BlockFills, a leading provider of digital asset trading and market technology for institutions, and QIS Risk, a portfolio and risk monitoring solution for crypto-native institutional investors, have announced a collaboration to enhance portfolio visibility and risk analysis for their mutual clients. The partnership arrives at a time of surging institutional demand for digital asset options. Takeaway: The partnership combines BlockFills’ trading infrastructure with QIS Risk’s portfolio monitoring to give institutions a unified, cross-asset view of their strategies. Integrated Portfolio Monitoring Through QIS Risk’s platform, BlockFills clients can now gain access to a fully aggregated view of their portfolios across asset classes, counterparties, and blockchain networks. This consolidated perspective allows institutions to evaluate digital asset derivatives positions within the broader context of their overall strategies, mitigating the limitations of counterparty-specific reporting systems. The enhanced visibility enables investors to track exposures and performance metrics holistically, improving their ability to manage risk and optimize decision-making in increasingly complex crypto markets. Takeaway: By eliminating fragmented reporting, clients can assess risk across their entire portfolio rather than through isolated counterparties. Executive Perspectives Gordon Wallace, President and Chief Risk Officer of BlockFills, said: “This collaboration is another example of our commitment to providing best-in-class support and robust risk management resources to institutional clients, recognizing that their digital asset strategies often represent a part of their overall trading experience. As institutional demand for digital asset products – and options in particular – is the strongest we’ve seen to date, we’re enthusiastic about our relationship with QIS Risk as we are aligned in the importance of empowering clients to make more strategic investment decisions with enhanced insight and visibility into their portfolio risk and performance metrics.” BlockFills has reported that digital asset options trading volume in July 2025 was up 70% compared to the same month in 2024, underscoring the momentum behind institutional derivatives adoption. Fred Cox, Founder of QIS Risk, added: “QIS Risk is excited to be working with BlockFills to provide our mutual clients with deep market liquidity, while maintaining our position as a trusted golden source for digital asset portfolio management. This alignment represents another step forward in delivering institutional-grade infrastructure to meet the sophisticated and ever-evolving needs of digital assets investors.” Takeaway: Both firms see the collaboration as a way to empower institutions with liquidity, transparency, and institutional-grade portfolio risk tools. Client Benefits Wakem Capital Management, a New York-based digital asset fund manager, is among the first clients to take advantage of the integrated service. Ray Denney, Chief Operating Officer of Wakem, said: “Our ability to benefit from the integrated services of QIS and BlockFills provides an unparalleled ability to manage our positions, navigate the crypto markets and maintain a competitive edge in this ever-evolving digital asset landscape. We appreciate both firms’ commitment to a holistic approach to trading and risk management.” Takeaway: Early adopters like Wakem Capital highlight the operational edge gained from a unified risk and execution platform. Context and Market Outlook The collaboration reflects a broader industry trend: institutional investors are demanding more sophisticated tools to manage their exposures across digital and traditional assets. With crypto options activity rising sharply and risk management complexity increasing, partnerships between liquidity providers and portfolio analytics platforms are becoming vital to support institutional-grade trading environments. By aligning robust trading infrastructure with comprehensive risk analysis, BlockFills and QIS Risk are positioning themselves to serve the evolving needs of global asset managers, hedge funds, and professional traders navigating the high-growth digital derivatives market. Takeaway: Institutional adoption of digital asset derivatives is accelerating, and firms with integrated trading and risk tools are gaining an edge in servicing this market.

Scila AB, a leading provider of market surveillance and risk management solutions for the financial industry, has announced a planned leadership transition in its technology function. After 17 years as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), co-founder Fredrik Lydén is stepping down from the role to take on a new full-time position as Senior Technology Advisor. Fellow co-founder Björn Thornquist, previously Chief Product Officer (CPO), will assume the CTO role effective immediately. Takeaway: Scila is ensuring continuity by shifting its CTO role from one co-founder to another, while retaining Lydén’s technical expertise in a new advisory position. A Strategic Realignment The leadership change is designed to allow Lydén to return to his passion for hands-on technology development while still shaping Scila’s innovation roadmap. In his new role, he will focus on advancing capabilities in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, where Scila has already built a strong foundation. “I am incredibly proud of what we have built at Scila,” said Lydén. “After serving as CTO from day one, I feel a strong desire to return to the core of what I love—the technology itself. In my new full-time role as Senior Technology Advisor, I will continue to foster new developments, particularly in areas like AI. I am delighted to hand over the CTO responsibility to Björn, a trusted colleague, co-founder, and friend.” Takeaway: Lydén’s move reflects a shift from leadership to innovation, with his expertise redirected toward advancing Scila’s technology. A Proven Successor New CTO Björn Thornquist has been instrumental in developing Scila’s product suite, including its flagship Scila Surveillance and Scila Risk systems. As Chief Product Officer, he played a central role in architecting Scila Risk, which recently achieved a milestone by replacing two legacy risk systems at a major Singapore Exchange participant with one unified, multi-asset, real-time platform. “Scila is and will remain a frontrunner in the global market for surveillance and risk management systems,” said Thornquist. “As a co-founder, I have been hands-on in a large part of our deliveries. Taking over the CTO responsibility from Fredrik feels natural, and I look forward to continuing to develop our strong position in surveillance and risk management for leading banks and brokers worldwide.” Takeaway: Thornquist’s track record with Scila Risk positions him to drive continued innovation as CTO. Strengthening the Management Team As part of the transition, Scila announced several additional leadership changes to reinforce its growth trajectory: Gustaf Gräns, a 14-year veteran at Scila with deep back-end and data expertise, has been promoted to Chief Product Officer (CPO), succeeding Thornquist. Mikael Ohlsson has been appointed Head of Product, a newly created position. Gustav Tano has been named Head of Operations, also a new role. These appointments broaden Scila’s management structure, ensuring stronger support for clients and alignment with the firm’s expanding global footprint. Takeaway: Scila is not only managing succession at the top but also deepening its leadership bench with new senior roles. CEO’s Perspective Mikko Andersson, CEO of Scila, emphasized that the transition builds on the company’s culture of continuity and innovation: “I want to sincerely thank Fredrik for his leadership as CTO over almost two decades. His vision has been foundational to Scila’s success. This transition is not a departure but a strategic repositioning of his talent. Björn is the perfect successor, and his deep technical expertise and market understanding make him invaluable to our leadership team. We are also pleased to congratulate Gustaf as CPO, as well as Mikael and Gustav in their new roles, recognizing their significant contributions over the past decade.” Andersson concluded that the strengthened management structure will ensure Scila continues to evolve its offerings in line with client needs across global financial hubs. Takeaway: Scila’s leadership transition reflects continuity at the top and a broader investment in organizational strength as the company scales.  

Trading crypto through a familiar Forex account feels efficient, one dashboard, one balance, and the same MetaTrader terminal you already know inside-out. Yet that convenience can hide land mines. In this streamlined guide we’ll focus on the three pillars that genuinely decide whether trading Bitcoin and Ethereum on a Forex platform is “safe enough”: (1) regulation and broker credibility, (2) what you’re buying (CFD or true spot), and (3) the operational risks that can eat your capital before price even moves. Master these, and you’ll filter 90% of the marketing fluff without spending all weekend reading legalese. Regulation and Broker Credibility When you place a crypto order through a Forex broker, you’re not just betting on BTC or ETH; you’re betting on the broker’s solvency, cybersecurity, and moral compass. That apuesta (bet) is only worthwhile if a heavyweight regulator is watching the same broker like a hawk; ideally, you’re also cross-referencing that oversight against a list of brokers that support cryptocurrencies, so you know your choices are both compliant and crypto-capable. Licensing Tiers and Why They Matter The industry still divides regulators into three tiers. Tier-1 names: MiCa (Europe), FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), CFTC/NFA (U.S.), MAS (Singapore) impose client-fund segregation with audited trust accounts and low leverage caps (typically 2:1 to 3:1 on crypto). Please note that some of them prohibit or restrict the circulation of crypto. Tier-2 bodies CySEC, BaFin, and IIROC follow similar rules but give brokers a bit more latitude. Tier-3 jurisdictions, often in the Caribbean, promise sky-high leverage and minimal paperwork, but recourse is practically zero if things go south. Before funding any account, open the regulator’s register, type in the broker’s license number, and confirm three non-negotiables: “Crypto CFDs” or “Digital Asset Spot” appear under permitted products. The legal entity matches the corporate name on your statement. There’s an ombudsman or Financial Services Compensation Scheme tied to that license. Miss one of those, and your “safety” rating drops to speculative at best. Custody, Insurance, and Proof-of-Reserves Even if the broker says it offers real Bitcoin or Ethereum, someone else is holding the private keys. The safest setups park coins in cold storage with institutional custodians such as Fireblocks, BitGo, or Copper. These firms split keys across multiple sites, use multi-party computation (MPC), and insure assets with Lloyd’s-backed crime policies. Ask the broker for a link to its latest proof-of-reserves audit. Reputable custodians publish a Merkle-tree snapshot every 24 hours; you can enter your allocated address and see it hashed on-chain. If the support agent claims “that information is confidential,” you’ve just identified a red flag the size of a stop sign. What Exactly Are You Buying – CFD or True Spot? Crypto listings on Forex platforms fall into three buckets. Ignore the buzzwords and you’ll spot the structure in minutes. Bucket 1: Classic Crypto CFDs A Contract for Difference tracks the price without delivering the underlying asset. You’re essentially wagering against the broker (if they run a dealing desk) or against liquidity providers (if they’re agency-only). Profits are cash-settled, withdrawals are fiat-only, and your position evaporates if the broker collapses. CFDs do let you go long or short without a separate margin account, which explains their popularity, but recognize the counterparty risk: you own an IOU, not a coin. Bucket 2: Synthetic Spot Some brokers advertise “spot Bitcoin” even though the trade never leaves the platform. Your order is matched internally, and the firm keeps a pooled hedge on a real exchange. You can see BTC in your dashboard, yet you cannot transfer it to a hardware wallet. If bankruptcy happens, you stand in the same unsecured-creditor line as CFD traders. Bucket 3: True Spot with Withdrawal Rights A handful of tier-1 brokers now partner with regulated custodians so you can withdraw actual BTC or ETH on-chain once KYC checks out. Fees vary, often a fixed network fee plus 0.25% but the crucial point is that the coins sit in a segregated omnibus wallet, outside the broker’s balance sheet. That structure won’t save you from price volatility, but it shields against corporate failure. Before trading, hit live chat and ask: “Can I send the Bitcoin I buy to my cold wallet? If so, what’s the exact fee and timeline?” Screenshot the reply, then test it with a micro-withdrawal. A broker that refuses is effectively running a CFD or synthetic model, no matter what the marketing page claims. Operational Risks: Leverage, Liquidity, and Slippage Even if regulation and custody check out, you still have to keep your own house in order. Crypto’s price swings can be brutal, and the mechanics of a Forex platform can amplify rather than dampen those moves. Leverage: Double-Edged and Always Sharp Tier-1 brokers hard-cap leverage on crypto at 2:1 or 3:1. That frustrates thrill-seekers, but it’s a lifesaver when Bitcoin does a $2 000 move in an hour. Offshore brokers love advertising 50:1 or even 100:1 on BTC; remember, a 2% adverse move wipes a 50:1 account to zero. Many traders cling to “negative balance protection” as a safety blanket, yet the small print usually voids coverage if the account is classified as professional, if gaps exceed 5%, or if you used any API plugin. Print the negative balance policy, highlight the carve-outs, and assume you’ll be accountable for losses beyond your deposit unless a regulator forces the broker to eat the deficit. That mindset alone will force healthier position sizing. Liquidity and Hidden Costs Forex veterans expect razor-thin EUR/USD spreads and forget that crypto liquidity can vanish during risk-off events. Most Forex brokers source BTC/ETH quotes from two to five liquidity providers. If one LP disconnects, your spread can blow out from 30 to 300 basis points in one heartbeat. Run a live test: Enter a 0.05 BTC market order during a quiet window (e.g., Sunday 22:00 UTC). Immediately compare your fill price to Coinbase spot. Record the difference in basis points, including commission. If slippage exceeds 80 bps on Bitcoin or 130 bps on Ethereum, the broker is internalizing flow or using a shallow LP pool. It’s not illegal, but you’re paying hidden tax every time you click “buy.” Funding and Withdrawal Friction A broker can look pristine until you try to take money out. Tier-1 houses usually process fiat withdrawals within 24 hours and same-day crypto withdrawals once risk clears. Watch for brokers that: Charge withdrawal fees north of 0.002 BTC (five-plus times the network cost). Impose a “cool-off” period of 72 hours after a winning trade. Demand new selfies, utility bills, or video KYC for each transfer. Delays might be legal, yet they increase counterparty risk because your capital stays hostage. Always test a small withdrawal before scaling up deposits. A Practical Safety Blueprint The real edge in retail trading isn’t predictive price models; it’s a rigorous process. Use the following plan every time you evaluate a Forex broker’s crypto offering. Verify the license in a tier-1 or tier-2 regulator’s database. If crypto isn’t explicitly listed among permitted products, pass. Check for a named, third-party custodian and download the latest proof-of-reserves file. Demand the negative balance protection policy as a PDF and read the exclusions. Execute a micro trade and measure slippage against a top-five spot exchange. Activate hardware 2FA, IP whitelisting, and session timeout settings. If any are missing, the platform’s security posture is dated. Initiate a small fiat and a small crypto withdrawal. Time how long each takes, and document the fees. Complete each step, save screenshots, and only then deposit meaningful capital. If that feels tedious, remember the alternative: discovering a hidden clause after you’ve already wired five figures. Conclusion: When “Safe Enough” Meets Personal Responsibility Is trading Bitcoin or Ethereum via a Forex broker inherently dangerous? Not when you pick a tier-1 license, insist on verifiable custody, and keep leverage sane. Where traders get burned is in chasing 20:1 leverage with an unregulated firm and assuming marketing slogans equal legal guarantees. Use two accounts if you must, one for speculative CFD plays inside the Forex terminal, another on a dedicated crypto exchange for long-term coin storage. Segregating tactics from investments forces discipline and limits exposure to any single point of failure. Remember, the crypto-Forex hybrid market is still young. Brokers, regulators, and custodians will keep evolving, and today’s good practice could be tomorrow’s baseline. Stay curious, audit your providers quarterly, and you’ll be miles ahead of the crowd that believes a slick web banner is an ironclad promise. This content is the opinion of the paid contributor and does not reflect the viewpoint of FinanceFeeds or its editorial staff. It has not been independently verified and FinanceFeeds does not bear any responsibility for any information or description of services that it may contain. Information contained in this post is not advice nor a recommendation and thus should not be treated as such. We strongly recommend that you seek independent financial advice from a qualified and regulated professional, before participating or investing in any financial activities or services. Please also read and review our full disclaimer.

KuCoin, a top cryptocurrency exchange in the world, has truly diversified into professional sports by signing an unprecedented eight-figure global deal with golf star Adam Scott. To become the first Global Brand Ambassador of KuCoin in its three-year history is a historic move to combine the era of golf with the age of digital finance. A Bold Step into Sports With crypto progressing toward tokenization, regulatory transparency, and new-generation DeFi, KuCoin is gaining strength by developing its presence in the international arena with collaboration with personalities that represent trust, innovation, and excellence. In this respect, as it is aligned with Adam Scott who is a Masters Champion and one of the most respected golfers, KuCoin explicitly expresses its desire to access new audiences via a sport that is known to be precise, full of integrity, and discipline. In the case of KuCoin, it is not merely a question of visibility but a question of values. The company portrays similarities between the celebrated career of Scott and the mission of the company: Integrity and Trust, Precision and Reliability, Resilience and Innovation. Adam Scott on the Partnership Scott, with a history of brand partnerships of high profile, added that the collaboration is his personal vision of the future: “It is an honour to partner with KuCoin as their first Global Brand Ambassador. I firmly believe that cryptocurrency will play an important role in the future of finance, and I am personally interested in how it empowers people worldwide. I am looking forward to working closely with KuCoin as we build something special together.” KuCoin’s Strategic Vision The importance of this new chapter was pointed out by the CEO of KuCoin, BC Wong: “This partnership with Adam Scott marks KuCoin’s first official crossover into sports. His reputation, resilience, and consistency make him the ideal partner as we expand our global horizons. We are proud to welcome Adam Scott into the KuCoin family.” The transaction will place KuCoin at the center of mainstream crypto integration, and grant Scott a fresh platform to build on his legacy of collaborating with global brands. The eight-figure deal provides a new precedent to the sports and digital asset intersection, providing both KuCoin and Scott with unparalleled global visibility. In the case of KuCoin, it strengthens its reputation as a reliable and progressive exchange, whereas in the case of Scott, it is another step in a career of the highest standards and international fame. The KuCoin-Scott collaboration may become a possible pattern of how crypto and sports will integrate to further financial inclusion and global brand presence, as crypto moves to mainstream adoption. About Adam Scott Adam Scott is an award winning golfer of his generation. He was born in Australia and became a pro in 2000 and soon gained a lot of popularity with his hallmark smooth swing and incredible consistency. Scott was the first Australian to achieve the Masters Tournament in 2013 and earned the prestigious Green Jacket. He subsequently became the World No. 1 in 2014 and has won more than 30 pro wins across the globe. Scott has also been impressive in his longevity as he has entered 97 consecutive major championships and he exhibits resilience and elite performance. During his success on the field, he has been regarded as the role model of aspiring players due to his professionalism, composure and integrity, a key aspect that has made him successful. During his career, Scott has worked with international brands that cherish trust, excellence and stability. His foundation grants him fans all over the world and today he still inspires, balancing his competitive ambitions with mentoring the next generation and also giving back to the people. More to know: https://www.adamscott.com/

ATFX Connect is proud to announce the launch of ConnectX, an ecosystem of advanced technology solutions designed to enhance trading and execution for institutional clients. ConnectX represents a significant strategic investment by ATFX Connect to build a fully integrated, cutting-edge technology stack from the ground up. This initiative is driven by a commitment to providing clients with deeper liquidity, seamless execution, competitive pricing, and a true Prime of Prime tech hub that empowers them with market access and risk management. The ConnectX ecosystem has two distinct core offerings in Q3 2025 with more coming in 2026. ConnectXTrade: A state-of-the-art execution engine designed to enhance trading performance for margin traders and agency execution clients. This cutting-edge technology ensures faster, more reliable, and highly optimized trading experiences, tailored to meet the demanding needs of institutional clients. ConnectXPrime: A dedicated tech stack servicing the ATFX True Prime of Prime offering – Integrations supporting our technology and venue agnostic market access for clients into one single credit relationship. “We are incredibly excited to introduce the market to ConnectX,” said Wei Qiang Zhang, Managing Director of ATFX Connect Global. “This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a fundamental reimagining of our technology infrastructure. By building our own proprietary ecosystem from the ground up, we gain complete control over the client experience, from the liquidity gateway to the user interface. ConnectX will empower our institutional clients with the speed, transparency, and flexibility they need to excel in today’s competitive markets. This launch marks a new chapter for ATFX Connect as a true technology-driven liquidity provider.” TradeTech FX attendees are invited to visit the ATFX Connect booth #31 during the event, taking place from 16-18 September 2025 at the Palau de Congressos de Catalunya, Barcelona. Explore how ConnectX is poised to reshape the future of FX trading. About ATFX Connect ATFX Connect is a trading name of AT Global Markets (UK) Limited (authorised and regulated by the FCA), AT Global Markets (Australia) Pty Limited (authorised and regulated by ASIC), and AT Global Financial Services (HK) Limited (authorised and regulated by the SFC). Connect is the Institutional arm of the wider ATFX Group.  ATFX Connect offers Institutional and Professional traders an extensive range of services for both Agency PB and Margin accounts, provides bespoke aggregated liquidity in Spot FX, NDFs, indices, Commodities and Precious metals to a wide range of institutional clients from hedge funds, Tier 1 and regional banks, high net worth investors, asset managers, family offices and other brokers.   ATFX Connect’s liquidity pool is constructed from Tier 1 banks and non-bank providers that it has partnered with, trading in both sweepable and full amount forms.   Agency PB Clients can connect via direct FIX API, external technology solutions or via our own trading platform. For margin clients, ATFX Connect provides market access via the group’s MT4/MT5 platform and provides a bridge solution for those who wish to connect via FIX API.  For further information on ATFX Connect, please visit ATFX Connect website https://www.atfxconnect.com.

In the minds of every individual subject to capitalism, the terms “gross salary” and “net salary” are etched. The idea of these terms helps in perfectly knowing what you get and what is taken. Although these terms are not in any way similar to the topic of discussion, there is an expectation that they breed; such expectation is in what is to be received. The concepts of APR vs APY are acronyms that represent the different ways of calculating returns on investments or interest rates on loans. Just like the individual subject to capitalism, a crypto investor is assiduously poised on these terms, as they represent his/her interest in business. Key Takeaways APR is a simple interest rate that does not include compounding, while APY includes compound interest and shows your real annual return. APY is usually higher than APR when interest is compounded, so it’s a better way to compare investments or staking rewards. Knowing the difference helps you accurately judge earnings, costs, and the real value of crypto products. APR,APY, What is the difference? Annual Percentage Yield (APY) and Annual Percentage Rate (APR) are important terms for investors in the ecosystem; they help to calculate returns on investment or interest rates on loans. These terms are essential for people involved in activities such as crypto staking (which involves locking up your crypto to participate in maintaining and securing a blockchain network). APR, or Annual Percentage Yield, is the measure of the interest one will earn on an investment or pay on a loan over 12 months, without accounting for the effects of compound interest. Oftentimes, APR is commonly used to explain the returns from lending one’s cryptocurrency or involvement in liquidity pools. For example, if one stakes 10 tokens with a 0.5% APR, one would expect to earn 0.5 additional tokens after 12 months. Annual Percentage Yield, or APY, affords a more holistic view of one’s potential returns by adding the compound interest. Compound interest is the interest garnered not only on the initial investment but also on the accumulated interest over a period of time. Factoring compound interest means that the APY results in higher returns compared to APR, all things being equal. To show the difference between APY and APR, let us paint a picture; follow me. Let us say you invest 1000 tokens in a crypto staking platform. With an APR of 10%, you would earn 100 tokens after 12 months. If the same investment had a 10% APY with daily compounding, you would earn about 105 tokens. The difference, although small, can be higher with a considerable investment or higher rates. How To Calculate APR and APY Since they measure different things, each method has a distinct formula. Here’s the formula for APY: APY = [(1 + r/n)^n] – 1 Here’s the formula for APR: APR = {[(fees + interest) / P] / n} x 365 You can apply each formula to the data you’re working with to determine APR or APY.   Calculating APY Where, “r” = annual interest rate, “n” = number of times the financial institution compounds your interest in a year. If you receive interest on the balance of your money or investment each month, your “n” is 12. The symbol “^” represents the number of times you multiply the previous term by itself, so the term “3^5” is the same as calculating “3 x 3 x 3 x 3 x 3.” Note: To calculate APY, it’s important to know the periodic rate, or the annual interest rate, and the number of periods, or times, the interest compounds each year. Consider asking the bank or financial institution what your annual interest rate is. Calculating APR It is important to know important details about your loan. These include the total interest charge, the length of your loan, the frequency of payments, and the principal, or the amount you borrowed. Where, “P” = initial principal balance, “n” = number of days in a loan term, “Interest” = total interest you pay over the life of the loan, and “fees” are any costs associated with borrowing money. Factors that Can Affect APR and APY 1. Market Volatility Concerning DeFi market conditions, they can result in the fluctuations of APY, unlike traditional finance where APY tends to remain stable   2. Impermanent loss Providing liquidity to decentralized exchanges may result in impermanent loss, which affects the actual returns regardless of the stated APY or APR. 3. Token Inflation This occurs when protocols offer high APYs by minting new tokens; the increased circulation of tokens can lead to inflation, which decreases the value of interests over time 4. Lock-up Periods/Incubation Periods This affects APYs; there is a direct proportionality relationship between the incubation period and APYs. the higher the lock-up period, the higher the APY, and vice versa. 5. Compounding Frequency This affects the returns; the higher the frequency of compounding, the higher the yields. For example, daily compounding will result in a higher yield compared to monthly or yearly compounding. 6. Gas Fees Ethereum-based platforms incur higher gas fees, which can eat into profits and affect one’s APY. Bottom line APY and APR are measures that align with an investor’s portfolio performance. An easy way to conduct due diligence on any project could be through crypto staking or yield farming; the point is to capture the largest part of the pie while saving costs. Understanding the distinction between APY vs APR is crucial for making informed decisions while accurately comparing investment opportunities.

CME Group, the world’s largest derivatives marketplace, has launched a new analytics package to give traders enhanced tools for analyzing options market data. The offering is designed to support market participants with risk management, portfolio analysis, market making, and quantitative research at a time when options activity is hitting record levels. Takeaway: CME Group is arming traders with real-time and historical options analytics to help navigate increasingly active volatility markets. Comprehensive Data on Options Greeks The dataset includes real-time and historical values for essential options “Greeks”—Delta, Gamma, Theta, Vega, and Rho—as well as implied volatility. It covers every option expiry tied to the top 40 CME Group futures contracts, spanning all major asset classes. This comprehensive data source gives participants a single reference point for detailed analysis of volatility dynamics. Trey Berre, Managing Director – Global Head, Data Services at CME Group, said: “As global traders increasingly use options as a key tool in their trading strategies, our new analytics provide easy access to one definitive data source, so they can trade with confidence. Calculated directly from our highly liquid global markets, this is the latest example of how our data can help clients achieve their goals.” Takeaway: By centralizing options Greeks and volatility measures, CME Group gives traders a trusted, high-liquidity data source for risk modelling. Rising Demand Amid Record Options Volumes The launch comes as demand for options has surged. CME Group reported record options volumes in 2024, with average daily volume (ADV) of 5.5 million contracts. That growth continued into 2025, with ADV climbing to 5.6 million contracts in the first half of the year. The surge reflects how global traders are turning to options as a key tool for expressing market views and managing risk amid volatile conditions. The rise in activity has intensified demand for tools that allow deeper insight into market dynamics and volatility behavior. CME Group’s new analytics suite addresses that demand by offering standardized, high-quality data that can be used for both intraday trading decisions and long-term quantitative research. Takeaway: With options volumes at record highs, demand for advanced analytics to interpret volatility and risk is growing rapidly. Supporting a Broad Range of Market Participants The dataset is designed to be flexible, providing value across multiple use cases: Portfolio managers can integrate Greeks and volatility into risk models and hedging strategies. Market makers can refine pricing models and improve liquidity provision. Quantitative researchers can access historical datasets to backtest volatility strategies. Risk managers can better evaluate exposure across asset classes. The analytics are sourced directly from CME Group’s deep, liquid global markets, ensuring transparency and reliability. For institutions navigating increasingly complex cross-asset strategies, the new dataset provides a critical infrastructure layer for informed decision-making. Takeaway: From market makers to risk managers, the new analytics package is designed to empower diverse users with actionable volatility insights. Industry Context Options trading has become a cornerstone of global derivatives markets, particularly as investors seek to hedge or capitalize on volatility across equities, commodities, interest rates, and FX. CME Group’s initiative reflects the market’s evolution toward data-driven strategies, where timely analytics are central to execution and risk control. With this launch, CME Group strengthens its position not just as a venue for derivatives trading, but also as a key provider of analytics infrastructure, equipping traders worldwide with tools to adapt to rapidly changing market conditions. Takeaway: CME Group is extending its role beyond execution, becoming a core analytics provider for global derivatives participants.

Paxos has released its second proposal to issue USDH, the stablecoin for Hyperliquid, bringing significant changes designed to align incentives, ensure regulatory compliance, and expand ecosystem adoption. The updated bid, titled USDH Proposal V2, positions Paxos as a leading contender in the competitive race alongside Frax and Agora. Global compliance and institutional credibility At the heart of the V2 proposal is a commitment to global regulatory compliance. Paxos emphasized that USDH will adhere to both the U.S. GENIUS Act and Europe’s MiCA framework, two of the most influential regulatory regimes governing digital assets. The company also highlighted its established presence in the United States, Europe, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Latin America as an advantage in scaling the stablecoin globally. By ensuring full compliance, Paxos aims to attract institutional users and secure seamless fiat on-ramps. This institutional credibility, the company argues, will differentiate USDH from competing proposals that lack the same regulatory reach. USDH Proposal V2 introduces a $20 million incentive pool designed to drive early adoption. Another key change is a delayed fee structure: Paxos would only begin charging fees once USDH’s total value locked surpasses $1 billion, with fees capped at 5%. This arrangement is intended to reassure the community that adoption and growth will come before revenue extraction. Additionally, Paxos pledged to direct 95% of reserve yield generated by USDH toward Hyperliquid’s HYPE token buybacks. These buybacks will then be redistributed across users, validators, and partner protocols, creating a self-reinforcing value loop for the ecosystem. The proposal also features an integration with PayPal and Venmo, allowing HYPE to be listed in one of the largest global fintech networks. Paxos argues that this integration would create unique liquidity channels and drive mainstream adoption. Technical execution and partnerships To support USDH’s rollout, Paxos has launched Paxos Labs, a new division dedicated to technical execution. The company also acquired Molecular Labs, the developer behind Hyperliquid infrastructure including LHYPE and WHLP. This move is intended to ensure seamless deployment across both HyperEVM and HyperCore, strengthening Paxos’s technical alignment with the protocol. The race to issue USDH has drawn considerable attention, with Hyperliquid’s governance community actively weighing multiple proposals. Paxos’s initial proposal introduced the idea of routing 95% of reserve yield into HYPE buybacks, but the V2 version expands on that model with stronger incentives and regulatory assurances. However, competition remains intense, with Frax and Agora offering alternative visions. Validator voting on the proposals is expected around September 14. Early signals suggest that while Paxos’s compliance and ecosystem reach are attractive, questions remain about the sustainability of yield-driven models and the long-term implications of fintech partnerships. Looking ahead, USDH V2 represents both a strategic attempt to secure Hyperliquid’s future and a broader test of how decentralized governance weighs compliance, incentives, and institutional alignment against decentralization and community control.

Bitcoin (BTC) held steady around $112,459 on Tuesday, extending its recent consolidation phase as investors balanced bullish technical indicators with broader macroeconomic uncertainty. The world’s largest cryptocurrency traded within a narrow band between an intraday high of $113,138 and a low of $110,812. Strong momentum gauges suggested cautious optimism. Several moving averages, particularly the 100-day and 200-day levels, provided support at roughly $109,300 and $101,000 respectively. However, Bitcoin continues to trade just below its 50-day average near $114,700, a threshold analysts view as key resistance. Support and resistance levels remain tightly clustered. Short-term support has formed near $110,000, while resistance sits between $113,000 and $115,000. A break above that range could open the way for renewed bullish momentum, though failure to clear resistance may trigger further sideways trading. Institutional activity and broader macro conditions are shaping sentiment. Market watchers cite growing expectations of U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate cuts following weaker jobs data as a driver of recent stability. Liquidity inflows, both from traditional markets and cryptocurrency ETFs, continue to underpin demand. Some analysts argue the current pullback sets the stage for a larger rally, pointing to accumulation patterns as evidence of investor confidence. Despite mixed signals across different technical frameworks, the broader trend skews cautiously bullish. Traders are watching closely to see if Bitcoin can reclaim the $115,000 mark in the coming sessions, a move that could confirm renewed upward momentum. For now, consolidation remains the dominant theme as macroeconomic policy and investor flows dictate the next decisive shift. Ethereum (ETH) traded around $4,329 on Tuesday, moving within a narrow intraday band of $4,279 to $4,366 as traders assessed technical signals against broader market headwinds. The world’s second-largest cryptocurrency has shown resilience at current levels but faces challenges in breaking through nearby resistance. Technical indicators paint a mixed picture. According to Investing.com, Ethereum retains a “Strong Buy” rating across major oscillators, supported by the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and longer-term moving averages. The 50-day and 100-day averages point to continued support, while shorter-term exponential moving averages signal caution. TradingView data shows neutral momentum in the near term, reinforcing the view of a consolidating market. Support and resistance levels remain tightly defined. Analysts identify support between $4,220 and $4,260, while resistance builds near $4,385 to $4,420. A successful breakout above $4,400 could propel ETH toward the $4,500 to $4,550 range, though a failure to hold $4,250 may trigger a retreat closer to the $4,000 level. Institutional dynamics have added pressure to Ethereum’s recent performance. Outflows from ETH-based exchange-traded funds topped 104,000 ETH—worth nearly $447 million—in a single session, according to FX Leaders. The selling wave, coupled with broader market uncertainty, has weighed on sentiment and limited upside momentum. Despite short-term weakness, longer-term projections remain optimistic. Analysts point to strong liquidity demand, upcoming network upgrades, and renewed institutional interest as factors that could drive ETH toward $5,800 by late 2025. For now, however, the market remains caught between cautious technical signals and macroeconomic forces that continue to dictate short-term direction.

This is a guest editorial by Andrew Saks, Chief Product Officer, TraderEvolution Global The digital transformation sweeping across the fintech sector is further exposing why brokerages tethered to legacy trading interfaces are teetering on the edge of obsolescence.  While the majority of the technology industries operating in other sectors outside of the electronic trading industry have been delivering intuitive, adaptable user experiences in banking, retail, automotive and travel, many ‘tradfi’ (to use a crypto-style term) trading firms remain hamstrung by outdated platforms and rigid architectures without the possibility of being able to operate in the modern realm. The mere fact that crypto companies call other assets ‘trad’ is telling in itself. Now it is clear that AI chat interfaces and MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers are becoming part of the structure within trading systems. From Command Lines to Conversational Trading Until recently, execution on most brokerage platforms required manual order entry, complex interface navigation, and a steep learning curve for both retail and even professional traders.  Today, firms like Alpaca are rewriting those rules. Alpaca, which could be viewed as a developer-first brokerage,with AI agents built on ChatGPT, Zapier, and other conversational platforms to interpret natural language trading commands.  Traders can just think “Buy 100 shares of AAPL if Nvidia drops 3% on earnings” and instantly route them through via API connection.  As desktop computers become more obsolete and mobile devices with voice command functionality are now part of the everyday life of almost everyone, it is entirely possible that traders may, for example, be driving and hear some news on the radio and want to execute a trade based on it, and therefore could just press the voice button on the steering wheel and state what position they want to open or close there and then without having to stop and boot up a computer and log into a platform and go through the layers of procedures to get a trade executed. Companies which are now able to include new ways of interacting with the markets and executing trades such as by using voice/text-driven trading will likely foment the route hobbyists who are not professional programmers and have no background in algo coding to automate trades, research stocks, and rebalance portfolios which are things that would ordinarily require a substantial amount of technical expertise, and in some cases may not be possible even with such expertise due to the limitations of many off-the-shelf front end interfaces. I have noticed recently that many brokerages have completed integrations with Alpaca, meaning that these brokers will need to be free from closed systems that don’t allow such integrations in order to be part of the transition to AI-driven trading which is now the subject of a lot of investment among more modern firms in other areas of fintech, especially within the crypto world which is where most of the cutting edge developments are coming from. The tradfi sector is now in such a position that many reasonably large companies that have been established for two decades or more are unable to move themselves forward the way that some of the crypto exchanges have done in terms of forward-thinking technology and are now an acquisition target for crypto firms which are established for less than half the time but are much bigger due to their ability to engage a massive audience with intuitive tech. The Role of MCP Servers: Speed, Security, and Scalability Coinbase, for instance, has deployed MCP servers to unify fragmented APIs, allowing its AI-powered assistants to execute transactions, organize workflows, and interact with blockchain networks via a centralized, secure hub. This architecture reduces integration costs and makes the developer experience highly intuitive. MCP servers also power real-time analytics, fraud detection, and personalized wealth management in an efficient manner. Interestingly, in February this year, Finastra launched Assist.AI, a ChatGPT-powered chatbot atop Microsoft Azure to answer trade finance questions and guide both professionals and newcomers through complex instruments. Zenith Bank, founded by Mushegh Tovmasyan, a very experienced FX industry leader who had held senior positions at Alpari and Divisa Capital (now Equiti) has a chatbot called ZiVA which delivers 24/7 account management and transaction support directly within its ecosystem, including a WhatsApp number. Community-driven platforms and open frameworks allow multi-agent trading bots to analyze news, social sentiment, company fundamentals, and execute trades with risk management all coordinated through MCP servers. Why Traditional Brokerages Must Change Or Be Left Behind Particularly over the past few months, the level of development resources committed toward building ‘AI Agent-ready’ trading infrastructure. There are some current initiatives in progress in which AI agents that are verifiable, trustless, and open are viewed as the way to revolutionize how interactions with customers take place and are handled from beginning of query to resolution. The Crypto Valley project in Zug, Switzerland was the first environment in which the L2 blockchain can be used to engender security and on-chain privacy for not just digital exchanges but any asset class. I oversaw some hackathons in which young developers put forward their designs to this nature. Some time has passed since, and whilst three years ago these were prototypes, now some have come to fruition and could change the way trading infrastructure is approached in every respect. One such example is TRUE Trading Platform, which was founded in July year by NAGA founder Ben Bilski. At the time of launch, it was lauded as an ‘AI native’ decentralized exchange. It is clear that other projects are currently in development. A quick talk to some acquaintances who are tech VC partners recently was enough to understand that such projects are attracting support. ‘AI native’ is a moniker which explains a lot – that trading infrastructure is beginning to have AI at its core, and as a USP. Whilst this particular project is part of the DEX (Digital Exchange) world, and is perhaps one of the most recent iterations of this type of technology, it was founded by a senior executive from the traditional electronic trading sector.  The development of this type of trustless and distributed on-chain architecture is now common within DeFi startups, however that is where the majority of the influences that filter to the traditional brokerage sector come from, and ultimately where many traders will come from and in doing so will expect a similar trading environment. In the case of the TRUE platform, AI is deeply integrated into its user interface by offering two modes of interaction, one being a traditional chart-based view and the other is an AI-driven conversational interface.  Standardized API interface may may pave the way for user-derived front ends Last week, I mentioned that it is entirely possible that traders may move away from bringing affiliate networks to existing front end trading platforms and simply opening accounts, toward asking for an API connection to be able to connect their own self-developed platform to a broker’s back end and liquidity/order management system. This may become more possible with the advancement of MCP servers within trading systems. Andrew Saks, Chief Product Officer, TraderEvolution Global MCP servers are beginning to emerge as a transformative force by providing a standardized, API-driven interface between trading systems and external applications. Rather than requiring brokers, exchanges, and automated trading agents to build custom integrations for every proprietary API, the MCP server introduces a universal protocol that translates complex trading functions like order placement, market data retrieval, and portfolio management into a predictable structure that any client can access. As a combination, MCP servers provide a unified way for AI systems to access multiple data sources and execute complex workflows reliably, removing friction caused by disparate APIs. As traders become more aware that they can execute sophisticated strategies seamlessly, adapt quickly to market changes, and reduce errors without manual intervention, brokers without such infrastructure risk losing clients who demand intelligent, efficient, and scalable trading tools.If a broker is able to produce a far more trustworthy trading environment than others, as well as do it for cheaper than most, such a broker will have a massive advantage, especially considering the inability for many firms to emulate such a model if they are constrained by total reliance on legacy trading systems. Additionally, the streamlining of tasks such as risk management, KYC, and payment flows could serve to keep the cost of operation down (and potentially pass this onto customers), and maintain an advantage in the face of increasing regulation and also-ran competition. Why does the status quo persist? Why are so many brokerages still bound by legacy tech?  Often it’s risk aversion, vendor lock-in, or organizational inertia. Legacy systems underpin decades-old custom workflows and in some cases there is concern that migration projects can be risky, expensive, and complex.  Change threatens to expose undocumented dependencies and disrupt daily operations but nowadays it is clear that such concerns now pose a greater risk because slow-moving firms struggle to attract new clients, frustrate existing users, and fail to keep pace with innovation coming from newer fintech challengers, especially given that the younger generation of internet users do not use apps or interact with information – financial or otherwise – the way many legacy platforms provide it. It’s quite impossible to conceive that a 20-year old tech-savvy student would use a platform older than himself to trade markets that are now fully electronic and dominated by massive digital exchanges that have changed the entire face of the financial services world globally. In today’s trading environment, intuitive user experience is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s a competitive necessity. MCP servers and AI-driven interfaces are empowering brokers to develop bespoke solutions, accelerate product launches, and scale securely, without being held back by old code and cumbersome architecture. Modern trading firms are setting a new standard by harnessing AI chats and MCP servers not only for speed and efficiency, but for radically improved user experience and business agility.  If brokerages want to remain relevant and have the ability to attract tomorrow’s traders and build new revenue streams they must shed legacy constraints and choose tech infrastructure that allows them to keep pace with such changes on an ongoing basis.

Grayscale Investments, one of the world’s largest digital asset managers, has taken another step in its effort to bring cryptocurrency products into the mainstream financial system. The company has filed new registration statements with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), signaling its intent to broaden investor access to regulated crypto investment vehicles. The filings include a Form S-1 for a proposed Hedera (HBAR) exchange-traded fund (ETF) and separate Form S-3 submissions for the Grayscale Litecoin Trust (LTC) and the Grayscale Bitcoin Cash Trust (BCH). Expanding investor pathways The S-1 filing for the Grayscale Hedera Trust ETF represents the initial step in creating a publicly tradable fund that would provide investors with direct exposure to Hedera’s native token, HBAR. If approved, the ETF would function in a manner consistent with traditional exchange-traded products, including the use of daily creations and redemptions of shares backed by HBAR. This structure is designed to keep the ETF closely aligned with the market price of the underlying token, while offering a regulated vehicle for investors who may prefer exposure through a traditional brokerage account. The inclusion of Hedera is significant, as it highlights Grayscale’s strategy of moving beyond major assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum to embrace a broader set of blockchain networks. Hedera, known for its hashgraph consensus and enterprise partnerships, has long positioned itself as a scalable and energy-efficient alternative within the distributed ledger ecosystem. An ETF dedicated to HBAR would mark one of the first attempts to bring a more niche protocol into regulated investment channels. In parallel with the Hedera application, Grayscale submitted Form S-3 registrations for its existing Litecoin and Bitcoin Cash trusts. Unlike an S-1, which applies to new securities, an S-3 is a streamlined process available to seasoned issuers. It allows for the quicker registration of additional securities and can facilitate potential exchange listings. For Grayscale, these filings could represent a step toward transforming its single-asset trusts into more liquid, exchange-traded structures, improving market accessibility for retail and institutional investors alike. Regulatory and market implications The timing of these filings comes as the SEC continues to grapple with how best to regulate crypto-based financial products. Earlier this year, Grayscale achieved a landmark victory by converting its flagship Bitcoin Trust into a spot ETF, a move that opened the door for similar products tied to other cryptocurrencies. By extending this regulatory push to Hedera, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash, the company is signaling confidence that investor demand extends well beyond the two largest digital assets. While approval of these filings remains uncertain and will depend heavily on the SEC’s evolving stance, the submissions highlight Grayscale’s continued effort to bridge the gap between crypto markets and traditional finance. If successful, the Hedera ETF and the expanded trust offerings could broaden the menu of compliant investment products available to U.S. investors. This would also mark another milestone in the institutionalization of digital assets, potentially setting a precedent for other blockchain networks seeking regulated investment exposure. For now, the filings underscore both the opportunities and challenges of integrating cryptocurrencies into mainstream financial structures. Should the SEC grant approval, Grayscale’s latest offerings could pave the way for a new wave of investor participation in alternative blockchain ecosystems, further cementing the role of digital assets within diversified portfolios.

On September 10, 2025, Linea’s official status page confirmed a critical incident affecting its mainnet sequencer, describing the issue as “degraded performance.” At the time of reporting, the incident remained unresolved, with users noting that no blocks had been produced for more than 30 minutes. The disruption effectively caused a temporary outage of the Ethereum scaling network, raising questions over reliability as transaction processing stalled. The outage was first flagged by industry watchers, including a report from Odaily stating that Linea had not produced a block for 32 minutes. The absence of block production mirrored challenges faced by other Layer-2 networks that rely on sequencer nodes to bundle and confirm transactions on Ethereum. In these designs, sequencers are critical for throughput and finality, but their failure can bring the entire chain to a standstill. Users across the crypto community quickly took to social media to raise alarms, with some reporting failed transactions and stalled decentralized application activity on the network. While temporary outages are not uncommon across blockchain infrastructure, the halt highlighted the risks of central points of failure in Layer-2 ecosystems that otherwise advertise themselves as scalable and robust alternatives to Ethereum mainnet. Historical concerns over decentralization This is not the first time Linea has faced scrutiny for sequencer downtime. In June 2024, the project briefly halted block production during an exploit on the Velocore decentralized exchange, in which attackers drained millions of dollars. Linea’s intervention was designed to prevent further fund transfers but sparked wider debates about the centralization of Layer-2 sequencers and the risks of manual intervention in critical infrastructure. That incident reignited discussions around decentralization and censorship resistance, with critics pointing out that pausing block production, even in the face of an exploit, undermined the ethos of trustless systems. Proponents argued that protecting user funds justified the intervention, but the event underscored the delicate balance between security, speed, and decentralization. The latest disruption adds to that narrative. As long as Linea and similar projects continue to operate under single-sequencer models, they remain vulnerable to outages that can cascade across applications and trading activity. Developers within the broader Ethereum community have long acknowledged this bottleneck, with several networks working on multi-sequencer or decentralized sequencer solutions. However, progress has been gradual, and outages like this reinforce calls for faster implementation. Impact on users and ecosystem The outage comes at a sensitive time for Layer-2 adoption, as Ethereum’s scaling ecosystem is seeing increased competition from other rollups and alternative Layer-1 blockchains. Users and developers expect high availability, particularly for financial applications such as decentralized exchanges, lending platforms, and perpetual trading protocols. Even short outages can translate into liquidity disruptions, missed trades, and a loss of user confidence. For retail participants, stalled transactions may result in delayed swaps or withdrawals, while for institutional traders, downtime can mean exposure to volatile price movements without the ability to adjust positions. As a result, network reliability is not just a technical consideration but a market-facing necessity. Looking ahead, the Linea team has not yet provided a concrete timeline for resolution or detailed the root cause of the outage. The project has previously outlined plans to decentralize its sequencer infrastructure, though implementation details remain sparse. Until those efforts materialize, users remain dependent on a single node’s ability to keep the network running. Developers are actively investigating the incident, and users are being advised to monitor the Linea status page for updates. For now, the outage serves as a stark reminder that while Layer-2 networks promise scalability, they still face fundamental challenges that could define their long-term role in Ethereum’s future.

Metaplanet has announced a significantly expanded international share offering that will see the issuance of 385 million new shares, far higher than the 180 million originally planned. The company priced the shares at ¥553 each, reflecting a 9.9% discount to its recent trading price of ¥614. The sale is expected to generate approximately ¥205 billion ($1.4 billion) in fresh capital, positioning Metaplanet to dramatically scale up its Bitcoin-focused treasury strategy. Bold move to grow Bitcoin holdings According to the company’s announcement, the vast majority of the capital raised—about ¥183.7 billion—will be directed toward purchasing Bitcoin in the coming months, specifically between September and October 2025. An additional ¥20.4 billion will be used to support Metaplanet’s Bitcoin-related income-generating activities, such as options trading and other derivative strategies. By allocating nearly all proceeds to Bitcoin, Metaplanet has reinforced its commitment to establishing itself as a leader in corporate Bitcoin adoption, drawing comparisons to MicroStrategy in the United States. The payment date for the newly issued shares is scheduled for September 16, 2025, with delivery of shares to investors on September 17, 2025. Once complete, the issuance will expand the company’s total outstanding shares from around 756 million to over 1.14 billion. Some estimates suggest the final number could be closer to 1.5 billion, depending on subscription levels. While this represents significant dilution for existing shareholders, it also reflects strong investor demand and highlights the firm’s willingness to sacrifice short-term equity value for long-term growth. Strategic targets and market impact Metaplanet currently holds approximately 20,136 BTC, placing it among the largest Bitcoin-holding companies in Asia. With the infusion of new capital, the company expects to boost its holdings by about 62.5%, raising its reserves to nearly 32,700 BTC. Executives have also outlined aggressive long-term targets, including a goal of acquiring 100,000 BTC by the end of 2026 and 210,000 BTC by 2027. If achieved, this would give Metaplanet ownership of nearly 1% of Bitcoin’s maximum supply, a milestone that would further cement its role as a global leader in institutional Bitcoin investment. The move comes at a time when Japan continues to grapple with a weak yen and a prolonged negative interest rate environment, conditions that have made traditional financial assets less attractive to corporations and investors. By turning to Bitcoin, Metaplanet is signaling confidence in digital assets as a long-term store of value and a hedge against macroeconomic pressures. Analysts suggest that while shareholder dilution may weigh on near-term valuations, the decision demonstrates strong conviction in Bitcoin’s role within a modern corporate treasury. Industry observers note that Metaplanet’s latest capital raise could set a precedent for other Japanese firms considering exposure to Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset. If the company succeeds in reaching its ambitious targets, it may influence broader corporate adoption in the region, reinforcing the trend of institutional alignment with cryptocurrency markets. By aggressively scaling its Bitcoin reserves, Metaplanet is positioning itself as both a pioneer in Japan’s digital asset landscape and a potential benchmark for global institutional adoption. Its willingness to leverage equity markets to expand Bitcoin holdings highlights a strategy built on conviction, one that may reshape how corporations balance their treasuries in the years ahead.

Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) experienced contrasting but ultimately positive flow activity on September 9, marking a notable shift from the prior day’s trends. According to flow trackers, Bitcoin ETFs posted a modest $23 million in net inflows, while Ethereum ETFs brought in $44 million, ending a six-day outflow streak. A day earlier, on September 8, Bitcoin ETFs recorded one of their strongest sessions in weeks with more than $364 million in net inflows, the highest daily total since early August. In sharp contrast, Ethereum products suffered nearly $97 million in collective withdrawals on the same day. The reversal on September 9 has therefore drawn attention from analysts who are closely watching whether investor sentiment toward Ethereum may be stabilizing after a period of sustained outflows. Bitcoin ETFs Record Consistent Interest While September 9 brought only a modest $23 million in inflows to Bitcoin ETFs, the day reinforced a broader narrative of steady institutional engagement with the world’s largest cryptocurrency. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) was the sole vehicle to post positive flows, highlighting its dominant position in capturing institutional capital compared to other offerings. Despite the inflows being smaller than those seen on September 8, the back-to-back positive sessions illustrate that investor demand for Bitcoin exposure remains intact even amid broader market volatility. Market participants note that inflows of this scale, although not unprecedented, are meaningful in signaling investor confidence. With Bitcoin trading volumes and price action showing sensitivity to macroeconomic indicators such as U.S. inflation data and Federal Reserve interest rate policy, ETF flows are increasingly viewed as a barometer of institutional sentiment. Analysts suggest that continued inflows, even modest ones, could provide price support and encourage further adoption of regulated crypto investment products. Ethereum ETFs Break Outflow Cycle For Ethereum ETFs, September 9 marked a significant turnaround. The $44 million in net inflows broke a six-day outflow streak that had seen hundreds of millions in capital exit the market. BlackRock’s ETHA product captured the vast majority of these inflows, signaling renewed institutional appetite for Ethereum despite the asset’s recent struggles. Observers suggest the recovery could be tied to optimism surrounding Ethereum’s broader ecosystem, including ongoing scaling initiatives and renewed discussions about potential protocol upgrades. The inflows also serve as a psychological shift for investors who may have been discouraged by the string of withdrawals earlier in the month. With Ethereum’s role as the foundation for decentralized finance and smart contract applications, institutional engagement with ETH products is often seen as an indicator of confidence in the broader blockchain economy. The reversal in flows suggests that, at least for now, that confidence is resurfacing. Institutional appetite for crypto ETFs has remained volatile throughout September, with large swings in flows highlighting ongoing uncertainty in digital asset markets. Bitcoin’s $364 million surge on September 8 marked the strongest single-day inflow in a month, while Ethereum’s rebound on September 9 may represent the beginning of a new trend in fund allocations. Market analysts caution, however, that future inflows are likely to remain sensitive to broader economic conditions and evolving regulatory frameworks. Looking ahead, sustained inflows into both Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs would provide meaningful support for digital asset prices, particularly as institutional investors increasingly use these vehicles to gain regulated exposure to cryptocurrencies. While one day of positive flows for Ethereum may not be sufficient to declare a lasting turnaround, it does highlight the potential for renewed momentum if investor confidence continues to build. For Bitcoin, the consistency of inflows reinforces its position as the primary entry point for institutional capital in the digital asset space. As the second week of September progresses, attention will remain focused on whether this balance of modest but positive flows continues. The performance of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs in the coming days could set the tone for the remainder of the month and offer key insights into the resilience of institutional demand for crypto exposure.  

Binance has announced a new partnership with SGB, though the tie-up has been reported with differing emphases depending on the source. On September 9, 2025, the exchange revealed that it will integrate with Standard Global Bank (SGB) to enable direct U.S. dollar transfers between Binance accounts and SGB-linked bank accounts. The move is designed to cut out intermediaries, reduce costs, and enhance cross-border payment efficiency. At the same time, other reports highlighted a different angle of the collaboration, suggesting that the initiative is also geared toward enhancing the utility of the Songbird (SGB) token, the native asset of the Flare Network. This interpretation emphasized the potential for direct USD transfers linked to Songbird, which could boost the token’s liquidity across major exchanges such as Kraken and Gate.io. Banking integration and cross-border efficiency The Standard Global Bank partnership represents a notable step for Binance as it seeks to strengthen its connections with traditional finance. Direct bank integration could simplify fiat-to-crypto transfers for users worldwide, particularly those engaging in large-scale or institutional trading. By streamlining dollar movement without third-party intermediaries, the collaboration may also improve transparency, cut settlement times, and reduce transaction costs. For Binance, which has faced regulatory challenges in multiple jurisdictions, establishing ties with an institution like Standard Global Bank could also serve to reinforce its credibility with both users and regulators. Traditional financial partnerships may help the exchange demonstrate compliance and signal its willingness to work within established banking frameworks. This could prove vital as governments and regulatory bodies around the world step up oversight of digital assets. Songbird liquidity and token expansion Meanwhile, the Songbird-focused perspective highlights a different set of potential benefits. Songbird, which operates as a canary network for the Flare blockchain, serves as a testing ground for new features and governance models. Expanding its utility through Binance could improve liquidity and accessibility for traders, allowing for more seamless interaction between Songbird and major fiat currencies. If the integration indeed enhances the utility of the Songbird token, it may encourage exchanges to broaden support for the asset. Improved liquidity could reduce slippage, make pricing more efficient, and create opportunities for developers and traders alike. This would align with broader trends in crypto markets, where exchanges increasingly seek to list tokens that bridge innovation with strong liquidity profiles. The dual interpretations underscore the complexity of Binance’s latest partnership. While some outlets focus on the traditional banking integration, others point to the token expansion narrative. Both dimensions, however, suggest a strategic effort by Binance to bridge the gap between conventional financial systems and emerging digital assets. The move may help Binance expand its reach across different user segments, from institutional investors seeking reliable banking rails to crypto enthusiasts looking for improved token support. As Binance continues to pursue global growth, the collaboration with SGB—whether bank or token—demonstrates the company’s ongoing push to diversify its offerings and strengthen its role as a key player in both the crypto and traditional finance landscapes. The partnership illustrates how exchanges are positioning themselves to thrive in an environment where digital assets and traditional banking are becoming increasingly interconnected.

SharpLink Gaming Ltd., a leading provider of sports betting technology and solutions, announced it has begun utilizing its recently approved $1.5 billion share repurchase program. According to the company, it has already repurchased approximately 939,000 shares of its common stock at an average price of $15.98 per share. The announcement marks a significant step in SharpLink’s capital allocation strategy, aimed at reinforcing investor confidence and enhancing shareholder value. Initial repurchases under program The buyback program, authorized on August 22, 2025, allows SharpLink to repurchase up to $1.5 billion worth of shares, subject to prevailing market conditions and funding availability. The company emphasized that the initial round of repurchases reflects management’s conviction in SharpLink’s long-term potential, especially at a time when its stock has been trading below net asset value. By signaling its belief that shares are undervalued, SharpLink seeks to reassure investors that the company’s fundamentals remain strong. SharpLink further explained that it will evaluate opportunities for additional repurchases on an ongoing basis. Funding for the program will not only come from cash reserves but may also be supported by income generated from its staked cryptocurrency holdings, particularly Ethereum, as well as other financing options. The company highlighted that it maintains a debt-free balance sheet, which provides it with flexibility to deploy resources in ways that can strengthen its market position while rewarding shareholders. Market reaction and strategic outlook The market response to SharpLink’s buyback initiative has been largely positive, with investors and analysts regarding the move as a sign of prudent financial management. Coverage from financial media, including Yahoo Finance and Seeking Alpha, underscored the scale of the authorization and the potential impact of such a sizable repurchase program. Analysts have pointed out that buybacks of this magnitude, if executed strategically, can provide price support for the stock while enhancing per-share earnings metrics. SharpLink’s decision also reflects a broader trend of technology-driven companies leveraging strong treasuries and alternative asset holdings to fund repurchase programs. By deploying capital in this manner, companies can demonstrate discipline while signaling confidence in their valuation to the market. For SharpLink, the presence of a large staked Ethereum treasury is particularly noteworthy, as it represents both a source of yield and a means of funding shareholder-friendly initiatives. From a strategic perspective, the company has positioned the buyback as part of a larger effort to maximize shareholder value while simultaneously expanding its core operations. SharpLink continues to focus on developing and deploying technology solutions that enable sportsbooks and media partners to better engage fans and drive betting activity in the growing U.S. sports wagering market. The firm sees significant opportunities ahead as more states legalize sports betting and as operators seek innovative tools to capture and retain customers. Looking ahead, SharpLink indicated that the pace and scale of additional repurchases will depend on market dynamics, liquidity, and the company’s evolving needs. By coupling strong operational growth with disciplined capital management, the firm aims to present itself as a sustainable and forward-looking player in the competitive sports betting technology landscape. Investors will be watching closely to see how the buyback program unfolds and whether it delivers the intended benefits over the longer term. At a time when market volatility and competitive pressures are influencing investor sentiment, SharpLink’s proactive use of its capital reserves may serve as both a stabilizing factor and a strategic advantage. If executed effectively, the repurchase program could bolster confidence in SharpLink’s future trajectory and further establish the company as a leader in its field.

SOL Strategies, formerly known as Cypherpunk Holdings, has officially begun trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol STKE. Trading commenced on September 9, 2025, following final approval from Nasdaq, marking a significant milestone for the Solana-focused investment and infrastructure company. The uplisting represents a major step forward in the firm’s effort to expand its visibility in global capital markets and establish itself as a key player in institutional crypto adoption. The company confirmed that its shares will continue to trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the ticker HODL, preserving its ties to Canadian investors. However, its uplisting to Nasdaq means shares will no longer be traded on the OTCQB market in the United States. To celebrate the milestone, SOL Strategies held an on-chain bell-ringing ceremony, symbolizing the company’s roots in blockchain culture while marking its transition to a premier international exchange. Building on Solana ecosystem SOL Strategies has carved out a niche as one of the few publicly traded firms dedicated almost exclusively to the Solana blockchain. The Toronto-based company positions itself as both a treasury and infrastructure provider, focusing its resources on supporting Solana’s growth and adoption. As of the end of August, SOL Strategies reported holdings of approximately 435,064 SOL tokens, making it one of the largest publicly listed holders of Solana assets worldwide. Executives at the company highlighted the Nasdaq uplisting as not only a financial milestone but also a strategic move to attract a broader institutional investor base. “This uplisting to Nasdaq represents a pivotal moment in our growth trajectory,” the company noted, emphasizing that its new status should help it expand its shareholder reach while strengthening its credibility among global investors. Expanding reach to U.S. investors The move to Nasdaq gives SOL Strategies direct access to one of the deepest pools of capital in the world, offering enhanced liquidity and visibility. Industry observers point out that the listing could also help bridge the gap for investors who have been seeking regulated, publicly traded avenues to gain exposure to blockchain infrastructure without directly purchasing digital assets. By focusing on the Solana ecosystem, the company is targeting a blockchain that has steadily grown in prominence for its speed, scalability, and developer activity. With its significant SOL holdings and ongoing infrastructure initiatives, SOL Strategies is positioning itself as both a long-term investor and an active participant in building out the network. Analysts suggest that joining the ranks of crypto-oriented firms listed on major U.S. exchanges not only validates SOL Strategies’ business model but could also pave the way for other blockchain-focused companies to seek similar uplistings. The firm’s dual listing—maintaining a presence on the Canadian Securities Exchange while gaining entry into Nasdaq—underscores its strategy of maintaining strong domestic ties while leveraging U.S. markets for growth. For SOL Strategies, the uplisting marks the culmination of years of positioning within the digital asset sector and signals a new phase in its corporate journey. As institutional investors increasingly look for regulated entry points into the blockchain economy, the company’s Nasdaq debut places it at the forefront of publicly traded firms bridging traditional finance and decentralized technology.

What Cboe Announced Cboe Global Markets said Tuesday it will launch continuous futures contracts for bitcoin and ether on Nov. 10, pending regulatory approval. The products, which last up to 10 years, are designed to give U.S. traders access to long-term contracts without the need for constant rolling typical of standard futures. Daily adjustments will be based on a “transparent and replicable” funding rate tied to spot market prices. This marks the first U.S.-regulated effort to mirror perpetual futures, the offshore derivatives contracts that account for more than 70% of global crypto derivatives volumes, according to Kaiko Research. In 2024, daily perpetual volumes on platforms like Binance, OKX and Bybit often exceeded $200 billion. Investor Takeaway Cboe’s continuous futures could bring the most widely used crypto derivative into the U.S. regulatory perimeter, appealing to both hedge funds and retail traders. Why It Matters for U.S. Markets Perpetual-style futures have long been unavailable to U.S. investors due to regulatory barriers. Cboe’s version aims to replicate their functionality in a compliant framework. Catherine Clay, Cboe’s global head of derivatives, said the products will offer “confidence in a trusted, transparent and intermediated environment.” The move also comes as the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) increases scrutiny of offshore derivatives venues. By offering a regulated alternative, Cboe seeks to capture demand that has been flowing abroad for years. Cboe’s Bid to Reclaim Market Share Cboe was the first U.S. exchange to list bitcoin futures in 2017 but exited in 2019 after liquidity shifted to CME Group. CME now dominates regulated crypto futures with more than $3 billion in open interest, boosted further after the launch of spot bitcoin ETFs in January 2025. In response, Cboe has rolled out crypto indexes, ETFs, and new derivatives to re-establish relevance. Today, Cboe lists more than 20 crypto-related ETFs in the U.S., including several spot ether ETFs approved in July 2025. The continuous futures launch is the latest step in an effort to expand its digital asset product suite and compete directly with CME’s entrenched dominance. Investor Takeaway If liquidity builds, continuous futures could position Cboe as a serious challenger to CME in regulated crypto derivatives, a market now driven by ETF inflows and institutional demand. What’s Next for Traders and Institutions The contracts will clear through Cboe Clear U.S., a CFTC-regulated clearinghouse. Analysts expect demand from both hedge funds and retail traders, particularly as institutional adoption accelerates. Spot bitcoin ETFs have already attracted more than $25 billion in inflows within six months of approval, according to Bloomberg Intelligence, showing appetite for regulated crypto exposure. For hedge funds and proprietary trading firms, continuous futures eliminate rolling costs and simplify long-term positioning. For retail investors, the products offer a regulated path into perpetual-style trading with potentially easier margining than offshore alternatives. If uptake is strong, Cboe could carve out a significant role in shaping the next stage of U.S. crypto derivatives markets.

The US Congress is making big moves to make Bitcoin a part of the country’s financial system. A new House spending bill says that the US Treasury Department must write a full report within 90 days of the bill becoming law. This article will talk about how possible it is to put up a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a larger US Digital Asset Stockpile, as well as how to keep them safe. This is a big step forward in how the US handles bitcoin. Push from lawmakers for a Bitcoin reserve. Representative David Joyce introduced the bill as part of the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act for FY2026 (H.R. 5166). The Treasury must look into how easy it would be to manage the government’s large Bitcoin holdings, which are thought to be worth between $17 and $20 billion and hold between 198,000 and 207,000 BTC.  Law enforcement took most of these items, which were once sold at auction but are now being considered for strategic storage. The bill will talk about legal authority, custody architecture, and cybersecurity practices to make sure that these digital assets are managed safely. Important Parts of the Treasury Report The law says what the Treasury has to include in its report. It will look into any legal and practical problems with setting up a Bitcoin reserve, how these assets will be shown on the federal balance sheet, and how the Treasury Forfeiture Fund, which gets money from seized assets, will be affected.  This will also talk about how different agencies work together and how third-party custodians help keep the reserve safe. A secret part that the National Security Agency helped build will focus on keeping the reserve safe from hackers and other dangers. The National and Global Context This law is based on an executive order from President Donald Trump in March 2025 that suggested utilizing seized cryptocurrencies to create a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. This is part of a larger trend around the world, with governments like Kazakhstan and the Philippines looking into similar crypto reserve policies. The US wants to be the best at managing digital assets, and it sees Bitcoin as a strategic asset like gold or oil reserves. What This Means For The Future The adoption of the bill, which is still being negotiated with other parts of the budget, might change how the US government handles digital assets. The Treasury’s study may set a standard for the use of cryptocurrencies around the world by making custody and security apparent. This project shows how Bitcoin’s value is becoming more widely known and how important it is to have strong governance to protect national interests in the changing digital economy.

When Shiba Inu (SHIB) came out in August 2020, most people thought it was just a joke, a copycat of Dogecoin that was riding the wave of meme coins. Its fun branding, which was based on the Shiba Inu dog breed, helped it spread quickly on social media. Within a few months, SHIB had a group of loyal fans called the “Shib Army” that helped it become known around the world. But Shiba Inu is no longer just a meme after more than three years. The project has grown into a complete crypto ecosystem that can be used in the real world. It has decentralized exchanges, NFT platforms, metaverse projects, and even plans for its own blockchain. This article looks at how Shiba Inu has changed and what the token is really used for besides being a joke on the internet. The Origins of Shiba Inu: From Meme to Movement Shiba Inu was created anonymously by a developer known as “Ryoshi.” Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, it didn’t launch with groundbreaking technology. Instead, it leaned on the power of community. Marketed as the “Dogecoin killer,” SHIB offered cheap, abundant tokens that anyone could buy and trade. This meme-based identity turned out to be its biggest strength. In 2021, during the height of the crypto bull run, SHIB skyrocketed in value, making early adopters overnight millionaires. But what started as hype quickly pushed developers and the community to ask: What’s next? To remain relevant, Shiba Inu had to expand beyond its meme status, and that’s exactly what it has been working on: creating multiple use cases for itself. The Shiba Inu Ecosystem Unlike many meme coins that fade into obscurity, Shiba Inu has built an ecosystem around its brand. This ecosystem is designed to give SHIB and its related tokens real functionality. SHIB Token: The native token of the ecosystem, SHIB, is used primarily for trading, staking, and payments. Its massive supply (originally one quadrillion tokens) makes it appealing to retail investors who enjoy owning millions of coins at low prices. LEASH Token: LEASH started as a rebase token but was later redesigned to function as a scarce, limited-supply asset within the Shiba ecosystem. Holders often gain exclusive access to NFT drops, staking rewards, and metaverse perks. BONE Token: BONE plays a governance role. It allows the community to vote on proposals through the Shiba Inu decentralized autonomous organization (DAO). It’s also the gas token for Shibarium, the project’s layer-2 blockchain. ShibaSwap: Launched in 2021, ShibaSwap is a decentralized exchange (DEX) where users can trade tokens, stake SHIB, BONE, and LEASH, and provide liquidity. It’s Shiba Inu’s answer to Uniswap and PancakeSwap, giving the community a platform to engage in DeFi activities. Shibarium: Shibarium is Shiba Inu’s long-awaited layer-2 scaling solution built on Ethereum. It reduces gas fees for transactions within the Shiba ecosystem, supports faster processing, and provides a foundation for dApps, NFTs, and gaming projects. Importantly, Shibarium burns SHIB with every transaction, contributing to the token’s deflationary model. Shiba Eternity (Game): Shiba Inu has also dipped into gaming with Shiba Eternity, a collectible card game that promotes the brand while adding utility for SHIB holders. It’s part of the broader push into Web3 gaming. Shib – The Metaverse: The project is developing its own metaverse, complete with virtual land sales and community-driven experiences. SHIB, LEASH, and BONE all play roles in transactions within this digital world. What Is Shiba Inu Actually Used For? So, beyond being a meme coin, how is Shiba Inu used today? Payments SHIB has found real-world utility as a payment method. Dozens of merchants, both online and offline, accept SHIB through payment processors like BitPay and NOWPayments. Users can spend SHIB on anything from gift cards to travel bookings.  Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Through ShibaSwap and Shibarium, SHIB holders can stake tokens, provide liquidity, and farm rewards. These activities generate passive income while strengthening the ecosystem. BONE also serves as the governance token, ensuring that the community directs development. NFTs and Digital Collectibles Shiba Inu has launched NFT collections, such as the Shiboshis, which integrate with ShibaSwap and the metaverse. These NFTs provide utility in gaming, staking, and exclusive community events. Gaming With Shiba Eternity and future blockchain games planned for Shibarium, SHIB and its related tokens will function as in-game assets, rewards, or currencies. This gives gamers new ways to interact with the ecosystem. Burn Mechanisms for Deflation Shiba Inu has a robust burn strategy, with millions of SHIB tokens permanently removed from circulation through community-led and automated burns. The more SHIB is burned, the scarcer it becomes, potentially increasing value over time. Metaverse Development The Shiba Inu metaverse will allow users to buy, sell, and develop virtual land, engage in community experiences, and build businesses. SHIB will play a central role in transactions within this virtual world. Community Governance With BONE as the governance token, holders can vote on proposals shaping the future of the ecosystem. This democratic model ensures that Shiba Inu remains community-driven. Why Traders and Investors Care About Shiba Inu Shiba Inu continues to attract attention for several reasons beyond its meme appeal: Affordability: With SHIB priced much lower than coins like Bitcoin or Ethereum, investors enjoy buying millions of tokens at once. Speculative Potential: Despite volatility, SHIB’s community and burn mechanisms create long-term excitement about price growth. Community Power: The Shib Army remains one of the strongest grassroots movements in crypto, fueling adoption and awareness. Ecosystem Expansion: From gaming to DeFi to the metaverse, Shiba Inu is diversifying in ways that could support long-term sustainability. Challenges Facing Shiba Inu Despite its growth, Shiba Inu faces challenges that may impact its long-term success. Competition: Thousands of altcoins exist, many with stronger technical foundations. Shiba Inu must continue innovating to stay relevant. Volatility: Like most cryptocurrencies, SHIB experiences extreme price swings, which can deter cautious investors. Speculative Reputation: While Shiba Inu is building real-world use cases, it still carries the stigma of being a meme coin. Regulation: With regulators worldwide scrutinizing crypto, meme coins, and community-driven projects could face additional hurdles. Execution Risks: The success of Shibarium, the metaverse, and other initiatives depends on successful development and adoption. From Meme to Utility Shiba Inu may have started as a meme, but it’s not just a joke coin anymore. SHIB has found a place in the larger crypto industry through payments, DeFi, NFTs, gaming, and building the metaverse. The project’s future is not guaranteed, but its journey shows how community-driven innovation can turn a viral trend into something that lasts. For people who believe in it, Shiba Inu shows that crypto can be fun, serious, and open to everyone at the same time.  For those who are doubtful, it’s a reminder that even the craziest crypto experiments can turn into real ecosystems. The story of Shiba Inu is still being written. But one thing is for sure: it has gone way beyond the meme.