Why Tezos Futures Matter for US Crypto Markets Chicago-based crypto exchange Bitnomial has launched futures contracts tied to Tezos’s XTZ token, giving the asset its first futures market on a US Commodity Futures Trading Commission-regulated exchange. The contracts are now live and allow both institutional and retail traders to gain exposure to XTZ price movements using either cryptocurrency or US dollars as margin. Futures allow traders to hedge risk or take directional exposure without holding the underlying asset. In the US, the presence of regulated futures markets has taken on added importance as regulators and issuers assess which digital assets meet the conditions for wider institutional use. For Tezos, the launch represents a step into a regulatory framework that has historically been limited to Bitcoin and Ether, with only a handful of other tokens gaining similar treatment. For Bitnomial, it reinforces a strategy built around expanding regulated crypto derivatives beyond the largest assets. Investor Takeaway A CFTC-regulated futures market adds regulatory visibility to XTZ and may improve its standing with US institutions that rely on supervised price discovery. How Futures Link to ETF and Institutional Access Regulated futures markets are widely seen as a key requirement for broader institutional participation in the US. They provide standardized contracts, regulated clearing, and price data overseen by the CFTC, all of which play a role when regulators evaluate whether an asset is suitable for products such as spot exchange-traded funds. Bitnomial president Michael Dunn linked the Tezos listing directly to that framework. “CFTC-regulated futures market with six months of trading history checks a key box under the SEC's generic listing standards for spot ETFs,” he said. While the launch does not imply that a Tezos ETF is imminent, it places XTZ in a narrower group of assets that meet one of the commonly cited conditions used in past ETF approvals. That distinction may matter as issuers and regulators continue to debate how far the ETF market should extend beyond Bitcoin and Ether. Dunn said Bitnomial is “actively looking at new tokens” for regulated derivatives markets in the US, though he declined to identify specific candidates. The comment points to continued interest in expanding futures coverage across a wider range of digital assets. Bitnomial’s Track Record With Altcoin Futures Bitnomial has already listed US-regulated futures tied to several other digital assets, including Cardano, XRP, and Aptos. That lineup places it among a small number of venues offering regulated crypto derivatives beyond the two largest tokens by market value. The exchange’s efforts have not been without friction. In August 2024, Bitnomial attempted to self-certify XRP futures with the CFTC, only to face objections from the Securities and Exchange Commission. The SEC argued at the time that the contracts required registration as a securities exchange. After suing the SEC in October 2025 and later dropping the case, Bitnomial launched XRP futures in March, pointing to changes in the regulatory backdrop. That episode underscored how unsettled the boundary remains between commodities and securities oversight in crypto markets, even for regulated venues. Against that backdrop, the Tezos launch suggests a more straightforward path, at least for now. By listing futures under existing CFTC rules, Bitnomial is testing how far regulated derivatives can extend into the long tail of crypto assets. Investor Takeaway Bitnomial’s experience shows that regulatory approval for altcoin futures can vary sharply by asset, adding uneven risk for exchanges and traders alike. Where Tezos Stands Today Tezos launched its mainnet in June 2018 after a 2017 initial coin offering that raised roughly $232 million in Bitcoin and Ether. The network was among the early layer-1 blockchains to pair proof-of-stake with onchain governance, allowing token holders to approve protocol upgrades without hard forks. During the 2021–2022 NFT cycle, Tezos gained attention as a lower-cost and energy-efficient alternative to Ethereum. Artists and game publishers were drawn to its proof-of-stake design and lower transaction fees at a time when Ethereum gas costs surged. The project also pursued high-profile sports partnerships, including deals with Red Bull Racing and McLaren Racing, and was later reported to be preparing a multi-year training kit sponsorship with Manchester United valued at more than $27 million per year. XTZ reached an all-time high of $9.12 in October 2021, according to CoinGecko data, but has since fallen by about 95% and now trades near $0.46. In January, Tezos rolled out its Tallinn protocol upgrade, reducing base-layer block times to six seconds as part of its 20th onchain update. What the Launch Means Going Forward The debut of Tezos futures does not reverse years of price decline, but it does place XTZ within a regulated derivatives framework that few altcoins have achieved in the US. For traders, it introduces new tools for hedging and exposure. For issuers and regulators, it adds another data point in the debate over how far regulated crypto markets should extend. As exchanges test the limits of CFTC oversight and regulators continue to refine their approach, Tezos’s entry into US futures markets offers a case study in how smaller networks can gain regulated market access without the scale of Bitcoin or Ether.

Why Is Mercado Bitcoin Using Rootstock for Private Credit? Mercado Bitcoin said it has deployed more than $20 million in tokenized private credit on Rootstock, a Bitcoin sidechain, as part of a broader effort to expand real-world asset issuance. The Latin American digital asset platform is targeting $100 million in total issuances by April. Several of the private credit offerings reached full capacity shortly after launch, suggesting steady demand for yield-bearing tokenized instruments tied to Latin American borrowers. By using Rootstock, the company is anchoring these assets to Bitcoin’s security model while offering exposure to private debt markets that are typically difficult for international investors to access directly. The Rootstock deployment adds a new layer to Mercado Bitcoin’s multichain approach to tokenization. The platform has also outlined plans to issue similar assets on other blockchains, including Stellar and the XRP Ledger, broadening distribution channels for tokenized credit products beyond a single network. Investor Takeaway Bitcoin-linked infrastructure is increasingly being used as a settlement layer for tokenized credit, offering investors exposure to private debt without relying on traditional custody and clearing routes. What Types of Assets Are Being Tokenized? According to Mercado Bitcoin, the newly issued tokens represent a mix of receivables and corporate debt. The underlying borrowers include both Brazilian companies and firms based outside the country, reflecting an effort to widen the credit pool beyond domestic markets. Lucas Pinsdorf, business director at Mercado Bitcoin, said the scope of issuance extends beyond local borrowers. “What is particularly interesting is that these are not limited to Brazilian companies,” he said. “Within the issuances, Mercado Bitcoin also chose to issue debt for an American company.” That cross-border element is central to the platform’s strategy. Tokenization allows private credit exposures to be fractionalized and distributed to a broader investor base, potentially lowering entry thresholds and improving liquidity compared with traditional private debt structures. For international investors, the structure offers Bitcoin-secured exposure to Latin American private credit without direct involvement in local lending markets. For issuers, it opens access to capital pools that may otherwise be difficult to reach through conventional channels. How Large Is Mercado Bitcoin’s Tokenized Credit Business? Data from RWA.xyz places Mercado Bitcoin among the world’s top 10 issuers of tokenized private credit, with more than $370 million in cumulative loans issued to date. That ranking reflects early momentum, though the platform remains far smaller than the largest players in the sector. The top three private credit issuers tracked by RWA.xyz have each issued at least $5.4 billion, underscoring the scale gap between regional platforms and global market leaders. Even so, growth in issuance volume suggests that demand for onchain private credit continues to expand beyond early adopters. Pinsdorf said the initial $20 million Rootstock issuance sold through quickly, reinforcing expectations that the broader $100 million target could be reached in short order. “We are very confident that it will be a sell-out very soon,” he said. Investor Takeaway Tokenized private credit remains a small market compared with traditional lending, but rapid sell-through suggests demand is building faster than supply in certain regions. How Does Regulation Factor Into the Structure? Mercado Bitcoin said its private credit tokens are structured within Brazil’s existing regulatory framework. The company draws on licenses held within its corporate group that are supervised by the Comissão de Valores Mobiliários and the Central Bank of Brazil, allowing issuance to proceed under established financial rules rather than bespoke crypto exemptions. That regulatory grounding is a key part of the platform’s pitch to investors and issuers. In Latin America, where regulatory clarity varies widely by jurisdiction, aligning tokenized products with existing oversight is often viewed as a prerequisite for institutional participation. Pinsdorf said the company continues to engage with regulators as tokenized finance develops across the region. “We hope for clearer and more objective frameworks on how the path to tokenization in the financial market will be paved,” he said. What Does This Say About Latin America’s RWA Push? Mercado Bitcoin’s activity reflects a broader regional effort to bring yield-bearing instruments onchain. Across Latin America, issuers are testing how blockchain infrastructure can be used to distribute credit products more efficiently while tapping into global liquidity. In Argentina, for example, crypto platforms have launched local-currency stablecoins and tokenized sovereign exposure as a way to link domestic financial assets with blockchain-based distribution. These initiatives share a common goal: lowering friction between traditional credit markets and digital settlement rails. While volumes remain modest compared with global credit markets, the pace of experimentation suggests tokenized private debt is moving beyond pilot programs. For platforms like Mercado Bitcoin, success will depend on balancing demand growth with regulatory alignment and credit quality as issuance scales.

KEY TAKEAWAYS Token decimals define the smallest unit of a cryptocurrency, enabling precise divisibility that is crucial for microtransactions and accurate financial operations in blockchain networks. Higher decimal places, such as Ethereum's 18, offer greater flexibility and compatibility within on-chain ecosystems, but they may complicate integrations with off-chain fiat systems. Fewer decimals, like those used in USDT and USDC, simplify real-world financial integrations by mirroring traditional currency subunits, though this can create on-chain compatibility challenges and increase the risk of confusion in automated processes. Decimal choices influence gas costs and storage efficiency; reducing decimals can save significant resources in high-transaction environments, but this must be balanced against the token's intended use and ecosystem fit. The selection of decimal places should be driven by the token's purpose, prioritizing either on-chain innovation or off-chain adoption, to maximize usability, liquidity, and overall market impact without introducing unnecessary technical hurdles.   Technical features like token decimals are crucial for understanding how digital assets work in transactions and across larger ecosystems. The number of digits after the decimal point that a cryptocurrency may support is called its token decimals. This is what determines its smallest unit of value. This idea is important for understanding token precision, which affects everything from microtransactions to connecting with established financial institutions.  This article examines how token decimals work, why they matter, and how to choose the appropriate number of decimal places, drawing on information from trusted sources in the crypto world. We want to provide a comprehensive, research-based review of why token precision is not just a technicality but a vital factor in the usability and adoption of cryptocurrencies, drawing on real-world examples and expert opinions. How to Understand Token Decimals Token decimals indicate how finely a cryptocurrency can be split and traded. In the world of cryptocurrencies, they are like decimal points in fiat currencies, like cents in dollars. They tell you the smallest amount of value that can be moved or retained. For example, a token with 8 decimal places can be split into 100 million smaller units, allowing you to control the exact amounts in transactions. The token's smart contract design includes this divisibility. For example, under the Ethereum ERC-20 standard, the token's decimal value is set at creation and cannot be changed thereafter. More decimal places mean more precise divisions, which is important for protocols like decentralized finance (DeFi) and micropayments that require high accuracy. On the other hand, lower decimals might be fine for tokens that represent larger value units, but they can make it harder to handle small quantities. Studies show that token decimals directly affect a token's value and usefulness. A token with more decimals can look cheaper per unit, which could draw in ordinary investors. It can also help with complex financial computations without rounding errors. This level of accuracy is very important in unstable markets, where even small differences can have a big impact on finances. How Token Precision Works Token precision works by using mathematical exponents to determine the smallest unit that can be traded. The smallest unit of a token with "d" decimal places is 10^-d of the full token. This means that all balances and transfers are performed as integers multiplied by this factor, with no floating-point issues typical in traditional programming. When a user delivers 1.5 tokens with 18 decimals, the blockchain treats it as 1.5 * 10^18 atomic units. This method, based on integers, ensures that distributed ledger systems are accurate and error-free. Ethereum's native ether (ETH) is a good example of this. It has 18 decimals, allowing you to divide it down to wei (10^-18 ETH), which is useful for complex smart contract interactions. Accuracy is also important for blockchain scalability. Higher decimal precision can require more data per transaction, potentially raising gas prices on networks like Ethereum. But this trade-off is often worth it because it adds new features, such as fractional ownership of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) or precision yield farming in DeFi. The Importance of Cryptocurrency Transactions Token decimals significantly impact how transactions work, affecting liquidity, usability, and the market's overall behavior. Tokens are good for small transactions because they have more decimal places, making them easier to split. For example, you may pay a small fee to watch content or interact with IoT devices. This level of detail makes the market more liquid by allowing exchanges to set prices more accurately, reducing slippage in trades. Decimals also affect how many tokens are used in different fields. High precision guarantees that in-game assets are fairly distributed across games or metaverses, and in supply chain finance, it ensures that fractional payments are tracked correctly. But if the decimals don't match up, it can be hard to integrate. For instance, wallets or exchanges might show wrong balances if they aren't set up right. From a research perspective, token decimals alter the operation of economic models. Stablecoins tied to fiat may work better with tokens that have fewer decimals, which is similar to how traditional currency subunits work. On the other hand, tokens with more decimals may work better for new use cases, such as tokenizing real estate shares. Analysts stress that choosing the right number of decimals is crucial to avoid usability issues and to get the most out of tokens across a wide range of uses. What to Consider When Choosing the Number of Decimal Places Choosing the number of decimal places for a token requires weighing technological, economic, and integration concerns. One important thing to consider is how well it integrates with other systems. On Ethereum, 18 decimals is the de facto standard. This aligns with ETH itself and makes it easy to use DeFi protocols and wallets. According to a developer at Blockchain Explorers, going against this can cause problems because many apps hardcode assumptions based on 18 decimals. Gas prices are another important thing to think about. Depending on how Solidity is set up, lowering decimals from 18 to 8 can save 40 to 160 gas units in contract inputs and up to 20,000 gas in storage activities. This kind of efficiency is great for tokens with a lot of volume, but it needs to be balanced against any problems that can come up when trying to integrate them. Many times, off-chain compatibility is what makes people choose stablecoins. To make it easier to integrate with real-world systems, tokens like USDT and USDC use 6 decimals to match fiat systems. On the other hand, DAI and TrueUSD employ 18 decimals to focus on on-chain ecosystem alignment. Experts say that utilizing fewer decimals can make things more difficult on-chain, which can cause automated systems to make mistakes or become confused. In the end, the token's intended usage should be the reason for the decision. For stablecoins that want to connect with traditional banking, 6 decimals may be best. For multipurpose utility tokens, 18 decimals gives them more adaptability and accuracy. One answer on Ethereum Stack Exchange says, "Use 18 decimals unless there is a specific reason not to," which shows how strong the standard is. Examples from the Real World and Their Effects Real-world uses show how important token decimals are. Bitcoin has 8 decimal places, which lets you use satoshis to make tiny donations or pay with the Lightning Network without too much trouble. Ethereum's 18 decimals let it do its job as a programmable money layer, where exact gas calculations and token swaps need a lot of detail. Stablecoins are different from each other. For example, USDT's 6 decimals make it easier to convert to fiat, but this has caused problems with on-chain integration, as the community has pointed out. Ripple's XRP, which has 6 decimal places, is well-suited for cross-border payments where speed and lower precision are important to businesses. These examples show that using the wrong choice of decimal can make adoption harder, increase development costs, or expose users to rounding errors. From a research standpoint, token precision affects market efficiency, with higher decimals potentially promoting innovation in fields such as decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and tokenized assets. FAQs What are token decimals in cryptocurrency? Token decimals refer to the number of digits after the decimal point, determining how finely a token can be divided for transactions and balances. Why do some tokens use 18 decimal places? 18 decimals is the Ethereum standard, providing high precision for on-chain interactions and compatibility with applications expecting this level of granularity. How do token decimals affect transaction costs? Fewer decimals can reduce gas fees by minimizing data in contract calls and storage, potentially saving thousands of gas units in optimized setups. What are the risks of choosing fewer than 18 decimals? It may cause integration issues with on-chain tools hardcoded for 18 decimals, leading to errors or complications in DeFi and exchange platforms. How do decimals impact token divisibility? More decimals allow for smaller units, enhancing microtransaction usability, while fewer decimals limit precision but may suit larger-scale or fiat-aligned applications. References What is the significance of token decimals in cryptocurrency transactions? BYDFi. How to choose the number of decimal places for a token: Ethereum Stack Exchange

Why Are Prediction Market Platforms Giving Away Food? Two of the largest prediction market platforms, Polymarket and Kalshi, have both turned to grocery giveaways in New York City as competition intensifies in a sector that has grown sharply over the past year. Kalshi distributed $50 grocery credits to more than 1,000 people in Manhattan on Tuesday, while Polymarket said it will open what it calls New York’s first free grocery store starting next week. The promotions arrive as both firms compete for users, liquidity, and public visibility in a market that is drawing increasing attention from media groups, regulators, and investors. Kalshi’s event took place at the Westside Market on 3rd Avenue between midday and mid-afternoon local time. Videos shared on social platforms showed long lines extending across several city blocks. Kalshi’s own guest list indicated that 1,795 people registered for the grocery offer, while mainstream outlets described attendance as running into the thousands. Investor Takeaway User acquisition in prediction markets is moving beyond online ads, with platforms testing real-world promotions to build brand recognition in crowded urban markets. How Big Has the Prediction Markets Business Become? The grocery campaigns come as trading activity on prediction platforms has expanded rapidly. Combined daily volumes on Polymarket and Kalshi are now regularly above $400 million, roughly four times higher than a year ago. Kalshi reported $263.5 million in fee revenue during 2025, underlining how event-based contracts have turned into a large-scale business rather than a niche curiosity. Both firms have also drawn multibillion-dollar valuations, driven in part by integrations with media outlets and growing mainstream awareness. Unlike traditional betting products, prediction markets allow users to trade contracts linked to political, economic, cultural, and sporting outcomes. Prices fluctuate based on demand and perceived probabilities, creating a market-driven forecast rather than a fixed-odds wager. That structure has attracted both retail users and professional traders, but it has also placed the platforms under growing regulatory scrutiny. Polymarket’s Free Grocery Store Plan Polymarket said on Tuesday that it has signed a lease to open a free grocery store in New York City under the name “The Polymarket.” The store is scheduled to open next Thursday at noon local time and will be fully stocked at launch, according to the company. Alongside the store opening, Polymarket said it donated $1 million to Food Bank for NYC to support food access across all five boroughs. The company said the grocery initiative had been planned for several months, rather than being a reaction to Kalshi’s one-day promotion. In promotional material, Polymarket described the project with the line: “Free groceries. Free markets. Built for the people who power New York.” The message ties the physical giveaway to the platform’s broader branding around open access and public participation. The move follows a series of high-profile marketing efforts by Polymarket, including billboard campaigns designed to invite public interaction and a media partnership announced with Dow Jones earlier this year. Investor Takeaway As platforms chase scale, brand-building tactics are starting to resemble those of consumer tech firms rather than financial exchanges. Marketing Escalates as Regulation Tightens Both Polymarket and Kalshi have stepped up public-facing campaigns as traditional advertising routes become more restricted. Prediction market platforms have been barred from advertising during the Super Bowl scheduled for Feb. 8, limiting access to one of the largest broadcast stages in the US. Instead, the firms have leaned into city-level visibility. Kalshi has used digital billboards displaying live market odds, while Polymarket’s billboard campaigns have played on street-level exposure rather than polished corporate messaging. The focus on New York is not accidental. Both companies are based in the city, which remains a global financial hub and home to major exchanges including the NYSE and Nasdaq. Concentrating promotions locally allows the platforms to reach media, finance professionals, and regulators within the same geographic footprint. What This Competition Says About the Sector The grocery giveaways highlight how quickly prediction markets have moved from obscure online venues to mainstream awareness battles. With trading volumes rising and valuations climbing, competition is no longer just about contract design or market depth, but about mindshare. At the same time, the spectacle of free groceries contrasts with the serious questions facing the industry. Both platforms continue to face legal and regulatory challenges over how their products are classified and who should oversee them. Public goodwill campaigns may help build recognition, but they do not resolve those underlying issues. For now, the New York promotions show that prediction market firms are willing to experiment with unconventional tactics to stand out. Whether those efforts translate into sustained user growth or simply short-term attention will become clearer as the market matures and regulatory pressure builds.

Spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds have reached a significant milestone in the other direction, as their total assets under management have fallen below $100 billion for the first time since April 2025. SoSoValue's data shows that the group of U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs had $272 million in net outflows on Tuesday, bringing their AUM below $100 billion. The number is a big drop from the peak of almost $168 billion in October 2025. The dip happened at the same time as further selling pressure in the cryptocurrency market. During the session, Bitcoin's price fell below $74,000. This caused the total value of all cryptocurrencies worldwide to drop from $3.11 trillion to $2.64 trillion over the past week. Spot Bitcoin ETFs have lost approximately $1.3 billion this year so far. The new weakness comes after three months of net withdrawals totaling almost $6 billion. This is the longest streak of outflows since the products were released in January 2024. Institutional Strength in the Face of Market Pressure Even if the headline drops, economists say that the way ETFs are owned may make it less likely that more people will leave. Nate Geraci, an analyst for ETFs, said on X that he thinks most of the assets in spot Bitcoin ETFs will stay the same. Geraci added, "I think that most of the assets in spot BTC ETFs will stay put anyway." When Thomas Restout, the CEO of B2C2, was on the Rulematch Spot On podcast, he said something similar. He talked about the strength of institutional capital in these vehicles, saying, "The benefit of institutions coming in and buying ETFs is that they are much more stable." They will hold on to their opinions and positions for longer. Restout also talked about how institutions might change in the distant future. He said, "I think the next level of transformation is for institutions to actually trade crypto instead of just using securitized ETFs." We think the next group of institutions will be those that trade the underlying assets directly. Market Dynamics and Cost Basis Bitcoin's current price is less than the average entry cost basis for ETF investors, which is roughly $84,000. This means new ETF shares are being sold at a loss, further pressuring fund flows when the market is down. After a short reversal on Monday, when spot Bitcoin ETFs saw $562 million in net inflows, the outflows came. The fast change shows how unstable flows have been in recent months. Bitcoin ETFs have seen a steady stream of withdrawals, while alternative crypto ETFs posted small gains on the same day. Ether ETFs brought in $14 million, XRP products brought in $19.6 million, while Solana ETFs brought in $1.2 million. What to Expect from ETF Flows The drop below $100 billion is a low point for spot Bitcoin ETFs in 2025–2026, both mentally and financially. It shows that people in the crypto world are more cautious, as Bitcoin hasn't been able to reach higher levels due to economic uncertainty and a lack of new catalysts. Some analysts think the current trend signals a larger change in how things are set up, while others think it is just a short-term dip. Institutional investors have longer time horizons, and ETFs are regulated and easy to access, which could help protect against more aggressive retail-style selling. Even so, since Bitcoin is well below crucial price levels and momentum is weakening, ETF flows will remain an important indicator of investor confidence in the near term.

According to multiple reports, a crypto CEO of a domestic cryptocurrency asset management firm in South Korea has been sentenced to three years in prison for orchestrating market manipulation that generated millions in illicit profits. The verdict, delivered by the Seoul Southern District Court on February 4, marks a significant enforcement action under South Korea’s regulatory framework for digital assets. The crypto CEO’s case reflects increasingly assertive efforts by Korean authorities to police digital markets and deter abuses that can distort pricing, undermine investor trust, and weaken market integrity. In addition to incarceration, the court imposed financial penalties and ordered forfeiture of profits linked to the manipulative trading scheme. Crypto CEO Used Automated Wash Trading to Inflate Volume and Profits According to reports, Jong‑hwan Lee, the CEO of a Korean digital asset management firm, was found guilty of manipulating the price of a token known as ACE by deploying an automated trading program. Prosecutors told the court that between July and October 2024, Lee’s program conducted repeated wash trades, which are simultaneous buy and sell orders that falsely boosted trading volume and moved market prices. Investigators found that Lee’s activity accounted for approximately 89% of the token’s trading volume during manipulated periods and led to inflated volume figures that misled other market participants. The court determined that the crypto CEO’s conduct violated Korea’s Virtual Asset User Protection Act, legislation introduced to safeguard digital asset investors and penalize market abuses under defined legal standards. In handing down the sentence, the court described the offense as “serious,” noting that manipulation undermines the fair formation of prices and erodes trust in trading venues. Alongside the prison term, Lee was fined 500 million Korean won (roughly $370,000) and ordered to forfeit about 846 million won (about $630,000) in illegal gains. Korea Sets Precedent for Crypto Law Enforcement The sentencing is widely seen as one of the first major applications of South Korea’s Virtual Asset User Protection Act, which came into force in July 2024 to tackle crypto manipulation, unfair trading, and other abusive behaviors in digital asset markets. South Korean regulators have been enhancing their surveillance capabilities with investment in AI-driven monitoring systems to detect anomalous trading patterns and enforce compliance with market standards. Industry observers say the case could set a precedent for future enforcement actions against executives and firms that engage in manipulative schemes, particularly those that exploit algorithmic tools to distort markets. It also signals that Korean authorities are willing to pursue criminal sanctions, not just administrative fines, for market abuses in the digital asset world. By applying criminal sanctions under its Virtual Asset User Protection Act against the crypto CEO, Korea is signaling that market abuses will be met with significant penalties, potentially reshaping behavior among crypto firms and executives. As regulators integrate advanced surveillance technologies and refine enforcement frameworks, market participants may face heightened accountability for their actions.

Bitwise Asset Management has agreed to buy Chorus One, a top provider of institutional staking services. This deal strengthens the crypto asset manager's concentration on yield-focused strategies. Bloomberg was the first to announce the acquisition, and both businesses have now confirmed it.  It would put Chorus One's operational infrastructure under Bitwise's control. Chorus One presently manages about $2.2 billion in staked assets across several decentralized networks and offers validator services and staking solutions to institutional clients. The deal's financial details, like how much it costs and how it works, have not been made public. Change in Strategy for Making Money Bitwise's purchase is part of a larger push to move beyond managing passive, single-asset crypto portfolios. The company manages more than $15 billion in client assets worldwide. It has been placing greater emphasis on income-producing positions that can turn spot holdings into assets that generate revenue. Bitwise gets direct control over validator infrastructure by combining Chorus One's staking operations. This makes it less reliant on third-party providers and better able to offer staking services in-house. This approach aligns with the growing demand from institutions for yield in crypto, as professional investors seek returns better than those of traditional fixed income and equities. In the last few months, Bitwise has already released several yield-focused solutions. These include curated on-chain vault strategies that deploy capital into over-collateralized decentralized lending markets, yielding rates of up to 6% on USDC. The company has also released model portfolio solutions with seven risk-profile frameworks for digital assets. These are meant for financial advisers and institutional investors. Chorus One's Job and Place in the Market Chorus One, which started in Switzerland, is now a major player in institutional-grade staking. The company runs validator nodes and offers staking services on many proof-of-stake networks. Most of its customers are sophisticated investors and institutions. With $2.2 billion in assets under management, Chorus One is an important part of making numerous blockchains more secure and decentralized. Its infrastructure will now help Bitwise reach its goal of offering clients more complete yield products directly. Broader Industry Momentum The deal comes at a time when institutional staking is growing quickly. The global market for institutional staking services, which was worth a few billion dollars in 2024, is expected to rise at a double-digit compound annual growth rate through 2033, possibly reaching $18 billion. There has been significant demand for staking on networks like Ethereum, as more institutions get involved. The acquisition shows how asset managers are responding to clients who want to combine crypto exposure with sustainable income. Bitwise's growth plan involves expanding into new areas. For example, they recently partnered with ING Germany and other companies in Europe to create crypto exchange-traded products backed by cold-storage custody.  The purchase is still awaiting final regulatory clearances and formal closing. Still, it puts Bitwise among a small group of crypto-native companies creating large-scale end-to-end yield infrastructure. Bitwise is likely to roll out new products more quickly and become more competitive in the evolving digital asset ecosystem once it adds Chorus One's staking features.

YouLend, the global embedded financing platform, has partnered with Intuit to make working capital available to QuickBooks business customers across the UK, expanding access to fast, data-driven SME funding directly within accounting software workflows. Under the collaboration, YouLend has been selected as a launch partner for Intuit UK’s newly introduced Capital Marketplace, a partner ecosystem designed to connect QuickBooks customers with financing options including working capital, lines of credit, and alternative funding products. The national rollout follows a successful 2025 pilot programme and positions embedded finance as a core part of Intuit’s UK small business proposition, with YouLend providing capital offers inside the QuickBooks experience. Embedded SME Financing Moves Into QuickBooks UK Workflow The partnership centres on embedded finance — allowing SMEs to access funding through platforms they already use, such as accounting, payments, ecommerce or business software. Rather than requiring businesses to approach a separate lender, embedded capital products use existing platform data to speed up decisioning and reduce application friction. For QuickBooks customers, the funding offer is presented directly within Intuit’s platform, enabling businesses to check eligibility and access working capital without the traditional hurdles of lengthy forms, repeated document submissions, or extended underwriting timelines. YouLend said funding decisions are typically delivered within 24 hours, with repayments structured flexibly and linked to future sales — a model designed to support cash flow, particularly for seasonal businesses. Takeaway This partnership reflects a wider shift in SME lending: financing is increasingly becoming a built-in feature of business software, where data-rich platforms like QuickBooks can deliver faster decisioning and reduce drop-off compared with traditional lending channels. Funding Barriers Remain a Growth Constraint for UK Entrepreneurs Intuit cited new research suggesting that access to capital remains a major growth barrier for UK entrepreneurs. According to the research, 40% of UK entrepreneurs say access to capital limits their ability to grow. The findings also point to a continued reliance on personal resources to fund business operations, with 71% using personal savings, while 18% expressed concerns around rising borrowing costs. Micro-businesses appear to face the sharpest friction. Intuit noted that micro-businesses are 40% to 70% more likely to abandon lending applications due to lengthy and complex traditional processes — a gap the Capital Marketplace is designed to address through embedded funding routes. Takeaway By targeting micro-business drop-off and simplifying access to funding, Intuit and YouLend are positioning embedded capital as a practical solution to one of the most persistent SME bottlenecks: funding availability at the moment it’s needed. National Rollout Builds on 2025 Pilot With £1,000 to £2m Funding Range The new embedded capital solution follows a pilot programme conducted in 2025. During the pilot, QuickBooks business customers could access funding ranging from £1,000 up to £2 million, supporting SMEs across multiple sectors. QuickBooks customer Nick Bowes, owner of Bowes Logistics Training Ltd, said the application process was “simple and straightforward,” adding that the funding helped the business purchase additional equipment and scale more quickly. The programme is also positioned as accessible, with eligibility starting from just three months of trading — a structure intended to broaden reach for younger SMEs and early-stage businesses that may struggle to secure traditional credit. Dan Sinclair-Taylor, Strategic Partnerships Lead at YouLend, said embedding capital into QuickBooks enables businesses to check eligibility and access funding with reduced friction. Leigh Thomas, Vice President of EMEA at Intuit, added that embedding the Capital Marketplace into the Intuit platform offers faster access to partner funding “without impacting credit scores,” supported by pre-qualification alerts and personalised offers. Takeaway With eligibility from three months of trading and a wide ticket-size range, the YouLend–Intuit rollout signals that embedded finance is moving beyond niche use cases and into mainstream SME funding infrastructure.

Aave, a decentralized finance protocol, is limiting its operations by discontinuing its Avara brand and Family Wallet product. Aave founder and CEO Stani Kulechov said on X that the Avara umbrella, which previously included the Family crypto wallet and the now-defunct Lens social protocol, is being shut down. The choice signals a planned shift in strategy to bring all initiatives under the Aave Labs name and accelerate the adoption of DeFi by the general public. Kulechov said, "Avara is no longer needed because we are going all in on bringing Aave to the masses." The Family Wallet, an Apple iOS app that lets you keep your own money, will end in a planned way. Starting on April 1, no new users will be able to sign up. Existing users will still be able to use the app until April 1, 2027. During this time, users will still have full access to their funds, and they will eventually move to Aave's main web infrastructure. Kulechov talked about why they were shutting down the wallet and what they learned from trying to get new users to sign up. He said, "The team has learned that onboarding millions of users needs specific experiences, like savings, instead of general, open-ended wallet experiences." Family Accounts will not completely go away; they will still be an important part of Aave Labs products, such as the new Aave mobile app. From Diversification to Focused DeFi Execution The movements are part of a bigger reorganization for Aave. Last month, the protocol stepped back from its role in Lens and became an advisor instead. Mask Network took over as the main custodian. The end of Aave's multi-year drive into related Web3 verticals, such as decentralized social media and general-purpose consumer wallets, is marked by that change and the termination of Avara. Avara also said, "All current and future products, including the Aave App, Aave Pro, and Aave Kit, will operate under Aave Labs to simplify the brand." The redesign places Aave Labs as a single team of designers, engineers, and smart contract specialists organized around one mission: “bringing DeFi to everyone.”  Context and Implications Aave’s core lending protocol is a cornerstone of DeFi, constantly ranking among the sector’s largest by total value locked. The protocol has processed trillions in volume and originated large loan activity since launch. By eliminating peripheral branding and goods, Aave hopes to simplify the experience for consumers and developers while sharpening resource allocation toward protocol improvements, mobile accessibility, and features that are more mainstream-friendly.  The statement arrives amid regulatory progress for the project, following the recent conclusion of a multi-year U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission probe without enforcement action. While the Family Wallet wind-down may harm a fraction of mobile-first consumers, the decision reinforces a pragmatic assessment: broad, general-purpose tools have proven less effective for mass adoption than specialized, DeFi-native experiences. With Avara officially retired and Family Wallet on a defined exit path, Aave is set to double down on its core competencies in decentralized lending and borrowing infrastructure.

Ethereum is in a dangerous place right now because its price is dropping into a historically high-risk zone. This is happening even though critical network measurements indicate strong usage. As of this writing, ETH was trading at $2,264, down 2.8% over the past 24 hours. The second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization has been through a brutal sell-off, shedding almost 24% in the last week and 28% in the last month.  Ethereum's price has dropped almost 54% from its top of $4,946 in August 2025. It is now moving toward the $2,200 level, where it has been for a while. Analysts say Ethereum is now in a high-risk zone after dropping below $2,300. On-chain data shows a strange picture: even when the fundamentals look robust, the price action stays defensive. On-Chain Growth Despite Weak Prices Network activity has increased significantly over the last several sessions. In the last 24 hours, spot trade volume rose 21% to $47.25 billion, while futures volume rose 38% to $105 billion. Open interest in derivatives, on the other hand, fell by 1.18% to $27 billion, suggesting that some are less leveraged. On-chain transfer numbers are a major warning indication. A report from CryptoQuant contributor CryptoOnchain on February 4 says that Ethereum's 14-day moving average transfer count has risen to about 1.17 million. In the past, these kinds of spikes have happened during times of market stress, including in January 2018 and May 2021, right before big price drops. High transfers can be a sign of real network expansion, but abrupt increases often occur when many people are moving, distributing, or giving up. The Technical Picture is Still Bearish The way Ethereum's chart is set up makes the cautious perspective even stronger. The asset remains stuck in a daily downtrend, with lower highs and lower lows, since it failed to break above $4,000 last year. Several attempts to bounce back have stopped at the 20-day moving average, and momentum is diminishing fast. The mid-Bollinger Band has consistently rejected price action, and Ethereum is now below the lower Bollinger Band. This usually means that the price will be more volatile on the downside. After a short false recovery, the loss of the $3,000 level earlier in the cycle has left that area as overhead resistance. The daily Relative Strength Index remains in the low 30s, suggesting little bullish divergence and limited long-term recovery prospects. Technical signals say there isn't much room for growth without a clear reversal. If selling pressure goes down and ETH stays above the $2,150–$2,200 support cluster, there could be a small bounce. However, economists say that for any real change in attitude to occur, the market would need to close above $2,300 every day, which might push it to $2,700–$2,800. Without that change, upward moves are likely to stay small and be easy to turn down. Outlook and the Bigger Picture The combination of high on-chain activity and falling price momentum has made people more cautious. The data doesn't definitely show that the market has reached its peak. Still, it puts Ethereum in an area where history shows a higher risk of a decline, especially when overall momentum is already weak. Traders are still cautious because most in the crypto markets are feeling risk-off. Ethereum is in a weak position right now, so the next few sessions will be very important in determining whether the network's underlying strength leads to a price rebound or if more selling is on the way.

Tether is lowering its previously disclosed fundraising goals since it seems that investors are not ready to commit. The stablecoin issuer, which rules the market with its USDT token, which has a market cap of more than $185 billion, had been looking into a private equity financing that could make the company worth nearly $500 billion.  The first talks, which took place late last year, were about raising $15 billion to $20 billion by issuing new shares instead of selling existing ones. But potential investors have been hesitant, so Tether's advisors, including industry giant Cantor Fitzgerald, have suggested a far smaller target of about $5 billion, according to people who know about it, as reported by the Financial Times. Paolo Ardoino, the CEO of Tether, pushed back against claims that the bigger number was the company's main goal. Ardoino told the Financial Times that the $15 billion to $20 billion estimate was a "misconception" and that "That number is not our goal." We were willing to sell it for the most we could. He also stressed the need for flexibility in the process. He said that the firm has gotten "a lot of interest" at the high $500 billion valuation level, but it is still not sure how much equity to give. Ardoino stressed Tether's good financial condition by saying that the company is making money and that "If we were selling zero, we would be very happy as well." Investor Caution Amid Regulatory and Market Headwinds The pullback shows that Tether is having more problems. Even though the business is in charge of the stablecoin market, it has come under fire for how it handles reserves and risk. S&P Global Ratings has lowered Tether's reserves to the lowest level since it has more money in riskier assets like Bitcoin and Gold. Profitability has also dropped, with earnings in 2025 lower than in 2024. Ardoino said this was because Bitcoin did poorly in the last quarter. Tether has still done well in other sectors, too. Reports say that its gold holdings made between $8 billion and $10 billion during the recent rise in precious metals prices. Investors may also be hesitant because there are still a lot of questions about how crypto will be regulated. However, recent U.S. stablecoin legislation and Circle's successful public listing have helped to clear things up and give the market a boost. Insiders have said they don't want to give up a lot of their stakes, and the fact that the crypto market has been having a hard time lately has probably made them less excited. Ongoing Talks and Future Potential There are still talks going on, and if the market gets better, people's feelings could get better, too. Tether has pointed to its strong compliance system and interaction with law enforcement as proof that it is a mature company. The original high-valuation pitch was meant to help the company grow in stablecoins, AI, commodity trading, energy, and other areas.  However, the lower target shows how hard it is to get funding at such high multiples, even for a company that has made a lot of money and is the clear leader in digital dollar infrastructure. The conclusion of Tether's negotiations will probably show how much investors are interested in crypto-native enterprises at very high prices right now.

What Drove Galaxy’s Fourth-Quarter Loss? Galaxy Digital reported a net loss of $482 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, extending a difficult year shaped by falling digital asset prices and non-recurring expenses. For the full year, the firm posted a net loss of $241 million, according to its quarterly financial statements released Tuesday. The company said fourth-quarter losses were “driven primarily by the depreciation of digital asset prices,” while full-year results reflected both lower prices and roughly $160 million in one-time costs. Bitcoin fell by around 20% during the fourth quarter, adding pressure across trading, holdings, and related activities tied to market values. Galaxy operates across trading, asset management, and infrastructure-linked businesses, which means swings in crypto prices can feed directly into reported earnings. The fourth quarter captured one of the sharper pullbacks of the year, closing out a period when risk appetite across digital assets remained weak. Investor Takeaway Galaxy’s results show how closely earnings still track crypto price cycles, even as the firm builds revenue outside pure trading activity. How Management Framed the Market Downturn On a shareholder update call Tuesday, Chief Executive Michael Novogratz pointed to broad declines across major tokens. “You have the crypto coins — Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, you name ‘em — have been in a bear market,” he said. Novogratz argued that the current environment fits a familiar pattern for long-term market participants. “I do think that we’re in the lower end of the range [of Bitcoin price],” he said, adding that periods of stress have historically tested conviction across the sector. He also framed the downturn as a phase that experienced crypto investors have seen before. “Anyone who’s been in crypto for more than five years realizes that part of the ethos of this whole industry is pain,” Novogratz said, noting that moments of extreme pessimism often force firms and investors to reassess exposure and readiness rather than exit outright. While the comments offered context, they also highlighted how dependent sentiment remains on price recovery. Until digital asset markets stabilize, earnings volatility is likely to remain a defining feature for firms with balance sheets tied to token valuations. What the Balance Sheet Shows Despite the Losses Despite posting net losses, Galaxy reported an adjusted gross profit of $426 million for the full year of 2025. The firm ended the year with $2.6 billion in cash and stablecoins, providing a buffer against further market weakness. Galaxy also said total platform assets stood at $12 billion at year-end, with $2 billion in net inflows into its asset management business. Those inflows suggest that, even during a down market, some institutional and high-net-worth clients continued allocating capital through Galaxy-managed products. The contrast between accounting losses and cash levels highlights the uneven effects of price declines. Depreciation of digital assets can weigh heavily on reported results, even as fee-generating businesses and custody balances continue to bring in capital. Investor Takeaway Strong liquidity and ongoing inflows offer Galaxy flexibility, but headline losses may keep investor focus fixed on price exposure rather than underlying cash strength. Why Infrastructure Plans Still Matter Beyond trading and asset management, Galaxy has been pushing into infrastructure tied to artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. The firm said it is accelerating development of an AI data center in Texas, a project announced last August. In January, Galaxy received approval from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas for an additional 830 megawatts of power capacity, lifting total approved capacity at the site to more than 1.6 gigawatts. The project reflects a longer-term bet on demand for energy-intensive computing, independent of short-term crypto prices. For investors, the data center effort introduces a revenue path less directly tied to token markets. Still, capital intensity and execution risk remain factors, particularly while core crypto businesses face pressure from lower prices. How Markets Reacted and What Peers Reported Elsewhere in the sector, results were mixed. SoFi Technologies reported fourth-quarter revenue of $1 billion, supported in part by crypto trading activity on its platform. Tokenization firm Securitize Holdings said revenue rose more than 840% through September 2025 as it moved toward an initial public offering. The divergence highlights how exposure models matter. Firms with broader consumer or enterprise-facing revenue streams have been better insulated from price drops, while companies with larger balance-sheet exposure to digital assets continue to feel sharper earnings pressure.

Ebene, Mauritius, February 4th, 2026, FinanceWire Skyriss Securities (Mauritius) Ltd, a regulated multi-asset online trading broker, today announced the continued expansion of its global platform and client services, reinforcing its long-term strategy of building trader-focused infrastructure grounded in real market experience, operational transparency, and regulatory compliance. As part of this expansion, Skyriss has strengthened its trading infrastructure, enhanced liquidity partnerships, and scaled its client support operations across key international markets. The company has also invested in platform optimization initiatives aimed at improving execution speed, system resilience, and service availability during periods of elevated market activity. These developments form part of Skyriss’s broader strategy to support sustainable growth while maintaining regulatory alignment and operational integrity. The company operates under an Investment Dealer License (No. GB25204272) issued by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius and maintains its registered office at Office 133, Ebene Junction, Rue De La Democratie, Ebene, Mauritius. Founded by market professionals who began their careers on the trading side of the industry, Skyriss was built in response to common challenges faced by active traders, including delayed execution, unclear pricing, inconsistent platform performance, and limited client support. These early experiences formed the foundation of the company’s guiding philosophy: “Built for Traders, By Traders.” Rather than designing systems solely around commercial objectives, Skyriss developed its platform based on real trading behavior, emphasizing execution stability during volatile market conditions, pricing transparency during high-impact economic events, and reliability during critical decision-making periods. Founded by seasoned market professionals, Skyriss was built in direct response to the real-world limitations active traders continue to face — from execution delays and opaque pricing to unstable platform performance. These early experiences remain central to the company’s mission of delivering a trading environment defined by consistency, transparency, and long-term client trust. Today, Skyriss provides clients with access to foreign exchange, commodities, indices, and equities through a robust trading infrastructure that combines institutional-grade liquidity, advanced order routing systems, and automated risk management frameworks designed to support consistent execution and capital protection. In the United Arab Emirates, Skyriss Financial Consultancy L.L.C operates under regulation by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) under license number 20200000268 for Introduction and Promotion activities. The entity serves as an affiliate partner of Skyriss Financial Ltd (Mauritius) and Skyriss Securities Ltd (St. Lucia), supporting regional client engagement, regulatory alignment, and market development. The Skyriss leadership team notes that brokerages founded by former traders tend to demonstrate stronger alignment between platform architecture and client requirements, particularly in fast-moving and highly competitive global markets. Skyriss’s continued investment in technology, compliance, and service infrastructure reflects its commitment to sustainable growth and long-term client relationships. For more information about Skyriss’s platform, regulatory framework, and service offerings, users can visit www.skyriss.com Additional resources and educational materials are available to support both new and experienced traders. About Skyriss Skyriss Securities (Mauritius) Ltd is a regulated multi-asset brokerage firm offering access to global financial markets, including foreign exchange, commodities, indices, and equities. Operating under the supervision of the Financial Services Commission of Mauritius, the company provides trading services supported by institutional liquidity, advanced technology infrastructure, and comprehensive risk management systems. Founded by experienced market participants, Skyriss is guided by its philosophy, “Built for Traders, By Traders,” and is committed to delivering transparent, reliable, and client-centric trading solutions. Through its international regulatory framework and regional partnerships, the company continues to expand its presence across key global markets. https://youtu.be/DDIHm_A6qnI?si=MVtjmzRBfWqu-h-E Contact Skyriss Securities (Mauritius) LTD Info@skyriss.com +971 52 150 0873

Nvidia shares dropped to a fresh year-to-date low on Tuesday, with the stock slipping below the $177 mark during the trading session. This is the weakest price level recorded since the beginning of 2026. Investor sentiment has turned cautious amid ongoing uncertainty over Nvidia’s ability to supply chips to China. According to a report by the Financial Times, exports of Nvidia’s H200 chips to Chinese customers are still awaiting final clearance from US regulators. These concerns were reinforced after AMD disclosed that the scale of its own shipments to China remains unclear, a comment that weighed further on Nvidia’s share price. Earlier, NVDA had been supported by optimism that deliveries of H200 chips to Chinese partners would commence in early 2026. However, that narrative has recently faded. Additional pressure may also be coming from reports of delays in investment linked to OpenAI, which is said to be considering alternative chip suppliers. Nvidia (NVDA) Technical Outlook In our analysis on 23 December, we: → reaffirmed the validity of the long-term upward price channel; → suggested that buyers could attempt a breakout from the corrective structure (highlighted in red) in order to push prices towards the channel’s midpoint. That scenario played out, as the share price reached the median of the channel. Nevertheless, price action in January failed to confirm a strong revival of the broader uptrend. Several bearish technical signals have since emerged: → the channel median acted as firm resistance; → the 30 January high — the strongest level seen this year — was marked by a long upper wick, leading to a false breakout above the prior peak and trapping bullish traders. Although sellers currently appear to have the upper hand, there are still reasons for caution: → the break below the 20 January low may yet prove to be a false move; → the lower boundary of the rising channel, which has provided reliable support for months, is now close. Given these factors, NVDA may enter a phase of consolidation in the lower section of the channel. The next decisive move is likely to depend on the company’s earnings report, due on 25 February. FXOpen offers spreads from 0.0 pips and commissions from $1.50 per lot (additional fees may apply). Enjoy trading on MT4, MT5, TickTrader or TradingView trading platforms! The FXOpen App is a dedicated mobile application designed to give traders full control of their accounts anytime, anywhere. This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

Ether attempts to halt the sharp weekend selloff Steadies near June lows around 2,100 Momentum indicators slide deeper into negative territory Ethereum (ETHUSD) is stabilizing near 2,250 after touching levels last seen in June 2025 in the previous session, following a broader selloff in tech stocks driven by renewed AIrelated concerns. The moves also extend the Warshled weekend rout and the volatile start to the week across crypto markets. The momentum indicators point to pronounced bearish pressure, with the MACD stretched well below both the zero line and its red signal line, while the RSI has eased into oversold territory. The negative bias and cautious tone are further reinforced by the bearish crossover between the 20 and 50day simple moving averages (SMAs). If dipbuyers emerge and the modest rebound holds, the first upside barrier stands at 2,400 – a previous strong support turned resistance, which has intermittently contained losses over the past four months. A break above that would open the way toward the November 21 swing low at 2,620, followed by the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement of the August-February decline at 2,779. Conversely, a deeper correction with a decisive break below the 2,000 psychological level, last tested in August, would further sour sentiment and could accelerate declines toward the 1,530-1,730 region before exposing the tarifftriggered April 9 trough at 1,382. All in all, Ether is attempting to recover but only marginally, struggling to attract sustained bids and on track to end in the red for a third straight week. With the asset sitting at a critical juncture, traders will be watching whether the 2,000 threshold holds, as a breakdown there could trigger steeper losses for the largest altcoin – already more than 50% below its record peak.

ISX Financial EU PLC (ISXX), an EEA-authorised Electronic Money Institution (EMI) regulated by the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC), has announced the appointment of Andreas Artemiou as Chief Risk Officer (CRO). In the role, Artemiou will oversee ISXX’s risk management function across credit risk, non-financial risk, cyber risk, and chargeback management. The appointment remains subject to a formal non-objection approval decision by the CBC. The hire forms part of ISXX’s wider investment in governance and leadership as it scales its digital financial services footprint across Europe and the UK. Appointment Strengthens Risk Discipline as ISXX Scales ISXX CEO Nikogiannis Karantzis said Artemiou’s background in banking risk and regulatory engagement will support the firm’s growth strategy while maintaining a strong control environment. “We are very pleased to welcome Andreas Artemiou to ISXX as our new Chief Risk Officer,” Karantzis said. “His depth of experience in banking, regulatory engagement, and risk management will be invaluable, as we continue to scale our business while maintaining the highest standards of risk discipline and regulatory compliance.” ISXX said Artemiou will work closely with the Board, executive leadership and regulators to further enhance the company’s risk governance framework. Takeaway ISXX is reinforcing its governance framework as it grows, signalling a focus on institutional-grade risk management across cyber, credit and operational controls—areas increasingly scrutinised for EMIs operating at scale. Artemiou Brings Banking Risk and Executive Committee Experience ISXX said Artemiou has extensive experience spanning credit risk, capital management, non-financial risk and data governance, including stress testing and risk analytics. His background also includes translating supervisory and regulatory requirements into operational frameworks, and supporting business teams in embedding risk management practices aligned with strategic objectives. Artemiou previously served on the Executive Committees of AstroBank Public Company Limited and Cynergy Bank (formerly Bank of Cyprus UK), and held senior roles at Bank of Cyprus. Takeaway The appointment brings ISXX executive-level banking expertise, reflecting how EMIs are increasingly adopting traditional bank-style risk leadership as regulatory expectations tighten across Europe. Risk Leadership Positioned as Enabler of Innovation and Growth Artemiou said he is joining ISXX at a key point in its development and framed risk management as central to long-term innovation and stability. “I am pleased to join ISXX at such an important stage of its development,” he said. “Strong risk management is fundamental to supporting innovation and long-term growth. I look forward to working with the executive management team and the Board of Directors to further enhance our risk framework while enabling the business to deliver on its strategic objectives.” ISXX said the CRO appointment reinforces its commitment to rigorous regulatory compliance and long-term stability as it expands its digital financial services offering. Takeaway As EMIs broaden product scope and transaction volumes, risk management is no longer a back-office function. ISXX is positioning risk leadership as a strategic pillar supporting sustainable growth.

Do you know that most cryptocurrencies are more than just digital coins and actually operate as unique business systems that generate revenue and incentivize users?  Behind every token and decentralized application is a strategy that encourages participation, rewards contributors, and supports long-term growth. In this article, you will learn the top 10 cryptocurrency business models in Web3, how each model works, and why they are important for investors, developers, and anyone involved in the web3 ecosystem. Key Takeaways • Cryptocurrency business models define how Web3 projects generate revenue, incentivize users, and maintain sustainability. • Proven models include decentralized exchanges, lending platforms, NFT marketplaces, and play-to-earn games. • Tokenomics and staking mechanisms are central to several business models, aligning incentives between users and developers. • Awareness of different models helps investors identify sustainable projects and avoid risky ventures. • Each model balances profitability, user engagement, and network growth in unique ways, shaping the future of decentralized finance. Top 10 Cryptocurrency Business Models in Web3 1. Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs) DEXs are platforms that enable peer-to-peer trading of cryptocurrencies without intermediaries. They generate revenue through trading fees instead of charging through a subscription fee. Uniswap and SushiSwap are prominent examples that leverage automated market makers (AMMs) to ensure liquidity. These models rely heavily on transaction volume and liquidity provision incentives, making fee structure and token rewards crucial to profitability. 2. Lending and Borrowing Platforms Lending platforms like Aave and Compound allow users to lend their crypto and earn interest, while borrowers gain access to funds without traditional banks. Revenue comes from interest rate spreads and occasionally from liquidation penalties. Token-based governance and staking further reinforce user engagement, making lending and borrowing one of the most stable cryptocurrency business models in DeFi. 3. Staking and Yield Farming Staking involves locking tokens in a network to support operations such as block validation. Yield farming builds on this by incentivizing liquidity provision with additional token rewards. Platforms like Lido and Curve demonstrate how staking and yield farming can attract large pools of capital. Revenue is generated through fees on rewards, network incentives, or token appreciation. 4. NFT Marketplaces NFT marketplaces like OpenSea, Rarible, and Magic Eden provide a platform for buying, selling, and minting unique digital assets. Revenue comes from listing fees and transaction commissions. Some marketplaces integrate governance tokens to allow users to participate in decisions or benefit from platform growth. The business model thrives on user engagement, rarity of digital assets, and community-driven hype cycles. 5. Play-to-Earn Gaming Play-to-earn (P2E) models turn gaming into a revenue stream for players and developers. Games like Axie Infinity reward users with tokens that can be traded or staked. Developers profit from in-game item sales, transaction fees, and secondary markets. This model merges entertainment and finance, creating highly engaged communities while distributing economic incentives across players and investors. 6. Infrastructure as a Service (Blockchain Platforms) Platforms like Ethereum, Solana, and Avalanche provide the underlying infrastructure for developers to build decentralized applications. Revenue is generated through transaction fees and sometimes through validator incentives. These platforms are the backbone of many cryptocurrency business models, as they host DEXs, DeFi protocols, NFT marketplaces, and more. 7. Payment Solutions Cryptocurrency payment networks like BitPay and Circle enable businesses and individuals to transact with digital assets. Their revenue comes from transaction fees, currency conversion spreads, and enterprise services. These models focus on bridging the gap between crypto and traditional commerce, driving adoption through ease of use and accessibility. 8. Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) DAOs are organizational structures governed by smart contracts, enabling collective decision-making and shared revenue streams. Some DAOs operate investment funds, NFT projects, or community-driven services. Revenue comes from membership fees, project earnings, or treasury management. This model highlights governance as a key aspect of creating sustainable Web3 projects. 9. Tokenized Real-World Assets Platforms such as RealT tokenize real estate, art, or other assets, allowing fractional ownership and trading on blockchain. Revenue is generated through platform fees, token issuance, and secondary market transactions. Tokenization provides liquidity to traditionally illiquid assets, democratizing access and creating new revenue channels for businesses. 10. Data Monetization Models Some Web3 projects monetize data in privacy-preserving ways. Ocean Protocol, for example, allows users to sell or share data directly while retaining ownership and control. Revenue comes from transaction fees, subscriptions, or token incentives. This model balances user privacy with business opportunities, opening new markets for decentralized data management. Final Thoughts Cryptocurrency business models highlight the innovation and adaptability of Web3 while creating value for developers, users, and investors. Each model demonstrates how technology and incentives can work together to sustain projects and drive participation. Analyzing these proven approaches allows stakeholders to make informed decisions, identify viable opportunities, and contribute effectively to the success of decentralized networks.

Canada’s investment regulator has introduced a new digital asset custody framework aimed at strengthening protections for cryptocurrency investors and avoiding a repeat of the notorious 2019 collapse of QuadrigaCX. The rules, released on February 3 by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO), explain how digital assets must be held and overseen under Canadian securities regulation. The Digital Asset Custody Framework comes as Canada seeks to close regulatory gaps exposed by past market failures, where inadequate custody practices, weak governance, and operational vulnerabilities contributed to large-scale investor losses on defunct QuadrigaCX. By setting clearer, risk-based standards for custodial arrangements, CIRO aims to bolster trust and reduce systemic risk in the country’s evolving crypto sector. Canada’s Custody Standards Reinforced for Risk and Investor Protection Under the newly issued framework, Canada’s top investment self-regulator establishes a tiered, risk-based approach to how digital assets must be held by Dealer Members operating crypto asset trading platforms (CTPs). Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all model, the rules specify differentiated expectations based on the nature of custody arrangements, from internal solutions to approved third-party custodians. In public guidance, CIRO outlined that traditional custody requirements for securities were not designed to address the unique technological and operational risks posed by crypto assets. These include irreversible loss from compromised keys, heightened cyber attack risk, and legal uncertainties across jurisdictions. The framework, therefore, imposes enhanced safeguards such as supervised custody limits, independent technology assurance, and clearly enforceable custody agreements. CIRO’s approach reflects a desire to balance investor protection with market innovation. The body has indicated that the framework will be updated proactively as custody and cyber risks evolve, allowing standards to adapt without the need to wait for another market incident to occur. Why Canada’s Custody Rollouts Matter for Crypto Markets The collapse of QuadrigaCX remains a cautionary tale for Canadian regulation. When the exchange abruptly failed in 2019 following the reported death of its founder, customer assets were left inaccessible, with approximately C$250 million unaccounted for. Investigations later highlighted weak internal controls, lack of transparent governance, and deficient custody safeguards as core contributors to the loss. Those lessons influence the new custody regime. Unlike past regulatory structures that treated crypto platforms predominantly under general securities rules, the Digital Asset Custody Framework explicitly acknowledges the technological and legal idiosyncrasies of digital assets. Requirements for crypto custodians emphasize independent technology assurance, enforceable custody agreements, and measures to segregate client holdings in a manner that preserves ownership rights even in insolvency scenarios. Ultimately, the rules aim to strengthen investor safeguards, address cyber and operational risks unique to digital assets, and give regulators the flexibility to respond to evolving threats. As crypto markets continue to grow and integrate with traditional financial systems, well-defined custody expectations like this may be instrumental in building long-term market trust and resilience.

Sumsub has partnered with Fireblocks to deliver natively integrated Travel Rule compliance for virtual asset transactions, targeting financial institutions and virtual asset service providers (VASPs) facing growing regulatory pressure as stablecoin usage accelerates. Under the partnership, Sumsub’s Travel Rule solution will be integrated directly into the Fireblocks platform, enabling real-time automated verification and encrypted data exchange between VASPs. The companies said the integration will allow Fireblocks users to tailor compliance workflows based on their risk profiles while maintaining streamlined transaction processing. The announcement comes as regulators worldwide continue tightening requirements around illicit finance controls in digital assets, pushing firms beyond implementation and toward operationalising Travel Rule compliance at scale. Integrated Travel Rule Compliance Targets Stablecoin Growth and Fragmented Settlement Rails Sumsub and Fireblocks said the integration is designed to reduce operational friction for VASPs as stablecoin payments grow rapidly and compliance requirements become more complex. Sumsub noted that stablecoin volumes reached close to $1 trillion per month last year, roughly double the levels recorded in 2024. The company said this growth is forcing VASPs to navigate fragmented settlement rails and increasingly demanding compliance workflows. Regulatory momentum is also accelerating. Sumsub pointed to frameworks such as MiCA in the EU and FinCEN guidance in the U.S., alongside recent updates from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which it said are reinforcing the requirement for VASPs to implement and operationalise Travel Rule processes to address illicit finance risks. To meet these demands, Fireblocks said it is collaborating with compliance providers like Sumsub to embed Travel Rule functionality directly into operational transaction flows rather than treating compliance as a separate external process. Takeaway Stablecoin growth is pushing compliance into the transaction layer. By embedding Travel Rule functionality inside Fireblocks, Sumsub is positioning compliance as a native operational workflow rather than a bolt-on requirement—reducing friction as VASPs scale. Sumsub Brings Access to 1,800+ VASPs Across Major Travel Rule Protocols The companies said Fireblocks will remain the hub for transaction processing while Sumsub enriches the workflow by enabling secure, real-time Travel Rule data exchange. Sumsub said its Travel Rule solution provides access to more than 1,800 VASPs and supports multiple protocols, including GTR, CODE, Sygna, and the Sumsub protocol. The aim is to allow seamless automated data sharing between counterparties during virtual asset transfers, fully embedded within the Fireblocks environment. This integration is intended to give VASPs a scalable compliance pathway without forcing them to build Travel Rule infrastructure in-house, while also supporting encrypted exchange of the required originator and beneficiary information. Both firms positioned the integration as enabling “frictionless compliance at scale,” particularly for stablecoin payment flows where speed, automation and counterparty interoperability are essential. Takeaway Travel Rule compliance only works at scale if counterparties can connect. Sumsub’s claim of access to 1,800+ VASPs and multiple protocols turns Fireblocks into a compliance-enabled transaction hub, helping institutions expand stablecoin flows without operational bottlenecks. Fireblocks and Sumsub Frame Compliance as a Competitive Enabler for Onchain Payments Fireblocks said the integration supports customers as stablecoin adoption and digital asset payments accelerate globally, requiring compliance controls that do not slow transaction workflows. Adam Levine, SVP of Corporate Development & Partnerships at Fireblocks, said the goal is to deliver flexibility without adding operational burden. “As digital asset payments and stablecoin adoption accelerate, our customers need compliance solutions that are robust and operationally seamless,” Levine said. “By integrating Sumsub’s Travel Rule solution directly into the Fireblocks platform, we’re providing financial institutions and VASPs the required flexibility to meet global regulatory requirements while maintaining efficient, streamlined transaction workflows.” Sumsub said the partnership demonstrates the breadth of its Travel Rule platform, including orchestration across multiple protocols and full SaaS tooling for managing Travel Rule compliance requirements. Ilya Brovin, Chief Growth Officer at Sumsub, said the integration sets a new standard for embedded compliance in digital asset payments. “As Fireblocks’ trusted technology partner, we are proud to set a new bar for compliance in digital asset payments,” Brovin said. “This partnership demonstrates the capabilities of Sumsub’s Travel Rule solution—enabling not only seamless aggregation and orchestration of multiple Travel Protocols, but also providing the full-functionality SaaS platform for managing the entire scope of Travel Rule compliance requirements, so that VASPs don’t need to build it in-house.” Brovin added that embedding automated compliance directly into Fireblocks supports real-time workflows and expanded global reach as institutions scale. Takeaway Compliance is becoming a growth lever in onchain finance. Fireblocks and Sumsub are positioning Travel Rule automation as infrastructure that enables faster stablecoin payments, broader counterparty reach, and scalable global expansion—without compliance slowing execution.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has launched the formal selection procedure for its next Chair, opening applications for one of the EU’s most influential financial regulatory leadership roles. ESMA said the Chair position is a full-time, independent role based in Paris, responsible for leading the Authority’s strategic direction and representing ESMA at the highest institutional level as Europe’s regulatory and supervisory framework continues to evolve. The selection comes at a time when EU policymakers are actively pursuing deeper market integration and stronger supervisory coordination, raising the profile of ESMA’s leadership in shaping how regulation is applied across member states. Chair Will Lead ESMA’s Strategy and Chair Both Key Governing Boards Under the ESMA Regulation, the Chair will serve as the head of ESMA’s strategic leadership and governance structure, chairing both the Board of Supervisors and the Management Board. The Chair is expected to ensure effective governance, strategic oversight and delivery of ESMA’s priorities, while also preparing the work of the Board of Supervisors and setting agendas for both boards. ESMA described the role as central to shaping the future direction of Europe’s financial markets, including steering the organisation through an increasingly complex supervisory landscape. Takeaway ESMA’s next Chair will play a pivotal role in shaping EU market supervision. With market integration and oversight reforms under discussion, the leadership transition comes at a strategically important moment for Europe’s financial regulatory architecture. Role Includes European Parliament Accountability and Market Integration Reform Oversight ESMA outlined a broad set of responsibilities for the Chair, including acting as the Authority’s main external representative and ensuring accountability to EU institutions. In addition to strategic leadership, the Chair will represent ESMA before the European Parliament in annual hearings focused on ESMA’s performance, reinforcing the role’s political and institutional visibility. ESMA also said the successful candidate will lead the organisation through potential changes linked to the European Commission’s legislative proposal on market integration and supervision, which may include adjustments to ESMA’s governance framework. This places the Chair at the centre of ongoing policy debates about how Europe supervises cross-border markets, regulates financial infrastructure, and harmonises rules across national competent authorities. Takeaway The Chair role is not just operational—it is institutional. The successful candidate will be accountable to the European Parliament and may oversee governance changes tied to EU market integration reforms, elevating ESMA’s role in cross-border supervision. Applications Open Until March 3 as ESMA Highlights Multicultural Environment ESMA said the Chair position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the stability, integrity and effective functioning of EU financial markets, within a multicultural and inclusive working environment based in Paris. The regulator emphasised ESMA’s mission around investor protection and orderly markets, noting that its workforce includes professionals from across the European Union. Applications for the ESMA Chair selection process are open until 3 March 2026. Takeaway With applications open through early March, ESMA is moving quickly to appoint a Chair who can guide the Authority through an evolving supervisory landscape, including potential reforms aimed at strengthening EU-wide market integration.