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SEC Charges Three Texans with Defrauding Investors In $91 Million Ponzi Scheme

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced charges against Kenneth W. Alexander II, Robert D. Welsh, and Caedrynn E. Conner, all residents of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, for operating a Ponzi scheme that defrauded more than 200 investors out of at least $91 million. According to the SEC’s complaint, the scheme ran between May 2021 and February 2024, with Alexander and Welsh orchestrating the fraud through a trust controlled by Alexander, known as the Vanguard Holdings Group Irrevocable Trust (VHG). “guaranteed monthly returns of between 3% and 6%” They falsely promised investors guaranteed monthly returns of between 3% and 6%, and assured them their principal investments would be returned after 14 months. The SEC alleges that Alexander and Welsh falsely presented VHG as a highly profitable international bond trading business with billions in assets, claiming that the returns were derived from international bond trading activities. In addition, Caedrynn E. Conner is accused of funneling over $46 million in investor funds into VHG through a related investment program he operated under the Benchmark Capital Holdings Irrevocable Trust (Benchmark), which he controlled. The SEC alleges that Alexander, Welsh, and Conner also offered a purported financial instrument called a “pay order” to investors, which they falsely claimed would protect their investments from loss. In reality, the SEC asserts that VHG had no legitimate source of revenue, the promised monthly returns were simply Ponzi payments, and the “pay orders” were illusory. Furthermore, the SEC claims that Alexander and Conner misappropriated millions of dollars for personal expenses, including Conner’s purchase of a $5 million home. “As we allege, the defendants conducted a large-scale Ponzi scheme that caused devastating losses to investor victims, while Alexander and Conner misappropriated millions of dollars of investor funds,” said Sam Waldon, Acting Director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement. “We remain unwavering in our commitment to hold individuals accountable for defrauding investors.” The SEC’s complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, charges the defendants with violations of the antifraud and registration provisions of federal securities laws. The SEC seeks permanent injunctive relief, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains with prejudgment interest, and civil penalties against each defendant.

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MoonPay Establishes US HQ in New York City

MoonPay, a global leader in crypto payments, has announced the opening of its new U.S. headquarters in New York City, further solidifying its commitment to expanding its operations within the country. The 5,000+ square-foot office, located in Manhattan’s vibrant SoHo neighborhood, will serve as the central hub for MoonPay’s growing U.S. workforce and marks the company’s largest office in the U.S. to date. This announcement follows a period of exceptional growth for MoonPay. In 2024, the company achieved its strongest financial performance in history, finishing the year cash-flow positive and profitable. The momentum continued into Q1 2025, which became the company’s strongest quarter ever, driven by surging crypto market activity. Transaction volume surged 123% quarter-over-quarter (QoQ), and net revenue grew 43% QoQ, surpassing the full-year results of 2023 and delivering higher cash profitability than all of 2024. U.S. is now MoonPay’s second-largest employee hub MoonPay currently employs nearly 70 team members in the U.S., representing about 20% of its global workforce. The U.S. is now MoonPay’s second-largest employee hub, only surpassed by the UK, where the company opened its largest global office in 2024. “New York City is the global epicenter for finance, technology, and innovation,” said Keith A. Grossman, President of Enterprise at MoonPay. “We could not be more thrilled to establish our U.S. headquarters in this great city as our country continues to establish more clarity surrounding regulatory, legislative, banking, and accounting activity within the crypto ecosystem.” MoonPay’s expansion comes at a pivotal moment for the U.S. crypto industry, with regulatory clarity continuing to evolve. The company is actively engaged in supporting the development of a regulatory framework that fosters innovation while ensuring consumer protection. Last month, MoonPay CEO Ivan Soto-Wright participated in the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) Crypto CEO Forum, where he joined industry leaders from Tether, Ripple, Coinbase, Circle, and Crypto.com. Additionally, Soto-Wright recently sent a letter to Congress advocating for amendments proposed by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) to the STABLE and GENIUS Acts, supporting the equal recognition of state-regulated stablecoin issuers and urging against legislation that could stifle competition and sideline state-level innovators. MoonPay’s new office joins the ranks of other major crypto firms with established presences in New York City, including Coinbase, Gemini, Consensys, and Chainalysis.

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Bitcoin and Ethereum Continue Bullish Bias

As of April 30, 2025, Bitcoin (BTC) is trading around $94,616, reflecting a marginal daily decline of 0.36%. The intraday high reached $95,444, while the low stood at $93,883. This range-bound movement comes after a week of steady gains, hinting at a period of consolidation beneath the psychologically significant $95,000 mark. Analysts interpret this consolidation as a healthy pause in an overall bullish trend. Market watchers are closely eyeing the $100,000 resistance level, which, if breached, could pave the way for a substantial upward surge. Technical analysis reveals that Bitcoin has recently broken through minor resistance points, suggesting sustained bullish momentum. Despite this, the market faces formidable resistance in the $98,000 to $100,000 range. A decisive break above this zone would likely trigger increased buying activity and potentially push BTC to new all-time highs. The current support level around $85,000 has proven resilient during previous pullbacks, providing a strong foundation for potential upward movements. Institutional interest in Bitcoin remains robust, as evidenced by recent investment flows. BlackRock has reportedly accumulated over $240 million in BTC, reinforcing the narrative that large asset managers are doubling down on digital assets. Additionally, Bitcoin ETFs continue to experience significant inflows, with $172.8 million recorded recently. These trends highlight growing confidence among institutional investors, even as broader market liquidity—particularly in stablecoins—remains relatively subdued. Market sentiment remains broadly optimistic. Standard Chartered forecasts Bitcoin could reach $120,000 in Q2 2025, citing a strategic global shift away from U.S. financial instruments. Other models project a more aggressive upside, with some analysts predicting a year-end target of up to $210,000 driven by increased adoption and favorable macroeconomic conditions. Ethereum (ETH) is trading around $1,795.22, posting a modest daily decline of 1.49%. The day’s high reached $1,837.35, while the low touched $1,784.10. This price movement comes as Ethereum attempts to build support above the $1,780 level following a technical breakout from a multi-month descending channel. Recent technical indicators, including the Relative Strength Index (RSI) crossing above the neutral 50 mark, suggest growing bullish momentum. Market watchers are targeting the psychological resistance at $2,000, a critical level that could open the door to a larger rally if breached. Institutional sentiment surrounding Ethereum is on the rise. ETH-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have recorded consistent inflows for three consecutive days, including $64.12 million on April 28 alone. This reflects growing confidence in Ethereum’s medium- to long-term potential. Adding to the bullish narrative, asset manager VanEck has confirmed that Ethereum staking will be incorporated into its upcoming ETF offerings. This would allow investors to earn staking rewards directly through regulated investment vehicles, increasing ETH’s appeal to passive and institutional investors alike. Ethereum is widely considered undervalued by market analysts, who point to current price levels as an attractive entry point for investors. A break above $1,968 could see ETH surge to targets near $2,100 and possibly $2,426 in the coming weeks. Conversely, failure to hold the $1,735 support level could see Ethereum fall back toward the $1,500 range. Overall sentiment remains optimistic as short sellers continue to unwind positions, a dynamic often associated with the beginning of price recoveries.

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Team behind popular Telegram wallet Grindery reveals wallet infra for AI agents

Singapore, Singapore, April 30th, 2025, Chainwire The Binance Labs-backed company is building Aventino, the permissionless payments layer for autonomous AI agents. Following the success of its Binance Labs-incubated (now Yzi Labs), self-custodial crypto wallet with 3.5 illion users, Grindery has turned its sights on building the permissionless payments layer for AI agents. The team behind the popular smart wallet is proud to reveal its latest product, Aventino, a developer-focused infrastructure layer that provides smart wallets for AI agents. With Aventino, Grindery is bringing financial autonomy to AI agents. I. Aventino provides the tools to build an ecosystem where AI agents can operate independently — owning wallets, making payments, interacting with blockchain protocols, and establishing their own tokenized communities across platforms like Telegram, WhatsApp, XMT and the open web. Aventino is a permissionless smart wallet infrastructure that uses Ethereum account abstraction protocol ERC4337. The platform lets developers: Build an AI agent on any LLM, use any framework, and distribute on any client and/or device. Enable these agents to pay and get paid, interact with protocols and issue their own tokens (allowing for tokenized agents). Build communities around their agents, enabling new forms of governance, and growth. “We believe the future of AI requires financial autonomy — not just intelligence of agents.” said Tim Delhaes, Grindery’s CEO and co-founder, adding: “Aventino empowers developers to build platform-agnostic agents that can transact, govern, and evolve on their own. Just like mobile apps created a layer between users and the internet, agentic AI will create a new layer between users and the AI models that power their digital lives. And it will be powered by crypto.” Backed by Binance Labs (now YZi Labs) Grindery’s journey began in 2022 in Binance Labs’ incubation program, building what was once dubbed the “Zapier for Web3.” After 3.5 million users registered on its Telegram smart wallet, Grindery saw the opportunity to leverage the infrastructure it has built for its consumer application to expand into a much bigger market: empowering AI agents as autonomous economic actors. Aventino’s core capabilities With the launch of Aventino, developers will be able to build fully autonomous, highly customized AI agents that are interoperable, decentralized, and monetizable — without being locked into closed ecosystems. The platform’s core features include: Self-custodial wallets for AI agents – Built on ERC-4337 account abstraction, enabling agents to interact natively with DeFi and web3 protocols. Creator-centric stack – Tech-agnostic and platform-agnostic tools to publish on Telegram, WhatsApp, web, and decentralized clients like XMTP. Agent tokenization & monetization – Optional token issuance for agents to support governance, liquidity, and community co-ownership. Turnkey monetization – Agents can accept payments via traditional fiat methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay, as well as in crypto. “AI agents should be free to evolve, interact, and earn,” added Delhaes. “With Aventino, we’re building the rails for that vision — and enabling a future where anyone can build AI agents with real-world utility and governance, powered by crypto.” GX is the currency of AI  Last month, Grindery launched its universal gas token, GX, which is now trading on major CEXs Kucoin, MEXC, and Gate.io, as well as DEXs Uniswap and STON.fi, and DeFi aggregator LI.FI. The launch of Aventino, however, significantly extends the utility of the GX token. Beyond cross-chain gas payments, as well as governance, GX will be used for agent-to-agent transactions, facilitating seamless payments across platforms. GX will also be required for deploying new agents — and tokenizing them — via bonding curves, providing access and incubation mechanisms for the next generation of AI builders. Partnership opportunities Grindery is actively seeking partnerships with: LLM platforms looking to expand their reach Messaging clients and protocols Wallet providers No- and low-code platforms Blockchain protocols with AI ambitions Interested collaborators can reach out to the contacts below to explore integration and co-building opportunities. What’s next  Grindery has already launched an idea forum to crowd-source ideas and requests for customized AI agents from the community. The project is also onboarding developers from AI, crypto, and domain-specific fields. The next 4–8 weeks will mark a pivotal phase as the team accelerates the development of Aventino as it transitions from private into public beta. To join the conversation, contribute ideas, or build on Aventino, users can visit Grindery.com or follow Grindery on X for updates. About Grindery Grindery is building the permissionless payment layer for autonomous AI agents. Powered by $GX and backed by Yzi Labs (formerly Binance Labs), we enable secure, interoperable transactions between web3-native AI agents across any chain or framework. By giving agents and humans financial autonomy through crypto-native wallets, Grindery is laying the foundation for a decentralized, agentic AI future. Contact: laura@conquista.co Contact Founder Tim Delhaes Grindery tim@grindery.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.

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Libre and TON Launch $500 Million Tokenized Telegram Bond Fund

Libre, a real-world asset (RWA) tokenization platform, has announced the launch of a $500 million Telegram Bond Fund (TBF), designed to tokenize a portion of Telegram’s corporate debt. The fund will operate on The Open Network (TON), the blockchain initially developed by Telegram and now independently maintained. The initiative aims to offer institutional and accredited investors exposure to Telegram’s outstanding bonds in a tokenized format. By bringing corporate debt on-chain, the TBF seeks to merge the fixed-income appeal of traditional financial instruments with the transparency, flexibility, and efficiency of blockchain infrastructure. Tokenizing corporate bonds opens new pathways for investor participation, enabling a broader range of capital to interact with traditionally exclusive assets. The move also aligns with a broader trend in decentralized finance to bring real-world assets onto public blockchains, improving liquidity and accessibility. Accessible via Fiat or Stablecoins with On-Chain Utility Libre’s Gateway infrastructure enables investors to subscribe to the fund using fiat currencies or stablecoins. The tokenized bonds will be held in TON-native wallets, allowing for streamlined processes around subscription, redemption, and transfer. The infrastructure is designed to facilitate ease of access while maintaining high standards of security and compliance. The fund’s structure also introduces new utility to Telegram’s debt instruments by allowing tokenized bonds to serve as collateral within decentralized finance (DeFi) applications in the TON ecosystem. This not only provides a yield-bearing product but also extends its functional use across blockchain-native financial services, such as lending protocols and collateralized stablecoin platforms. Moreover, integrating traditional bonds with smart contract functionality adds a programmable layer to fixed-income instruments, which could enable automated interest distributions, compliance checks, and secondary trading on decentralized exchanges. Institutional Participation and Proven Track Record Libre brings notable experience to the venture, having previously tokenized over $200 million in assets from top-tier institutions, including BlackRock, Brevan Howard, Hamilton Lane, and Laser Digital, the digital asset arm of Nomura. The firm’s ability to structure compliant tokenized offerings has made it a recognized player in the emerging RWA space. The Telegram Bond Fund represents a pivotal step in bridging traditional finance with blockchain innovation. It not only enhances Telegram’s financial strategy but also serves as a compelling proof-of-concept for institutional-grade tokenization. As more enterprises explore blockchain-based capital solutions, initiatives like the TBF may set the stage for broader adoption of tokenized debt products in global markets.

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Phillip Nova Taps Integral to Scale FX and NDFs Trading

Brokerage firm Phillip Nova is expanding its collaboration with tech provider Integral to boost its non-deliverable forward (NDF) and foreign exchange (FX) swap trading operations. The move comes as interest in NDFs continues to climb, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. NDFs are forward contracts that allow traders to engage with currencies that are otherwise difficult to access due to liquidity restrictions. According to industry data, cleared NDF trading volumes surpassed $65 billion daily as of late 2024, with open interest breaking the $2 trillion mark for the first time. Phillip Nova will use Integral’s platform to support these growing volumes, leveraging a fixed-fee pricing model to help manage operational costs more predictably—especially useful in volatile markets. The two firms have worked together since 2021, when Phillip Nova first adopted Integral’s platform to support FX spot and CFD trading. Teyu Che Chern, CEO of Phillip Nova, said: “We’ve worked closely with Integral over the years and have seen how their technology helps us respond quickly to market demands. With more clients trading NDFs and FX swaps, it’s important that we continue building on infrastructure that’s both scalable and cost-efficient. Expanding our partnership with Integral lets us handle growing volumes without compromising on performance – and that’s key as we continue to grow our presence in the region.” Harpal Sandhu, CEO of Integral, added: “Phillip Nova’s move to expand our partnership is a testament to the confidence our platform instills in brokerages across the world. We have witnessed first-hand how our platform’s fixed-fee pricing can enable brokerages to scale and tap into new audiences, and we are excited to support Phillip Nova as it continues to grow, innovate, and expand its footprint.” Phillip Nova offers a wide range of trading services across FX, futures, commodities, CFDs, and equities, catering to both retail and institutional clients across the Asia-Pacific. Integral’s fixed subscription pricing model offers cost advantages by preventing rising expenses as trade volumes increase. This approach allows Phillip Nova to scale efficiently while concentrating resources on customer growth and service enhancements.

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N7 Capital Eyes Stake in Currency.com to Support Growth Push

Fintech investment group N7 Capital has signed a letter of intent to explore taking a stake in Currency.com, a digital finance platform known for crypto trading and payment solutions. The talks are taking place with one of the investors behind CXNEST LTD, the company that owns Currency.com. Currency.com is available in over 180 countries but restricts access from the United States, Russia, Turkey, the Philippines, and several other regions. In April 2025, the platform reported a monthly trading volume of $10.4 million, ranking it 127th among centralized cryptocurrency exchanges. While financial terms haven’t been disclosed, the move reflects growing investor interest in platforms operating at the intersection of traditional finance and digital assets. N7 Capital, led by founder Anton Chashchin, backs Currency.com as it seeks to expand and adapt to a more regulated and institutional market. Currency.com has recently been undergoing a period of change, including leadership changes and an increased focus on regulatory compliance across multiple markets. The platform, which currently offers trading and digital asset services, plans to broaden both its product offerings and its geographic footprint. If the deal moves forward, Chashchin is expected to join CXNEST LTD’s board in a non-executive capacity. According to Currency.com CEO Konstantin Anissimov, the N7 Capital founder would bring strategic insight and fintech industry connections that could help guide the company’s next phase of growth. “This is about more than capital,” said Chashchin in a statement. “It’s about helping a strong digital finance business accelerate through a period of long-term value creation.” The deal comes at a time when fintech investors are increasingly looking for ways to support digital-native platforms turning into full-service financial institutions. While still relatively young, Currency.com has ambitions to move beyond its roots as a crypto trading site and become a broader player in financial services. Sources familiar with the situation say that Currency.com is in the early stages of exploring international expansion and new strategic partnerships. Founded in 2018, Currency.com is a regulated cryptocurrency exchange offering tokenized assets alongside traditional crypto trading. Headquartered in Gibraltar with additional offices in Minsk, New York, and Singapore, the platform operates under the ownership of VP Capital, an investment group founded by entrepreneur Viktor Prokopenya. Currency.com lets users trade over 2,000 tokenized assets — including stocks like Apple and Tesla and commodities such as gold and oil — directly with cryptocurrencies. Alongside these, the platform supports more than 500 financial instruments, including over 225 cryptocurrencies.

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Bunq Launches In-App Crypto Trading Powered by Kraken

Dutch digital bank Bunq has introduced a crypto trading feature for users in six countries, allowing direct access to digital assets through its mobile app. The rollout is powered by crypto exchange Kraken and went live on Tuesday in the Netherlands, France, Spain, Ireland, Italy, and Belgium. Branded as “bunq Crypto,” the feature is fully compliant with the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations and operates under a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license. The bank plans to expand the service across the European Economic Area, and also filed for licenses to enter the U.K. and U.S. markets. The company said the move was in response to demand from users seeking a “simple and secure way” to invest in crypto alongside traditional banking tools. Bunq cited internal research showing 65% of European consumers prefer a single platform for managing money, savings, and crypto investments. Through Kraken’s backend infrastructure, Bunq users can trade over 300 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, directly within the banking app. Accounts can be set up in seconds, according to the firm. “Our users have been asking for a way to invest in crypto that’s easy and secure,” said Bunq founder and CEO Ali Niknam. “Now they can do it all within one platform.” The launch is part of a broader product update, which also includes 1% cashback for business users on both personal and professional purchases. Founded in 2012, Bunq has grown to over 17 million users and holds more than €8 billion ($9.1 billion) in deposits. In early April, the neobank reported an 85.3-million-euro ($97.2 million) profit for the latest fiscal year — a 65% increase year-over-year. The rise was fueled by a 55% gain in net interest income and a 35% increase in net fees, driven by both higher deposit yields and broader platform usage. Bunq, which holds a banking license in the European Union and applied for an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license in the U.K., previously exited the British market due to post-Brexit regulatory complications. It also filed for a U.S. broker-dealer license as it prepares to enter the American financial services space. Meanwhile, Kraken is also expanding its offerings, having recently started a phased rollout of U.S. stock and ETF trading for American users, with plans to extend the service to European and UK customers.

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Common Launches First Privacy Web App with Subsecond Proving Times for Arbitrum and Aleph Zero EVM

Zug, Switzerland, April 29th, 2025, Chainwire With a simple, easy-to-use interface, users will be able to shield their transaction history and trade privately across multiple blockchains in a fraction of a second. Common, a new privacy-first DeFi platform built on Aleph Zero’s infrastructure, today announced the launch of its Web App, in collaboration with the partner responsible for the operation of Common Labs Inc. The mobile version, due at the end of May, will be the world’s first privacy-preserving mobile app in the crypto space that combines speed with ease of use. For this reason, Common represents a watershed moment for crypto mass adoption. The platform initially supports Arbitrum and Aleph Zero’s EVM, with plans to expand to additional chains, including Base and Ethereum, in the coming months. Common serves as the intuitive interface for Aleph Zero’s Shielder Network, a system of smart contracts, relayers, and zero-knowledge cryptography that enables private transactions across multiple chains. This infrastructure makes it possible for users to protect their onchain activity without relying on centralized exchanges. At the core of the experience is “Shielding”, the process of depositing tokens into a shielded pool to break the link between public wallet activity and future transactions. Users can later unshield by withdrawing to a fresh public address, maintaining privacy throughout. With subsecond proving times performed directly on the device, Common delivers seamless privacy without the usual waiting periods or technical barriers. Unlike other privacy solutions, Common does not commingle funds, preserving full provenance for compliance or auditing if needed. “Privacy shouldn’t be a luxury in crypto. It should be the default,” said Adam Gagol, Co-Founder of Aleph Zero and Co-Creator of Common Labs Inc. “We’ve spent years building the technical foundation to make that possible, and with Common, we’re finally delivering it in a way that anyone can use, without plugins, without compromises, and without needing to trust a third party. Privacy becomes something you tap, not something you configure. This launch is just the beginning of building a truly private, multichain financial layer for web3.” Privacy across chains at the touch of a button The Common Web App works with many popular wallets, such as MetaMask, Ledger (via Metamask), or Rabby, requiring no migration and allowing users to begin transacting immediately. The Mobile App will offer the same privacy benefits in a mobile-native experience, including fiat on-ramp support via Banxa and seamless dApp connectivity. As a non-custodial and completely decentralized platform, Common adheres to core DeFi principles. The entire platform is built on open-source, audited smart contracts, allowing users to verify rather than trust the system. Simple, cross-chain privacy This launch marks the first step in a larger rollout of Common’s ecosystem. Future features will allow users to: Shielded Yield: Earn yield on shielded assets through integrated strategies, without exposing wallet activity. Smart Yield: Automated strategies designed to allow users to set their strategy once and let the system optimize their returns, hands-free. Staking Rewards: Aligning platform growth and user commitment by distributing a share of privacy fees and yield success fees to stakers. Multichain Privacy: Extending privacy support to key EVM chains (e.g., Sonic, Berachain, Monad) and emerging Layer-2 networks. Seamless Private Bridging: Enabling private asset transfers between supported blockchains, simplifying multi-chain management. Enhanced Fiat Access & Payments: Streamlining access to/from TradFi via off-ramps, IBAN support, and crypto payment cards for everyday use. For more information about Common and to apply for early access, users can visit https://common.fi/ About Common Common is a privacy-first DeFi platform that makes financial privacy simple, accessible, and multichain. Built on Aleph Zero’s Shielder Network, Common offers both web and mobile applications that allow users to shield their assets, earn private yield, and transact securely across multiple blockchains. With intuitive UX, fiat on-ramps, and non-custodial architecture, Common combines the ease of fintech with the values of decentralized finance, empowering users to take control of their on-chain privacy. Contact Ana Lezama pr@alephzero.org 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.

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LSEG Extends AWS Partnership to Strengthen Cloud Capabilities

LSEG has announced it has extended its multi-year collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), selecting AWS as the preferred cloud provider for its Markets, Risk Intelligence, and FTSE Russell divisions. The new agreement builds on the companies’ existing relationship, reinforcing LSEG’s cloud strategy across key business areas. By migrating more internal systems to AWS, LSEG plans to improve resilience, security, and its ability to deliver new services and products. The company’s Risk Intelligence division will use Amazon Bedrock to enable faster and more accurate risk analysis, supporting customers in adapting quickly to market conditions and improving their resiliency. Broader access to historical and quantitative FTSE Russell indices LSEG Markets will continue using AWS Outposts to provide resilient and scalable services. Additionally, AWS will help LSEG offer customers broader access to historical and quantitative FTSE Russell indices, helping them uncover deeper market trends and patterns while reducing time-to-insight and operational costs. Daniel Maguire, Group Head of Markets at LSEG, commented, “Our ongoing collaboration with AWS is an important part of the Group’s cloud strategy. LSEG’s role as a leading global market infrastructure and data provider means that operational resilience is the foundation of everything we do – and cloud services are the cornerstone of our approach. We look forward to working with AWS to deliver innovative products and an enhanced experience for our customers to support their trading and risk management activity.” Tanuja Randery, Managing Director, AWS EMEA, commented, “AWS has deep expertise in meeting the unique needs of financial markets participants around the world, and we are excited about the opportunity to scale our work with LSEG. We look forward to helping LSEG drive innovation for their financial services customers and improve resilience.” The agreement supports LSEG’s focus on operational strength while advancing its technological capabilities to meet evolving market demands. LSEG Tapped Docusign for Real-Time Bank Account Verification Real-time bank account verification from LSEG Risk Intelligence is now available directly within Docusign’s eSignature product. The offering, accessible through Docusign’s Third-Party App Marketplace, will provide significant benefits to US customers of Docusign and LSEG Risk Intelligence. US-based customers using Docusign products will now be able to verify US bank account details as they are entered, safeguarding against fraudulent transactions before completing contracts or agreements. This first-of-its-kind integration will also generate real-time alerts for any data entry discrepancies, reducing the risk of errors. The integrated solutions will confirm that an account is open, active, and in good standing before originating payments, as well as verify the authorised signatory status of individuals. In addition to increased security, the offering also eliminates the need for manual verification, significantly reducing the time and effort required to validate account details.

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INFINOX Sponsors Team Zurich at Polo in the Park London

Global trading solutions provider INFINOX has announced its partnership with Sportgate International Ltd as the Official Trading Partner and Team Zurich Sponsor of the Chestertons Polo in the Park event in London. The collaboration places INFINOX at the center of one of the city’s distinguished sporting occasions, connecting the brand with a setting known for tradition and prestige. INFINOX branding will appear on Team Zurich shirts, pitch-side boards, and key event locations. This presence supports the company’s strategy of associating with respected, high-profile experiences. “A reflection of the elevated spaces INFINOX chooses to be part of” Lee Holmes, CEO of INFINOX, commented, “We are thrilled to partner with Polo in the Park – an event, like INFINOX, embodies prestige and excellence. This partnership is a natural alignment of two world-class brands. It is not only a celebration of shared values but also a reflection of the elevated spaces INFINOX chooses to be part of.” Rory Heron, Sportgate International Ltd., commented, “Welcoming INFINOX as official partner for Chestertons Polo in the Park excites us. Their creative trading strategy and robust worldwide presence make them the ideal partner for an event of this magnitude. We hope for a successful cooperation and to provide our audience an amazing experience.” The partnership supports INFINOX’s approach of maintaining its image through associations that reflect the company’s commitment to providing quality services. Founded in 2009, INFINOX is a global, multi-regulated online brokerage that allows clients to trade a broad range of CFDs across multiple asset classes. It maintains strong relationships with partners and focuses on service built on the values of Integrity, Ambition, Excellence, and Inspiration. INFINOX Appointed Lee Holmes as CEO The move was announced the same week Lee Holmes was appointed chief executive of the UK FCA-regulated brokerage firm. Holmes joined INFINOX’s executive leadership team in 2024 and now steps into the CEO role as the company prepares for a new phase of strategic direction. INFINOX stated that this leadership evolution would help sharpen the business’s focus and position it for growth. Holmes’s appointment is part of a broader strengthening of the company’s executive structure. INFINOX confirmed that Tatiana Kononovich will play an increasingly central role in shaping the company’s operations and strategic direction. Additional leadership appointments are expected to be announced in the coming months. Over the past year, INFINOX Capital has expanded its services and upgraded its technology stack to better serve retail and institutional clients across global markets. In 2024, the company introduced new risk management tools for forex and CFD traders and enhanced its client onboarding experience with new compliance technology. The firm also entered new partnerships to expand its liquidity offerings and deepen its multi-asset coverage. INFINOX continued to strengthen its presence in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa through new office openings and regulatory licenses. Its technology platform also underwent several upgrades, introducing faster trade execution speeds and improved mobile trading capabilities for users.

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SquaredFinancial Increases Leverage Offering to 1:2000

SquaredFinancial has announced an update to its trading conditions, raising the maximum leverage available on major Forex pairs, gold, and silver to up to 1:2000. The global provider of fintech and trading solutions introduced the change to expand trading options for its clients across different market environments. Larger Positions With Less Capital Means More Risk The adjustment allows traders to open larger positions with less capital, offering additional flexibility to manage opportunities in volatile markets. SquaredFinancial continues to develop its offering to meet the evolving needs of modern traders, while maintaining its focus on ensuring that clients remain informed about the risks associated with trading leveraged products. The increase applies to major currencies and precious metals, giving traders broader capacity to navigate market movements and adjust their strategies according to current conditions. SquaredFinancial’s latest update follows a consistent approach of adapting its services to support clients in pursuing their trading objectives. Founded in 2005, SquaredFinancial is a well-capitalized fintech company providing global trading solutions. The firm delivers a sophisticated, intuitive platform for a diverse client base and offers access to a wide range of instruments across different asset classes. Led by market experts with a commitment to reshaping the trading experience, SquaredFinancial also provides services through its proprietary mobile trading app and a fixed-time deposit account designed for investors seeking enhanced management of their funds. As a regulated institution, SquaredFinancial focuses on delivering robust technology and professional service to meet the financial goals of traders worldwide. Its leadership team brings together decades of experience in finance and technology, supporting the firm’s vision of building a comprehensive investment gateway. Last year, SquaredFinancial announced the launch of Social Trading on the MetaTrader 4 platform (MT4) as the brokerage industry continually embraces this new trading front. With Social Trading by SquaredFinancial, MT4 users can mirror top-performing trading strategies with full control of their positions. In fact, it is a cross-server solution that allows MT4 traders to copy the strategies of professionals on MT5. This means that it is also possible for MT5 traders to follow strategies on MT4. With a minimum balance of 50 USD, users can choose one or multiple strategies to follow, while having full control of their positions, deciding on the amount they want to use, the ratio, and when to suspend their copied strategy. SquaredFinancial offers up to $1,200 CPA to IBs With an eye on broadening its reach into emerging markets and territories, SquaredFinancial has revamped its partnership incentives, strengthening the loyalty of its collaborators. This initiative is bolstered by the introduction of a revamped, multilingual partner-focused website. The updated partnership initiative presents attractive financial incentives, including up to 80% of spreads and as much as $1,200 per Cost Per Acquisition (CPA), without any caps on rebates or CPA. It ensures swift and straightforward processes for CPA and instant rebate disbursements. Partners also gain access to exclusive tools and resources aimed at enhancing their portfolio performance. Moreover, Introducing Brokers have the chance to engage in regional competitions to accelerate their growth, while affiliates can leverage event sponsorships for greater visibility and improved conversion rates. This program is heavily focused on providing localized solutions and support, equipping partners to effectively meet the needs of a diverse clientele through customized marketing materials, local assistance, and participation in regional activities and events. SquaredFinancial Hired Renato Campos as Market Analyst, LATAM SquaredFinancial recently appointed Renato Campos as Market Analyst to further broaden its expertise and commitment to offering quality education to its retail traders. The move was also a key milestone in the FX/CFD broker’s plans to expand and root its presence in Latin America. Renato Campos joined SquaredFinancial after six years at Greyhound Trading (GHT). Previously, he had a brief stint at Hantec Markets, and nearly three years at Admirals (previously known as Admiral Markets). His market analyst career also includes roles at Código Forex,  XTB, and xDirect. Bringing over 11 years of experience in the equities, currencies, and commodities markets, Renato Campos specializes in financial derivatives, with extensive knowledge in market analysis. His fact-based information on market movements has earned him a solid reputation for translating complex market dynamics into effective strategies. Campos is regularly hosted on major financial media outlets such as CNN Chile, Diario Financiero, and Bloomberg, to share his views and opinions on global financial advancements. As market analyst for Squared Financial, Renato Campos delivers daily market analyses, webinars, and podcasts in the local language, enabling them to stay up to date on market movements and events and empowering them with the right facts to trade the markets with confidence.

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ION Enhances XTP Risk JANUS with AI for Improved Pre-Trade Risk Management

ION has announced an upgrade to its XTP Risk JANUS solution, integrating AI technology to improve pre-trade risk management capabilities. The enhancement optimizes the accuracy of CME’s SPAN2 Approximation, enabling traders to achieve faster and more precise margin estimates for better decision-making and risk control. “Using AI to apply a correction factor to SPAN2 Approximation” The AI-enhanced model, developed by LIST, an ION company, integrates with XTP Risk JANUS and its Margin Engine, solutions widely used for pre-trade order validation in cleared derivatives trading. To calculate margin requirements for CME products, the system incorporates the CME SPAN 2 deployable library and offers the option to use CME’s SPAN2 Approximation when faster calculations are necessary. SPAN2 is a margin calculation model designed by CME Group to assess risk for futures and options portfolios by estimating the worst-case potential loss over a short period, typically one trading day. While SPAN2 uses a historical value-at-risk model with many risk scenarios, its complexity can slow down real-time applications, leading to the creation of the SPAN2 Approximation for faster calculations. However, margin estimates from the approximation often differ from the original model. ION addressed this gap by applying AI to correct and refine the SPAN2 Approximation results, bringing them closer to the original SPAN2 calculations while preserving the necessary speed for pre-trade validation. Riccardo Bernini, Head of the Financial Engineering Team at LIST, commented, “We explored the possibility of using AI to apply a correction factor to SPAN2 Approximation to bring it closer to the original SPAN2 calculations. The outcome is surprisingly good and gives our clients faster, more precise margin estimates. It ensures that they can effectively manage risk and make informed trading decisions with the speed required for pre-trade validation.” The update to XTP Risk JANUS strengthens ION’s offering for financial institutions seeking to manage risk efficiently without sacrificing operational speed. ION provides trading and workflow automation software, high-value analytics, insights, and strategic consulting to financial institutions, central banks, governments, and corporate organizations worldwide. Its solutions are designed to simplify complex processes and help clients improve efficiency and decision-making through continuous innovation. ION Markets delivers technology and solutions across asset management, cleared derivatives, equities, fixed income, foreign exchange, and secured funding, supporting clients’ full trade lifecycles with real-time data and risk management tools. LIST, as part of ION, focuses on providing financial technology to the global trading community, offering turnkey products that support trading venues, market makers, brokers, asset managers, and compliance teams. LIST’s solutions are driven by customer needs and built on real-time analytics capabilities.

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Euronext Launches European Common Prospectus to Revitalize IPO Activity

Euronext has announced the launch of the European Common Prospectus, a standardized template designed to simplify equity listings and promote greater integration of European capital markets. The prospectus is immediately available for use across all Euronext listing venues. The European Common Prospectus introduces a streamlined format that reduces the previous 21 required sections to 11, aiming to facilitate the listing process for issuers. Although it must undergo the usual regulatory approval process, it complies fully with existing EU regulations and is prepared to adapt to the upcoming Listing Act, expected to be implemented in June 2026. Euronext began developing the new prospectus in November 2024, responding to the urgent need to revitalize IPO activity in Europe. The company stated that the current regulatory environment complicates access to public markets, and simplifying these processes could help restore competitiveness on a global scale. “Action is required at the level of European policy-makers and regulators” Stéphane Boujnah, CEO and Chairman of the Managing Board of Euronext, commented, “Europe cannot afford to wait. Action is required at the level of European policy-makers and regulators. But bottom-up initiatives driven by industry can deliver fast European integration milestones. This European Common Prospectus is not only about regulatory alignment; it is also about competitiveness. As global markets evolve rapidly, Europe must ensure its companies have efficient tools to access capital. By acting now, Euronext is offering a practical path forward to simplify access to capital, enhance investor confidence, and boost IPO activity across the continent. The European Common Prospectus mirrors global best practices, and positions European markets as more accessible and attractive to both issuers and international investors.” Issuers using the new template will benefit from an English-language document intended to increase cross-border access to investors. Investors will gain from greater comparability across Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Lisbon, Milan, Oslo, and Paris, enabling them to evaluate offerings through a shared structure. Charles-Henry Gaultier, Managing Director at Lazard, commented, “This new European Common Prospectus template simplifies access to public markets for companies with European ambitions, facilitating cross-border investor participation. Following the Listing Act, it is a practical step to boost IPO activity in Europe, underscoring the vital role of capital markets in driving economic growth and innovation.” Camilla Iversen, Partner at Advokatfirmaet BAHR, commented, “We welcome this initiative as a valuable addition towards a deeper integration between Norwegian and other European capital markets. This new template structure for IPO prospectuses is a good supplement to support equity issuers in Norway. It offers a helpful reference point to enhance consistency and accessibility across the EEA.” Sigrid Ververken, Counsel, Advocaat at Freshfields, commented, “By trying to simplify the listing process while ensuring compliance with EU regulations, the European Common Prospectus aims to play a crucial role in boosting IPO activity and maintaining Europe’s competitive edge in the global market. We are therefore proud to contribute to the development of this initiative.” The European Common Prospectus remains optional. Issuers may continue to use other formats, such as the EU Growth Prospectus and the Follow-on Prospectus, where appropriate. Euronext has strongly encouraged adoption of the new format to maximize the benefits of consistency and efficiency. Over the past year, Euronext has continued efforts to simplify market access by harmonizing rulebooks and operating a unified liquidity pool through its Optiq® trading platform. These steps form part of Euronext’s broader mission to serve as the backbone of Europe’s Savings and Investments Union. Euronext stated that it will continue engaging with issuers, regulators, and investors to ensure that European capital markets remain accessible, competitive, and supportive of long-term economic growth.

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Marco Santori Joins Pantera Capital as General Partner

Marco Santori, the former Chief Legal Officer of leading cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, has officially joined Pantera Capital as a General Partner. This strategic move marks a significant transition for Santori, shifting from a career deeply rooted in crypto regulation and legal advisory into the world of venture investing. Santori is widely recognized for his substantial contributions to the regulatory landscape of digital assets, most notably the development of the SAFT (Simple Agreement for Future Tokens) framework — a pivotal model for compliant token sales. His work has helped numerous blockchain projects navigate the complex intersection of technology and regulation, providing a pathway for startups to raise capital while maintaining compliance with securities laws. In his new role at Pantera, Santori intends to leverage his extensive regulatory expertise to identify and support projects that not only demonstrate technical innovation but also possess strong foundations for compliance. By focusing on ventures that align with evolving legal frameworks, Santori aims to position Pantera Capital at the forefront of sustainable, regulation-forward investment strategies. Santori Emphasizes Compliance-Driven Innovation In a statement shared on LinkedIn, Santori expressed his enthusiasm, writing: “Time to put my money where my mouth is. Correction: Time to put your money where my mouth is, because today I am joining Pantera Capital as a General Partner.” He emphasized his ambition to invest in companies that push regulatory boundaries responsibly, fostering a culture of innovation that thrives within legal parameters rather than operating in defiance of them. Santori’s move signals a broader industry recognition that the next wave of successful blockchain companies will likely be those that can innovate while maintaining compliance. His expertise will not only guide Pantera’s investment decisions but also serve as a vital resource for portfolio companies navigating global regulatory challenges. Pantera Positions for a New Era of Regulatory Engagement Pantera Capital, one of the earliest and largest blockchain-focused investment firms, views Santori’s appointment as a crucial enhancement to its capabilities in navigating the increasingly complex regulatory environment. Founded in 2003, Pantera has consistently remained at the cutting edge of blockchain and crypto investing, managing billions of dollars across venture, hedge, and liquid token funds. By bringing Santori onboard, Pantera is reinforcing its commitment to regulatory excellence and strategic foresight. As governments and regulatory bodies around the world tighten their scrutiny of the crypto sector, having seasoned legal professionals integrated into investment strategy has become not just beneficial, but essential. This move reflects a broader trend across the crypto industry, where firms are increasingly prioritizing legal and regulatory expertise to achieve long-term success. Santori’s appointment highlights Pantera’s strategic vision: to continue leading the blockchain investment space by supporting projects that can stand the test of both market volatility and regulatory evolution.

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Joe Salama to Join Coinbase as Chief Compliance Officer

Coinbase has appointed Joe Salama as its next Chief Compliance Officer, signaling a continued focus on regulatory engagement and compliance excellence. Salama, who spent nearly 15 years at Deutsche Bank in senior roles including Global Head of Anti-Financial Crime and General Counsel for the Americas, will officially begin his role at Coinbase on May 5, 2025. Paul Grewal, Coinbase’s Chief Legal Officer, confirmed the transition in a recent statement, noting that Salama will succeed Melissa Strait, who is stepping down after over four years in the position. Grewal emphasized that Salama’s global experience and deep understanding of financial regulation will strengthen Coinbase’s commitment to operating compliantly amid an evolving legal environment. Strait, who helped establish and solidify Coinbase’s compliance framework during a period of rapid growth and increasing regulatory scrutiny, leaves behind a robust legacy. Salama Brings Deep Financial Services Experience to Crypto & Coinbase In his announcement, Salama expressed excitement about joining Coinbase and the broader cryptocurrency sector, which he described as “transformative” for financial services. He highlighted the importance of strong compliance programs in building trust with customers, regulators, and the wider financial ecosystem. Salama also acknowledged the robust compliance foundation laid by Melissa Strait, vowing to build upon it as the company continues to expand globally. “The opportunity to contribute to an organization at the forefront of innovation in financial services is truly exciting,” Salama wrote in his announcement. “I look forward to working with the talented teams at Coinbase to ensure that we maintain the highest standards of compliance and operational excellence.” The leadership change comes at a critical moment for Coinbase, as the exchange faces heightened scrutiny from regulators both in the United States and abroad. In recent months, Coinbase has been navigating complex discussions with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other regulatory bodies, underscoring the importance of a proactive and rigorous compliance posture. Coinbase’s decision to bring in a seasoned compliance executive from the traditional finance world aligns with its broader strategy of bridging the gap between traditional finance and the emerging crypto economy. With Salama’s extensive background in anti-financial crime measures, global regulatory compliance, and legal affairs, the company aims to fortify its operations against increasing regulatory risks while positioning itself as a leader in compliant crypto innovation. Salama’s appointment reflects the growing trend of major crypto firms tapping experienced executives from established financial institutions to navigate an environment of tightening regulations and higher expectations from both investors and regulators. As Coinbase continues to expand its products and services globally, Salama’s leadership will be crucial in maintaining the company’s reputation as a trusted and compliant platform.

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Mastercard Launches Global Stablecoin Payment System in Partnership With OKX and Circle

Mastercard has officially launched a global stablecoin payment system, marking a significant step forward in the integration of blockchain-based digital currencies into mainstream financial services. Announced on April 28, 2025, this initiative introduces a comprehensive ecosystem of stablecoin functionalities, including wallet enablement, card issuance, direct merchant settlement, and on-chain remittances. The move underscores Mastercard’s commitment to modernizing its payments infrastructure and embracing the evolving digital economy. A centerpiece of this launch is the “OKX Card,” developed in partnership with leading crypto exchange OKX. This innovative card bridges the world of crypto trading and Web3 applications with everyday spending. Users will now be able to seamlessly spend their crypto assets across Mastercard’s global merchant network, effectively turning digital currencies into a mainstream payment method. The OKX Card is designed to offer convenience, flexibility, and broad accessibility for crypto holders, further blurring the lines between traditional finance and digital assets. Merchant Settlement and Wallet Expansion Mastercard’s stablecoin strategy extends beyond consumer-facing products into merchant services. The company has formed strategic partnerships with Circle, Nuvei, and Paxos to enable merchants to accept payments directly in stablecoins like USDC and USDP. This new capability allows for faster, more efficient settlement processes and reduces the dependency on traditional banking intermediaries. By facilitating direct stablecoin acceptance, Mastercard aims to streamline payment workflows and cut down settlement times, offering businesses a faster and potentially less costly alternative to legacy systems. Simultaneously, Mastercard is collaborating with major crypto platforms including MetaMask, Kraken, Gemini, Bybit, Crypto.com, and Binance. These collaborations focus on wallet enablement and card issuance, expanding consumer access to stablecoin payment options globally. The initiative is designed to cater to a growing demand for flexible, crypto-enabled financial products and to provide users with a seamless bridge between their digital wallets and traditional commerce. The Multi-Token Network and Industry Impact A key technological pillar supporting this initiative is Mastercard’s Multi-Token Network (MTN), launched in 2023. MTN facilitates real-time settlement and redemption of tokenized assets, integrating blockchain’s efficiencies into traditional financial systems. By leveraging MTN, Mastercard is able to offer transactions that are faster, more secure, and more transparent than those processed through conventional networks. Mastercard’s proactive entry into the stablecoin market reflects broader industry trends. In 2024, stablecoin transfer volumes surpassed those of Visa and Mastercard combined, while the stablecoin market cap exceeded $200 billion. With the explosive growth of stablecoins as a medium of exchange, Mastercard’s strategic investments position it as a leader in the future of global payments. As the financial landscape continues to evolve with the adoption of blockchain technologies, Mastercard’s latest move solidifies its role not just as a payments processor, but as an innovator bridging traditional and digital finance.  

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Abu Dhabi Giants ADQ and FAB Set to Launch UAE’s First Dirham-Backed Stablecoin

Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ), International Holding Company (IHC), and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) have announced a landmark initiative to launch the UAE’s first fully regulated, dirham-backed stablecoin. This groundbreaking project, officially endorsed by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), marks a significant leap forward in the nation’s digital finance evolution. The stablecoin will be designed to ensure robust security, full compliance with local regulations, and unparalleled efficiency for users across various sectors. The stablecoin will be issued by FAB and operate on the ADI blockchain — an infrastructure developed by the UAE’s ADI Foundation. This blockchain platform aims to provide a secure, scalable, and compliant network for the distribution of blockchain-based payments. By leveraging cutting-edge blockchain technology, the UAE is positioning itself as a regional and global leader in the deployment of digital financial instruments. Strategic Vision for Widespread Adoption of Stablecoin Designed for a variety of use cases, the dirham-backed stablecoin will serve retail consumers, businesses, and large institutions. The coin is engineered not only to support traditional transactions but also to facilitate next-generation digital applications, such as machine-to-machine payments in IoT ecosystems and AI-driven transactional models. This wide applicability makes the stablecoin a foundational element for the UAE’s emerging smart economy. The move by ADQ, IHC, and FAB reflects the UAE’s broader commitment to innovation and regulatory modernization. In a rapidly changing global financial environment, the UAE aims to offer businesses and individuals faster, more secure, and cost-effective ways to conduct transactions. The initiative supports the UAE’s vision to enhance economic diversification, improve financial inclusion, and boost its competitiveness on the world stage. Importantly, the stablecoin initiative demonstrates how traditional financial institutions are embracing blockchain technology rather than resisting it. By providing a government-regulated and dirham-backed alternative to volatile cryptocurrencies, the project ensures that users can engage in digital finance with the confidence that their assets are secure and fully backed by reserves. FAB’s involvement as the issuer brings a layer of trust and credibility to the initiative, given the bank’s standing as one of the largest and most reputable financial institutions in the region. Regulatory oversight from the CBUAE ensures the highest standards of compliance, risk management, and consumer protection. By integrating a regulated national stablecoin into its financial ecosystem, the UAE is setting a bold precedent for other nations exploring similar ventures. As digital assets continue to redefine the global economic landscape, the UAE’s forward-thinking approach ensures it remains at the forefront of technological and financial innovation.

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Bitwise CEO Shares Insights On The Sharp Drop In Bitcoin Search Volume On Google Trends

Hunter Horsley, CEO of Bitwise Asset Management, has responded to the startling drop in Bitcoin’s search volume on Google Trends—a development that is in keeping with Bitcoin’s outstanding price performance this year. Horsley clarified in an interview that although Bitcoin set fresh all-time highs in 2024, public interest, especially among ordinary investors, has substantially dropped. Even when Bitcoin surpassed $74,000, Google Trends data showed that search interest for the coin declined to its lowest level in a year. This paradox implies that, unlike in past cycles, most especially in 2017 and 2021, price action by itself no longer stimulates widespread participation. Why is Retail Interest Declining? Horsley claims that one main cause of the decline is still cautious retail investors following the horrific tragedies of earlier market cycles. Many regular investors were demoralised when big platforms including FTX, Celsius, and Terra collapsed. Once lost, trust takes time to heal; for many, the recovery of Bitcoin was insufficient to generate fresh enthusiasm. Unlike past bull runs when public hysteria and media anticipation drove enormous search volumes, the present cycle is witnessing a more subdued retail reaction. Horsley underlined that retail players are more discriminating, dubious, and less prone to act impulsively, even if the Bitcoin ecosystem has become more robust generally. Memecoins Stealing The Focus The emergence of meme coins which have captivated a fresh crop of speculative investors, is another important influence. Particularly on fast, low-cost networks like Solana and platforms like Pump. Fun has made launching and trading fresh memecoins quite simple for consumers. Data reveals that searches for “memecoin” jumped sharply during the same period when Bitcoin search interest dropped. This implies that although general interest in cryptocurrencies is still vibrant, the emphasis now is on more speculative, high-risk bets instead of well-known cryptocurrencies. Memecoins give many younger investors the promise of fast, large returns; something Bitcoin, now viewed by some as a “boomer coin,” no longer offers as powerfully. Institutions Pick Up The Pace Fascinatingly, institutions have become more involved with Bitcoin, while regular investors have backed away slightly. Horsley observed that even while public interest seems to be declining, institutional flows into Bitcoin ETFs and funds have stayed robust. Viewed more as a long-term store of value than a transient speculating instrument, major asset managers, pension funds, and family offices are progressively increasing their exposure to Bitcoin. This institutional acceptance offers a degree of stability and might shield Bitcoin from some of the volatility brought about by changes in retail attitude. What This Says About the Future of Bitcoin The drop in search volume does not inevitably mean catastrophe for Bitcoin. Rather, it draws attention to a developing market dynamic: retail enthusiasm is not the only engine of Bitcoin’s expansion narrative now. Even while the next generation of investors tests other coins and ideas, Bitcoin is gradually turning into an institutional-grade asset. Anyone serious about following Bitcoin’s future trajectory has to understand this change.

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Kraken Taps Alpaca to Offer 11,000 Stocks and ETFs

Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken has joined forces with brokerage infrastructure provider Alpaca to give its users access to U.S.-listed securities alongside its crypto and fiat offerings. The move makes Kraken, currently the world’s 13th largest centralized exchange by volume, one of the few crypto-native platforms bridging the gap between digital and traditional markets. The company announced earlier this month that U.S. clients in ten jurisdictions — including New Jersey, Connecticut, and the District of Columbia — can now trade over 11,000 stocks and ETFs commission-free through their Kraken accounts. The rollout is part of what Kraken describes as a “phased national expansion,” with more states to follow in the coming months. Alpaca is known for its API-first brokerage services and self-clearing capabilities, which enable commission-free equities trading through fractional and notional orders. “This collaboration accelerates our vision of combining traditional and digital asset classes into one platform,” said Nick LaMaina, Managing Director at Kraken. Kraken’s new offering arrives at a time of growing demand for unified trading platforms. The company says its long-term goal is to bring traditional and digital assets together under a single infrastructure, using blockchain as the foundation for cross-asset trading. Kraken’s entrance into the equity space brings it into more direct competition with fintech platforms like Robinhood. While the initial rollout is limited to ten U.S. states and the District of Columbia, Kraken confirmed plans to extend stock trading access to international markets, including the United Kingdom, European Union, and Australia. The move follows a broader industry trend toward tokenizing real-world assets and building 24/7 markets that mirror the liquidity and accessibility of crypto trading. Meanwhile, Kraken is weighing a sizable debt raise of $200 million to $1 billion as it gears up for a potential public listing early next year. The fundraising is still in early stages, with Kraken said to be in discussions with major banks including Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase. The proceeds would reportedly support the company’s expansion strategy, not cover operating costs. Kraken has also been expanding into new markets. It recently closed a $1.5 billion deal to acquire NinjaTrader, a futures brokerage founded in 2003 and registered with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

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