Square has launched Square Bitcoin, its first integrated bitcoin payments and wallet solution designed specifically for local businesses. The platform introduces Bitcoin Payments and Bitcoin Conversions — two features aimed at making bitcoin as usable as any other payment method for Main Street merchants. Sellers can now accept bitcoin directly from their point-of-sale, automatically convert card sales into bitcoin, and manage all their digital assets within the Square Dashboard. The release comes as part of Square’s biannual Square Releases event and reflects Block’s decade-long investment in making bitcoin more accessible. With zero processing fees for the first year, sellers can now accept bitcoin transactions without cutting into margins. Additionally, businesses can choose to hold bitcoin, convert it into USD, or diversify automatically through Square’s ecosystem — the same platform they already use for payroll, inventory, and savings. According to Square, cryptocurrency payment adoption in the U.S. is projected to grow by 82% between 2024 and 2026. The company’s goal is to simplify participation in that growth by embedding bitcoin tools directly where small businesses already operate. “Square Bitcoin marries Block’s bitcoin expertise with Square’s intuitive commerce technology,” the announcement said, positioning the move as a milestone in merging traditional retail with digital finance. Takeaway Square Bitcoin extends crypto capability to small businesses by embedding payments, conversions, and custody directly within the existing Square ecosystem. Why The Move Could Transform How Local Businesses Manage Money With Bitcoin Payments, sellers can now accept bitcoin directly at checkout with zero fees for the first 12 months. The feature also promises near-instant settlement, helping businesses lower transaction costs while serving a growing crypto-savvy customer base. Meanwhile, Bitcoin Conversions lets sellers automatically convert a percentage — up to 50% — of daily card sales into bitcoin, effectively adding a passive savings component to their cash flow strategy. One early adopter, Joe Carlo, owner of Pink Owl Coffee, said, “Years ago, bitcoin transformed how we think about building wealth, and Square is simplifying our ability to bring that mindset to our business. By using Bitcoin Conversions in beta, we’ve built a strong financial reserve for Pink Owl over the past two years… Now, with bitcoin payments, we’re able to serve our customers in more ways while boosting bitcoin education and more actively participating in the bitcoin economy.” As small businesses navigate inflation and evolving consumer payment preferences, these tools introduce new ways to manage liquidity and cost control. Since launching Square Banking in 2021, Square has aimed to connect payments, savings, and lending. Now, with bitcoin built into that ecosystem, sellers gain access to another asset class — directly tied to their daily transactions — without leaving the Square interface. Takeaway Bitcoin Conversions turns small business revenue into digital savings, helping owners hedge against inflation and market volatility from within the same dashboard. Square’s Bitcoin Vision: Everyday Money, Not Just A Store Of Value Square’s parent company, Block, has been a consistent advocate for bitcoin integration across products — from Cash App’s buy-sell capabilities to Bitkey’s self-custody wallet and Proto’s bitcoin mining initiatives. The launch of Square Bitcoin represents the latest stage in that evolution, bringing everyday usability to the same technology that underpins the broader Block ecosystem. Miles Suter, Head of Bitcoin Product at Block, explained the broader mission: “The bitcoin tools we’re building at Square deliver on two critical needs: ensuring sellers never miss a sale, and giving them access to powerful financial tools that help them more easily manage and grow their finances. We’re making bitcoin payments as seamless as card payments while giving small businesses access to financial management tools that, until now, have been exclusive to the largest corporations.” The product rollout underscores Block’s goal of positioning bitcoin as “everyday money.” By supporting both sides of the counter — merchants via Square and consumers via Cash App — Block is creating a closed-loop ecosystem where value can circulate natively in bitcoin. As more businesses onboard, this could accelerate mainstream bitcoin adoption and deepen its utility beyond investment portfolios. Takeaway By embedding bitcoin into daily transactions, Block and Square move the asset from speculation to utility, creating a practical use case for crypto in small business commerce.

Fireblocks Trust Company, the New York State–regulated qualified custodian built on the Fireblocks platform, has announced partnerships with Bakkt, Galaxy, Castle Island, and FalconX. The move cements Fireblocks’ status as a key enabler of compliant digital asset infrastructure for financial institutions navigating a rapidly maturing regulatory landscape. Operating under full NYDFS oversight, Fireblocks Trust Company offers a custody framework that blends cold-storage security with seamless connectivity to its network of over 2,400 institutions. The company’s infrastructure underpins critical institutional use cases, from exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and digital asset treasuries (DATs) to collateralized lending and token generation events (TGEs). “As a venture capital firm responsible for protecting our stakeholders’ investments, regulatory compliance and security are non-negotiable,” said Matt Walsh, Founding Partner of Castle Island. “Fireblocks Trust Company delivers on both fronts with their qualified custodian status and robust operational controls. The connectivity to the Fireblocks Network… has simplified our operations between the two treasury worlds.” Takeaway Fireblocks Trust Company is emerging as the go-to custodian for regulated digital asset infrastructure, offering security and compliance trusted by major institutions. How Regulated Custody Is Fueling The Next Phase Of Institutional Crypto The surge in digital asset ETFs and collateralized lending has pushed custody into the regulatory spotlight. Institutions require trusted frameworks that balance innovation with compliance — a challenge Fireblocks Trust Company appears to have solved. Built atop Fireblocks’ security stack, the platform offers auditability, asset segregation, and policy-controlled validator access for staking through partners like Figment. Andrew Taubman, Deputy Chief Operations Officer at Galaxy, highlighted the need for diversification: “Galaxy leverages a range of regulated custody providers to meet the diverse needs of our institutional client base. Fireblocks Trust Company adds important capabilities to this network, supporting secure, compliant growth across digital asset markets.” Beyond ETFs and staking, Fireblocks supports token launches and institutional lending, integrating legal and operational controls that align with emerging fiduciary standards. This adaptability has helped position the custodian at the intersection of digital innovation and regulatory acceptance — a critical milestone for mainstream institutional participation in crypto markets. Takeaway As ETFs, lending, and staking enter regulated frameworks, Fireblocks provides institutions with compliant, operationally secure infrastructure for digital assets. Building The Bridge Between Traditional Finance And Digital Assets Institutions like Bakkt and FalconX view qualified custody as the missing link between traditional finance (TradFi) and digital assets. “Bakkt has built crypto brokerage infrastructure that allows institutions to access crypto trading within regulated frameworks,” said Nicholas Baes, COO of Bakkt. “Fireblocks Trust Company’s role as a qualified custodian is a pivotal element to our ecosystem, ensuring that our clients have a secure and compliant foundation to protect their assets.” Ben Dapkiewicz, General Manager of Custody at FalconX, echoed that sentiment: “Institutions rely on us for deep liquidity and trusted access to markets. For those same clients, regulated custody is a critical piece of the puzzle. Fireblocks Trust Company provides qualified custody that helps strengthen the bridge between traditional finance and crypto as these markets continue to mature.” Adam Levine, CEO of Fireblocks Trust Company, positioned the moment as a tipping point for institutional adoption. “Regulated custody is now a catalyst for institutions moving beyond early implementation toward true adoption of digital assets,” he said. “By combining the protections they require with infrastructure they already trust, Fireblocks Trust Company is helping drive the next phase of institutional adoption.” Takeaway Regulated crypto custody is becoming the foundation of institutional participation. Fireblocks’ partnerships show that compliant infrastructure is key to scaling adoption.

Stablecoins were created to solve the problem of price volatility in cryptocurrency. They are not like Bitcoin or Ethereum, whose prices can rise or fall within minutes. Stablecoins were designed to be stable as they’re usually pegged to traditional currencies like the U.S. dollar. Therefore, 1 stablecoin should always equal $1. Due to this, investors, traders, and regular users depend on stablecoins for saving, sending money, and trading in crypto without worrying about price swings.  Sometimes, stablecoins don’t stay at $1; their value rises or drops for a long or short time. This phenomenon is known as “depegging.” When depegging happens, the market begins to panic because people begin to lose trust in the coin’s ability to stay stable. After reading this article, you’ll understand why stablecoins depeg and how it can impact people’s decisions in the crypto world.   Key Takeaways Stablecoins depeg when they lose their fixed value, caused by market fear, poor reserves or system failures. The stability of a stablecoin depends on trust; once the trust breaks, sudden sell-offs can occur. Weak transparency, technical flaws and liquidity problems can expose the risks hidden behind stable assets. Users can protect their funds by diversifying across several stablecoins, researching issuers, and looking for early warning signs of instability. What Does Depeg Mean in Crypto? The word “Depeg” in cryptocurrency means that a stablecoin no longer equals in value to the currency it’s intended to follow. Many stablecoins are created to be worth $1. However, when something goes wrong, such as technical issues or market panic, the price drops below $1. When this happens, the stablecoin has depegged.  Why is Depegging a Big Deal? Many people use stablecoins because they believe one coin will always equal one dollar. This stability enables users to store value securely, send money, and use crypto without worrying about price fluctuations. Therefore, when a stablecoin depegs, even by a little percentage, it breaks that trust. Traders and investors will start questioning whether the coin is genuinely backed by sufficient assets or real money. Also, they will wonder if it can be redeemed for its full value.  When people lose confidence at the same time, they can sell or withdraw their coins. This activity can cause the price to fall further. Understanding the Key Reasons Stablecoins Depeg While stablecoins are designed to remain stable, sometimes things can go wrong, causing them to lose value. Here are the primary reasons this happens: 1. Reserve problems or lack of transparency Many stablecoins are meant to be backed by real money or assets. If the organization behind the coin doesn’t have sufficient reserves or doesn’t show proof, people lose confidence. When issuers don’t share clear reports or audits, rumors and fear can spread, leading to depegging. 2. Market panic and bank runs Even if a stablecoin is completely backed, panic can cause some trouble. If many people withdraw or redeem their coins instantly, the issuer may lack enough liquid cash to handle all requests immediately. When this happens, the prices fall temporarily and supply floods the market. 3. Algorithmic or technical failure Not all stablecoins rely on real money. Instead, they use smart contracts or algorithms to control their price. These coins automatically decrease or increase supply to keep the price stable. However, if the system breaks or the market moves too fast, the algorithm won’t be able to keep up.  4. Banking and regulatory problems Stablecoins depend on payment partners and banks to hold their reserves. If the banks fail, freeze accounts or face government restrictions, the stablecoin’s value is affected.  5. Broader market volatility Anytime the crypto market crashes, stablecoins can feel the impact. If the collateral’s value drops, the stablecoin can lose its peg until additional liquidation balances things out.  How users can protect themselves Although stablecoins appear safe, it is essential to take steps to mitigate risk. 1. Avoid relying on one stablecoin Instead of leaving all your money in one stablecoin, use a combination of stablecoins. This way, if one coin loses its peg, you won’t lose everything.  2. Do your research Always check if the stablecoin has audit reports and if the organization behind it is trustworthy. Be cautious of coins that make big promises but offer little transparency.   3. Watch market trends and news Stablecoins usually follow significant events like crypto crashes or bank failures. Watching the news can help you act fast if something begins to go wrong. 4. Use reputable platforms Trade or store stablecoins on trusted wallets or exchanges with a known history of handling funds securely. Don’t use unknown platforms that may freeze withdrawals or have poor liquidity. 5. Convert when needed If a stablecoin begins to show warning signs or price drops, it’s best to convert it quickly to a fiat currency or another stablecoin. Taking small action early is better than facing significant losses later.  How Stablecoin Issuers Try to Prevent Depegging Stablecoin organizations know that stability is everything. Therefore, they use many strategies to reduce the risk of depegging: 1. Holding sufficient and transparent reserves Issuers of fiat-backed stablecoins hold short-term assets and cash to match every coin they issue. They also share regular audit reports to show clients that their money is safe. 2. Strong liquidity and risk management Stablecoin issuers ensure that enough of their reserves are in the form of easily spendable cash so they can handle mass withdrawals without delay. Additionally, they spread their funds across institutions and multiple banks to avoid total loss if one fails.  3. Regulatory compliance Many issuers now collaborate closely with regulators to increase trust. They use licensed custodians, follow financial laws, and meet transparency standards.  4. Built-in stabilization mechanisms Some stablecoins have automatic features like smart contract adjustments or circuit breakers responding to large price swings. These assist in bringing the coin back to its peg faster when the prices shift instantly.  Conclusion Stablecoins were formed to bring reliability to the volatile crypto world. However, depegging reminds everyone that stability isn’t automatic, but it must be maintained or earned. When reserves are weak or market communication is unclear, even trusted coins can lose their peg. For users, being cautious and staying informed remains the ideal protection. 

According to credit card brand Aqua’s updated Financial Learnings and Mistakes 2025 report, a growing number of young adults are turning to AI tools like ChatGPT for financial advice. The survey, which gathered responses from 5,000 UK adults, found that 67% of 25–34-year-olds and 53% of 21–24-year-olds now rely on AI platforms for financial guidance — a stark contrast to just 10% of respondents aged 55 and over. Social media is also gaining influence as a financial educator. Among 21–24-year-olds, 22% said they would consult TikTok or other social platforms before turning to banks (15%) or professional advisers (7%). This generational shift suggests that younger Brits value immediacy, accessibility, and relatable advice over traditional financial institutions. “Improving your credit score might not always be top of mind, but it plays an important role in helping you reduce financial stress,” said Sharvan Selvam, Commercial Director at Aqua. “It’s incredibly encouraging to see so many people feeling more empowered and confident as a result of taking steps to boost their credit score.” Takeaway AI tools and social platforms are rapidly becoming primary sources of financial advice for younger generations, reshaping how trust and literacy are built around money. Confidence In Money Management Rises Despite Economic Uncertainty Despite the UK’s ongoing cost-of-living challenges, Aqua’s research found that 46% of Brits feel more confident about their finances this year compared to 2024. The most common emotional states around money were “stable” (20%), “content” (16%), and “happy” (12%). Still, uncertainty persists: financial stress rose from 5% to 9% year over year, and 10% of respondents reported feeling anxious about their financial outlook. Among those with low credit scores — roughly 37% of UK adults — the sense of strain is particularly acute. Fourteen percent said a poor score makes them worry about the future, and 13% said it causes ongoing stress. Yet, the research also found that improving credit scores yields strong psychological benefits. Nearly one in four respondents (23%) reported feeling relief once their scores improved, while 17% said they felt “more in control.” Selvam added that small, consistent actions can make a major difference. “Building a stronger credit score is possible with small steps such as making credit repayments on time, which can be made easier by setting up a direct debit or repayment reminders,” he said. Takeaway Even amid financial pressures, improved credit habits are boosting confidence — suggesting education and behavioral nudges can reduce long-term money stress. Financial Mistakes And The Topics Brits Wish They Knew Better When asked about their biggest financial mistakes, 45% of respondents cited not planning for retirement as their top regret. Other leading errors included accumulating credit card debt (40%) and spending beyond one’s means (38%). Meanwhile, 34% said losing money to the crypto and NFT hype was their biggest misstep — underscoring how easily financial trends can overshadow informed decision-making. The report also highlighted significant educational gaps. Investing and retirement planning were the top two topics Brits wished they had learned earlier, both mentioned by 17% of respondents. Fifteen percent said they wished they had understood the long-term benefits of investing, while others emphasized the importance of saving for retirement sooner. As Aqua’s findings make clear, financial literacy continues to evolve alongside technology. The fusion of AI, digital platforms, and shifting attitudes toward money could redefine how the next generation builds wealth, manages risk, and prepares for the future. Takeaway Retirement planning, investing, and credit management remain key knowledge gaps — and AI-driven tools could become the bridge to closing them for younger adults.  

Bitcoin (BTC) is currently trading around $121,582, marking a mild intraday decline of 0.7%. Despite short-term volatility, the broader market structure remains bullish, supported by institutional inflows and seasonal optimism often associated with October’s crypto rally. Strong buying interest has pushed BTC out of a descending channel pattern, signaling the potential continuation of its uptrend. Analysts, however, warn that immediate resistance near the $125,000 to $130,000 range could trigger short-term profit-taking. If Bitcoin clears this zone decisively, technical projections place the next upside target near $146,000, based on the measured move from its recent breakout. Key support levels lie around $117,000 and $110,000, where previous consolidations occurred. A breakdown below these levels could shift momentum and test psychological support near $100,000. Until then, price corrections are viewed as part of a healthy retracement within a bullish structure. Momentum indicators paint a mixed picture. Bitcoin remains above its 50-, 100-, and 200-day moving averages, confirming a medium- to long-term uptrend. However, shorter-term oscillators such as the Relative Strength Index and Stochastics indicate overbought conditions, suggesting limited immediate upside without consolidation. Volume trends have been moderate, with analysts noting subdued exchange activity and signs of accumulation through institutional vehicles like spot Bitcoin ETFs. Trend indicators such as the Average Directional Index show moderate strength, implying that while the trend remains intact, the market could pause before the next leg higher. In the near term, traders are watching whether Bitcoin can sustain above the $122,000 to $125,000 range. A successful retest of this zone could confirm support for a renewed push toward all-time highs, while a failure could open the door for deeper retracements toward the $110,000 level. Ethereum (ETH) is trading near $4,347, down about 3% on the day, as the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization consolidates following its recent rally. Despite short-term weakness, technical indicators suggest that Ethereum remains in a broader uptrend, supported by positive institutional sentiment and continued growth in on-chain activity. On daily charts, Ethereum’s price action shows resilience above key moving averages, with medium- and long-term signals maintaining a bullish tilt. Market assessments from major exchanges describe ETH as holding a “buy” bias on most moving averages, though short-term oscillators reflect overbought conditions, hinting at potential near-term consolidation. The primary resistance to watch lies between $4,600 and $5,100. Ethereum has repeatedly tested the lower end of this zone but has yet to establish a sustained breakout. A decisive move above $4,600, confirmed by strong volume, could open the door to new highs, with some analysts projecting a medium-term target near $10,000 if momentum continues. On the downside, immediate support sits around $4,200 to $4,300, with deeper protection near $3,900. Technical forecasts suggest that a pullback to $4,280 remains possible if resistance persists, offering a potential retest of prior accumulation zones. Momentum remains moderate, with trend indicators like the Average Directional Index showing room for further strength. Meanwhile, Ethereum’s underlying fundamentals — such as increasing institutional adoption through ETFs, expanding Layer-2 ecosystem activity, and the deflationary effect of staking and burns — continue to support a long-term bullish case. In the short term, traders are watching whether Ethereum can reclaim the $4,600 level. A successful breakout could mark the start of a renewed rally, while failure to hold support near $4,200 may lead to deeper consolidation before the next leg higher.

An investor group led by Marc Joppeck, which also owns global trading brand INFINOX, has announced the acquisition of Skilling.com, a leading European online brokerage, pending final regulatory approval. The move marks a major milestone in the group’s long-term strategy to build a diversified financial services portfolio and expand its reach in one of the world’s most competitive trading regions. The transaction, following months of due diligence and negotiation, underscores the group’s intent to scale innovation and enhance client access to regulated, technology-driven trading. While financial terms remain undisclosed, the deal represents a significant investment in broadening both geographic reach and product diversity for retail traders across Europe and beyond. “This acquisition reflects our ambition to grow as a diversified and global financial services leader,” said Marc Joppeck, board member of INFINOX. “Skilling’s technology and client-first approach are an ideal fit for our strategy, creating opportunities to scale innovation, deliver enhanced value, and build resilience in an increasingly competitive sector.” Takeaway The acquisition of Skilling.com reinforces the group’s European presence and merges two strong technology-driven brands to accelerate innovation and client growth. Combining Skilling’s Technology With INFINOX’s Global Infrastructure Skilling, known for its intuitive platforms, localized services, and strong Nordic footprint, will complement INFINOX’s extensive infrastructure and liquidity network. The integration allows both brands to operate synergistically — maintaining Skilling’s independent identity while gaining access to the group’s advanced technology stack, multilingual support, and international regulatory coverage. For Skilling’s clients, the partnership promises broader liquidity access, a wider range of trading instruments, and enhanced data security. It also opens opportunities for improved execution speed and innovation in mobile trading and payment solutions. By leveraging INFINOX’s global relationships, Skilling traders will now benefit from the same institutional-grade infrastructure that underpins some of the world’s leading trading venues. “Joining the portfolio of companies is an exciting step for Skilling and our clients,” said George Kyriakoudes, CEO of Skilling. “We are proud of the technology, services, and community we have built, and this deal will allow us to scale these strengths to new heights. Our clients will benefit from the group’s global presence, advanced infrastructure, and long-term vision.” Takeaway Skilling retains its brand and agility while gaining access to INFINOX’s scale, ensuring continuity for clients and expanding innovation across global markets. Building A Diversified, Multi-Brand Financial Services Ecosystem Beyond operational synergy, the acquisition represents a broader ambition: to create a modern, multi-brand financial services ecosystem capable of serving traders across varying regions, regulatory environments, and asset classes. The group’s strategy centers on acquiring technology-led firms that align with its vision of transparent, inclusive, and innovative finance. By integrating Skilling, the investor group extends its presence deeper into Europe’s retail trading landscape, particularly within the Nordic markets where Skilling has established a strong reputation. This foundation enables the group to diversify its client base and develop new, cross-market products that combine intuitive design with institutional-grade execution standards. Further announcements regarding the group’s structure and expansion roadmap are expected in the coming months, signaling continued investment in digital transformation, client experience, and cross-platform integration. As the trading sector grows increasingly competitive, this acquisition positions the group to deliver enhanced value and long-term stability through diversified growth and technological leadership. Takeaway The acquisition aligns with a long-term vision to build a diversified, technology-focused portfolio — one that delivers innovation, resilience, and client choice globally.  

Global CEO confidence in the world economy has dropped to a five-year low, according to the KPMG 2025 Global CEO Outlook, which surveyed more than 1,300 corporate leaders worldwide. Only 68% expressed confidence in the global economy’s trajectory, down from 72% last year — a continuation of the downward trend since 2020. Persistent geopolitical tension and economic uncertainty remain major headwinds, reshaping corporate priorities and leadership strategies. Despite this caution, executives are leaning into opportunity through targeted investments. The majority of CEOs are prioritizing talent acquisition and technology innovation to drive resilience and future growth. 92% plan to increase headcount in the coming year, and 89% anticipate merger or acquisition activity. However, challenges such as cybercrime (79%), AI workforce readiness (77%), and integrating AI into existing business processes (75%) continue to hinder growth ambitions. Bill Thomas, KPMG’s Global Chairman and CEO, summarized the delicate balance: “It’s clear from our findings that CEOs are finding opportunities from disruption by investing boldly in technology, innovation and talent. With what we are seeing, there’s a careful balance required between innovation and responsibility.” Takeaway Global uncertainty hasn’t slowed investment in innovation — CEOs are redirecting resources toward AI, skilled talent, and digital transformation to sustain growth. AI Becomes The Centerpiece Of 2026 Corporate Strategy Artificial intelligence remains the top strategic investment area for CEOs worldwide. Nearly three-quarters (71%) of surveyed leaders said AI is their top investment priority for 2026, while 69% plan to allocate between 10% and 20% of their total budgets to AI initiatives over the next 12 months. This wave of funding underscores a clear recognition that digital transformation now depends on the effective integration of intelligent automation, analytics, and generative AI capabilities. However, accelerated adoption also brings new challenges to the boardroom. Ethical concerns were cited by 59% of executives, followed by data readiness (52%) and lack of regulation (50%). The consensus is that robust governance and transparency must accompany AI deployment to avoid reputational and operational risks. Executives are especially focused on managing bias in AI systems and ensuring workforce readiness as automation expands. Many leaders view AI not only as an efficiency driver but also as a strategic differentiator. From predictive analytics to decision augmentation, companies are increasingly embedding AI into every layer of the enterprise — from operations and supply chain to marketing and product innovation. The report suggests that organizations that implement clear governance models early will be best positioned to leverage AI responsibly and competitively. Takeaway AI budgets are surging, but leaders are pairing investment with governance — signaling a move from experimental pilots to scaled, responsible implementation. People-Led Transformation: Hiring, Upskilling, And Human-Centric AI While AI commands investment, CEOs recognize that success depends on people, not just technology. 61% of respondents said they are actively hiring new talent with AI or technical expertise, and 77% cited workforce upskilling as a pressing challenge. Competition for top AI talent remains fierce, with 70% of CEOs expressing concern about limited availability of qualified candidates. The findings suggest a clear pivot toward human-centric transformation — ensuring that employees are empowered to work alongside automation rather than displaced by it. The majority of executives (72%) have already adapted their growth strategies to reflect today’s economic realities, emphasizing agility, transparency, and faster decision-making. Leaders are also striving to build cultures of resilience — balancing automation with ethics and empathy in how technology is deployed across teams. Bill Thomas added, “CEO responses on AI exemplify this, with leaders recognizing the need to embrace innovation while managing concerns over ethics, regulation, upskilling and access to talent. Ultimately, the leaders who can embrace market volatility and focus investments in the right strategic areas will be best placed to unlock sustainable, long-term growth.” Takeaway Human-centric AI deployment is becoming a competitive advantage — blending technical investment with workforce development to sustain long-term transformation. ESG And Climate Confidence Strengthen Amid Economic Strain Despite macroeconomic pressures, CEOs remain committed to sustainability. The report shows that 61% of global leaders are now confident they will achieve their net-zero targets by 2030 — a notable increase from prior years. This reflects growing alignment between profitability and purpose, as organizations increasingly link ESG performance to long-term value creation. While regional differences persist, executives are integrating environmental and social metrics into investment and risk frameworks. This convergence of AI, sustainability, and governance signals a broader evolution in corporate strategy — one that prizes resilience, transparency, and innovation as shared imperatives rather than competing priorities. In parallel with sustainability gains, CEOs remain mindful of volatility. Many are revisiting capital allocation models and resilience planning, ensuring that investments in technology and ESG initiatives reinforce rather than dilute overall corporate stability. In this environment, AI and climate strategy appear to be two sides of the same adaptive coin — one optimizing for performance, the other for long-term survival. Takeaway ESG and AI investment strategies are converging — leaders view sustainability and technology as complementary pillars for resilience and long-term value creation.  

Gold reached fresh all-time highs on 8 October as fundamental conditions remained favourable while some other havens such as the yen performed less well. This article summarises recent developments affecting the main havens then looks briefly at the charts of XAUUSD and USDJPY. ETFs backed by gold saw some of their highest monthly inflows in years last month as political uncertainty remains generally high while the Fed seems likely to cut twice more this year: Source: CME FedWatch The probability of two more cuts to the funds rate by the end of 2025 has remained fairly constant in the last week at around 80-90%. If correct, that would take the rate to 3.5-3.75% by the end of the year. While the intense surge in prices among cryptocurrencies some traders had expected earlier this year hasn’t happened, gold has certainly been a strong gainer. Weaker job data from the USA in recent months raised the question of the American economy’s overall performance, but now uncertainty is higher because the shutdown of the government delayed October’s NFP to the following month. For now, inflation on 15 October seems set to come out as scheduled and there remains hope that the shutdown won’t be as long as 2019’s. Traders have also been watching political developments in France and Japan. The former French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu became the shortest holder of the office after resigning recently but results from the latest discussions so far suggest that agreement on the budget seems possible with a snap election looking less likely.  Meanwhile in Japan Sanae Takaichi should become the country’s first female prime minister around the middle of October, having won leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party. Ms Takaichi’s approach to the economy has attracted traders’ attention, with expected further stimulus driving negativity for the yen but gains for the Nikkei. There hasn’t been much very important economic data recently, so traders are generally looking ahead to American inflation on 15 October. The annual headline figure might have risen to 3% last month from 2.9% in August but expectations suggest that annual core inflation could drop slightly to 3%. Chinese trade data and inflation are also important around the same time. Gold moves above $4,000 with no signs of stopping Gold reached the latest in its series of fresh record highs on 8 October above $4,000. Trade tension and monetary policy remain in focus while in recent days political changes in France and Japan plus the American government’s shutdown have added to demand for the yellow metal as a haven. Although $4,000 has been broken for now, more certain confirmation of ongoing gains could come from a close or more than one daily close above there. The 161.8% weekly Fibonacci extension could be an area of resistance. While the price has been clearly overbought based on the slow stochastic for a long time, in this situation saturation might be discounted or at least have its importance reduced. The next resistance in the medium to long term is unclear for now. The 20 SMA around $3,800 seems like a candidate for dynamic support but hasn’t been tested since late August. A drop that far is questionable in the near future unless sentiment changes strongly or there’s a major surprise from American inflation. At risk of stating the obvious, it’s potentially difficult to find an entry to buy here with a good ratio. Dollar-yen reaches six-month highs Political developments in Japan, primarily Sanae Takaichi winning leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, have driven the yen down recently while giving tailwinds to the Nikkei 225. Ms Takaichi’s victory suggests ongoing loose fiscal and possibly monetary policy. Meanwhile the Bank of Japan’s expected hike to 0.75%  at the end of October seems less certain after very disappointing average cash earnings for August released late on 7 October. The price has clearly broken above ¥150 for now; that area had seemed to be a possibly important resistance for much of the summer. The 61.8% weekly Fibonacci retracement could be the next significant resistance. ¥154, the high from February, might also cap gains. Since the moving averages are bunched fairly close together considerably lower and there’s currently clear, strong signals of buying saturation, consolidation might seem more likely than continuation in the near future. Now that the area around ¥150-151 has been broken, it might flip to being a support, especially considering the presence of the 50% weekly Fibonacci retracement in this zone. Given the size of the weekend’s gap from 3 October and the subsequent strong follow-through, it’d be less likely to see a relatively large retracement below ¥149, but upcoming American inflation might give more clarity on the next direction. The opinions in this article are personal to the writer and do not represent those of Exness. This is not a recommendation to trade. 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.

Eventus, a global leader in trade surveillance and financial risk solutions, has announced the launch of Frank AI — a deterministic artificial intelligence system purpose-built for financial compliance teams and surveillance analytics. Integrated into the firm’s award-winning Validus platform, Frank AI is designed to deliver secure, repeatable, and transparent results, ensuring full auditability for regulatory inquiries and investigations. The technology harnesses natural language processing (NLP) and large language models (LLMs) to automate trade surveillance, risk monitoring, and behavioral analytics. Unlike conventional generative AI systems, Frank AI’s deterministic framework guarantees consistent outcomes without probabilistic “hallucinations,” making it ideal for regulated financial environments. It allows compliance professionals to query real-time data conversationally, using plain English while maintaining data integrity and traceability. “We’re excited about the groundbreaking nature of Frank AI and the power it puts into our clients’ hands for compliance and risk analysis,” said Travis Schwab, CEO of Eventus. “Clients can deploy Frank AI within hours, integrate it seamlessly with their infrastructure, and leverage its capabilities with complete confidence in the accuracy and auditability of its outputs.” Takeaway Frank AI establishes a new AI benchmark for compliance, delivering transparent, deterministic analytics that regulators can verify and institutions can trust. Transforming Trade Surveillance With AI-Powered Querying Frank AI enables analysts to interact directly with Validus data using natural language — a major step forward in accessibility for non-technical users. Instead of constructing complex database queries, compliance officers can issue commands such as, “Show me all cross-market wash trading patterns involving equity and futures for Client XYZ in the past 30 days.” Frank then processes the request, runs behavioral analytics across multiple asset classes, and returns comprehensive, audit-ready results. During beta testing, clients reported dramatic reductions in manual workloads, improved detection of nuanced misconduct, and enhanced operational efficiency. The system also supports automation of repetitive tasks such as report generation, alert remediation, and query building — freeing compliance teams to focus on investigation and strategy rather than process management. Because Frank AI’s models are trained on Validus-specific data tables, the tool maintains contextual accuracy while delivering structured, actionable insights. It integrates securely with enterprise systems and can be deployed either on-premise or via cloud infrastructure, giving financial institutions control over both their data and AI governance frameworks. Takeaway By combining real-time data access with conversational AI, Frank AI empowers compliance analysts to generate explainable, evidence-backed results without coding expertise. Setting A New Standard For Explainable, Secure AI In Finance According to Martina Rejsjö, Eventus Vice President of Product Management, Frank AI addresses a critical barrier to AI adoption in regulated industries — the need for deterministic, auditable responses. “Frank AI delivers consistent, traceable results that compliance teams can trust and regulators can verify,” Rejsjö said. “Our commitment to explainability and regulatory readiness has defined our AI roadmap.” Frank AI is compatible with leading public models from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google, allowing it to leverage continuous improvements in natural language understanding while maintaining full enterprise-grade data security. Data never leaves the host environment, ensuring compliance with internal policies and regulatory mandates. This combination of security and scalability makes Frank AI uniquely positioned to serve the complex surveillance needs of banks, broker-dealers, hedge funds, and exchanges. Eventus has long integrated machine learning into its trade surveillance solutions, primarily for alert remediation and risk scoring. With Frank AI, the company moves beyond incremental automation to a new class of intelligent compliance systems — capable of delivering high-volume, explainable analytics that satisfy both business needs and regulatory scrutiny. Takeaway Frank AI represents the evolution of financial compliance tech — bridging advanced machine learning with the transparency required for global regulatory standards.    

Fireblocks has announced a major partnership with Moomoo Singapore to strengthen the trading platform’s digital asset infrastructure using Fireblocks’ Wallets-as-a-Service (WaaS) technology. The integration, set for completion by the end of 2025, will allow Moomoo Singapore to expand its cryptocurrency offerings while maintaining enterprise-grade standards of scalability, security, and reliability. By leveraging Fireblocks’ WaaS platform, Moomoo Singapore gains access to the Fireblocks Network—a global digital asset connectivity layer that links more than 2,400 financial institutions, fintechs, and exchanges. The collaboration will enable Moomoo Singapore to benefit from improved liquidity, enhanced settlement efficiency, and deeper access to institutional-grade trading partners, positioning the platform for growth in an increasingly competitive market. “As digital assets continue to gain traction with retail investors, trading platforms like Moomoo require enterprise-grade infrastructure they can rely on,” said Amy Zhang, Head of APAC at Fireblocks. “By integrating Fireblocks’ wallets into its platform, Moomoo is not only enhancing the security of its digital asset offerings, but also unlocking the ability to innovate and scale its offerings with confidence.” Takeaway Fireblocks’ Wallets-as-a-Service integration positions Moomoo Singapore to deliver faster, more secure crypto transactions while connecting to a $10T digital asset network. Enhancing Compliance, Speed, And Investor Confidence With Singapore’s regulatory framework for digital assets continuing to mature, Moomoo Singapore’s adoption of Fireblocks technology signals its commitment to compliance and customer protection. The firm operates under licenses from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), including Capital Markets Services and Major Payment Institution licenses, allowing it to expand cryptocurrency offerings within a regulated environment. Fireblocks’ WaaS platform combines Multi-Party Computation (MPC) cryptography and secure hardware infrastructure to deliver multilayered protection against internal and external threats. This architecture minimizes the risk of human error and collusion while ensuring the operational continuity required for high-volume trading. For users, this translates into faster transaction execution, seamless wallet access, and improved peace of mind. “Digital assets are becoming an increasingly important part of how investors diversify their portfolios,” said Echo Zhao, Country Head of Moomoo Singapore. “By working with technology providers within the industry, we can integrate new capabilities that expand access for our clients while ensuring their investing journey remains seamless and transparent.” Takeaway Regulated, high-speed wallet infrastructure enhances investor confidence — aligning Singapore’s retail trading platforms with global institutional standards. Bringing Institutional-Grade Security To Retail Crypto Markets The partnership underscores a larger trend: the convergence of institutional and retail-grade infrastructure in the digital asset economy. Fireblocks’ technology, already trusted by BNY Mellon, Worldpay, Galaxy, and Revolut, will now be used to power one of Asia’s fastest-growing investment platforms. Moomoo Singapore, which surpassed 1.5 million users in mid-2025, aims to use this integration to manage its expanding user base and rising crypto trading volumes. Fireblocks’ ecosystem, now securing more than $10 trillion in transactions across 120+ blockchains, has become the standard for institutions managing digital assets at scale. By adopting the same technology stack, Moomoo Singapore aligns itself with global best practices in custody, settlement, and tokenized payments — while ensuring that retail investors benefit from the same level of protection historically reserved for banks and fund managers. The collaboration also reflects the acceleration of hybrid finance models, where traditional investment platforms integrate blockchain infrastructure to offer clients diversified exposure to digital assets. For both Fireblocks and Moomoo, this partnership marks a milestone in making digital finance mainstream — one built on security, compliance, and accessibility. Takeaway Moomoo’s adoption of Fireblocks technology bridges the gap between institutional and retail finance, driving the next wave of compliant crypto adoption in Asia.

The decentralized prediction market platform Polymarket has stirred the crypto community after its founder, Shayne Coplan, hinted at a potential native token in a recent post on X (formerly Twitter). The message, which listed major cryptocurrencies such as $BTC, $ETH, $BNB, and $SOL alongside a new symbol, $POLY, has ignited widespread speculation about a forthcoming Polymarket token or user airdrop. The post immediately caught the attention of traders and analysts across social media, with many interpreting it as a deliberate tease of a native token launch. Several crypto publications have since amplified the speculation, suggesting that a POLY token could soon enter the market as part of a broader decentralization strategy or incentive model for active users. However, despite the community excitement, Polymarket has not confirmed any such plans. Officially, Polymarket’s FAQ page still states that there is currently no native token and that no airdrop has been announced. The company has cautioned users against falling for potential scams or phishing schemes, urging its community to rely only on verified channels for any future announcements or updates. As speculation spreads, Polymarket’s silence has only intensified curiosity about whether $POLY is real or simply a social media experiment. Institutional attention and rising visibility Adding to the intrigue, Polymarket recently gained significant attention following an announcement from Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) — the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange — revealing plans to invest up to $2 billion in the prediction market platform. ICE also stated that it intends to distribute Polymarket’s on-chain data to institutional partners, signaling growing mainstream interest in blockchain-based forecasting markets. This development has been viewed as a major endorsement of Polymarket’s technology and market structure, potentially positioning it as a key player in the evolving intersection of traditional finance and decentralized prediction platforms. The combination of ICE’s backing and rumors of a native token has propelled Polymarket into the spotlight, driving new traffic to the platform and energizing its trading community. Speculation meets uncertainty Despite the surge in interest, Polymarket has made no official announcements about any token generation event, distribution framework, or governance roadmap. While community members continue to dissect Coplan’s cryptic post, analysts caution that unverified assumptions could lead to misinformation and risk exposure for users chasing potential airdrops. Industry experts note that a native token could eventually play a role in Polymarket’s ecosystem by enabling decentralized governance or reward-based participation. However, until the company releases an official statement, any claims about a $POLY token remain purely speculative. For now, Polymarket users are advised to stay alert for scams and to follow only verified communication channels for updates. The growing buzz around $POLY underscores the crypto community’s appetite for high-profile token launches — but without confirmation, the rumored Polymarket token remains an intriguing mystery in the prediction market space.

PayPay, one of Japan’s largest mobile payment providers, has acquired a 40% equity stake in Binance Japan, marking a pivotal step in the convergence of fintech and cryptocurrency. The deal, officially announced on October 9, 2025, establishes a capital and business alliance between the two companies, making Binance Japan an equity-method affiliate of PayPay as of September 2025. Strengthening Japan’s fintech and crypto collaboration This strategic alliance signals a major shift in Japan’s financial technology landscape. By merging PayPay’s vast digital payments network with Binance Japan’s blockchain and cryptocurrency infrastructure, the partnership aims to deliver new, regulated avenues for digital asset access. The collaboration is expected to enhance user experience, allowing millions of Japanese consumers to seamlessly trade, hold, and use cryptocurrencies within the PayPay ecosystem. PayPay, backed by SoftBank and Yahoo Japan, currently serves over 60 million users nationwide and dominates Japan’s cashless payment market. Its decision to invest in Binance Japan underscores the growing demand for secure, regulated crypto exposure among retail users. The integration of Binance’s technology could allow PayPay to introduce crypto payments, savings, or trading options directly within its app—bridging the gap between traditional finance and decentralized assets. Binance Japan, which officially re-entered the Japanese market in 2024 after acquiring Sakura Exchange BitCoin (SEBC), has been actively expanding under Japan’s stringent regulatory framework. The exchange has worked closely with Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) to meet compliance standards, positioning itself as a trusted player in the nation’s growing digital asset sector. With PayPay’s backing, Binance Japan is poised to accelerate its growth and reach a broader retail audience. Market impact and regulatory outlook The PayPay-Binance partnership arrives at a critical moment for Japan’s crypto industry. Regulators have tightened oversight of digital asset trading platforms, focusing on investor protection and anti-money-laundering measures. At the same time, the government has encouraged innovation in blockchain and digital finance, creating a supportive environment for collaborations between established fintech firms and compliant crypto operators. Industry experts believe this alliance could reshape Japan’s crypto landscape. PayPay’s deep market penetration offers Binance Japan an unparalleled distribution channel, while Binance’s global crypto expertise provides PayPay with the tools to expand its service offerings beyond traditional payments. Analysts suggest the partnership could spark a wave of similar collaborations between Japanese fintech companies and international crypto exchanges. For PayPay, the investment marks a significant diversification of its business model, moving beyond payments into digital asset management and trading. For Binance Japan, the partnership represents a strong foothold in one of Asia’s most regulated and crypto-friendly markets. Although financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, both companies emphasized their shared commitment to regulatory compliance, innovation, and long-term growth. As Japan continues to refine its digital finance regulations, the PayPay-Binance alliance may serve as a blueprint for integrating crypto into mainstream financial ecosystems. The collaboration not only strengthens Binance’s position in Japan but also cements PayPay’s role as a forward-looking fintech leader driving the future of digital finance in Asia.

Mitrade, an award-winning CFD trading platform, has expanded its regulatory footprint through the acquisition of Fridah Asset Managers Pty Ltd, a licensed Financial Services Provider (FSP) regulated by South Africa’s Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). The firm will be renamed Mitrade Markets Pty Ltd, marking the broker’s fifth global license and reinforcing its strategic growth across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The acquisition adds another key jurisdiction to Mitrade’s portfolio, complementing existing licenses from ASIC (Australia), CIMA (Cayman Islands), FSC (Mauritius), and CySEC (Cyprus). With this addition, Mitrade aims to create a truly global infrastructure for regulated access, allowing traders to connect securely to more than 800 financial instruments — including forex, indices, commodities, ETFs, and shares — through a single platform. “In a volatile macroeconomic climate, building resilient infrastructure across licensed jurisdictions is how we scale sustainably,” said Kevin Lai, Vice President of Mitrade. “This acquisition forms part of a broader strategy to promote inclusivity by expanding access to credible, regulated brokers across regions like LATAM and MENA, and to provide traders with intuitive trading experiences that meet them wherever they are.” Takeaway Mitrade’s FSCA acquisition cements its status as a multi-licensed broker, enhancing accessibility and compliance for traders across Africa, MENA, and Latin America. Why Emerging Markets Are Key To Mitrade’s Growth Strategy According to the Finance Magnates Q2 2025 Intelligence Report, CFD trading participation in emerging markets such as MENA and LATAM has risen sharply, signaling a new wave of retail investor engagement. While Asia remains dominant, regional growth in mobile-first trading is driving demand for trusted, regulated brokers with accessible platforms and transparent operations. Mitrade’s expansion into South Africa provides a springboard into Africa’s developing financial landscape, positioning the firm to meet local regulatory requirements while scaling its presence in neighboring markets. The FSCA’s stringent oversight adds credibility and operational assurance — key factors in attracting retail traders seeking compliant platforms with robust investor protections. For Mitrade, this acquisition aligns with a broader mission to democratize global market participation. By integrating a South African license into its global framework, the company not only enhances regional access but also reinforces its reputation for regulatory integrity and cross-border service reliability. Takeaway Emerging markets are shaping the next growth frontier for online trading — and Mitrade’s FSCA license strengthens its ability to meet local demand with global standards. Expanding Trust And Access In Regulated Online Trading Founded in 2011, Mitrade has grown into a global fintech and brokerage brand connecting over five million traders to diverse financial instruments. Its multi-device platform is known for speed, competitive spreads, and user-friendly functionality that supports both beginners and professionals. By securing regulatory recognition in multiple jurisdictions, the company positions itself as a trusted gateway to over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives worldwide. With the FSCA license, Mitrade gains deeper integration into Africa’s capital markets ecosystem. The license allows the company to enhance investor protections, offer transparent execution, and extend educational initiatives in line with local compliance frameworks. Combined with its other global licenses, this move strengthens Mitrade’s foundation for sustainable, compliant expansion in an increasingly regulated global landscape. As more regions tighten financial oversight and promote retail investor protections, Mitrade’s multi-license approach reflects an industry trend toward regulatory diversification — one that balances innovation with trust. Its strategic acquisitions across continents reinforce that compliance and growth are not mutually exclusive but mutually reinforcing pillars of long-term success. Takeaway By combining regulatory rigor with digital innovation, Mitrade continues to redefine the global CFD landscape — expanding access while strengthening trust.    

What Is Binance’s New Meme Rush Feature? Binance Wallet has unveiled Meme Rush – Binance Wallet Exclusive, a new feature that gives verified users early access to meme token launches before they reach decentralized exchanges. Built in partnership with Four.Meme, the program integrates structured token launch mechanics into Binance Wallet’s keyless interface, enabling users to buy meme tokens directly within the app in a transparent and secure environment. According to Binance Wallet Global Lead Winson Liu, the launch aims to democratize Web3 participation while ensuring legitimacy and user protection. “We’re introducing a first-in-market solution that allows users to engage with meme tokens early on, with structure, fairness, and trust,” Liu said. Investor Takeaway For investors, Meme Rush offers a vetted gateway into meme tokens — a notoriously volatile sector — before public trading begins, with built-in KYC and transparent launch mechanics. How Does Meme Rush Work? Meme Rush uses a bonding curve-based model with a three-stage lifecycle to balance accessibility and control: New Stage: Binance Wallet users can purchase tokens at prices that increase along a bonding curve. Tokens remain non-transferable, ensuring early buyers don’t flip positions instantly. Finalizing Stage: Token sales continue exclusively for wallet users under the same mechanics. Tokens remain locked while liquidity is finalized. Migrated Stage: After milestones are met, liquidity transfers to a decentralized exchange. Public trading begins, and token rankings become visible. High-performing tokens may be considered for Binance Alpha listings, though selection is discretionary. By integrating these stages directly within Binance Wallet, the company simplifies a process often dominated by high-risk speculation and opaque tokenomics. For projects, the platform provides exposure to Binance’s KYC-verified user base, enhancing credibility and deterring bots or manipulative actors. Why Does This Matter for the Meme Token Market? The rise of meme tokens — from Dogecoin to PEPE — has highlighted both the viral potential and the volatility of social-driven crypto assets. Many early-stage launches on decentralized exchanges suffer from frontrunning, fake liquidity, and scam participation. Binance’s structured model attempts to bring transparency and legitimacy to this space by giving verified users early, fair entry points. Four.Meme’s involvement adds a layer of proven launch infrastructure. The project’s bonding-curve mechanics and staged release framework provide real-time liquidity transparency, ensuring price discovery is algorithmically driven rather than hype-based. Binance’s integration also suggests an institutional interest in reining in meme token chaos while capitalizing on its massive retail appeal. Investor Takeaway This move positions Binance Wallet as a bridge between speculative culture and structured token economics — potentially reshaping how retail users enter early-stage crypto assets. What’s Next for Binance and Meme Rush? Users can already access Meme Rush via the dedicated tab in the Binance Wallet (Keyless) app or web interface to browse participating token launches. Binance plans to expand beyond Four.Meme, onboarding more launch partners to diversify early-access opportunities. While the initiative starts with meme tokens, its framework could serve as a prototype for broader early-access programs within the Binance ecosystem. By embedding verified participation, bonding curves, and stage-gated liquidity, Binance may be paving the way for compliant, fair-launch models in other Web3 asset categories. For now, Meme Rush underscores Binance’s strategy to blend user safety with market innovation — offering a controlled environment for speculative engagement that could reshape how investors approach viral token economies.

The United Kingdom government is preparing to appoint a new Digital Markets Champion, a key figure in its strategy to modernize and digitize the nation’s wholesale financial markets. The announcement, highlighted in reports from Bloomberg and Yahoo Finance, marks a major milestone in the UK’s plan to accelerate tokenization and strengthen its position as a global leader in digital finance. Driving the UK’s digital finance transformation The appointment stems from the government’s Wholesale Financial Markets Digital Strategy, first published in July 2025. This framework sets out an ambitious roadmap for using distributed ledger technology (DLT) and blockchain-based systems to transform how securities and financial instruments are issued, traded, and settled. The Digital Markets Champion will serve as a strategic leader for this initiative, guiding both public and private stakeholders through the next phase of financial innovation. According to the strategy, the Digital Markets Champion will work closely with regulators, financial institutions, and fintech innovators to develop a coordinated approach to tokenization. Their mission will be to ensure that the UK’s financial markets adopt digital infrastructure safely, efficiently, and competitively, while maintaining high standards of transparency and regulatory compliance. As the UK seeks to cement London’s role as a hub for global financial technology, this appointment reflects a commitment to embracing innovation while safeguarding market integrity. The new role will bridge communication between regulators and the private sector, providing oversight and direction to tokenization projects that could reshape the country’s wholesale trading systems. Government sources suggest that the chosen Digital Markets Champion will likely be a senior industry expert with deep experience in finance, fintech, or market regulation. This individual will not only coordinate the UK’s domestic efforts but will also represent the nation in international discussions on digital asset standards and cross-border interoperability. The UK’s approach echoes similar initiatives underway in other leading jurisdictions such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and the European Union, where governments are collaborating with the private sector to establish secure frameworks for tokenized markets. Analysts suggest that the UK’s proactive move could position it at the forefront of regulatory and technological innovation in this fast-evolving domain. Preparing for the tokenized economy Tokenization – the process of converting traditional assets such as bonds, equities, or real estate into digital tokens on a blockchain – is increasingly seen as the next major step in financial market evolution. It offers benefits including faster settlement times, enhanced transparency, and reduced operational costs. The UK government’s initiative aims to create an environment where these benefits can be realized across large-scale institutional markets. As of October 2025, the government has not yet named the Digital Markets Champion, but an announcement is expected soon. Once appointed, this individual will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s digital asset infrastructure and advancing the UK’s ambition to lead the global transition toward tokenized financial systems. The appointment underscores the UK’s commitment to innovation, competitiveness, and maintaining its edge in the global financial ecosystem—signaling a new chapter in the nation’s digital finance journey.

MobileTrader by RoboForex is a powerful forex trading app for Android designed to help you analyze markets, place orders, and manage your trading accounts on the go. If you want fast charts, practical tools, and an all-in-one experience backed by a reliable broker ecosystem, MobileTrader delivers a clean mobile workflow with everything you need and nothing you do not. TL;DR: MobileTrader by RoboForex is a forex trading app for Android from a forex broker. It delivers live quotes, fast charts with 14 indicators, copy trading integration, and secure in-app account management for convenient mobile trading. Why choose MobileTrader on Android Trading from a phone should be fast, simple, and dependable. MobileTrader focuses on the most important actions a trader performs during the day – monitoring price action, placing and managing orders, adjusting stops and targets, and switching accounts. By keeping the interface practical and lightweight, the app helps you make decisions quickly without sacrificing the features that matter. Mobile-first interface – intuitive layouts, clean typography, and clear controls for quick actions. Real-time market view – live quotes and watchlists keep your top instruments front and center. Actionable charting – interactive charts with popular indicators and essential drawing tools. Account management – switch between accounts, manage funds, and handle basic settings in-app. Copy trading integration – explore strategy leaders and diversify your approach in one place. Key features that help you trade smarter Live quotes and watchlists Build a personalized watchlist to track the instruments you trade most. Quotes update in real time, so you can react to momentum without refreshing the screen. Instrument tiles highlight bid and ask values clearly, while tapping into an asset opens the full chart with more detail. Interactive charts with popular indicators Charts are optimized for phones, enabling pinch-to-zoom and easy scrolling through price history. Choose timeframes that match your style – from lower intervals for intraday setups to higher ones for swing analysis. Add moving averages, oscillators, or volatility tools, mark levels with drawing tools, and save your layout for consistency. Streamlined order placement Place market or pending orders with practical safeguards. Define your position size, set stop loss and take profit levels before sending, and review the order summary to avoid mistakes. Once a trade is open, manage it directly from the position card with quick controls for partial closes or stop adjustments. Integrated copy trading If you prefer to learn by observing, copy trading is a convenient way to diversify. Filter strategies by performance, drawdown, or activity, review the equity curve, and allocate funds based on your risk appetite. You can combine manual trading with passive strategies inside the same app to balance experimentation and consistency. Secure in-app account management MobileTrader puts the most common admin tasks close at hand. Log in securely, switch accounts, review balances and margin, and handle deposits or withdrawals using the same app. Keeping everything under one roof reduces context switching and helps you stay focused on the market. Practice mode with demo accounts A risk-free demo is available if you want to test a setup, practice execution, or refine risk rules before going live. Use the same charting and order screens in demo mode, then switch to a real account when you are ready. Consistent workflows help you retain good habits. How to get started in 3 steps Install and sign in – Install the app on your Android device and sign in with your RoboForex credentials or create a new profile during onboarding. Build your workspace – Add instruments to your watchlist and set chart defaults. Choose timeframes that match your strategy and set up the indicators you rely on. Trade your plan – Start in demo to validate your rules, then trade live when your plan shows consistency. Keep risk tight, journal results, and iterate every week. Practical tips to improve results Use multiple timeframes – align execution charts with higher timeframe context to avoid trading against the dominant move. Mark levels before the session – predefine support and resistance zones so entries are rule-based, not impulsive. Automate risk per trade – decide a fixed percentage risk and size positions so stop loss distance matches that limit. Journal trades – record setup, entry reason, risk, and outcome. Review weekly to refine criteria and remove low-quality signals. Start simple – one or two strategies, a short watchlist, and clear rules. Complexity adds noise on mobile. Who MobileTrader is for New traders benefit from a clean interface, demo mode, and integrated education across the RoboForex ecosystem. Busy professionals appreciate quick execution and portable account management between meetings. Strategy explorers can mix manual trading with copy portfolios to diversify and learn from experienced leaders. Performance, stability, and security MobileTrader is engineered to load fast, maintain connection stability, and keep sensitive actions protected. App flows prioritize clear confirmation steps and practical defaults to reduce errors in live conditions. Behind the interface is the broader RoboForex infrastructure, which helps keep the mobile, web, and desktop experiences consistent. Final thoughts and download path If you want a focused Android workflow that keeps analysis, execution, account actions, and copy trading together, MobileTrader by RoboForex is a strong choice. It removes friction, supports disciplined trading habits, and adapts to beginner and advanced routines alike. Start here: Forex Trading on MobileTrader for Android. Important risk note Trading involves risk. Prices can move quickly and you may lose capital. Trade with a plan, size positions conservatively, and never risk funds you cannot afford to lose. FAQs about MobileTrader for Android Is MobileTrader free to install on Android Yes, the app is free to install. You can sign in with your existing credentials or create a new profile, manage accounts, and access core features without additional app fees. Can I practice with a demo before trading live Yes. You can open a demo account directly in the app to test strategies and execution rules without risking real funds. When you are ready, switch to a live account and keep the same workflow. What charting tools are available in MobileTrader The app provides interactive charts with multiple timeframes, popular technical indicators, and essential drawing tools. You can zoom, scroll through price history, and save your preferred layout for consistency. Does MobileTrader support copy trading on Android Yes. You can explore strategy leaders, review performance, and allocate funds from within the app. Copy trading can be used alongside your manual trading to diversify your approach. How do I manage accounts and funding inside the app Log in securely and switch between accounts from the main menu. You can review balances and margin, manage deposits or withdrawals, and adjust basic settings without leaving the app. Can I trade multiple asset classes on MobileTrader Yes. You can follow and trade major currency pairs as well as other popular CFD instruments available in your account. Use watchlists to keep your frequently traded symbols in view. What is the best way to size risk when trading from a phone Define a fixed percentage of capital you are willing to risk per trade and calculate position size so that your stop loss matches that limit. Keep the same rule for every trade and avoid increasing risk after losses.

Washington has finally set down firm rules for the stablecoin market. With the passage of the GENIUS Act, any company offering dollar-pegged tokens to U.S. users must now be issued under American law, backed by cash or Treasuries, and overseen by regulators. That requirement has sent shockwaves through the industry. For years, some of the biggest issuers relied on offshore registrations, opaque structures, and foreign financing to grow. Now, many of those firms are rushing to reinvent themselves as “American.” At the center of this scramble sits Tether. Its token, USDT, dominates the sector with more than $170 billion in circulation. But Tether’s corporate story has always been an offshore one. Its main entities were incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, a secrecy jurisdiction whose role in the Panama Papers and FinCEN Files revealed just how deeply it is tied to hidden wealth and questionable transfers. Regulators have also targeted Tether directly. In 2021, the New York Attorney General settled with the company over misleading disclosures, and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission fined it for misstatements about reserves. Rather than relocate operations to U.S. soil, Tether’s strategy has been to roll out a new token, USAT, that gives the appearance of compliance. Anchorage Digital Bank, a federally chartered trust bank, will issue the token, while Cantor Fitzgerald will manage reserves. The arrangement allows Tether to say it has satisfied the letter of the GENIUS Act without changing much of its underlying control. The choice of Anchorage raises its own questions. Despite the patriotic branding, Anchorage is not exactly a clean symbol of American trust. In 2022, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency placed it under a consent order for anti-money-laundering failures, an order that wasn’t lifted until mid-2025. Reports also surfaced that the Department of Homeland Security had contacted former employees as part of a probe, an episode that Anchorage disputed but could not erase from headlines. Anchorage also looks more global than domestic. It is headquartered in San Francisco, not Alaska, operates a large engineering center in Portugal, and runs a licensed entity in Singapore. Its investors include Wall Street powerhouses but also Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, GIC. For a company meant to be the “American face” of Tether’s compliance, the optics are not ideal. This is not just Tether’s story. Other issuers are also making adjustments to survive the new rules. Circle, issuer of USDC, has worked to cement its American bona fides by pursuing a public listing and emphasizing its reserves in Treasuries and cash. Paxos, licensed in New York, has leaned heavily on its regulatory track record to win the trust of institutional partners. Smaller players with offshore structures are now scrambling to launch U.S. subsidiaries or find chartered banks to front their tokens. The broader trend is clear. Instead of genuinely restructuring, many stablecoin companies are repackaging themselves to meet minimum requirements. New names, new affiliates, new partners — but the same offshore DNA behind the curtain. The GENIUS Act was written to bring stablecoins into the light of day. What the market is offering in response looks more like a marketing campaign than a cultural shift. The question for regulators and investors is whether these makeovers are enough. Stablecoins are supposed to be fast, cheap, and above all, trustworthy. If the largest issuers continue to rely on secrecy jurisdictions while renting U.S. partners for appearances, the credibility gap will remain.

The UK’s long-awaited reopening of crypto exchange-traded notes (ETNs) stumbled out of the gate on Wednesday, as the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) formal lifting of its ban failed to translate into immediate access for retail investors — sparking fresh criticism of Britain’s slow-moving regulatory machinery. The FCA’s decision opens a narrow but notable path for retail access to digital asset-linked investment products—provided they are traded on UK-recognised exchanges and comply with strict promotion rules. The move reflects a significant recalibration in the regulator’s stance on crypto exposure. The FCA confirmed in August that the three-year ban would end on October 8, but the regulator only began accepting base prospectuses from issuers on September 23 — leaving little time to review submissions before launch. As a result, retail access may not open until October 13 or later. “Since we restricted retail access to cETNs, the market has evolved, and products have become more mainstream and better understood,” said David Geale, the FCA’s executive director for payments and digital finance. “In light of this, we’re providing consumers with more choice, while ensuring there are protections in place.” Both the FCA and the London Stock Exchange (LSE) are still ironing out operational details, including whether to create a dedicated trading segment for retail-eligible crypto ETNs. Alex Watkins, ETP business development lead at the LSE, struck a more measured tone. “We welcome the FCA’s decision to enable retail access to crypto ETNs and look forward to expanding our Main Market offering to include crypto ETNs for retail investors, once the FCA has approved the Retail Base Prospectuses submitted by prospective issuers,” he said. Crypto ETNs—essentially unsecured debt securities tied to cryptoasset performance—will still carry caveats. Investors won’t be covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme if things go wrong. And these products must sit within FCA-approved trading venues, known as Recognised Investment Exchanges. The FCA added that its broader ban on crypto derivatives for retail customers remains in force, citing persistent concerns around complexity and risk. Still, the regulator said it will continue to monitor developments in digital assets and assess how its framework aligns with innovation and consumer protection. London’s Liquidity Problem Despite the FCA’s rhetoric about investor choice, the London market remains a laggard in crypto-linked instruments. LSE figures show crypto ETNs account for just 0.59% of total European volume, averaging £624,000 in daily trades. Across Europe, crypto ETN activity reached €26 billion in 2024. The sluggish rollout also highlights London’s diminishing role in digital asset liquidity. While continental exchanges like Deutsche Börse and SIX Swiss Exchange list dozens of crypto ETNs with active retail participation, UK investors remain fenced off from the same products. As the FCA and LSE finalize the framework, issuers and investors alike are waiting to see whether London can recover some of its lost ground in Europe’s rapidly expanding digital markets — or whether red tape will once again leave the City watching from the sidelines.

Billionaire Nikolay Storonsky, the co-founder and chief executive of Revolut, has officially changed his country of residence from the United Kingdom to the United Arab Emirates, according to filings made public this week in the UK’s Companies House. The update, effective from October 2024, comes at a time when the UK is phasing out its long-standing “non-domiciled” tax regime, which allowed foreign-born residents to shield overseas income from local taxes. The abolition, set to take full effect in April 2025, has already prompted a quiet exodus of wealthy entrepreneurs to low-tax jurisdictions such as Dubai. Revolut declined to comment on the change, and the filing did not state a reason for Storonsky’s move. However, the timing aligns neatly with both personal and corporate developments. From Moscow Roots to London’s Fintech Scene Born in Russia in 1984, Storonsky began his career as a derivatives trader at Credit Suisse, before launching Revolut in London in 2015 alongside Ukrainian engineer Vlad Yatsenko. The company started as a low-fee foreign exchange card and evolved into one of Europe’s largest digital finance platforms, offering everything from bank accounts and cards to stock and crypto trading. Storonsky, who holds a physics degree, has long kept a low public profile. His father worked for Promgaz, a unit of Gazprom, which drew attention during the early days of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Storonsky later renounced his Russian citizenship and publicly condemned the invasion, saying Revolut “stands for peace.” From a scrappy startup in East London, Revolut is now Europe’s most valuable fintech, valued at $75 billion after a secondary share sale in 2025. Storonsky retains more than a quarter of the company’s equity. The firm says it now serves over 65 million customers across 38 countries and plans to expand into 30 more markets by the end of the decade. In September, Revolut unveiled its new London headquarters—a symbolic gesture amid years of friction with UK regulators over its pending banking licence. The company already holds a full banking licence in Lithuania and operates across the EU under that authorisation. In Britain, it secured a restricted “mobilisation” licence in 2024, with the Bank of England continuing to scrutinise its internal controls. Revolut’s regulatory path has been bumpy. In Lithuania, the company was fined €3.5 million this year for anti-money-laundering breaches. In the US, it faced a $20 million card-fraud incident in 2023 due to a system flaw, later resolved. Storonsky has said the firm has matured operationally and is “building with discipline” after its earlier reputation for a harsh startup culture. A Natural Move to Dubai The United Arab Emirates, already home to a growing number of British and Russian-born entrepreneurs, has become a financial magnet for fintech founders and fund managers. Dubai and Abu Dhabi impose no personal income tax, offer straightforward visa regimes, and have rapidly expanded their financial free zones. Revolut, meanwhile, is seeking to capitalise on that climate. It obtained in-principle approvals from the UAE Central Bank last year to operate locally, and has been in talks with regional authorities about a potential retail banking rollout. Having its founder based in the country may smooth that process as the company builds relationships in the Gulf. For Storonsky, the relocation could also be strategic. The UAE’s timezone bridges Europe and Asia, ideal for a company chasing growth across both continents. It also places Revolut’s leadership closer to prospective investors and partners in the Middle East’s deep-pocketed sovereign wealth funds. Storonsky’s move underscores the changing geography of European fintech power. While Revolut maintains London as its global base, its founder’s relocation reflects both personal tax realities and the company’s global ambitions. The firm’s next milestones will be full UK banking authorisation and a potential public listing—long speculated but never confirmed. Storonsky has previously said Revolut will go public “when the time is right,” though his new Gulf base hints that London might not be the only option on the table.

Marex Group plc, the London-born brokerage now listed on Nasdaq under the ticker MRX, has posted another quarter of sharp growth despite a lull in global derivatives trading. The company said in a preliminary update that third-quarter revenue will come in between $475 million and $485 million, up 23% year on year at the midpoint, with adjusted profit before tax climbing 22% to as much as $101 million. Its adjusted return on equity hovers around 27%, and profit margin near 21%. That momentum came even as futures volumes at CME Group and Intercontinental Exchange — Marex’s key venues — were down roughly 15% from the second quarter. Chief executive Ian Lowitt said the results reflect “the strength and resilience of the franchise we’ve built — one designed to grow and perform across a range of market environments.” From London Metals Ring to Nasdaq Listing Founded in 2005, Marex started as a niche commodities broker before being taken over in 2010 by JRJ Group, an investment firm formed by former Lehman Brothers partners. It bought energy broker Spectron a year later, expanding into oil and power markets and adopting the name Marex Spectron. Over the next decade, it built an acquisition record that would reshape the firm. The purchase of Rosenthal Collins Group’s retail futures accounts in 2019 gave it a large U.S. footprint. Then in 2022, Marex acquired ED&F Man Capital Markets, a deal that roughly doubled its clearing business. A year later it added TD Cowen’s prime-brokerage and outsourced-trading unit, bringing equity execution into the fold. The company listed on Nasdaq in April 2024 at $19 a share, valuing it at roughly $1.3 billion, a move that gave Marex easier access to U.S. investors and capital for more deals. The latest quarter also shows steady growth in client balances — the cash Marex holds for futures and clearing customers. Average balances reached $13.3 billion, up 4% from the previous quarter, and the firm recently crossed $10 billion in U.S. client assets, according to Commodity Futures Trading Commission filings. Rising interest rates have turned those deposits into a material source of income. That expanding balance sheet helps explain why Marex’s profits continue to climb even when market volumes cool. Fee income from clearing and execution is joined by the interest earned on client funds, a tailwind that has boosted margins across the brokerage sector. Building a Multi-Asset Platform Marex now describes itself as a diversified financial-services platform, spanning clearing, agency execution, market making, and structured-product manufacturing through its Marex Solutions division. What began as a metals and energy broker has become a multi-asset infrastructure business serving banks, hedge funds, and corporates across futures, equities, and OTC markets. Lowitt, who previously held senior roles at Lehman Brothers and Barclays, has overseen that transformation for more than a decade. Under his watch, Marex has made a habit of expanding during down cycles, buying competitors and client books when others pulled back. Investors will get the full set of numbers on November 6, when Marex publishes its detailed third-quarter results. Analysts will watch for how much profit came from interest income versus trading and hedging activities, and whether the firm’s latest acquisition — the planned purchase of UK broker Winterflood Securities — is on track to close before year-end. For now, the preliminary update suggests Marex is outpacing much larger peers in growth, helped by a steady inflow of new clients and a balance sheet flush with cash. In an industry where quarterly results often rise and fall with exchange volumes, Marex is proving that scale and diversification can still buy a little insulation from the market’s swings.