The crypto presale market in 2025 feels increasingly difficult to navigate. Projects like IPO Genie ($IPO), BlockchainFX, Pepeto, and DeepSnitch AI are gaining attention at the same time that dozens of lesser-known launches flood timelines and inboxes. The result is not a lack of opportunity, but an excess of noise, too many presales, too many narratives, and too little clarity about which ones are built to last. As capital becomes more selective and investors look beyond surface-level momentum, one question matters more than any other: among today’s most talked-about crypto presales, which ones actually make sense for 2025 based on growth signals, structure, and long-term positioning? 2025’s Top Crypto Presales With IPO Genie setting a high structural benchmark, the other projects reveal how different growth models compete for investor attention in 2025. Here are the 2025’s top crypto presales 1. IPO Genie ($IPO): Ranked #1 for Growth Momentum In 2025 What IPO Genie Does IPO Genie is built to address a growing shift in crypto markets: private investments are moving on-chain, and access to early-stage opportunities is becoming tokenized. Rather than operating as a single application, IPO Genie positions itself as infrastructure for AI-assisted private-market participation. The platform uses autonomous AI systems, called Sentient Signal Agents, to analyze deal flow, behavioral data, and participation signals across private opportunities. The $IPO token coordinates access, staking, governance, and incentives across this ecosystem. Key functional pillars include: AI-driven discovery of private-market opportunities Token-gated access to early-stage deals Staking and governance tied to platform participation A design focused on compliance and institutional readiness This structure places IPO Genie closer to early infrastructure plays like Ethereum or Avalanche than to typical presale launches. That distinction is why analysts increasingly classify it as a fast growing crypto project based on structural demand rather than promotional cycles. Who IPO Genie Is For IPO Genie is designed for participants who view crypto as a long-term allocation rather than a short-term trade. The platform appeals to: Investors seeking exposure to tokenized private markets Users interested in AI-assisted decision frameworks Participants who prioritize access and structure over speculation Much like early adoption phases of Solana or Toncoin, IPO Genie focuses on being foundational before becoming mainstream. Why Analysts Are Watching IPO Genie Closely Analysts tracking IPO Genie often point to three overlapping signals. First, participation behavior. Staking and governance engagement suggest users are committing capital to the ecosystem rather than simply holding tokens. Second, structural discipline. IPO Genie emphasizes audits, third-party custody, and compliance-minded architecture, features that align with institutional expectations. Third, narrative alignment. Tokenized private markets are projected to grow into a multi-trillion-dollar sector over the coming decade. In discussions comparing IPO Genie vs other presales, analysts tend to focus on which platforms are positioned closest to capital formation. These factors explain why IPO Genie continues to be cited as a fast growing crypto project grounded in participation depth. The Bloomberg Terminal Moment For Crypto Presales IPO Genie is often compared to a Bloomberg-style access layer for private crypto markets, centralizing intelligence, access, and participation. Supporting its visibility, the project is also leveraging global attention through sponsorship of a major Misfits Boxing event in Dubai, aligning brand exposure with mainstream awareness rather than promotional incentives. 2. BlockchainFX (BFX): A Volume-Driven Trading Narrative What BlockchainFX Does BlockchainFX focuses on creating a multi-asset trading environment that brings crypto, forex, and commodities together on-chain. The platform emphasizes speed, liquidity, and execution efficiency. Core elements include: Cross-market trading infrastructure High-throughput transaction design Unified access to multiple asset classes Who BlockchainFX Is For BlockchainFX is designed for users who prioritize trading activity and liquidity. It primarily targets: Active traders Users focused on short- to mid-term execution Participants seeking market variety in one interface Why Analysts Are Watching BlockchainFX Analysts see BlockchainFX as a project with clear upside tied to volume. Trading platforms can scale quickly if liquidity and user engagement remain consistent. However, growth is closely linked to sustained activity. In IPO Genie vs BlockchainFX comparisons, the contrast is often framed as infrastructure depth versus transactional velocity. BlockchainFX still qualifies as a fast growing crypto candidate, but with higher sensitivity to market conditions. Built Like A Digital Trading Floor BlockchainFX resembles a modern trading floor, efficient, fast, and volume-oriented. That clarity defines both its strength and its limits. 3. Pepeto (PEPETO): Community-Led Momentum What Pepeto Does Pepeto blends meme culture with light utility, relying heavily on branding, community engagement, and viral narratives to drive interest. Key characteristics include: Community-first positioning Narrative-driven visibility Social engagement as the primary growth lever Who Pepeto Is For Pepeto is built for participants who value cultural relevance and community energy over technical infrastructure. It appeals to: Narrative-driven traders Social-media-native crypto users Community-focused participants Why Analysts Are Watching Pepeto Analysts track Pepeto as a sentiment signal. Strong communities can generate rapid liquidity, but sustainability depends on ongoing engagement. In IPO Genie vs Pepeto discussions, the difference is clear, structural platforms versus cultural momentum. Pepeto’s growth potential exists, but it is cyclical rather than foundational. A Social Signal Disguised As A Token Pepeto reflects collective attention. When engagement is high, momentum follows. When narratives shift, growth can slow just as quickly. 4. DeepSnitch AI (DSNT); Intelligence-Led Blockchain Analytics What DeepSnitch AI Does DeepSnitch AI focuses on blockchain intelligence, offering tools that monitor on-chain activity for risks, anomalies, and emerging patterns. Its toolkit emphasizes: AI-powered data analysis Early detection of suspicious activity Insight-driven decision support Who DeepSnitch AI Is For The platform targets users who prioritize data clarity. This includes: Analysts and researchers Developers and security teams Risk-aware crypto participants Why Analysts Are Watching DeepSnitch AI AI-based analytics remain a strong theme in 2025. DeepSnitch AI benefits from this trend and is often referenced as a fast growing crypto project within the intelligence niche, though competition in AI tooling continues to increase. The Early-Warning Radar For On-Chain Activity DeepSnitch AI operates like radar, precise, specialized, and most valuable when accuracy matters. 5. SpacePay (SPY): Payments-Focused Crypto Infrastructure What SpacePay Does SpacePay is focused on a practical problem crypto has struggled with for years: everyday payments. The project aims to bridge digital assets with real-world commerce by enabling crypto payments at the point of sale, without forcing merchants to overhaul existing systems. Rather than positioning itself as a consumer-facing app alone, SpacePay emphasizes infrastructure that merchants can integrate quietly in the background. Its model centers on reducing friction between crypto wallets and traditional payment rails. Core elements include: Crypto-to-fiat payment processing Merchant-friendly integrations Emphasis on speed and settlement reliability This approach places SpacePay closer to utility-driven networks than speculative platforms. Who SpacePay Is For SpacePay is built for participants who believe adoption happens through usage, not narratives. It appeals to: Merchants exploring crypto payments without technical complexity Investors interested in real-world utility Users focused on transactional use cases rather than governance or speculation The positioning echoes early payment-focused narratives seen during Ethereum’s early expansion into decentralized finance and applications. Why Analysts Are Watching SpacePay Analysts tracking SpacePay focus less on hype and more on execution risk. Payments is a competitive sector, but it is also one of the few areas where sustained usage can translate into long-term relevance. In IPO Genie vs SpacePay comparisons, the difference is role-based. IPO Genie targets access and private-market coordination, while SpacePay concentrates on transactional infrastructure. SpacePay is sometimes described as a fast growing crypto candidate if merchant adoption materializes, but growth depends heavily on partnerships and real-world integration. The Quiet Layer Behind Everyday Transactions SpacePay’s strength lies in its subtlety. If successful, it becomes invisible infrastructure, used frequently, noticed rarely. Quick Shot: 2025’s Top Crypto Presales By Growth Signals  Project Core Focus Ideal User Growth Driver Analyst Outlook IPO Genie ($IPO) Tokenized private markets Institutional-minded investors AI + participation Strong BlockchainFX Multi-asset trading Active traders Liquidity & volume Moderate Pepeto Community token Narrative participants Social momentum Speculative DeepSnitch AI Blockchain intelligence Analysts & developers AI adoption Niche SpacePay (SPY) Crypto payments infrastructure Merchants & utility-focused users Real-world usage Developing Which One Looks Strongest Heading Into 2025? When comparing IPO Genie vs other projects, the defining difference is role. IPO Genie positions itself at the access layer of emerging private markets, while others compete within narrower functional or narrative niches. That distinction becomes more important as capital grows selective.  Of all the projects covered, IPO Genie stands out as the one most aligned with the direction crypto markets are taking in 2025, appealing to investors focused on access, and lasting relevance rather than quick trends. Final Thoughts No presale is without risk. Market volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and execution challenges apply across the board. Community-driven tokens can outperform during attention cycles. Trading platforms depend on liquidity. Analytics tools require sustained adoption. IPO Genie’s top ranking reflects alignment rather than certainty. Its focus on private-market access, AI-driven intelligence, and participation mechanics places it among the best crypto presales to watch in 2025, particularly for those evaluating long-term positioning over short-term noise. Join the IPO Genie presale today:   Official website Telegram Twitter (X)  Disclaimer: Information provided here is for educational use only. Always assess your risk before making financial decisions.

The Audi Revolut F1 Team has officially revealed its team name and logo, confirming that its global launch will take place in Berlin on January 20, 2026. The announcement represents a key milestone in Audi’s preparations to enter the Formula One World Championship in 2026 and formalises the title partnership between Audi F1 and global fintech Revolut, first announced in July 2025. The Berlin event will be the first time the Audi Revolut F1 Team presents its full identity to the world. Designed as an immersive brand experience, the launch will highlight the team’s core values of clarity, technical intelligence, and emotion. Following the invite-only event on January 20, a public opening on January 21 will allow fans to participate in the team’s inaugural moment. A major highlight of the launch will be the unveiling of the team’s full 2026 race livery, building on the Audi R26 Concept revealed in November. With fewer than 50 days remaining before the opening race of the 2026 season, the team plans to show how Audi’s design language will translate into a distinctive visual presence on the Formula One grid. Revolut Partnership Extends Beyond Branding Into Operations and Fan Engagement The partnership with Revolut is positioned as a strategic pillar of the team’s identity rather than a traditional sponsorship. Audi and Revolut said the alliance is built around shared ambitions for innovation, performance, and global reach, aiming to challenge conventions both on and off the track. Beyond branding, the collaboration will integrate Revolut’s technology directly into the team’s operations. Revolut Business will be embedded into the Audi Revolut F1 Team’s financial operations, while Revolut Pay will be used in the team’s online store to provide a seamless checkout experience. The partnership also targets new forms of fan engagement, with plans for exclusive activations, race access, and app-based benefits for Revolut users. Nik Storonsky, CEO and Co-Founder of Revolut, said: “Revolut and Audi are uniting in Formula 1 with a global ambition to challenge the status quo and a shared obsession with engineering excellence. The Audi Revolut F1 team name and logo are the first symbols of a powerful alliance that will accelerate Revolut’s global growth.” Takeaway: The unveiling of the Audi Revolut F1 Team name and logo formalises a deep partnership that blends motorsport, fintech, and technology, setting the stage for a highly visible Formula One debut in 2026. Organisational Changes Signal Audi’s Full Commitment to Formula One The formation of the Audi Revolut F1 Team is accompanied by structural changes within the organisation. Sauber Motorsport AG will be renamed Audi Motorsport AG, while the team’s Technology Centre in Bicester, UK, will become the Audi Motorsport Technology Centre UK. At the same time, Audi said it will retain the names Sauber Holding AG and Sauber Technologies AG to honour the team’s heritage. Senior leadership emphasised the significance of the announcement in uniting teams across multiple countries. Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, said: “Unveiling the Audi Revolut F1 Team name and logo marks another major milestone on our journey into the pinnacle of motorsport. Both give our ambition a clear identity, reflecting a strong vision and innovative spirit.” Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley added: “Today, our project takes on its official identity. The Audi Revolut F1 Team name is a symbol of the combined strength of our teams in Germany, UK and Switzerland, together with our partners.” As Audi and Revolut build toward the 2026 season, the partnership is expected to play a central role in Revolut’s push toward 100 million customers while aligning the fintech brand with one of the world’s fastest-growing global sports.  

U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Jerry Moran of Kansas have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening federal efforts to combat cryptocurrency-related fraud, as scams tied to digital assets grow more frequent and complex. The bill, known as the Strengthening Agency Frameworks for Enforcement of Cryptocurrency (SAFE Crypto) Act, proposes the creation of a federal task force to coordinate the government’s response to crypto scams. The task force would bring together the U.S. Treasury Department, law enforcement agencies, financial regulators, and private-sector experts to improve the identification, tracking, and disruption of fraudulent activity across the crypto ecosystem. Federal Task Force to Coordinate Anti-Fraud Efforts According to the senators, the initiative is designed to close coordination gaps between agencies, support local law enforcement with better investigative tools, and improve public awareness to help Americans protect themselves from crypto-related scams. The task force would also provide Congress with regular updates on emerging threats and enforcement progress. “It’s critical we protect Americans against scams in all industries, but especially cryptocurrency as it becomes more popular,” Senator Slotkin said. She added that the legislation focuses on equipping local law enforcement with the tools needed to combat crypto scams while ensuring the public understands how to safeguard their money. “This task force, established by the SAFE Cryptocurrency Act, will allow us to draw upon every resource we have to combat fraud in digital assets.” Public-Private Collaboration to Disrupt Crypto Scams Senator Moran said the bill responds to the growing scale of payment fraud and financial scams across the United States. “With fraud and other payment scams continuing to grow, protecting the financial security and well-being of Kansans is critical,” he said. Moran noted that the proposed task force would strengthen coordination between government agencies, law enforcement, and the financial services industry as cryptocurrency adoption expands. The legislation also emphasizes public-private collaboration, particularly the use of blockchain intelligence to detect and disrupt illicit activity in real time. Ari Redbord, vice president and global head of policy at TRM Labs, said billions of dollars in scams and fraud have been tracked across the crypto sector in recent years, underscoring the need for faster intervention. “This legislation enables public-private collaboration using blockchain intelligence to track, interdict, and disrupt illicit networks as activity is occurring,” Redbord said, adding that such coordination could help protect victims and improve overall financial security. The SAFE Crypto Act now awaits consideration in Congress as lawmakers continue to weigh broader measures to address fraud risks in the rapidly evolving digital asset market.

BTCUSD drops to lower bound of one-month range Tests rebound from lower Bollinger band Momentum indicators maintain bearish bias BTCUSD is attempting a rebound near 86,300, which marks the floor of a relatively wide one-month range between 86,000 and 94,000, after slumping more than 7.3% over the past four sessions following strong rejection at the range ceiling, which coincides with the short-term downtrend line. The subdued sentiment persists as flows into Bitcoin exchange-traded funds have remained weak in recent weeks, capping upward momentum after the largest crypto asset tumbled from its record peak above 126,163 on October 20 to a trough of 80,615 on November 21. The momentum indicators reinforce the current negative bias with the stochastics in oversold territory, the RSI hovering just above the 30 oversold threshold, and the MACD below zero and its red signal line. Early warnings came from a bearish divergence in the RSI, signaling weakening buying pressure even as Bitcoin attempted to push higher in recent sessions. If the price rebounds from the lower Bollinger band, immediate resistance lies at the 20-day SMA near 90,359, followed by the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement level of the October-November pullback at 91,364. A break above this level, and hence above the short-term descending trendline, could target the range ceiling near the psychologically significant 94,000 level. Conversely, rejection at the lower Bollinger band could pave the way for a retest of previous swing lows near 84,500 and potentially even 80,500. To sum up, Bitcoin is likely to remain in its current consolidation phase for now, lacking the conviction to enter a strong bullish trend toward its 100,000 year-end target. However, prolonged weakness could amplify downside risks toward 80,000.

What’s actually happening KuCoin has signed a multi-year agreement with Tomorrowland, becoming the festival’s exclusive crypto exchange and crypto payments partner for both Tomorrowland Winter and Tomorrowland Belgium from 2026 to 2028. The deal covers two of the most visible electronic music events in the world. Tomorrowland Winter will take place in Alpe d’Huez in March 2026, while the main Belgium festival returns in July across two weekends. There’s no flashy product launch attached to the announcement. No NFTs, no token drops, no technical roadmap. Instead, this is a long-term brand and infrastructure partnership, positioning KuCoin as the crypto platform associated with Tomorrowland’s global audience over several years. Why this partnership matters Crypto exchanges have spent years chasing attention through sponsorships. Sports teams, stadiums, racing series — most of it has blended into the background. Tomorrowland is different. Its audience is international by default. People travel from over 200 countries, often crossing borders, currencies, and payment systems just to attend. That makes the festival a natural fit for a company whose core pitch is moving value globally. For KuCoin, the value isn’t short-term user acquisition. It’s association. Being present in a cultural environment where crypto doesn’t feel like a trading product, but part of a modern digital lifestyle. Investor Takeaway Brand partnerships with global events tend to support long-term user trust rather than immediate volume spikes. That matters in slower market cycles. How KuCoin fits into Tomorrowland’s world Tomorrowland has spent years building a brand around connection, creativity, and a borderless identity. Its “People of Tomorrow” narrative isn’t marketing fluff — it’s the reason people keep coming back. KuCoin, originally launched as the “People’s Exchange,” has been quietly repositioning itself in a similar direction. Less noise around speculation, more emphasis on infrastructure, security, and real-world usage. That alignment explains why this partnership feels deliberate rather than opportunistic. KuCoin isn’t trying to dominate the festival experience. It’s attaching itself to it and letting familiarity build over time. What comes next — and what probably won’t Over the next few years, the partnership could evolve into crypto-enabled payments, loyalty mechanics, or digital access tied to Tomorrowland experiences. Or it could stay mostly behind the scenes. What’s clear is that this isn’t a short-term experiment. Running through 2028, the agreement gives both sides room to adapt as regulation, payments infrastructure, and user behaviour change. For the wider crypto market, deals like this point to a shift in strategy. Exchanges are no longer just competing on fees or listings. They’re competing for relevance outside trading screens. Investor Takeaway Crypto platforms expanding into culture and payments may see steadier engagement than trading-only models, especially during quieter markets. Tomorrowland connects people through music. KuCoin wants to connect them through value. This partnership is a bet that those two worlds are closer than they used to be.

European retail trading is entering a transition phase as brokers reassess how much of their growth can stay anchored to OTC products such as CFDs and turbo-style instruments. A new study based on surveys and interviews with 41 retail brokers and neobanks points to a structural shift: listed futures and options are increasingly being treated as a core part of the retail proposition, not a niche add-on. Regulation has become the dominant strategic risk for retail brokers operating across Europe’s fragmented supervisory environment. In the survey, regulatory compliance was the most-cited top-three challenge, reflecting both the pace of policy change and the uneven approach taken by national regulators despite EU-level frameworks. For brokers that still rely heavily on CFDs, the pressure is sharper. When asked directly about the threat of future regulatory changes restricting retail access to CFDs and equivalent markets, 62% of CFD-offering firms said they were “very concerned,” while only a small minority said they were not concerned at all. Recent national actions illustrate why brokers are building contingency plans. Spain’s CNMV has moved against CFD advertising, Belgium has implemented an outright CFD ban, and the UK has tightened marketing restrictions. Germany’s BaFin has also introduced new marketing rules for turbos, including stronger risk warnings and limits on certain new-customer incentives—reinforcing the direction of travel toward tighter retail distribution controls. What’s Pulling Retail Flow Toward Futures and Options? Listed derivatives bring attributes that brokers can credibly position as “institutional-grade” retail access: transparent price formation, deeper visible liquidity, and materially reduced counterparty risk through clearing. The report also highlights a persistent concern embedded in the OTC model—conflicts of interest that can arise when brokers internalize client flow under B-booking. Momentum is now measurable at the business-strategy level. In the survey, 67% of retail brokers said futures and options are “very important” to their retail strategy over the next two years, with brokers citing client demand, higher customer retention, additional revenue streams, and product diversification as key drivers. At the same time, adoption is still in an acceleration phase rather than a completed migration. Among firms not currently offering futures and options, 79% said they are either planning to offer them or actively considering doing so—suggesting the competitive baseline for a “full-service” European retail brokerage is shifting toward multi-asset, multi-venue access that includes listed derivatives. What Could Slow Adoption—and What Might Speed It Up? The biggest friction point is not market appetite so much as suitability and education. Brokers view options in particular as complex products requiring stronger client screening, clearer risk communication, and better learning pathways—especially for newer traders who may be drawn in by leverage without fully understanding nonlinear payoff profiles. Operational complexity and data integration also matter, especially for firms entering listed markets for the first time. However, the study suggests these hurdles are becoming easier to manage as clearing members build retail-focused onboarding models—letting brokers connect through a single clearing relationship while outsourcing key operational workflows such as exchange connectivity and the handling of clearinghouse margin processes. Competitive dynamics may ultimately be the accelerator. The report notes that US retail brokers expanding into Europe are intensifying pressure, with 39% of surveyed firms viewing US entry as a “significant challenge.” As US-style product design (smaller contract sizes, retail-friendly platforms, and education-led marketing) spreads, European futures and options participation could rise quickly—especially among experienced traders and crypto traders looking to diversify into regulated listed markets. Takeaway Listed derivatives are gaining momentum in Europe because they combine transparent pricing and lower counterparty risk with a clearer regulatory framework than many OTC retail products. The next 12–24 months look pivotal as more brokers weigh launching futures and options to defend share against new entrants and to retain increasingly sophisticated clients.

Trive has connected its brokerage services to TradingView, allowing clients to trade contracts for difference (CFDs) directly from TradingView’s charting and strategy platform. Through the integration, traders can access CFDs across multiple underlying asset classes, including foreign exchange, commodities, indices, and stocks, without leaving the TradingView environment. The move places Trive among a growing group of brokers embedding execution into TradingView, reflecting rising demand from traders for platforms that combine advanced charting, strategy testing, and order execution in a single interface. By linking their Trive account, users can move from analysis to execution seamlessly within TradingView. Once connected, orders are executed instantly through TradingView’s trading panel, enabling traders to deploy and manage strategies directly from live charts while maintaining access to Trive’s pricing and liquidity. European Broker Targets Simplicity and Competitive Trading Conditions Founded in 2013, Trive is licensed in Europe by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) and operates from its headquarters in Malta, with additional branches in Italy, Spain, and Germany. The broker currently serves approximately 16,000 clients across Europe, positioning itself as a regulated provider focused on accessibility and reliability. Through the TradingView integration, Trive clients gain access to more than 300 tradable instruments. The broker is offering commission-free trading alongside low spreads and stable market connectivity, aiming to attract traders who value cost efficiency as well as execution speed. Trive’s brand positioning centres on helping clients “thrive” by providing straightforward access to global markets. Integrating with TradingView aligns with that approach by placing Trive’s execution capabilities inside a widely used analysis platform familiar to both retail and more advanced traders. Takeaway: By integrating with TradingView, Trive is giving its European client base direct access to multi-asset CFD trading from a single analysis-and-execution platform, reflecting the broader convergence of charting, strategy testing, and brokerage services. One-Click Setup Aims to Lower Barriers for Active Traders Getting started with Trive on TradingView is designed to be simple. Traders can open the TradingView trading panel, select Trive from the list of supported brokers, and sign in using their existing broker credentials. Once connected, they can begin trading immediately without additional software installations. The integration allows traders to test ideas, analyse markets, and execute trades within the same workflow. This setup is particularly attractive to active traders who rely on TradingView’s charting tools and indicators but want direct market access without switching between platforms. As TradingView continues to expand its broker ecosystem, integrations such as Trive’s highlight how European CFD providers are using third-party platforms to extend distribution, improve client experience, and compete on usability as much as on pricing and product range.  

What Triggered the Leadership Change at Monzo? Monzo’s board has asked chief executive TS Anil to step aside after months of disagreements over how quickly the UK digital bank should move toward a public listing, according to people familiar with the matter. Anil will hand the job to Diana Layfield early next year, a former Google executive and long-time Standard Chartered director who was initially earmarked to run Monzo’s UK business. Those familiar with the internal discussions describe a breakdown in alignment between Anil and several directors, with the rift centered on whether Monzo was ready for an IPO. Anil had been urging the board to move sooner, arguing that profitability, rapid customer growth and expanding revenues showed the bank could withstand market scrutiny. Some directors wanted to slow the process, saying Monzo needed more time to build international scale and develop a stronger long-term valuation story. Concerns also surfaced over Anil’s plans after a listing. According to people briefed on the matter, he indicated privately that he might leave not long after an IPO — a prospect that made some directors uneasy, given the heavy regulatory and investor oversight that follows a listing. Investor Takeaway Monzo’s leadership shift reflects pressure to align its IPO timeline with market readiness and internal stability, not just headline profitability. How Did Monzo Perform Under Anil — and Why Was It Not Enough? Anil has overseen one of Monzo’s strongest financial periods. Since becoming CEO in 2020, he helped triple the customer base to roughly 13 million, move the bank into the black, and diversify revenues beyond current accounts. Last year Monzo reported record pre-tax profits of £60.5 million on revenue of about £1.2 billion, marking a step change from earlier years of heavy losses. But the improvements masked two strategic issues: Monzo still relies overwhelmingly on the UK market, and competition is tightening. High-street lenders have modernized their mobile platforms, while global operators such as JPMorgan’s Chase UK have been scaling rapidly with fresh capital and aggressive product rollouts. The combination has narrowed the digital bank’s early-mover advantage. International expansion, once considered a central pillar of Monzo’s growth plan, has not kept pace with expectations. The bank withdrew its US banking licence application after protracted talks with regulators, highlighting the difficulty of transplanting its UK model abroad. For several directors, this reduced the urgency for an IPO and raised questions about the bank’s ability to sustain growth beyond its home market. How Did Governance and Regulation Weigh on the Decision? Monzo’s status as a licensed bank carries stricter oversight than most fintech peers. Last year, the Financial Conduct Authority fined the lender for weaknesses in its financial-crime controls — an incident the board viewed as a reminder of the scrutiny that comes with public markets. Preparing for the due-diligence process surrounding a listing requires spotless controls, predictable leadership and clear forward guidance. In this context, Layfield’s profile appealed to directors looking for stability. Her experience includes senior roles in both global banking and big tech, and more than a decade navigating complex regulatory environments at Standard Chartered. Those close to the process say her appointment reflects a desire to present a leadership team that can speak convincingly to regulators and institutional investors during and after a listing. What Challenges Await Diana Layfield as Incoming CEO? Layfield steps in at a moment when Monzo’s trajectory is less certain than its headline profitability suggests. The bank must prove it can grow beyond the UK without repeating earlier setbacks abroad, defend its domestic market share against large incumbents and global entrants, and show that its revenue mix can support a sustainable valuation in the public markets. She also inherits the task of repairing internal alignment after months of disagreement. For a bank that has already transitioned from its founder-led era to a professionally managed model, this next phase carries higher stakes. The company has achieved stable earnings, but it has not yet built the diversified geographic footprint or scale that typically anchors a successful listing. Anil’s departure closes another chapter in Monzo’s evolution. He joined from Visa in 2020 to lead US expansion and became chief executive shortly after founder Tom Blomfield stepped aside. His tenure delivered financial stability and product expansion, but the unresolved debate over timing — and direction — of the next phase pushed the board to reset.

What Has Etrading Software Set in Motion for the UK Bond Tape? Etrading Software has begun a key phase in the creation of the UK bond consolidated tape (CT), opening applications for a consultative committee as it works toward a 22 June 2026 go-live. The committee will operate alongside the board of ETS Connect UK, the subsidiary appointed by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as the official consolidated tape provider. It represents one of the first visible steps in turning the policy framework into a functioning market utility. People familiar with the process say the committee will include up to 20 members drawn from across the market — users, data contributors, trading venues, vendors, and academics. Selection will follow an open application process, with candidates assessed on industry experience, seniority and ability to contribute meaningfully to the tape’s development. Investor Takeaway The committee is the first public checkpoint in the bond tape’s build-out. Its membership and influence will shape how much confidence users place in the UK’s new fixed-income transparency tool. Why Does the UK Need a Bond Consolidated Tape? Regulators have long highlighted fragmentation in UK fixed-income markets. Post-trade data remains scattered across trading venues and approved publication arrangements, with inconsistent formats, pricing and timestamps. Even after MiFID II reforms, bond transparency still trails equities, limiting price formation and complicating best-execution assessments. The FCA responded by selecting a single CTP model for bonds, awarding the mandate to Etrading Software in September 2025 after a competitive tender. The consolidated tape is expected to provide a unified source of bond trade data, giving firms a central feed instead of stitching information together from multiple outlets. Building trust in that data is a core challenge. The consultative committee is designed to give users direct involvement in decisions around latency, deferral settings, quality checks, cost models and how the tape will interact with existing commercial data products. Where Does the Ediphy Lawsuit Leave the Project? Etrading Software’s mandate was immediately followed by a legal challenge from rival bidder Ediphy, which triggered an automatic suspension of the contract. The pause raised the risk of delays at a point when the market must overhaul reporting and data workflows well before the 2026 launch. The suspension was lifted more than two months later after Ediphy consented, allowing the CTP to resume implementation work. The dispute, however, has not been withdrawn. Ediphy plans to continue pursuing a damages claim in the High Court. The firm has not publicly detailed the grounds of its case, though market participants expect the claim to centre on the tender evaluation process rather than the technical merits of the winning bid. While the lifting of the suspension removed the most immediate obstacle, the ongoing litigation remains a background risk. Users connecting to the tape will monitor whether the legal dispute affects commercial terms or future oversight. Investor Takeaway Legal uncertainty is still present, but implementation is moving. The key question is whether the timeline can hold under legal and operational pressure. Can Etrading Deliver the Tape on Time? The roadmap to June 2026 is tight. Etrading Software plans to publish draft and final contracts, technical specifications, and a series of industry engagement steps — including webinars, documentation releases and open forums. Market participants will need to adjust reporting flows, integrate new data feeds and run testing cycles well ahead of launch. The FCA has stressed that strong governance and broad representation are essential, especially because the tape will run under a single-provider model. Market participants will scrutinise how the committee operates: who gets a seat, how decisions are communicated, and whether commercial and academic perspectives are balanced. The inclusion of academics is notable, given regulatory interest in grounding design choices in market-structure research. Topics such as trade deferrals, handling of large-in-scale transactions and the risk of distorting liquidity will likely feature heavily in the committee’s early discussions. With less than 18 months to go, any setbacks — legal or operational — could trigger fresh pressure from the industry and the FCA. For now, the committee stands as the clearest sign that the policy ambition is moving into execution. Its effectiveness will influence whether the UK bond tape succeeds in improving transparency or becomes another contested chapter in fixed-income reform.

Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange founded by Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, has rolled out its prediction markets platform across all 50 U.S. states following regulatory approval from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The platform, branded Gemini Predictions, allows users to trade event contracts—binary “yes/no” bets on outcomes ranging from financial and economic indicators to political and sports events. These contracts settle based on whether an event occurs, with successful predictions paying out a fixed amount. This launch marks the culmination of a five-year licensing process that began in 2020, during which Gemini’s affiliate, Gemini Titan, LLC, secured a Designated Contract Market (DCM) license from the CFTC. This license grants the legal authority to operate regulated event markets within the United States, placing Gemini among a select group of companies permitted to offer federally overseen prediction markets. Gemini Predictions is now available nationwide on both the iOS app and web platform, with trading fees waived for a limited introductory period. Users with existing fiat balances on Gemini can immediately participate, with near-instant execution across mobile and desktop platforms. The launch reflects Gemini’s broader strategy to introduce regulated financial products to the U.S. market. The company has indicated potential future expansions into other derivatives such as crypto futures, options, and perpetual swaps. Analysts note that while some critics liken prediction markets to gambling, proponents argue that these regulated contracts provide valuable probability signals around key economic and social outcomes. Gemini’s nationwide rollout could thus accelerate mainstream adoption of event trading in the U.S. Crypto Firms Race to Expand Regulated Prediction Markets Leading crypto companies are accelerating their push into prediction markets, blending trading with real‑world forecasting. Crypto.com unveiled a prediction market intelligence platform in partnership with ERShares and Signal Markets, aiming to provide users with insights on macroeconomic trends, corporate outcomes, and market probabilities. The platform combines data analytics with event-based trading, marking a step beyond conventional crypto exchange services. Similarly, Coinbase plans to launch its own prediction markets through a partnership with Kalshi, leveraging the latter’s CFTC-regulated infrastructure. The move will allow users to trade event contracts on elections, economic indicators, sports, and technology outcomes, bridging crypto and traditional financial markets. Meanwhile, Bitnomial Clearinghouse secured CFTC approval to clear fully collateralized swaps, opening the door for its own prediction markets and enabling third-party platforms to integrate with its clearing system. Together, these developments highlight a growing trend among U.S.-based crypto firms to mainstream event-based trading under regulatory oversight, offering users new tools for risk assessment and market insights.

What’s Driving RedotPay’s New Funding Round? RedotPay has raised $107 million in a Series B backed by Pantera Capital, Circle Ventures, Blockchain Capital and Goodwater Capital, continuing a year of fast expansion for the Hong Kong-based stablecoin payments firm. The round arrives only three months after a $47 million strategic raise and follows a $40 million Series A earlier in the year, bringing total capital raised to roughly $200 million. The new round was structured entirely as equity. RedotPay declined to share its valuation or board details but described the raise as oversubscribed. The company said demand for its stablecoin payment products has accelerated across multiple regions, prompting a quicker-than-expected return to market. “We only began actively raising capital in late 2024,” CEO Michael Gao told The Block. When asked why the company raised again so soon, he said growth has outpaced internal capacity. “This financing allows us to scale infrastructure, compliance, and partnerships in line with that growth,” he said. Investor Takeaway RedotPay is one of the few stablecoin payment apps reporting both large-scale usage and profitability, signaling rising demand for on-chain settlement tools in everyday financial activity. How Big Is RedotPay’s Current Footprint? The company says it has crossed 6 million registered users across more than 100 markets. Annualized payment volume has surpassed $10 billion, nearly tripling year over year. RedotPay also reports more than $150 million in annualized revenue while operating profitably, with more than 3 million users joining the platform between January and November 2025. RedotPay’s product suite centers around stablecoin payments, including a card that allows users to spend digital assets globally, stablecoin payout rails for businesses, multi-currency wallet accounts via unnamed licensed financial partners, and a peer-to-peer marketplace built on its own infrastructure. The company says its core advantage is enabling instant and predictable cross-border transfers for both crypto-native and non-crypto users. Users in regions with volatile currencies or limited payment infrastructure appear to be a growing driver of adoption. Gao said RedotPay has “meaningful users” across the Middle East and North Africa, and the company is expanding in areas where organic demand is strongest. Where Will the New Capital Be Directed? RedotPay said the funding will be deployed across three categories: product development, compliance and licensing, and strategic acquisitions. The company plans to invest heavily in improving core user experience, a process Gao described as “fundamentally product-driven,” guided by customer feedback. RedotPay also intends to pursue acquisitions that broaden its regulatory license footprint and reinforce its payments stack. Target sectors include licensed payment institutions, acquiring platforms and financial infrastructure providers, especially in markets where RedotPay’s user base is expanding. Compliance remains a core focus as stablecoin payments draw closer attention from regulators. The company works with licensed third-party financial institutions to support wallet accounts and payout flows, while preparing for more stringent licensing frameworks in regions with growing user traffic. RedotPay currently employs around 250 full-time staff and is hiring across engineering, product and compliance teams as volumes rise. Investor Takeaway The raise positions RedotPay to expand licensing and infrastructure at a moment when regulators are scrutinizing stablecoin rails. Strong user growth gives the firm leverage in securing new jurisdictions and partnerships. Why Are Investors Backing Stablecoin Payments Now? Investor interest in RedotPay reflects a broader shift toward stablecoins as settlement tools, not just trading instruments. Venture firms have been looking at companies that merge on-chain money movement with traditional financial interfaces, especially in markets where access to reliable banking is uneven. Blockchain Capital’s Jonah Burian framed the investment through that lens. “In many countries, consumers face currency risk, savings erosion due to inflation, and fragile local banking systems,” he said. “Many would prefer to store value in assets they trust, such as dollars, bitcoin, or other digital assets, and spend in their local currency. RedotPay seeks to bridge this gap by giving consumers meaningful control over their financial destiny.” For now, RedotPay’s rapid user growth and reported profitability place it among a small set of companies proving out stablecoin payments at scale. The company’s next phase will depend on how quickly it can deepen its licensing footprint, expand payout corridors and integrate its infrastructure across regions with fast-growing stablecoin usage.

Mastercard has taken another decisive step into regulated digital payments, expanding its stablecoin settlement capabilities into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through a new partnership with the ADI Foundation. The move positions the payments giant at the center of the Middle East’s rapidly evolving blockchain and stablecoin ecosystem, as the region accelerates adoption of regulated digital finance infrastructure. The announcement by Mastercard reflects its broader strategy: embedding itself directly into the rails of tokenized money rather than treating crypto as fringe money. By aligning with ADI Foundation and regional partners, it is signaling that stablecoins are now becoming a functional part of global payments. Mastercard Expands From Card Networks to Global Blockchain Rails  Mastercard’s expansion into stablecoin settlement in the UAE reflects a deliberate pivot from traditional card-based networks toward blockchain-enabled value transfer. Rather than positioning stablecoins as consumer-facing assets, the company is targeting settlement infrastructure, where efficiency, speed, and compliance matter the most. Under the partnership, Mastercard will support stablecoin-based settlement flows across payment providers, fintech platforms, and enterprise partners operating within the UAE. The ADI Foundation, which focuses on blockchain standards, compliance, and digital-asset interoperability, will provide the regulatory and technical framework necessary to operate within the region’s financial rules. This isn’t the card issuer's first foray into blockchain. Over the past years, the card-issuing giant has quietly built a portfolio of crypto-adjacent services, including on-chain analytics, digital identity tools, and crypto card programs across various countries. For merchants and payment providers, Mastercard’s stablecoin settlement can reduce cross-border friction, eliminate multi-day settlement delays, and lower costs associated with currency conversion and correspondent banking. Stablecoins and Global Finance Are the Biggest Winners  Mastercard’s move raises the competitive stakes for global payment networks. Visa, regional payment processors, and fintech firms are all exploring blockchain-based settlement, but Mastercard’s approach stands out for its emphasis on integration rather than disruption. Instead of replacing existing payment systems, the payment giant is layering stablecoins into its network, allowing merchants, banks, and payment providers to opt into blockchain settlement where it makes sense. This hybrid model may prove more scalable than purely crypto-native solutions, especially for enterprises that require regulatory assurances. For the UAE, welcoming Mastercard into its stablecoin ecosystem strengthens its claim as a bridge between traditional finance and blockchain innovation. Stablecoins can play a critical role in the region’s economy, which relies heavily on cross-border trade, remittances, and international commerce. From Mastercard’s perspective, the UAE offers a jurisdiction where stablecoin use cases can scale without regulatory whiplash. Rather than navigating fragmented rules across multiple countries, the company can pilot real-world settlement use cases in a market that actively supports tokenized finance. This dynamic also reflects a broader trend. As stablecoins mature, their most impactful applications are emerging not in speculative trading, but in enterprise payments, treasury settlement, and cross-border liquidity management. Mastercard’s strategy is to sit at the intersection of those flows.

Intercontinental Exchange and Investortools have expanded their collaboration by making ICE Climate data available directly within the Investortools platform. The integration embeds ICE’s municipal-level climate risk data into Investortools’ Perform system, enabling fixed income investors to access climate risk indicators as part of their day-to-day investment workflows. The move reflects growing demand from institutional investors to incorporate climate considerations into core fixed income decision-making. Through the integration, users can apply climate risk data across credit research, portfolio construction, trade compliance, and performance reporting without leaving the Investortools environment. By placing climate metrics alongside traditional financial and risk analytics, the partnership aims to reduce friction and improve consistency in how climate-related risks are assessed and monitored across teams. The collaboration is positioned around transparency and long-term risk assessment, particularly for municipal and other location-sensitive fixed income assets. As climate-related events increasingly influence credit profiles and valuation dynamics, integrating these data points into existing platforms is becoming a priority for asset managers seeking to formalise climate risk within investment governance frameworks. What Data Fixed Income Investors Can Now Use The ICE Climate data available through Investortools includes forward-looking physical climate risk scores and value-at-risk metrics covering hazards such as flood, hurricane, wildfire, and drought. These indicators are designed to help investors understand both near-term exposure to extreme weather events and longer-term climate trends that may affect issuer creditworthiness. Additional metrics available through the integration include emissions data and economic exposure indicators, providing a broader context for assessing climate-related financial risk. Together, these datasets offer a more comprehensive view of how environmental factors may influence fixed income performance, particularly in municipal markets where geographic exposure plays a central role. Larry Lawrence, Head of ICE Climate, said: “By integrating our climate risk data into the Investortools ecosystem, we’re simplifying the process for credit analysts and portfolio managers to access location-specific risk metrics when and where they need them. We’re excited to expand the reach of our data and provide a more efficient path for clients to incorporate climate risk insights into their investment decisions.” Takeaway: Embedding ICE Climate data directly into Investortools allows fixed income investors to incorporate forward-looking climate risk metrics into everyday research, portfolio, and compliance workflows. Why Climate Integration Is Becoming Core to Fixed Income Platforms The addition of climate data builds on an existing relationship between ICE and Investortools, which already includes access to ICE Bonds’ BondPoint and TMC execution platforms and ICE BofA Indices via the Investortools Dealer Network. With climate risk now added, users can combine evaluated pricing, market data, and environmental risk insights within a single analytical framework. Mike Green, Co-CEO and Chief Operating Officer of Investortools, said: “By bringing ICE Climate data into the platform, we’re enabling our users to apply climate risk intelligence directly to their existing investment workflows. This integration supports consistent, data-driven analysis across research, risk management, and portfolio teams.” His comments highlight how climate analytics are increasingly treated as a standard input rather than a separate, specialist overlay. For ICE, the integration extends the reach of its high-resolution geospatial climate platform, which maps climate, event, and economic data to financial assets. As regulatory scrutiny and investor expectations around climate risk continue to rise, partnerships that embed climate intelligence into established fixed income systems are likely to play a key role in shaping how markets price and manage long-term environmental risk.

Japanese financial powerhouse SBI Holdings has teamed up with blockchain infrastructure firm Startale to launch a regulated yen-pegged stablecoin expected in the second quarter of 2026. The announcement marks a significant milestone in Japan’s digital asset evolution, with two major players betting that fiat-backed digital money can play a central role in global payments, cross-border settlements, and regulated financial applications. Unlike many stablecoins that emerged organically within unregulated corners of crypto trading, the SBI-Startale project aims to be fully compliant with Japanese financial law and designed for integration with licensed financial institutions. This positions the yen stablecoin not as a speculative token but as a regulated payment instrument that bridges traditional finance, digital rails, and international commerce. SBI Holdings Keys Into Japan’s Regulated Yen Stablecoin Strategy for Global Payments The plan to issue a Yen-pegged stablecoin is rooted in Japan’s broader ambition to become a global hub for digital finance. Japan, historically cautious yet technologically advanced, has been steadily refining its regulatory frameworks around crypto, digital assets, and tokenized securities. The collaboration between SBI and Startale signals that regulated stablecoins are becoming real-world products in the country. SBI Holdings, one of Japan’s largest financial conglomerates, is no stranger to digital asset innovation. SBI has been experimenting with blockchain infrastructure for years through its various subsidiaries with services across brokerage, payments, digital custody, and institutional asset management. Partnering with Startale, a firm focused on compliant token standards and scalable settlement networks, gives the project both regulatory muscle and technical dexterity. The SBI-Startale Project Joins A Long List of Anticipated Regulated Stablecoins  The yen-backed stablecoin from SBI Holdings and its partner is set to launch by Q2 2026. Analysts believe this is strategic, as it aligns with industry expectations that 2026 will mark a watershed year for institutional tokenization, cross-border payment innovations, and regulated stablecoin ecosystems. For Japanese authorities and market participants, having a fully compliant foreign exchange stablecoin denominated in yen could meaningfully increase the competitiveness of regional payment rails and settlement networks. The yen stablecoin will be used for interbank transfers, merchant payments, e-commerce settlements, and cross-border remittances. With the U.S. still grappling with stablecoin regulation and other markets, such as Europe, adopting MiCA, Japan’s move to a fully regulated yen stablecoin could offer Japan a first-mover advantage in institutional stablecoin deployment within a major currency bloc. However, the project also faces challenges. Stablecoins tied to sovereign currencies often trigger complex regulatory scrutiny in the home country and beyond. As 2026 approaches, this project will serve as another test case for how traditional finance and digital asset ecosystems can intersect within regulatory frameworks, particularly in Asia. If executed successfully, it could transform Japan’s domestic payments infrastructure and shift global stablecoin dynamics by adding a solid alternative to dollar-backed options like USDT and USDC. 

Bitcoin Plunges Below $86,000 as Altcoin Sell-Off Accelerates network computing power declined sharply this week following reports that large-scale mining operations in China’s Xinjiang region were taken offline, according to industry sources and on-chain data. Network metrics show Bitcoin’s global hashrate fell by an estimated 5.6% to 8% beginning around December 13, marking one of the most notable post-halving drawdowns in mining activity. The decline coincided with reports of widespread shutdowns across Xinjiang, a region historically linked to significant Bitcoin mining capacity. On-chain analytics account SinoCrypto said approximately 2 gigawatts (GW) of mining capacity had been shut down in the region. The post added that nearly 500,000 mining machines were displaced as a result, forcing operators to either relocate equipment or halt operations entirely. Industry commentators also reported that hundreds of thousands of ASIC rigs were taken offline within a short period. Estimates from mining executives and observers suggest between 400,000 and 500,000 machines stopped hashing, removing roughly 100 exahashes per second (EH/s) from the Bitcoin network. Why the Hashrate Drop Matters Following the shutdowns, Bitcoin’s hashrate fell from levels near 1,100 EH/s to as low as 1,040 EH/s, based on short-term network averages. While the decline was abrupt, analysts note that Bitcoin has historically absorbed similar shocks during regional mining disruptions. The reasons behind the Xinjiang shutdowns remain unclear. Although China imposed a nationwide ban on crypto in 2021. Past disruptions in the region have been linked to power inspections, local enforcement actions, or broader regulatory crackdowns. Bitcoin is designed to adapt to such changes. Mining difficulty adjusts automatically roughly every two weeks to reflect shifts in available hash power, helping maintain the network’s average block time near ten minutes. Market reaction to the hashrate decline has been slightly bearish. While some volatility was observed, Bitcoin price movements remain influenced by a combination of macroeconomic factors, derivatives positioning, and broader market sentiment, rather than mining dynamics alone. Attention has now turned to how quickly displaced mining capacity may return. Historically, similar shutdowns in China have led to a redistribution of mining hardware to regions with more stable regulatory frameworks, reshaping the global distribution of Bitcoin’s hash power. China Tightens Crypto Oversight China’s rigid stance on digital assets was underscored this week after China Construction Bank (CCB) froze a customer’s accounts following a small transfer that included the note Dogecoin, a move the bank said triggered internal virtual currency compliance controls and highlighted the sensitivity of monitoring systems to crypto‑related keywords. Separately, former People’s Bank of China (PBoC) adviser Liu Shijin urged policymakers to expand the use of the yuan in settling imported goods to help balance China’s nearly $1 trillion trade surplus and bolster the currency’s global liquidity, a suggestion that reflects ongoing debate within Chinese economic circles about the role of the yuan in international trade even as domestic crypto activity remains tightly restricted.

What Has Visa Rolled Out for USDC Settlement? Visa has begun offering USDC settlement services to selected United States financial institutions, marking its first domestic rollout of on-chain settlement inside its network. Cross River Bank and Lead Bank are the first participants and have already started settling payments with Visa in USDC on the Solana blockchain. The company said a broader expansion is planned for 2026. The launch follows Circle’s release of the public testnet for Arc, its upcoming layer-1 blockchain built with input from Visa, Mastercard, BlackRock and Goldman Sachs. Visa said it is a design partner for Arc and plans to settle USDC transactions on the network while also operating a node. Arc is built to support high-volume financial operations, a requirement for Visa’s commercial activity. Rubail Birwadker, Visa’s global head of growth products and strategic partnerships, said that “financial institutions are looking for faster, programmable settlement options that integrate seamlessly with their existing treasury operations.” His comments reflect a growing shift among banks that want settlement tools that run continuously rather than depend on batch-based systems. Investor Takeaway Visa is not experimenting at the edges; it is running real USDC settlements with banks. That places stablecoins deeper inside existing payment rails rather than sitting alongside them. Why Is Visa Building a Stablecoin Infrastructure Now? Visa said the US rollout is part of a long-term plan to upgrade the way value moves through its network. Stablecoin settlement gives banks and fintechs access to near-instant clearing without relying on traditional intermediaries. Birwadker framed the expansion as a response to direct demand: “Visa is expanding stablecoin settlement because [its] banking partners are not only asking about it — they’re preparing to use it.” The company has been preparing for this shift for several years. It ran early USDC settlement pilots in 2021, tested on-chain settlement windows and worked with multiple blockchains to refine performance requirements. The move to Solana and the planned transition to Circle’s Arc reflects an effort to reach higher throughput and lower latency than is possible on older networks. Visa also launched a Stablecoins Advisory Practice this week to help banks, merchants and fintech companies design and manage stablecoin products. The group will assist with compliance, technical integration and operational planning — a sign that Visa expects stablecoin-related services to appear in more mainstream financial products. How Does This Fit into Visa’s Global Strategy? Visa is expanding stablecoin settlement far beyond the United States. On Nov. 27, the company said it extended stablecoin settlement to Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa through a partnership with crypto infrastructure firm Aquanow. That collaboration allows Visa to “settle transactions using approved stablecoins such as USDC” while lowering cross-border settlement friction. The company said demand is coming from banks and payment firms that see stablecoins as a practical way to reduce operating costs and speed up movement of funds across borders and time zones. The ability to settle continuously — including weekends and holidays — is one of the biggest drivers of interest. Not all of Visa’s stablecoin initiatives are institution-facing. On Nov. 12, the company launched a US pilot allowing stablecoin payouts to user wallets from business accounts funded in fiat currency. Visa said it is onboarding “select partners” now, with broader access targeted for 2026. Investor Takeaway Visa is building a stack that covers both institutional settlement and consumer payouts. If adoption continues, USDC could become a settlement layer inside Visa’s core system, not just an add-on. What Does This Mean for Banks and Payment Firms? The first US participants — Cross River Bank and Lead Bank — are both active in digital-asset partnerships, including stablecoin-related services and integrations with fintech platforms. Their involvement suggests that institutions already working with crypto-native firms expect stablecoins to become part of their treasury operations. The ability to settle in USDC gives banks a way to reconcile transactions faster than traditional methods allow, while keeping reporting and reconciliation inside existing tools. For fintechs, the model removes layers of intermediaries and makes global settlement more predictable. Visa’s decision to operate an Arc network node indicates that it expects settlement volumes to grow. Running a node gives the company direct visibility into settlement performance and reduces reliance on external infrastructure. If the 2026 rollout proceeds as planned, the combined impact of USDC settlement, Arc integration and the advisory program could anchor stablecoins inside mainstream payment flows in a way earlier pilots did not achieve. For financial institutions, this represents an entry point into on-chain settlement without abandoning traditional systems.

Volt has announced a strategic partnership with BVNK to enable stablecoin acceptance at checkout, marking the first phase of its stablecoin product suite. The collaboration allows Volt’s global merchants and partners to accept regulated digital assets for payments, extending Volt’s real-time, rail-agnostic money movement platform beyond traditional fiat rails. The move reflects growing demand from merchants operating across borders for faster and more predictable payment settlement. Stablecoins offer an alternative to card-based and bank-dependent infrastructure, enabling 24/7 global settlement with reduced friction. By integrating BVNK’s enterprise-grade stablecoin infrastructure, Volt aims to give merchants a practical way to complement existing payment methods rather than replace them. The initial rollout focuses on stablecoin pay-ins at checkout, with the capability already live for a first group of merchants. Volt positioned the launch as a foundational step, signalling that additional stablecoin-enabled products and use cases are likely to follow as adoption grows among merchants and consumers. Which Merchants Stand to Benefit Most From Stablecoin Pay-Ins Volt said the BVNK-powered capability has been designed for merchants with global footprints and high-velocity cash flows, particularly those operating in digital-native environments. Cross-border platforms such as e-commerce marketplaces, trading and investment apps, and remittance providers can benefit from the universality of stablecoins and the reduced complexity of cross-border payment acceptance. Digital goods and gaming companies are another key target group. These businesses increasingly serve crypto-native users who already hold and spend digital assets from self-custody wallets. For this audience, paying directly in stablecoins aligns with existing behaviour, removing the need to convert into fiat before completing an online purchase. Volt also highlighted travel and ticketing operators and luxury retailers as potential beneficiaries, particularly for high-value, cross-border transactions. In these scenarios, stablecoins can offer faster settlement and more predictable payment flows, helping merchants manage liquidity and reduce exposure to delays common in traditional international payments. Takeaway: By adding stablecoin acceptance at checkout, Volt is positioning itself to serve globally distributed, digital-first merchants seeking faster settlement and access to crypto-native consumers. How the Partnership Signals a Shift in Global Payment Models Volt framed stablecoin acceptance as part of a broader shift in payments, where a fragmented, fiat-first infrastructure dominated by cards is increasingly being complemented by a digital, open alternative. The growth of crypto-native consumers—particularly those who prefer self-custody of funds—has created new expectations around speed, availability, and control over payments. Steffen Vollert, Volt’s Co-founder and CEO, said: “We’re delighted to be working with BVNK to enable the first stage of our stablecoin product suite: acceptance at checkout. With the first set of merchants fully integrated and ready to go, we’re excited to help them realise the powerful benefits stablecoins bring: seamless cross-border settlements, freedom from traditional or limited banking infrastructure, and reaching a new generation of consumers for whom self-custody of funds is a non-negotiable.” Chris Harmse, Co-founder of BVNK, added: “We’re incredibly excited to partner with Volt to create payment solutions for businesses with digital-first, stablecoin-native customers. Today’s consumers are tired of legacy systems that have been built to slow them down - they’re demanding speed, affordability, stability, and efficiency.” Together, the companies are betting that stablecoins will increasingly move from niche use cases into mainstream global commerce.  

Hong Kong, Hong Kong, December 16th, 2025, FinanceWire With over 6 million users across more than 100 countries, RedotPay is disrupting traditional fintech by leveraging blockchain rails to deliver the best product experience to users globally Payment volume nearly tripled year-on-year with more than 3 million new users joining the platform in 2025 through November New investment led by Goodwater Capital, with participation from Pantera Capital, Blockchain Capital, and Circle Ventures, with continued backing from existing investors RedotPay, a global stablecoin-based payment fintech, today announced the successful completion of its US$107 million Series B round, bringing the total capital raised in 2025 to US$194 million. This oversubscribed round is a clear signal of investor confidence in RedotPay’s strong growth momentum and its leading market position in stablecoin application. As of November 2025, RedotPay has over 6 million registered users globally in over 100 markets, with over US$10 billion annualized payment volume. RedotPay now generates over US$150 million in annualized revenue and continues to deliver profitable growth through an efficient, scalable business model. RedotPay’s Series B brought in new investment led by Goodwater Capital, with participation from Pantera Capital, Blockchain Capital, Circle Ventures and the continued backing from HSG and others. With portfolios across consumer fintech, blockchain infrastructure, and global payments, these investors bring deep expertise aligned with RedotPay’s vision to accelerate financial access globally through the mass adoption of stablecoin-based payments, as well as its mission to make digital finance accessible, secure, and efficient for everyone. “Our goal is to help users manage their finances with confidence through stablecoin-powered financial services. With our latest funding, we plan to accelerate product innovation and expand our global reach. Beyond capital, our investors provide the expertise and resources to enable us to scale responsibly while remaining compliance focused and delivering outstanding user experiences.” said Michael Gao, Co-Founder and CEO of RedotPay.  “Goodwater invests in platform companies who are reshaping consumer experiences at global scale, and stablecoin has the potential to disrupt global money flow and strengthen financial inclusion," said Jin Oh, Partner at Goodwater Capital. “RedotPay is improving financial access globally with remarkable traction for its stablecoin-driven solutions across major markets. We’re excited to support the company through its next phase of global growth as it expands stablecoin utility and continues to accelerate adoption and drive innovation across its payment products.” RedotPay is building stablecoin-powered financial services that make fund movement instant, predictable, and borderless for both crypto-native and non-crypto users. It empowers global payments with stablecoins through the following: Stablecoin-based Card: Users can spend stablecoins and other digital assets with a secure card globally Global Payouts: RedotPay’s stablecoin-powered payout rails enable fast, secure global transfers Stablecoin Access: RedotPay connects traditional finance and digital assets for users to access, hold, and use stablecoins through its multi-currency accounts* and P2P Marketplace** “Pantera backs companies that use blockchain to solve real world problems. RedotPay is bringing stablecoins into everyday payments at a global scale. It offers a glimpse into a future where digital assets form the foundation of faster and more inclusive financial systems." said Ryan Barney, Partner at Pantera Capital. "We believe RedotPay will play a meaningful role in the next phase of crypto adoption, and we are excited to support a company that is pushing the crypto ecosystem forward.” "In many countries, consumers face currency risk, savings erosion due to inflation, and fragile local banking systems. Many would prefer to store value in assets they trust, such as dollars, Bitcoin, or other digital assets, and spend in their local currency. RedotPay seeks to bridge this gap by giving consumers meaningful control over their financial destiny,” said Jonah Burian at Blockchain Capital. "For millions globally, it is becoming a primary financial tool and a top-of-wallet card. RedotPay’s numbers tell the story, and we are excited to back this team." The new capital will fund strategic acquisitions to deepen RedotPay’s product and infrastructure capabilities; secure required licenses and expand its compliance organization to support entry into new markets; and accelerate global hiring to scale its engineering, product, and compliance teams. Looking ahead, RedotPay will continue to expand its geographic coverage, with a focus on key growth regions, and enhance its product offerings to deliver a seamless bridge between crypto and traditional payment ecosystems. About RedotPay RedotPay is a global stablecoin-based payment fintech that integrates blockchain solutions with traditional banking and finance infrastructures. Our intuitive platform empowers millions around the world to spend and send digital assets, ensuring faster, more accessible and inclusive financial services. RedotPay advances financial inclusion for the unbanked and supports crypto enthusiasts, driving global adoption of secure and flexible stablecoin-powered financial solutions to bring crypto to real life. For more information, visit www.redotpay.com. About Goodwater Capital Goodwater Capital is the world’s largest consumer tech-focused venture firm, empowering exceptional entrepreneurs everywhere to change the world for good. With a global investment approach, the firm identifies and invests in the most promising consumer technology startups worldwide. Goodwater's deep industry expertise, extensive network, and data-driven approach allow it to provide unparalleled support to entrepreneurs, guiding them towards becoming market-leading companies. For more information, visit www.goodwatercap.com. About Pantera Capital Pantera Capital is the first institutional investment firm focused exclusively on bitcoin, other digital currencies, and companies in the blockchain tech ecosystem. Pantera launched the first cryptocurrency fund in the United States when bitcoin was at $65 /BTC in 2013. The firm subsequently launched the first exclusively-blockchain venture fund. In 2017, Pantera was the first firm to offer an early-stage token fund. Pantera Bitcoin Fund has returned 114,841% in twelve years and has returned billions to its investors. Pantera manages over $5 billion across three strategies – passive, hedge, and venture – exclusively focused on bitcoin, other digital currencies, and companies in the blockchain tech ecosystem. About Blockchain Capital Based in San Francisco and New York, Blockchain Capital is the first venture capital firm to invest exclusively in the blockchain technology sector. Founded in 2013 by Bart and Brad Stephens, Blockchain Capital has funded over 150 startups and is dedicated to working with founders on the principal mission to build world-class companies based on blockchain technology. For media inquiries, users can contact: press@redotpay.com goodwater@bradypr.com press@panteracapital.com press@blockchaincapital.com *RedotPay is a fintech service provider and not a bank. Our Multi-Currency Wallet is provided by appropriately licensed financial institutions and RedotPay only facilitates your use of such Multi-Currency Wallet. **P2P crypto trading involves risks like counterparty default and market volatility. We facilitate trades but disclaim all liabilities for losses, disputes, or outcomes. Trade at your own risk, perform due diligence, and comply with laws. Available in selected regions only. Disclaimer: This publication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, investment, or other professional advice. It does not represent an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any products, securities, or financial instruments. The information is provided on an “as is” basis as of the date indicated and is subject to change without prior notice. Rabbit7 Holding (BVI) Limited (“RedotPay”) makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of the content. RedotPay, along with its directors, officers, agents, employees and affiliates, expressly disclaims any liability for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, consequential, punitive or exemplary damages, arising from the use of or reliance on this publication. Readers should seek independent professional advice before taking any action in relation to the matters concerned herein. This publication is strictly confidential and may not be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means without RedotPay’s prior written consent. The English version shall prevail in the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between the various language versions hereof. Contact RedotPay press@redotpay.com

Castries, Saint Lucia, December 16th, 2025, FinanceWire PrimeXBT, a global multi-asset broker and crypto derivatives exchange, has been selected as a winner at the BeInCrypto 100 Awards 2025, receiving the title of ‘Best Crypto CFD Broker’. In addition to being named among the final 100 innovators, PrimeXBT earned a special Community Choice distinction, receiving the highest number of public votes in its category. PrimeXBT has continued to expand its crypto offering, trading tools and infrastructure, with a strong focus on Crypto CFDs alongside Crypto Futures and access to traditional markets within one integrated trading environment. The broker allows traders to use crypto as collateral, manage crypto- and fiat-denominated accounts, and buy digital assets directly, supported by more than 100 payment methods across crypto, fiat and local options. Combined with competitive trading conditions, transparent pricing and cost-efficient execution, this award reinforces PrimeXBT’s ongoing commitment to empowering traders to succeed. According to PrimeXBT, being recognised as 'Best Crypto CFD Broker' by BeInCrypto is an important milestone, but receiving the Community Choice distinction makes this award especially meaningful. It highlights the trust earned from users, reflecting the broker's growing community and client-centric approach. The BeInCrypto 100 Awards recognise leading companies shaping the future of Web3, digital assets and financial technology. The 2025 awards highlight top innovators across exchanges, brokers, blockchain infrastructure, DeFi and emerging technologies, celebrating projects that demonstrate meaningful impact, innovation and market relevance. Winners were announced live across BeInCrypto’s official channels, with the full list published on the BeInCrypto 100 Awards website. This recognition further positions PrimeXBT as a leading broker in the Crypto and TradFi space, shaped by continuous innovation, transparency and strong engagement from its global community. To learn more, users can visit PrimeXBT website. About PrimeXBT is a global multi-asset broker and crypto derivative exchange trusted by traders in more than 150 countries. The platform bridges traditional and digital markets within one integrated environment, redefining versatility and innovation in online trading. Clients can access Forex, CFDs on indices, commodities and shares, and a deep suite of Crypto Futures and Crypto CFDs, as well as buy, store and exchange cryptocurrencies directly. This unified experience extends across both the native PXTrader platform and MetaTrader 5, supported by advanced risk-management tools and a wide range of funding options in crypto, fiat and local payment methods. Since 2018, PrimeXBT has focused on empowering traders through broad multi-asset access, fair and transparent conditions, professional-grade technology and dedicated human support. By combining expertise, trust and a client-first approach, PrimeXBT sets a benchmark of excellence in the financial industry and provides traders with the tools they need to trade, grow and succeed with confidence. Disclaimer: The content provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as personal investment advice and does not constitute a solicitation or invitation to engage in any financial transactions, investments, or related activities. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. The financial products offered by the Company are complex and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. These products may not be suitable for all investors. Before engaging, you should consider whether you understand how these leveraged products work and whether you can afford the high risk of losing your money. The Company does not accept clients from the Restricted Jurisdictions as indicated on its website / T&Cs. Some products and services, including MT5, may not be available in your jurisdiction. The applicable legal entity and its respective products and services depend on the client’s country of residence and the entity with which the client has established a contractual relationship during registration. Contact PrimeXBT pr@primexbt.com

What launched and why it exists Apex Fusion has officially launched VECTOR, a Cardano-aligned blockchain designed to give the ecosystem something it has been missing: immediate performance headroom. VECTOR is now live and open for onboarding, offering Cardano-native projects a faster execution environment without abandoning the UTxO design philosophy that defines Cardano. The motivation is straightforward. While Cardano’s long-term roadmap includes major scaling upgrades such as Leios, those improvements are still in development. In the meantime, teams building DeFi, tokenized assets, and institutional-grade applications need lower latency, predictable finality, and access to deeper liquidity today—not years from now. VECTOR positions itself as a practical solution to that gap. It is not a replacement for Cardano mainnet, but an expansion chain that allows projects to scale outward while staying aligned with Cardano’s technical foundations and security mindset. Why performance and finality matter right now Cardano has built its reputation on formal methods, peer-reviewed research, and conservative engineering. That approach has earned trust, but it has also limited throughput compared with faster-moving ecosystems. As capital increasingly flows toward real-world assets, stablecoins, and institutional DeFi, execution speed and settlement certainty are no longer optional. VECTOR directly targets these constraints. According to Apex Fusion, the chain delivers 99.9% confidence in transaction finality within 13 seconds under standard conditions, with near-instant confirmation at submission under optimized settings. Throughput is roughly four times higher than Cardano mainnet, making it suitable for applications that simply cannot tolerate congestion or delayed settlement. Just as important is interoperability. VECTOR ships with native LayerZero integration, giving projects access to more than 150 external chains and cross-chain liquidity from day one. Institutional-grade USDC rails, powered by Stargate, are also available at launch—an increasingly important requirement for RWAs and regulated financial products. Investor Takeaway VECTOR lowers the execution and liquidity barriers that have limited Cardano-based DeFi. For investors, this increases the likelihood that Cardano-native projects can compete for institutional capital without migrating away from the ecosystem. How VECTOR differs from other scaling approaches Rather than adopting an EVM-first model, VECTOR retains a UTxO-based architecture. This gives existing Cardano teams a familiar development environment and tooling, reducing migration risk and shortening deployment timelines. The chain was developed in collaboration with some of Cardano’s original architects, including Duncan Coutts of Well-Typed and the founders of Predictable Network Solutions. Together, they produced a peer-reviewed finality assurance report validating VECTOR’s design assumptions and performance characteristics. This emphasis on verification and deterministic modeling reflects a deliberate attempt to preserve Cardano’s engineering culture while extending its functional reach. In contrast to many L2 and sidechain launches that prioritize speed over assurance, VECTOR aims to offer both. What comes next for Apex Fusion and Cardano builders VECTOR is one component of Apex Fusion’s broader strategy to act as Cardano’s expansion partner. The idea mirrors the L1–L2 model that has become standard in EVM ecosystems: keep the base layer focused on security and assurance, while offloading performance-sensitive workloads to aligned execution environments. Apex Fusion has already demonstrated this approach through earlier cross-chain initiatives, including deployments on Base. With VECTOR now live, the focus shifts to onboarding projects across DeFi lending, trading, tokenized assets, payments, gaming, and other high-frequency use cases. Future upgrades are expected to push finality and throughput further, alongside deeper integrations with institutional platforms and compliance-oriented infrastructure. For Cardano-native teams, VECTOR offers a way to scale without rewriting their stack or abandoning the ecosystem’s design principles. Investor Takeaway Expansion chains like VECTOR signal a shift in Cardano’s strategy—from pure research-led development toward pragmatic scaling. That shift may improve Cardano’s competitiveness in institutional and RWA-focused markets. Onboarding for VECTOR is now open through Apex Fusion’s ecosystem portal. Whether it becomes a core scaling path for Cardano will depend on adoption, liquidity depth, and real-world usage—but the infrastructure is now in place.