Eric Trump, the second son of U.S. President Donald Trump, told an audience at the Bitcoin Asia conference in Hong Kong on Friday that bitcoin would hit $1 million within several years, while hailing China as “a hell of a power” in the digital asset sector. Bitcoin, which has gained 18% this year, was trading around $110,000 on Friday, down from its record peak of $124,480 in mid-August. Friendly regulation under Trump’s administration and rising institutional demand have helped drive the latest rally, though the cryptocurrency remains far off the lofty target Eric Trump predicted. “There’s no question bitcoin hits $1 million,” he said during a panel discussion, pointing to limited supply and growing institutional inflows. He also credited Hong Kong and the Middle East for their push into digital assets, adding that the U.S. was “winning the digital revolution.” China Ban vs Hong Kong’s Openness Mainland China outlawed crypto exchanges and institutional trading years ago, and declared all related transactions illegal in 2021. Still, peer-to-peer transfers and some mining continue under local protection and enforcement gaps. At the same time, Hong Kong has taken a different route, introducing new legislation for stablecoins in May as part of its ambition to become a global digital asset hub. Eric Trump suggested Beijing views Hong Kong as a testing ground for crypto policy. “There’s no question China is a hell of a power when it comes to this world,” he said, echoing comments that the country remains one of bitcoin’s “other superpowers” alongside the U.S. The Trump family has expanded into several crypto ventures in the past year, including an exchange, a stablecoin, a mining operation, and digital asset ETFs. Eric Trump is also promoting American Bitcoin Corp., a miner co-founded with his brother Donald Jr., which is preparing for a Nasdaq listing through a merger with Gryphon Digital Mining. He further disclosed advisory roles at World Liberty Financial, a decentralized finance project, and Metaplanet, a Japanese bitcoin treasury firm. Eric Trump linked his deeper involvement in crypto to the banking restrictions his family businesses faced under the Biden administration. “If the banks hadn’t shut down our accounts, I don’t think I would have fallen into cryptocurrency the same way,” he said. The younger Trump claimed he now spends 90% of his time in the crypto sector and doubled down on his bullish forecast: “Buy right now, close your eyes, hold it long term … It is the greatest asset in the world. Everybody is buying bitcoin.” Meanwhile, President Trump pledged to make the U.S. the “crypto capital of the world,” pushing legislation for stablecoins and establishing a strategic bitcoin reserve. He has also floated holding a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping to ease trade tensions, though Eric Trump said cryptocurrencies were unlikely to top the agenda.

Circle, the creator of USD Coin (USDC), has announced its native integration with the XDC Network, considerably increasing the stablecoin’s cross-chain compatibility. The launch allows for easy and quick transfers to and from XDC, eliminating the need for wrapped token versions and ushering in a new age of native cross-chain liquidity for enterprise and developer ecosystems. Circle confirmed in a blog post that the integration will also include support for CCTP (Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol) v2, bringing full native USDC utility directly into the XDC Network’s infrastructure. This ensures that users and institutions can transfer USDC with lower fees and faster finality, increasing confidence and scalability across interoperable blockchain ecosystems.  Native Integration and CCTP v2 Elevate USDC’s Cross-Chain Utility Until now, USDC usage on the XDC Network was only possible via wrapped token bridges, which introduced inefficiencies like as reliance on third-party custody and bridging delays. The future native USDC issuance on the XDC Network, along with Circle’s CCTP v2 architecture, eliminates these friction spots.  Transfers will now occur at the smart contract level, with cryptographic verification, resulting in increased security and speedier cross-chain movement without the need to lock text tokens. Circle’s latest transfer protocol, CCTP v2, enables genuine interoperability by allowing native asset conversion across blockchains without the need for intermediary procedures or escrow. It enables features such as certified transfers and accelerated settlement, which greatly lower transfer expenses. Developers using the XDC Network may now include USDC directly into workflows and DeFi protocols, with predictable token flows and integrated unit-of-account pricing in USD. The announcement comes as cross-chain stablecoin use cases become increasingly popular, particularly in enterprise payments, tokenised stocks, and worldwide remittances. Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire has stated that native support for networks such as XDC will pave the way for broader mainstream acceptance, particularly in nations with lower financial infrastructure costs and a greater interest in programmable money. This approach is consistent with previous USDC expansions of networks such as Polygon, Avalanche, and Solana. These connections, along with CCTP, illustrate a multi-chain strategy that gives USDC a competitive advantage as a truly global digital dollar.  As more financial institutions and regulated entities investigate stablecoin rails, Circle’s cross-chain architecture is expected to become the cornerstone for next-generation blockchain utilities. Early adopters in the XDC ecosystem, such as payment services and trade finance platforms, will be the first to benefit from integrated USDC liquidity. Tokenised bond issuance and supply chain finance are also being planned, with native USDC serving as the programmable unit of exchange. With the announcement, Circle validates the dollar-pegged stablecoin‘s role as not only a source of DeFi liquidity, but also a trust-free interoperability layer across blockchain architecture. As the USDC ecosystem expands natively across networks, its position in enterprise payments, asset tokenisation, and cross-border connection grows increasingly important.

Bybit, the second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has published the so-called Mantle x Bybit Roadmap, detailing the future step of the development of $MNT and its deployment across the Bybit ecosystem. The project is after the appointment of Bybit Co-CEO Helen Liu and Head of Spot Emily Bao who is also founder of Byreal as important advisors to the Mantle. Their presence highlights an underlying convergence between Bybit and Mantle, as a way to faster develop the infrastructure needed to expand Layer 2 and make MNT a key bridge between Web2 and Web3 adoption. Mantle x Bybit Roadmap: Staged Rollout The one utility token has since expanded into a wider influence in Bybit that has been used to drive use cases in trading, payments, savings, and membership privileges. As MNT is released in its 2.0 form, it is destined to increase its popularity as an intermediary linking digital properties, practical applications, and institutional usage. The roadmap brings about a gradual implementation, with utilities growing until August, September, and later on: Purchase – MNT can be purchased through spot trading, Convert, OTC with fixed pricing, and through the auto-invest bot at Bybit. In the late September, there will be the introduction of Discount Buy with the users being able to buy MNT via lockup products at a discounted rate. Use – September onwards, use spot pairs will increase to more than 20. At the month’s end, you can use MNT to cover trading fees (25% off Spot and 10% off Derivatives), make card payments with zero conversion fees, and buy Web3 purchases. It is also planned to trade options in the future, have VIP events and special merchandise with MNT. Hold – Higher leverage will be offered to institutional clients (up to 8x) and longer fixed-loan terms beginning in early September. Further into the month, retail users will have VIP multipliers unlocked to upgrade tiers faster and also enjoy more cashback reward through Bybit Card and Pay. Earn – In late August, fixed-term saving products will be launched with increased investments in new token launches like HODLVerse, Launchpool and Megadrop. It will also provide users with flexible savings, dual asset investments and liquidity mining. Limited Offers – Community events such as MNT Puzzle Hunt and Wednesday Airdrops will be supplemented by regional cashback campaigns (end of September) and by a Mantle related anniversary celebration in October. Beyond Speculation: Embedding MNT in Everyday Utility The staged roadmap aims at making MNT not a speculative asset but a fundamental utility token that will be used in everyday trading and payments and wealth management of both institutional and retail clients. As it widens trading possibilities, opens both real-world and Web3 payment options, and connects MNT with membership benefits and loyalty programs, Bybit and Mantle are pursuing a common vision: to make digital assets a part of everyday financial and lifestyle.

The World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) has opened submissions for its 42nd Annual Clearing and Derivatives Conference (WFEClear 2026), which will convene in Toronto, Canada, from April 21–23, 2026. Hosted by TMX Group, the event will bring together academics, market practitioners, and regulators to explore the future of clearing and derivatives. Conference Goals The WFE highlighted that WFEClear’s central mission is to foster dialogue between academia and industry. By combining academic rigor with the experience of clearing houses and regulators, the event aims to generate innovative approaches to long-standing challenges in clearing and risk management. “The objective of the conference is to bring together academics, practitioners, and policymakers from around the world to share original research and to exchange ideas on the opportunities and challenges for the future of central and bilateral clearing,” the WFE said. The program will include keynote speeches, expert panels, and academic paper presentations. Accepted papers will be paired with an industry discussant, providing researchers with direct feedback from senior clearing professionals. Topics of Interest The call for papers is deliberately broad, reflecting the diversity of issues facing global clearing. Areas of focus include: Innovations in collateral management, particularly to accommodate 24/7 trading environments New models for options trading and derivatives in emerging markets Clearing structures and incentives, such as auction design, client clearing, and managing non-default losses Market resilience and systemic risk, including liquidity contagion, cyber threats, and collateral flows Operational risk management, including outsourcing and cloud migration Impact of new technologies: crypto clearing, DLT, AI, and smart contracts Liquidity risk transmission and procyclicality in clearing networks Cross-border barriers and regulatory fragmentation Climate-linked derivatives, such as carbon markets, water futures, and green contracts By highlighting both traditional topics—such as governance and risk models—and emerging themes like crypto derivatives and sustainability-linked products, the WFE is signaling its intent to place cutting-edge issues at the center of WFEClear 2026. Submission Process Researchers must submit full papers in PDF format to callforpapers@world-exchanges.org by October 22, 2025. Submissions must be in English and include an abstract. Authors will be notified of acceptance by November 25, 2025, with final versions required by March 23, 2026. Scientific Committee The Scientific Committee overseeing the review process includes distinguished figures from academia, regulatory bodies, and market operators: Evangelos Benos (University of Cyprus) Barbara Casu (Bayes Business School) Fernando Cerezetti (ICE Clear Europe and King’s College London) Richard Haynes (CFTC) Stanislav Ivanov (ICE) Albert Menkveld (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam) Travis Nesmith (Federal Reserve Board) Dmitrij Senko (Eurex) Froukelien Wendt (ESMA) The Committee is tasked with ensuring academic integrity while maintaining the practical relevance of the conference to the clearing community. Participation and Attendance WFEClear 2026 is an invitation-only event. Attendance is generally limited to WFE members, affiliates, long-term partners, academics, and selected guests. Academics not directly affiliated with WFE members may still request an invitation by contacting the organization alongside their paper submission. In past years, WFEClear has drawn senior regulators, central bankers, and exchange leaders, underlining its role as a premier forum for clearing discussions. The 2026 edition, hosted by TMX Group, will mark the first time the event has been held in Toronto, highlighting Canada’s growing importance in global market infrastructure. WFEClear 2026 aims to bridge academic research and market practice, driving forward new approaches to clearing, risk management, and derivatives innovation.

Binance founder and Executive Chairman, Changpeng Zhao (CZ), recently stated that he believes Bitcoin (BTC) will become the global reserve currency, replacing the US dollar (USD). He made this comment on the opening day of the Bitcoin Conference Asia 2025 in Hong Kong, where he served as a headline speaker. During his session, CZ also highlighted Bitcoin’s role as the “gold” of the crypto ecosystem. In front of an enthusiastic audience, he portrayed Bitcoin as a fundamental evolution in monetary systems that may lead to increased financial stability and transparency, in addition to being a speculative asset.  CZ’s remarks demonstrate an increasing level of assurance with Bitcoin’s institutional traction and long-term prospects. CZ Predicts Rise of Bitcoin Against Fiat, Urges Strategic Adoption During the Bitcoin event, CZ claimed that Bitcoin’s fixed quantity, decentralised structure, and immutable ledger make it an ideal reserve asset. He claimed that, unlike traditional currencies, which can be inflationary and prone to geopolitical manipulation, Bitcoin offers a censorship-resistant and transparent road forward.  CZ cited global macro issues, such as excessive money printing and budget deficits, as accelerators for Bitcoin’s growth beyond speculative use. He urged that central banks and international investors start incorporating Bitcoin into their reserve frameworks, stating, “Trust in centralised currencies is fading; Bitcoin offers a resilient alternative.”  Citing Bitcoin’s track record over the last decade, CZ predicted that its price stability and market depth will continue to improve as institutional investors, governmental institutions, and multinational corporations recognise its value. He highlighted analogies to the early days of gold-backed reserves, emphasising Bitcoin’s network effects and programmability as current features.  His comments also come at a time when big global banks and asset managers boosted their exposure to spot Bitcoin ETFs, indicating that mainstream finance is gradually accepting digital asset normalisation.  The conference has received a lot of attention due to its high-profile speakers. CZ’s remarks came after those of Eric Trump, who discussed geopolitical repercussions and wealth preservation, and industry luminaries such as Pantera Capital’s Dan Morehead and Galaxy Digital’s Mike Novogratz.  As he concluded, CZ urged policymakers and financial leaders to reconsider Bitcoin’s role in monetary systems. “We are witnessing a monetary revolution,” he said. “The sooner we prepare, the smoother the transition will be.”  If broadly accepted, Bitcoin has the potential to disrupt the US dollar’s four-decade dominance in global trade, central bank reserves, and cross-border payments. As the conference progresses, all eyes are focused on how CZ’s message will impact future policy and investment decisions from Asia to the West.

European digital asset manager CoinShares reported a second-quarter net profit of $32.4 million, up from $24 million in the prior quarter, as a rally in Bitcoin and Ether prices lifted assets under management (AUM) and drove record inflows into its exchange-traded products. The firm said AUM grew 26% in the quarter to $3.46 billion, despite a $126 million outflow from its legacy XBT Provider products, as crypto prices rebounded strongly. Bitcoin gained 29% in Q2 while Ether climbed 37%, helping offset outflows and boosting the company’s fee base. CoinShares said its asset management platform delivered $30 million in fees, supported by $170 million in net inflows into its physically backed ETPs — the second-highest on record. The capital markets division added $11.3 million in income, with $4.3 million contributed by ETH staking. The firm also reported a sharp turnaround in its treasury strategy, moving from a $3 million unrealized loss in Q1 to $7.8 million in gains in Q2, reflecting improved digital asset pricing and portfolio adjustments. Chief executive Jean-Marie Mognetti said momentum had carried into the third quarter. “The overall level of activity in the market is setting us up for a strong second half of the year,” he said in a statement, noting that Bitcoin and Ether have since reached new record highs in August. Preparing for a U.S. Listing Mognetti confirmed CoinShares is preparing for a U.S. listing, shifting its primary listing from Nasdaq Stockholm in Sweden. He said access to deeper capital markets in the United States could “unlock substantial value” for shareholders, pointing to the recent listings of Circle and Bullish as examples of strong investor demand. CoinShares, headquartered in Jersey, said it expects to provide more clarity on listing plans this quarter, citing what it described as the most favorable U.S. regulatory environment yet for crypto firms. The firm’s BLOCK Index, which tracks digital asset-related equities, gained 53.7% in Q2, outpacing broader equity benchmarks.

Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and users, has upgraded its Execution Services to aggregate both spot and options liquidity from an expanded network of providers, alongside its proprietary order books. The move is designed to improve speed, pricing, and execution time for institutional and high-volume users, while offering greater flexibility in execution methods. New Approach to Institutional Trading The enhanced Execution Services prioritize flow internalization, helping sophisticated clients reduce slippage and optimize trading outcomes. Depending on their requirements, users can choose between OTC risk-pricing and bespoke execution, with Binance’s execution desk leveraging algorithmic trading capabilities and aggregated liquidity. Binance supports two primary types of algorithmic trading: Time Weighted Average Price (TWAP) Percentage of Volume (POV) These algorithms can be directly managed through the Binance VIP Portal, or clients can request assistance from Binance’s VIP team to run strategies with specific instructions. By combining native liquidity with aggregated OTC flows, Binance aims to deliver faster and more competitive execution for large and complex trades. OTC Trading: Faster Settlement Options As in traditional finance, over-the-counter (OTC) trading enables large transactions to be executed without impacting order books, minimizing market disruption and slippage. With the upgrade, Binance will aggregate and provide the most competitive live OTC quotes when a request is initiated. Notably, OTC trades on Binance can now settle in as little as 15 minutes, a significant improvement compared to the industry standard of T+1. Clients also retain the flexibility of choosing longer settlement windows to better match liquidity needs. Targeting a Diverse Range of Institutional Users Binance Execution Services are designed to meet the needs of a broad spectrum of institutional and sophisticated users, including: Large-volume traders: lock in prices for significant trades to minimize slippage. Whales and long-term holders: outsource execution for efficiency and discretion. Mid-sized hedge firms: integrate OTC trading to complement existing strategies. High-frequency trading firms: act as liquidity providers and leverage high volume flows. “Clients who prioritize pricing and speed for larger trades will enjoy our enhanced OTC service, and clients who prefer bespoke execution can also rely on us to fully manage the process for them. By tailoring solutions for the different segments, we help sophisticated clients from high-net-worth individuals and family offices to larger institutions optimize their crypto experience,” said Catherine Chen, Head of VIP & Institutional at Binance. Growing Institutional Adoption Binance reported continued momentum in its institutional business during the first half of 2025. The number of VIP users grew by 21% year-on-year, while institutional users increased by 20%. Trading volumes for both categories rose by 10% and 12% respectively during the same period. “We are enhancing our execution capabilities alongside our other offerings to ensure we continue to be well-positioned to support our institutional clients’ growing demand for exposure to crypto,” Chen added. Binance’s institutional and VIP user base expanded sharply in H1 2025, signaling rising demand for tailored execution solutions. Conclusion With its upgraded Execution Services, Binance is seeking to replicate institutional trading standards from traditional finance in the digital asset space. By combining deep native liquidity, OTC risk-pricing, and algorithmic execution, the exchange aims to position itself as the go-to platform for high-net-worth individuals, hedge funds, and institutional players seeking more efficient crypto market access.

PYTH recorded a significant surge in the past day following Thursday’s announcement from the U.S. Department of Commerce that it would use the network to publish economic data. The asset rallied sharply on the news, posting an 84% gain at press time, according to CoinMarketCap. Pyth Network is not alone in this initiative, as Chainlink, another blockchain oracle, will also collaborate in bringing these datasets on-chain, per the release. The partnership aims to enhance economic transparency and data accountability. Pyth Network stated it would begin by releasing historical datasets from the past five years. “Pyth will initially offer quarterly releases of GDP going back five years and anticipates expanding this initiative to support a broader range of economic datasets,” the network noted. Indicators Flash Mixed Signals Analysis shows that the announcement pushed PYTH to break its year-long descending trendline, which began on January 31. Typically, such a breakout signals a major rally back to the start of the channel, with a key price target set around $0.29. Source: TradingView However, in PYTH’s case, whether the asset can sustain this move depends on whether fundamentals remain strong enough to support a continued bullish narrative. The Moving Average Convergence and Divergence (MACD) indicates intensified momentum, suggesting ongoing buying pressure. Meanwhile, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) shows weak fundamentals, warning that the asset could correct after entering the overbought region. Source: TradingView In simple terms, PYTH’s press-time price appears overvalued and is likely to face a corrective phase, where fundamentals must back actual demand. On-Chain Data Paints a Bearish Picture On-chain sentiment reveals that Pyth Network’s usage does not yet match its soaring price action. For context, while PYTH’s price jumped, daily on-chain transactions remained flat at around 150,000—an increase of just 400 from the previous day. Source: Artemis In fact, active on-chain users remain minimal. At the time of writing, Daily Active Oracle users on Pyth Network fell to just 19. When on-chain activity fails to align with price movement, the divergence often signals an impending drop. A decline at this level could see PYTH give up its recent gains. Unless it establishes stronger fundamentals, the asset risks continued downside.

Stablecoin Platform Rain Raises $58M Series B to Expand Global Payments Infrastructure Rain, a stablecoin platform powering compliant global payments, has raised $58 million in a Series B funding round led by Sapphire Ventures. The raise comes just five months after Rain’s Series A, underscoring both its rapid growth and rising investor interest in the stablecoin sector. High-Profile Investor Participation In addition to Sapphire Ventures, the round included Dragonfly, Galaxy Ventures, Endeavor Catalyst, Samsung Next, Lightspeed, and Norwest. The strong roster of backers signals increasing institutional conviction that stablecoin infrastructure will underpin the next wave of financial innovation. The company plans to use the new funding to expand its platform capabilities, target new international markets, and scale its engineering, commercial, and compliance teams. Rain’s latest raise comes just five months after its Series A — highlighting accelerating investor demand for stablecoin infrastructure providers. Enterprise Demand Accelerates Rain’s platform enables enterprises, neobanks, platforms, and developers to move, store, and use stablecoins instantly and compliantly. Its infrastructure spans: Global payment cards On- and off-ramps Wallets Cross-border payment rails As a Visa Principal Member, Rain issues cards that work anywhere Visa is accepted, covering more than 150 countries. This capability allows enterprises and consumers to use stablecoins for everyday purchases globally. The company reports a 10x increase in transaction volume since January 2025, with partners such as Nuvei, Avalanche, Dakota, and Nomad leveraging its infrastructure for merchant payouts, consumer transactions, B2B spending, and cross-border payroll. Regulatory Clarity Fuels Growth Rain’s funding momentum is bolstered by recent regulatory developments. The U.S. Genius Act and Europe’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework have established clearer rules for stablecoin adoption. This regulatory certainty has sparked a wave of enterprise interest in compliant solutions that can bridge traditional finance and digital assets. The Genius Act in the U.S. and MiCA in Europe have created the regulatory certainty needed for enterprise adoption of stablecoins. CEO Statement Farooq Malik, CEO of Rain, emphasized the company’s mission to restore simplicity to money movement: “In its earliest form, money moved instantly. We’ve spent centuries slowing it down. Rain is bringing that simplicity back to billions of people, but now it works across any border, any platform, and any currency.” Positioning for the Future With Series B funding secured, Rain is positioning itself as a core provider of infrastructure for the growing stablecoin economy. Its ability to combine regulatory compliance with instant global usability has made it a partner of choice for enterprises and fintechs seeking to integrate stablecoin-powered payments. As transaction volumes soar and enterprise adoption accelerates, Rain is expanding into new markets and investing in talent to strengthen its global reach. The firm’s rapid growth trajectory reflects a broader shift in financial services, as businesses embrace stablecoins for efficiency, speed, and global accessibility. Conclusion Rain’s $58 million Series B round highlights the convergence of regulatory clarity, investor appetite, and enterprise demand in stablecoin markets. By offering compliant, scalable infrastructure with Visa-backed global usability, Rain is poised to be at the forefront of the next phase of digital payments innovation.

Facebook serves as a platform that connects people and businesses; it is a social media platform that propels and satisfies curiosities. Through forums and threads, the ambiguity and mystery associated with crypto are simplified and made bare by the minds that use Facebook as the bridge between mystery and obviousness. Approximately three billion Facebook monthly active users (MAUs) exist worldwide, with five billion social media users globally, holding a significant share, representing 59.38% of the total social media population. This makes a case for its use as an avenue for the introduction of new coins, playing an important role in the marketing of existing projects, enabling their expansion at relatively low cost, and their eventual worldwide adoption. The sphere of cryptocurrency discussed on Facebook is shaped by influential figures who leverage the platform to grow community engagement and foster blockchain innovation. Based on followership and the community grown, engagement per post, credibility, and quality of content, the list below is the top ten crypto influencers on Facebook. 1. CryptoInsider HQ CryptoInsider HQ is an influencer known for a detailed grasp and coverage of up-to-date trends in the crypto market. Through posts and videos that provoke discussions, analyses, and updates that afford engagements and commentaries, cryptoInsider HQ is a platform that wouldn’t have missed our pick. This platform boasts a followership of approximately 2 million. 2. DeFi Enthusiast Focusing on staking, liquidity pools, and yield farming through visual content, DeFi Enthusiast has a strong community with a followership of 1.5 million. 3. NFTExplorer Since the emergence of “Quantum,” the first non-fungible token, NFTExplorer has been a prominent figure in the NFT space, curating and sharing relatable information on emerging trends, projects, and innovations in the NFT market, appealing to collectors and creators alike. Followership is 1.3 million. 4. Blockchain Lifestyle Highlights and combines lifestyle content through success stories and meaningful blockchain insights. If you are looking for that kick and a reason to commit to the blockchain space, then blockchain is your go-to. Current followership figures are around 1.4 million. 5. CryptoForChange With a followership of 1.2 million, this influencer has shown great enterprise with a focus on the social impact of crypto through corporate social responsibility and charity. As the name implies CryptoForChange, the platform, highlights how global challenges can be solved using crypto. 6. Altcoin Advisor As it concerns the discovery of promising altcoins, trends, token reviews, and astute advice on trading, Altcoin Advisor stands tall, with a total followership of 1.1 million. 7. Bitcoin Believer Focuses on Bitcoin adoption, trends, and price predictions while offering detailed insights appropriate for Bitcoin maximalists. 8. Roger Ver Nicknamed “Bitcoin Jesus” by virtue of an early investment in Bitcoin. His foresight was an asset to his followers. Engagements on his posts often stimulate discussions around crypto adoption and economic freedom. 9. Crypto Connectors They provide information on networking opportunities and updates on blockchain events. For one looking to connect with enthusiasts alike and key industry players and events that afford such, Crypto Connectors are the perfect platform. They have a followership of about 900 thousand. 10.  Blockchain Academy A trusted source for any student interested in understanding the fundamentals of cryptocurrency. They provide educational content on the basics of crypto. There are some notable mentions, such as Brian Armstrong, the CEO of Coinbase. Another mention is the respected author in the crypto world, Andreas Antonopoulos. FAQs 1: How were the top 10 influencers on Facebook selected? They were selected based on followership size, engagement rates, content quality, credibility, and reputation 2. Why is Facebook a major tool for crypto influencers? At nearly 3 billion monthly active users, Facebook offers a huge audience for crypto through the promotion of new coins, projects and blockchain education 3. As a beginner, can these influencers help in crypto?? Yes, as most of the influencers share valuable insights through astute content creation that aids blockchain education.      

tFundBank, a global provider of banking and custodial solutions for the fund industry, has successfully deployed a full suite of digital and core banking services on Temenos SaaS. The go-live equips the bank with modern, cloud-native capabilities designed to enhance digital experiences, accelerate product launches, and scale operations efficiently in the U.S. market. Transforming Corporate Banking with Temenos SaaS The deployment includes digital banking, payments, and data analytics, tailored to meet the requirements of U.S. fund management companies and institutional clients. A standout feature is FundBank’s fully digitized corporate onboarding process, which allows clients to complete account setup quickly and securely through an end-to-end online journey. By adopting Temenos SaaS, FundBank gains access to continuous updates, operational support, and managed infrastructure, freeing its teams to focus on customer innovation and product development. Temenos SaaS enables FundBank to deliver seamless onboarding and scale rapidly in the U.S. without diverting resources from customer-facing innovation. Supporting the Global Fund Industry FundBank serves both management companies and their funds with a comprehensive offering, including: Multi-currency bank accounts Payment services Custody solutions Trading infrastructure By consolidating these services on Temenos SaaS, the bank is positioned to deliver faster, more reliable operations to an international client base while adapting to regional market needs. Executive Perspectives Diarmuid O’Donovan, Global Chief Information Officer at FundBank, commented: “We’re delighted to go live on Temenos SaaS to enable our global expansion into the U.S. With Temenos, we can offer our clients an enhanced digital experience and scale efficiently. This is key to our future growth and enabling us to provide a simplistic approach to banking for investment funds and managers, allowing them more time to focus on managing their portfolios.” Rodrigo Silva, President – Americas at Temenos, added: “Congratulations to FundBank on this successful go-live. We’re delighted to help the bank scale its operations in the U.S. and bring leading digital experiences and seamless onboarding to its corporate clients. This deployment underscores our commitment to helping financial institutions operating in the U.S. to unlock growth through modern, cloud-native technology.” The partnership reflects a broader trend of fund-focused banks turning to SaaS solutions to achieve efficiency, compliance, and scalability in new markets. Strengthening U.S. Expansion Strategy FundBank’s U.S. growth plan relies on offering institutional clients a frictionless digital experience, supported by cloud-based agility. By building its infrastructure on Temenos SaaS, the bank is ensuring compliance with U.S. standards while delivering global interoperability for fund managers. The move also signals how specialist banks are leveraging SaaS models to quickly enter new markets with low overhead, while still offering a high degree of customization and regulatory robustness. Conclusion FundBank’s go-live on Temenos SaaS represents a strategic step in bridging global fund services with modern banking technology. By combining digitized onboarding, multi-currency capabilities, and end-to-end operational support, the bank is now better equipped to serve institutional clients in the U.S. and beyond. For Temenos, the deployment showcases the growing demand for SaaS-based infrastructure as financial institutions seek to scale quickly and securely in competitive markets.

Crypto payments app Oobit has struck a deal with blockchain network Kaia to let users pay with USDT on Kaia and the $KAIA token across Asia, both online and in-store, with transactions running through existing Visa terminals. The partnership makes Kaia the first Layer 1 network to support tap-to-pay via Oobit’s app. The integration covers wallets already active in Asia, including Klip and Kaia Wallet, with Klip support rolling out within days and Kaia Wallet integration following in the next few weeks. For merchants, the draw is that nothing changes. Payments are processed through the same point-of-sale systems they already use, while Oobit handles the crypto-to-fiat conversion in the background. “Crypto payments have to be as simple as tapping your card or phone, and now they are,” said Amram Adar, Oobit’s CEO. “By embedding Kaia wallets natively into crypto payments, we’re bringing millions of users a frictionless way to spend their digital assets in everyday life, starting with Asia’s most active crypto markets.” Everyday use cases Oobit, best known for its tap-to-pay feature, has also rolled out support for online checkout, giving users one app for both e-commerce and in-store spending. Merchants receive fiat, while the crypto leg of the transaction is settled instantly in the background. “I am excited that Oobit’s tap-to-pay mobile application will allow Kaia users to access the extensive Visa and online payment networks using Kaia digital assets,” said Dr. Sam Seo, chairman of the Kaia DLT Foundation. “Kaia will collaborate with Oobit to pioneer the digital asset-powered hybrid payment segment, reaching as many consumers as possible with more asset options available.” The rollout comes as stablecoins move deeper into Asian consumer platforms. Through a recent tie-up with Tether, USDT is now integrated into LINE’s 196 million-user messaging app for payments, peer-to-peer transfers and DeFi access via mini-apps. Oobit says countries like South Korea, Vietnam and Japan are its priority markets, with more APAC rollouts planned. Kaia is already a heavyweight in the region: in July 2025, the network added 6 million new users and averaged 13.6 million weekly transactions. With crypto adoption especially high in South Korea — one in four adults aged 20–50 owns digital assets, according to Binance — support for Klip wallets could give Oobit immediate scale.

Circle has announced two strategic partnerships with Mastercard and Finastra to enable cross-border stablecoin USDC settlement for banks. The collaboration with Mastercard will provide ATM access to USDC funds, while the integration with Finastra’s payments infrastructure will facilitate seamless cross-border settlements using USDC.  This partnership represents a significant step forward in stablecoin-driven payments and highlights the growing institutional confidence in stablecoins as key components of modern payment systems. Circle Moves To Embed USDC into Global Payment Networks Circle’s partnership with Mastercard will provide direct access to USDC wallets via ATMs, bringing stablecoin utility to regular people. USDC accounts can now be converted into fiat at the time of access via custody providers, altering the relationship between digital dollars and physical currency retrieval. Mastercard’s network, which includes over 2 billion cards worldwide, enables smooth on- and off-ramps, connecting traditional banking with blockchain-based assets. Separately, Circle is working with Finastra, a renowned financial software vendor, to integrate USDC into SWIFT and bank clearing ecosystems. This interface enables banks using Finastra’s platform to settle cross-border payments in USDC, essentially settling USD payments via on-chain rails. The change might lower settlement times and costs while remaining compliant with existing financial frameworks. Historically, cross-border fiat settlement has been subject to multi-day delays and expensive fees. The transition to USDC provides a speedier, more transparent option, leveraging blockchain technology while keeping the USD peg. The Mastercard ATM initiative improves usability and makes USDC more accessible in daily life. Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire described the partnership with Mastercard as “the next logical step in bringing digital dollars closer to consumers,” while Finastra CEO Simon Paris described the SWIFT integration as “a milestone for financial institutions seeking blockchain-native solutions with compliance baked in.” The long-term effect of these partnerships is projected to speed up institutional adoption of stablecoins. Institutions that were previously concerned about regulatory uncertainty now have clear on- and off-ramp integration pathways. Circle smoothly bridged the gap between decentralised currency and centralised systems by partnering with Mastercard and Finastra, both recognised legacy firms. The Circle-Mastercard-Finastra partnership, if effected as planned, holds massive ripple effect potential. With Mastercard offering ATM access and Finastra establishing banking rails, other issuers and stablecoins may follow suit, leading to a new era of connectivity between fiat and crypto systems. Circle’s partnership solidifies USDC’s position as a programmable, scalable USD alternative that is equally compliant, blockchain-native, and now available across mainstream banking infrastructure. The launch represents a major change in the decentralized finance (DeFi) industry, one where stablecoins are no longer experimental but rather essential to the future of money.

Garanti BBVA, one of Turkey’s leading banks, has integrated crypto portfolio tracking into its flagship mobile app, making it easier for customers to monitor their digital assets alongside traditional investments. The new feature gives users real-time insight into the value of their holdings, price changes, and market trends—all from a single interface. Crypto Tracking Integrated with Traditional Investments Garanti BBVA Mobile already allows customers to manage a wide range of investments, from stocks and mutual funds to foreign exchange and pensions. With the addition of crypto, users can now view their digital assets in the same “Investments” menu, creating a unified dashboard for financial management. “Our customers value ease of use and accessibility in their investments just as they do in their banking transactions. By adding crypto assets to our ‘Investments’ menu, we’re offering our customers an experience that saves them time and lets them monitor their assets with absolute peace of mind,” said Ceren Acer Kezik, Deputy General Manager of Garanti BBVA. The integration creates a single platform for customers to track both traditional and digital investments, improving convenience and transparency. Enhanced User Experience for Crypto Investors With the new feature, customers can: View the weight of each asset within their total portfolio. Examine historical price movements via trend charts. Track live price changes in real time. Create watchlists for coins of interest. Access all assets listed on Garanti BBVA Crypto directly within the bank’s app. “One of the biggest needs among crypto users nowadays is the ability to track their portfolios easily, transparently, and comprehensively. As Garanti BBVA Crypto, we’ve catered to this need by integrating our technology into Garanti BBVA’s robust infrastructure,” said Onur Güven, General Manager of Garanti BBVA Crypto. Users can now track crypto market performance and manage portfolios within the familiar Garanti BBVA Mobile environment. Seamless Integration with Trading The app displays both crypto balances and real-time prices, while offering direct fund transfers to users’ crypto accounts. For trading, customers are redirected seamlessly to the dedicated Garanti BBVA Crypto app, ensuring that execution remains secure while visibility stays centralised. This layered model—portfolio management within banking, execution via crypto—reflects a cautious but innovative approach, aligning with regulatory expectations while serving consumer demand for integrated financial services. Crypto’s Growing Place in Mainstream Banking Garanti BBVA’s move follows a broader trend among banks worldwide to integrate crypto tracking and custody alongside conventional finance. By offering real-time monitoring tools and easy access within its mobile app, the bank is positioning itself at the forefront of digital asset services in Turkey. The feature signals a broader shift: traditional banks are bringing crypto into mainstream financial management, not as an alternative but as part of the core portfolio. Conclusion Garanti BBVA’s integration of crypto assets into its mobile app investments menu marks another step toward mainstreaming digital finance. By bridging traditional and crypto investments within a single platform, the bank is catering to both seasoned investors and new adopters looking for a more holistic, convenient way to manage their wealth.

Top blockchain-based metaverse platform, The Sandbox is undergoing a massive reorganisation as Animoca Brands takes direct ownership. According to a report from French crypto outlet, The Big Whale, The Sandbox will lay off more than half of its 250 global employees and shutter key locations in an effort to stabilise operations amid declining user engagement and financial duress. The widespread layoffs, from operations in Argentina, Uruguay, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, and France, are indicative of the challenges in maintaining the immersive virtual experience as mainstream attention fades.  In a major leadership transition, co-founders Arthur Madrid and Sébastien Borget are being replaced in executive roles. Yat Siu, CEO of Animoca Brands,  is now at the helm, currently leading the platform’s strategic turnaround. Navigating the Downturn: Shifting Metaverse Strategy Under Animoca’s Oversight The Sandbox was formerly valued at up to $4 billion in 2022, but its market capitalisation has dropped drastically in line with broader metaverse market corrections. Its native coin, SAND, has fallen 96.65% since its all-time high of $8.44, lowering the company’s virtual land and asset prices.  While the network made up to $350 million in virtual land sales during the metaverse boom in 2021, its daily active user population has shrunk to a few hundred, many of whom may be bots, especially in South America, according to CoinDesk. The restructuring also raises concerns about the future of the company’s crypto treasury, which is estimated to be worth between $100 and $300 million. Animoca Brands’ management could potentially face a governance vote, albeit recent participation in such proposals has been limited, with only 291 votes over three August governance efforts. The fate of these funds may reveal if Animoca values community-led decisions or centralised leadership. Industry analysts believe the executive transition is quite strategic. By selecting Yat Siu, Animoca is reflecting improved operational rigour and closer integration with the larger Web3 and gaming ecosystems. According to Forbes data, Animoca Brands has a reputation for consistently turning early-stage investments into profitable ventures.  The Sandbox originated as Pixowl before being acquired, so the latest restructuring is in line with the company’s background of reallocating resources towards scalable and sustainable Web3 applications. Internal observers are of the opinion that eliminating unproductive offices and consolidating leadership might cut overhead and refocus development on user retention, platform flexibility, and bridging to upcoming trends such as memecoin launchpad integrations. Seeing the general decline in blockchain gaming and metaverse excitement, survival is more dependent on operational efficiency and product innovation. As Animoca Brands takes over, The Sandbox begins a new era marked by major strategic leadership and operational changes. With workforce layoffs, co-founder departures, and CEO reshuffling, the platform seeks stability in a market where metaverse euphoria has waned.  Its capacity to rethink user engagement or face further decline will influence not only its own future, but also larger expectations for what sustainable metaverse platforms may become.

Hyperliquid, a derivatives trading platform, said it will introduce new safeguards after a sudden spike in its pre-launch market for Plasma’s XPL token triggered heavy liquidations and forced a switch to auto-deleveraging. The XPL/USD perpetual contract on Hyperliquid surged by 2.5 times late Tuesday after several large traders swept the order book, briefly sending prices to $1.80 before falling back. According to CoinGlass data, more than $17 million in positions were liquidated in minutes, mostly on the short side. Four addresses carried out the squeeze, with combined profits of nearly $47.5 million in profits on Wednesday, leaving at least one counterparty nursing a $4.6 million loss, according to blockchain analytics platform Spot On Chain. Spot On Chain said the largest of the four addresses, wallet 0xb9c, generated over $15 million and acted as the “main orchestrator.” Trading data shows that XPL’s daily volume on Hyperliquid jumped to $312 million during the episode — more than 15 times its average daily turnover in July, according to DeFiLlama. One pseudonymous blockchain analyst, MLM, suggested that wallet 0xb9c may be linked to Tron founder Justin Sun, claiming the address opened long positions worth millions of XPL tokens, “clearing the order book” before closing quickly to pocket a $16 million gain in one minute. Pre-Launch Volatility Exposes Fragility Unlike conventional trading pairs, pre-launch perpetuals are known for thin liquidity and sharp swings. Plasma’s XPL token, not yet officially listed, trades on a handful of pre-listing venues including Hyperliquid and Binance. While Binance’s pre-market XPL contract peaked at $0.55, Hyperliquid’s price action was far more volatile, including a secondary surge near $1 on Wednesday. Plasma, a Bitfinex-backed blockchain project focused on stablecoins, attracted about $373 million in commitments during an oversubscribed token sale in July. Its forthcoming listing has drawn heavy speculative interest, making it one of the most closely watched new tokens of 2025. Hyperliquid said in a Telegram update that its systems performed as designed, first executing liquidations against the order book and then shifting to auto-deleveraging when margin was insufficient. The platform stressed that its “hyperps” contracts use isolated-only margin, meaning the losses were contained to XPL and did not spread to other markets. No bad debt was recorded. “Pre-launch markets are inherently unpredictable,” the team wrote. “Our mark price formula prevented an instant spike, requiring several minutes of sustained elevated prices before liquidations were triggered.” The firm added that it will strengthen volatility protections by incorporating external pre-launch perpetual data and refining safeguards around order book sweeps. The event highlights the risks of speculative trading in pre-listing markets, where whale activity can quickly distort price discovery and wipe out retail positions.

Stablecoins are no longer an experimental corner of digital finance—they are becoming the beating heart of cross-border payments in Latin America. At the Stablecoin Conference 2025, Bitso Business, the B2B division of leading Latin American crypto exchange Bitso, unveiled its new Stablecoins Landscape in Latin America (H1 2025) report. Based on behavioral analysis from more than 1,300 institutional clients, the report reveals exponential growth in stablecoin adoption across the region, underscoring the asset class’s role in treasury, FX, and payments operations.The findings mark a continuation of the trends highlighted in Bitso’s landmark Crypto Landscape in Latin America report, but this time with an exclusive focus on stablecoins—the digital assets increasingly seen as the bridge between traditional finance and the crypto economy. A Market at Scale: $230bn Global Capitalization The report contextualizes Latin America’s growth within the global surge of stablecoin adoption. According to the Bank for International Settlements, stablecoins reached a market capitalization of $230 billion in 2025, compared to less than $20 billion just five years earlier. Daily trading volumes now place stablecoins at the very top of the digital asset hierarchy, with USDT and USDC accounting for over 70% of global crypto activity (CoinGecko, 2025). Bitso Business argues this is more than a trading story: stablecoins are the new rails for cross-border finance. Faster, cheaper, and borderless by design, they enable businesses in emerging markets to connect seamlessly to global liquidity. Stablecoins are evolving into infrastructure: not just an asset class, but the plumbing for global money movement. Exponential Growth in Institutional Adoption Bitso Business reports that stablecoins more than doubled their share of total volume transacted between the second half of 2024 and the first half of 2025. This growth reflects not only increased adoption but also the maturation of institutional use cases. Businesses are no longer experimenting—they are integrating stablecoins into treasury operations, FX hedging, and payments infrastructure. Daniel Vogel, CEO and Co-Founder of Bitso, explained: “In Latin America we are not just observing this transformation, but we are leading it. Many companies have already trusted Bitso Business infrastructure for cross-border payments and stablecoin-based solutions that enable global businesses to pay and get paid instantly in local currencies, with efficiency, transparency, and regulatory coverage.” [Insert infographic: “Stablecoin Volume Growth at Bitso Business (H2 2024 → H1 2025)”] Industry Penetration: Beyond Traders and Money Transmitters Stablecoins are spreading beyond their initial foothold among crypto traders and remittance providers. According to the report, adoption is surging in traditional payments and money movement services: 68% growth among payment service providers (PSPs). 5.3x increase in the gaming industry. This diversification reflects the stablecoin’s evolution from a remittance tool into a general-purpose financial instrument. By allowing global companies to settle transactions in stronger currencies without requiring US residency or tax IDs, stablecoins are unlocking new market opportunities in sectors previously constrained by legacy systems. The fastest-growing stablecoin adopters in Latin America are PSPs and gaming platforms—industries where speed, liquidity, and regulatory clarity are paramount. New Use Cases: From Remittances to Treasury While remittances remain a key use case, treasury, FX, and arbitration now represent 45% of stablecoin volumes at Bitso Business in H1 2025. This reflects a fundamental shift: businesses are turning to stablecoins for working capital, risk management, and currency hedging. B2B payments also continued to grow steadily compared to the same period in 2024, highlighting that stablecoins are now embedded in everyday corporate finance, not just in niche crypto flows. [Insert diagram: “Stablecoin Use Cases at Bitso Business (H1 2025)” — remittances vs treasury/FX vs B2B] Regional Dynamics: Mexico Still Leads, But Brazil and Colombia Rise Adoption remains strong across the region, with notable trends by country: Mexico: Increased share of stablecoin volumes from 45% (H1 2024) to 47% (H1 2025). Brazil: Gained 2 percentage points year-over-year. Colombia: Also rose 2 percentage points year-over-year. Argentina: Grew 1 percentage point year-over-year. Other markets such as Chile, Peru, and Central American nations remain at earlier stages but are showing steady growth, particularly as industries explore use cases beyond remittances. [Insert map visualization: “Stablecoin Adoption by Country in Latin America, H1 2025”] Mexico remains the epicenter of stablecoin activity in Latin America, but Brazil and Colombia are quickly emerging as major markets for institutional use. Bitso Business: A Refreshed Identity Alongside the report, Bitso Business unveiled a refreshed brand identity to reflect its role as a trusted payments infrastructure partner for over 1,900 institutions. The rebrand aligns with the company’s evolution from crypto exchange to full-service B2B platform, offering compliance-ready infrastructure for stablecoin-based cross-border finance. This positioning is critical as global companies seek partners who can combine crypto-native efficiency with regulatory assurance. Bitso Business emphasizes its three-year journey of helping institutions operationalize stablecoins safely and effectively. Implications for Global Finance The Bitso report arrives at a time when stablecoins are under intense global scrutiny. While regulators debate frameworks for systemic oversight, businesses in Latin America are already integrating them into their financial plumbing. For multinational corporates, this represents an entry point into emerging markets without the friction of currency volatility or regulatory bottlenecks. With USDT and USDC dominating volumes worldwide, Latin America’s experimentation is rapidly becoming a case study for how stablecoins can coexist with traditional finance, providing both liquidity and efficiency in markets historically underserved by global payment systems. Latin America’s stablecoin story is not just about adoption—it’s about setting a precedent for how emerging markets leapfrog legacy finance. Conclusion Bitso Business’s Stablecoins Landscape in Latin America (H1 2025) report highlights the region’s role as a proving ground for stablecoin integration into institutional finance. With exponential adoption, diverse industry penetration, and expanding use cases, stablecoins are moving beyond remittances to become a core instrument of treasury, FX, and B2B finance. As Daniel Vogel emphasized, the story is one of leadership: Latin America is not passively watching global change—it is actively shaping it. With Bitso Business at the center, the region is demonstrating how digital assets can deliver efficiency, transparency, and inclusion at scale.

Barclays has agreed to sell its stake in Entercard Group, a Nordic consumer-credit joint venture, to its partner Swedbank for SEK 2.6 billion ($273 million) in cash, the banks said on Thursday. The price reflects Entercard’s book value as of March. Barclays said the sale will free up about £900 million of risk-weighted assets and lift its common equity Tier 1 ratio by four basis points. Completion is expected by the end of the year. The deal continues a clean-up drive by Barclays, which in April struck a deal with Brookfield Asset Management to carve out most of its UK merchant-acquiring unit into a standalone business. The bank has spent the past several years cutting back non-core holdings to focus on wholesale banking, credit cards, and UK retail. A two-decade partnership ends Entercard was founded in 2005 as a joint venture between Barclays and Swedbank to grow consumer lending in Scandinavia. It issues credit cards and personal loans under brands such as re:member, and provides co-branded cards with retailers across Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. As of March 2025, it had assets of SEK 36 billion and equity of SEK 5.2 billion. Once the deal closes, Swedbank will take full ownership of Entercard’s 1.5 million customers and about 450 employees. The company will continue to operate under its own name. “Today we are forming the largest card business in the Nordics and Baltics… This creates even greater opportunities to strengthen our customer offering,” said Tomas Hedberg, deputy CEO of Swedbank. Jan Haglund, CEO of Entercard, said: “For 20 years, Entercard has been on a strong growth journey. Becoming a full part of Swedbank… creates new business opportunities to further strengthen our operations.” For Barclays, the disposal trims exposure to consumer lending in a market far from its core. The exit also ends funding obligations: Entercard will repay about £1.2 billion currently provided by Barclays Bank PLC once the deal closes, according to regulatory filings. For Swedbank, the buyout fits into its regional growth strategy, though it will trim the group’s CET1 ratio by about 30 basis points at closing. The bank said the purchase price equals half of Entercard’s equity at book value. With Barclays stepping away, Swedbank gets a fully controlled card and consumer-finance platform in its home markets, while the UK lender pockets cash and frees capital for redeployment elsewhere.

Global payment solutions leader Ingenico has appointed Joanne Bennett as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective 1 September 2025. Bennett brings extensive experience in value creation, operational transformation, and financial leadership, particularly within private equity-backed businesses. Her appointment reflects Ingenico’s commitment to strengthening its financial discipline as it accelerates its transformation strategy. A Proven Transformation Leader Bennett joins Ingenico after serving as CFO of McCarthy Stone, a leading UK developer and manager of retirement communities. Before that, she was a Director at KKR Capstone, where she partnered with portfolio companies on growth and operational improvement initiatives. Earlier in her career, she worked at TPG Capital, supporting value creation strategies across multiple investments. Her cross-sector experience makes her well positioned to lead Ingenico’s financial operations at a time when the company is pushing deeper into the global payments ecosystem. Joanne Bennett’s track record in private equity–backed transformation equips her to strengthen Ingenico’s financial strategy during its current growth phase. Leadership Transition at the Top Bennett succeeds Jon Locke, who has served as CFO over the past year and played a pivotal role in Ingenico’s transformation. Locke will transition to the company’s Supervisory Board, also effective 1 September 2025, ensuring continuity of his experience and guidance. Laurent Blanchard, Ingenico CEO, welcomed Bennett to the leadership team while acknowledging Locke’s contributions: “We are delighted to welcome Joanne to Ingenico. Her financial leadership, deep transformation expertise, and experience across multiple businesses and in private equity environments make her a strong addition to our leadership team. I look forward to working closely with her as we continue to grow and strengthen Ingenico’s position as a leading payments technology provider. I also want to express my heartfelt thanks to Jon Locke for his outstanding leadership over the past year as CFO. I’m very pleased that we will continue working together closely in his new role as a member of the Ingenico Supervisory Board.” The CFO transition ensures Ingenico benefits from continuity, with outgoing CFO Jon Locke moving onto the Supervisory Board. Positioning for Long-Term Growth Ingenico emphasized that the CFO appointment is part of a broader strategy to accelerate transformation and respond to the evolving needs of the global payments ecosystem. The company has spent the past year refining its positioning as a leading provider of payment technology and commerce-enablement solutions. Bennett’s arrival signals renewed focus on financial rigor and operational excellence as Ingenico seeks to expand partnerships and capture new opportunities across digital payments. Ingenico’s choice of Joanne Bennett reflects a strong commitment to balancing operational excellence with ambitious growth in the payments industry. Conclusion As the payments industry undergoes rapid transformation, Ingenico is strengthening its leadership bench with the appointment of Joanne Bennett as CFO. Her background in financial strategy, operational transformation, and private equity environments positions her to play a critical role in guiding the company’s next phase of growth. With Jon Locke moving to the Supervisory Board, Ingenico retains continuity while adding fresh expertise at the executive level.

Bybit EU has integrated Nasdaq’s Market Surveillance platform as part of its efforts to comply with the European Union’s new Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR). The platform, widely used by leading global exchanges and regulators, provides real-time monitoring, order book replay, and advanced pattern-detection tools to identify manipulation tactics such as spoofing, layering, and cross-market abuse. Bybit said the integration will improve its ability to detect and report suspicious activity while aligning with MiCAR’s strict compliance framework. Mazurka Zeng, Managing Director and CEO of Bybit EU, said: “This agreement demonstrates our commitment to providing secure, transparent, and fully compliant digital asset trading as we continue to grow our business.” Ed Probst, Head of Regulatory Technology at Nasdaq, emphasized the broader significance of the move: “MiCAR is driving a step change in investor protection across digital asset markets, but many compliance programs are still failing to match the level of investor protection offered by traditional markets.” Nasdaq’s surveillance technology is already trusted by more than 200 market participants worldwide, including exchanges, regulators, and brokers. Its deployment at Bybit EU signals a continued blurring of lines between traditional finance and crypto, as major trading platforms adopt regulatory-grade oversight tools. Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has been ramping up its compliance efforts in Europe. Earlier this month, the exchange introduced spot margin trading with up to 10x leverage under MiCA rules for EU traders. The company has also prioritized transparency after a turbulent period for the sector. In 2025, North Korea-linked Lazarus Group carried out hacks totaling $1.4 billion across the industry. In response, Bybit launched a proof-of-reserves system to verify its on-chain holdings and reassure users of asset security.