Crypto Breaking

US Senate Likely to Vote on CFTC Chair Nominee, Amid Leadership Uncertainty

The U.S. Senate may cast a decisive vote on Michael Selig’s nomination to lead the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as early as Thursday, according to the top Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee. The move comes amidst lingering leadership vacancies at the agency, which could significantly impact cryptocurrency regulation and enforcement policies.

Committee Chair Glenn Thompson indicated that the full Senate could approve Selig’s appointment shortly, following the Agriculture Committee’s partisan approval weeks earlier. However, recent reports suggest that the Senate’s schedule does not list a vote for Thursday, with lawmakers having a limited window before the chamber’s holiday recess on December 22. The confirmation of Selig, nominated by President Donald Trump after the withdrawal of former chair Brian Quintenz, remains a critical development for the crypto industry.

Selig, who testified before Congress in November, emphasized the importance of the CFTC having “a cop on the beat” to effectively regulate and oversee digital assets. His appointment comes at a sensitive time for U.S. crypto regulation, as ongoing debates over the agency’s role and policies intensify. The potential confirmation would arrive amid a backdrop of uncertainty, with acting Chair Caroline Pham currently serving as the sole commissioner following the departure of other leadership members. Pham has been a vocal advocate for industry-friendly policies and is expected to leave once her successor is confirmed, potentially leaving Selig as the agency’s only remaining leader.

Acting Chair Continues Advocacy for Crypto Industry

Despite her uncertain tenure, Caroline Pham has actively promoted the digital asset agenda favored by the Trump administration. Recently, she announced intentions to revoke what she describes as outdated guidance that “penalizes the crypto industry and stifles innovation.” Her efforts reflect a push to modernize regulation and foster industry growth, including bringing to the agency’s leadership a diverse group of executives from prominent crypto firms such as Kraken, Gemini, Crypto.com, and Kalshi.

Pham’s initiative to include industry leaders in the CFTC’s Innovation Council underscores an ongoing effort to bridge regulation and innovation. This move could influence future policy frameworks, providing a more accommodating environment for digital asset firms to operate within the existing regulatory landscape.

With the confirmation process ongoing, the U.S. crypto industry remains attentive to upcoming developments at the CFTC, as leadership debates and policy proposals continue to shape the future of digital assets in the country.

This article was originally published as Today’s Vote on Trump’s Pick for CFTC Chair: What You Need to Know on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Gelephu Mindfulness City Launches Sovereign Gold-Backed Digital Token

Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), a special administrative zone of Bhutan, has announced the launch of a new digital asset called TER, a sovereign gold-backed token. This initiative marks a significant step in Bhutan’s push toward integrating blockchain technology with traditional assets, reinforcing the country’s progressive approach to digital finance and asset management.

The physical gold backing the token will be stored by DK Bank, a government-regulated digital asset banking institution, with the token issued on the Solana Blockchain. The partnership with Matrixdock, a platform specialized in real-world asset tokenization, facilitates the process of tokenizing the gold. This innovative project aims to create a secure, transparent, and easily tradable digital gold instrument, tracing the gold assets on the blockchain to assure authenticity and compliance.

In its initial phase, the TER tokens will be held in custody at DK Bank, offering a familiar and secure method for investors looking to acquire physical gold digitally. The exact rollout date for the token remains undisclosed, but officials emphasize that purchasing TER tokens will mirror the experience of buying gold through traditional financial channels, with added transparency and ease of transfer.

This development aligns with Bhutan’s broader strategy to adopt blockchain and crypto technologies. The government views the gold-backed token as a hedge against inflation, safeguarding value amid currency fluctuations. The nation’s proactive stance in blockchain adoption is evidenced by its recent activities, including mining Bitcoin since 2019 using hydroelectric power, and maintaining an asset reserve comprising Bitcoin, Ether, and Binance Coin, among other cryptocurrencies.

Moreover, Bhutan has partnered with DK Bank and Binance Pay to facilitate cryptocurrency payments for tourism-related services, enabling visitors to pay with over 100 cryptocurrencies. This move aims to modernize the country’s payment infrastructure and bolster tourism, which has faced challenges due to limited payment options.

An overview of the tokenized commodities sector, dominated by tokenized gold products. Source: RWA.XYZ

GMC’s move to introduce a sovereign gold-backed token is seen as a strategic effort to modernize Bhutan’s financial landscape, offering residents and investors a new way to access gold securely while leveraging blockchain technology. It signifies the country’s intent to position itself as a regional hub for digital assets, combining traditional wealth preservation with innovative technological solutions.

This article was originally published as Bhutan Launches TER: The World’s First Sovereign Gold-Backed Crypto Token on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Bitcoin’s Market Outlook: Stagnation Below $100,000

Following the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cut decision, Bitcoin has struggled to maintain momentum, remaining below the $100,000 threshold as macroeconomic uncertainties weigh on investor sentiment. The cryptocurrency’s prospects of crossing this psychological level before the end of the year appear limited, with market predictions indicating a modest 30% likelihood of a rally before January.

Key Takeaways:

Bitcoin has only a 30% chance of reaching $100,000 before the end of 2025, as per prediction markets.

Institutional Bitcoin purchases have decelerated significantly, impacting short-term recovery efforts.

Technical resistance at around $94,000 circumvents further upward movement, with potential breakout targeting $98,000.

Market sentiment remains cautious amid macroeconomic headwinds and waning institutional demand.

Tickers mentioned:
Crypto → $BTC

Sentiment: Neutral

Price impact: Negative. The combination of macroeconomic concerns and declining treasury buying has curtailed Bitcoin’s upward momentum.

Market context: The broader crypto market remains subdued amid global economic uncertainties and policy shifts.

Market Predictions and Technical Analysis

Most traders and prediction markets currently project Bitcoin’s price staying below the $100,000 mark through the remainder of December. Data from Kalshi indicates a 34% probability, while Polymarket assigns a 29% chance of Bitcoin crossing this level by December 31. As of December 11, Bitcoin’s high for the month reached approximately $94,600, a level last exceeded on November 13.

Several factors contribute to Bitcoin’s constrained rally. The market faces macroeconomic headwinds, including recent rate cuts and ongoing geopolitical tensions, which create a cautious atmosphere. Additionally, Bitcoin treasury accumulation—typically a sign of institutional confidence—has slowed significantly. Recent data reveals that the rate of company-led Bitcoin purchases per day has decreased, indicating a potential exhaustion of institutional buying pressure.

Bitcoin treasury company buyers. Source: Capriole Investments

Despite waning institutional interest, some firms like MicroStrategy continue to hold significant Bitcoin reserves. Recent reports indicate MicroStrategy expanded its treasury to over 660,600 BTC after acquiring an additional 10,624 coins for approximately $962.7 million, signaling an ongoing bullish stance from certain corporate players.

Technically, Bitcoin’s price remains within an established ascending triangle pattern on shorter time frames. Analyst Daan Crypto Trades notes that Bitcoin is currently testing resistance between $93,300 and $94,000. A decisive break above this zone could push the price toward the measured target of around $108,000. However, if Bitcoin retests previous support levels, movement may stall around $98,000, an area rich in liquidity and potentially pivotal for future direction.

Market participants emphasize that reversing resistance at $94,589 is critical for opening the door to further gains and retesting the $98,000 to $100,000 zone. Until then, the market remains in a consolidation phase amid cautious optimism.

This article was originally published as Betting Markets Predict Bitcoin Will Stay Below $100K Through 2025 on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

GTAO Becomes the First Publicly Quoted U.S. Investment Product Offering Exposure to TAO Token as the Network Prepares to Undergo Its First Halving Event

STAMFORD, Conn., December 11, 2025 – Grayscale, the world’s largest digital asset-focused investment platform*, today announced Grayscale® Bittensor Trust (the “Trust”) has begun trading on OTCQX®, a premier secondary U.S. market operated by OTC Markets Group Inc, under the ticker GTAO. The firm also announced that GTAO is now SEC reporting.

Bittensor is a decentralized network for artificial intelligence (AI) that enables anyone to build, train, and access machine-learning models. Connecting more than 50 subnets across artificial intelligence (AI) use cases like chatbots, translations, and image generation, the network offers an open, global foundation for decentralized AI.

“With Grayscale Bittensor Trust now available on public markets, investors can access what we believe is a fundamental shift in how intelligence is created and shared,” said Rayhaneh Sharif-Askary, Head of Product & Research at Grayscale. “Bittensor is emerging as the Internet of AI, an open ecosystem where collective intelligence can grow in a way that is transparent, decentralized, and fair.”

“Wider market access marks an important milestone for Bittensor. It allows more investors to take part in the emergence of decentralized AI and supports the accelerating momentum we’re seeing across the ecosystem,” said Jacob Steeves, Co-Founder of Bittensor.

With this development, GTAO becomes the first publicly quoted investment product in the U.S. designed to provide exposure to TAO, the token underlying the Bittensor network. As a new SEC reporting entity, the Trust’s shares are now registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act**. As a result, the Trust will file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC, including Forms 10-Q and 10-K, as well as current reports on Form 8-K, and will be subject to all other applicable obligations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

The public quotation and SEC reporting milestones also coincide around the time of the first Bittensor halving, a key event that reduces the rate at which new TAO tokens are created in the Bittensor network. Similar to Bitcoin, Bittensor has a maximum supply of 21 million TAO and halves its emission rate approximately every four years.
Grayscale® Bittensor Trust has been available via private placement to eligible accredited investors since August 2024. The quotation marks a step in Grayscale’s strategy aimed to transition private products to public markets and, over time, ETPs, enabling greater investor participation in next-generation protocols.

For more information about GTAO, please visit: https://www.grayscale.com/funds/grayscale-bittensor-trust

About Grayscale

Grayscale enables investors to access the digital economy through a family of future-forward investment products. Founded in 2013, Grayscale has a decade-long track record and deep expertise as a digital asset-focused investment platform, with approximately $31 billion in assets under management (AUM). Investors, advisors, and allocators turn to Grayscale for single asset, diversified, and thematic exposure. For more information, please follow @Grayscale or visit grayscale.com

*Largest digital asset-focused investment platform based on asset under management (“AUM”) as of September 30, 2025. For other companies in this category, AUM is considered as of most recent public disclosure.

**Additionally, accredited investors who purchased shares in the Trusts’ private placements will have an earlier liquidity opportunity, as the statutory holding period of private placement shares will be reduced from 12 months to 6 months under Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The holding period reduction goes into effect after the Trust has been a reporting company for at least 90 days and has satisfied the other requirements under Rule 144 of the Securities Act.

This voluntary filing should not be confused as an application or effort to classify the Trust as an exchange traded product (ETP). The structure of the Trust will not change and it will continue to not operate a redemption program nor trade on a national securities exchange. The Trust does not currently satisfy the Generic Listing Standards for Commodity-Based Trust Shares. We would seek to list the Trust as an ETP if and when we believe it meets such standards.

This press release is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction where such an offer or solicitation would be illegal, nor shall there be any sale of any security in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of that jurisdiction.

Private placement securities are speculative, illiquid, and entail a high level of risk, including the risk that an investor could lose their entire investment. The Bittensor protocol was relatively recently conceived, and its particular underlying technological mechanisms may not function as intended, which could have an adverse impact on the value of TAO, respectively, and an investment in the Shares. Grayscale Bittensor Trust is distributed by Grayscale Securities, LLC.

Although the shares of certain Grayscale products have been approved for trading on a secondary market, investors in the new products should not assume that the shares will ever obtain such an approval due to a variety of factors, including questions regulators, such as the SEC, FINRA, or other regulatory bodies may have regarding such products. As a result, shareholders of such products should be prepared to bear the risk of investment in the shares indefinitely. To date, certain products have not met their investment objective, and the shares of such products quoted on OTC Markets have not reflected the value of the digital assets held by such products, less such products’ expenses and other liabilities, but have instead traded at a premium over such value, which at times has been substantial. There have also been instances where the shares of certain products have traded at a discount.

Extreme volatility of trading prices that many digital assets have experienced in recent periods and may continue to experience, could have a material adverse effect on the value of the Trust and the shares could lose all or substantially all of their value.

Media Contact
press@grayscale.com
Client Contact
866-775-0313
info@grayscale.com

This article was originally published as Grayscale® Bittensor Trust (GTAO) Begins Trading on OTC Markets and is Now SEC Reporting on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

For all the noise around crypto adoption, one issue keeps coming back like a stubborn pop-up window: moving money between fiat and digital assets still feels like assembling flat-pack furniture without instructions. Wallets here, bridges there, a random on-ramp tab floating somewhere in your browser, no wonder so many people give up halfway.

Deffio looked at this messy reality and asked a pretty simple question: Why can’t all of this happen in one place? Turns out, it can.

Today, Deffio is steadily becoming one of the most recognizable names among non-custodial wallets in Europe, because it builds tools that ordinary people (and, honestly, even crypto veterans) actually want to use.

A Wallet That Feels Like Banking, Without the Banks

Deffio runs on Android and iOS, and the first thing you notice is how… normal it feels. There’s no maze of complicated menus or mysterious buttons: you open the app, see your assets, and act.

Underneath that calm surface sits a non-custodial architecture, meaning users hold their keys, not the company. Full control, no middlemen, no silent “oops, your assets are locked for security reasons” pop-ups.

And here’s the part that often surprises people: Deffio isn’t focused on building a playground for crypto natives. It’s aiming to make Web3 feel as effortless as checking your balance in a regular banking app.

Crypto Onboarding in Just Two Clicks? Apparently, Yes

If you’ve ever tried to explain on-ramps to someone outside crypto, you’ve probably watched their face go from “I’m listening” to “I regret asking” after the third step. Deffio wanted to reduce that flow to just one simple step — type the amount and enter your payment details — so the process feels natural even to someone new.

Image source: Deffio

The result is Deffio Gateway, a new on-ramp widget launched on Deffio.com:

Choose the amount and do simplified KYC

Enter card or your payment details

Provide your wallet address

Receive crypto directly into your Deffio wallet

“You enter the amount, your payment details, and your wallet address — funds are charged, and crypto lands directly in your wallet,” explains Andrii Podobied, Chief Business Development Officer at Deffio.

Even better, the widget isn’t locked to Deffio. Crypto businesses across Europe can embed it on their websites and give users instant card payments. This allows the company to operate quietly across both B2C and B2B segments without needing loud announcements.

Cross-Chain Swaps Without Needing a Degree in Tokenomics

Cross-chain activity is where a lot of wallets lose people. The flows get messy, unfamiliar networks appear out of nowhere, and sometimes you end up on a chain you didn’t even intend to touch.

Image source: Deffio

To tackle that, Deffio integrated 1inch’s Swap API, giving users a way to:

Swap tokens

Move assets across networks

Stay within a single transaction flow

“It combines swap and cross-chain functionality into a single experience, which saves users both time and fees,” says Andrii Podobied.

It’s the kind of feature that might sound trivial until you try doing the same thing manually. Then you realize it’s like replacing a multi-stop flight with a direct one.

Open Banking: Bringing Fiat and Crypto Closer Together

Deffio recently introduced a built-in solution that lets users move money in and out quickly. It may sound almost too straightforward — but that’s exactly the point. Crypto shouldn’t feel like operating complex machinery; it should feel like making a regular payment.

With this integration, Deffio is moving closer to a future where the line between traditional money and digital assets disappears altogether.

Image source: Deffio

Deffio users can now:

Make instant SEPA transfers to top your personal crypto account

Buy digital assets in EUR, SEK, or DKK

Receive stablecoin payouts

Handle fiat and crypto flows inside the same interface

Buy Crypto with BLIK in Poland

Deffio has integrated BLIK, Poland’s most widely used mobile payment system, allowing users to buy crypto instantly in PLN directly within the wallet.

The integration lets users top up their wallet using their existing mobile banking app — no exchanges, no complex onboarding. With BLIK, Deffio makes fiat-to-crypto payments faster, simpler, and familiar for users in Poland, while keeping full non-custodial control of their assets.

With this update, Polish Deffio users can benefit from:

Instant crypto purchases in PLN via BLIK

A seamless, mobile-first user experience

Enterprise-grade security combined with non-custodial asset ownership

A simplified entry point for both new and experienced crypto users

Big Plans: From Binance Pay to a Deffio Card

The company isn’t slowing down. Several major moves are already on the roadmap, including:

Multibanko and MB Way integration

A Deffio crypto card for everyday spending

More cross-chain and staking features

More on-off-ramp partnerships

Gift cards, vouchers and referral program tooling

Each move has a common thread: make crypto not only easy but useful. Because usefulness is what determines whether someone stays in Web3 or quietly walks away.

“Our mission is simple: make crypto easy, safe, and useful for everyone, whether you’re starting out or already deep into Web3,” states Podobied.

Why This Is Important for the Market?

People don’t adopt crypto because the technology looks advanced. They stay when the experience feels simple and predictable. Deffio is moving in that direction by removing unnecessary steps and keeping everything in one place, without overcomplicating the flow.

Image source: Deffio

It’s a wallet that behaves the way most users expect modern finance apps to behave: direct actions and quick movement of funds.

If crypto is ever going to feel like ordinary money for a wider audience, it will depend on tools that make the process intuitive.

Right now, Deffio is building that foundation.

Get Deffio Wallet

Download on the App Store | Get it on Google Play | Learn More

This article was originally published as How Deffio Is Building a Unified Wallet Experience on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Bitcoin Price Outlook Forecasts Extended Downtrend with Potential for Long-Term Rebound

Latest analysis suggests Bitcoin may not hit its lowest point until 2026, with a potential rebound to nearly $99,000 on the horizon if sell-side pressure diminishes. Despite recent declines, traders are cautiously optimistic about a future rally, grounded in on-chain analytics and cyclical market patterns.

Key Takeaways

Bitcoin’s bottom may not occur until late 2026, according to recent market forecasts.

Declining trading volumes indicate limited prospects for a short-term bullish turnaround.

Sell-side activity appears to be waning, which could enable a rally toward approximately $99,000.

On-chain data points to decreasing large-volume exchange inflows, hinting at a potential stabilization phase.

Tickers mentioned: Bitcoin

Sentiment: Bearish to cautious

Price impact: Negative in the short term, but with potential for upside based on on-chain signals.

Market context: The current subdued trading activity and cyclical market behavior suggest a prolonged consolidation phase before a significant move.

Extended Downtrend and Long-Term Outlook for Bitcoin

Crypto analyst Jason Pizzino recently highlighted in a YouTube analysis that Bitcoin could continue to decline over the next year, with the possibility of reaching its long-term low only by October 2026. Pizzino emphasized that the market is in a phase where it’s susceptible to sudden shock moves, often unnoticed by the majority of traders.

He explained that the current trend aligns with the end of an 18-year cycle, involving cycles in real estate and risk assets, which influence Bitcoin’s trading patterns. The declining volume of Bitcoin trading, particularly at the end of 2022 and into 2023—the prelude to the recent bull market—suggests that a reversal might be approaching, but the move could be quiescent initially.

The trader noted that the 200-day simple moving average continues to act as stiff resistance, and trader risk appetite remains low, as indicated by a balanced long/short position ratio. Market participants are wary, awaiting a clear signal to shift their stance.

On-Chain Indicators Signal Potential Rebound

Meanwhile, on-chain analytics platform CryptoQuant observed a decline in exchange inflows from major entities, indicating reduced selling pressure. According to its weekly report, large players’ deposit volume has decreased from mid-November levels of 47% to around 21%, and the average deposit size has fallen by 36%, from 1.1 Bitcoin to 0.7 Bitcoin.

CryptoQuant suggests that a continued decrease in sell-side activity could push Bitcoin’s price back towards $99,000. This level represents the lower boundary of the Trader On-Chain Realized Price bands, serving as a critical support during bear markets. Breaching this would see critical resistance levels at $102,000 and $112,000.

While short-term prospects remain subdued, on-chain data and cyclical patterns indicate that a longer-term rally remains plausible once accumulation resumes and selling pressure subsides.

This article was originally published as Bitcoin Bulls Might Need to Wait Until 2026 for a Price Reversal on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Institutional Scrutiny Casts Shadow Over Pepe Meme Coin’s Launch

Blockchain analysis indicates that Pepe, the meme coin branded as a “coin for the people,” may have diverged from its grassroots narrative. Nearly one-third of its initial supply was held by a single wallet, fueling concerns about market manipulation and early sell-offs that dampened its growth prospects.

Key Takeaways

Approximately 30% of Pepe’s tokens were concentrated in one wallet at launch, contradicting its claim of a stealth, no-presale rollout.

This large holder liquidated $2 million worth of tokens shortly after launch, exerting substantial selling pressure.

Despite its community-centric branding, Pepe’s price has declined over 81% in the past year, with recent drops intensifying investor anxiety.

Forensic tools like Bubblemaps’ Time Travel have been instrumental in revealing insider activities in the memecoin space, highlighting risks associated with centralized token holdings.

Tickers mentioned: None

Sentiment: Negative

Price impact: Negative. The heavy accumulation by a single entity and subsequent sell-offs have contributed to declining prices and investor skepticism.

Market context: Rising scrutiny over token distribution is reflective of broader concerns about transparency and security in memecoin launches amid market volatility.

Analyzing the Early Distribution and Market Impact of Pepe

Launched in April 2023, Pepe entered the market with an ambitious branding as a decentralized “coin for the people,” emphasizing its stealth launch with no presale allocations. However, recent blockchain data visualized by Bubblemaps challenges this narrative. The platform’s analysis reveals that about 30% of Pepe’s supply was held across a single wallet cluster, which sold $2 million worth of tokens the day after the launch. This immediate liquidation created significant sell pressure, preventing the token from surpassing a market cap of $12 billion and prompting fears of potential market manipulation.

This high concentration of tokens contrasts sharply with Pepe’s community-oriented branding, raising alarms regarding insider influence and potential rug pulls, where insiders drain liquidity to profit at investors’ expense. The controversy around token distribution is further amplified by recent security breaches, including Pepe’s official website being compromised earlier in December and redirecting visitors to malicious sites designed for phishing and wallet draining.

Despite these concerns, some traders have amassed considerable gains. For instance, a trader reportedly turned a $2,000 investment into $43 million by holding Pepe through its decline, cashing out a $10 million profit despite the overall downturn.

Such events are tracked using advanced forensic tools like Bubblemaps’ Time Travel, introduced earlier in May. This platform allows Web3 users to analyze historical token distributions and identify suspicious activity, including insider accumulation points. These insights help safeguard investors from scams like rug pulls, which have historically wiped out millions of dollars in the memecoin space, exemplified by the 99% collapse of the WOLF token earlier this year.

The emerging pattern underscores the need for more transparency and due diligence in the memecoin ecosystem, especially as industry players continue to grapple with the balance between rapid gains and security concerns.

This article was originally published as Bubblemaps Sparks Controversy as PEPE’s Fair Launch Includes 30% Genesis Supply Bundle on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

This news release constitutes a “designated news release” for the purposes of the Company’s prospectus supplement dated November 25, 2025 to its short form base shelf prospectus dated October 31, 2025.

San Antonio, Texas–(Newsfile Corp. – December 11, 2025) – HIVE Digital Technologies Ltd. (TSXV: HIVE) (NASDAQ: HIVE) (FSE: YO0) (BVC: HIVECO) (the “Company” or “HIVE”), a diversified multinational digital infrastructure company, is expanding its Latin American capital-markets presence with a new listing on the Colombian Stock Exchange—one of the region’s deepest, broadest, and most institutionally connected exchanges. As part of the integrated Andean marketplace linking Colombia, Peru, and Chile, the exchange provides regional investors with enhanced access and cross-border liquidity.

By joining this platform, HIVE becomes the first Bitcoin-and-AI infrastructure company to list in Colombia, reinforcing its position as a major renewable-powered data center operator in Latin America and complementing its long-standing listings in Canada, Germany, and on Nasdaq.

This milestone strengthens HIVE’s visibility among investors seeking exposure to sustainable high-performance computing, Bitcoin mining, and next-generation AI infrastructure across the Americas. It also aligns with Colombia’s emergence as a regional technology hub and its growing participation in global AI governance frameworks.

The AI Industrial Revolution: How Bitcoin Miners Became the Early Pioneers

The world is entering a massive AI industrial revolution, with global demand for compute power far outpacing traditional data-center capacity. Industrial AI requires enormous energy throughput, advanced cooling, and highly scalable digital infrastructure—conditions that few industries were prepared to meet.

Bitcoin miners were among the first to solve these problems.

Long before AI hyperscalers began competing for power and GPUs, Bitcoin miners built:

large-scale compute clusters

on surplus or stranded energy

with high uptime requirements

across remote and renewable energy markets

This early pioneering work demonstrated that renewable, low-cost, underutilized energy could support mission-critical digital infrastructure at industrial scale. That foundation is now enabling the rise of Tier III+ HPC data centers stacked with GPU clusters, the new backbone of global AI computing.

HIVE was among the first to recognize this convergence—and is now executing one of the industry’s clearest transitions from Tier I Bitcoin mining to Tier III AI and HPC cloud infrastructure.

Tiered Data Center Growth Strategy: From Tier I Surplus Energy to Tier III AI Compute

Foundational Tier I Buildout in Paraguay: HIVE has developed large-scale Tier I data centers in Paraguay powered entirely by hydroelectricity. These facilities support more than 25 Exahash per Second (“EH/s”) of Bitcoin mining capacity, generating stable, recurring cash flow. Bitcoin miners like HIVE proved early on that large compute clusters could monetize stranded and surplus energy, paving the way for today’s AI-driven data-center expansion.

Upgrading to Advanced Tier III+ HPC: Building on this foundation, HIVE is converting key locations—including operations in Sweden and Canada—from Bitcoin-only Tier I sites into Tier III+ liquid-cooled HPC data centers. These facilities can host next-generation GPUs and hyperscale AI workloads, materially expanding HIVE’s addressable market and accelerating time to revenue from enterprise AI and HPC cloud customers.

Scaling GPU Capacity Across Renewable Power: HIVE’s long-term roadmap includes deploying over 36,000 GPUs dedicated to AI and HPC cloud services. Each expansion phase is engineered around renewable, surplus, or stranded energy sources to maximize sustainability, resilience, and low-cost performance for compute-intensive applications.

Multinational Operations and Latin America Expansion

HIVE now operates across nine time zones and five languages, with teams and infrastructure spanning Canada, Sweden and Paraguay. This global footprint strengthens regulatory agility, operational resilience, and local market development.

Paraguay as the Regional Blueprint

HIVE’s Paraguay expansion—scaling toward 400 MW of renewable capacity—serves as its blueprint for community-focused digital infrastructure. The initiative includes local hiring, educational partnerships, and green-energy programs that support economic development and digital skills across the region.

A Strategic Inflection Point for Andean Investors

The Bogotá listing marks a strategic inflection point, opening a new, efficient capital-markets channel for investors across the interconnected Andean exchanges of Colombia, Peru, and Chile. It reinforces HIVE’s long-term commitment to building responsible, sustainable digital infrastructure in Latin America at a time when the region is expanding its technology footprint and deepening its role in global AI transformation.

Revenue Momentum and Strategic Positioning

HIVE recently reported record quarterly revenue of $87.3 million, representing approximately 285% year-over-year growth, and gross operating margin of $42.4 million (49%), driven by strong Bitcoin production and rapidly rising demand for the company’s BUZZ HPC cloud platform.

HIVE is executing a dual-engine strategy:

High-efficiency Bitcoin mining provides recurring cash flow.

Cash flow is reinvested into Tier III+ AI-ready data center buildouts, powering long-cycle HPC and AI infrastructure growth.

This flywheel positions HIVE to benefit from both Bitcoin’s global adoption and the growth of industrial AI computing.

A New Convergence: Bitcoin Mining Meets Industrial AI

HIVE’s evolution from Tier I mining assets to advanced Tier III AI data centers reflects a global convergence between digital-asset computation and industrial artificial intelligence. Bitcoin miners were among the first to demonstrate that massive, energy-intensive compute clusters could thrive on renewable, surplus, or stranded energy. Today, that expertise is driving the rise of GPU-dense HPC centers, enabling scientific computing, enterprise AI, and hyperscale cloud workloads.

As the AI super-cycle accelerates, HIVE is positioning itself at this intersection—bridging renewable energy, high-performance computing, and next-generation digital services. With its new listing on the Colombian Stock Exchange, HIVE now provides Latin American investors direct access to this transformation and to the industrial AI revolution reshaping global computing.

About HIVE Digital Technologies Ltd.

Founded in 2017, HIVE Digital Technologies Ltd. is the first publicly listed company to mine digital assets powered exclusively by green energy. Today, HIVE builds and operates next-generation blockchain and AI data centers across Canada, Sweden, and Paraguay, serving both Bitcoin and high-performance computing (HPC) clients. HIVE’s twin-turbo engine infrastructure—driven by Bitcoin mining and NVIDIA GPU-accelerated AI computing—delivers scalable, environmentally responsible solutions for the digital economy.

For more information, visit hivedigitaltech.com, or connect with us on:

X: https://x.com/HIVEDigitalTech
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HIVEDigitalTech
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hivedigitaltechnologies/
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/hiveblockchain

On Behalf of HIVE Digital Technologies Ltd.

“Frank Holmes”
Executive Chairman

For further information, please contact:
Nathan Fast, Director of Marketing and Branding
Frank Holmes, Executive Chairman
Aydin Kilic, President & CEO
Tel: (604) 664-1078

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

SOURCE: HIVE Digital Technologies Ltd.

This article was originally published as HIVE Digital Expands into Colombia with Green AI and Bitcoin Focus on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Space technology continues to intersect with innovation across defense, data systems, and advanced communications. The news around Momentus shows how rapidly evolving tech solutions are shaping everything from orbital services to national security infrastructure. As space and defense technologies become more integrated with digital innovation, AI-driven tracking, and next-generation systems, developments like this one offer a glimpse into the broader transformation underway across the tech and finance landscape.

MNTS (NASDAQ: MNTS) saw its stock price surge by 25.03%, reaching 0.9552 as of 12:19 PM EST. The stock experienced a sharp rise early in the trading session, stabilizing at its current level. The boost comes after Momentus announced its selection to participate in the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) SHIELD program, a significant move that aligns with national defense initiatives.

Momentus Gains Access to MDA’s SHIELD Program

MNTS will now compete for task orders under the MDA’s Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense contract. The SHIELD program, a key element of the Pentagon’s Golden Dome missile defense initiative, has the potential for a 10-year contract ceiling of $151 billion. This contract vehicle allows the MDA to rapidly acquire advanced technologies, offering Momentus an opportunity to play a pivotal role in defense missions.

Momentus will now be able to showcase its on-orbit services for critical technology demonstrations, missile tracking, and resilient communications. The company aims to support national defense efforts by providing innovative solutions that address evolving security challenges. With the SHIELD program, Momentus positions itself as a key player in advancing national defense systems.

The SHIELD program’s flexible nature will allow Momentus to rapidly deploy solutions that align with the Pentagon’s defense goals. This strategic move enhances the company’s position in the growing space defense sector. The selection marks a significant milestone for Momentus, underlining its capability to support high-priority national security initiatives.

CEO’s Statement on Momentus’ Role in SHIELD Program

CEO John Rood expressed confidence in Momentus’ ability to deliver under the SHIELD program, stating that the company is ready to “turn speed into effects.” The company’s configurable on-orbit services are designed to enhance the detection of threats and improve communication networks. By leveraging proven performance, Momentus aims to demonstrate its capabilities in supporting MDA’s defense objectives.

Rood emphasized that Momentus is equipped to support a variety of missions related to missile tracking, communication, and space-based interceptors. The company’s Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicle (OSV) and its derivatives are well-suited to accelerate technology demonstrations under the SHIELD program. These systems provide an agile and resilient platform for the MDA’s defense needs.

The Momentus OSV will serve as a versatile tool to support space superiority and awareness missions. Its ability to adapt quickly to changing mission requirements aligns directly with the MDA’s objectives under the Golden Dome initiative. The SHIELD contract offers Momentus a pathway to contribute to strategic national defense efforts, further strengthening the company’s role in the space industry.

Impact on Momentus Inc. and Its Stock Performance

MNTS’s selection for the SHIELD program has had an immediate impact on its stock price. The 25% increase reflects investor confidence in the company’s growing role in defense technology. The market responded positively to the announcement, highlighting the potential of the SHIELD contract to enhance Momentus’ prospects.

The company’s involvement in such a high-profile national defense initiative positions it for further growth. As the SHIELD program progresses, Momentus will compete for regular task orders across various mission areas. This could lead to significant opportunities for the company in the defense sector, making it a noteworthy player in the space and defense industries.

The surge in Momentus’ stock price signals the market’s recognition of the company’s increasing value. With the SHIELD contract offering substantial growth potential, investors will closely monitor Momentus as it continues to position itself within the defense sector. This development reinforces the company’s commitment to expanding its role in the rapidly evolving space industry.

This article was originally published as Momentus Inc. (MNTS) Stock: Jumps 25% on SHIELD Program Selection on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Mining continues to play an important role in the broader digital economy, especially as rising demand for tokenized assets and AI driven industries accelerates the need for reliable commodity supply. AABB’s latest developments highlight how traditional resource companies are adapting through strategic growth and technology aligned planning. Their upcoming expansion adds an interesting layer to the evolving connection between mining, finance, and innovation within today’s global markets.

AABB (OTCMKTS: AABB) has seen a positive movement in its stock price, reaching $0.0130, an increase of 1.57%. This uptick comes as the company steps up its mining operations ahead of an ambitious expansion plan for 2026. The company’s efforts aim to enhance its profitability and production capacity, with a focus on gold and silver holdings in Mexico.

AABB Takes Strategic Steps Toward Mining Expansion in 2026

AABB continues its efforts to expand its mining operations, gearing up for a major growth initiative in 2026. The company recently welcomed several new experts to its mining consulting group to support the evaluation of its assets. These professionals will assist in analyzing the potential returns from its various mining sites, helping to prioritize projects that promise the highest returns.

The company plans to allocate resources effectively based on these evaluations, ensuring optimal use of capital for the next phase of expansion. With the newly formed team, AABB will determine the best approach to meet its production targets for the upcoming year. The goal is clear: to enhance operational efficiency and profitability while focusing on properties that offer the highest potential yield.

In line with this strategy, AABB aims to prioritize its mining assets with the best potential return on investment. As part of this initiative, the company plans to set a clear mining development budget for 2026. With a focus on cost-effective growth, AABB seeks to elevate its gold and silver production and continue to improve its financial standing.

AABB’s Focus on Mexico for Expansion and Profitability

AABB’s strategic expansion plan is centered around operations in Mexico, where the company holds a significant advantage in development resources. The company has strong local expertise, which enables rapid scaling of its mining operations. This edge will allow AABB to fast-track its expansion efforts and capitalize on Mexico’s rich mining potential.

The company’s emphasis on Mexico also stems from its deep understanding of the region’s mining landscape. This insight will allow AABB to avoid common pitfalls and navigate local challenges more effectively. By leveraging local resources, AABB plans to execute its expansion goals efficiently, ensuring growth while minimizing risk.

Looking ahead, AABB remains focused on scaling operations in this region, where it has built a strong foundation over the years. The company aims to raise its gold and silver output significantly, positioning itself for long-term success. As AABB prepares for 2026, it is determined to meet its goals through focused investment and strategic capital allocation.

This article was originally published as Asia Broadband Inc. (AABB) Stock: Soars as Company Expands Mining Operations for 2026 Growth on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Norwegian Central Bank Reassesses CBDC Development, Emphasizing Existing Payment Infrastructure

Norway’s central bank, Norges Bank, has announced that implementing a central bank digital currency (CBDC) is currently unnecessary, citing the robustness and efficiency of the country’s current payment systems. Despite prior experimentation with retail and wholesale CBDC models, the bank’s latest stance indicates a cautious approach while remaining open to future developments if circumstances change.

The bank emphasized that Norway’s existing payment infrastructure offers secure, resilient, and cost-effective transaction methods, reducing the immediate need for a CBDC. Norges Bank Governor Ida Wolden Bache clarified that, “Introducing a central bank digital currency is currently not warranted, but the need may evolve in the future.” She added that the central bank would be prepared to issue a CBDC should it be deemed necessary to maintain a resilient and efficient payments landscape.

Years of Testing Lead to Reconsideration of CBDC Deployment

The decision follows extensive testing and research conducted over several years, including token-based settlement trials on blockchain infrastructure. In 2023, Norges Bank participated in Project Icebreaker, an initiative exploring cross-border retail CBDC architectures. Kjetil Watne, project director for Norges Bank’s CBDC efforts, underlined that CBDCs, if issued, would likely coexist with cash and other digital currencies, integrating seamlessly within the existing monetary ecosystem.

The bank’s recent statement highlighted that while wholesale CBDCs could modernize interbank transactions, the economic benefits remain unproven, and infrastructure standards for deployment are still lacking. “Many central banks are researching CBDCs, and the Eurosystem is considering a digital euro. However, relevant systems and standards are not yet fully developed,” Norges Bank noted.

Interestingly, Norges Bank signaled openness to collaboration, noting that co-developing infrastructure with other central banks could help establish interoperable solutions. The bank also expressed interest in leveraging the existing ECB’s digital euro standards and infrastructure should the need arise.

European Central Bank Advances Toward Digital Euro Launch

The European Central Bank (ECB) is progressing toward the issuance of its digital euro, with plans suggesting a potential launch around 2029. The ECB recently announced that, pending legislative approval, pilot programs might commence in 2027, allowing enough lead time for a planned release in less than six years.

With legislation possibly finalized by 2026, the ECB aims to establish the legal and technical frameworks necessary for a successful rollout. The central bank’s moves are part of a broader European strategy, aligning with Norges Bank’s measured approach but emphasizing readiness for digital currency adoption once conditions mature.

In the meantime, Norges Bank remains engaged in ongoing exploration, emphasizing that the development of global standards and infrastructure remains essential before widespread implementation of CBDCs can occur. The evolving landscape underscores the cautious yet adaptive approach central banks worldwide are adopting toward digital currencies amidst a rapidly changing financial environment.

This article was originally published as Norway Pauses CBDC Launch: Norges Bank Reconsiders Digital Currency Plans on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan has outlined a long-term forecast for Bitcoin, projecting its price could reach $1.3 million by 2035. The prediction is based on a unique valuation model that ties Bitcoin’s potential growth to the performance of the gold market. Hougan emphasized the increasing interest among institutional investors, noting that 12 major platforms managing trillions of dollars have requested these capital market assumptions within the past year.

For years, institutional interest in Bitcoin remained minimal, but that has drastically changed. Institutions ranging from national account platforms to large financial advisor groups are now seeking frameworks for incorporating Bitcoin into their portfolios. This shift highlights the growing recognition of Bitcoin as a legitimate asset class, especially in times of currency uncertainty. Harvard University’s substantial purchase of Bitcoin, alongside a $250 million investment in gold, further underscores this shift, showing Bitcoin’s emerging role in diversifying institutional portfolios.

Bitcoin Valuation Linked to Gold Market’s Performance

Bitwise’s valuation model projects Bitcoin could expand from its current 9% of gold’s market cap to 25% by 2035. The model assumes Bitcoin will continue to capture a larger slice of the market share as gold maintains its historical growth trajectory. If Bitcoin retains its current 8% share, it could easily surpass the $1 million mark without relying on extreme assumptions. This growth would mirror the expansion of gold’s market, which has grown from $2.5 trillion in 2004 to $27 trillion today.

Bitcoin’s relatively low correlation with traditional assets, such as equities and bonds, has contributed to its appeal among investors. Over the past decade, Bitcoin’s correlation with equities stood at a modest 0.21, indicating that Bitcoin often moves independently of traditional markets. While the correlation is expected to rise slightly due to central bank policies affecting all asset classes, it remains below the threshold of 0.5, meaning Bitcoin still holds its value as a non-correlated asset.

Bitcoin’s Returns and Volatility Outlook

Bitwise forecasts Bitcoin will deliver an impressive 28% annualized return over the next decade, significantly outpacing traditional assets like stocks and bonds. Volatility has been on a downward trajectory since 2012, with Bitcoin’s 30-day rolling volatility steadily decreasing. This trend mirrors gold’s behavior following the end of the gold standard. While Bitcoin’s volatility is expected to continue decreasing, it will likely remain higher than traditional assets like private equity.

This article was originally published as Bitwise CIO Predicts Bitcoin to Reach $1.3M by 2035, Driven by Institutional Demand on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Strategy (NASDAQ: MSTR) has firmly rejected MSCI’s proposal to exclude digital asset treasury companies from its Global Investable Market Indexes. In a detailed response, the firm urged MSCI to reconsider its plan, arguing that the proposed changes could destabilize markets, confuse investors, and undermine national digital asset policies.

Strategy’s response highlighted what it perceives as a misunderstanding by MSCI about how Bitcoin treasury companies operate. The firm pointed out that these companies are not investment funds, but active businesses that hold Bitcoin to support operational activities, including product development. According to Strategy, the idea that Bitcoin reserves are accumulated passively is inaccurate. They emphasized that their treasury operations resemble traditional financial systems used by banks and insurance companies, which are recognized in global financial markets.

Concerns Over MSCI’s 50% Digital Asset Threshold

At the core of Strategy’s argument is the 50% digital asset threshold proposed by MSCI. The company argued that this arbitrary ratio would not benefit investors and could lead to volatile index movements. The quick fluctuations in digital asset prices could push firms in and out of the index, potentially distorting market behavior. This could lead to confusion, as digital assets are treated differently by accounting standards in various countries.

Strategy also questioned how the new rule could undermine MSCI’s promise of neutral and consistent index construction. It stated that MSCI’s proposed policy would create unfair outcomes across global markets due to the lack of a consistent approach to digital assets. Strategy further warned that setting such a precedent for policy-based exclusions would be detrimental to market stability.

Opposition to Policy-Based Exclusions

Additionally, Strategy stressed that MSCI’s proposal contradicts the efforts of national governments, including the U.S. administration, to encourage digital asset development. The strategy argued that federal initiatives aim to foster the use of Bitcoin and other crypto assets. Thus, excluding companies with large Bitcoin holdings from major indices would go against these goals.

In sum, Strategy’s opposition to MSCI’s proposal reflects a belief that it could disrupt both market stability and investor confidence. By mischaracterizing the role of digital asset treasuries and applying an arbitrary threshold. MSCI risks creating confusion and instability in the broader market.

This article was originally published as Strategy Rejects MSCI’s Proposal to Exclude Digital Asset Treasury Firms on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have experienced an impressive 16-day streak of net inflows, solidifying their position as one of the fastest-growing crypto asset vehicles. According to data from Sosovalue, XRP ETFs have surpassed the $1 billion mark, marking a major achievement for the asset class. This significant milestone comes within less than a month of the ETFs’ launch, showcasing the growing acceptance and liquidity of XRP in traditional financial markets.

Institutional Funds Drive XRP ETF Growth

The surge in net inflows primarily comes from a handful of major institutional investors. Canary Capital, Grayscale, Bitwise, and Franklin Templeton have been the leading contributors, collectively accounting for $944.13 million of the total. These institutional inflows signal a growing institutional appetite for XRP, a trend that could impact the asset’s future performance in the broader market. This sustained interest from high-profile financial firms underscores the increasing integration of cryptocurrency in traditional investment portfolios.

XRP ETFs have not only hit the $1 billion mark, but they have also captured attention for their rapid growth. Their performance places them among the fastest-growing crypto vehicles, as they now compete with more established cryptocurrencies in the ETF space. The current trend indicates a rising trust in XRP within both the crypto and traditional finance sectors. Moreover, other major financial firms are gearing up to introduce their own XRP ETFs. 21Shares, CoinShares, and WisdomTree are expected to roll out their products in the coming months, further diversifying the XRP ETF landscape.

Rippled 3.0.0 Enhances XRP Ledger

On the technical front, Ripple has released version 3.0.0 of its XRP Ledger reference server, bringing important updates and bug fixes. Key amendments include a fix for accounting errors in MPT escrows and a resolution for rounding issues in Automated Market Maker (AMM) transactions. The release also addresses several bug fixes, including improvements in consensus stall detection and peer connection logging. These updates enhance the overall stability and functionality of the XRP network, ensuring smoother operations as adoption continues to rise.

This article was originally published as XRP ETFs Achieve 16-Day Inflow Streak, Surpassing $1 Billion Milestone on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

New York Stock Exchange Hosts Satoshi Nakamoto Statue, Signaling Mainstream Acceptance

The New York Stock Exchange has become the latest high-profile venue to display Valentina Picozzi’s “disappearing” Satoshi Nakamoto statue, marking a significant milestone for cryptocurrency recognition on Wall Street. This installation, now in its sixth location, highlights the growing institutional acknowledgment of Bitcoin’s cultural significance and the shifting perception of digital assets from fringe technology to mainstream financial instruments.

Key Takeaways

The NYSE’s endorsement elevates Bitcoin’s status within traditional finance circles.

The statue, created by Picozzi, symbolizes the elusive and pioneering spirit of Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin.

The installation coincides with the anniversary of Bitcoin’s inception and the Bitcoin mailing list launch in 2008.

Picozzi plans to place a total of 21 statues worldwide, representing Bitcoin’s maximum supply.

Tickers mentioned: Bitcoin

Sentiment: Bullish

Price impact: Positive; the symbolic gesture signifies increasing institutional acceptance of Bitcoin.

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold; ongoing institutional interest suggests strong fundamentals for long-term investors.

Market context: Bitcoin’s transition from a niche cryptocurrency to a recognized asset class reflects broader mainstream adoption trends amid growing institutional participation.

Bitcoin’s Journey to Mainstream Recognition

Satoshi Nakamoto mined the inaugural block of Bitcoin on January 3, 2009, which contained the first 50 coins and laid the foundation for the entire cryptocurrency industry. The journey from a revolutionary concept to a valuable asset has been marked by both skepticism and innovation. The earliest real-world transaction occurred on May 22, 2010, when programmer Laszlo Hanyecz famously paid 10,000 Bitcoin for two pizzas, illustrating Bitcoin’s potential as a medium of exchange.

Despite initial resistance from traditional financial institutions and regulatory bodies, Bitcoin has gradually gained legitimacy. Notable figures like BlackRock CEO Larry Fink have acknowledged its potential, with many major corporations increasingly integrating Bitcoin into their treasury management, ETFs, and investment portfolios. Today, over 3.7 million Bitcoin, valued at more than $336 billion, are held by public and private entities worldwide.

Public Display of Nakamoto’s Legacy

Picozzi’s statues aim to honor Nakamoto, with additional sculptures located in Switzerland, El Salvador, Japan, Vietnam, and Miami. Her vision is to place a total of 21 statues around the globe—symbolic of Bitcoin’s capped supply—each representing a tribute to innovation, transparency, and decentralization. The statues evoke Nakamoto’s enigmatic persona: sitting with a laptop, embodying the pioneer hacker and programmer who introduced a paradigm shift in the financial world.

Picozzi notes that her art seeks to evoke Nakamoto’s elusive presence, emphasizing that Satoshi exists within the lines of Bitcoin’s code, a testament to the decentralized and invisible nature of the technology. Her work underscores the ongoing cultural and technological influence of Bitcoin, transforming it from an abstract idea into a tangible symbol of financial freedom and transparency.

This article was originally published as NYSE Celebrates Crypto: Satoshi Nakamoto Statue Unveiled on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Australia Changes Regulations to Support Stablecoin and Wrapped Token Markets

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has announced the approval of new exemptions aimed at streamlining the distribution of stablecoins and wrapped tokens within the country. These measures are intended to foster innovation and facilitate growth in the digital asset and payment sectors, signaling a more progressive regulatory approach for crypto businesses operating on Australian soil.

Under the new framework, intermediaries involved in the secondary distribution of certain stablecoins and wrapped tokens will benefit from “class relief,” eliminating the need for separate and often costly licensing. This development allows companies to utilize omnibus accounts with proper record-keeping, enhancing operational efficiency. The reforms also extend prior stablecoin relief by removing the requirement for intermediaries to hold separate Australian Financial Services licenses when providing services related to stablecoins or wrapped tokens.

Enhancing Industry Efficiency and Confidence

ASIC explained that these omnibus structures are widely adopted within the industry, as they offer significant advantages in transaction speed and cost reduction. Additionally, they assist entities in managing risk and cybersecurity concerns. “ASIC’s announcement helps level the playing field for stablecoin innovation in Australia,” said Drew Bradford, CEO of Macropod, a local stablecoin issuer. “This clearer, more flexible framework around reserves and asset management reduces regulatory friction and provides sector participants with confidence to expand.”

Bradford emphasized that the previous licensing requirements were costly and created compliance challenges, especially amid ongoing efforts for broader digital asset reforms. He highlighted that such clarity is essential for scaling practical applications like payments, treasury management, cross-border transactions, and on-chain settlement. “It signals Australia’s intention to remain competitive globally while maintaining the regulatory safeguards expected by institutions and consumers,” he added.

Policy experts like Angela Ang from TRM Labs welcomed the development, stating, “Australia’s evolving regulatory landscape is a positive sign for growth and innovation in digital assets. We anticipate further clarification in the coming year, which will help solidify the country’s position as a digital asset hub.”

Global Stablecoin Market Continues Rapid Growth

Market data shows the total stablecoin market capitalization has surpassed $300 billion, reaching an all-time high and growing 48% since the start of the year, according to RWA.xyz. Tether remains the dominant issuer, commanding approximately 63% of the market share, with stablecoins gaining increasing mainstream traction.

Stablecoin markets have surged in 2025, and Tether remains dominant. Source: RWA.xyz

This article was originally published as ASIC Simplifies Regulations for Stablecoins and Wrapped Tokens on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Stripe Acquires Valora Team to Accelerate Blockchain Initiatives

Payments giant Stripe has acquired the team from crypto wallet provider Valora, just days after launching its testnet for the Tempo blockchain project focused on stablecoins. This move signals Stripe’s increasing commitment to blockchain technology and its potential to enhance financial infrastructure.

Valora CEO Jackie Bona confirmed that the acquisition will see the Valora team join Stripe as they work on the company’s blockchain developments. Founded in mid-2021 as a spin-off from the Celo development group cLabs, Valora raised $20 million in Series A funding, positioning itself as a pioneering platform in the mobile crypto wallet space.

The Valora app supports stablecoins and other digital assets across multiple blockchains, including Celo, Ethereum, Base, Optimism, and Arbitrum. Beyond its wallet services, Valora developed an open protocol launchpad tailored for Web3 applications, primarily optimized for mobile-native experiences. This enables users to engage with decentralized applications seamlessly via their smartphones.

“Stripe shares our conviction that stablecoins and crypto can dramatically expand participation in the global economy,” Bona stated. “Bringing Valora’s team into Stripe will allow us to leverage our expertise in web3 and user-centric experiences on a platform with unparalleled reach.”

Though specifics about the projects Valora’s team will focus on at Stripe remain undisclosed, their expertise in digital payments, wallets, and mobile Web3 applications underscores the strategic fit. Stripe aims to accelerate its blockchain and crypto initiatives by integrating a team experienced in global payments infrastructure and crypto-native user interfaces.

“Access to stablecoins and crypto rails has shown to broaden economic opportunities,” Bona remarked. “Joining Stripe accelerates our mission to expand financial inclusion through blockchain technology.”

Source: Jackie Bona

While the Valora app will continue to operate, its future development is now under the oversight of cLabs. This strategic acquisition comes amid Stripe’s broader push into blockchain technology, following a recent partnership with Paradigm to develop its Tempo blockchain project.

Building Momentum for Stripe and Tempo

Stripe’s renewed interest in blockchain has gained momentum after its collaboration with Paradigm to develop the Tempo network, which was announced four months ago. The project already boasts a $5 billion pre-launch valuation and aims to simplify stablecoin creation directly within web browsers. The recent launch of the Tempo testnet, in conjunction with Paradigm, highlighted features like easy stablecoin deployment, underscoring Stripe’s strategic focus on practical blockchain applications.

This article was originally published as Stripe Joins Valora Veterans to Strengthen Blockchain Initiatives on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Federal Reserve’s Rate Decision Dampens Bitcoin Rally Amid Mixed Signals

The Federal Reserve has cut interest rates by a quarter point to a target range of 3.5% to 3.75%, aiming to balance economic growth with inflation control. While the rate cut signals a cautious monetary stance, analysts suggest that Bitcoin’s price reaction may remain subdued until a clearer cycle of rate cuts resumes around 2026.

Key Takeaways

Federal Reserve adjusts interest rates but offers cautious outlook amid inflation concerns.

Market anticipates only one rate cut in 2026, with possible liquidity focus early next year.

Bitcoin continues to be influenced by interest rate policies, but trader expectations remain cautious.

Speculation surrounds potential Federal Reserve Chair replacement, impacting monetary policy outlooks.

Tickers mentioned:
Crypto → Bitcoin

Sentiment: Neutral

Price impact: Neutral. The rate cut and mixed commentary have not triggered a significant move in Bitcoin, reflecting cautious investor sentiment.

Market context: The crypto market remains sensitive to Federal Reserve policies, especially as traders await clearer signals on future rate adjustments in an uncertain economic environment.

Federal Reserve’s Decision and Market Expectations

On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve announced a 25 basis point reduction in interest rates, lowering the target range to 3.5% to 3.75%. However, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s remarks have moderated expectations for aggressive rate cuts, indicating only one cut is likely in 2026. Powell highlighted persistent inflation risks and a resilient labor market, despite concerns over a still-weak housing sector.

While Powell acknowledged the challenges, he emphasized that the Fed is not committed to immediate easing, with attention now turning to liquidity policies and balance sheet management anticipated in early 2026. Nic Puckrin, founder of Coinbureau, noted that although recent Treasury bill purchases suggest some easing, broader quantitative easing is unlikely until market conditions deteriorate significantly, which could lead to increased volatility.

Despite these rate adjustments, Bitcoin’s price remains relatively stable. Data from CME Group shows that only about 24.4% of traders expect a rate cut by the January 2026 meeting, underscoring prevailing caution among investors.

Interest rate target probabilities for January 2026. Source: CME Group

Meanwhile, political pressures persist, with former President Donald Trump reportedly considering Kevin Hassett, a senior economic advisor with ties to Coinbase, as a potential replacement for Powell. Hassett’s appointment could influence future monetary policies, especially given his background in economic analysis and regulatory issues.

“Consumer spending and employment remain solid, but inflation persists above target, prompting cautious monetary policy,” Powell stated. The comments reflect the Fed’s balancing act amid ongoing economic uncertainties and external pressures.

Trump has already begun to exert influence, publicly urging the next Fed chair to pursue rate cuts. Powell’s term as chair is scheduled to conclude in May 2026, adding complexity to the policy outlook and market expectations in the interim.

This article was originally published as Fed Cuts Rates Again in 2025 Amid Growing Economic Uncertainty on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

AI-Driven Digital Asset Analysis Platform Secures $15 Million Funding Round

Surf, an innovative AI platform specializing in digital asset analysis, has successfully raised $15 million in a funding round led by Pantera Capital, with participation from Coinbase Ventures and Digital Currency Group. The investment aims to accelerate the development of Surf 2.0, which will feature advanced modeling capabilities, expanded proprietary data sets, and enhanced multi-step analytical agents. The platform is designed to streamline research processes within the cryptocurrency industry by offering onchain activity, market sentiment, and social data analysis through sophisticated multi-agent architectures.

Since its launch in July, Surf has achieved rapid adoption, generating over one million research reports and attracting significant recurring revenue. Its clientele includes major exchanges and prominent research firms, underscoring the platform’s growing influence within the digital asset ecosystem. The platform’s core technology involves evaluating onchain data, social sentiment, and token activity, delivering insights via a conversational interface that reduces manual effort for traders and analysts alike.

Surf’s multi-agent architecture enables the platform to handle complex, multi-step analytical tasks efficiently. This approach allows it to assess various data streams simultaneously and produce actionable insights, simplifying the decision-making process for market participants. With the new funding, Surf plans to enhance its models and data integration, further positioning itself as a vital tool amid the increasing convergence between artificial intelligence and blockchain technology.

The broader landscape shows a rising trend of integrating AI with blockchain innovations. In April, decentralized AI startup Nous Research closed a $50 million Series A round led by Paradigm, leveraging the Solana blockchain to develop open-source AI models and incentivize global contributions. Similarly, in May, Catena Labs, founded by Circle co-founder Sean Neville, announced an $18 million funding round to build a bank centered on AI infrastructure, allowing both AI agents and human operators to manage daily financial operations. Additionally, Coinbase introduced “Based Agent,” a tool allowing users to build AI agents capable of executing onchain transactions within minutes.

As AI and crypto integration deepens, innovative initiatives like the decentralized exchange Aster are conducting competitions such as the “human vs AI” trading showdown. Currently underway, the contest has demonstrated strong human performance, with human traders outperforming AI agents in recent metrics. As these developments unfold, the role of human traders continues to evolve in tandem with advances in AI technology within the digital asset space.

This article was originally published as Surf Secures $15M to Develop Crypto-Focused AI Platform Backed by Pantera on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

US Federal Reserve Rate Cut Highlights Market Uncertainty and Impact on Bitcoin

The US Federal Reserve has approved a 25-basis-point interest rate reduction, marking its third cut this year amidst ongoing economic concerns. Although Bitcoin briefly surged past $94,000 following this move, market reactions underscore divisions within the Fed over future monetary policy and economic outlooks. The hawkish tone associated with the rate cut suggests that Bitcoin’s short-term price action may remain subdued, with potential sell-offs if bullish momentum fails to materialize.

Official sources indicate the Fed’s 9-3 voting split reflects persistent worries about inflation resilience and economic growth, hinting at slower future rate adjustments. Meanwhile, data from Glassnode reveals Bitcoin remains trapped within a fragile price corridor below $100,000, constrained between the short-term cost basis at around $102,700 and the “True Market Mean” at approximately $81,300. The cryptocurrency’s on-chain conditions are weakening, with thinning futures markets and continued sell pressure keeping Bitcoin subdued despite minor upticks.

Key Takeaways

Bitcoin’s price remains constrained below $100,000 amid increasing unrealized losses.

Realized losses have surged to a daily average of $555 million, reaching levels last seen during the FTX collapse in 2022.

Profits realized by long-term holders have peaked, with over $1 billion per day in gains, signaling heavy distribution and capitulation among top buyers.

The recent rate cuts are unlikely to catalyze a significant bullish breakout in Bitcoin’s price in the near term.

Time is Running Out for Bitcoin to Reclaim $100,000

According to Glassnode, Bitcoin’s inability to surpass the $100,000 threshold signals mounting structural tension. Prolonged trading within this fragile range has led to the accumulation of unrealized losses, increasing the likelihood of forced liquidations. The relative unrealized loss (30-day simple moving average) has risen to 4.4%, a notable increase from below 2% over the past two years, indicating a heightened stress environment for bulls.

Despite a bounce from recent lows to approximately $92,700, the entity-adjusted realized loss continues to climb, reaching $555 million per day—a signal comparable to levels seen during the FTX fallout. Simultaneously, long-term holders have realized over $1 billion daily in profits, a record high, which has helped keep Bitcoin below critical resistance levels between $95,000 and $102,000, further constraining its upward momentum.

Spot Rally and Divergence with Futures Market

Data from CryptoQuant reveals a divergence between Bitcoin’s spot market and futures activity. While Bitcoin’s price has rallied ahead of upcoming Federal Reserve meetings, open interest in futures markets has declined. This suggests the recent rally has been primarily driven by spot demand rather than leverage-based speculation, which historically offers more sustainable bullish momentum. However, with derivatives volumes remaining dominant, the market’s ability to sustain upward movements may be limited if rate expectations soften.

Overall, the landscape indicates cautious optimism, but without significant improvements in on-chain fundamentals or futures positioning, Bitcoin faces hurdles before a decisive move beyond the $100,000 mark.

This article was originally published as Fed Cuts Rates But Bitcoin Remains Below $100K — Insights from Glassnode on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.