BTCUSD steadies after modest rebound at key support Indicators signal short-term consolidation Bitcoin (BTCUSD) is extending its consolidation near the 122,100 threshold after rebounding from Tuesday’s sharp drop of over 2.5% from its 125,000-126,000 record peak territory, as rising profit-taking pressure keeps investors cautious. That said, while short-term momentum has cooled, institutional demand and the broader “debasement trade” narrative continue to support the broader uptrend heading into October’s seasonally bullish period. The momentum indicators reflect the market’s current wait-and-see mode. The RSI is easing at 61, above the neutral threshold, the stochastics are hovering in the overbought region, and the MACD remains above its red signal line in positive territory. In the event that the leading cryptocurrency closes below 122,000, it could extend its decline towards the 120,000 round figure. If that crucial support is broken, the correction could deepen toward the 117,500 level, which significantly lies just above the 20-day simple moving average (SMA). However, if Bitcoin maintains its upward momentum, it could resume its rally toward record territory, targeting the mid-August record high of 124,480, followed by this week’s peaks at 125,653 and 126,223. In short, Bitcoin appears to be entering a short-term consolidation phase before its next major move, with indicators signaling a slowdown in bullish momentum, but price action holding firm above key levels. 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.

Luxembourg’s Intergenerational Sovereign Wealth Fund (FSIL) has announced that it has allocated 1% of its holdings to Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This is a landmark move, as it’s the first state-level fund in the euro area to make a bold, direct bet on digital assets.  The decision was announced during Luxembourg’s 2026 budget presentation by Finance Minister Gilles Roth on October 8, when he confirmed that FSIL’s revised investment mandate (approved in July 2025) now allows up to 15% of its assets to be deployed into alternative investments, including crypto, private equity, and real estate. Small Bitcoin Allocation, Big Signal for Eurozone Crypto Adoption A 1% investment in Bitcoin ETFs may sound modest, especially since FSIL’s total assets are worth roughly €730 million, but the move carries a massive symbolic weight. By gaining Bitcoin exposure through ETFs, Luxembourg has sidestepped the technical and custody risks associated with direct Bitcoin holdings while still positioning itself for the coin’s upside. FSIL’s approach reflects a cautious but bold stance. Rather than plunging headlong into untested territory, the fund is dipping a toe into crypto markets under the cover of regulated instruments. This “regulation-aware” strategy may appeal to other European sovereign funds and pension systems that are watching closely. Luxembourg’s position as a financial hub, with its expertise in fund administration, favorable regulatory frameworks, and reputation for top-level finance, gives it the credibility and infrastructure to navigate this transition. The move could accelerate interest in crypto among European institutional players who view Bitcoin as risky. A Turning Point for Digital Finance in Europe Luxembourg’s Bitcoin allocation could mark a pivotal moment in how European countries perceive and adopt digital assets. For much of Europe, crypto and blockchain have remained in demand among tech enthusiasts, startups, and private funds. Now, a eurozone member state is formally embracing the asset class at a sovereign scale. This could result in several industry effects, including a legitimacy boost, as other sovereign funds, national treasuries, or pension systems may feel emboldened to explore Bitcoin allocations as part of diversified reserve strategies. There could also be an increase in EU crypto regulatory momentum, as the decision may put pressure on EU-wide bodies to clarify rules relating to sovereign crypto investments, reserve treatment, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks related to digital assets. For institutions, seeing a state-backed fund enter crypto could attract further capital from institutional investors into European Bitcoin ETFs, infrastructure firms, and asset managers focused on regulated exposure. Luxembourg may also enhance its role as a crypto experimentation hub within Europe, potentially luring startups, blockchain firms, and institutional capital to its domiciles and ecosystems. Of course, risks remain. Bitcoin’s volatility, regulatory backlash, custodial risks, and public perception could generate criticism. But in a space where perception often drives capital flows, a 1% Bitcoin ETF signal may move the needle more than many expect.

Wall Street Prep (WSP), Financial Edge Training (FE), and Euromoney Learning (EML) have announced their merger, forming what they describe as the world’s leading platform for financial training. The combination unites three of the industry’s most established education providers under one roof, delivering a unified ecosystem for finance professionals worldwide. The new entity creates the largest global faculty of active industry practitioners, expanding coverage across every career stage—from analyst training to executive leadership development. Together, they promise to offer customized, white-glove training solutions for banks, investment firms, and corporations across the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific. Matan Feldman, CEO of Wall Street Prep, explained the vision: “They want a strategic partner who can deliver tailored programs at a global scale across roles, skills, and divisions. Just as importantly, they expect us to serve as an extension of their teams — bringing industry perspective, thought leadership, and innovative approaches to learning. By joining with Financial Edge and Euromoney Learning, we are positioned as the clear leader in financial training.” Takeaway Wall Street Prep, Financial Edge, and Euromoney Learning are consolidating decades of expertise into a single global training platform, covering every finance discipline and career stage. Why This Merger Redefines Finance Education At Scale The partnership establishes a blended learning powerhouse: Wall Street Prep brings enterprise training programs and AI-enhanced courses; Financial Edge contributes deep investment banking onboarding and the Felix digital platform; Euromoney Learning adds decades of trusted open-enrollment and in-house courses across global institutions. Financial Edge CEO Alastair Matchett highlighted the opportunity to amplify each firm’s reach. “Our edge has always been blending in-person excellence with state-of-the-art digital tools,” he said. “Now, by combining with Wall Street Prep and Euromoney Learning, we can scale those strengths to a broader client base while making our own programs even stronger.” The merger is expected to modernize corporate and institutional learning across financial services by merging traditional classroom depth with digital agility. The combined group now supports clients spanning investment banking, private equity, corporate finance, credit, governance, and fintech — creating the broadest range of technical and leadership courses available in the market. Takeaway By combining in-person expertise, digital platforms, and global reach, the new entity creates a one-stop hub for financial upskilling across industries and regions. Riverside’s Role In Building The Future Of Finance Training This strategic merger follows The Riverside Company’s February 2025 acquisition of Wall Street Prep. The private equity firm envisioned a modernized financial training ecosystem capable of serving both institutions and individual learners with AI-enhanced tools and blended delivery models. The new group — now led by Matan Feldman as Group CEO — fulfills that vision by consolidating innovation, scale, and regional depth under one banner. Raj Sood, Managing Director of Euromoney Learning, noted the power of collaboration: “For decades, Euromoney Learning has been helping financial institutions invest in their people wherever they operate. By joining with Wall Street Prep and Financial Edge, we gain the scale, innovation, and complementary capabilities to service clients in new and more impactful ways.” With Financial Edge and Euromoney Learning joining as standalone divisions within the Wall Street Prep Group, leadership continuity is preserved. Feldman will oversee group operations, supported by Raj Sood (Euromoney Learning), Andrea Ward, and Alastair Matchett (Financial Edge), ensuring unified strategy and execution. The combined platform aims to accelerate the shift from static, classroom-based programs toward adaptive, data-driven, and AI-supported learning experiences. Takeaway The Riverside Company’s investment positions the merged entity to lead finance training’s transition toward AI-enhanced, blended global learning models.  

Stablecoins have become one of the most reliable assets in the digital economy. They are designed to keep a consistent value and serve as the stable part of the crypto market. While most cryptocurrencies fluctuate wildly, stablecoins maintain their peg to assets like the United States dollar, euro, or even gold. This reliability makes them the preferred option for traders, investors, and businesses that want stability in a volatile market. But how do they stay this steady? Let’s look at 6 ways stablecoins maintain their peg and why that balance matters to the entire crypto ecosystem. Key Takeaways • Stablecoins maintain their peg through collateral backing, algorithmic systems, and market arbitrage. • Fiat-backed models rely on cash or asset reserves that support every token in circulation. • Crypto-collateralized models use blockchain smart contracts to secure assets and manage volatility. • Algorithmic models use supply adjustments to hold value close to one unit of currency. How Do Stablecoins Maintain Their Peg? Stablecoins maintain their peg through the combination of design, collateral, and continuous market activity. Their stability depends on how reserves are managed, how transparent the system is, and how effectively each model balances supply and demand. 1. Collateral and reserves Most stablecoins maintain their peg by holding tangible assets that support their value. Fiat-backed stablecoins such as USDC or USDT keep cash or highly liquid assets in regulated financial institutions. Each token is backed by an equal amount of fiat currency, and users can redeem their tokens at any time. With this reserve system in place, users trust is strengthened and the price is held close to its set value. 2. Crypto-backed models Stablecoins, like DAI, lock other cryptocurrencies as security through smart contracts. These systems are often secured with extra collateral. This means that the value of the collateral exceeds the number of stablecoins in circulation. If the collateral’s value falls, automated liquidation keeps the peg stable. This approach allows stablecoins maintain their peg even during market volatility. 3. Algorithmic control Some stablecoins maintain their peg through algorithmic mechanisms that automatically adjust supply and demand. When price rises above the target, the system creates new tokens to increase supply. When it drops below, tokens are removed from circulation to push the price up. This self-regulating process is managed by smart contracts that implement these conditions  through automated systems. 4. Arbitrage Market traders also play a major role in helping stablecoins maintain their peg. When a stablecoin’s price falls below one dollar, traders buy it cheaply and redeem it for the full value, which raises the price back up. When it trades above one dollar, traders sell or mint more to reduce the price. This continuous market activity balances the market and keeps prices steady. 5. Transparency and regulation Trust plays a major role in keeping stability. Stablecoins maintain their peg more effectively when issuers release consistent audit reports, provide clear proof of reserves, and follow financial regulations. Transparency gives users assurance that every token is genuinely backed and can be redeemed at any time. When people trust the system, demand remains strong and the peg stays solid. 6. Liquidity and risk management Strong liquidity makes it easy for users to redeem their tokens even during high market pressure. Reliable issuers keep a combination of cash and short-term treasury assets that can be converted quickly to meet withdrawal requests. This discipline helps stablecoins maintain their peg during heavy market fluctuations. Conclusion Stablecoins have brought a new kind of reliability to crypto. Their value remains strong because there’s structure behind the system. They derive strength from solid reserves, smart management, and user trust working together to keep them steady. Over time, these digital currencies could make payments, savings, and global finance simpler and more accessible to everyone.  

KEY TAKEAWAYS Apple’s MacBook Pro uses custom Apple Silicon (M1–M4) chips integrating high-performance CPU, GPU, and Neural Engines. The Secure Enclave acts as a hardware coprocessor for key management and encryption, ensuring security and isolation. Apple Silicon CPUs feature instruction-level optimizations for AES and SHA algorithms, offering implicit crypto acceleration. CryptoKit, Apple’s API, allows developers to harness hardware-based cryptographic efficiency without manual configuration. FileVault, secure boot, and biometric authentication rely heavily on Secure Enclave cryptography. The MacBook Pro offers robust cryptographic performance ideal for development, security, and light blockchain use cases.   In recent years, cryptography has become essential not only for securing communication and data storage but also for powering emerging technologies like cryptocurrencies and blockchain applications. This growing reliance on cryptography has led to increasing interest in hardware acceleration for cryptographic tasks, specialized hardware that makes encryption, decryption, hashing, and digital signing faster and more efficient.  For Apple MacBook Pro users and developers, a common question arises: Does the MacBook Pro include a dedicated crypto accelerator to enhance cryptographic operations? This article explores the presence and nature of cryptographic acceleration in Apple’s MacBook Pro and how Apple approaches hardware-based security and cryptography. What Is a Crypto Accelerator? A cryptographic accelerator is a hardware component or dedicated circuit designed to offload cryptographic operations from the main CPU. These tasks typically include symmetric and asymmetric encryption, cryptographic hashing, message authentication codes, and digital signature generation and verification. By performing these complex mathematical operations in specialized hardware, crypto accelerators achieve several key benefits: Improved Performance: Encryption and hashing can be computationally intensive. Hardware accelerators speed up these tasks, resulting in faster data encryption/decryption or blockchain hashing. Reduced CPU Load: Offloading crypto operations frees CPU resources for other tasks, improving overall system responsiveness. Lower Power Consumption: Specialized circuits can perform crypto computations more efficiently than software running on a general-purpose CPU. Enhanced Security: Hardware accelerators, especially those isolated from the main processor, reduce risks of key exposure and side-channel attacks. Many modern processors, especially for servers and mobile devices, include some form of cryptographic acceleration. But how does Apple’s MacBook Pro measure up? Apple MacBook Pro Hardware Overview Apple designs its own silicon chips for MacBook Pro models, starting from the M1 generation and continuing with M2, M3, and, most recently, the M4 chip family. These chips integrate CPU cores, GPU cores, specialized Neural Engines for machine learning, media engines for video processing, and other custom hardware. For example, the Apple M4 Pro chip used in recent MacBook Pros features: 12-core CPU (8 performance cores and four efficiency cores) 16-core GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing 16-core Neural Engine High memory bandwidth The architecture is highly integrated and optimized for performance and efficiency, but does not explicitly list a dedicated generic cryptographic accelerator hardware in public specifications. However, Apple products include a component called the Secure Enclave Processor (SEP), which plays a vital role in cryptographic security. The Secure Enclave: Apple’s Built-In Crypto Coprocessor The Secure Enclave is a specialized, isolated hardware subsystem embedded in Apple Silicon chips and T2 security chips used in Intel-based Macs. It functions as a separate processor dedicated to security-sensitive tasks like key management, biometric data handling (Touch ID and Face ID), and cryptographic operations related to secure boot, data encryption, and authentication. Crucial points about the Secure Enclave: It has its own memory and storage, inaccessible to the main OS and other software. It generates and securely stores cryptographic keys, using hardware protection to prevent tampering or extraction. It runs a microkernel operating system (SEPOS) to isolate and safeguard sensitive operations. The keys generated and stored in the Secure Enclave are device-unique and cannot be exported. It handles encryption and decryption operations involving these keys internally. Although the Secure Enclave performs cryptographic operations, it primarily focuses on key management, secure authentication, and device integrity rather than serving as a general-purpose cryptographic accelerator for all encryption or hashing tasks. Does MacBook Pro Have a Dedicated Crypto Accelerator? Unlike some CPUs that include explicit cryptographic accelerator units or instruction sets dedicated to speeding up hashing or encryption algorithms, Apple Silicon, including MacBook Pros, does not feature a standalone crypto accelerator chip for generic cryptographic tasks. Instead, Apple integrates cryptographic acceleration in several ways: Secure Enclave: Dedicated to secure key storage and cryptographic operations related to device security, authentication, and data protection. Cryptographic Instruction Optimizations: Apple Silicon’s ARM-based architecture likely includes optimized instructions that accelerate common cryptographic algorithms such as SHA-256 hashing or AES encryption at the CPU level. Neural Engine and GPU: While primarily for AI and graphics workloads, these units can theoretically accelerate certain cryptographic algorithms, but are not designed specifically for generic crypto acceleration. Software Frameworks: Apple’s CryptoKit leverages hardware acceleration where possible, providing optimized cryptographic functions to developers. Discussions among developers indicate Apple’s Secure Enclave and ARM architecture offer cryptographic acceleration implicitly, but Apple does not advertise or document a discrete, generic crypto accelerator hardware component like those found in some Intel or AMD processors or dedicated crypto hardware modules in enterprise servers. Software Utilization of Crypto Acceleration Apple provides CryptoKit, a high-level API for cryptographic operations on iOS, macOS, and other platforms. CryptoKit is designed to leverage any available hardware acceleration transparently, including Secure Enclave integration, to perform operations like hashing, signing, and encryption efficiently and securely. For hashing algorithms like SHA-256, hardware acceleration depends on the underlying CPU architecture. Apple Silicon chips seem to optimize these operations at the instruction level, although debates exist about whether they use dedicated hardware instructions or rely on highly optimized software libraries. Developers can also take advantage of Secure Enclave-managed keys for cryptographic tasks requiring secure key management and tamper resistance. However, general-purpose cryptographic computation for arbitrary algorithms beyond key handling relies on the main CPU cores. Practical Cryptographic Use Cases on MacBook Pro From a user perspective, Apple MacBook Pro employs cryptographic acceleration to support various critical functions: FileVault: Apple’s full disk encryption uses hardware-accelerated AES encryption for transparent disk protection. Secure Boot and System Integrity: Verified boot processes rely on the Secure Enclave for cryptographic checks. Biometric Authentication: Touch ID processes involve biometric data stored and processed within the Secure Enclave. Cryptocurrency Wallets: The Secure Enclave provides a hardware root of trust for private keys, enhancing security against theft or tampering. Open-source projects leverage this capability for hardware-level cosigning without external devices. Limited Cryptocurrency Mining: While possible in theory, MacBook Pros do not have the hardware acceleration (like ASICs or dedicated GPU mining) optimized for mining cryptocurrencies at scale. Apple’s Secure Enclave: Redefining Hardware Cryptography on MacBook Pro” Apple MacBook Pro does not include a standalone general-purpose cryptographic accelerator chip as seen in some other systems. Instead, Apple relies on a combination of: The Secure Enclave Processor is a highly secure, isolated hardware subsystem that accelerates and protects critical cryptographic key management and authentication functions. ARM architecture instruction optimizations for cryptographic algorithms executed on the main CPU cores. Software frameworks like CryptoKit that transparently leverage available hardware capabilities. Together, these provide robust cryptographic performance and strong security protections for end users. For most users and developers, Apple’s approach offers efficient and secure cryptographic operations without requiring a traditional crypto accelerator hardware chip. Thus, while not a conventional crypto accelerator, the MacBook Pro features state-of-the-art hardware security and cryptographic support through Apple Silicon and Secure Enclave, underpinning a secure and performant experience for encryption, authentication, and emerging crypto applications. FAQ Does the MacBook Pro have a dedicated crypto accelerator? No. MacBook Pros don’t include a standalone generic crypto accelerator chip. Instead, they use Apple’s Secure Enclave and CPU instruction-level optimizations for cryptographic efficiency. What is Apple’s Secure Enclave, and what does it do? The Secure Enclave is a dedicated, isolated coprocessor that manages cryptographic keys, secures biometric data, and performs encryption tasks for authentication and data protection. How does Apple accelerate cryptographic operations without a dedicated chip? Apple uses ARM architecture-level instruction optimizations (e.g., AES and SHA acceleration) along with the Secure Enclave and system-level APIs like CryptoKit for optimized cryptographic performance. Can the MacBook Pro be used for cryptocurrency mining? Technically, yes, but it’s inefficient. MacBook Pros lack ASICs or high-throughput GPU optimization, so they’re unsuitable for mining at competitive scales. What are some cryptographic functions handled by the Secure Enclave? The Secure Enclave manages Touch ID authentication, FileVault encryption, secure boot verification, and secure private key storage for wallets or encrypted data. Does macOS allow developers to access hardware crypto features? Yes. Apple’s CryptoKit framework allows developers to perform cryptographic operations efficiently, automatically leveraging available hardware acceleration and Secure Enclave capabilities. How does Apple’s cryptographic approach compare to Intel or AMD processors? Unlike Intel’s AES-NI or AMD’s dedicated hardware crypto instructions, Apple uses a unified architecture combining Secure Enclave security with CPU-l

The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to review the appeal of former Locke Lord partner Mark S. Scott, sealing his conviction for helping launder nearly $400 million in proceeds from the OneCoin cryptocurrency fraud — a global scam that drew in billions and left its elusive founder still on the run. Scott, 55, was found guilty by a Manhattan jury in 2019 of conspiracy to commit money laundering and bank fraud. Prosecutors said he built an elaborate network of offshore funds and shell companies to wash OneCoin’s illicit profits while disguising them as legitimate private equity investments. He earned more than $50 million in fees and used the money to buy luxury homes, a yacht, and two Porsches, according to court documents. His 10-year prison sentence, handed down in 2024, now stands after the Supreme Court declined to take up the case. The decision follows a February ruling by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that upheld his conviction, rejecting claims that it was based on false testimony from a cooperating witness. Scott’s attorneys had argued that prosecutors leaned too heavily on Konstantin Ignatov, the brother of OneCoin’s founder, Ruja Ignatova, who later admitted to lying under oath about how he discarded his laptop. The appellate court found that other evidence, including banking records and internal correspondence, was more than enough to sustain the verdict. Scott, a former international mergers and acquisitions partner at Locke Lord, worked at the firm between 2015 and 2016 — the same period he was allegedly building the laundering network for OneCoin. Locke Lord said it was unaware of his activities outside the firm, which has since merged with Troutman Pepper to form Troutman Pepper Locke. Prosecutors said Scott’s network of fake funds, dubbed Fenero, helped funnel hundreds of millions through accounts in the Cayman Islands and Ireland, masking the origin of OneCoin cash that had poured in from victims around the world. He told banks that the money came from “wealthy European families,” according to evidence presented at trial. The OneCoin enterprise was founded in Bulgaria in 2014 by Ignatova and Karl Sebastian Greenwood, who sold “educational packages” containing tokens that could supposedly be used to mine a cryptocurrency. In reality, there was no blockchain — the company simply set the value of OneCoin internally. U.S. prosecutors have called it one of the largest financial frauds in history, with losses exceeding $4 billion worldwide. Ignatova vanished in 2017 after boarding a flight from Sofia to Athens and has not been seen since. She was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list in 2022, with a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to her capture. Greenwood, meanwhile, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2023. Other key figures, including Ignatova’s legal and compliance chief Irina Dilkinska, have since been convicted. For U.S. authorities, the case stands as a cautionary tale of how traditional financial expertise — in this case, that of a corporate lawyer — can be turned toward laundering modern digital fraud. The Department of Justice said in a statement last year that Scott’s conviction “shows the reach of accountability even for professionals who exploit their skills to conceal criminal proceeds.” As Scott begins the long road of serving his decade-long sentence, the larger OneCoin saga remains unfinished. The “Cryptoqueen” who once promised to revolutionize money has instead become a symbol of crypto’s dark underbelly — a fugitive financier whose empire left a trail of vanished fortunes and unanswered questions stretching from Sofia to the Caribbean.

The AFL-CIO, which represents millions of workers, has openly asked the Senate Banking Committee to vote against the Responsible Financial Innovation Act (RFIA) because it may allow retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s and pension plans, to invest directly in crypto assets. Jody Calemine, the union’s Government Affairs Director, said that this kind of action would make the market more volatile and put pension funds at risk on a national scale. Main Risks to Pensions and Financial Stability Most pensions do not currently invest in cryptocurrencies due to the associated risks, but the proposed law may change that. The AFL-CIO also pointed out that the plan would allow FDIC-insured banks to hold and trade crypto assets on their own balance sheets, which could put the taxpayer-backed Deposit Insurance Fund at risk. In addition, the bill’s plans to tokenize securities could lead to “shadow stocks,” which would let corporations issue blockchain-based shares that don’t have to follow SEC rules. This would create additional dangers for investors and the financial system as a whole. Comparisons to the Financial Crisis of 2008 The AFL-CIO stated that the risks of unchecked crypto adoption for institutional portfolios are similar to those of unregulated derivatives trading, which contributed to the 2008 financial crisis. Critics argue that the current setup of the measure lacks sufficient control and fundamental protections for workers, which could lead to widespread financial instability similar to what occurred during past economic downturns. No protections or checks The union argues that the bill would make it more difficult for the government to combat fraud and conflicts of interest. It would also provide issuers with additional means to circumvent existing securities regulations through tokenization, potentially undermining crucial disclosure and anti-fraud standards. These gaps would leave pension funds and other retirement assets vulnerable to investments that are mischaracterized and potentially dangerous, but that people might mistakenly believe are safe. Union Asks Senate to Say No The AFL-CIO’s letter requests that Congress reconsider moving forward with the RFIA. Instead, it suggests that new rules should focus on protecting workers against asset class volatility, rather than allowing it to be included in their retirement plans. Over 90 million Americans rely on employer-sponsored plans worth more than $12.5 trillion, making the stakes for worker retirement security and financial stability extremely high. 

Finalto, a global leader in liquidity provision, risk management, and fintech solutions, has partnered with eflow Global to strengthen its trade surveillance and best execution oversight. The partnership follows a rigorous evaluation of multiple providers, with Finalto ultimately selecting eflow’s cloud-based regulatory platform for its reliability, scalability, and integration capabilities. The collaboration enables Finalto to consolidate its compliance operations into a single, unified system. By integrating surveillance, execution monitoring, and data management within one workflow, Finalto gains more efficient oversight, faster anomaly detection, and streamlined MiFID II reporting. The platform’s automation and analytics tools are designed to detect suspicious trading activity, ensuring both operational precision and regulatory adherence. “As a market leader serving clients worldwide and providing liquidity in thousands of financial markets, Finalto is strengthening its surveillance and execution oversight with eflow’s cloud-based platform,” said Paul Groves, CEO of Finalto. “The integration delivers advanced trade surveillance and analytics with robust MiFID II controls and comprehensive records.” Takeaway Finalto’s adoption of eflow’s integrated technology marks a step-change in compliance efficiency, unifying global oversight and enhancing data-driven trade monitoring. How Integration Improves Oversight, Efficiency, And Risk Management Finalto’s choice reflects a broader industry shift toward consolidated compliance frameworks. With increasing regulatory complexity, firms are under pressure to replace fragmented systems with unified, insight-led infrastructures. eflow’s technology addresses this by merging multiple data inputs into a centralized workflow that simplifies compliance reporting and enhances surveillance coverage. The solution offers real-time visibility into trade execution quality, helping Finalto meet best execution standards under MiFID II. The cloud-based design provides flexibility and scalability, enabling the firm to process large volumes of trading data while maintaining precision and auditability. This not only reduces manual workload but also boosts the speed and accuracy of compliance decision-making. For Finalto, this means a sharper focus on operational resilience and proactive risk mitigation. The new setup allows the compliance team to detect anomalies faster, investigate alerts more effectively, and maintain transparent records aligned with global standards — essential capabilities for a firm providing liquidity across thousands of markets. Takeaway Unified trade surveillance empowers compliance teams with better data visibility, streamlined workflows, and faster responses to potential risks or irregularities. Eflow’s Expanding Role In Global Regulatory Technology Ben Parker, CEO of eflow Global, described Finalto as an ideal partner: “Finalto operates at the highest level of complexity, providing liquidity across thousands of global markets and managing risk at scale. Its sophistication and reach make it a natural fit for eflow, as our technology is built to support firms with the most demanding compliance and surveillance needs.” Founded in 2004, eflow Global has become a leading provider of regulatory technology, offering solutions across market abuse surveillance, transaction-cost analysis, transaction reporting, and eComms monitoring. The company currently serves more than 140 clients across five continents, providing both buy-side and sell-side firms with configurable tools that align regulatory compliance with operational agility. Through its PATH digital ecosystem, eflow combines off-the-shelf accessibility with the flexibility of custom-built systems. Its partnership with Finalto reinforces the company’s growing presence in institutional markets — where speed, precision, and governance are increasingly inseparable. Together, the two firms aim to redefine how regulatory oversight operates at scale in the era of data-driven finance. Takeaway The Finalto–eflow collaboration highlights the convergence of fintech and regtech, setting a new benchmark for scalable, compliance-driven trading operations.

The UK market is at a turning point right now, and the combination of 21Shares, a leading global issuer of crypto ETPs, and Stratiphy, an AI-powered wealth management software, is essential, particularly significant. The FCA’s change in policy is a significant development, as it allows retail investors to use regulated crypto ETNs for the first time.  This represents a significant shift from the previous ban, which prevented people from using these investment products. This new development enables regular people to build diverse portfolios by incorporating digital assets, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, alongside their traditional investments. Understanding Stratiphy Stratiphy is the first UK wealth management platform to offer 21Shares’ suite of physically backed ETNs. This provides retail investors with the opportunity to test and automate their investment strategies using cutting-edge AI capabilities.  These features make it easier for consumers to integrate crypto assets into their existing portfolios by facilitating risk management and strategy backtesting. Daniel Gold, the CEO of Stratiphy, states that the cooperation is a direct response to the growing demand for digital assets and will ensure that people can use them immediately if regulatory approval is granted. 21Shares’ Global Status 21Shares is one of the most established digital asset managers in the world. It manages over $11 billion across 50 listed crypto products. 21Shares aims to capitalize on the excitement observed in Europe, where crypto ETP trading reached €26 billion in 2024, representing a 300% year-over-year growth. They are teaming up with Stratiphy in the UK to do this.  Russell Barlow, the CEO of 21Shares, said that the FCA’s change in rules is a big step forward. It opens the door for retail investors and may make them eligible for tax-efficient accounts, such as ISAs and SIPPs. What This Means For UK Investors and Markets This change opens up regulated options for approximately 12% of UK adults who already own cryptocurrency directly, providing them with safer, regulated choices than those found on offshore marketplaces.  It also helps the UK capture a greater share of the crypto finance trade volume, taxes, and economic growth that occurs within the country. The partnership makes the UK a global crypto hub, providing retail investors with the tools they need to access modern, institutional-grade choices that offer strong strategy and transparency. Long-Term Growth Through Diversification With the imminent arrival of regulated ETNs, investors should feel more confident about investing in digital assets. This will enable them to manage their risks more effectively and provide access to fast-growing sectors.  The FCA’s shift indicates that the UK market is growing, which will lead to increased demand, more revenue, and more innovative ideas in the crypto asset sector. Stratiphy and 21Shares are poised to lead the next wave of adoption by providing retail investors with options that match the level of sophistication already available to professionals and institutional players.

Forward Industries, a publicly traded treasury firm, has set up its first institutional-grade validator node on the Solana blockchain. This greatly increases its involvement in the network. The launch is part of a bigger plan to strengthen Solana’s infrastructure and make it the best alternative for institutional adoption in decentralized finance (DeFi). The validator uses DoubleZero’s fiber network and Jump Crypto’s Firedancer client, which shows that the business has a strong base of technological knowledge and efficiency. Getting into the Top 10 Validators When Forward Industries staked its 6.8 million SOL (worth about $1.7 billion), it quickly rose to the top 10 validators on Solana. The approach let Forward beat out well-known companies like Staking Facilities and Coinbase, whose validator stakes are only a little bit lower.  Block explorer Solana Beach confirms this quick jump, putting Forward among the top companies in the field, such as Binance Staking, Helius, Figment, and Jupiter, all of whom have more than 10 million SOL in their accounts. No-Commission Staking: A Competitive Advantage One of the best things about Forward’s validator launch is that it has a 0% commission rate, which means that delegators get all of their staking rewards directly. In contrast, the average commission rates for other major Solana validators range from 1% for Binance Staking to 7% for Figment and 8% for Coinbase. Forward’s policy is meant to get a lot of delegators’ attention, which will raise the yield for stakers and make the Solana ecosystem more competitive. Adoption by Institutions and Growth of the Ecosystem Kyle Samani, the chairman of Forward Industries’ board, said that the deployment of the validator is an important first step toward making Solana stronger and opening up institutional-grade DeFi options.  Forward Industries is a leader in Solana’s validator environment, fostering innovation and liquidity. It is backed by well-known companies in the crypto business, including Galaxy Digital, Jump Crypto, and Multicoin Capital. Outlook and Effects Forward Industries now offers a 0% commission rate to help the company expand into new markets more quickly. However, this fee structure may not be sustainable in the long run because of operating and infrastructure expenditures.  People in the industry believe that commissions may fluctuate over time, especially once a stable base of stakeholders is established. Nevertheless, Forward’s approach sets a new norm that will likely have an impact on what happens next with Solana validators and help decentralized finance solutions become more widely used. 

The International Monetary Fund has called on major financial institutions to strengthen liquidity and capital buffers and conduct tougher stress tests to guard against potential turmoil in the $9.6 trillion foreign exchange market. In a chapter of its semi-annual Global Financial Stability Report released Tuesday, the IMF said that while stress testing and systemic risk monitoring have improved in recent years, the foreign exchange market’s role as a channel for global financial contagion “remains underappreciated.” “Enhancing FX liquidity stress tests is essential to assess the sectoral resilience to funding shocks,” the Fund said. Derivatives Deepen Vulnerability The IMF warned that large global banks remain heavily exposed to the U.S. dollar through their balance sheets, leaving them susceptible to sudden funding shocks. At the same time, the growing influence of non-bank financial institutions and a surge in derivatives trading have “raised the global FX market’s vulnerability to adverse shocks.” Stress in the currency markets, the Fund added, can ripple across asset classes, tightening financial conditions and threatening macro-financial stability—especially in countries with high foreign-currency debt or fragile fiscal positions. Earlier this year, Reuters reported that European and U.K. regulators had asked banks to step up monitoring and stress testing for U.S. dollar liquidity, reflecting heightened anxiety over the reliability of dollar funding channels amid geopolitical frictions and shifting U.S. policies. Global Trust in Dollar Markets Erodes The IMF said the “shifting global macro-financial landscape” is testing long-held assumptions about the stability of dollar markets. Following the U.S. tariff announcements in early April 2025, investors in several countries trimmed their dollar holdings, highlighting the growing sensitivity of cross-border flows to policy moves in Washington. “Supervisors and banks should effectively monitor and manage liquidity risks in significant currencies,” the Fund said. Swap Lines Under Scrutiny The Federal Reserve maintains swap lines with several major central banks, a critical mechanism for supplying dollar liquidity abroad during times of market stress. But confidence in that system is fraying. For months, European central bankers have privately questioned whether they can continue to depend on the Fed as the ultimate backstop for global dollar liquidity, Reuters has previously reported. The IMF urged policymakers to “strengthen and expand the network of central bank swap lines” to bolster confidence and “reduce contagion risks” during market disruptions. It said such policy backstops are “among the most effective tools for stabilizing the global FX market during adverse shocks.” Reserves as Shock Absorbers Beyond swap lines, the IMF pointed to international reserves as another line of defense. “International reserves are a stabilizing force during stress episodes,” the Fund said, noting they can be deployed when private funding channels seize up. The Fund’s warning comes as global foreign exchange turnover remains near record highs, driven by high-frequency trading, algorithmic strategies, and the rapid expansion of dollar-denominated derivatives. The combination of concentrated exposures, limited transparency, and dependence on a single currency leaves markets—and the broader financial system—vulnerable to sharp funding squeezes. As the IMF cautioned, the next global stress event may not start in the stock or bond markets, but in the plumbing of global finance itself—the foreign exchange markets that keep capital flowing across borders.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 2025 marks a major surge in institutional and VC crypto investments worldwide. Leading funds include Paradigm, Pantera, DCG, Blockchain Capital, Polychain, Galaxy Digital, and institutional titans BlackRock and MicroStrategy. Bitcoin and Ethereum dominate institutional portfolios, forming the bulk of holdings. VC firms continue funding innovation in DeFi, Web3, privacy tech, and blockchain scalability. BlackRock’s Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs highlight traditional finance’s growing integration with crypto. Institutional allocations exceeded $414 billion, signaling long-term confidence in digital assets.   The year 2025 marks a significant milestone for cryptocurrency investments as institutional interest surges and venture capital funds deploy billions into blockchain and digital asset projects globally.  Leading global funds have not only embraced the crypto ecosystem but are now regarded as the kingmakers, identifying tomorrow’s blockchain innovations. This article explores the top global funds investing in crypto in 2025, their strategies, key portfolio holdings, and the impact they exert on the crypto markets. Crypto Venture Capital Funds: The Vanguard of Innovation Venture capital (VC) firms focused exclusively or primarily on the crypto and blockchain sectors remain at the forefront of funding innovation in 2025. Several industry-leading crypto VC funds command substantial assets under management (AUM) and have deep portfolios spanning early-stage seed projects to more mature blockchain enterprises. Paradigm Paradigm, based in San Francisco, continues to be a leading crypto VC fund founded by industry veterans from Sequoia Capital and Coinbase. Paradigm’s diversified portfolio features influential projects such as BlockFi, Compound, Cosmos, and MakerDAO, reflecting its broad exposure to lending, decentralized finance (DeFi), and blockchain infrastructure. Pantera Capital Pantera Capital, recognized as the first U.S. institutional asset manager to focus exclusively on blockchain, operates out of Menlo Park, California. Its portfolio includes high-impact projects like 0x, Balancer, Brave, Filecoin, and Polkadot tokens and platforms that have driven adoption and growth in decentralized innovation. Pantera’s strategy emphasizes well-diversified exposure to blockchain tokens. Digital Currency Group Another powerhouse, Digital Currency Group (DCG), headquartered in New York, invests intensely in early-stage digital asset companies worldwide, with over 100 projects across 30 countries. DCG’s investments range from payment processors like BitPay to cryptocurrency exchange-related firms such as Coinbase and Kraken, illustrating its comprehensive reach throughout the crypto ecosystem. Blockchain Capital Blockchain Capital, an early pioneer of crypto VC investing in San Francisco, has backed more than 90 crypto ventures, including AAVE, Coinbase, Kraken, and Orchid. Its disciplined, research-driven approach fuels consistent deployment in promising DeFi protocols and infrastructure firms. Polychain Capital Polychain Capital is another leading crypto-native VC fund, noted for doubling down on privacy technologies, zero-knowledge rollups, and cross-chain solutions. Its portfolio boasts marquee names like Filecoin, Avalanche, Tezos, and Compound projects that are shaping next-generation blockchain capabilities. Galaxy Digital  Galaxy Digital, the investment bank, asset manager, and market-making firm founded by Mike Novogratz, continued to evolve into a multi-product crypto financial services provider in 2025. Galaxy’s product lineup expanded into retail-facing platforms and institutional offerings, while its trading and principal-investment arms maintained liquidity and balance-sheet activity across crypto markets. Institutional Titans Driving Crypto Adoption Beyond venture capital, large institutional investors and funds have been key drivers of crypto’s increasing legitimacy in 2025. The surge of crypto-focused Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and corporate treasury allocations to Bitcoin and Ethereum signals growing acceptance by traditional financial giants. BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF, iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT), launched in early 2025 and now manages over $85 billion in assets, exemplifying the intersection of traditional asset management with crypto exposure. It has attracted massive trading volume and institutional interest with its low-fee structure and options chain availability. Similarly, BlackRock’s spot Ethereum ETF (ETHA) has quickly grown to $15.3 billion in assets. ETHA benefits from Ethereum’s dominance in smart contract platforms and decentralized applications, offering institutional investors a way to participate in the second-largest crypto ecosystem. Corporate investment in Bitcoin has also reached monumental levels. MicroStrategy famously holds nearly 600,000 BTC, demonstrating a dedicated corporate treasury strategy leveraging Bitcoin as a store of value and hedge asset. In August 2025, institutional Bitcoin investment hit a new milestone with over $414 billion invested, largely fueled by ETFs and major corporate players like BlackRock and MicroStrategy. Leading Fund Portfolios and Asset Allocations Institutional portfolios commonly feature Bitcoin and Ethereum as their core holdings, typically representing 60-75% of crypto allocations. Bitcoin’s security, network effects, and market liquidity make it the default entry point for most institutional investors, while Ethereum’s smart contract functionality and proof-of-stake upgrade make it a foundational digital asset. Beyond these blue chips, funds often diversify into select Layer 1 blockchains and specialized tokens. Notable names include Solana (SOL), with its high throughput and developer adoption; Binance Coin (BNB), buoyed by Binance’s dominant exchange ecosystem; Ripple (XRP), favored by financial institutions exploring cross-border payments; Cardano (ADA); and Avalanche (AVAX). Some funds even allocate minor portions to meme tokens like Shiba Inu (SHIB) as part of their diversified strategies. Institutions also favor index-based crypto investment products like the Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund (BITW), which tracks a basket of the 10 highest-valued cryptocurrencies, screened and weighted by market capitalization and risk parameters. Such funds offer a balanced approach to gain broader crypto market exposure. Impact of Crypto VC and Institutional Investment These leading funds not only provide critical liquidity and capital for blockchain innovation but also influence market sentiment and crypto asset valuations. Their rigorous research, selective investments, and strategic support often serve as validation signals for emerging crypto projects. For retail and smaller investors, following the moves of top VC funds and institutional players can provide a valuable edge. Monitoring their portfolios, timing entry points, and participating in funds they support through public tokens offers a way to leverage institutional research and due diligence. The New Power Brokers: How Global Funds Are Shaping the Future of Crypto Finance Institutional investor enthusiasm for crypto continues to grow, with surveys showing increased allocations to digital assets worldwide. Many fund managers recognize crypto’s role in the evolving financial landscape from digital currencies and DeFi to Web3 applications and blockchain infrastructure. Crypto venture capital is expected to maintain a leading role in identifying and funding innovation, focusing on technology layers like privacy, scalability, interoperability, and decentralized governance. Institutional funds will further integrate crypto via ETFs and direct corporate treasury adoption. The top global funds investing in crypto in 2025 combine deep sector expertise, diverse portfolios, and strong institutional backing. From paradigm-shifting VC firms like Paradigm, Pantera, and Polychain to powerhouse institutional investors like BlackRock and MicroStrategy, these players are shaping the future of blockchain finance. Their capital and conviction are critical to driving crypto’s continued maturation and mainstream acceptance. FAQ Which are the top global funds investing in crypto in 2025? Leading players include Paradigm, Pantera Capital, Digital Currency Group (DCG), Blockchain Capital, Polychain Capital, Galaxy Digital, and institutional giants like BlackRock and MicroStrategy. What types of crypto projects do these funds invest in? They back diverse sectors from decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain infrastructure to privacy tech, Layer 1 protocols, and emerging Web3 applications. How are institutional investors influencing the crypto market? Institutions drive adoption by adding legitimacy, capital, and liquidity. Products like BlackRock’s Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs attract billions in investment and expand market participation. Why are venture capital funds vital for blockchain innovation? Crypto-focused VCs fund early-stage startups, helping develop new protocols, DeFi platforms, and blockchain solutions, acting as incubators for global crypto growth. What are the common crypto assets held by institutional funds? Bitcoin and Ethereum remain core holdings, often comprising 60–75% of portfolios, alongside assets like Solana, BNB, Ripple (XRP), and Avalanche (AVAX).

Japan’s 10-year government bond yield climbed to its highest since 2008, as markets reacted to expectations of expanded fiscal spending and increased government borrowing under the country’s new administration. The 30-year yield briefly touched 3.3%, further highlighting investor concerns about Japan’s debt trajectory and inflation outlook. JUST IN : Japan’s 30-Year Bond Yield jumps to 3.32%, the highest level in history pic.twitter.com/M156Wz6kdb — Barchart (@Barchart) October 7, 2025 The surge in yields reflects investors’ waning confidence in Japanese bonds amid speculation that the government will maintain stimulus-heavy policies despite persistent inflation. Such moves could spill over into global markets, pushing yields higher elsewhere as Japanese investors seek better returns abroad. Investor Takeaway If Japan’s fiscal strain leads to broader market volatility, Bitcoin could see both short-term pressure and long-term opportunity as a hedge asset. Yen Slides as Dollar Strengthens At the same time, the U.S. dollar rallied 4.2% against the Japanese yen between early October and press time, signaling a weakening yen. The move underscores the yen’s continued decline against the greenback, with the USD/JPY pair reaching levels last seen on February 14, according to FXCM data. The depreciation comes as traders bet that the Bank of Japan (BOJ) will stick with its ultra-loose monetary policy, even as inflation remains above its 2% target. A weaker yen boosts Japan’s export competitiveness but erodes domestic purchasing power, while the widening gap between Japanese and U.S. yields continues to fuel capital outflows. As a result, the U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against major currencies, has risen to a two-month high. Impact on Bitcoin and Broader Risk Assets Bitcoin, which recently hit record highs of ¥19.78 million in yen terms, has begun to face mild pressure as investors rebalance their portfolios. Typically, when capital flows shift in this way, it signals accumulation in Bitcoin—suggesting investors’ confidence in the asset relative to government bonds. The BTC/JPY pair, which currently trades around ¥18.457 million, only slightly below its all-time high, underscores continued market confidence. This trend indicates that investors are maintaining diversified portfolios—increasing exposure to bonds while keeping positions in high-volatility assets like Bitcoin, which has also reached new highs in dollar terms. Market analysts note that Bitcoin’s performance remains closely tied to macroeconomic conditions. Farzam Ehsani, Co-founder and CEO of VALR, noted: “The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has amplified Bitcoin’s safe-haven narrative, with investors increasingly rotating from U.S.-related assets like Treasuries into assets seen as resilient to political dysfunction and inflationary pressure.” Investor Takeaway Capital outflows from the yen and Treasuries into Bitcoin reflect a growing appetite for assets outside traditional financial systems. Political Shift Boosts Optimism On October 7, Asian markets climbed after Sanae Takaichi’s election as leader of Japan’s ruling party lifted investor confidence. The Nikkei 225 surged nearly 5%, while the yen weakened past ¥150 per dollar, reflecting expectations of continued fiscal stimulus and loose monetary policy. Wall Street’s AI-driven rally added momentum across the region, with tech stocks leading gains. Japan’s crypto sector also gained traction as Gumi Inc. added Bitcoin and XRP to its balance sheet, while Laser Digital began licensing talks with the FSA to expand institutional crypto services.

Broker Expands With Domestic Equities and ETFs Webull UK is broadening its footprint in Britain’s retail investment market, adding London Stock Exchange-listed shares and exchange-traded funds while introducing a two-tier account model designed for both casual and active traders. The FCA-authorised subsidiary of Nasdaq-listed Webull Corporation will offer two plans: Webull Go, a commission-free account covering U.S. stocks, options, FTSE 100 constituents and 20 ETFs; and Webull Meridian, a £5-per-month premium tier offering around 1,000 UK-listed equities and ETFs with multi-currency support and lower foreign exchange fees. Meridian will cost just £0.01 until the end of 2025 under an introductory promotion. Across both tiers, Webull is introducing a flat $0.10 commission per U.S. trade, replacing its previous 2.5-basis-point fee. The move highlights intensifying price competition among digital brokers vying for retail clients. “By introducing UK shares and ETFs alongside flexible account options, we’re giving our customers more tools to match their goals and trading styles,” said Nick Saunders, Chief Executive of Webull UK. “Lower costs, broader access and a straightforward experience remain central to our mission as we grow in the UK market.” Investor Takeaway Webull’s UK expansion shows how global brokers are using low fees and domestic market access to court retail traders in one of Europe’s most competitive investment arenas. Upvest Partnership Powers Expansion The new product suite is powered by Berlin-based Upvest, which provides brokerage, settlement and custody infrastructure. The partnership enables Webull’s domestic rollout and builds on an earlier collaboration allowing fractional trading of U.S. shares and ETFs. Upvest, which gained FCA approval in 2024, also supports platforms such as Revolut, N26 and bunq, and processes more than 2 million transactions weekly. Symmie Swil, UK GM at Upvest, comments: “At Upvest, we are delighted to be chosen by Webull UK to power their next stage of growth. With this expanded product offering, Webull UK’s end users will benefit from greater flexibility, fast execution, and a seamless trading experience. As Europe’s leading investment infrastructure provider, Upvest’s mission is to make investing as easy as spending money by making affordable and digital-first experiences accessible to all. Our partnership with Webull UK delivers exactly this: enabling investment journeys that are personalised, flexible, and intuitive.” Competitive Retail Landscape Webull’s expansion comes amid a wave of activity in the UK’s retail brokerage sector. Robinhood launched its desktop platform in June targeting the country’s 11 million self-directed investors, while Revolut began offering stock trading to 650,000 UK users after gaining FCA approval late last year. IG Group added 24/5 trading on more than 100 U.S. equities in September, and OANDA expanded into share CFDs earlier this year. Other entrants include Ultima Markets, which obtained FCA authorisation in July and plans to onboard clients in 2026, and Moneta Markets, which entered through an acquisition in August. The activity contrasts with years of consolidation among older brokers weighed down by rising regulatory costs. Investor Takeaway The resurgence of new entrants—from Webull to Robinhood—shows renewed confidence in the UK’s retail investment market after several years of retrenchment and exits. Global Growth Strategy Webull Corporation, which went public earlier this year under the ticker BULL, operates licensed brokerages in 14 markets across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America, serving over 24 million users. The company, controlled by Wang Anquan, a former Alibaba executive, has accelerated its European expansion from a new headquarters in Amsterdam opened this summer. Webull launched in the UK in 2023 offering only U.S.-listed securities. Adding domestic shares and ETFs marks its first full integration into the UK market and positions the broker to compete directly with larger incumbents and fintech rivals.

Quod Financial, the fintech firm known for its adaptive trading and liquidity management solutions, has unveiled Unity as a standalone product—an integration architecture designed to connect and streamline complex trading environments. Previously embedded within Quod’s broader trading technology suite, Unity can now be deployed independently to unify order management, execution, and analytics systems across asset classes. The company says Unity provides financial institutions with a path to modernization without the disruption of full-scale system replacements. The framework allows firms to consolidate fragmented infrastructure, link existing OMS and EMS platforms, and integrate AI or third-party applications through a single, API-first layer. Takeaway: Quod Financial’s Unity aims to help institutions reduce integration complexity, enhance agility, and accelerate innovation by serving as a vendor-neutral bridge between legacy and modern systems. Addressing the Industry’s Integration Bottleneck Trading firms often operate in siloed environments where OMS, EMS, risk tools, and post-trade systems function independently. These fragmented infrastructures lead to inefficiencies, costly upgrades, and data inconsistency across workflows. Integration efforts can stretch over years, making agility and scalability difficult to achieve. Unity addresses these challenges by acting as a universal integration fabric. It connects disparate trading systems through normalized data exchange and real-time lifecycle tracking, enabling institutions to standardize operations while retaining control of their existing tools. Core Features and Advantages According to Quod, Unity is engineered to be both modular and vendor-neutral, with over 300 pre-built connectors that support rapid deployment. Its API-driven design facilitates real-time synchronization of order, execution, and market data across regions and asset classes. Cross-asset data normalization and lifecycle tracking for trades and benchmarks Integration of Quod’s OMS, EMS, and algo trading apps or external third-party systems Deployment timelines reduced from months to weeks Lightweight disaster recovery architecture for operational resilience Unity represents a third way forward for the industry, said Medan Gabbay, Co-CEO at Quod Financial. For too long, firms have had to choose between living with legacy systems or embarking on disruptive, multi-year replacements. Unity allows institutions to unify their architecture, plug in the tools they want, and modernize on their terms. How Firms Are Using Unity Unity has already been implemented at Tier-1 and Tier-2 institutions to accelerate digital transformation across trading desks. Clients have reported integration times dropping from more than a year to under 60 days, while reducing system redundancy and unlocking data visibility across asset classes. 1. AI Integration By unifying data streams, Unity makes trade and risk data instantly accessible to AI-driven analytics. This capability helps institutions feed clean, structured data into AI systems and automate decision-making directly within live trading workflows. 2. Reducing Vendor Dependence Firms can now upgrade or replace components incrementally, connecting both old and new systems via Unity’s standardized integration layer. This approach lowers implementation risk and enables technology teams to evolve infrastructure without vendor lock-in. 3. Cross-Asset Coordination Unity allows firms to link workflows across multiple asset classes—such as automating hedging between fixed income and FX or consolidating risk across trading desks—without replacing core platforms. It effectively creates a unified, normalized architecture underpinning diverse trading applications. Takeaway: Unity offers institutions a pragmatic middle ground—modernize workflows incrementally while maintaining operational stability and compliance across global markets.

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics has reignited global concern over the future of digital security, particularly within the cryptocurrency sector, after the award recognized breakthroughs that underpin today’s quantum computing technologies. The Nobel Committee awarded the prize to John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis for pioneering experiments that demonstrated quantum tunneling and energy quantization in superconducting circuits—work that laid the foundation for scalable quantum processors now driving research in quantum computing. 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics Winners. Source: Nobelprize.org While the announcement was celebrated as a landmark in physics, it has also revived long-standing fears that quantum advances could soon undermine the cryptographic systems protecting blockchain networks and digital assets. Quantum Computing and the Crypto Dilemma Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum depend on public-key cryptography to secure transactions and wallets. These systems rely on mathematical problems—such as factoring large integers or solving discrete logarithms—that are currently impossible for classical computers to break. However, quantum computers operating on the principles of superposition and entanglement could eventually solve these problems using Shor’s algorithm, rendering many existing cryptographic methods obsolete. Cybersecurity experts refer to this scenario as “Q-Day”—the point at which quantum machines become powerful enough to decrypt modern encryption systems in real time. Recent analyses from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and several cybersecurity institutes warn that attackers could already be harvesting encrypted blockchain data today with plans to decrypt it later when the technology matures—a strategy known as “harvest now, decrypt later.” The SEC’s Crypto Assets Task Force is now developing the Post-Quantum Financial Infrastructure Framework (PQFIF)to protect digital assets from emerging quantum threats that could break blockchain encryption by 2028. The plan outlines a phased migration to quantum-resistant standards, prioritizing vulnerable systems like institutional wallets and exchanges. This could expose historical Bitcoin transactions and potentially reveal private keys linked to early wallets. Experts Push Back on Panic Narrative My experts, including Arch Physicist, a quantum researcher at Alphractal, argued that Bitcoin remains secure due to the limits of current quantum technology. “Quantum brute force offers only a quadratic speed-up, so mining stays resistant,” he explained. Assuming a functional large-scale quantum computer: two possibilities emerge — breaking mining protocols or breaking RSA. Quantum brute-force provides only quadratic speed-up, so mining remains resistant. Old Bitcoin wallets (P2PK) expose public keys during transactions, making… https://t.co/PS3DF3Kq6i — Arch Physicist (@arch_physicist) September 19, 2025 The Physicist noted that only old Bitcoin wallets exposing public keys are at risk. Modern wallets hide them behind a hash and reveal them for just minutes during confirmation—a window too short for any existing or near-term quantum system to exploit. He added that a truly threatening quantum computer would need 3,000–6,000 logical qubits, far beyond today’s capabilities. “After a decade of progress, we have only about two functional logical qubits,” he said. In short, the Physicist concluded, Bitcoin is safe for now, though other crypto systems with permanently exposed keys remain more vulnerable. Moves Against Quantum Threats In the past, FinanceFeed reported how Adam Back suggested that if Satoshi Nakamoto is still alive, he might have to move his estimated 1 million BTC to new wallets before quantum computers can derive private keys from exposed public addresses. Reflecting similar fears, El Salvador has reportedly split its $678 million Bitcoin reserve into 14 wallets, each holding smaller amounts. The government’s decision was described as a preventive measure against potential quantum decryption threats that could compromise large, consolidated wallets. Meanwhile, outside crypto, HSBC and IBM have claimed a quantum breakthrough in bond trading tests, showing improved prediction accuracy using quantum models over classical computing. The result highlights that while quantum computing may still pose long-term risks to blockchain security, it is already demonstrating real-world advantages in financial analysis and trading. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. Who won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics?The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis for their groundbreaking work on superconducting circuits that power modern quantum computers. 2. Why is the 2025 Nobel Prize important for crypto?The award highlights advances in quantum computing, which could one day break the cryptographic systems that secure cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. 3. What is the connection between quantum computing and cryptocurrency?Quantum computers can solve complex math problems much faster than normal computers, which could allow them to crack blockchain encryption in the future. 4. What is “Q-Day” in crypto?“Q-Day” is the term used for the day when quantum computers become powerful enough to break today’s cryptographic systems and expose private keys. 5. Can quantum computers hack Bitcoin right now?No. Current quantum computers are not powerful enough to break Bitcoin’s encryption. Experts say it could take many more years before that becomes possible. 6. Which crypto wallets are most at risk from quantum attacks?Older Bitcoin wallets that have exposed public keys are more at risk. Modern wallets hide public keys until needed, offering better protection. 7. What is the SEC doing to protect crypto from quantum threats?The SEC is developing a Post-Quantum Financial Infrastructure Framework (PQFIF) to help exchanges and institutions upgrade to quantum-resistant systems before 2028. 8. What are “quantum-resistant” cryptographic systems?Quantum-resistant systems use new encryption methods designed to withstand attacks from quantum computers, keeping digital assets secure in the future. 9. How are countries and companies preparing for quantum risks?Governments like El Salvador are spreading their Bitcoin holdings across multiple wallets, while companies such as HSBC and IBM are testing quantum-safe financial technologies. 10. Should crypto investors be worried about quantum computing?Not yet. Bitcoin and major cryptocurrencies remain safe for now, but developers and regulators are already working on quantum-proof solutions to stay ahead.

Standard Chartered Bank has predicted that up to $1 trillion could move from traditional banks to stablecoins within the next three years. The forecast, revealed in a recent market report, highlights the growing appetite among institutional and retail investors for blockchain-based settlement systems — and signals a potential turning point in global banking liquidity dynamics. The bank’s analysts estimate that by 2028, stablecoins could account for as much as 4% of global money supply, driven by rising adoption in emerging markets, remittance processing, and cross-border trade settlements. The trend, they note, could present both opportunities and challenges for banks, especially in regions where digital assets are beginning to replace fiat currencies in business-to-business and retail payments. Investor Takeaway A $1 trillion shift to stablecoins, as predicted by Standard Chartered, would position blockchain as a central pillar in the next phase of global finance. Standard Chartered: Stablecoins Threaten to Redefine Global Banking Liquidity Per the report from the institution’s global research team, a statement from Standard Chartered said: “We see the potential for $1 trillion to leave emerging market banks and move into stablecoins in the next three years or so.”  Based on this statement, it is evident that stablecoins backed by robust reserves and transparency standards are rapidly becoming credible substitutes for cash and bank deposits. Looking ahead, the $1 trillion liquidity shift could primarily affect emerging market banks, where capital flight into stablecoins is already noticeable.  US dollar-backed stablecoins, such as Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC), remain dominant in these markets, accounting for over 90% of total on-chain settlement volumes. As demand grows, these tokens are evolving from speculative trading instruments into core financial infrastructure, facilitating global remittances, trade settlements, and digital savings. The report also warned that while this shift may improve financial inclusion and efficiency, it could also drain local banks’ deposit bases, reducing their ability to lend and raising systemic risks in regions where banking systems are already fragile. Investor Takeaway As stablecoins mature into trusted financial infrastructure, early exposure to the most transparent and widely adopted issuers could offer strategic upside. Regulation and Transparency Could Define Stablecoins’ Path to $1 Trillion  The Standard Chartered report paints a bold picture of a decentralized future. However, it also emphasizes that regulatory clarity will be key to unlocking the projected trillion-dollar migration. The bank cited the European Union’s MiCA stablecoin framework and Hong Kong’s licensing model as examples of balanced regulation that could foster responsible growth in the sector. While new U.S. crypto laws aim to mitigate deposit flight by prohibiting the country’s compliant stablecoin issuers from paying direct yields, which are similar to interest rates on a bank account, Standard Chartered said that developing world populations and U.S. financial players will still want them. For instance, while the U.S. remains divided on stablecoin legislation, evident in the absence of a unified federal framework that slows institutional participation, growing support from major financial players — including PayPal, BlackRock, and Fidelity — suggests that regulated stablecoins may soon be integrated into mainstream banking operations. Still, stability hinges on continued regulatory synergy between central banks and private issuers. Without consistent oversight, the sector could risk fragmentation and uneven adoption across jurisdictions.

Future FinTech Group’s Hong Kong subsidiary has struck a multi-faceted partnership with HHEX to fast-track the build-out of Web3 services and compliant tokenized assets. The agreement outlines a coordinated plan to launch tokenized funds, establish a dedicated RWA technology center, and jointly expand distribution to professional and institutional investors. In the second sentence of this paragraph, the story adds essential context: Future FinTech Group Inc. (NASDAQ: FTFT) is a comprehensive financial and digital technology service provider, while HHEX is a trading platform specializing in Real World Assets (RWA) transactions with a leadership team drawn from prior digital asset exchange founding groups. The collaboration targets the growing convergence of decentralized finance and traditional financing needs as institutions increasingly evaluate tokenization for capital efficiency and diversification. The companies say the tie-up transitions FTFT’s RWA strategy from exploration to execution, combining HHEX’s blockchain infrastructure and tokenization stack with FTFT’s competencies in asset selection, product design, risk control, and regulatory alignment. By unifying technology and go-to-market capabilities, the parties aim to accelerate compliant offerings that connect on-chain rails with off-chain assets in a way that scales for institutions and high-net-worth investors. Blueprint: Tokenized Fund, RWA Tech Center, and Shared Distribution takeaway: The pact is built around three pillars—launching a compliant multi-asset tokenized fund, standing up an integrated RWA Business Center System, and pooling client networks—to compress time-to-market for institutional-grade RWA products. At the product layer, FTFT and HHEX intend to co-develop a compliant, multi-asset RWA tokenized fund. FTFT will lead investment selection, structuring, regulatory compliance, and risk oversight, while HHEX provides the tokenization platform and blockchain infrastructure to mint and administer the instruments on-chain. The intent is to give qualified investors access to diversified exposures with on-chain settlement, auditability, and programmable controls. At the infrastructure layer, the parties plan to create an integrated RWA Business Center System designed to ingest, model, and tokenize a wide variety of traditional assets. Target asset types include real estate fund shares, supply chain finance receivables, and bonds, each with distinct data, lifecycle, and regulatory requirements. Standardizing these flows into a common tokenization fabric is core to achieving repeatability across issuers and jurisdictions. At the distribution layer, the cooperation envisions resource sharing between FTFT’s professional investor base and HHEX’s network of compliant institutions and digital asset investors. The goal is to broaden market coverage while keeping onboarding aligned with jurisdictional rules on suitability, disclosures, and investor qualifications—critical in a segment where compliance is the primary gating factor for scale. Leadership Commentary: Execution, Compliance, and Scale takeaway: Executives from both firms frame the partnership as a practical bridge from traditional finance to tokenized markets, emphasizing compliance-first design and institutional workflows. “Building on a solid technical foundation and industry insight, HHEX drives innovation in technological advancement, product experience, and ecosystem development. Through continuous breakthroughs in infrastructure development, we deliver professional, secure, and trustworthy digital asset services to users. In our partnership with FTFT, we plan to deploy critical resources to accelerate the co-development of our technology platform and the implementation of our first-phase flagship products. Our shared vision is to build a compliant and efficient bridge connecting traditional finance with digital assets,” said Cecilia Yang, CEO of HHEX. “Our strategic collaboration with HHEX marks a key step in optimizing the structure of our business operating groups. As the core platform for executing our Web3 strategy, HHEX will coordinate all Web3 and crypto-related operations with FTFT, integrating crypto assets and Web3 resources to capitalize on what we view as a historic opportunity in the industry. Through this organizational restructuring, we will strengthen crypto asset allocation, incubate Web3 projects, and build a content ecosystem while upholding principles of compliance, transparency and long-term sustainability,” said Hu Li, CEO of FTFT. “Our partnership with HHEX reflects our Board’s full endorsement of our RWA strategy and represents a pivotal step in establishing our Web3 capabilities. We are confident that the synergy of cutting-edge technology, comprehensive regulatory compliance, and strategic capital will grant us a distinct competitive edge in the emerging digital asset marketplace, and deliver sustainable value for our shareholders,” concluded FTFT CEO Hu Li. Why RWA Now: From Concept to Scalable Implementation takeaway: With Web3 tooling maturing and policy clarity improving, tokenization is moving beyond pilots—RWA products are increasingly engineered for auditability, cash flow fidelity, and operational resilience. Tokenized real-world assets have become a focal point for institutions seeking yield, collateral flexibility, and settlement efficiency, but scaling requires standardized issuance, disclosure, and investor protections. The FTFT–HHEX roadmap addresses these pain points by combining a regulated product wrapper with blockchain-native lifecycle management and controls for transfers, redemptions, and reporting. The planned RWA Technology Center is intended to function as an internal “factory” that codifies repeatable workflows across asset classes—mapping real-world agreements into on-chain representations while preserving the legal, accounting, and risk characteristics required by allocators and auditors. This is the layer where compliance automation and data provenance determine whether tokenization can operate at institutional scale. Distribution strategy is equally pivotal: matching qualified demand with compliant supply is often the limiting reagent. By aligning FTFT’s traditional finance channels with HHEX’s digital asset investor base, the partnership seeks to lower acquisition costs, raise conversion rates, and reduce operational friction in onboarding and ongoing KYC/AML maintenance cycles. The Team Behind HHEX: Exchange DNA and Systems Engineering takeaway: HHEX’s founding team brings prior exchange-building experience and high-concurrency systems expertise—useful for RWA platforms that must reconcile institutional uptime expectations with blockchain settlement. HHEX cites a leadership cohort with roots in early exchange formation and large-scale web infrastructure. Founder Soisson Zhang, a Northeastern University alum with stints at Microsoft Research Asia and Alibaba, launched the JuCoin.com Bitcoin exchange in 2013 (later rebranded as Ju.com). Other core members bring global platform operations and market development experience. On the engineering side, HHEX emphasizes architecture talent drawn from major exchanges, specializing in distributed systems designed for throughput, availability, and fault tolerance. In the RWA context, these capabilities translate into the ability to handle complex token lifecycle events, multi-jurisdictional compliance rules, and high-integrity data synchronization between off-chain registries and on-chain states. For FTFT, which conducts brokerage and investment banking services in Hong Kong and operates supply chain trading and finance businesses in China, the partnership is intended to unlock a faster route from traditional product expertise to tokenized distribution—while anchoring each step to regulatory expectations across markets.  

London-based digital finance company Revolut is entering India’s crowded payments market, marking its first move into one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing digital finance ecosystems. The British fintech plans to roll out its app later this year to 350,000 waitlisted users before opening to the broader public. Revolut will let Indian users make both domestic and international payments through integrations with the government-backed Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Visa. The company’s India head, Paroma Chatterjee, said it will offer a prepaid card and digital wallet, built on a prepaid payments instrument (PPI) licence secured from the Reserve Bank of India earlier this year. The firm’s arrival comes as competition in India’s fintech sector intensifies. Local players like Niyo, Scapia, Fi, and BookMyForex already cater to cross-border spending and remittances. But Revolut sees a gap in the market, particularly in foreign exchange services. “Cross-border payments have been the preserve of banks,” Chatterjee told TechCrunch. “There have been humongous charges which have been levied on this.” According to the company’s estimates, Indians spend roughly $30 billion overseas every year, losing about $600 million in bank fees—a cost Revolut calls “criminal.” The firm hopes its multi-currency cards and streamlined FX services will appeal to frequent travelers and digital-native professionals who are comfortable managing finances online. To support the launch, Revolut has invested over £40 million ($53.7 million) in localizing its tech infrastructure to comply with India’s strict data sovereignty rules—the only market where it has made such a commitment. The company also acquired Arvog Forex in 2022 to obtain regulatory clearance for remittance and multi-currency accounts. Betting on India’s “Aspirational Youth” Revolut aims to sign up 20 million users in India by 2030, focusing on the country’s large base of “aspirational youth” aged 25 to 45. The company plans to process at least $7 billion in transactions through its India operations during that period. Unlike many local fintech firms that use minimal KYC verification to onboard users quickly, Revolut will enforce full KYC checks including Aadhaar and video verification, and screen new customers against global sanctions lists. Chatterjee said this stricter approach targets “high-intent customers” and ensures compliance with international anti–money laundering standards. Revolut’s Indian offering will include UPI-enabled wallets, domestic and international Visa cards, and features such as budget tracking, analytics, and kids’ accounts linked to parents’ profiles. The app will also support same-day international remittances through a local banking partner. Deep Pockets and a Growing Workforce The British fintech has already infused $45 million to establish operations in India and plans further investments as it scales. Of its 10,000 global employees, about 3,500 are based in India, making it the company’s largest hub worldwide. Many of those staff contribute to product development for Revolut’s other international markets. Revolut’s entry into India also coincides with its broader global expansion push. The company, valued at $75 billion after a secondary share sale last month, has been exploring a U.S. bank acquisition and credit card rollout in its home market. While Revolut brings a strong balance sheet and brand to India, it will face a fragmented and highly competitive landscape. Payment giants such as Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and Amazon Pay already dominate daily transactions, while banks and specialized fintechs compete on remittance fees and forex margins. Still, Chatterjee said Revolut is playing a longer game focused on engagement and profitability rather than raw user numbers. “Revolut globally in 39 countries has 65 million customers and is valued at $75 billion,” she said. “That’s because more than 25 million of them are active every month.” For now, Revolut’s bet rests on whether India’s digital-savvy middle class is ready for a global payments app that promises fewer fees, faster transfers—and a British challenger’s take on what the future of money should feel like.

OTCX, a leading regulated fintech transforming over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives trading, has entered a multi-year partnership with Aladdin®, BlackRock’s technology platform that unifies the investment management process. The collaboration marks a major step toward digitising dealer-to-client “voice” trading, replacing manual workflows with more efficient and transparent electronic solutions. The partnership will integrate OTCX’s electronic execution venues directly into the Aladdin ecosystem, giving buy-side and sell-side participants access to new, streamlined tools for price discovery, order execution, and post-trade management. The goal is to reduce reliance on manual communication channels — such as phone and chat — that have historically dominated OTC derivatives trading. Takeaway: The collaboration between OTCX and BlackRock’s Aladdin represents a decisive move toward digital transformation in OTC derivatives, expanding automation and transparency across the trade lifecycle. Modernising the OTC Derivatives Workflow Through this integration, Aladdin clients will gain full end-to-end workflow support, encompassing price discovery, request-for-market, execution, and post-trade processing. The enhanced connectivity will span a wide array of OTC derivatives, improving operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness for institutions managing complex portfolios. Integrating with the Aladdin platform is a pivotal step for OTCX and for the OTC derivatives market as a whole, said Nicolas Koechlin, CEO of OTCX. Our goal is to give market participants more choice, lower costs, and more efficient workflows in markets that have historically been complex and fragmented. Together with BlackRock Aladdin, we are excited to accelerate the industry’s shift from manual voice trading to seamless digital execution, delivering transformative value for buy-side firms and dealers globally. By connecting to Aladdin, OTCX provides institutional traders with a seamless interface for comparing quotes, managing risk, and executing trades — all within a regulated, audit-ready environment. The system’s digital infrastructure allows for enhanced visibility into pricing and liquidity, ensuring more consistent execution quality and reporting standards. Takeaway: OTCX’s integration with Aladdin reduces operational complexity, enabling faster and more secure trade execution while maintaining the compliance and transparency standards expected by global institutions. Driving Efficiency and Transparency Across the Market The initiative addresses a long-standing challenge in OTC derivatives: the dependence on manual, voice-based interactions between dealers and clients. While such channels have traditionally supported complex and bespoke transactions, they often create inefficiencies, increase the risk of human error, and limit transparency in pricing and reporting. Digitising this process not only helps reduce these operational burdens but also provides traders with better tools to evaluate liquidity and manage exposure across asset classes. With both parties’ technology working in tandem, users will benefit from a single workflow for OTC derivatives alongside their broader investment management operations.