The Virtune stablecoin index ETP, which trades under the ticker "STABLE," meets the growing demand from both institutions and individuals for safe, regulated access to the rapidly expanding stablecoin infrastructure. This product doesn't handle stablecoins directly.  Instead, it invests money in the blockchains and tokens that stablecoins need to move around, such as Ethereum, Solana, XRP, Chainlink, Stellar, and Aave. As more banks, payment processors, and online stores begin using stablecoins, the number of transactions and network activity on these blockchains has increased. This has made them more valuable and useful. ​The ETP gives investors a way to invest in the growth of the stablecoin sector through a clear, regulated vehicle that is available through Europe's top brokers and banks. It also reduces concentration risk. ​ Market Structure and Technical Features Tangible assets back the Virtune Stablecoin Index ETP. Coinbase stores native blockchain assets, including ETH, XRP, SOL, LINK, XLM, and AAVE, in cold storage. The fund is rebalanced quarterly to reflect market changes.  As of November 4, the first allocation was 42.9% Ethereum, 23.5% XRP, 18.43% Solana, 6.06% Chainlink, 5.75% Stellar, and 3.36% Aave. This provides investors with a balanced view of the assets that underpin the stablecoin ecosystem. ​ Essential details about the product: 1.95% annual management fee Currency pairs: SEK and EUR Physically backed, regulated structure Bloomberg symbol: STABLE ISIN: SE0026821282 WKN: A4AQH5 ​ Virtune's twentieth ETP launch solidifies its position as a leader in European digital asset management, with approximately $400 million in assets under management and more than 150,000 institutional and retail clients. ​ Market Impact and Strategic Reasoning Stablecoins, which are digital assets linked to fiat currencies, are becoming increasingly critical to the development of global finance. They have low volatility, can be settled anywhere, and are gaining popularity with banks, payment processors, and online stores throughout Europe.  The GENIUS Act in the U.S. and MiCA in Europe have clarified the rules, leading to increased adoption of stablecoins. This has sparked interest from institutions and backed Virtune's thematic index strategy. ​ Virtune's ETP focuses on blockchain assets instead of stablecoins themselves. This connects investors with the "picks-and-shovels" of digital finance, allowing them to participate in rising transaction volumes, burn rates, and network fees. As stablecoins become more prevalent in the financial system, the blockchains that enable them are well-positioned to continue growing. ​ What The Industry Thinks and What Will Happen in The Future Nasdaq and top asset managers have called Virtune's ETP a significant step forward in promoting innovation and protecting investors in the regulated European market. The launch provides both institutional and retail investors with the opportunity to invest in digital assets that are growing thanks to stablecoins, without the risks or difficulties associated with direct exposure to stablecoins or tokens. ​ Virtune's first stablecoin index ETP is likely to spark competition and make it easier for other financial products to be made. This will strengthen the role of regulated index investing as stablecoins alter the way payments and banking operate globally. ​

The crypto market has progressed through a fear-inducing correction over the past few days, with Bitcoin dipping below $100,000 this morning (its first time below that level since late June) and marking a 9.3% decline over the past week. Ethereum has fallen 16.8% in the same period, while many other major assets like XRP and BNB have dropped by 15% or more - contributing to a broader market loss exceeding $1 trillion since October’s peak.  In the meme coin sector, established players are feeling the pressure too. Dogecoin is down 15.4% weekly, Shiba Inu 13%, and Pepe 19.6%, reflecting a 60% drop in the overall meme coin market cap from its 2025 peak. Yet, amid this downturn, on-chain activity for some projects like Dogecoin shows relatively minor decreases, hinting at underlying resilience from long-term holders. Crypto presales also continue to draw steady interest, as investors eye accessible entry points into projects with clear roadmaps and community incentives. One standout is Maxi Doge (MAXI), a brand-new meme coin presale that has already raised nearly $4 million. With its bold theme and high-yield staking, Maxi Doge looks set for strong post-launch momentum, making it a smart recovery play. Bulls Battle the Crypto Market Correction - Will It Last? Recent headlines paint a clear picture of a crypto landscape under strain, with Bitcoin's slide below $100,000 triggering a liquidation cascade across the board today. Analysts point to factors like US dollar strength, tight liquidity, and investors shying away from risk assets - and even top altcoins like Ethereum and Solana have not been safe, suffering double-digit hits in a matter of days. The meltdown is especially troubling for meme coin investors - at least in legacy tokens like Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, and Pepe, which have all seen their own rapid price declines. A new X post from the crypto growth strategist JakeOnBlock captures the intensity, as the analyst calls out projects that focus on flashy marketing without offering meaningful utility for token holders. Meme coins are tanking. 70–90% drawdowns wiping billions. INSANE$DOGE down 20% weekly, $SHIB 13%, $PEPE 28% monthly This isn’t a dip, it’s the collapse of hype-built assets ? pic.twitter.com/HiQe7GGFdi — JakeOnBlock (@jakeonblock) November 3, 2025 This sentiment highlights the shakeout - but also opens doors for fresh entrants with solid roadmaps and use cases. As the market resets, attention has turned to presales like Maxi Doge, which combines community engagement with tangible rewards to help holders weather the storm. Spotlight on Maxi Doge: Meme Coin Utility Wins Over Investors Maxi Doge (MAXI) stands out as an Ethereum-based meme coin fronted by a bodybuilder Shiba Inu mascot, embodying the grind of high-leverage trading and bull market energy. The project frames its token, MAXI, as a lifestyle emblem for traders chasing big wins, with no heavy tech claims but a sharp focus on community and virality.  Maxi Doge aims to foster engagement through staking rewards (up to 78% APY), gamified contests, and potential integrations with futures platforms for up to 1000x leverage trades. Token allocations support this vision, with 25% directed to a "Maxi Fund" for growth initiatives and listings, ensuring liquidity and visibility post-presale. "I keep falling asleep and missing these trade opportunities " Me: pic.twitter.com/xb4WpVaSiR — MaxiDoge (@MaxiDoge_) October 16, 2025 A recent video from the YouTuber Crypto Series dives into the presale, calling Maxi Doge one of the "best meme coins to buy" thanks to its early traction and community vibe, and praising the way it builds on Dogecoin's legacy while adding utility. This blend of humor, rewards, and strategy sets Maxi Doge apart in a crowded field. How to Join Maxi Doge's High-Potential Presale Delving into Maxi Doge's token sale reveals a compelling setup - even in the face of the market's severe pullback. The presale currently prices MAXI at $0.0002665, up from an initial $0.00025, with incremental rises building urgency for early buyers.  Staking is a key attraction for serious investors, offering a dynamic APY around 78% using tokens allocated from 5% of the total supply to reward holders and encourage long-term commitment. This is perfect for offsetting the short-term dips commonly seen in established meme coins like Dogecoin and Pepe.  Maxi Doge’s fundraising total has surged to nearly $4 million, signaling strong investor confidence while the broader market corrects. This ties directly into the resilience of presales: while spot prices fluctuate, Maxi Doge's focus on community contests, leverage-themed narratives, and major exchange listings positions it for explosive growth once liquidity hits. 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The US Dollar Index (DXY) is currently trading close to a major high last seen in August, as shown on the chart. Market sentiment today is being shaped by several factors: → the ongoing government shutdown, now officially the longest in US history; → traders digesting last week’s developments, including the Federal Reserve’s rate cut, the meeting between the US and Chinese presidents in South Korea, and the latest round of quarterly earnings from leading corporations. Political developments are also contributing to market volatility. According to media reports, the Democratic Party secured several victories in recent local elections. Notably, Zohran Mamdani, a Muslim candidate representing the Democrats, has become the first of his faith to be elected Mayor of New York. DXY Technical Outlook Back on 19 September, we conducted a key analysis of the DXY chart, where we: → identified a false breakout below the 1 July low; → outlined a potential bullish trajectory. Following that assessment, the price advanced towards the upper boundary of the red channel. At the time, we: → mapped out an ascending channel; → anticipated that the upward trend would remain intact. This scenario played out as expected – buying pressure was strong enough to push the index through: → resistance near the 95-point level, where a double-top pattern (a–b) had previously emerged; → the psychological barrier at 100 points. With the Dollar Index gaining roughly 3.7% over the past six weeks, there is now a possibility of increased selling interest. The key question for traders is whether the market will stage a sharp reversal with a false breakout – much like the move seen in September, but this time to the downside. FXOpen offers spreads from 0.0 pips and commissions from $1.50 per lot. Enjoy trading on MT4, MT5, TickTrader or TradingView trading platforms! The FXOpen App is a dedicated mobile application designed to give traders full control of their accounts anytime, anywhere. This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice. Disclaimer: This sponsored market analysis is provided for informational purposes only. We have not independently verified its content and do not bear any responsibility for any information or description of services that it may contain. Information contained in this post is not advice nor a recommendation and thus should not be treated as such. We strongly recommend that you seek independent financial advice from a qualified and regulated professional, before participating or investing in any financial activities or services. Please also read and review our full disclaimer.

Currency.com, a leading global digital finance provider, has partnered with OpenPayd, a leading financial infrastructure platform, to enhance its multi-currency payment and FX liquidity capabilities across the EU and international markets. The partnership will enable Currency.com to offer seamless access to 30 additional currencies and support for instant payment rails including SEPA, SEPA Instant, and Faster Payments. By integrating with OpenPayd’s regulated financial infrastructure, Currency.com gains the ability to process instant deposits, withdrawals, and settlements across multiple currencies. This upgrade strengthens its ability to provide a unified experience for both retail and institutional clients while supporting a growing network of global liquidity providers through automated infrastructure. “I am very proud to form this partnership with OpenPayd,” said Konstantin Anissimov, Global CEO of Currency.com. “The immediate capabilities of OpenPayd will unlock new strategic functionalities for our customers. As both companies continue to advance technologically, we’ll ensure best-in-class services for our users worldwide.” Takeaway Currency.com’s partnership with OpenPayd enhances its global payments infrastructure, expanding access to 30 new currencies and enabling instant cross-border settlements. Strengthening FX Liquidity and Cross-Border Efficiency The collaboration with OpenPayd marks a major milestone in Currency.com’s strategy to streamline its operations and enhance cross-border capabilities. The integration supports real-time liquidity management across multiple jurisdictions and connects Currency.com to a trusted ecosystem of financial institutions and liquidity providers. OpenPayd’s platform enables automated settlement and reconciliation, reducing manual processing and operational complexity while ensuring compliance across regulated markets. This infrastructure positions Currency.com to deliver instant multi-currency transactions and more flexible financial solutions for both fiat and digital assets. “Currency.com is building the next generation of digital finance—creating an offering that is global, intelligent, and adaptable,” said Lux Thiagarajah, Chief Commercial Officer at OpenPayd. “By integrating OpenPayd’s universal financial infrastructure, they can move and manage money seamlessly across borders, with instant settlement, deep liquidity, and complete regulatory confidence.” Takeaway The partnership enables Currency.com to combine deep liquidity with real-time payments, providing clients faster, more compliant access to global markets. Driving Global Financial Access Through Technology and Regulation Operating across more than 100 countries, Currency.com has positioned itself at the forefront of digital finance by offering secure, transparent, and intelligent financial solutions for both individuals and institutions. This partnership with OpenPayd strengthens that foundation—integrating a scalable, regulated payment infrastructure capable of supporting rapid global growth. The collaboration reflects a broader shift in digital finance toward unified payment ecosystems that bridge fiat and crypto liquidity. By enabling seamless currency conversions, instant settlements, and compliant cross-border transactions, Currency.com and OpenPayd are helping to define the next era of digital financial accessibility. Further expansions of supported currencies and payment corridors are planned over the coming months as part of Currency.com’s strategic roadmap to enhance global liquidity and operational efficiency. Together, the two firms aim to create a financial environment where users can manage assets across markets and currencies effortlessly, in real time, and under full regulatory assurance. Takeaway The OpenPayd integration positions Currency.com as a global leader in multi-currency, compliant digital finance, bridging traditional and digital payment ecosystems.

Tradeweb Markets Inc. (Nasdaq: TW), a leading global operator of electronic marketplaces for rates, credit, equities, and money markets, has appointed Sandra “Sandee” Buchanan as its new Chief People Officer (CPO). Buchanan will also join the company’s Executive Committee, underscoring Tradeweb’s ongoing investment in fostering a strong, inclusive, and growth-oriented organizational culture. In her new role, Buchanan will oversee the advancement of Tradeweb’s global talent strategy, leading initiatives to attract, develop, and retain world-class talent. Reporting directly to Chief Executive Officer Billy Hult, she will work closely with Tradeweb’s leadership team to align the firm’s human capital strategy with its long-term business objectives and operational growth plans. “As a technology company powered by human ingenuity and premium client service, our success is driven by our people,” said Hult. “Sandee Buchanan is an exceptional leader with a proven track record of cultivating talent, and we’re confident she will be instrumental in further enhancing our culture and people strategy.” Takeaway Tradeweb’s appointment of Sandra Buchanan reflects its commitment to strengthening its global talent strategy and reinforcing its culture of collaboration and innovation. Experienced Leader with a Proven Record in Talent and Organizational Transformation With more than 25 years of experience in human resources and talent management, Buchanan brings deep expertise across global financial institutions and investment firms. Most recently, she served as Chief Human Resources Officer at GCM Grosvenor, a leading alternative asset management firm, where she guided the company’s global HR function and supported major growth and cultural transformation initiatives. Prior to that, Buchanan held several senior leadership roles, including Global Head of Human Resources for Corporate & Investment Banking at Bank of America, where she led human capital strategy across the firm’s global investment operations. She also spent part of her career at Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase, where she developed a strong foundation in talent acquisition, leadership development, and diversity and inclusion programs. Her extensive experience across financial services and technology-driven organizations positions her to drive Tradeweb’s next phase of talent evolution, supporting the firm’s continued expansion in global markets and its commitment to client service excellence. Takeaway With 25 years in HR leadership across top financial institutions, Buchanan brings strategic depth and people-first expertise to Tradeweb’s executive team. Leadership and Community Engagement Beyond the Boardroom Buchanan is also a dedicated advocate for education and the arts. She serves on the boards of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the Harlem School of the Arts, and Angi Inc., where she contributes her expertise to initiatives supporting education, equity, and creative advancement. She holds an MBA in Marketing from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Baruch College. As Tradeweb continues to expand globally, Buchanan’s leadership will play a key role in shaping the firm’s evolving workplace strategy, aligning its human capital investments with long-term innovation and client growth. Takeaway Beyond her corporate achievements, Buchanan’s board roles reflect her dedication to empowering future leaders and advancing diversity, education, and community engagement.

Canada is moving decisively toward formal regulation of fiat-backed stablecoins, signaling a major shift in national digital asset policy. The federal government’s 2025 budget outlines plans to introduce legislation that will govern the issuance, reserve backing, and redemption requirements for stablecoins used within the Canadian financial system. The move reflects the growing role of stablecoins in payments, decentralized finance, and cross-border transfers, and positions Canada among the first countries to define a clear federal regulatory structure. Strengthening Oversight of Fiat-Backed Stablecoins According to the budget documentation, the proposed legislation will establish clear rules for the creation and supervision of stablecoins that are pegged to traditional currencies. The framework is expected to include strict reserve management standards to ensure that each token is supported by high-quality, readily redeemable assets. Additionally, the legislation will likely mandate reliable redemption rights for users, guaranteeing that stablecoin holders can convert their tokens into Canadian dollars or other supported fiat currencies on demand. Analysts and policymakers say the main objective is to promote stability and consumer protection while enabling innovation. Stablecoins have become increasingly prominent due to their ability to facilitate fast, low-cost transactions and act as a bridge between traditional finance and blockchain networks. However, without clear regulation, concerns have persisted regarding reserve transparency, risk management, and potential systemic vulnerabilities. Building on Previous Provincial Guidance Canada’s move to regulate stablecoins at the federal level builds upon earlier guidance issued by the Canadian Securities Administrators. Under prior rules, trading platforms were permitted to offer certain stablecoins, categorized as value-referenced crypto assets, as long as they complied with specific conditions. These included full reserve backing in cash or equivalent assets and regular audits or attestations. The new federal framework is expected to standardize these requirements nationwide and eliminate regulatory inconsistencies across jurisdictions. The introduction of stablecoin legislation may have broad consequences for Canada’s fintech ecosystem. Domestic firms could benefit from increased clarity, especially companies developing blockchain-based payment tools, decentralized trading platforms, and financial infrastructure. However, firms will face heightened compliance obligations related to reporting, custody, and risk controls. For international stablecoin providers operating in Canada, the framework could set a precedent influencing regulatory approaches in other countries. By establishing rules early, Canada may position itself as a competitive environment for compliant digital asset innovation. Market observers note that global regulators, including those in the United States and European Union, are currently evaluating similar frameworks. While the federal government has confirmed its intention to legislate stablecoin oversight, specific implementation dates have not yet been announced. Policymakers are expected to seek input from financial institutions, blockchain developers, regulated exchanges, and consumer advocacy groups as the legislation moves forward. As stablecoins continue to gain traction in digital commerce, automated market platforms, and cross-border financial operations, the outcome of Canada’s regulatory process will be closely watched. If executed effectively, the new framework could provide clarity, increase consumer confidence, and support the growth of a secure and scalable digital asset marketplace in Canada.

Berachain has confirmed the successful recovery of approximately $12.8 million in assets associated with the recent exploit affecting the BEX decentralized exchange, which runs natively on the Berachain network. The incident was directly connected to a broader vulnerability identified in Balancer v2 smart contract infrastructure. This flaw resulted in a widespread liquidity drain of an estimated $120 million across multiple blockchain networks, impacting decentralized exchanges and liquidity pools integrated with Balancer technology. BEX, as a major liquidity venue within the Berachain ecosystem, was among the platforms affected. Once abnormal activity was detected, the Berachain Foundation initiated an emergency response to limit the scope of the exploit and safeguard user funds. Emergency Network Response and Security Actions To prevent further unauthorized movements of liquidity and mitigate potential cascading impacts, Berachain halted network operations temporarily. This pause enabled developers to isolate the issue and ensure no additional value could be withdrawn as the situation unfolded. Following analysis and internal review, the network executed an emergency hard fork intended to remove the exploit path and stabilize chain-level security. While the network has since resumed normal block production, some advanced BEX trading and liquidity features remain temporarily restricted. Developers are conducting ongoing audits to verify system integrity before full functionality is restored. The Foundation has emphasized that these restrictions are precautionary and intended to ensure user safety. The recovery of the $12.8 million in affected funds was achieved with assistance from a cooperating white hat actor. Berachain leadership acknowledged the white hat’s role in preventing permanent loss, noting that discussions are underway regarding an appropriate bounty or recognition. According to early internal assessments, no permanent user losses resulted from the exploit, and the recovery process did not require forced rollbacks or user-level account adjustments. Ongoing Review and Future Strengthening Measures Berachain and BEX developers are coordinating with Balancer contributors, external security firms, and independent smart contract auditors to lower future attack surfaces. The Foundation has stated that it intends to publish transparency reports detailing the timeline of the incident, funds recovery, technical patching approach, and long-term upgrade plans. This incident has reignited industry-wide discussions about the shared-risk architecture of decentralized finance, particularly the reliance on composable smart contract layers across multiple blockchain ecosystems. While such interoperability enables efficient liquidity aggregation and flexible trading infrastructure, it also increases exposure to systemic vulnerabilities. Despite the temporary disruption, Berachain’s rapid containment, recovery, and user asset protection efforts may reinforce its reputation among institutional and retail participants seeking assurances of operational resilience. The network’s response has highlighted the importance of clear communication, rapid protocol-level decision-making, and collaborative security processes in the evolving DeFi landscape.

Crypto payments platform strengthens South Asian footprint through local partnership with Ceylon Cash Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has announced the official launch of Bybit Pay in Sri Lanka, marking the company’s latest expansion into South Asia’s growing digital payments landscape. The rollout begins with 50 physical point-of-sale (POS) installations and 50 digital merchant activations, giving Sri Lankan businesses and consumers access to seamless crypto-enabled payments for retail, services, and online commerce. Bybit Pay’s launch underscores its mission to build borderless, crypto-native payment infrastructure through a mix of local integration and global connectivity. With Sri Lanka’s mobile penetration now exceeding 130% and digital adoption accelerating, the country represents fertile ground for next-generation payment innovation. “Sri Lanka’s combination of tech-forward consumers, substantial international tourism, and diverse merchant landscape creates ideal conditions for crypto payment adoption,” said Nazar Tymoshchuk, Regional Manager at Bybit. “This rollout is part of Bybit Pay’s commitment to make payments painless, efficient, and borderless for as many people as possible—whether they’re travelling or building businesses.” How Bybit Pay Works in Sri Lanka Bybit Pay’s integration with local partner Ceylon Cash brings crypto payments to life through CeyPay, a locally managed gateway that helps Sri Lankan merchants adopt digital asset transactions with minimal friction. Participating merchants can install Android POS devices for in-store transactions or connect via API for digital commerce—both offering instant proof-of-payment and near-instant settlement. Unlike traditional payment systems that involve multi-day settlement delays, Bybit Pay provides real-time confirmation for both merchants and customers. Businesses can opt to receive payments in crypto or instantly convert to fiat, ensuring operational flexibility and minimal exposure to volatility. Investor Takeaway Bybit’s entry into Sri Lanka positions the company as a key bridge between South Asia’s emerging retail economy and the global crypto payments network — a move that could accelerate real-world digital asset adoption. Addressing Core Challenges for Local Businesses Bybit Pay aims to tackle several structural inefficiencies that limit small business growth in Sri Lanka’s payments ecosystem: Lightning-Speed Settlement: Real-time crypto transactions eliminate multi-day settlement lags common in legacy banking systems. Affordable Access: Low transaction costs make international commerce feasible for small merchants while improving profit margins. Cross-Border Reach: Enables merchants to serve both domestic and international customers, expanding beyond currency and geographical barriers. Trust and Security: Built-in fraud prevention, regulatory compliance, and encryption protocols ensure transaction reliability and reduce dispute risks. Flexible Settlement Options: Merchants can choose to receive funds in stablecoins, crypto, or local fiat currency depending on preference. For consumers, Bybit Pay brings an intuitive, mobile-first experience that supports payments via wallet scans, API integrations, or merchant dashboards. The platform connects seamlessly with the Bybit app ecosystem, ensuring accessibility for both international travellers and local users. Investor Takeaway Bybit Pay’s hybrid fiat–crypto settlement model reduces friction for merchants and builds user confidence, a critical step toward integrating Web3 payments into mainstream economies. Supporting Sri Lanka’s Digital Transformation Goals Bybit Pay’s launch aligns with Sri Lanka’s broader digital economy initiatives aimed at enhancing financial inclusion and advancing e-commerce readiness. The collaboration with Ceylon Cash reflects a strategy of localization—ensuring compliance with national frameworks while expanding access to the global crypto economy. In the coming weeks, Bybit Pay will publish an official directory listing all 100 onboarded merchants, including retailers, service providers, and online businesses. This list will help users easily identify crypto-ready merchants and accelerate network growth across key urban and tourism centers such as Colombo, Kandy, and Galle. The Sri Lanka rollout adds to Bybit Pay’s expanding international footprint following recent deployments in Armenia and other emerging markets. The company’s continued focus on localization, interoperability, and compliance underscores its long-term ambition to create a borderless digital payments network connecting both developed and emerging economies.

United Fintech, the digital transformation group connecting financial institutions and fintech innovators, has announced the acquisition of Trade Ledger, a pioneering provider of AI-powered lending technology. The deal marks a strategic expansion of United Fintech’s Commercial Banking division and positions the group at the forefront of intelligent infrastructure for global financial institutions. Trade Ledger’s proprietary platform automates commercial and business lending, using advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence to streamline loan origination, underwriting, and portfolio management. The company serves an impressive client base including Barclays and the Bank of Queensland, demonstrating its leadership in data-driven lending transformation. “AI is redefining how banks operate, and Trade Ledger is at the forefront of that change,” said Christian Frahm, CEO and Founder of United Fintech. “Together with our acquisition of CBA earlier this year, we’re building the most complete digital infrastructure for commercial banking, from lending and trade finance to payments. Through the United Fintech ecosystem, we’re scaling this innovation globally to give financial institutions the intelligent infrastructure they need to thrive in the AI era.” Takeaway United Fintech’s acquisition of Trade Ledger accelerates the group’s mission to deliver AI-powered commercial banking solutions across lending, payments, and trade finance. Driving Global Digital Transformation in Commercial Banking The acquisition builds on United Fintech’s rapid expansion strategy, following its integration of CBA earlier in 2025 to strengthen its payments and trade finance capabilities. The addition of Trade Ledger introduces a powerful new layer of AI innovation—one that directly addresses the growing demand from financial institutions for smarter, automated, and data-led solutions. Trade Ledger’s technology transforms commercial lending into a real-time, data-driven experience, enabling banks to optimize credit decisioning and operational workflows. Combined with United Fintech’s portfolio of digital infrastructure companies, the acquisition enhances cross-functional synergies between payments, lending, and liquidity management. The transaction, structured as an all-share deal, ensures alignment between the two companies’ long-term interests. As part of the agreement, Trade Ledger’s founders have exchanged their shares for equity in United Fintech, underscoring their confidence in the shared vision and future growth potential of the combined group. Takeaway By integrating Trade Ledger’s AI-native lending platform, United Fintech strengthens its position as a global partner helping banks modernize credit decisioning and digital workflows. Scaling Intelligent Banking Solutions Through a Unified Ecosystem For Trade Ledger, joining United Fintech represents an opportunity to accelerate its global impact while maintaining its brand identity and leadership structure. Martin McCann, CEO and Co-Founder of Trade Ledger, emphasized the cultural and strategic fit: “Our ambition has always been to transform how banks use data and technology to serve their customers. By becoming part of United Fintech, we gain the expertise, scale, and reach to deliver that vision faster than ever before.” Founded in 2016 in Sydney and headquartered in London, Trade Ledger developed the world’s first AI-native Agentic Platform for commercial banking. Its solutions are designed to automate every stage of the lending lifecycle, allowing financial institutions to deploy capital more efficiently, minimize risk, and respond quickly to market changes. These capabilities align directly with United Fintech’s vision of delivering end-to-end digital transformation for global financial institutions. Supported by strategic investors including BNP Paribas, Citi, Danske Bank, and Standard Chartered, United Fintech continues to consolidate proven fintech innovations into a single ecosystem—simplifying adoption for banks and accelerating their path toward full-scale digital modernization. Takeaway The integration of Trade Ledger into United Fintech’s ecosystem positions the group as a global leader in AI-driven financial infrastructure, uniting data, automation, and innovation under one platform.

Bahrain’s leading bank pioneers digital asset trading via Binance Link Program, setting a new standard for crypto integration in mainstream banking The Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Binance, the world’s largest blockchain ecosystem and crypto-asset exchange, to deliver the first-ever Crypto-as-a-Service (CaaS) integration in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The partnership, pending regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), marks a pivotal step in bridging traditional and digital finance across the Middle East. The announcement was made during the Gateway Gulf Investment Forum Bahrain 2025, underscoring Bahrain’s growing reputation as a regional leader in digital asset innovation and financial technology adoption. What the Partnership Means for BBK and Binance Under this agreement, BBK will become the first bank in the GCC to join the Binance Link Program — a white-label infrastructure solution enabling regulated institutions to offer crypto services directly within their own platforms. The initiative positions BBK as a first mover among regional banks in offering direct crypto trading and management capabilities via its Mobile Banking App. Through Binance’s Plug & Play APIs, BBK customers will be able to buy, sell, and manage crypto assets from a dedicated dashboard within their existing banking app. This seamless integration eliminates the need for separate Binance accounts, offering users a unified experience for both traditional and digital investments under BBK’s trusted infrastructure. “This partnership reflects BBK’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric digital transformation,” said Yaser Alsharifi, Group Chief Executive of BBK. “By integrating Binance’s capabilities into our mobile platform, we are empowering customers with secure, convenient access to a broader range of investment opportunities.” Investor Takeaway BBK’s integration of Binance’s Crypto-as-a-Service model signals a turning point for Middle Eastern banking — where traditional institutions embrace crypto infrastructure natively, not externally. Why This Move Sets a GCC Benchmark This collaboration represents a regional first in embedding crypto functionality directly into a regulated bank’s digital platform. For customers, the result is frictionless access to digital assets alongside everyday financial tools such as savings, payments, and investments. For the broader market, it establishes a proof of concept for regulated CaaS adoption across the GCC, paving the way for other banks to explore similar models under CBB oversight. Tameem Al Moosawi, General Manager of Binance Bahrain, emphasized the national significance of the project: “We are proud to collaborate with BBK on this groundbreaking initiative. This not only enhances financial inclusion but also reinforces Bahrain’s position as a regional leader in crypto-asset innovation.” The partnership is also aligned with Bahrain’s national digital economy strategy, which encourages the integration of blockchain, RegTech, and tokenization technologies within the banking sector. The CBB has been among the most progressive regulators in the region, having already licensed several crypto exchanges and pilot-tested digital settlement solutions under its regulatory sandbox. Investor Takeaway This MoU may accelerate adoption of regulated crypto products in the GCC, giving early movers like BBK and Binance a strong competitive advantage as digital assets enter mainstream finance. Embedding Finance: The Next Evolution for Banking The integration supports BBK’s broader embedded banking strategy — the unification of deposits, payments, investments, and digital assets under one platform. Once regulatory approval is granted, BBK customers will enjoy instant access to Binance’s liquidity and trading infrastructure directly through the BBK Mobile App. Catherine Chen, Head of VIP & Institutional at Binance, commented: “As demand for crypto assets rises globally, we are pleased to collaborate with BBK to help them offer these assets to clients at scale, unlocking new growth potential.” By merging crypto and traditional banking experiences, BBK aims to provide customers with the flexibility of Web3 within the security of a regulated environment. The move signals how Gulf banks are responding to customer demand for crypto exposure—without forcing users to leave the regulated ecosystem. The Bigger Picture: GCC’s Race Toward Digital Finance The BBK–Binance partnership comes as other financial hubs, including Dubai and Riyadh, ramp up efforts to attract crypto innovation. Yet, Bahrain continues to hold a lead in crypto regulation maturity, thanks to early CBB initiatives and active collaboration with major blockchain firms. This MoU underscores Bahrain’s intent to remain a key testing ground for compliant digital finance models in the region. Once approved, the initiative could inspire a new wave of Crypto-as-a-Service partnerships across the Gulf, as banks seek to retain customers within their ecosystems while capturing revenue from the growing digital asset market. For Binance, it cements its role not just as an exchange, but as the infrastructure backbone for Web3 adoption in traditional finance.

Exness Regional Commercial Director Paul Margarites reflects on the company’s long-term commitment to South Africa and the importance of proximity, talent, and trust in modern finance. South Africa’s financial landscape is entering a new era of growth and sophistication. As one of the continent’s most advanced markets, it is defined by robust regulation, world-class talent, and an increasingly empowered community of traders. Yet amid the rise of digital trading and automation, one factor remains timeless: the importance of proximity and trust. For traders across Africa, financial relationships are built not only on performance but on connection. Digital innovation has transformed how people trade, but it has not replaced the need for human understanding. In markets like South Africa, which are mature, diverse, and ambitious, a local presence still matters. The opening of Exness' new office in Cape Town is more than a milestone; it is a promise. It reflects our company’s belief that the best way to serve a market is to be part of it. Being on the ground allows Exness to listen more closely, respond more quickly, and engage more meaningfully with the trading community, building trust through proximity and partnership. A mature market with untapped potential South Africa is a financial powerhouse on the continent with a sophisticated regulatory and finance environment, a growing community of informed traders, and a strong culture of innovation. Yet there remains huge room for growth, especially when it comes to financial literacy, access, and trust. Sustainable growth in this industry depends on three enduring principles: reliability, transparency, and understanding. Reliability builds confidence, transparency earns respect, and understanding ensures that solutions truly serve traders' needs. These principles guide Exness’ approach as it deepens its commitment to the South African market and the wider region. Trust built through proximity Trust remains the cornerstone of modern finance. It cannot be assumed, and it certainly cannot be built from afar. Traders value brokers that are accountable, accessible, and present within their markets. That is why establishing a physical presence in South Africa was a natural step for us. Through our new Cape Town office, we can engage directly with local professionals, regulators, and partners. It is not about simply opening doors; it is about opening dialogue. This proximity enables faster response times and a deeper understanding of local challenges. The closer we are to our clients, the better we can understand and anticipate their needs and offer meaningful support. Local talent, global standards Another key part of our vision is nurturing South African talent. I am proud that our Cape Town office is already home to exceptional professionals who share our values of openness, integrity, and innovation. These individuals bring a blend of global perspective and local insight—people who understand both the pace of international markets and the nuances of the trading landscape in the SSA region. This local expertise is essential. It ensures that when a client reaches out, they are speaking with someone who knows their environment, their regulations, and their ambitions. That kind of understanding turns transactions into relationships. Regulation as the foundation of confidence At Exness, we welcome strong regulation because it creates the conditions for long-term trust. Operating under the supervision of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa reinforces our commitment to transparency and accountability. It is also a signal to traders that they are working with a broker that adheres to the rules and prioritizes client protection. Beyond South Africa, we hold additional licenses, including one from the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) in Kenya, which reflects our broader commitment to regulatory excellence across Africa. Each license is a promise to regulators, clients, and ourselves that we will uphold the highest standards wherever we operate. A long-term partnership with South Africa The opening of the Cape Town office marks the beginning of a deeper partnership with South Africa’s financial community. We want to be a long-term contributor to South Africa’s financial ecosystem: creating jobs, transferring knowledge, and supporting education. The company’s long-term vision includes supporting financial literacy programs, fostering collaborations with local institutions, and helping build a new generation of confident, well-informed traders. I have always believed that progress in finance should be inclusive. Technology has made global markets more accessible than ever before. Yet access without understanding can create risk. By combining digital innovation with human connection, we can help make trading not only more efficient but also more responsible. Looking ahead South Africa is poised to play an increasingly influential role in global finance. Its traders are informed and resilient, its professionals are ambitious and forward-thinking. As the local fintech and trading ecosystem continues to expand, proximity and trust will remain the key factors in determining success. Our goal is to empower that energy—to provide the tools, knowledge, and reliability that help people safely and confidently grow their potential. For Exness, this office is not an endpoint. It is a foundation for partnership, progress, and shared success. And for me personally, it is a reminder that behind every chart and every number, there are people—individuals and communities—whose trust must be earned every day. That is what drives us forward and what will continue to define our presence in South Africa.

Grayscale has submitted a new amendment to its registration filing for the Grayscale XRP Trust, advancing efforts to bring a spot XRP exchange-traded fund to the U.S. market. The filing, submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission, reflects ongoing preparation as issuers continue refining documentation amid shifting regulatory standards for cryptocurrency-based investment products. Grayscale is seeking to convert the Grayscale XRP Trust into a publicly traded spot ETF, similar to past efforts involving Bitcoin and other digital assets. The amendment marks another procedural step rather than an indication of imminent approval, but it underscores sustained institutional interest in structured exposure to XRP. Regulatory Context and Evolving ETF Landscape The new amendment arrives at a time when the SEC is reassessing frameworks surrounding digital asset funds. Recent developments in the spot Bitcoin ETF market have influenced expectations across the broader crypto ETF category, with several issuers exploring pathways to expand offerings beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. While the SEC has permitted futures-based cryptocurrency ETFs in the past, spot products generally undergo more granular scrutiny due to concerns around market integrity, custody arrangements, and underlying asset price formation. For Grayscale, the amendment supports continued alignment with updated disclosure requirements and technical clarifications. The process of reviewing and submitting new amendments is common as products move through regulatory review, particularly in emerging categories such as spot digital asset ETFs. Although the amendment does not provide new public target dates or launch schedules, it demonstrates ongoing engagement between issuers and regulators. Investor Interest and Market Outlook Industry analysts note increasing investor interest in regulated exposure to XRP, particularly given its role in cross-border settlement systems and institutional payments. A potential spot XRP ETF could expand access for investors who prefer exposure through traditional brokerage accounts, while also contributing to broader liquidity and price discovery. Despite growing demand, approval timelines remain uncertain. The SEC continues to evaluate factors such as surveillance-sharing agreements, custodial safeguards, and historical trading behavior associated with the XRP market. Approval decisions for one digital asset ETF may influence future decisions for others, depending on how regulatory frameworks evolve. Market participants will closely monitor any future updates from the SEC, including comment responses or further documentation adjustments. If approved, a spot XRP ETF would introduce another regulated digital asset investment option and provide a new avenue for institutional participation. The amendment reinforces the ongoing maturation of cryptocurrency investment infrastructure and highlights the continued integration of digital assets into the broader financial system. As regulatory clarity progresses and investor interest expands, the market will watch for signals regarding the path forward for XRP and other digital assets seeking ETF approval.

Capital is returning to global markets, but the cryptocurrency sector is no longer the primary beneficiary of new investment, according to a recent report from digital asset market maker Wintermute. The analysis indicates that while liquidity conditions are generally improving, capital is being allocated more aggressively to equities and artificial intelligence-related sectors than to digital assets. The trend suggests that crypto is currently in a consolidation phase, even as underlying infrastructure and institutional engagement continue to develop. Shift in Liquidity Trends Wintermute’s research highlights that stablecoin supply, a commonly cited indicator of available liquidity within the crypto ecosystem, continues to increase at a steady rate. However, net inflows into Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other leading digital assets have slowed compared to earlier in the year. Trading volumes have also moderated, contributing to a market environment characterized by limited price movement and tighter ranges. According to the firm, a key driver of the reallocation is the heightened focus on artificial intelligence technologies. Public and private markets are directing significant capital toward AI research, semiconductor manufacturing, data-center infrastructure, and cloud computing services. Equity markets tied to these developments have seen strong performance, prompting investors to prioritize sectors perceived to have clearer near-term revenue growth and adoption pathways. Impact on Crypto Market Behavior The report notes that the slowdown in crypto inflows has resulted in a market where price action is more closely influenced by macroeconomic developments than by internal industry narratives. Bitcoin and Ethereum remain widely held by institutional and retail investors, but the pace of new capital entry has eased. Wintermute argues that this dynamic may be reducing the predictability of previously observed cycle-driven patterns, such as those associated with Bitcoin’s halving events. Instead, the firm suggests that global liquidity conditions now play a more prominent role in shaping digital asset market direction. When liquidity expands, multiple asset classes may benefit, but the timing and distribution of capital flows can vary. At present, AI-related investments appear to be absorbing a large share of new market participation, leaving crypto to move in more incremental steps. Despite the softened capital inflows, Wintermute does not characterize the current market environment as negative for the long-term development of the crypto industry. The report points to continued institutional engagement, growing regulatory clarity in several jurisdictions, and ongoing progress in blockchain scaling solutions. The expansion of stablecoins is viewed as a particularly important indicator of the market’s underlying resilience, as it reflects sustained transactional demand and on-chain liquidity. Wintermute concludes that crypto markets may see reaccelerated growth once the current cycle of AI-driven capital rotation stabilizes. As global liquidity expands further and institutional market participants reassess portfolio allocations, digital assets may regain momentum. For now, however, investor attention appears focused on sectors demonstrating immediate technological application and earnings potential.

Gemini is preparing to launch regulated prediction markets in the United States, a move that reflects growing demand for event-based trading products and clearer regulatory guidance around such instruments. The development follows Gemini’s filing in May 2025 with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to operate a designated contract market, known as Gemini Titan, which would allow the exchange to list and clear event contracts tied to real-world outcomes. Rising Interest in Event-Based Trading Prediction markets, sometimes referred to as event contracts, allow traders to take positions on the likelihood of future events, including elections, policy decisions, economic indicators, and other measurable outcomes. While the concept has long existed in decentralized and informal markets, regulated exchanges have historically faced challenges due to concerns that these instruments could resemble gambling. In recent years, however, regulatory bodies have begun to clarify the circumstances under which event contracts may qualify as legitimate derivatives. Gemini’s pursuit of regulatory approval reflects a broader industry shift toward integrating prediction markets into mainstream financial offerings. The exchange’s goal appears to be establishing a compliant, federally regulated platform that appeals to both institutional and retail traders seeking exposure to event-driven market opportunities. The regulatory environment surrounding prediction markets has evolved as the CFTC reassesses their role within the derivatives ecosystem. In the past, platforms offering similar products in the United States have operated under no-action relief, research exemptions, or offshore frameworks, limiting accessibility and scale. By applying for a designated contract market license, Gemini is signaling that it intends to bring event-based products under the same regulatory structure that governs commodity futures and other derivatives. This strategy positions Gemini alongside a small group of exchanges exploring similar offerings while distinguishing itself from unregulated or jurisdictionally ambiguous competitors. If approved, Gemini Titan could become one of the first regulated venues in the U.S. to provide broad access to event contracts. Potential Impact on Traders and Market Structure A regulated prediction market could attract traders seeking tools for hedging, speculation, or portfolio diversification tied to political and macroeconomic developments. Event contracts may also appeal to professional market participants who analyze public data and sentiment to form probabilistic forecasts. By operating within a regulated framework, Gemini could expand the market’s reach beyond niche user bases and provide greater transparency, standardization, and market integrity. However, the launch timeline depends heavily on the CFTC’s approval process, which typically involves detailed review and opportunities for public comment. The duration and outcome of this process remain uncertain. Gemini has not provided specific dates for when trading might begin, and further regulatory developments will determine the pace of rollout. Industry observers note that the move highlights a growing belief that prediction markets could become a recognized asset class within the U.S. financial system. If approved, Gemini Titan may influence how other exchanges approach regulated event-based trading, potentially accelerating broader market adoption. The decision could also serve as a benchmark for how U.S. regulators balance innovation with consumer protection and market oversight.

FINRA voted last month to replace the Pattern Day Trader (PDT) rule’s hard $25,000 equity threshold with a risk-based intraday margin framework, a move that still requires the SEC’s approval before it becomes reality.  On the surface, that sounds like bureaucratic housekeeping. In practice, if approved and implemented, it would change the texture of U.S. retail trading by turning a binary on/off gate into a graduated dial. Smaller accounts that previously hit a wall after a few round trips in five days would be allowed to day-trade within risk limits, while brokers would rely more heavily on real-time exposure controls than on a capital minimum written into stone. That shift matters for both behavior and economics. During the 2020–2021 boom, retail flow surged whenever friction fell—from zero-commission pricing to instant deposits—producing non-linear jumps in daily average revenue trades (DARTs), margin balances, and options activity. A risk-based PDT regime won’t recreate the meme era, but it can broaden participation meaningfully. It also favors firms with the plumbing to supervise risk in real time and monetize high-velocity order flow without choking their systems. With that backdrop, three brokerages look like first-order beneficiaries—Interactive Brokers, Robinhood, and Charles Schwab—while Tesla stands out as a second-order winner via the flow that retail traders pour into it around catalysts. A gate becomes a throttle The essence of FINRA’s proposal is simple: replace the $25,000 bright line with intraday maintenance-margin standards scaled to the risk of the positions a customer takes. Instead of asking, “Do you have twenty-five grand, yes or no?” the system will ask, “How large, how volatile, and how correlated are your intraday exposures, and do they fit inside your risk limits?” Brokers can still impose house rules that are stricter than the baseline—cool-off periods after breaches, higher requirements for multi-leg options, experience tiers for complex products—but the forced binary shutoff for sub-$25k accounts should recede. The likely behavioral impact is straightforward. More accounts can make more intraday decisions, especially in single-name equities and straightforward options. Turnover tends to increase first in high-beta, high-liquidity names where spreads are tight and news flow is constant. Gains in equities often lead, and options activity follows as traders look for leverage or hedge short-term views. Importantly, none of this implies unlimited leverage. Real-time risk controls, automated liquidations, and house limits will still bite when exposures grow too large relative to equity. Interactive Brokers: risk engine at scale Interactive Brokers (IBKR) has built its identity around technology, multi-asset access, and conservative risk. That combination aligns perfectly with a world where day-trading permission is governed by dynamic exposure rather than a static capital hurdle. When activity rises, IBKR’s model tends to throw off operating leverage: DARTs rise, customer margin loans expand, and incremental revenue drops through because the firm’s unit costs are low and the platform is already built to supervise complex exposures across equities, options, futures, and FX. The most plausible path for IBKR is steady share capture rather than a sudden spike. The users most helped by the rule change—the sub-$25k cohort—will include a subset that wants more powerful tools, better margin rates, and products beyond cash equities. As that group graduates from purely mobile, single-market apps, IBKR’s depth becomes a selling point. There is a counterpoint: the company’s risk posture is strict by design, and management is unlikely to swing the door wide open if telemetry suggests elevated loss rates.  Robinhood: the most direct sensitivity If Interactive Brokers is the risk-engine native, Robinhood is the purest play on the cohort that the $25,000 rule fenced out. Robinhood’s growth engine was built on lowering frictions for first-time traders: a clean mobile interface, commissions at zero, instant settlement features, and a product surface that channels curiosity into action. Removing the PDT cliff fits that story. It broadens the top of Robinhood’s funnel (more new accounts that keep trading) and can deepen engagement loops inside the app (alerts, earnings moments, and short-dated options that align with the way Robinhood’s users already interact). Robinhood historically monetizes activity most efficiently in options and crypto, where take rates are higher than for cash equity trades. A rule change that encourages frequent trading could therefore have an outsized impact on revenue per active user. The risks are also straightforward. Even with SEC approval, house rules will determine how much of the theoretical activity becomes realized volume. And if retail enthusiasm leads to visible losses in small accounts, the firm will face the familiar optics of “gamification” and suitability. That’s part of the reason to expect a measured rollout—open the door, yes, but meter the risk based on data. Charles Schwab: scale, stability, and a deep bench Schwab brings two things others can’t match: sheer scale and a broad platform that spans active trading and long-term wealth. The integration of thinkorswim® gives the firm a capable front end for advanced retail traders, while its enormous base of accounts, cash sweeps, and advisory relationships gives it a second engine that hums even when the tape calms down. In an environment where more people are allowed to dabble intraday, that breadth works as a flywheel. A customer who comes for trading can be retained for wealth; a customer who saves for wealth can be upsold into occasional trading. The revenue capture mechanics are not complicated. More turnover supports order-routing economics and securities lending; larger balances support net interest income. If activity skews to options—which is likely—routing scale matters, and Schwab has it. The main caution is mix: if most of the incremental action ends up in ultra-short-dated options, the firm will need to ensure it captures value through routing and spreads, not just by hosting more tickets. But as with IBKR, the ability to supervise risk in real time—and to take a conservative stance when needed—helps turn policy change into sustainable economics. It is important to keep timing and discretion front and center. FINRA’s board vote set the direction; the SEC must still publish, review, and approve the amendments, and that process can modify language or stretch timelines. After that, brokers will need to push changes into production systems, test surveillance, and tune house rules. In other words, treat the reform as a pipeline catalyst, not as live ammunition. Who else stands to benefit if PDT is replaced? The effects won’t stop with Interactive Brokers, Robinhood, Schwab, and the “flow recipient” in some heavily traded stocks. If the SEC signs off and brokers implement the change, the uplift should ripple across most of U.S. retail market structure. Other retail brokerages. Parent companies of major retail platforms—Morgan Stanley (E*TRADE), Bank of America (Merrill Edge), JPMorgan (J.P. Morgan Self-Directed), and SoFi—would see the same basic tailwind: more eligible day-trades from smaller accounts, more options usage, and more margin balances. Because these firms already monetize through order routing, securities lending, and net interest income, even modest increases in activity can translate into outsized revenue contributions. Wholesale market makers. Firms that internalize retail flow, notably Virtu Financial and privately held Citadel Securities, typically benefit whenever order counts rise and spreads thicken around short-dated options. A risk-based PDT regime doesn’t guarantee higher volatility, but it does tend to increase the number of small, frequent orders—exactly the flow wholesalers are built to process. Exchanges and options venues. Transaction businesses like Cboe, Nasdaq, and ICE/NYSE are second-order winners. In recent years, the fastest-growing corner of retail activity has been near-term options; if more accounts can trade intraday under maintenance-margin limits, listed derivatives volumes should continue to expand, supporting prints, fees, and market-data lines. Other “retail magnets.” Beyond brokers, the usual high-liquidity favorites— TSLA, NVIDIA, AMD, Meta, Amazon, and index/ETF underliers like SPX/QQQ—are natural catch-basins for incremental day-trading.  Conclusion: What to watch as this unfolds A regular article shouldn’t drown in checklists, but a few markers will separate signal from noise. First, the SEC docket: the formal filing and, later, the approval order with an effective date are the real catalysts. Until they appear, headlines that say “PDT is dead” are just that—headlines. Second, the fine print on broker help pages and customer agreements: watch for the language shift from the $25,000 minimum to “intraday maintenance-margin applies to day trades,” along with any experience-based tiers. Third, earnings cadence and monthly disclosures: DARTs, options notional, margin-loan balances, net interest income.  IBKR’s monthly updates and Robinhood’s mix commentary are particularly informative, and Schwab’s sheer asset base provides context for scale effects. Lastly, early-cycle stress signals: forced-liquidation spikes, systems incidents, or viral loss stories will push firms to tighten house rules and slow the opening.

OFAC Targets North Korean Bankers and Front Companies The U.S. Treasury has imposed new sanctions on a network of North Korean banks and officials accused of laundering millions of dollars in cryptocurrency stolen through state-backed cyberattacks. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said Tuesday it designated eight individuals and two entities for laundering funds derived from ransomware and illicit IT work schemes that finance Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs. According to OFAC, the group moved at least $5.3 million in digital assets through sanctioned institutions, part of more than $2 billion in crypto stolen by North Korean hackers so far in 2025, based on data from blockchain analytics firm Elliptic. The sanctioned entities include First Credit Bank, Ryujong Credit Bank, and the Korea Mangyongdae Computer Technology Company (KMCTC). “North Korean state-sponsored hackers steal and launder money to fund the regime’s nuclear weapons program,” said John K. Hurley, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. He added that the latest designations target the “financial arteries” supporting the country’s cyber operations. Investor Takeaway The crackdown highlights how North Korea’s crypto theft operations have evolved into an industrial-scale funding pipeline for weapons programs, drawing sharper scrutiny from U.S. regulators. Elliptic and Treasury Trace Laundered Crypto Elliptic’s research shows North Korea-linked groups have expanded from targeting exchanges to using complex networks of shell companies and over-the-counter brokers in China and Russia. Two bankers, Jang Kuk Chol and Ho Jong Son, allegedly handled at least $5.3 million in stolen crypto tied to First Credit Bank. The funds originated from ransomware attacks on U.S. victims and remittances from overseas North Korean IT workers operating under false identities. OFAC said both men were designated under multiple executive orders covering cyber-enabled activities and state revenue operations. The sanctions freeze their U.S.-linked assets and prohibit Americans from doing business with them or the affiliated institutions. KMCTC, another target of the sanctions, operates IT worker delegations in the Chinese cities of Shenyang and Dandong. The Treasury said its president, U Yong Su, used Chinese nationals as banking proxies to mask the origin of earnings from sanctioned North Korean tech workers abroad. The company is accused of routing crypto through intermediaries to fund the regime’s defense programs. Use of AI and Social Engineering in Attacks Officials and cybersecurity researchers say North Korea’s hacking networks have become more sophisticated, using artificial intelligence to scale phishing and malware campaigns. Treasury has linked North Korean hackers to large-scale intrusions on crypto firms and decentralized exchanges, combining AI-generated profiles with tailored social engineering tactics to breach targets. These operations, often run by the Lazarus Group and its affiliates, rely on automated laundering tools that move funds across multiple blockchains and exchanges. The use of sanctioned foreign banks has further complicated tracing efforts, allowing North Korea to recycle stolen crypto into hard currency or goods used by its defense sector. Investor Takeaway Treasury’s latest designations signal closer coordination between blockchain analytics firms and regulators to choke off crypto-based sanctions evasion networks. Washington Expands Financial Pressure The sanctions on Ryujong Credit Bank extend a years-long effort by Washington to block North Korea’s access to the global banking system. The bank has been accused of handling transfers for entities already blacklisted for sanctions evasion and crypto laundering. OFAC said the coordinated actions are part of a broader campaign to “cut off illicit revenue streams” tied to cyber operations and weapons development. Analysts say the growing volume of stolen crypto underscores Pyongyang’s pivot to digital finance as sanctions have tightened on traditional trade. In the first eight months of 2025 alone, Elliptic estimates more than $2 billion worth of digital assets were taken from exchanges and decentralized protocols linked to Western and Asian markets. While enforcement has improved, the report warned that North Korea’s use of intermediaries in China and Russia continues to limit the effectiveness of sanctions. Regulators are now considering additional measures targeting crypto mixers and OTC desks that process transactions from DPRK-controlled wallets. Tuesday’s designations bring the number of North Korean crypto-linked entities under U.S. sanctions to more than 70. Treasury officials said the department will continue working with partners in Europe and Asia to track and seize stolen funds.  

We rely on AI to make predictions, diagnose diseases, and manage data, yet we rarely understand how it reaches its conclusions. Verifiable AI models are designed to close that gap. They link every computation to an immutable record that enables complete transparency and traceability of the model’s decision-making process. They bring accountability to artificial intelligence, ensuring that every outcome can be proven, verified, and trusted. In this guide, you’ll learn what verifiable AI models are, how they work in simple terms, and why they’re becoming increasingly important for developers and professionals who want to build AI systems people can truly rely on. Key Takeaways • Verifiable AI models store AI computations and results on blockchain for auditability. • They ensure trust in AI predictions for high-stakes applications. • These models are decentralized, tamper-proof, and allow continuous verification. • Actual deployments already demonstrate their potential in finance, healthcare, and data marketplaces. What Are Verifiable AI Models? Verifiable AI models are systems that use blockchain to make every AI decision traceable and provable, ensuring transparency from input to output. They record how an AI makes decisions on a blockchain so anyone can confirm their accuracy and authenticity. Conventional AI systems often keep their internal processes hidden as proprietary secrets, while verifiable AI models create a clear and traceable record of every computation they perform. Each prediction and decision made by the AI can be checked for accuracy without relying on a central authority. This approach tackles one of the biggest barriers to AI adoption which is reliability. In industries such as finance and healthcare, stakeholders must be certain that AI-powered decisions are fair, precise, and open to review. By storing essential model activities and outputs on-chain, verifiable AI models create a permanent record that can be examined and confirmed whenever needed. How Does Verifiable AI Models Work? The technical workflow of verifiable AI models usually involves three interconnected stages that work together to build credibility and accountability. It begins with model registration, where the AI model is recorded on a blockchain network. During this stage, important details such as metadata, version information, and cryptographic hashes of the model parameters are securely stored to establish its digital identity. Next comes computation logging, which tracks the model’s activities in real time. Every prediction and output generated by the AI system is logged on-chain, but instead of storing complete datasets, the system saves concise summaries that confirm the validity of computations. The final stage involves verification protocols, where blockchain-based mechanisms enable anyone to confirm that an output aligns with the model’s logic and inputs. Techniques such as zero-knowledge proofs and cryptographic commitments make this process possible, ensuring privacy while preserving transparency. Together, these steps create a foundation of reliability. Verifiable AI models give organizations and users a sense of certainty in AI-generated results without exposing sensitive data or proprietary code, making them especially valuable in regulated industries. Benefits of Verifiable AI Models Verifiable AI models offer several key advantages that make them valuable across industries: • Transparency: On-chain documentation ensures every AI process is open to review and fully auditable. • Security: Immutable on-chain records protect against tampering and unauthorized alterations of outputs. • Accountability: Stakeholders can trace each decision back to the specific model and inputs that generated it. • Interoperability: Decentralized verification enables consistent validation of AI results across different systems. Challenges and Considerations While this is promising, verifiable AI models still face a few important challenges that developers and organizations must address: • High computation costs:  Recording full AI processes on-chain is expensive and inefficient, so most systems depend on cryptographic proofs instead of complete data storage. • Scalability: Maintaining verifiability across large-scale models requires thoughtful design to prevent slow performance and network congestion. • Integration complexity: Combining verifiable AI models with existing infrastructure often demands advanced skills in both blockchain and artificial intelligence. Conclusion Verifiable AI models integrate the intelligence of artificial intelligence with the reliability and openness of blockchain technology. They create a strong foundation for building systems that are accountable, auditable, reliable. Already, these models are proving their worth in areas such as decentralized finance, healthcare, and data marketplaces. As more organizations place emphasis on transparency and security, verifiable AI models are set to play a major role in how intelligent systems operate.  

Teng Rejects Allegations of Involvement Richard Teng, chief executive of Binance, denied claims that the exchange played any part in choosing USD1 — a stablecoin launched by the Trump family’s World Liberty Financial — for a $2 billion transaction with Abu Dhabi-based firm MGX. The comments were made in an interview reported by CNBC on Tuesday. “[T]he usage of USD1 [for the] transaction between MGX as a strategic investor into Binance, that was decided by MGX... We didn’t partake in that decision,” Teng said, according to CNBC. The executive said Binance had no involvement in determining the settlement currency for the investment. The MGX investment was announced in March and quickly drew political attention in Washington after U.S. President Donald Trump granted a presidential pardon to Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao on Oct. 23. Critics in Congress have accused the administration of favoring allies in the crypto industry through selective enforcement and political deals. Investor Takeaway Teng’s comments seek to distance Binance from the Trump family’s growing involvement in crypto, as regulatory and political scrutiny intensifies ahead of the 2026 election cycle. Political Fallout After CZ’s Pardon The pardon for Zhao followed his guilty plea to U.S. charges tied to Binance’s Anti-Money Laundering violations and a $4.3 billion settlement reached last year. Trump later told CBS’s 60 Minutes that he “didn’t know who [Zhao] was,” while suggesting that the Justice Department under his predecessor had unfairly targeted him. That explanation did little to ease concerns among lawmakers. In October, Senator Chris Murphy said Binance.US was “promoting Trump crypto” in the wake of the pardon, while Senator Elizabeth Warren alleged improper ties between Zhao and the Trump administration. Binance has threatened to pursue legal action over those accusations. Questions Over Binance’s Ties to USD1 Despite Teng’s denial, a Bloomberg report in July cited three unnamed sources claiming Binance had a hand in developing parts of USD1’s codebase. At the time, Zhao said he was considering legal action against the outlet, describing the report as defamatory. Bloomberg stood by its reporting. The Trump-linked stablecoin was created through World Liberty Financial, a business co-founded by Eric Trump that markets itself as “America’s financial freedom network.” Eric Trump said earlier this year that the MGX investment in Binance would be settled using USD1, allowing the family business to benefit from transaction fees tied to the coin’s circulation. The announcement triggered debate over conflicts of interest, with critics saying the use of a Trump-branded token in a multibillion-dollar investment involving a recently pardoned executive raised ethical and legal questions. Investor Takeaway The controversy adds to mounting pressure on Binance as it tries to rebuild credibility under new leadership, while the Trump family’s crypto ventures face scrutiny over political influence and transparency. Regulatory and Market Implications The Binance–MGX deal comes as global regulators continue to monitor the exchange’s restructuring under Teng, who replaced Zhao last year after his resignation as part of the U.S. settlement. The exchange remains under supervision from several jurisdictions, including the United States, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore. While Binance’s operations have stabilized since Zhao’s exit, any perception of political entanglement could complicate efforts to regain full regulatory trust. For now, Teng’s distancing comments mark another attempt to separate Binance’s commercial activities from Trump’s growing crypto interests — though the issue shows little sign of fading from the spotlight.

Hivemind Leads Seed Round Zynk, a cross-border payments infrastructure firm that uses stablecoins for instant settlements, has raised $5 million in seed funding led by Hivemind Capital. The round also included Coinbase Ventures, Alliance DAO, Transpose Platform VC, Polymorphic, Tykhe Ventures and Contribution Capital, the company told The Block. The funding was completed in August through a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE). Co-founder and chief executive Prashanth Swaminathan declined to disclose a valuation. He said the proceeds will go toward expanding corridor coverage, improving liquidity and compliance systems, and forming partnerships with large payment providers. “We’ve been building the financial pipes that make global payments instant,” Swaminathan said. “Access to pre-funding has become a moat in cross-border payments — and we’re breaking that moat.” Investor Takeaway Stablecoin-backed payment networks are attracting venture funding as firms seek faster settlement and capital efficiency in remittances and B2B transfers. Building a Global Settlement Network Zynk’s platform supports both fiat and stablecoin settlements, allowing payment and remittance firms to move funds across markets without maintaining local accounts or pre-funding balances. The company embeds liquidity into its network, enabling “instant settlement without trapped capital,” it said. According to Zynk, its rails currently support USD, EUR, AED, INR, MXN and PHP corridors. Clients include remittance providers, business-to-business payment platforms, and trading networks. The company says its system can cut settlement costs and reduce reliance on correspondent banking routes, which often delay payments for smaller financial institutions. “Our mission is to make liquidity as mobile as data, freeing capital and eliminating idle balances, pre-funding, and manual treasury operations,” Swaminathan said. The firm describes its approach as a “stablecoin-enabled alternative” to legacy settlement networks such as SWIFT. Quiet Launch and Early Growth Zynk launched quietly in April and reported 70% month-over-month growth since inception, though it has not disclosed transaction or revenue figures. The company’s 15-person team includes veterans from Amazon Pay India, Morgan Stanley, and several fintech startups. Co-founder and chief technology officer Manish Bhatia, a former founding member and CTO of Amazon Pay India, said Zynk’s technology enables real-time global settlements without pre-funding requirements. “When I was leading Amazon Pay’s technology stack, I saw firsthand how businesses have always needed real-time settlement,” Bhatia said. “Zynk is finally making that possible.” The company’s product design reflects a broader shift among fintechs integrating stablecoins into traditional payment workflows. Its system acts as middleware between Web2 and Web3 payment networks, allowing established firms to access crypto liquidity while maintaining compliance standards required by banks and regulators. Investor Takeaway Zynk joins a wave of stablecoin payment startups targeting the remittance and institutional payments sector, where demand for faster, cheaper settlement is growing. Venture Capital Interest in Payments Infrastructure The funding adds to a steady flow of venture capital into digital payment infrastructure. Investors have shown renewed interest in firms that blend regulated finance with blockchain settlement. Hivemind Capital, which has backed several crypto and DeFi projects, said the investment reflects growing confidence in payment models that use stablecoins for cross-border transactions rather than speculative trading. Zynk’s expansion plans come as stablecoin usage continues to grow globally, driven by remittance demand and settlement between fintechs. Analysts see the space as a natural bridge between traditional banking and blockchain-based finance, particularly in regions with limited correspondent banking access. For Zynk, the next challenge will be scaling liquidity and regulatory coverage while keeping transaction costs low — a task that has tested even the largest payment firms entering the cross-border market.

Given the clear daily uptrend and the bullish US dollar sentiment seen across the crypto markets today, USDCAD currency pair can be expected to rise further to the next resistance level 1.4160 (coinciding with the daily up channel from July) – the breakout of which can lead to further gains toward 1.4280 (former correction top from April).   USDCAD broke resistance area Likely to rise to resistance level 1.4160 USDCAD currency pair recently broke through the resistance area between the key resistance level 1.4070 (which stopped the previous impulse wave (1) , former strong support from the start of April, as can be seen from the daily USDCAD chart below) and the 38.2% Fibonacci correction of the extended downward impulse from January. The breakout of this resistance area accelerated the active intermediate impulse wave (3) from the end of October – which belongs to the long-term upward impulse sequence (3) from June. Given the clear daily uptrend and the bullish US dollar sentiment seen across the crypto markets today, USDCAD currency pair can be expected to rise further to the next resistance level 1.4160 (coinciding with the daily up channel from July) – the breakout of which can lead to further gains toward 1.4280 (former correction top from April). [caption id="attachment_166274" align="alignnone" width="800"] USDCAD Technical Analysis[/caption] The subject matter and the content of this article are solely the views of the author. FinanceFeeds does not bear any legal responsibility for the content of this article and they do not reflect the viewpoint of FinanceFeeds or its editorial staff. The information does not constitute advice or a recommendation on any course of action and does not take into account your personal circumstances, financial situation, or individual needs. We strongly recommend you seek independent professional advice or conduct your own independent research before acting upon any information contained in this article.