In 2025, perpetual futures shifted from a specialist tool for aggressive traders into a central mechanism for how risk, leverage, and even traditional assets move across decentralized finance. According to Coinbase, the lines between traditional markets and decentralized finance are blurring fast. As crypto derivatives mature, perpetual futures – once the playground of speculative traders – are emerging as a core infrastructure layer within decentralized finance. Decentralized Volumes Surge Amid Slow Spot TrendsDecentralized exchanges (DEXs) processed more than US$1.2 trillion in perpetual futures each month by the end of 2025, with Hyperliquid maintaining a commanding presence among traders.Analysts point to a shift in trader behavior: in a year with no traditional altcoin rally, investors turned to perps to extract higher returns from flat spot markets.The ability to control large positions with minimal capital renewed interest in leveraged trading, pushing speculative exposure to nearly 10% of crypto’s overall leverage ratio before a sharp correction in October brought it back down to 4%.Beyond high-stakes speculation, perpetual futures are increasingly being integrated into the foundation of decentralized finance. By linking with lending protocols, liquidity pools, and on-chain risk systems, these derivatives are becoming composable – designed to work as functional layers within complex digital financial structures.You may also like: Russia’s First Crypto-Backed Loan Brings Bitcoin Into Formal BankingSuch integration allows traders and protocols alike to manage risk more dynamically. For example, a decentralized lending protocol might use perps to hedge exposure to asset volatility or even generate yield through structured strategies. Equity Perps: The Next Step for Retail TradersAnother trend gaining traction is the rise of equity-based perpetual futures. As tokenized versions of major stocks like those in the S&P 500 or Nasdaq appear on decentralized platforms, they offer retail investors a way to trade global equities using crypto-like leverage and around-the-clock access.The move toward perpetual contracts on tokenized equities may bridge traditional and digital markets, enabling fractional, 24/7 trading that bypasses standard market hours.This expanded accessibility could attract millions of global retail traders who seek exposure to traditional stocks but value the efficiency and freedom of crypto markets. In doing so, equity perps might redefine how and when markets operate.The evolution of perpetual futures reflects a broader reconfiguration of the crypto financial landscape. They’re no longer confined to speculative corners of exchanges but are forming new connective tissue between decentralized and traditional trading systems. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Sberbank has extended Russia’s first crypto-backed loan to Intelion Data, one of the country’s largest Bitcoin miners. The pilot deal uses Bitcoin mined by Intelion as collateral, positioning digital assets as working capital rather than passive holdings on a balance sheet.Using Rutoken to Secure Digital CollateralSberbank reportedly used its in-house digital custody product, Rutoken, to safeguard the Bitcoin collateral through the loan period. According to the bank, the pilot transaction demonstrates how crypto-backed lending could operate within regulated frameworks without compromising asset security.“Digital currency market regulation is only emerging in Russia, and we are ready to collaborate with the Central Bank to develop relevant regulatory measures and create infrastructure for launching crypto services,” Anatoly Popov, deputy chairman of the Executive Board at Sberbank, said in a statement translated to English.However, the bank did not disclose the size of the loan but indicated that the structure is designed to be used well beyond the mining sector. It positioned the product as suitable for any company holding cryptocurrencies and framed the arrangement as a practical way to connect blockchain-based assets with traditional finance.Sberbank’s Expanding Crypto StrategyIntelion Data described the loan a significant milestone for Russia’s crypto and mining ecosystem. Sberbank has recently deepened its involvement in digital assets beyond custody solutions. The lender is experimenting with decentralized finance instruments and supports the gradual legalization of cryptocurrencies in Russia. Sberbank confirmed in 2022 that it would withdraw from European markets after mounting pressure from Western sanctions made its operations untenable. The bank had built a substantial presence in Europe through subsidiaries and branches in countries including Germany, Austria, Croatia and Hungary, but those units began to face exceptional cash outflows as sanctions took hold.At the same time, a directive from the Central Bank of Russia prevented the parent from supplying liquidity support to its European subsidiaries, further undermining their position. Despite the strain, Sberbank stressed at the time that it held sufficient capital to meet all obligations to depositors, even as it moved to wind down its European exposure. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Trust Wallet has entered a verification phase following a security breach involving its browser extension on Christmas Day. The incident affected desktop users and led to losses of about $7 million. Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao said the losses will be fully covered.Jamie Elkaleh, chief marketing officer at Bitget Wallet, said the incident highlights a “structural tension” in self-custodial wallet security. He said that while users control their private keys, “critical dependencies, such as centralized app store distribution and software updates, remain potential points of failure.” Elkaleh added that a “compromised update mechanism can still expose large user bases to risk,” even without direct access to private keys.Verification Begins as Claims Outpace WalletsToday (Monday), Trust Wallet CEO Eowyn Chen said the company had identified 2,596 wallet addresses connected to the compromised extension. At the same time, it received close to 5,000 reimbursement claims, suggesting that a portion may be false or duplicated. Chen wrote that “accurate verification of wallet ownership is critical to ensure funds are returned to the right people.” She added that the team is “working diligently to verify claims,” using multiple data points to separate legitimate victims from malicious actors.The update marks a shift in the response. The focus has moved from estimating losses to managing the operational challenge of compensation while limiting abuse. Chen said the company is prioritizing accuracy over speed and plans to share further details as the investigation continues.Trust Wallet(@TrustWallet) has been exploited, with hundreds of users affected and over $6.77M stolen so far.The hacker has already sent ~$4.25M to ChangeNOW, FixedFloat, KuCoin, and HTX.CZ(@cz_binance) has stated that Trust Wallet will fully cover the losses.Check hacker… pic.twitter.com/6xjyOaxUEK— Lookonchain (@lookonchain) December 26, 2025Industry Calls for Verifiable Wallet SoftwareAccording to Elkaleh, addressing this gap will likely require “more verifiable and resilient software delivery models,” including reproducible builds and stronger integrity checks. He also pointed to the need for “reduced reliance on centralized distribution channels,” alongside techniques that can limit the impact of interface-level compromises. Over time, he said improving alignment between off-chain software delivery and on-chain security principles will be key to building trust in self-custodial systems.Attack Shows “Source Code Familiarity”Cybersecurity firm SlowMist reported that the malicious extension also exported users’ personal information. Its co-founder Yu Xiam said the attacker “appeared to have prepared the exploit weeks in advance and showed deep familiarity with the source code.” Onchain investigator ZachXBT earlier estimated that hundreds of users were affected. Some industry observers said the ability to submit a malicious extension update suggested access beyond a typical external attack, according to Cointelegraph.Trust Wallet has confirmed the breach but has not confirmed any insider involvement. Chen said a broader forensic investigation is underway. She wrote that “this process is ongoing today,” and that while some data is still being finalized, the team already has “strong working hypotheses for a portion of the cases.” This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

BGC Group remains confident as 2025 draws to a close, holding to its previous earnings guidance despite a volatile market environment. In an update released on Monday, BGC Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: BGC) reaffirmed its outlook for the quarter ending December 31, 2025. The firm expects revenue to come in between $720 million and $770 million, matching the range it initially projected earlier in the year.Earnings Forecast UnchangedThe company also maintained its pre-tax adjusted earnings forecast, guiding for $152.5 million to $167.5 million for the final quarter of 2025. The reaffirmation suggests confidence in consistent trading activity and cost discipline across its operations. For comparison, BGC generated $572.3 million in revenue and $129.5 million in pre-tax adjusted earnings during the same period in 2024. BGC Group delivered strong results for third quarter this year. For the three months ended September 30, 2025, BGC reported total revenues of $736.8 million, up 31.3 percent from the prior year’s $561 million.The company’s electronic trading business, Fenics, brought in $160 million, a 12.7 percent increase from last year. Regional revenue performance was robust, rising 37.4 percent in EMEA, 28.1 percent in the Americas, and 17.4 percent in APAC.“We delivered another outstanding quarter, with record third quarter revenues of $737 million, up 31 percent from $561 million a year ago,” the company shared. “Revenues of $628 million, excluding OTC, was also a record, driven by growth across every asset class and geography. Our ability to deliver strong growth in a mixed macro environment demonstrates the strength and scale of our global platform.”Double-Digit Earnings GrowthBGC achieved pre-tax Adjusted Earnings of $155.1 million, a 22.4 percent jump, while post-tax Adjusted Earnings climbed 11.5 percent to $141.1 million. This translated to post-tax Adjusted Earnings per share of $0.29, reinforcing steady progress in profitability. Adjusted EBITDA came in at $167.6 million, an increase of 10.7 percent year over year.Meanwhile, BGC launched an electronic platform for U.S. dollar swaps this year, aiming to boost speed and transparency for institutional investors. Dubbed Opti Match, the venue is offered via BGC Derivatives Markets, L.P. and is designed to streamline access to key interest rate products.Institutional clients can use the platform directly as Swap Execution Facility participants or access it indirectly through BGC or GFI brokers. At launch, Opti Match will support several interest rate instruments, including SOFR‑linked trades and CME/LCH basis switches.The group also acquired global macro analytics provider Macro Hive in a move that strengthens its rates and FX franchise by integrating AI technologies into its brokerage platform. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Cyprus is set to introduce a new, dedicated tax regime for digital assets, offering brokers a competitive 8% flat tax on crypto-related profits. However, this favorable rate comes as part of a much larger overhaul that may result in dramatically higher regulatory burdens and operational costs. The proposed tax reform, expected to take effect from January 1, 2026, is a strategic trade-off. Cyprus is positioning itself as a low-tax crypto hub within the EU, but the price of entry is full transparency and a significant increase in compliance overhead. The New "Cyprus Deal" for Brokers The reform creates a mixed picture for crypto brokers operating on the island. For a 100% crypto brokerage, the new 8% rate represents a significant tax reduction compared to the previous 12.5% corporate tax. On one hand, this advantage is designed to attract crypto-native firms and allow brokers to offer more competitive pricing. On the other hand, the tax benefit comes with potentially higher costs and limited loss offsetting. The tax break is offset by two major factors. First, the general corporate tax rate is rising from 12.5% to 15%, impacting any non-crypto income. Second, and more critically, crypto trading losses are ring-fenced and can only be offset against crypto gains, rather than the firm’s broader taxable income or carried forward to future years. It means that a single unprofitable year cannot be used to offset taxes in a profitable one—a significant drawback in a volatile market. The Real Cost: A Surge in Regulatory Burden The true cost for brokers comes from the simultaneous implementation of two major EU directives: MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) and DAC8 (Directive on Administrative Cooperation). MiCA requires all crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) to obtain a full license, a process involving capital requirements of up to €150,000 and a complex governance structure. Existing firms must be fully compliant by July 2026. Meanwhile, DAC8 mandates that all brokers automatically report detailed client transaction data, balances, and residency information to EU tax authorities. It takes effect from January 2025 and reduces client anonymity on regulated platforms. The operational impact of DAC8 could be substantial. Brokers will need to upgrade their reporting infrastructure, expand KYC and AML processes, and adapt internal systems to meet detailed, ongoing disclosure requirements. Industry estimates suggest this could lift administrative and compliance costs by 30–50%. Why Licensed Brokers Are Staying Silent Notably, major crypto platforms already licensed in Cyprus, including Revolut, Tickmill, Kraken, and Bybit, have so far refrained from publicly commenting on the proposed tax regime. Finance Magnates reached out to several licensed brokers for comment, but had not received responses by the time of publication. Market participants point to the fact that the legislation has not yet been fully enacted and that the final text, including secondary regulations, has not been published. As a result, many firms prefer to assess the framework privately with tax advisors rather than make forward-looking public statements. In the absence of official commentary, online discussions around the proposal suggest a broadly mixed but pragmatic reaction. Some market participants view the 8% flat rate as a meaningful improvement over both Cyprus’s current framework and typical EU tax levels, particularly after years of regulatory ambiguity. Others, however, caution that the higher 15% corporate tax on non-crypto income could undermine Cyprus’ overall appeal and potentially push some firms to consider alternative jurisdictions within the region. A Strategic Choice Despite the heavy new compliance load, Cyprus's 8% rate remains highly competitive within the EU, where countries like France (30%) and Italy (26%) have much higher capital gains taxes on crypto. By embedding MiCA definitions directly into domestic tax law, Cyprus also reduces legal ambiguity around what constitutes a crypto-asset — an issue that has complicated tax treatment in several other EU jurisdictions. However, the shift is clear: Cyprus is no longer a "light-touch" jurisdiction. It is making a deliberate play for serious, well-capitalized crypto businesses that are willing to trade regulatory scrutiny for a favorable tax rate and passported access to the entire EU market. For brokers, the Cyprus deal is now a strategic choice between a low tax bill and a very high compliance bill. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

Gold pulled back from record highs today (Monday), with silver also retreating after recent gains, as investors booked profits and easing geopolitical tensions reduced safe-haven demand.Spot gold fell 1.7% to $4,455.34 per ounce, after reaching a record high of $4,550 on Friday. U.S. gold futures for February delivery lost 1.2%, settling at $4,500.30 per ounce. Spot silver slipped 4.6% to $75.47 per ounce, after briefly trading at $83.62.Silver Volatility Rises Amid Margin HikesSilver markets are entering a critical week following the Chicago Mercantile Exchange’s second margin increase in two weeks. The initial margin for March 2026 silver futures rose to about $25,000 from $20,000, adding pressure on leveraged traders. Analysts said this could reduce leverage and trigger volatility, while low inventories and strong industrial demand continue to support prices.Tokenized Silver Trading Sees Rapid GrowthInterest in silver is also moving into tokenized markets. Data from RWA.xyz shows monthly transfer volumes for its tokenized version of the iShares Silver Trust (SLV) increased more than twelvefold, alongside a 300% rise in holders and a 40% gain in net asset value. CME Group announced an increase in margin requirements for silver futures. Starting December 29, 2025, the initial margin for March 2026 silver contracts will rise to $25,000. This move comes amid rising silver prices and growing concern about market manipulation. CME has… pic.twitter.com/ij4MkVKw4v— Santa Surfing (@SantaSurfing) December 28, 2025Tokenized silver allows investors, including non-U.S. participants, to trade digital tokens representing SLV around the clock, reflecting growing demand for blockchain-based exposure.Silver has gained 181% year-to-date, outpacing gold, which has risen 72% in 2025. Traders are anticipating further U.S. rate cuts next year, while analysts said gold and silver remain sensitive to economic and policy developments.Just sold all my real estate & BTC and and my businesses - I’m all in on gold & silver. pic.twitter.com/dEXiDg9Ma4— Grant Cardone (@GrantCardone) December 28, 2025Gold Hits Records Amid Fed ExpectationsJust before Christmas, gold prices rose sharply, reaching a new record. Spot gold traded around $4,420 per ounce, up more than 1.7% on the day. Analysts attributed the gains to expectations of further U.S. Federal Reserve rate cuts, a weaker U.S. dollar, and ongoing geopolitical risks.Kathleen Brooks, Research Director at XTB, said, “The gold price hit a fresh record high, as geopolitical concerns heat up and hopes grow that the Fed can continue to cut rates next year.” Some analysts noted that thin liquidity during the holiday period could increase short-term volatility, but longer-term forecasts remain broadly positive, supported by central bank demand and macroeconomic factors. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Trading 212 will reverse its controversial portfolio redesign next month after users flooded the company's forums and social media with complaints about the new interface, marking a rare retreat for the UK-based broker.Trading 212 Scraps Portfolio Redesign After User RevoltThe company rolled out the redesign around mid-December, introducing a bubble-style layout that sparked immediate backlash from retail investors who said the changes buried critical information and made the app harder to navigate. Within 10 days, Trading 212 announced it would restore the previous version."We appreciate your feedback on the portfolio redesign and understand the concerns it raised," KrisG, a Trading 212 representative, wrote in the company's community forum on December 24. "Based on what we've heard, we'll be rolling out an update in January that brings back the previous layout."Reddit user Vendor_BBMC posted a screenshot from the mobile app showing what the “Portfolio” tab looks like after the changes. Unfortunately, FinanceMagnates.com did not find a screenshot of the earlier version for comparison.In the meantime, the company’s former COO launched a fractional shares and commission-free trading app for retail traders, combining Investing.one and MyInsider.app.Bubble Design Drew Fire Over Screen SpaceThe new design replaced a straightforward list view with rounded cards and pull-up menus that users said wasted screen space and required extra taps to access basic information. Portfolio holdings were hidden behind a search bar instead of appearing immediately when users opened the app."Why is information split into multiple bubble-style windows?" wrote user Minmax77 on December 14 in a post that received 65 likes. "The borders, padding, and background gaps take up more room than the actual content. Instead of a clean, compact layout, everything is spread out into small 'islands' of information surrounded by empty space."Users singled out specific functionality losses. The portfolio value graph removed axis numbers, pending orders no longer showed cash allocation amounts, and the interface stopped respecting user color theme preferences. One user created an account solely to complain, choosing the username "IHateTheNewLayout.""The app feels completely unserious. Who creates charts without a Y-axis?" wrote user NakamuraRTS on December 16. "People are using your app to deploy their life savings. Do better in 2026."Traders Threaten Platform SwitchMultiple users said the changes prompted them to explore rival brokers, a threat that appears to have caught Trading 212's attention. The complaints spread beyond the company's official forum to Reddit and app store reviews, where users posted negative feedback threads."This new designe is terrible. It is really dealbreaker for me and Iam thinking about switching to another broker," user Anibohovi wrote on December 15.User Vladel captured the frustration on December 17, writing: "Honestly I can't imagine anyone thinking this was a good idea. Why are 212 intentionally making it harder to find information? Now going from home to portfolio I can't now instantly see all the information I could before, why would you do that?? It's like you're intentionally trying to anger your users."Another user who goes by mbaat said Trading 212 support initially dismissed the concerns. "I have contacted support yesterday and they said that this was a business decision and that there are no plans of reverting the changes," mbaat wrote on December 18. Days later, the company announced the reversal.Company Acknowledges Design MisstepsTrading 212 team members began responding to complaints on December 16, acknowledging the problems. "We're actively reviewing all the feedback we've received and have already identified a few areas that need improvement based on your comments," wrote Bogi.H, another company representative.By December 19, the company pushed minor fixes, including restoring the ability to tap pending orders to open instrument pages. But the changes didn't satisfy users demanding a complete rollback.The reversal announcement on December 24 drew relief from most users, though some defended the modern aesthetic. User saifali argued Trading 212 should offer both layouts. calling them "Modern" and "Legacy" versions - to allow continued innovation while preserving user choice."There will always be a group of people who will not like the new design, that's just how it is, but design evolves and so does the taste of people," saifali wrote on December 25.Pattern Of Interface ComplaintsThe December redesign wasn't Trading 212's first brush with user interface backlash. Earlier in 2025, the company made changes to its home screen that moved watchlists into pull-up tabs, drawing similar complaints about reduced functionality.Several users called for Trading 212 to establish a beta testing program with community members before rolling out major interface changes. "Push out changes first to a beta branch with limited participation and collect feedback, make the necessary improvements before rolling this out to everyone," user cosmic90 suggested on December 17.Trading 212 hasn't specified exactly when in January the rollback will occur or whether it will implement user testing for future updates. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

XTB has signed a partnership with OKTAGON, a European mixed martial arts organization, making the Polish online broker (WSE: XTB) the largest MMA sponsor in the region. The deal builds on XTB's existing title sponsorship of Poland's KSW promotion.XTB Becomes Largest MMA Sponsor in Europe with OKTAGON PartnershipThe partnership gives XTB its most extensive presence yet in European MMA. For the first time in OKTAGON's history, a sponsor's logo will appear on all fighter jerseys. XTB also gets premium placement during live events, broadcasts, and digital content across OKTAGON's footprint in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Germany."We naturally support organizations that, like us, have no complexes and constantly raise the bar," said Omar Arnaout, XTB's CEO. "OKTAGON has proven it has enormous potential and could soon become one of the leading players on the global MMA scene."XTB is not the only broker investing in promotion through MMA and boxing. In 2024, Pepperstone became a sponsor of UFC Asia, while a year earlier FXPro added Aleksandr Chizov to its roster of brand ambassadors. More recently, boxing legend Mike Tyson became the face of NAGA Group.OKTAGON says it has dominated its home markets in recent years and has broken European attendance records with events in Germany. The promotion is planning its most ambitious year yet in 2026, with 18 events scheduled across multiple countries."This partnership is more than a logo in the cage," said Pavol Neruda, OKTAGON's co-founder. "It's a connection between two worlds that share the same way of thinking."Building on Combat Sports StrategyXTB has been methodically building its presence in combat sports since partnering with UFC star Conor McGregor in September 2022. The broker later added former UFC champions Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Jiří Procházka as brand ambassadors.The company's sponsorship portfolio has also included football legend Iker Casillas as a brand ambassador since February 2023, along with past deals featuring José Mourinho and current global ambassador Zlatan Ibrahimović. XTB has also had visibility in boxing, tennis, and Formula 1.The strategy is clearly paying off. According to the latest data from the Polish market, four out of five newly registered brokerage accounts in Poland were opened with XTB.With both the OKTAGON partnership and its title sponsorship of KSW, Poland's largest MMA federation, XTB now holds the biggest combined MMA sponsorship footprint in Europe. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Mirae Asset Financial Group is in discussions to acquire a majority stake in Korbit, South Korea's fourth-largest cryptocurrency exchange, according to industry sources familiar with the matter. The potential deal could value the combined stake at between 100-140 billion won ($70-98 million).Mirae Asset Eyes Crypto Exchange Korbit in $70-140M DealThe Seoul-based financial conglomerate is negotiating to purchase a 60.5 percent stake from NXC, Korbit's largest shareholder, and a 31.5 percent stake from SK Planet. The combined 92 percent ownership would give Mirae Asset control of an exchange that has struggled to compete in a market where Upbit and Bithumb command over 95 percent of trading volume.Mirae Asset has built its business around traditional financial services since the late 1990s and has not previously entered the cryptocurrency sector.[#highlighted-links#] The potential acquisition would be led by Mirae Asset Consulting, the group's real estate and consulting arm that sits atop a corporate structure spanning securities, asset management, venture capital, life insurance and pension operations."A potential bid for Korbit is in line with Park's vision for digital asset-based financial innovation," an industry source told The Korea Times. "Korbit has historically had a limited presence, but Mirae Asset Financial Group's decades of expertise could allow it to pursue a differentiated strategy.”Traditional Finance Moves Into CryptoThe move follows a pattern of traditional financial firms acquiring crypto platforms throughout 2025. IG Group purchased Australian crypto exchange Independent Reserve for £87 million in September, paying 5x the platform's last fiscal year revenue to enter the Asia-Pacific crypto market. The deal gave the London-based CFD broker access to Independent Reserve's 129,400 funded accounts holding A$1.7 billion in assets.Robinhood completed its acquisition of Bitstamp in June, gaining over 50 licenses and customers across the EU, UK, US, and Asia. That transaction marked Robinhood's entry into institutional crypto services.The trend has also moved in reverse. Crypto.com acquired CySEC-regulated broker Allnew Investments in May to obtain a MiFID license, planning to offer CFDs on FX and other assets across Europe by the third quarter.Industry observers note that global firms including BlackRock, Coinbase, Visa and Mastercard are competing for position in the digital asset ecosystem, making acquisitions like Korbit potentially valuable despite its limited market share.The South Korean crypto market remains highly concentrated, with Upbit and Bithumb dominating while Coinone, Korbit, and GOPAX split the remaining single-digit market share. Whether Mirae Asset's traditional finance expertise can change that dynamic remains to be seen. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Bitcoin (BTC) price broke above $90,000 early Monday, 29 December 2025, picking up momentum as traders positioned for a potential new year rally after the cryptocurrency sat out Wall Street's recent record-setting run.The largest digital asset by market value rose as much as 3.1% to $90,200 in Singapore trading before pulling back slightly to $89,615, according to Bloomberg data. Other major cryptocurrencies followed suit, with Ethereum climbing 4% past $3,000, while XRP and Solana each gained 3% or more.Bitcoin largely ignored the S&P 500's push to record highs in the days before Christmas, still nursing wounds from a brutal October selloff that wiped out $19 billion in leveraged positions. That liquidation event left traders gun-shy, with few willing to rebuild significant positions. Until now.In this article, I examine why Bitcoin and XRP are rising and provide a technical analysis of the XRP/USDT and BTC/USDT charts, drawing on my more than a decade of experience as an analyst and investor.Why Bitcoin Is Going Up Today?Funding Rates Signal Shifting SentimentMonday's move "appears somewhat driven by short term retail traders taking on growing positions in futures," said Sebastian Bea, Chief Investment Officer at ReserveOne Inc., a crypto treasury firm.The Bitcoin funding rate – which measures the cost of holding long positions in perpetual futures – reached its highest point since October 18, according to CryptoQuant data. That signals growing appetite for bullish bets, though open interest in futures remains "well below recent peaks that coincided with bitcoin's recent highs in October," Bea noted. The token hit an all-time high of $126,251 on October 6.Joel Kruger, crypto strategist at LMAX, suggested the quiet conditions may be deceptive. "Bitcoin, in particular, has already repriced meaningfully higher this year and may now be absorbing supply as longer-term holders remain patient," he said. "The market's ability to hold elevated levels despite quiet conditions arguably reinforces the view that the marginal buyer remains intact, even if currently inactive."Please also check my previous cryptocurrency analyses:Geopolitical Tensions Support Risk AssetsThe crypto rally coincided with rising oil prices as hopes for a Russia-Ukraine peace deal dimmed. West Texas Intermediate crude jumped 1% to $57.24 per barrel, while Brent crude rose 0.80% to $60.81.Russia attacked Ukraine's Kherson Combined Heat and Power Plant on Sunday, causing significant damage to infrastructure that provides heating for tens of thousands of residents. Ukraine responded by striking the Syzran oil refinery in Russia's Samara region, damaging the facility's only primary processing unit.The attacks complicated diplomatic progress, even as President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated headway on a 20-point peace plan. The nearly four-year conflict has contributed to persistent global inflation pressures.Bitcoin And XRP Price Technical AnalysisBitcoin Under PressureAccording to my technical analysis, Bitcoin is consolidating within a range last seen in April. The upper boundary sits between $90,000 and $92,000, reinforced by the 50-day exponential moving average and a 110% Fibonacci extension. The lower limit rests at the 78.6% Fibonacci retracement and a $86,000-$84,000 zone that's been actively tested since late November.The medium and long-term setup remains bearish, with the moving average configuration suggesting a downtrend. I continue to target a decline toward $74,000 – this year's April lows – where I expect stronger institutional accumulation. Until Bitcoin breaks decisively from this consolidation, extended sideways movement likely persists through the turn of the year.Until Bitcoin breaks decisively from this consolidation, extended sideways movement likely persists through the turn of the year. The current range represents the same level of volatility compression last observed in April, suggesting a significant move may be building.XRP In Bearish TrendFor XRP, the picture looks similarly challenging. While the token tested $1.92 on Monday before settling around $1.90, it faces resistance at a local level marked by June lows and retested in November. The bearish moving average setup – particularly the 50-200 EMA death cross that formed in early November – suggests further downside. Initial support sits at $1.80, then $1.70-$1.61, with an ultimate target around $1.25.The chart shows a network of significant resistance levels ahead, including the current local zone being tested. I expect further depreciation, potentially before year-end. Initial support sits at $1.80, representing this month's lows, followed by the $1.70-$1.61 zone marked by April's lows. My ultimate target sits around $1.25 – the flash crash lows from October 10 – which would represent a decline of several dozen percentage points from current levels.The price currently trades below both key moving averages, which reinforces the bearish outlook in the medium term.Waiting for January Catalysts?Despite growing institutional adoption and policy wins under the pro-crypto Trump administration, Bitcoin has slipped roughly 4% in 2025. Many traders now look to January for fresh catalysts as liquidity returns to markets."Looking ahead, crypto's calm may prove temporary once liquidity returns and macro narratives reassert themselves in the new year," Kruger said. "Should easing expectations firm or risk appetite broaden further, Bitcoin and Ethereum could re-engage from a position of relative balance rather than excess. In that sense, the more subdued tone may be laying the groundwork for a more durable [move] into the new year."Asian equity markets traded quietly on Monday, with thin year-end volumes keeping activity muted. South Korea's KOSPI index provided an exception, rallying 1.7% on gains in chipmaker stocks.Crypto Price Analysis FAQWhy did Bitcoin go up today?Bitcoin rose over 2% on Monday as funding rates reached their highest level since October 18, signaling renewed demand for bullish positions in perpetual futures markets. The move appears driven by short-term retail traders rebuilding leveraged positions after October's $19 billion liquidation event. Rising geopolitical tensions from renewed Russia-Ukraine attacks also pushed investors toward alternative assets.Will Bitcoin go up in 2025?Bitcoin has declined roughly 4% in 2025 despite hitting an all-time high of $126,251 in October. Analysts surveyed by CNBC predict prices could reach $150,000 to $200,000 by year-end, driven by institutional adoption, favorable regulations under the Trump administration, and growing corporate treasury strategies. However, technical analysis suggests near-term consolidation with potential downside to $74,000 before a sustained rally materializes.Is Bitcoin a good investment now?Bitcoin faces mixed signals in late 2025. While institutional inflows continue and 61 major US firms have adopted Bitcoin treasury strategies, the cryptocurrency trades in a bearish technical pattern with resistance at $90,000-$92,000. Volatility remains high, with historical corrections of 70-80% from peaks. Long-term investors betting on continued institutional adoption may find current levels attractive, but near-term traders should expect extended sideways movement through early 2026.What factors affect Bitcoin's price?Bitcoin's price responds primarily to three forces: global liquidity measured by money supply (M2), which explains over half of price variance; leverage in the futures and derivatives markets; and on-chain fundamentals like mining difficulty and holder behavior. Additional factors include institutional ETF inflows, regulatory developments, geopolitical tensions affecting risk appetite, and supply constraints from the halving cycle. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

The global mergers and acquisitions market roared back to life in 2025, with total deal value reaching $4.5 trillion according to London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) data. The surge marks the second-highest annual total on record, trailing only the pandemic-era frenzy of 2021.Global M&A Surges to $4.5 Trillion in 2025What really defined this year was the sheer size of individual transactions. Companies announced 68 deals valued at $10 billion or more, an all-time high that reshaped everything from media to railroads. These megadeals accounted for a disproportionate share of total activity, even as the overall number of transactions fell 7% to the lowest level since 2016."I haven't seen large-scale M&A like this in a decade," Tony Kim, co-president of investment bank Centerview Partners, told the Financial Times. "These are deals which are really transforming industries. Scaled M&A requires a lot of important ingredients in the mix to succeed, and we seem to have all of those elements today."LSEG plans to link its financial data and analytics services with OpenAI’s chatbot, allowing licensed users to access pricing information, news, and analytical tools directly within the ChatGPT interface.American companies drove much of the year's activity, with deals involving US targets totaling $2.3 trillion - the highest proportion since 1998. Those transactions generated more than half of the estimated $135 billion in investment banking fees, up 9% from last year.The two biggest deals exemplify the year's bold dealmaking: Netflix and Paramount are battling for control of Warner Bros Discovery, while Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are pursuing a $250 billion railroad merger that would create a transcontinental giant.Both scenarios echo 2021's megadeal landscape, when WarnerMedia merged with Discovery and Canadian Pacific Railway acquired Kansas City Southern for $31 billion.Trump Administration Shifts Regulatory LandscapeDealmakers pointed to loosened regulatory oversight under the Trump administration as a catalyst for bolder transactions. Companies that might have hesitated to pursue transformative deals in previous years felt more comfortable taking on regulatory risk."What we see with corporate clients is a willingness to take on regulatory risk for transactions that are strategic," Andrew Nussbaum, co-chair of the executive committee at law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, told FT. "They see a willingness of the regulators to engage in constructive dialogue."The path wasn't entirely smooth. Trump's sweeping "liberation day" tariffs announced in early April temporarily froze activity as companies reassessed their plans. But momentum returned quickly, with dealmaking posting back-to-back quarters above $1 trillion in the second half - the first time that's happened in four years.Private Equity Activity Lags Broader MarketBuyout firms struggled to match the broader market's pace, with private equity dealmaking up just 25% to $889 billion. These firms continue to face challenges exiting existing investments, though some flagship transactions did materialize.The largest was a $55 billion take-private of video game maker Electronic Arts led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, with backing from Silver Lake and Jared Kushner's investment firm."The general narrative is that sponsors are not active, but there were some large take-private transactions," Anu Aiyengar, global head of advisory and M&A at JPMorgan Chase, said to FT. "Despite the equity markets hitting record highs, mispriced opportunities continue to exist and the scale of these opportunities are made possible with financing coming from a myriad of sources."A pickup in large initial public offerings - including medical supply group Medline and security services company Verisure - gave private equity firms more options to exit positions beyond traditional M&A sales.Goldman Sachs expects the momentum to continue. "Over the next couple of years there's room for more activity, and we certainly feel the sponsor wave in particular is only just gaining momentum," Andre Kelleners, co-head of European investment banking at the firm, concluded. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.