Layer-3 infrastructure provider Orbs has taken a major step ahead in the derivatives space, as its flagship product, called Perpetual Hub Ultra, got integrated into TrebleSwap v4, a decentralized exchange (DEX) built on the Base network. This move brings institutional-grade perpetual futures trading to the Base ecosystem for the first time, offering traders deep liquidity, custom leverage and execution optimized for scale. By powering TrebleSwap with its turnkey perps infrastructure, Orbs is solidifying its position as a provider of advanced trading rails in decentralized finance (DeFi), enabling DEXs to compete more directly with centralized exchanges (CEXs) in both performance and features. The collaboration may mark a turning point in how derivatives are accessed and deployed on blockchain networks. Orbs Integration Connects TrebleSwap Users On Base to Perpetual Futures With the latest Orbs expansion, TrebleSwap v4 users on Base will now be able to access perpetual futures contracts built on the Orbs Perpetual Hub Ultra stack. According to the press release, features include access to deep liquidity via both on-chain and off-chain routing, including liquidity aggregated from major exchanges like Binance. Customizable leverage and efficient execution are also promised, supporting advanced trading strategies at decentralized entities. Plus, users can now access a modular, fully managed infrastructure with hedging, liquidation engines, oracle services, and UI/UX that allow DEXs to deploy perps without building complex backend systems from scratch. The Orbs integration effectively upgrades the Base network’s trading capabilities, enabling TrebleSwap to act not only as a spot and liquidity hub but also as a derivatives platform, which is a notable evolution for the ecosystem. Perpetual Futures on DEXs Signify Market Maturation  Perpetual futures have long been dominated by centralized exchanges. Their arrival on DEXs built on Layer-2 networks suggests the infrastructure is catching up. Additionally, the growing Layer-3 innovation is worth a mention as the Orbs’ model demonstrates how specialized execution layers can enhance basic chains, offering performance upgrades, engineered trading rails and institutional support. The move is also crucial to Base. With TrebleSwap upgrading its offering via Orbs, Base may gain momentum among traders seeking lower fees, faster transactions and decentralized futures access. However, despite the promising upgrade, a few concerns remain. For instance, perpetual markets inherently carry high risk; the easier access on DEXs may raise concerns about liquidations, cascading losses and protocol exposure. TrebleSwap’s reliance on Orbs’ infrastructure also raises concentration risk because if Ultra has bugs or oracle failures, users may still face service disruption. Additionally, as on-chain derivatives grow, regulatory scrutiny may increase, especially in jurisdictions where derivatives trading is tightly controlled. Ultimately, user feedback and liquidation rates will show whether the system performs at scale without major disruptions and determine whether Orbs can use this integration as a model to roll out perps on other chains or DEXs to increase its footprint in the derivatives infra space.

Startale and Sony Expand Their Blockchain Partnership Japan’s Startale Group has launched a unified application for Sony’s Ethereum Layer 2 network Soneium, bringing token launches, airdrops and user rewards into one platform. The company said the Startale App will act as the main entry point for Sony’s blockchain ecosystem, which has been in development since last year under Sony Block Solutions Labs. The app, now in closed beta, is designed to give users direct access to upcoming token generation events (TGEs), as well as airdrops and exclusive rewards. Several projects built on Soneium plan to distribute tokens and digital experiences through the platform once it goes live, according to Startale’s announcement. Startale said the app uses account abstraction to eliminate seed phrases and allow gasless transactions, making wallet management more straightforward. It also includes a “Mini App” feature that lets developers create services within the Soneium network without hosting standalone websites. Investor Takeaway The partnership gives Sony’s blockchain project a consumer-facing gateway, suggesting Japan’s Web3 rollout is shifting from infrastructure to real user adoption. Building Toward Mainstream Onchain Access “Startale App was designed to remove the final barrier to Web3 adoption — the fragmented user experience,” said Sota Watanabe, Startale’s chief executive. “Through our longstanding partnership with Sony and Soneium, we’ve built a platform that makes going onchain as intuitive as opening any mainstream app.” Watanabe said the app will be compatible with Ethereum-based assets and designed to work with Japan’s regulatory standards for stablecoins and tokenized securities. The company has not set a public launch date but confirmed that more users and developers will be invited into the beta in the coming months. Startale and Sony first partnered in 2023 to co-develop blockchain infrastructure for digital assets and content distribution. The new app extends that collaboration into consumer and enterprise products, giving Sony a way to link its gaming, entertainment and financial ecosystems to Web3 applications built on its proprietary network. Japan’s Growing Regulatory Clarity Japan’s Financial Services Agency has cleared several blockchain-related initiatives this year, including the country’s first yen-pegged stablecoin and a pilot program with the country’s three largest banks — Mizuho Bank, MUFG and SMBC. Regulators have also encouraged experiments with tokenized securities under sandbox frameworks, signaling more defined rules for Web3 firms operating in Japan. For Startale, the regulatory environment is helping it expand partnerships across the financial sector. The company is working with SBI Holdings to develop a tokenized equities trading platform that will operate under local financial oversight and run continuously across time zones. It has also collaborated with the government-backed Digital Agency on blockchain identity projects. Investor Takeaway Startale’s rollout coincides with Japan’s regulatory push for digital assets, positioning Sony’s Soneium network as a testbed for compliant Web3 applications. Outlook for Sony’s Soneium Network Soneium, Sony’s Layer 2 blockchain built on Ethereum, is part of the tech group’s effort to connect its entertainment and gaming ecosystem to onchain services. Developers can deploy Mini Apps on Soneium to offer digital collectibles, loyalty programs and in-game assets without managing blockchain infrastructure directly. The Startale App could provide the unified interface needed to drive that vision. By integrating account abstraction, simplified onboarding and direct TGE access, the platform may help Soneium compete with Polygon, Arbitrum and other Ethereum scaling networks in attracting developers and consumer users. For now, the closed beta will focus on testing performance and user flows before a wider rollout. A full release is expected later this year, following regulatory approvals and infrastructure stress testing.  

The dog coin crowd just got a new storyline. Global crypto market cap sits around $3.55 trillion today with Bitcoin dominance near 58%, while traders rotate capital back into high-beta plays that move faster than majors when momentum returns. Meme coins have been choppy, but liquidity pockets keep forming on every relief bounce; DOGE itself has ranged after a brief spike. Presales continue to draw flows as investors hunt asymmetric upside before exchange listings, a trend that has held up through the latest swings thanks to steady coverage and on-chain attention around top sales. That backdrop is why Maxi Doge (MAXI) is getting airtime across crypto media. The project leans into meme culture and staking rewards while building a loud community presence. With traction building and a price still as low as $0.0002675, bulls argue MAXI could capture the next wave of dog-coin speculation as traders seek fresh catalysts. Meme Coins Find Their Feet as Liquidity Returns Crypto is green on balance this week, and meme coins are again acting like a volatility lever. DOGE’s structure remains the key tell. Price has chopped after a bounce that followed Elon Musk’s “It’s time” post on X, but that impulse faded as headlines cooled. On the chart, DOGE’s 24-hour range sits roughly between $0.1765 and $0.1845, with the broader downtrend since September leaving $0.15 as the big support that has held since April. Whales have offloaded roughly 3 billion DOGE over the past month, a pressure valve that explains why rallies keep stalling near descending trendline resistance. Zooming out, the sector still benefits from a risk-on market where total cap is in the multi-trillion range and traders are willing to chase narratives when liquidity is available. That mix favors newer dog-coin plays with fresh branding and clear incentives, especially if staking yields can keep communities engaged between news cycles. Which brings the conversation back to MAXI: a presale that merges meme energy with rewards and visible marketing, designed to soak up the same flows that once lifted DOGE. Inside Maxi Doge: Viral Branding, Leverage, and a Clear Playbook Maxi Doge (MAXI) bottles the gym-bro, 1000x-leverage ethos into a meme coin that rewards holders for sticking around. The official site and whitepaper frame MAXI as a culture token for high-energy traders, with utility centered on staking, community contests, and planned partner events. The roadmap highlights a presale-to-listing push with influencer and PR blitzes funded by a 40% marketing allocation, followed by DEX and CEX listings and futures integrations. Coverage across crypto media has tracked its rise, and recent listicles place MAXI alongside the month’s most watched presales.  Influencers are picking it up too. The InsideBitcoins channel on YouTube nominated MAXI one of the top meme coins for November, adding to social proof while the sale is live. That blend of loud branding and tangible rewards is the hook. It positions MAXI to capture traders who want meme-coin upside plus staking income while they wait for listings. Maxi Doge’s Meme Presale to Hit $4 Million MAXI’s live presale price sits at $0.0002675, a low entry point that lets smaller tickets stack meaningful size while the story builds. At this level, listicle trackers still show MAXI near the top of active sales, which supports the idea that retail interest hasn’t cooled. The raise has pushed the total to nearly $4 million, a healthy signal that marketing plus meme energy are converting into real buys. Coverage noting repeated five- and six-figure whale entries suggests the order book isn’t only retail, which matters if the market stays risk-on into listings. The project is promoting up to 77% APY during presale, which gives holders a reason to keep tokens parked while they wait for the DEX and potential CEX debuts. Yield that high is dynamic and will likely compress as the pool grows, but in the near term, it tightens circulating supply and helps sustain momentum. Put together, a modest entry price, multi-million-dollar inflows, and sticky staking rewards give MAXI a clear runway if liquidity keeps rotating into memes. Visit Maxi Doge Presale Disclaimer: This content is provided by a sponsor. FinanceFeeds does not independently verify the legitimacy, credibility, claims, or financial viability of the information or description of services mentioned. As such, we bear no responsibility for any potential risks, inaccuracies, or misleading representations related to the content. This post does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation and should not be treated as such. We strongly advise seeking independent financial guidance from a qualified and regulated professional before engaging in any investment or financial activities. Please review our full disclaimer for more details.

Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Chair John Boozman (R-AR) of the Senate Agriculture Committee have put together a bipartisan draft bill that would give the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) full control over digital asset spot markets. The idea is a big step towards making clear laws and regulatory structures for the growing bitcoin business.​ Main Parts of the Proposal The CFTC would be authorised to define and oversee "digital commodities" under the discussion draft. This phrase refers to fungible digital assets that can be transferred on blockchain networks without the need for middlemen. The law makes big changes: The CFTC requires all crypto spot market platforms to register.​ Separating consumer cash and making sure there are strong safeguards against conflicts of interest. Better rules for resolving disputes and making customers more aware of their rights. Explicit protections for self-custody systems that make it clear that users have the right to hold digital assets directly. Digital commodities brokers and dealers must register and follow rules, and they must utilise competent custodians to hold customer assets.​ The measure is designed to protect individuals who buy and sell cryptocurrencies while ensuring that service providers have a stable regulatory framework. This is because the cryptocurrency sector is becoming increasingly complex. A Wider Political and Market Context The proposal arrives at a crucial moment for U.S. crypto regulation. Washington is changing how it deals with the $3.6 trillion digital assets business. For some digital assets, the regulatory focus is moving from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to the CFTC.  Lawmakers have recently spoken out against the SEC's heavy-handed enforcement methods, while Treasury officials have said they welcome clear rules and new ideas in the industry.​ The Senate's plan builds on the House's earlier CLARITY Act, which has garnered support from both chambers, including more CFTC oversight.  The proposal also states that the SEC should collaborate with other agencies. It outlines a path for future rules on DeFi, anti-money laundering, and industry safe harbors, although specific details are still being finalized.​ Next Steps and Possible Effects The bipartisan draft is a step in the right direction, but lawmakers stress that this is just a starting point and that more work needs to be done before the bill can move forward from the committee and possibly even receive a vote in the Senate. Lawmakers acknowledge that there are still issues that need to be addressed, particularly in regulating decentralized finance and safeguarding consumer assets.  They still need comments from the sector and the community. If passed, this bill would grant the CFTC significantly more power over cryptocurrency markets. It would create new rules for platforms that trade assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum and set a standard for how the industry should be run in the US and around the world.

The crypto lending market has surged to a new record, with $73.6 billion in outstanding loans reported for the third quarter of 2025. This surpasses the previous peak hit just ahead of the FTX collapse in late 2021. The data, compiled and cited by industry trackers such as Galaxy Digital Research, suggest that despite the fallout from the FTX scandal, crypto markets have re-invented the wheel, which could signal both renewed confidence and fresh vulnerabilities. The spike in crypto lending was driven by retail borrowers, crypto treasury firms, and institutional players, pointing to a broader structural shift from the 2022 “credit winter” back to a leverage-enabled growth environment. At the same time, some analysts warn that the architecture of borrowing remains deeply interconnected, raising concerns around systemic contagion should asset prices reverse. What’s Fueling the Crypto Lending Surge? According to the reported data, crypto lending jumped nearly 3x compared with Q1 2024, when the market was still recovering from last-cycle disruptions. The $73.6 billion amount thumps the $69.4 billion recorded in Q4 2021, a period that immediately preceded multiple exchange bankruptcies, including the defunct FTX. Following FTX’s collapse, many retail-facing lenders and exchange-backed credit desks imploded under the weight of cascading liquidations and counterparty defaults. Regulatory and industry responses followed, including tighter custody rules, more transparent disclosures, and improved auditing standards. The development resulted in a number of positives for crypto lending. First, borrowers use cryptocurrencies as collateral to access cash or stablecoins from crypto treasury units and decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols. Also, retail and institutional appetite is returning rapidly amid increasing crypto prices and easier access to crypto lending products. Plus, there’s been an increase in yield-seeking behavior among investors and traders, where borrowed funds are deployed into high-yield crypto platforms, staking, or token-based arbitrage for gains. Experts Flag Ongoing Crypto Lending Risks  While there have been improvements to digital asset lending since 2021,  analysts at Galaxy and other research institutions caution that where the structure is stronger, so are the risks. The risk architecture shows familiar lines, including increasing debt, collateralized by volatile assets, riding on bullish sentiment. They argue that borrowing is no longer siloed inside pure crypto ecosystems due to increasing transmission channels. Now, crypto lending feeds into regulated markets and mainstream capital pools. As such, the high volume of borrowing raises questions about systemic risk. The concerns include collateral dependency from many loans being backed by crypto assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, which could result in a sharp downturn and force a quick unwind and loss. Additionally, some borrowing flows are layered. For example, DeFi protocols lending into centralized brokerages, which then lend further, thereby increasing interdependence. In short, these analysts argue the market may have rebuilt leverage — but the same triggers that caused large-scale failures remain present.

Key Takeaways Blockchain creates an immutable “digital passport” for luxury items, enhancing authenticity verification. QR codes, NFC chips, and RFID tags link physical products to blockchain records. Smart contracts automate transfers of ownership, payments, and compliance checks. Counterfeiting is reduced by providing instant, verifiable proof of authenticity. Transparency and traceability extend to ethical sourcing, sustainability, and circular fashion initiatives. Leading brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, and Chanel have successfully implemented blockchain authentication. Challenges include regulatory compliance, implementation costs, standardization, and consumer education.   Blockchain technology is revolutionizing the fashion industry by offering robust solutions to authenticate luxury items throughout their supply chains. This transformation enhances transparency, traceability, and consumer trust, while effectively combating rampant counterfeiting that undermines brand reputation and revenues. To ensure reliable and tamper-proof authentication, blockchain relies on a combination of technical components that connect physical luxury products with secure digital records.  In this article, we will explore the key technical components that enhance blockchain authentication for luxury fashion, including how unique identifiers, smart contracts, decentralized ledgers, and interoperability work together. How Blockchain Works in Luxury Fashion Authentication At its core, blockchain authentication assigns each luxury product a unique digital identity on a decentralized ledger. This record embodies a “digital passport” that captures and permanently stores immutable data related to the item’s origin, materials, manufacturing process, distribution path, and ownership history. Technologies like QR codes, NFC chips, and RFID tags linked to the blockchain further enable consumers, retailers, and brands to verify authenticity instantly by scanning the product and checking its provenance on trustless ledgers. Unlike centralized databases vulnerable to hacking or manipulation, blockchain’s decentralized and cryptographically secured architecture ensures records cannot be altered or forged. Every transaction or transfer of ownership adds a transparent, time-stamped entry to the chain, creating an indelible audit trail from raw materials to the final sale, including repairs or resale activities. The Challenge of Counterfeiting in Luxury Fashion Counterfeiting remains one of the most significant threats to the global luxury fashion market. According to industry reports, the counterfeit market accounts for tens of billions of dollars annually, with luxury goods often targeted due to their high value and prestige. These fake products can range from low-quality knock-offs sold online to sophisticated replicas that are difficult to distinguish from originals. For luxury brands, counterfeiting carries multiple consequences: revenue losses, brand dilution, and damage to customer trust. Traditional methods for verifying authenticity, such as certificates of authenticity, holograms, and serial numbers, are increasingly insufficient. Counterfeiters have developed techniques to replicate or bypass these measures, making it difficult for consumers and retailers to differentiate genuine products from fakes. This complexity has driven the search for more robust and tamper-proof solutions. Benefits for Brands and Consumers This technology delivers a comprehensive solution to longstanding challenges in the luxury fashion ecosystem: Counterfeit Prevention: Blockchain stops counterfeit items from infiltrating supply chains by enabling instant verification against an immutable ledger. Retailers and customers can confidently reject fake products, protecting brand equity and consumer trust. Traceability and Transparency: Brands can meticulously track the journey of every component, whether it’s ethically sourced leather, premium fabrics, or precision craftsmanship. This visibility extends through each supply chain stage, supporting verification of ethical sourcing, fair labor practices, and sustainability claims. Ownership Verification: Customers receive verifiable proof of ownership. Smart contracts facilitate digital transfers during sales or resales, preserving authenticity records and fostering trust in the secondary luxury market. Brand Loyalty and Consumer Confidence: Easy access to provenance reassures buyers of genuine products while enriching brand storytelling with verifiable fashion histories. Some brands also embed experiences such as digital certificates or NFTs to deepen engagement. Leading Luxury Brands Using Blockchain Fashion giants are embracing blockchain for authentication with groundbreaking projects: Louis Vuitton partnered with ConsenSys to develop a blockchain platform issuing unique digital passports to handbags. This solution records every manufacturing and inspection checkpoint, ownership transfer, and repair event immutably for easy authenticity verification. Prada collaborates with Anthropic to create digital identity systems on public blockchains for dresses and bags, allowing buyers and retailers to verify origins and transaction records instantly. Gucci’s “Off The Grid” blockchain initiative tracks eco-friendly materials and certifies sustainable production, empowering conscious consumers to verify environmental impact claims transparently. Chanel applies blockchain to track iconic perfumes and beauty products, documenting sourcing such as jasmine fields, providing a transparent provenance narrative. Aura Blockchain Consortium is a non-profit offering interoperable blockchain solutions exclusively for the luxury sector, advancing industry-wide standards for authentication and transparency. Technical Components Enhancing Blockchain Authentication To ensure reliable authentication, blockchain relies on a combination of technical components that securely link physical products to digital records. These elements work together to provide tamper-proof verification, automate ownership processes, and enable transparency across the supply chain. Unique Identifiers: QR codes, NFC chips, or RFID tags physically embedded in products are cryptographically linked to a blockchain record, forming a tamper-proof digital signature. Smart Contracts: Automated scripts execute ownership transfers, payment releases, and compliance verification automatically, reducing administrative overhead and human error. Decentralized Ledgers: Distributed data stores guarantee security and transparency as no single entity controls the system, safeguarding against data tampering or loss.​ Interoperability and Cross-Chain Verification: Cross-chain communication protocols enable authentication data to be verified across different blockchains, facilitating a global fight against counterfeit goods beyond geographical or technological silos. Challenges of Implementing Blockchain in Fashion Supply Chains While blockchain promises monumental improvements in luxury authentication, the fashion industry faces several challenges: Regulatory and Privacy Concerns: Managing data privacy within immutable ledgers and navigating diverse global regulations requires meticulous design and compliance.​ Implementation Costs and Complexity: Integrating blockchain with existing supply chain infrastructure and embedding physical-digital identifiers demands investments and technical expertise. Collaboration and Standardization: Success depends on seamless cooperation among brands, manufacturers, suppliers, and regulators, with harmonized standards for data sharing and blockchain protocols. Consumer Education: Widespread adoption requires educating customers on how to access and interpret blockchain-based authenticity credentials. The Broader Impact on Fashion Supply Chains Beyond anti-counterfeiting, blockchain is driving profound changes across the entire luxury fashion value chain: Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing: Detailed provenance data verifies compliance with environmental and labor standards, empowering brands to substantiate their corporate social responsibility commitments. Circular Economy Enablement: Blockchain facilitates products’ lifecycle tracking, supporting resale, repair, and recycling initiatives essential to circular fashion models. Enhanced Supply Chain Efficiency: Real-time data-sharing speeds up audits, inventories, and recalls while reducing fraud and errors. Turning Luxury Fashion Provenance into an Immutable, Trustworthy Reality Blockchain technology offers a paradigm shift in verifying authenticity and managing supply chains for luxury fashion. By creating immutable, transparent, and accessible digital records linked to physical goods, it empowers brands to protect their heritage and consumers to shop with confidence. Early adopters like Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Gucci demonstrate blockchain’s capability to enhance transparency, combat counterfeiting, and promote sustainability. As the technology matures and ecosystem collaboration improves, blockchain verification will become standard practice, fundamentally changing how luxury fashion operates, turning provenance from a promise into an immutable, global truth accessible in the palm of a hand. FAQ How does blockchain authenticate luxury products? Each product is assigned a unique digital identity on a decentralized ledger. QR codes, NFC chips, or RFID tags link the physical item to this immutable record, allowing verification of origin, materials, and ownership. Why are traditional authentication methods insufficient? Holograms, serial numbers, and certificates can be replicated or tampered with. Blockchain’s decentralized, cryptographically secure system prevents forgery and ensures permanent, verifiable provenance. How does blockchain prevent counterfeiting? Every product’s transaction history from manufacturing to resale is recorded immutably. Retailers and consumers can instantly verify authenticity against the blockchain, rejecting counterfeit items before they enter the market. Can consumers verify products themselves? Yes. Scanning QR codes, NFC tags, or RFID chips linked to the blockchain enables consumers to view an item’s full provenance, ownership history, and even ethical sourcing details. Which luxury brands are using blockchain? Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, and Chanel have deployed blockchain platforms to track handbags, dresses, eco-friendly materials, perfumes, and beauty products. Aura Blockchain Consortium supports cross-brand interoperability.

Project Connects Blockchain Payment Systems JPMorgan and DBS Bank are developing an interoperability framework that will allow institutional clients to move tokenised deposits across different blockchain networks, the banks said on Tuesday. The initiative links JPMorgan’s Kinexys Digital Payments platform with DBS Token Services, creating a mechanism for cross-bank, cross-chain settlements without relying on traditional payment rails. Both banks already operate private blockchain-based payment systems that allow instant transactions within their respective networks. The new framework would connect those ecosystems, enabling a client using JPMorgan’s deposit tokens to pay a DBS client and vice versa, with 24-hour settlement capability. “Working with DBS on this initiative is a clear example of how financial institutions can collaborate to further the benefits of tokenised deposits for institutional clients while protecting the singleness of money and ensuring interoperability across markets,” said Naveen Mallela, global co-head of Kinexys at JPMorgan. Investor Takeaway The tie-up underscores a growing trend among global banks to move digital deposits between permissioned and public blockchains, blurring lines between traditional finance and onchain infrastructure. Tokenised Deposits Gain Traction JPMorgan has been one of the most active traditional lenders exploring blockchain settlement. Earlier this year, the bank issued a U.S. dollar deposit token on Coinbase’s Base network, a public Ethereum Layer-2 chain, marking its first foray into decentralised infrastructure. The DBS partnership extends that approach to cross-border payments, where settlement speed and transparency are key advantages. For DBS, the project complements its existing tokenisation efforts. The Singapore-based lender runs DBS Token Services on a permissioned blockchain that supports institutional clients with real-time payment and liquidity solutions. Linking it with Kinexys could allow DBS users to interact with public blockchain networks while retaining compliance and control over assets. While the initiative is still in its early stages, both banks said the goal is to establish a standard for interoperability between public and permissioned blockchains used for digital deposits. If successful, the framework could enable 24/7 cross-chain settlement and new use cases in trade finance, cross-border payroll and treasury management. Global Push Toward Interoperability The collaboration follows similar efforts by major institutions to standardise tokenised banking infrastructure. BNY Mellon, the world’s largest custodian, is reportedly developing a tokenised deposit service for institutional clients, while several U.K. banks — including Barclays, HSBC and Lloyds — are piloting tokenised sterling deposits with support from the Bank of England. According to a 2024 survey by the Bank for International Settlements, roughly a third of central banks and commercial lenders worldwide have launched or are researching tokenised deposit initiatives. The trend reflects a shift from early blockchain experiments toward practical settlement solutions integrated into mainstream financial networks. In Singapore, DBS has been involved in the Project Guardian pilot led by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, which explores tokenised assets and DeFi applications under regulated conditions. The bank’s collaboration with JPMorgan expands on that experience, focusing on the institutional-grade payment layer rather than investment products. Investor Takeaway For banks, interoperable deposit tokens offer faster settlements and lower costs. For investors, they point to a future where tokenised cash circulates between regulated networks as easily as fiat transfers today. Next Steps The banks did not disclose a launch timeline but said the framework would be tested with select institutional clients before a broader rollout. The effort highlights ongoing competition among global financial institutions to define the infrastructure for tokenised money, which regulators see as a bridge between commercial bank deposits and future central bank digital currencies. As interoperability becomes a priority, projects like the JPMorgan–DBS initiative could set benchmarks for how tokenised deposits function across borders — potentially reducing settlement times from days to seconds, and integrating digital money into the wider financial system.

China’s cybersecurity agency, the National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center (CVERC), has publicly accused the U.S. government of secretly commandeering 127,000 BTC (approximately $15 billion at current valuations) stolen in a 2020 cyber‑attack on the Chinese mining pool LuBian Mining Pool. Allegations, Background, and Implications According to the Chinese side, the breach occurred on 29 December 2020 and targeted LuBian, which then handled about six percent of the global Bitcoin hash‑rate. China claims the hack was executed by a “state‑level hacking organisation,” implying attackers had capabilities beyond typical criminal groups. The stolen funds were allegedly misappropriated from the mining firm, which had operations in China and Iran, and remained dormant until June 2024 when they moved to new wallets. The U.S. government is said to have taken custody of this bitcoin via a forfeiture action. China asserts the sequence of events—hack, years of dormancy, then U.S. seizure—suggests the U.S. may have been involved in or benefitted from the original hack rather than simply acting as a law‑enforcement responder. One Chinese official statement said: “This is a typical case of a state‑level hacking organization turning on its partner, reflecting the use of national cyber capabilities for private gain under the cover of criminal prosecution.” The U.S. government, for its part, maintains the seizure was lawful and part of its investigation into alleged crypto‑fraud involving Prince Group founder Chen Zhi. The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) describes the funds as criminal proceeds rather than assets seized from a state‑level hack. At the time of writing, the U.S. held 326,588 BTC, valued at approximately $34.15 billion, along with other cryptocurrencies including USDT and ETH, bringing its total digital-asset holdings to around $34.95 billion. The allegations raise major geopolitical concerns about digital‑asset sovereignty, cybersecurity norms, and international enforcement of crypto‑asset seizures are now entwined. At the same time, the case shows governance gaps in tracing large dormant cryptocurrency holdings and the impact such events can have on market confidence. U.S. Drives for Bitcoin Power and Market Signals Donald Trump has publicly declared that the United States aims to become a “Bitcoin superpower,” placing digital assets and blockchain infrastructure at the center of its economic strategy, particularly as a way to strengthen the dollar and counter foreign competition from China. Meanwhile, Bitcoin has shown steady performance over the past few weeks. The asset has maintained a solid range despite low interest from institutional players, signaling a degree of resilience in the market.

The Winklevoss twins founded the cryptocurrency exchange Gemini, which reported a 52% increase in net revenue from the previous quarter in Q3 2025, reaching $49.8 million. The main drivers of growth were more trading by both individual and institutional investors and the growing use of innovative financial products. The company's net sales also grew by 104.4% from the previous year, showing that its key business lines are growing quickly. Transaction revenue remained the largest source of income, thanks to a 26% jump in activity. Gemini also performed well, as its credit card and staking services were successful. Service-related revenue, which made up around $20 million of the quarter's performance, more than doubled from the previous quarter. This was thanks to new ideas in crypto credit cards, staking, and custody solutions. More Investors Are Using Crypto Cards The rapid growth of Gemini's crypto credit card offering was a major highlight of the company's quarter. This part of the business brought in $3.7 million more in sales, bringing the total for the quarter to $8.5 million. The number of registered card users rose dramatically to 64,000, up from 17,000 in the previous quarter.  This is an eight-fold increase from 8,000 cardholders in 2024. These changes also led to higher credit card balances, which reached $150.6 million in the third quarter, a 61% increase from the second quarter.  The income from staking also grew at the same rate. It grew by $3.2 million from one quarter to the next, reaching $5.9 million. Most of this growth came from Solana (SOL) staking. Losses Outweigh Revenue Growth Gemini's top-line growth was strong, but the company lost $159.5 million in the third quarter. This was a 76.9% rise in losses from the same time last year. Even though the company made a lot more money, this big loss in the last quarter made investors less confident, which caused the stock price to decrease significantly. Gemini's shares slid 6.18% in after-hours trade after the company released its Q3 numbers. They closed at $15.80. The stock had risen 4% on the earnings news, but that momentum swiftly vanished as investors reacted to news of larger losses. Gemini's stock has been more volatile than usual over the past week. This is because investors are more cautious about stocks linked to cryptocurrencies, as the market remains uncertain. Can Gemini Get Back on Its Feet? Gemini is still investing in expanding its product line to include staking, custody, and payment solutions, but investors remain cautious due to the company's ongoing losses. Market observers suggest that Gemini's stock could rise again due to increased trading volumes, favorable regulations, or strategic partnerships. For now, the Q3 financials reveal a conflict between growing the top line and generating profits. This will impact the company's path as it enters the next quarter. 

The DEX corner just stole the show. Uniswap exploded on November 11 after its “UNIfication” plan hit governance, with traders bidding UNI more than 40% intraday before a later cooldown. UNI tagged a two-month high near $10.30, and even after profit-taking, it is still comfortably up on the day, and more than 100% week-on-week from the $4.7 to $5 support area. Liquidity rotated into DeFi, majors ticked green on risk appetite, and presales benefited from a clear pickup in on-chain activity. That mix is why the primary market remains lively, and projects that tie utility to actual product use are rising fast. One example is Best Wallet Token (BEST), the app-first utility coin for the Best Wallet ecosystem. The presale tally is pushing toward 17 million dollars with the price locked at $0.025925 for the remainder of the sale, which will only be live for 17 more days. If DeFi volume stays hot, a wallet token that lowers fees and curates vetted launches sits in a favorable slipstream for the next leg. DeFi Heat Returns as UNI Spikes; Governance Catalysts Drive Rotation Uniswap’s rally followed a clean technical setup and a powerful token-economics catalyst. After rebounding from the $4.7–$5 support zone, UNI surged over 110% week-on-week, tagging a two-month high at $10.30 on November 11. The momentum cooled down slightly afterwards, but the token still holds over 20% on the day as the market recalibrates to new fundamentals. Those fundamentals come from the "UNIfication" governance plan, which explicitly ties UNI to protocol cash flows by switching on protocol fees across Uniswap v2/v3 and using those fees to burn UNI. It also routes Unichain sequencer fees into the same burn, consolidating fee streams and strengthening value accrual for token holders. To underscore the shift, the plan proposes a retroactive burn of roughly 100 million UNI from the treasury (about what would have accrued if fees had been active since launch). This creates an immediate supply reduction, aligns incentives, and signals long-term commitment to sustainable token economics. If adopted, these changes will add structural buy pressure and meaningfully reduce supply. That’s why sentiment flipped so fast. As Messari put it in their market take, UNI is being repriced on the expectation of fee-linked tokenomics and a one-time supply shock. With fee-linked tokenomics and multi-chain UX upgrades, UNI’s rerating feels justified, even after a pullback. And as intent-based routing and cross-chain liquidity become table stakes, wallet-native DEX aggregators look set to capture flow too. Best Wallet stands out as a trending new option on the market, and the BEST token that’s powering it has just entered its final stretch in presale. Best Wallet Token: Built for the Wallet, Not as an Afterthought Best Wallet is a self-custody, multi-chain wallet that lets users buy, swap (same-chain & cross-chain), stake, and manage portfolios across dozens of networks. It operates without seed phrases, using Fireblocks MPC and cloud-based recovery for maximum security. The Best Wallet Token (BEST) powers the ecosystem, providing fee discounts, staking boosts, governance, and priority access to vetted presales via the in-app “Upcoming Tokens” portal. The roadmap also includes Best DEX, a DEX aggregator integrated in-app, which ensures users always get the best price. Under the hood, Best DEX uses multi-route aggregation (partner-powered) to scan hundreds of DEXs and dozens of bridges for best execution. This is conceptually similar to Uniswap’s aggregation push, but embedded at the wallet layer. That means fewer tabs, safer presale access, and fee benefits tied directly to holding BEST. The whitepaper outlines solid tokenomics with a 10B total supply, and allocations evenly spread among development, liquidity, treasury, and a live staking program designed to reward early participation. Third-party reviews, such as a recent YouTube video from 99Bitcoins, highlight the wallet’s super-app angle, merging MPC security, curated launches, and easy cross-chain swaps. The analysis points to traction and growing user numbers, reinforcing the thesis that wallet-native DEX and curated presales can ride the same tailwinds lifting Uniswap today. Last-Chance Momentum: BEST Presale Enters the Final Stretch After DEX took the spotlight with UNI’s groundbreaking performance, demand is spilling into utility presales, and the BEST token sits squarely in that slipstream. The presale’s current price is locked at $0.025925, total raised funds stand at nearly $17M, and staking remains highly attractive at 77% APY. But these inviting numbers may soon change. The year-long campaign is now firmly in its final leg. With the presale end announced for November 28, the window is narrowing, and that tightening timeline could mean interested investors could miss the lowest price before the BEST token is listed on exchanges. All of this lines up with the market backdrop: if Uniswap’s fee-burn era ushers in a new valuation regime for DEX infrastructure, wallet-native execution should benefit from the same flows. On balance, BEST screens as high-beta but remains fundamentally anchored. It merges tangible utility at the wallet layer with credible token sinks through fee discounts and staking, while its audience is already primed by the UNI rerate. Assuming delivery against the highly advanced roadmap, Best Wallet Token looks like a crypto that could outperform post-listing and beyond. Visit Best Wallet Token Presale Disclaimer: This content is provided by a sponsor. FinanceFeeds does not independently verify the legitimacy, credibility, claims, or financial viability of the information or description of services mentioned. As such, we bear no responsibility for any potential risks, inaccuracies, or misleading representations related to the content. This post does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation and should not be treated as such. We strongly advise seeking independent financial guidance from a qualified and regulated professional before engaging in any investment or financial activities. Please review our full disclaimer for more details.

CleanSpark, a well-known Bitcoin miner, has announced its intention to raise $1.15 billion through a convertible note offering. This is part of its plan to accelerate its efforts to repurchase shares and develop AI data infrastructure.  On November 10, the Las Vegas-based company announced that the offering will include zero-coupon convertible notes due in February 2032. Investors would have the option to convert their notes into CleanSpark common stock or a combination of cash and shares, at the company's discretion. If market conditions permit, initial buyers will have the opportunity to purchase an additional $200 million in notes within 13 days of issuance. This significant investment is part of a plan to strengthen CleanSpark's balance sheet and support its long-term growth in both its primary Bitcoin mining business and its expanding AI business. How the Money Will Be Spent: From Buybacks to AI The corporation states that $400 million of the expected profits will be allocated to an extensive share buyback program to safeguard shareholder value during periods of market turbulence. The rest of the money will be used for essential projects, such as: Adding to CleanSpark's portfolio of power and land Putting money into building modern data centres that use AI Paying back bitcoin-backed loans These actions demonstrate that CleanSpark is committed to utilising the revenue generated from Bitcoin mining to fund new data infrastructure and mitigate its financial risk. Growing The Operations of AI and Data Centres In October, CleanSpark made a big move into the AI field by starting a new subsidiary led by industry veteran Jeffrey Thomas. The corporation bought a 271-acre location in Texas as part of its aggressive growth plans.  This site will be home to a dedicated AI data centre facility that can handle a 285-megawatt power load. CleanSpark also partnered with Submer to explore new types of liquid-cooled and prefabricated infrastructure designed for high-performance computing applications that require substantial power. CleanSpark's move into AI is based on the success of its strong Bitcoin mining operation, which recently reached a record hashrate of 50 exahashes per second. The company's Bitcoin holdings have also reached an all-time high of 13,011 BTC. However, 589 BTC were sold in October to assist in paying for the Texas expansion and get fresh power agreements for the data centre project. Strategic Financial Moves in a Volatile Market Earlier this year, CleanSpark got a $200 million credit line backed by its Bitcoin assets through Coinbase Prime. Later, it secured another $200 million deal with Coinbase and Two Prime, which increased its capacity. These financial plans have enabled the organisation to stay flexible in a rapidly changing market. CleanSpark's share price has declined over the past few weeks, despite the company reporting a solid third quarter, with revenue increasing 91% year-over-year to $198.6 million. This aligns with Bitcoin's market volatility. As of November 10, shares were worth $15.03, which is 25% less than their highs in October. The newly announced share purchase is a way to boost investor confidence and maintain a stable stock price during periods of high volatility. What To Expect The $1.15 billion that CleanSpark raised indicates its intention to combine traditional Bitcoin mining with rapidly growing AI data infrastructure. The company is positioning itself at the forefront of the convergence of digital assets and AI by making targeted investments in power, technology, and strengthening its financial position. This is an area that is likely to drive the next phase of industry growth and innovation. 

Solana’s dominance in network activity continues to redefine what large-scale blockchain adoption looks like. Daily transactions now surpass nearly every other L1 network, and its developer ecosystem is thriving. But despite the attraction of infrastructure giants, investors are also scanning for altcoins to buy that bring crypto closer to real-world financial systems. One standout in this conversation is Digitap ($TAP), a rapidly rising crypto presale project that combines fintech accessibility with blockchain efficiency. With a live product available from both iOS and Android, $TAP is shaping up as one of the best crypto to buy now for those seeking the best banking tokens. Solana’s Network Effect Becomes Hard To Ignore The pace of Solana’s growth has caught even long-term holders off guard. With millions of daily active users, low-cost transactions, and a deep roster of DeFi and gaming apps, the network has become one of the main drivers of on-chain activity. Stablecoin transfers have exploded on Solana, now exceeding Ethereum in daily settlement volume. In terms of total value locked (TVL), it ranks second only to Ethereum, with a total of $10.4B overall. This demonstrates that it has truly evolved from an experimental network into an industrial-level chain. The combination of performance, scalability, and cost efficiency has made Solana an obvious favorite among developers. It’s also increasingly attractive to institutions building tokenized assets, as its throughput allows for financial applications that were previously impractical on slower chains. Yet, while Solana excels in scalability and technical design, its real-world reach remains limited to those already within the crypto ecosystem. The next wave of adoption is expected to come from solutions that merge everyday banking and blockchain. Banking is an area that is required by all citizens; the ecosystem that ultimately delivers flexible finance to the masses will enjoy major market dominance.  The Digitap Crypto Presale Is Redefining Banking Digitap is not an idea on a roadmap; it’s a live app available on both iOS and Android, which lets users store crypto and fiat, spend via card, manage their portfolios, and transfer stablecoins globally. This all-in-one design has made it one of the fastest-growing crypto presales of 2025. The current price of $TAP is $0.0297, set to rise to $0.0313 in the next stage, with nearly $1.7M raised thus far from whale investors.  What makes this project different is its revenue-sharing and buyback model. 50% of all platform profits go toward staking rewards and token burns, directly benefiting holders. That structure has helped Digitap attract both retail and institutional attention, especially from investors looking for the best crypto to buy now that actually delivers a working product. The app combines simplicity with strong functionality — no KYC onboarding in eligible regions, integrated spending, and seamless switching between fiat and crypto balances. For users frustrated by fragmented DeFi systems or complex exchanges, Digitap feels like a modern banking app on a more efficient blockchain.  It’s the type of project that appeals to a wider audience beyond crypto enthusiasts, bridging a gap the industry has struggled with. If Solana represents the engine of the Web3 economy, Digitap could easily become its consumer interface. How Solana And Digitap Could Work Together Solana’s rise highlights the infrastructure backbone of the next crypto era — ultra-fast blockchains that can host complex financial applications. Digitap, meanwhile, shows how those systems will connect with users in everyday life. One builds the roads; the other delivers the cars. If Solana continues to lead in scalability, it could very well power a new class of fintech tokens like $TAP, which rely on high throughput for real-time transactions and card payments. The synergy between network infrastructure and consumer-facing fintechs will likely define the next market cycle. For SOL investors scanning the market for the crypto to buy now, Digitap offers a rare mix of utility, scarcity, and adoption potential. Its working product, strong tokenomics, and early-stage valuation make it stand out.  Moreover, as global regulations push traditional institutions closer to digital asset adoption, hybrid products like Digitap’s will likely benefit. They offer compliance pathways while maintaining open access for retail users. In that sense, Digitap isn’t competing with banks — it’s creating a parallel system that mirrors their services while staying decentralized at its core. This is why it is regularly listed as among the top altcoins to buy today.  Why Utility Fintech Projects Are Dominating After years of infrastructure development, the market narrative has shifted. Investors now want crypto that works in the real world. Instead of abstract networks or experimental DAOs, buyers are backing tokens tied to tangible products and services. Adoption is a function of utility.  This is why projects like Digitap are drawing capital. The crypto presale has already exceeded expectations, and its growth mirrors an industry-wide trend toward user-ready apps. Analysts increasingly see these fintech-style platforms as the next category leaders in terms of the best crypto to buy.  Compared to payment-focused tokens like XRP and Stellar or infrastructure tokens like SOL, Digitap goes further by integrating its services directly into a consumer app. It allows anyone to manage funds, make purchases, and earn staking yields in one place, making it one of the most practical altcoins to buy in 2025. Digitap is Live NOW. Learn more about their project here: Presale https://presale.digitap.app Website: https://digitap.app  Social: https://linktr.ee/digitap.app  Win $250K: https://gleam.io/bfpzx/digitap-250000-giveaway Disclaimer: This content is provided by a sponsor. FinanceFeeds does not independently verify the legitimacy, credibility, claims, or financial viability of the information or description of services mentioned. As such, we bear no responsibility for any potential risks, inaccuracies, or misleading representations related to the content. This post does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation and should not be treated as such. We strongly advise seeking independent financial guidance from a qualified and regulated professional before engaging in any investment or financial activities. Please review our full disclaimer for more details.

First Regulated Savings Product From a Crypto Exchange Coinbase is introducing savings accounts for customers in the United Kingdom, offering 3.75% annual equivalent rate (AER) and protection under the country’s Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). The move makes Coinbase the first crypto exchange to launch a regulated savings product in the UK. The savings account, powered by ClearBank, will initially be available to selected users from Nov. 11, before a phased rollout to all eligible customers. The product allows instant deposits and withdrawals with no lockup period or minimum balance. Interest will be paid daily and calculated on customers’ GBP holdings. Balances are protected up to £85,000 ($112,000) through the FSCS, which safeguards deposits if the provider fails — matching the protection offered by traditional UK banks. The combination of regulated backing and digital convenience marks a new step for Coinbase’s expansion into mainstream financial services. Investor Takeaway Coinbase’s entry into regulated savings could make it a direct competitor to UK neobanks and high-yield fintechs, while strengthening its local regulatory credentials. Coinbase’s Push Into Everyday Finance “The launch of the Coinbase Savings Account highlights Coinbase's focus on offering Brits the best financial experience as an exchange for everything,” said Keith Grose, Coinbase UK CEO. “We are building products tailored to local needs that solve real pain points for our customers and on the path to making Coinbase the UK’s number one financial app.” Mitesh Savjani, the firm’s UK product and growth lead, said the savings product complements Coinbase’s card and crypto services. “Supporting a high-interest and instant-access account alongside the most trusted crypto exchange is a step toward updating the financial system for the UK,” he said. The account launch follows a year of aggressive product development by Coinbase in its top international market. The company’s UK arm already offers the Coinbase Card, enabling users to spend from crypto, stablecoin, or fiat balances at merchants, and recently expanded access to more than 260 listed digital assets. With a 3.75% variable rate, Coinbase’s savings account is more competitive than most high-street banks but sits below some fintech offerings. Market leaders like Monzo and Chase UK currently offer between 4% and 5% on limited balances. Coinbase’s advantage lies in combining deposit protection and instant transfers with access to the broader crypto ecosystem. UK as Coinbase’s Growth Anchor The company said the United Kingdom is its largest international market and a cornerstone of its expansion plans. Coinbase secured a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) registration from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in February, making it the largest registered crypto exchange in the country. The new product aligns with UK regulators’ push to integrate digital assets into existing financial frameworks. It also reflects Coinbase’s pivot toward revenue diversification beyond trading, which has been pressured by lower global volumes. However, Coinbase’s UK business has faced scrutiny. In 2024, the FCA fined the exchange £4.5 million for repeatedly breaching requirements related to high-risk customer onboarding. More recently, the Central Bank of Ireland imposed a $24.7 million penalty for failures in anti-money laundering and counterterrorism financing oversight between 2021 and 2025. Investor Takeaway Regulatory compliance remains Coinbase’s biggest hurdle in Europe. Launching a fully protected savings product could help repair trust and attract traditional savers seeking yield. Broader Implications Coinbase’s entry into UK savings accounts puts it in direct competition with challenger banks and fintechs, as well as established retail lenders. For consumers, it blurs the line between crypto platforms and traditional banking, offering a single interface for saving, spending, and trading. The move also signals that regulated crypto firms are expanding into traditional finance faster than banks are adopting blockchain-based services. If successful, Coinbase’s approach could pressure peers such as Revolut and Kraken to introduce similar regulated offerings to maintain market share. The savings account will be rolled out nationwide in stages over the coming weeks, with wider access expected before the end of the year.

Decentralized derivatives exchange dYdX has removed both maker and taker fees on two major perpetual contract markets, BTC-USD and SOL-USD, as part of a new community-driven incentive campaign. The change, approved through the platform’s governance process, is intended to increase trading activity, improve liquidity depth, and strengthen the protocol’s competitive positioning in the rapidly evolving decentralized trading landscape. The update allows the exchange to temporarily set fees to zero for specific markets while maintaining standard fee structures elsewhere. Protocol Upgrade The fee removal was made possible by a recent protocol upgrade that provided governance participants with more granular control over market-level fee parameters. While users will continue to encounter typical blockchain-related costs such as transaction fees and slippage, the absence of exchange fees lowers direct trading expenses for both professional and retail participants. By reducing these trading costs, the initiative aims to attract traders who prioritize efficiency, particularly those who frequently execute strategies that are sensitive to fee levels. The shift comes at a time when competition between decentralized and centralized trading venues has intensified. Centralized exchanges traditionally offer low-cost, high-speed trading environments, making it challenging for decentralized platforms to compete without strong incentives. dYdX’s decision to temporarily eliminate maker and taker fees on high-volume pairs reflects a strategic effort to encourage traders to migrate or diversify their activity to on-chain platforms. The move may also appeal to liquidity providers and algorithmic market makers who evaluate liquidity conditions and fee structures when determining where to allocate capital. This development aligns with a broader trend in decentralized finance, where protocols are increasingly adopting flexible, governance-led economic mechanisms to remain competitive. Allowing token holders to determine fee levels serves as a way to align platform incentives with user interests, improve community engagement, and encourage participation in governance processes. The fee-free trading campaign also highlights the growing role of decentralized decision-making in shaping market conditions and influencing trading behavior. Outlook and sustainability Looking ahead, the effectiveness of the initiative will depend on measurable outcomes such as trading volume growth, liquidity improvements, and market participant feedback. If data indicates a sustained increase in trading activity, the community may consider extending the campaign or applying similar fee adjustments to additional markets. However, maintaining long-term sustainability will require balancing incentives with the platform’s revenue needs and operational considerations. The fee removal underscores dYdX’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its position within the decentralized derivatives sector. As trading platforms continue to focus on improving user experience and lowering barriers to participation, fee-related incentives are likely to play a key role in shaping market dynamics. The outcome of this campaign will provide insight into how decentralized exchanges can leverage flexible pricing strategies to attract traders and enhance market depth while maintaining governance-driven accountability.

Uniswap has introduced a governance proposal designed to modernize how value is distributed across its decentralized exchange ecosystem. Referred to as UNIfication in community discussions, the plan aims to activate protocol fees across key trading pools, streamline mechanisms for capturing value generated by on-chain trading, and introduce a structured token burn system. The initiative is intended to create a more durable economic framework for UNI holders, liquidity providers, and developers contributing to protocol infrastructure. Uniswap has historically left the protocol fee switch disabled, meaning all revenue from swap fees flowed directly to liquidity providers. This proposal would redirect a portion of fees to the protocol itself, establishing a new source of sustained revenue. In addition to fee realignment, the proposal includes mechanisms designed to improve efficiency in how value from network activity is recorded and returned to stakeholders. Fee Activation and Token Value Dynamics A key component of the proposal is the activation of protocol fees on Uniswap v2 and v3 pools. These changes would allow the protocol treasury to accumulate fees from trading volume, which could then support core development and other ecosystem efforts. The proposal also introduces market structure adjustments, including MEV (Maximal Extractable Value) discount auctions. These auctions aim to reduce inefficiencies in transaction execution by allowing searchers and validators to compete for block placement in a way that returns value to the protocol rather than external parties. The proposal further outlines a token burn model designed to moderate UNI supply over time. It includes a recurring burn linked to ongoing protocol revenue and a one-time burn event tied to historical activity. Supporters of the proposal note that the burn mechanism could introduce long-term value support for UNI, while critics emphasize the need for continued review to ensure sustainability. Market and Governance Process Response Following the announcement of the proposal, UNI experienced increased trading activity and a noticeable appreciation in price. Analysts attribute the reaction to expectations of more predictable value accrual mechanisms for UNI holders. The market response illustrates growing interest in governance tokens that provide both decision-making rights and economic participation. The governance process involves multiple stages. It begins with community discussion, followed by a Snapshot vote that gauges sentiment, and concludes with an on-chain vote requiring quorum and majority approval. The full process is expected to take approximately three weeks, allowing time for debate, amendment proposals, and coordinated delegate review. This proposal may serve as a reference for other decentralized exchanges and DeFi platforms evaluating sustainable token economic models. By shifting from a purely liquidity provider-focused fee structure to one that also supports token holders and protocol development, the Uniswap proposal highlights the growing importance of economic alignment in decentralized governance. The outcome of the vote will determine whether these changes are implemented. Community feedback will continue to shape the final structure of the proposal, emphasizing Uniswap’s commitment to transparent, open governance in the evolving decentralized finance landscape.

New remarks from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, paired with updated IRS guidance, have signaled regulatory support for crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) that incorporate staking. The announcement outlines how staking rewards earned within ETP structures should be treated for tax purposes, describing the approach as a "clear path" for asset managers who want to provide exposure to digital asset yields. The guidance addresses long-standing uncertainty surrounding proof-of-stake cryptocurrencies within regulated investment vehicles. While Bitcoin ETPs have seen rapid adoption in the United States, staking-based assets such as Ethereum, Solana, and other proof-of-stake networks faced hurdles due to ambiguity over when staking rewards become taxable. The updated policy indicates that staking rewards generated inside an ETP structure do not necessarily trigger immediate, direct tax obligations for individual investors. This clarification could significantly expand the types of crypto market exposure available to U.S. investors through mainstream brokerage accounts. It reinforces the idea that staking is not merely speculative yield generation, but a core function that secures blockchain networks and validates transactions. Industry interest and expected product development Industry reaction has been predominantly favorable. Asset managers who previously held back on launching Ethereum-based staking ETPs have suggested that the updated framework reduces compliance risk and improves product viability. Several financial institutions and custodians are now evaluating staking mechanisms that are operationally secure, institutionally auditable, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Market analysts note that the move could accelerate approval timelines for Ethereum staking ETPs and open the door for multi-chain diversified staking products. In the medium term, this may lead to regulated exposure to networks such as Solana, Avalanche, and Cosmos, depending on investor interest and further regulatory interpretation. However, successful rollout depends on operational clarity. Key considerations include how staking is delegated, how validator infrastructure is chosen, how slashing risk is managed, and how staking yield and fees are disclosed. Clear and consistent standards will shape institutional confidence and determine which issuers are best positioned. Potential market impact If staking-enabled ETPs gain approval and scale, they may shift liquidity patterns across both centralized exchanges and decentralized staking platforms. Traditional investors could gain yield exposure without holding private keys or engaging directly with staking protocols. This may also incentivize greater validator decentralization if large issuers diversify staking providers rather than concentrating stakes. The development could also influence international regulatory approaches. Markets in Europe and Asia that already list crypto ETPs may look to harmonize taxation and reporting rules to stay competitive. A step toward broader crypto-market integration The Treasury's remarks represent an incremental but strategically important step toward integrating crypto-native economic mechanisms into regulated financial products. By clarifying how staking rewards should be treated, regulators are reducing barriers for institutions seeking to participate in blockchain validation ecosystems. As asset managers prepare proposals and refine operational models, the market will watch closely for the first wave of staking-enabled crypto ETP applications in the United States. If implemented effectively, this shift could expand access, deepen liquidity, and further align crypto markets with established investment frameworks.

Strategy, the enterprise software firm previously known as MicroStrategy and led by Executive Chairman Michael Saylor, has expanded its Bitcoin holdings with the purchase of an additional 487 BTC. According to a regulatory filing, the acquisition took place between November 3 and November 9, reflecting the organization’s continued commitment to its long-standing digital asset accumulation strategy. The total value of the purchase is estimated at approximately $49.9 million, based on recent market pricing. Corporate Bitcoin Accumulation Strategy Strategy has become one of the most prominent institutional advocates for Bitcoin as a long-term store of value and corporate treasury reserve asset. The firm’s approach involves converting portions of its cash holdings into Bitcoin, guided by the belief that the cryptocurrency will appreciate over time and act as a hedge against currency debasement. This latest purchase reinforces that position and signals confidence in the asset’s future performance. The acquisition aligns with Strategy’s articulation of Bitcoin as a superior treasury reserve compared to traditional financial instruments such as government bonds, commercial paper, or long-term cash holdings. The company has frequently highlighted concerns about inflationary pressures and macroeconomic instability, arguing that Bitcoin offers a way to preserve purchasing power. Institutional Influence and Market Signals The continued Bitcoin purchases by Strategy have drawn significant attention in financial and crypto markets. Investors and industry analysts often interpret the company’s acquisitions as signals of institutional sentiment, given Strategy’s role as one of the earliest and largest corporate Bitcoin holders. With this latest addition of 487 BTC, Strategy’s total holdings continue to expand, reinforcing its position among the largest corporate Bitcoin investors globally. The company’s strategy has had both supporters and critics. Supporters argue that the firm has helped normalize Bitcoin as a treasury asset and paved the way for broader corporate and institutional adoption. Critics raise concerns about balance sheet exposure to market volatility, particularly during periods of sharp price fluctuations. Despite these differing perspectives, Strategy has remained consistent in its stance, emphasizing Bitcoin’s long-term potential over short-term price movements. The company has repeatedly described its acquisition strategy as measured, strategic, and aligned with a multi-year investment horizon. Strategy’s latest Bitcoin purchase underscores its steadfast commitment to digital asset accumulation as part of its corporate financial framework. As discussions around institutional adoption continue to grow, the company remains one of the leading examples of a business using Bitcoin as a core treasury asset. The acquisition between November 3 and November 9 indicates that the firm continues to execute its strategy regardless of market fluctuations, reflecting a high conviction in Bitcoin’s role within the broader financial ecosystem. As regulatory environments evolve and more companies evaluate blockchain-based assets, Strategy's actions are likely to remain influential in shaping corporate treasury practices going forward.

Søren Haagensen, the foreign-exchange executive who ran Trading.com’s U.S. business through licensing and launch, has moved to the board as a non-executive director, according to his LinkedIn profile. The change in November 2025 follows more than three years in the top job, during which Trading.com Markets Inc. operated as a CFTC-registered Retail Foreign Exchange Dealer and National Futures Association member inside the U.S. retail-FX regime. Trading.com is the U.S. brand within the Trading Point/XM group, a retail brokerage network with regulated entities in the U.K., European Union and Australia. The American arm sits under the Commodity Exchange Act and NFA conduct rules that govern leverage, marketing, disclosures and capital for firms serving U.S. retail clients. Public FDM materials list New York business addresses and outline the broker’s policies on pricing, execution and complaints—standard fare in a market where only a small cohort of RFEDs and FCMs is active. Haagensen’s move caps a two-stage build. Between 2019 and 2021, Trading Point prepared the ground to bring the Trading.com brand into the United States, applying for permissions and laying out the compliance framework. From 2022, Haagensen—first as chief operating officer and then as chief executive—oversaw live operations, platform rollout, and the grind of day-to-day supervision under CFTC/NFA oversight. A board-only role now places him in governance and strategy, while day-to-day execution passes to line management. The timing aligns with a business cycle familiar to U.S. retail brokers: secure the license, stand up the tech stack, harden risk and surveillance, then concentrate on scale and service. Trading.com’s materials pitch a partner/introducing-broker program, while the revenue engine rests on spreads, markups and, where applicable, commissions—economics that depend on client acquisition costs, spread competitiveness and platform reliability. Haagensen’s resume reads like a map of e-trading infrastructure. He spent roughly two decades at Société Générale, rising to managing director and leading e-commerce FX in the Americas, a role at the intersection of sales, trading and platform build. He then moved to Integral, a supplier of FX aggregation and workflow systems to banks and brokers, and later to smartTrade, another core vendor in pricing, routing and order management. That vendor-bank blend tends to produce leaders who know where latency hides, how liquidity behaves across venues, and what clean audit trails look like—useful traits for an RFED where risk and compliance sit close to the screen. The group architecture around Trading.com remains a key piece of the story. Trading Point runs multiple brands across jurisdictions, including XM, tailoring leverage, product lists and client protections to local rules. That hub-and-spoke model lets the group reuse technology and education content while keeping legal entities ring-fenced for supervisors such as the U.K.’s FCA, Cyprus’s CySEC and Australia’s ASIC. In the United States, though, product scope is narrower and leverage is lower than in many offshore venues, which raises the bar on unit economics but can reward firms that build durable client relationships and keep complaint ratios low. The personnel news also lands in a year when regulators have pressed retail brokers to watch marketing claims, social-media funnels and copy-trading features more closely. Firms that can show clean supervision, straight wording in risk warnings, and timely handling of client issues generally find life easier with the NFA’s audit cadence.  

Card Networks Revise Deal After Court Rejection Visa and Mastercard have agreed to a revised $38 billion settlement with U.S. merchants who accused the networks of inflating the cost of accepting credit cards. The deal, filed Monday, seeks to resolve two decades of antitrust litigation and follows a judge’s rejection of a smaller $30 billion settlement earlier this year. The new proposal would end claims that the card giants and their partner banks conspired to keep interchange—or “swipe”—fees high. These fees, which merchants pay each time a customer uses a card, totaled $111.2 billion in 2024, up from $100.8 billion the prior year and four times higher than in 2009, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). U.S. District Judge Margo Brodie in Brooklyn, whose approval is required, rejected the earlier settlement in June, calling its relief for merchants inadequate. The new accord aims to address her concerns by offering deeper fee cuts and broader flexibility for businesses on which cards they accept. Fee Reductions and New Merchant Options Under the settlement, Visa and Mastercard will lower swipe fees by 0.1 percentage point for five years. The average fee in 2024 stood at 2.35%, typically ranging between 2% and 2.5%. Standard consumer rates would be capped at 1.25% for eight years, a reduction of more than 25% from current levels. Merchants would gain the ability to decide which categories of U.S. cards to accept—commercial, premium consumer, or standard consumer cards—and could impose surcharges of up to 3% on credit card payments. The deal also relaxes “Honor All Cards” rules that previously required businesses to accept all cards from a given network or none at all. Visa said the agreement provides “meaningful relief” for merchants of all sizes. Mastercard added that smaller retailers in particular would benefit from the changes. Investor Takeaway The revised deal could save U.S. merchants billions in processing fees and ease tensions with retailers, though final approval remains uncertain. Criticism from Retail Groups Merchant groups remain unconvinced. The National Retail Federation and the Merchants Payments Coalition said the proposal still leaves swipe fees too high, especially on rewards cards that dominate consumer spending. “You can’t just suddenly tell more than 80% of your card customers you’re not going to take their cards,” said NRF general counsel Stephanie Martz. “You would lose a lot of business.” Doug Kantor, general counsel of the National Association of Convenience Stores, said the deal lets Visa and Mastercard raise their own rates “without any limitation” and doesn’t allow merchants to negotiate directly with banks. “Merchants ought to be able to negotiate and get prices set with different banks, but this settlement prohibits that,” he said. Expert Estimates and Industry Impact Two economists hired by merchant plaintiffs, Joseph Stiglitz and Keith Leffler, estimated that the changes could save businesses $38 billion by 2031 and potentially $224 billion in total when indirect effects on pricing and competition are included. They said lower fees could eventually benefit consumers by reducing costs passed on in retail prices. The Electronic Payments Coalition, whose members include Visa, Mastercard, and major card issuers such as Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, and Citibank, supports the deal. Executive Chairman Richard Hunt said it would lower fees below levels proposed in a Senate bill targeting interchange reform. “You tell me the last time Walmart reduced any of its prices by more than 25% and kept it for eight years,” he said. Visa and Mastercard denied wrongdoing in settling the case. Their shares were little changed in New York trading following the announcement. Investor Takeaway If approved, the settlement could ease years of litigation pressure on card networks but may not fully resolve tensions with retailers or policymakers pushing for stricter fee caps. Next Steps in the Court Battle The new settlement comes after Judge Brodie criticized the previous $30 billion proposal for offering “paltry” relief—only about $6 billion in annual savings—and leaving fees above competitive levels. She also faulted its failure to address “anti-steering” provisions that prevented merchants from guiding customers toward cheaper payment options. Whether the latest version satisfies the court remains to be seen. With broad opposition from major trade groups and a political climate increasingly focused on competition and consumer costs, Visa and Mastercard still face scrutiny over their pricing power. For merchants, the outcome could determine the economics of U.S. payments for the next decade.

Crypto buyers are once again zooming in on fundamentals, not hype. In 2025, a handful of projects have shown measurable strength through real adoption, tangible technology, and institutional trust. Among them, one project has blown past all expectations: BlockDAG. With over $435 million raised before its public launch, it’s set the benchmark for what a credible, high-performance network looks like. This list breaks down the top crypto projects shaping market conversations right now. From BlockDAG’s hybrid architecture to TRON’s massive transaction upgrades, Bitcoin Cash’s ETF exposure, and Litecoin’s renewed momentum, these projects prove the space is maturing fast, and that the real winners are building, not promising. 1. BlockDAG: The Hybrid Powerhouse Leading the Charge BlockDAG has gone beyond the presale hype. It’s built on a hybrid architecture that combines Bitcoin-level security with DAG-based parallel processing, enabling up to 15,000 transactions per second. Its live “Awakening Testnet” has proven these speeds, and with EVM compatibility, developers can deploy Ethereum-style smart contracts seamlessly. This technological blend puts BlockDAG ahead of even established Layer-1 networks. The mining side adds another layer of strength. With over 20,000 X-series miners sold, from the entry-level X10 (200 BDAG/day) to the industrial X100 (2,000 BDAG/day), BlockDAG (BDAG) has built real hardware infrastructure that powers its ecosystem. It’s not just code; it’s compute. This physical footprint anchors its network’s decentralization and longevity. Backed by CEO Antony Turner (ex-SwissOne Capital), CTO Jeremy Harkness, and advisor Dr. Maurice Herlihy; a Gödel and Dijkstra Prize winner, BlockDAG is the rare presale with world-class leadership. With a structured roadmap ending presale on February 10, 2026, a clear vesting term, and a Batch 32 price of $0.005 before a planned $0.05 listing, the project’s financial design matches its engineering discipline. No wonder it tops any list of top crypto projects for 2025. 2. TRON: Scaling Smart Contracts at Record Speed TRON continues to impress with stability and scalability. As of early November 2025, TRX trades around $0.29 with a market cap of $27.6 billion and daily volume near $430 million. The latest GreatVoyage-v4.8.1 mainnet upgrade expands its compatibility with Ethereum’s virtual machine and adds support for ARM-based systems, helping developers deploy faster and at lower cost. These changes aren’t cosmetic, they’re functional. TRON’s network handles billions of transactions monthly and now provides one of the most developer-friendly environments for DeFi and gaming. Analysts expect modest but steady growth, projecting TRX prices near $0.31 by the end of 2025. While not a moonshot, it’s a dependable performer within the top crypto projects, proving that consistent upgrades and wide usage still pay off in a crowded market. 3. Bitcoin Cash: Institutional Momentum Takes Over Few altcoins have reclaimed relevance like Bitcoin Cash (BCH) in 2025. Trading around $514.71, BCH recently broke through the $487 resistance level, signaling renewed buying interest. Two key moves changed its outlook this quarter: Grayscale’s ETF filing for BCH and PayPal’s integration of BCH for user transactions. Both events gave it institutional exposure and expanded mainstream access overnight. These updates push Bitcoin Cash beyond its “BTC fork” label. The network’s larger block size continues to enable faster, cheaper transactions, making it viable for global payments. If the ETF gains approval, BCH could benefit from new inflows similar to Bitcoin’s 2024 rally. Investors are watching closely as BCH tries to hold above $500 support, if momentum continues, it could cement its position among 2025’s top crypto projects and bring old-school crypto utility back into focus. 4. Litecoin: The Veteran’s Second Wind Litecoin (LTC) has shown impressive resilience in 2025, trading near $102.53 with a market cap of $7.8 billion. After months of sideways action, LTC surged 10.6% in early November to $109.11, supported by fresh ETF inflows worth $855,000 and renewed retail interest. This uptick has reignited confidence in the “digital silver” narrative that once made Litecoin a household crypto name. The price action aligns with technical data showing accumulation by large holders and a bullish divergence pattern forming against Bitcoin. If LTC holds above $100 and breaks $105 resistance, analysts expect a continuation toward $120. Litecoin’s consistent speed, low fees, and established trust make it a stable companion in portfolios, an old name still earning its place among the top crypto projects competing for 2025 attention. Why BlockDAG Leads the Pack of Top Crypto Projects What ties all these assets together is proof of delivery. TRON’s network upgrade shows scaling done right. Bitcoin Cash’s ETF ambitions bring institutional weight back to altcoins. Litecoin’s resurgence signals old tech can still thrive with liquidity and reliability. Yet, BlockDAG outpaces them by combining these strengths into one ecosystem; cutting-edge speed, real mining infrastructure, and transparent leadership. The presale’s $435+ million haul and 20,000+ miners already sold show market trust built on evidence, not speculation. With its hybrid DAG architecture, audited code, and clear presale end-date, BlockDAG isn’t chasing trends, it’s building foundations. Among the top crypto projects to watch into 2026, it stands as the one project where technology, community, and capital all align toward measurable growth. Disclaimer: This content is provided by a sponsor. FinanceFeeds does not independently verify the legitimacy, credibility, claims, or financial viability of the information or description of services mentioned. As such, we bear no responsibility for any potential risks, inaccuracies, or misleading representations related to the content. This post does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation and should not be treated as such. We strongly advise seeking independent financial guidance from a qualified and regulated professional before engaging in any investment or financial activities. Please review our full disclaimer for more details.