures to keep assets safe. This makes them the perfect balance of low cost and high protection for smart traders. According to CoinGecko, centralized exchanges handled $18.83 trillion in spot trading volume in 2024. This shows how much liquidity low-fee platforms may have. For professional traders, these platforms have additional features, including real-time statistics and easy trading pairs. Hence, this lets users trade XMR or change BTC to USDT and BTC to XMR with little cost. Traders can use strategies effectively because of clear pricing and sufficient liquidity. Non-KYC solutions are available for individuals who want privacy without sacrificing security. These exchanges are great for professionals who want to save money while working in unpredictable markets because of this combination. As the crypto world transforms in 2025, the best exchanges will suit the needs of professionals by combining minimal costs with top-notch security. Traders can use features like cold storage and two-factor authentication to keep their trades safe, whether they choose a non-KYC crypto exchange for private trading or a KYC platform for better compliance with the law. This article will explore the five best cryptocurrency exchanges for 2025. Each one offers a safe, low-cost trading environment that helps users make the most money while protecting their investments. Godex Godex is a non-KYC crypto exchange that has offered people an anonymous way to buy and sell cryptocurrencies in a way that requires no user registration, verification, or control of accounts. Users can buy BTC with no registration, and this is largely possible with detailed cryptocurrency support (over 300 digital assets) while privacy is built into the system without the need for specific policies. Because of how the platform is built, Godex ensures that personal information is never exposed. Godex.io is very good at facilitating the exchange of cryptocurrencies using models that prevent any volatility in the market during the process. Users can exchange XMR and other digital assets while receiving guaranteed quoted amounts regardless of price fluctuations, providing transaction predictability unavailable through floating-rate platforms.  With a fixed-rate strategy, traders do not have to worry about slippage, and they stand to gain a lot when rapid spot price changes happen in unstable markets. Since Godex does not hold or handle users’ crypto or fiat currency at any time, it can greatly reduce the difficulties associated with regulation and slower operation. Traders can convert BTC to USDT and BTC to XMR. They can also perform other exchanges through direct wallet-to-wallet transfers that entirely bypass centralized fund management systems.  The platform features integrated Trezor Suite compatibility for secure hardware wallet usage while maintaining intuitive interfaces designed to accommodate both cryptocurrency veterans and newcomers to digital asset trading markets.  NDAX Ndax is a licensed cryptocurrency trading platform that works as both an Investment Dealer and a Marketplace in Canada. It was formed in 2017 and is based in Calgary, Alberta. It was made for both individual and institutional traders. It has a simple interface for novices and advanced tools like configurable charts and different order types for more experienced traders. Users may trade a lot of different cryptocurrencies on the platform, and they are all matched with Canadian dollars. There is also a “dust converter” that lets traders combine modest crypto balances into Bitcoin Satoshis. Ndax also includes an over-the-counter (OTC) trading desk for high-volume clients and automated buy options. For organizations that want to add cryptocurrency services, they also have white-label solutions. The platform is registered with the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) and is a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO). It has strong security mechanisms in place, including as cold storage for most assets, multi-signature authorization, and partnerships with companies like Ledger Vault to make things even safer. Ndax has a clear pricing structure and lets you make free deposits using Interac e-Transfer and wire transactions. It also has a full staking mechanism that lets users generate passive revenue on a number of different cryptocurrencies. AstralX The goal of AstralX, a digital asset trading platform, is to give people from all over the world a safe and efficient place to trade cryptocurrencies. Because it offers a wide variety of trading options, including spot trading, contract trading, over-the-counter (OTC) trading, and staking, it is able to accommodate a wide range of user preferences and trading strategies. In order to achieve its objective of making trading as seamless as possible, the platform employs a high-performance trading engine that has low latency and is capable of managing a large number of transactions at the same time. AstralX is managed by a group of blockchain technology specialists at the helm. Their primary objective is to offer dependable services to traders of all experience levels, from novices to masters. Security is an extremely important aspect of AstralX. Bank strength protection, which includes multi-approval, cold storage for the bulk of assets, and risk monitoring systems that are always on watch, is utilized in order to ensure the safety of user funds. The cryptocurrency known as AstralX is meant to accommodate a wide range of user requirements and lays an emphasis on being stable and simple for individuals to access within the cryptocurrency industry. NexDAX NexDAX is a cryptocurrency exchange established in 2021. Its goal is to be a global platform for exchanging digital assets. It has a lot of services, like spot trading, derivatives, and a launchpad for new token listings. Its goal is to serve both new and experienced traders. The platform supports many cryptocurrencies, including USDT, BTC, and ETH. It also has its own token, NT, which is built on the Ethereum network. NT is the main money in the NexDAX ecosystem. It makes transactions easier and lets people stake and take part in governance. NexDAX focuses on making transactions faster and easier by using automation. It includes a user-friendly interface that works in several languages, mostly English, and a mobile app for trading on the go. The exchange puts security first by using cold storage for most assets and following international standards. However, it doesn’t extensively provide information about its headquarters or areas where trading is not allowed. NexDAX has added new features including copy trading, which lets users duplicate the methods of top traders, and it supports airdrop initiatives to get people involved. The network has a number of tokens available, including Zilliqa (ZIL) and ApeCoin (APE), and it is adding more. NexDAX wants to make the market more open and liquid, but customers should think about the hazards of trading cryptocurrencies because the market is so volatile. CoinP CoinP is a centralized cryptocurrency exchange that opened in Singapore in 2022. It lets people trade a wide range of cryptocurrencies and supports both spot and margin trading. The exchange is meant for people all around the world and has a lot of trading pairs and services, like futures, staking, and a launchpad for new token projects. CoinP focuses on providing a stable trading experience by using its own matching engine and having a lot of market liquidity. This means that the market stays stable even when it is volatile. It also has a simple interface and can be accessed on mobile devices, so it works for both new and experienced traders. CoinP doesn’t work in some countries, but the information that is published doesn’t say which ones. CoinP’s CEO, Joe Lu, has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Software Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He is a master in making trading systems that are safe and work well. Lu also advises on technical and security issues for a number of cryptocurrency projects. This is part of the platform’s focus on strong security measures, such as storing most assets in cold wallets. CoinP has a maker-taker fee structure, doesn’t charge deposit fees, and lets you trade with leverage and perpetual contracts. To improve its ecosystem and make the market more open, the exchange has made strategic collaborations with companies like DWF Labs and Coinfair Global. Disclaimer: This content is provided by a sponsor. FinanceFeeds does not independently verify the legitimacy, credibility, claims, or financial viability of the information or description of services mentioned. As such, we bear no responsibility for any potential risks, inaccuracies, or misleading representations related to the content. This post does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation and should not be treated as such. We strongly advise seeking independent financial guidance from a qualified and regulated professional before engaging in any investment or financial activities. Please review our full disclaimer for more details.

London, United Kingdom, June 14th, 2025, FinanceWire In 2024, Klein Funding became the first crypto-only prop firm to officially partner with Bybit, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges. Far from a marketing move, this collaboration marked a structural shift in how crypto prop trading is approached: real tools, real markets, and a model centered on trader performance—not platform limitations. This wasn’t just a feature update. It redefined expectations across the prop firm landscape. The partnership introduces something rare in the world of crypto prop firms—a system that gives traders: Access to over 700 crypto pairs Bybit’s institutional-grade liquidity Lightning-fast execution with no lag or syncing issues A clean, stable interface, powered directly by Bybit All within a simulated capital environment Designed for All Trading Styles Whether trading breakout setups, scalping altcoin volatility, or managing structured longer-term positions, Klein’s system adapts to how users trade—not the other way around. A New Model: Instant Pro, Full Access At the center of this structure is the Instant Pro plan, built around three core freedoms: No Consistency Rule No Daily Drawdown Once reaching 5% profit, traders are eligible for a reward There are no multi-step evaluations, hidden conditions, or forced holding periods—just performance and direct reward. What Sets Klein Funding Apart Many prop firms promise flexibility. Few deliver it from the ground up. Klein Funding didn’t retrofit flexibility into an outdated model. It built an entirely new structure designed around traders’ needs from day one. With performance-based rewards fully embedded into Bybit’s infrastructure, this isn’t just a trading platform—it’s an operating system for serious traders. This level of integration doesn’t just improve the interface—it sharpens execution, edge, and the ability to grow. Looking Ahead This isn’t another funding plan or promotional push; it’s a complete rethink of the prop firm model—built to eliminate gatekeeping and give traders clarity, access, and control. No synthetic rules. No drawdown traps. Just a system built around real traders and real results. Users can explore the Instant Pro model and apply at kleinfunding.com About Klein Funding Klein Funding, is a crypto-only proprietary trading firm with a mission to democratize access to capital and advanced trading environments. Through smart partnerships like its latest collaboration with Bybit, Klein is helping build the most seamless and trader-first experience in the prop trading space. Website: https://kleinfunding.com X: https://x.com/KleinFunding Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kleinfunding/ Discord: https://discord.gg/wg2KJXSpTW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kleinfundingcrypto Contact Klein Funding PR Klein Funding support@kleinfunding.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.

Almaty, Kazakhstan, June 14th, 2025, FinanceWire Freedom Holding Corp. (NASDAQ: FRHC), the diversified financial group with operations spanning 22 countries, today reported financial results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, highlighting continued growth across core segments and meaningful progress on its digital ecosystem strategy. Revenue for the year increased by 23% to $2.05 billion, up from $1.67 billion the previous year. The company delivered strong operational performance.Total assets increased to $9.9 billion, and customer growth remained strong across all sectors. “Our 2025 results show that the strategy we’ve been building for years is paying off,” said Timur Turlov, founder and CEO of Freedom Holding Corp. “We are transitioning from a collection of financial products to a unified ecosystem that touches nearly every aspect of our customers’ financial lives. We’re proud of the growth we’ve achieved, especially in our core businesses, and excited about what lies ahead.” Fiscal 2025 Highlights The company delivered strong operational growth, with total revenue reaching $2.05 billion — a 23% increase on the $1.67 billion recorded the previous year. This growth was driven by increased activity in brokerage and insurance segments, as well as higher interest income from margin and customer loans, reflecting the continued expansion of the company’s diverse financial ecosystem. Fee and commission income totaled $505.0 million, marking a 15% increase from $440.3 million in fiscal 2024. This growth was primarily fueled by a 29% increase in income from brokerage services, reaching $430.1 million, supported by an expanding retail customer base. Interest income increased to $864.5 million, a 4% rise on the previous year. This was driven by increased margin lending to retail clients and an expanded loan portfolio at Freedom Bank KZ. Margin loan interest increased by 21%, while interest from customer loans grew by 18%. Increased returns from available-for-sale securities also contributed to gains, though income from trading securities declined amid market volatility. Earnings per share were $1.43 (basic) and $1.40 (diluted), compared to $6.37 (basic) and $6.33 (diluted) in fiscal 2024. Net income amounted to $84.5 million. Brokerage accounts reached 683,000, marking a 29% year-on-year increase, while active accounts surged by 57% to surpass 151,000. The number of bank clients more than doubled to 2.5 million, and the number of insurance customers reached 1.17 million, reflecting the rising demand for integrated financial services. The insurance segment was one of the year’s top performers, with underwriting income up 134% to $617.6 million amid robust demand for pension and accident insurance products. The brokerage division generated $717.3 million in revenue, with fee and commission income, as well as interest income, remaining strong. The company’s banking segment posted $506.1 million in revenue, while the “Other” segment — which includes lifestyle, telecom, and payment services — saw revenue increase 72% to $144 million, buoyed by contributions from e-commerce platform Arbuz, ticketing service Aviata, and newly acquired SilkNetCom LLP. Freedom Holding took further bold steps to diversify its operations beyond finance. In 2024, it expanded its telecommunications business under the name Freedom Telecom and launched new media projects. These ventures form part of a broader plan to develop a comprehensive digital ecosystem centered on the company’s flagship Freedom SuperApp, which integrates investing, banking, payments, and lifestyle services on a single platform. “This year is a period of large-scale investments in the development of the holding’s ecosystem for us. We are reinvesting a significant portion of the income from our key business areas into strengthening and growing the group’s companies. This strategy is already yielding results: our market position is strengthening, and our presence is expanding. At the same time, we continue to invest in business development in new regions — both where licenses have already been obtained and where they are still in the process of being acquired,” noted Timur Turlov. The holding continued to provide sponsorship support to various initiatives: the Kazakhstan Chess and Tennis Federations, the Competitive Programming Federation, the Junior Football League of Kazakhstan, and other organizations. The company’s focus remains on scaling its technology, expanding geographically, and deepening customer experience through artificial intelligence and product personalization. “We believe connected ecosystems will define the next era of finance,” said Turlov. “By combining traditional financial stability with tech-enabled innovation, we’re building something that goes far beyond banking or brokerage. We’re building infrastructure for how people live, spend, save, and grow.” About Freedom Holding Corp. Freedom Holding Corp. provides financial services in 22 countries, including Kazakhstan, the United States, Cyprus, Poland, Spain, Uzbekistan, and Armenia. The Company’s principal executive office is located in New York City. In Kazakhstan, Freedom is actively developing its financial and digital ecosystem, which includes Freedom Bank, Freedom Broker, the insurance companies Freedom Life and Freedom Insurance, as well as a lifestyle segment that features Arbuz.kz, Freedom Ticketon, and Aviata. Freedom Holding Corp. shares are traded on the U.S. technology exchange NASDAQ, the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE), and the Astana International Exchange (AIX) under the ticker symbol FRHC. The Company has a market capitalization exceeding $8 billion as of March 31, 2025. Freedom Holding Corp. is regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Contact Public Relations Natalia Kharlashina Freedom Holding Corp. prglobal@ffin.kz Disclaimer: This content is provided by a sponsor. FinanceFeeds does not independently verify the legitimacy, credibility, claims, or financial viability of the information or description of services mentioned. As such, we bear no responsibility for any potential risks, inaccuracies, or misleading representations related to the content. This post does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation and should not be treated as such. We strongly advise seeking independent financial guidance from a qualified and regulated professional before engaging in any investment or financial activities. Please review our full disclaimer for more details.

DeFi Development Corp. (DFDV), a company listed on Nasdaq, has struck a $5 billion equity line of credit (ELOC) deal with RK Capital Management. The acquisition gives the business flexible access to financing so it can build its SOL treasury and validator activities as part of its Solana (SOL)-based strategy. This capital-on-demand strategy lets DeFi Development sell common shares in small amounts over time, unlike traditional equity raising, which often locks in prices and can lower shareholder value right away. The corporation has the right, but not the duty, to issue shares, which gives it more choice over when and how much to sell them for. Joseph Onorati, the CEO, says that the ELOC is a clear and deliberate strategy to raise SOL-per-share and get the most out of validators without flooding the market with new shares right away. The company thinks this is a long-term way to preserve shareholder interests and expand its position in the Solana ecosystem. From Real Estate to a Blockchain Treasury DeFi Development used to be a real estate tech company called Janover. In early 2025, a new management team took over, including several of the company’s former leaders from prominent crypto firms. The business now serves as a digital asset treasury and staking vehicle, with Solana as its main emphasis. DeFi Development currently has more than 609,000 SOL, which is worth about $100 million. It also controls validator infrastructure that provides an estimated 5–7% yearly staking income. The new finance arrangement means that the corporation could greatly increase its SOL holdings without going into debt. The ELOC takes the place of a previous, more typical endeavour to raise $1 billion in cash that was put on hold. DeFi Development wants to build its treasury reserves more efficiently and avoid bad market situations by switching to this more flexible strategy. Solana-centric Strategy and SOL-Per-Share Metric The company has come up with a new metric dubbed SOL-per-share (SPS) to better show how well its main business is doing. This connects its equity structure directly to the number of SOL tokens that each share has. As more money is put to work and more SOL is earned or risked, the SPS metric is likely to grow. This will provide shareholders with a clear idea of how much their shares are worth. The business is not just collecting SOL; it is also taking part in the ecosystem by running validators. The rewards from staking are put back into the SOL treasury, which increases SPS even more and strengthens the company’s role as an active participant in the Solana network. Market Impact and What’s Ahead After the ELOC was announced, there was more trading and price fluctuation in DFDV shares. Some investors saw the announcement as a good indicator of long-term growth, while others were still worried about how it would affect the value over time. Even if SOL’s price has been very unstable lately, DeFi Development is nevertheless determined to increase its exposure to Solana. The company wants to file a reseller registration statement (Form S-1) to start using the ELOC. It is also looking into partnerships to offer SOL-denominated structured products and improve its validator infrastructure. This move shows that DeFi Development is making a bigger strategic bet on Solana as it tries to become a next-generation treasury powerhouse in the blockchain arena.

Paul Grewal, Coinbase’s Chief Legal Officer, has praised the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for changing its mind about two important proposals that would have affected decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and crypto custodians. Grewal said that the reversal was a big win for blockchain innovation and clear evidence that U.S. regulators are moving away from what he called “aggressive overreach” in the crypto field. SEC Reverses Controversial Proposals The SEC recently said that it would not go ahead with a plan to modify the definition of “exchange” under Rule 3b-16 to include decentralized financial protocols. The regulator also got rid of its planned changes to the Custody Rule, which would have made it such that registered investment advisers may only utilize SEC-qualified custodians for their clients’ crypto assets. The crypto industry strongly opposed these proposals, which were made under former Chair Gary Gensler. They said that the changes would unfairly classify DeFi systems as traditional securities exchanges and make it hard for most digital asset service providers to meet custody requirements. The SEC’s leadership, currently led by Acting Chair Mark Uyeda, officially withdrew both plans on June 12. This is a big change in the way the SEC regulates things. Paul Grewal Reacts: “A Win For Innovation” Paul Grewal showed great support and relief on social media after the SEC’s ruling. He said that pulling these ideas was a much-needed course correction that shows the U.S. government‘s desire to foster innovation instead of stifling it. Grewal noted that the crypto business has been working under the fear of vague and unduly strict rules. This change gives innovators and developers in the blockchain area the space they need to breathe. He also stressed that even if more clarity is needed in the rules, taking these suggestions back is a good step towards getting the sector involved in crafting policies that are relevant and based on good information. Why The Custody Rule Reversal is Important The now-defunct Custody Rule would have covered all crypto assets owned by registered financial advisers. It would have required that these assets be kept with an SEC-approved custodian, something very few crypto platforms could do under the original rules. This plan might have seriously messed with typical custody agreements in the industry and even driven crypto services away from U.S. markets. Now that it has withdrawn, advisers and crypto custodians can keep doing things the way they are without worrying about compliance adjustments that could cause problems. DeFi Protocols Avoid Exchange Classification Rule 3b-16 would have also changed the definition of many DeFi platforms to “exchanges,” which would have put them under an SEC registration system meant for traditional finance companies. That would have had a big effect on developers, DAO operators, and DeFi consumers. The SEC has said that DeFi needs its own set of rules because it is decentralized, not because it fits into existing legal molds. What This Means For U.S. Crypto Regulation This change also shows that the SEC’s tone is changing in general. The agency seems more willing to work together to talk about crypto-specific rules under Acting Chair Uyeda than it did before, when it was exclusively focused on enforcement.  People in charge of the industry see this as a chance to make the rules clearer and fairer, protecting investors while letting new ideas grow. Coinbase and other companies are still pushing for long-term legal certainty, but Grewal’s comments show that there is growing hope that U.S. crypto policy is moving into a more balanced and forward-thinking phase.

Aleksei Andriunin, the Russian-born founder of crypto hedge fund and market maker Gotbit, will not serve additional time in a U.S. prison after pleading guilty to charges tied to a scheme that manipulated trading activity in digital tokens. Andriunin was sentenced on Thursday to eight months in prison — time he’s already served following his arrest in Portugal last October. He was extradited to the United States in February. U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley handed down the ruling in Boston federal court. Federal prosecutors asked for a 15-month sentence, arguing that Andriunin’s company systematically faked trading volume for clients to inflate the visibility of their tokens. His firm, Gotbit, was a prominent player in the crypto industry, offering services to help projects appear more active and liquid than they actually were. As part of a separate plea agreement, Gotbit will forfeit $23 million in cryptocurrency. Andriunin now faces deportation. “We’re incredibly gratified by the sentence, and he’s looking forward to getting home to his wife and family,” said his attorney, Roger Burlingame of Dechert. The case was part of “Operation Token Mirrors,” a wider federal investigation that saw the FBI create its own digital token to expose fraudulent behavior in the crypto markets. Andriunin and Gotbit were among 15 individuals and three firms charged in the operation last year. Prosecutors said Gotbit engaged in wash trading — a form of self-dealing that gives the false appearance of active markets — from 2018 to 2024. The tactic was used to manipulate token prices and help clients get listed on larger exchanges. In a 2019 interview, Andriunin admitted to developing code that automated this kind of trading activity, openly discussing how it helped boost token visibility. Before the crackdown, Gotbit reportedly generated tens of millions of dollars in annual revenue and employed more than 200 people. Andriunin, a 26-year-old Russian national, allegedly funneled part of the proceeds into his personal Binance account. The Justice Department’s superseding indictment also names Gotbit directors Fedor Kedrov and Qawi Jalili. They were previously charged in October as part of a wider investigation. This probe implicated multiple crypto firms, resulting in four arrests, guilty pleas from five individuals, and the seizure of $25 million worth of crypto assets. The trio allegedly fell for an FBI sting operation involving a “trap token” called NexFundAI (NEXF), which was designed to catch fraudsters engaged in market manipulation.

Trident Digital Tech Holdings, a Web3 infrastructure company based in Singapore, has said that it wants to construct a large corporate treasury backed by XRP, and the goal is to raise up to $500 million. This move puts Trident in a small but growing group of corporations looking into blockchain-native assets as key parts of their long-term financial plans, even though market volatility is making investors less sure of themselves. XRP: A Strategic Asset, Not Just Speculation “This initiative reflects our belief in the transformative potential of blockchain technology for capital allocation and cross-border value transfer”, Soon Huat Lim, founder and CEO of Trident, said in a statement. “Through this initiative, Trident aims to demonstrate how public companies can thoughtfully and responsibly participate in the ongoing development of decentralised finance.” The treasury effort is likely to start in the second half of 2025, but this will rely on getting the green light from regulators and the state of the market at the time. Funding Structure and Treasury Objectives To help make this ambition a reality, Trident plans to raise funds through a mix of equity offerings, private placements, and structured financial instruments like bonds or convertible securities. Once the funds are secure, they will be used to purchase XRP tokens, which will be kept as part of a long-term strategic reserve. Trident also plans to use staking techniques to earn money on its assets and make connections throughout the XRP and decentralised financial ecosystem. The company has hired Chaince Securities LLC as a strategic advisor to help set up and run the treasury. This shows that the company is serious about following the rules and getting professional help. Market Response: Stocks Take a Hit The market’s first reaction was bad, even though the announcement was brave. After the news, Trident’s stock price decreased from about $0.45 to about $0.20, which is about 37.5%.  The company’s stock is already down more than 90% this year, which shows people are worried about its finances and the risks of moving to a crypto-based treasury model. Investors seem to be worried about the possible dilution that comes with equity offerings and the uncertain rewards that come with an asset class like XRP that is quite volatile. The drop in the stock price shows how doubtful many are that blockchain diversification can make up for Trident’s recent losses. Trident Joins Emerging XRP Treasury Movement Trident’s decision puts them in the same group as other companies looking at the XRP treasury. Reports say the Chinese AI company Webus wants to set aside $300 million in XRP.  At the same time, VivoPower and Wellgistics Health are working on their own XRP-backed treasuries, which will be valued at $100 million and $50 million, respectively. These changes make it seem like XRP is progressively becoming a good choice for institutional treasuries, along with Bitcoin and Ethereum. This is especially true for companies that want to work with the Ripple ecosystem. High Risk, High Reward  There are risks, even though the possible return and strategic relationships make a strong case. These include governmental monitoring, market instability, and the difficulty of raising money when investors aren’t really interested.  Trident’s capacity to deal with these problems will decide if this risky bet pays off or worsens the problems. As the project goes on, everyone will be watching Trident to see if it can carry out this goal and change how corporate treasuries work in the digital age.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has made a significant and surprising decision to publicly drop some crypto-related rule recommendations that were made when Gary Gensler was Chair. The news has sparked a range of heated reactions in the cryptocurrency world. Many people see it as a step towards a regulatory climate that is more open to new ideas and creativity. SEC Reverses Course on DeFi, Custody, and Exchange Proposals The SEC’s withdrawal includes several well-known measures that have raised concerns in the digital asset market. One of the rules that was thrown out was Exchange Act Rule 3b-16, which tried to modify the meaning of the word “exchange” to encompass a wide range of decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, such as front-end interfaces, automated market makers, and even certain blockchain-based chat groups. Another proposal that was pulled back focused on crypto custody. It originally said that investment advisers had to employ “qualified custodians,” who are regular banks or other financial organizations. Critics stated that this restriction would have kept many crypto-native companies from offering custody services, which could have limited investor choice and innovation. Also taken out were ideas like cybersecurity disclosures and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) risk management. These would have made it harder for investment firms and tech-driven platforms in the crypto area to follow the rules. These changes to the rules show that more people realize that the current regulatory framework, when applied to decentralized technology without discrimination, might hinder innovation and push crypto development to other countries. A Shift Under New SEC Leadership The withdrawal aligns with the SEC’s changing position under its new leadership. The Commission seems to be taking a more balanced approach since Gary Gensler left. This approach takes into account the distinctive structure and function of crypto technology. This includes a fresh focus on working together with people in the sector and the need to encourage growth within a framework that is both controlled and flexible. Instead of making broad guidelines that some said were not consistent with DeFi or blockchain innovation, the SEC is now showing that it is open to changing how it regulates. Regulation Still in Play Many people are happy that these measures are being rolled back, but this doesn’t mean that regulatory scrutiny is over. The SEC is still taking action against people who break the law, and people who work in the market are still expected to follow the rules. However, some are seeing this step as a promise to make more rules in the future that include input from the public, clearer rules, and techniques that are better suited to the nature of digital assets and decentralized networks.

Altitude, a decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol built on Ethereum, has released its public-facing lending platform following months of private beta testing. The platform is designed to make the most of collateral.  The platform gives customers automatic borrowing techniques that change based on market situations. This makes lending safer and more efficient with cash. From Beta to Mainnet: A Tested Product During its eight-month private beta, Altitude brought in more than $5 million in Total Value Locked (TVL). This phase helped the team refine the way its automated rebalancing engine operates and gave early adopters greater confidence in it. The full rollout now lets any DeFi user use advanced borrowing features that were only available to institutional or very technical traders before. The protocol is for people who wish to get the most out of their digital assets, such as BTC and ETH, by using them as collateral to borrow stablecoins. This way, they may avoid the frequent problems of liquidation and wasting capital. How Altitude Optimizes Collateral Use In most classic DeFi lending protocols, users have to put up more collateral than they need and keep track of their positions by hand to avoid liquidation when the market changes. Altitude modifies this by making those risk controls automatic. The system keeps an eye on loan-to-value (LTV) ratios and adjusts holdings in real-time. If the value of the collateral goes up, Altitude draws more stablecoins and puts any extra assets into schemes that make money. When the markets go down, it pays off some of the debt ahead of time to lower its risk, which helps users avoid expensive liquidations. Users select their own risk levels, like the LTV bands they want, and Altitude takes care of them automatically. Streamlined Interface With Smart Automation The dashboard on the platform shows the health, collateral value, debt amount, and risk status of each position. Users don’t have to keep track of different loan platforms or spreadsheets anymore. Altitude’s smart vaults bring everything together and make it automatic. Altitude is very customizable, even though it focuses on automation. Users can choose vault strategies based on how much risk they are willing to take, what assets they want to hold, and how much yield they want to obtain. This mix of simplicity and control makes it easier for novice DeFi users to use while yet giving experienced traders significant tools. Funding and Future Outlook Investors are already interested in Altitude’s new way of doing things. Tioga Capital, GSR, and New Form Capital are some of the best Web3 VCs that gave the protocol $6.1 million. Altitude will use this money to make its optimization engine bigger, add new types of collateral, and go to Layer 2 ecosystems. The project wants to include governance tools, community-based vaults, and connections to major DeFi aggregators in the future. The goal of these changes is to make Altitude a key player in the future generation of decentralized borrowing platforms. With its introduction, Altitude is trying to change the game in DeFi lending by making it easier to manage collateral, lowering expenses, and giving crypto borrowers access to new levels of capital efficiency.