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GHIBLI MEMECOINS FLOOD THE MARKET: WHO’S WINNING THE TREND? - Ghibli memes are sweeping the crypto space, thanks to a recent update by GPT-4o that allows image generation. - The craze has been fueled by influential figures like Elon Musk and Sam Altman, who shared anime-style Ghibli images of themselves. - Crypto Twitter (CT) has embraced the trend, leading to the launch of numerous Ghibli-themed memecoins. Here’s what you need to know: - The most prominent token, GHIBLI, launched on March 26, saw an explosive rise, reaching a market cap of $20.8 million in 19 hours and a peak of 42 million. - At its peak, GHIBLI saw a 30,382% increase in value within 24 hours. Within the first day, GHIBLI recorded $77 million in trading volumes across 250,000+ trades. - At least 20+ other Ghibli-inspired tokens have emerged, some already rugging, leaving traders with $0. Other tokens like Ghibli Doge and NoFace have joined the trend, though they’ve seen less success. - The Solana-based launchpad, Pump(.)fun, recently saw $100M+ in daily trading volume, with GHIBLI playing a major role. - Per reports, some have reaped massive profits, others have seen their investments vanish as memecoins quickly rugged. - Meme coin volatility is high, with examples like CHILLGUY, which hit a $643 million market cap before crashing by 95%. - Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki has been vocal against AI, calling it an “insult to life itself.” A resurfaced 2016 clip of him condemning AI-generated animations has sparked debate amid the memecoin craze. Images: Elon Musk and Get Magnetic X platforms

MEXICAN PESO STABLECOIN FROM BITSO GOES LIVE ON ARBITRUM - Bitso?is expanding its crypto offerings with the launch of MXNB, a stablecoin pegged to the Mexican Peso, now live on Arbitrum. Key Details: - MXNB is fully fiat-backed and will undergo regular independent audits, with transparency reports available on its website. - The stablecoin is managed by Juno, Bitso’s new subsidiary, ensuring governance and regulatory clarity. - Leveraging the Ethereum Layer-2 network, MXNB promises lower costs and faster transactions than traditional remittance systems. Why It Matters: - With $61 billion in remittances flowing into Mexico annually, MXNB could provide an efficient, low-cost alternative to traditional financial systems for businesses and investors. - Mexico is a key player in crypto remittances, with crypto transactions in Latin America growing 42.5% year-over-year. - As more people turn to stablecoins to protect against local currency devaluation, MXNB offers liquidity between Mexican Pesos and the global crypto economy. - Bitso’s 7 million+ users in Latin America and strong regional infrastructure give it a solid edge in a rapidly expanding market.

GOOGLE CLOUD LAUNCHES VALIDATOR AND WEB3 TOOLS ON INJECTIVE - Google Cloud has expanded its presence in Web3 by launching a validator node and developer tools on Injective, bringing enterprise-grade infrastructure to its blockchain ecosystem. What’s New? - Validator Node: Google Cloud now validates transactions and secures Injective alongside Deutsche Telekom MMS and other key validators. - Web3 Developer Tools: Developers can now access Injective’s blockchain data via Google Cloud’s BigQuery, providing real-time insights for DeFi apps and institutional trading. - Google Cloud Web3 Portal: Injective developers gain access to testnet tools, tutorials, and resources, including the INJ testnet faucet. How This Benefits Injective: - Better Security & Scalability: Google Cloud’s expertise enhances Injective’s transaction validation and network security. - Institutional Adoption: Access to BigQuery-powered real-time analytics makes Injective more attractive for trading firms and DeFi projects. - Seamless dApp Development: Injective’s developer suite is now hosted on Google Cloud, streamlining smart contract deployment. AI + Web3 Innovation: - Injective, Google Cloud, ElizaOS, and DoraHacks are hosting an AI Agent Hackathon. - Developers can build AI-driven financial tools like trading bots and autonomous organizations using Injective’s iAgent framework. - Google Cloud has been expanding its role in blockchain, already running validators for Celo, Solana, Flare, ZetaChain, and Polygon. Images: Injective and Google Cloud X platforms

SOUTH KOREA BANS 17 UNREGISTERED CRYPTO APPS ON GOOGLE PLAY - South Korea’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has successfully pushed Google to block 17 unregistered cryptocurrency exchange apps from the Google Play Store, including Poloniex, KuCoin, and MEXC. - Effective March 25, 2025, the restriction prevents new downloads and updates for existing users. Key Details: - The FIU cited non-compliance with South Korea’s Specific Financial Transaction Information Reporting and Use Act, which mandates registration for all crypto exchanges operating in the country, including foreign platforms. - Authorities warn that unregistered platforms pose security risks, such as data leaks, hacking threats, and money laundering concerns. - Violations can result in up to five years in prison or a 50 million won ($37,000) fine for non-compliant exchanges. - The FIU is also discussing with Apple Korea and telecom regulators to impose similar restrictions on the App Store and online platforms. - South Korea previously restricted 16 unregistered exchanges in 2022 and six more in 2023. - The FIU is now investigating major foreign platforms like BitMEX, CoinW, Bitunix, and KCEX for continuing to operate without registration. - Authorities are working to block website access and prevent financial transactions with non-compliant platforms. - Meanwhile, Bithumb, one of Korea’s largest exchanges, is under investigation for alleged misuse of company funds. Image obtained from X and AI

POLYMARKET FACES GOVERNANCE ATTACK AMID BETTING POOL CONTROVERSY - Polymarket, a popular prediction market, recently faced a controversial governance attack that allowed a whale investor to manipulate the oracle and falsely settle a betting pool. Key Details: - A large UMA token holder reportedly used 5 million tokens to sway the outcome of a market about Ukraine’s mineral deal with Trump. This last-minute voting intervention allowed them to secure a "YES" outcome despite no official deal being signed. - Traders betting "NO" faced massive losses after the manipulated vote flipped the outcome. - UMA's Optimistic Oracle settled the market, but concerns are rising over how token holders can alter results, undermining fair market practices. - Polymarket acknowledged the issue but stated they cannot offer refunds as it wasn’t a market failure. They're working with UMA to improve systems and avoid future incidents. - Traders argue that UMA whales controlling voting power are undermining the integrity of the platform, with predictions determined by token holders, not actual events.

RIPPLE AGREES TO DROP APPEAL AGAINST SEC: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW - Ripple has agreed to drop its cross-appeal against the SEC, signaling the near closure of a long-standing legal battle that began in December 2020. Key Details: - Under the settlement, Ripple will pay $50 million of the $125 million fine, which is held in an interest-bearing escrow account. The remaining $75 million will be refunded to Ripple. - The SEC will request the court to lift a previous injunction, though final approval from both the SEC and the court is still pending. - Ripple previously appealed parts of the case, particularly a decision regarding $728 million in XRP sales to institutional investors. However, the company will now drop that appeal as part of the settlement. - Ripple’s legal win follows Judge Torres’ July 2023 ruling, which found XRP sales to retail investors did not qualify as securities. However, sales to institutional investors did. - This settlement could signal a shift in the SEC’s approach to crypto regulation. The Ripple case was seen as a high-stakes test of the SEC’s ability to enforce securities laws on digital assets. - The legal processes are still underway, but once completed, Ripple’s four-year battle with the SEC will officially be over. - Despite the legal resolution, XRP’s price has remained relatively flat. Experts suggest that the market had already priced in the outcome of the case. Image: Ripple X platform

TRUMP-BACKED WLFI LAUNCHES USD1 STABLECOIN: HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW - World Liberty Financial (WLFI), backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, introduces USD1, a U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin. Key Details: - USD1 will be 100% backed by short-term U.S. government securities, dollar deposits, and cash equivalents, ensuring its stability at a 1:1 ratio with the dollar. - BitGo will custody the reserves, providing secure digital asset services. BitGo Prime will support liquidity, ensuring smooth transactions for institutional investors. - Initially launching on Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain, USD1 will expand to other protocols in the future. - Per reports, USD1 is designed for sovereign investors and institutions, offering secure, compliant cross-border transactions. WLFI co-founder Zach Witkoff emphasized its stability compared to algorithmic and anonymous alternatives. - WLFI, founded by Zachary Folkman and Chase Herro, aims to revolutionize decentralized finance by providing blockchain-based lending, liquidity pools, and stablecoin usage. - The move aligns with Trump’s vision for crypto, with WLFI being one of the first projects backed by him. Trump has advocated for a pro-crypto U.S. policy during his presidency. - WLFI enters a competitive stablecoin space, joining projects from PayPal, Gemini, Ripple, and others. Stablecoins are becoming crucial in DeFi, used for trading and collateral. Images: WLFI X Platform

BLACKROCK LAUNCHES BITCOIN ETP IN EUROPE FOR REGULATED INSTITUTIONAL & RETAIL ACCESS - BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, announced the launch of its first Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Product (ETP) outside of North America, marking a significant step in the company’s cryptocurrency strategy. - The new iShares Bitcoin ETP will be listed on Xetra and Euronext Paris under the ticker IB1T and on Euronext Amsterdam under BTCN, offering European investors access to Bitcoin in a regulated exchange-traded format. Key Details: - The product will debut with a temporary fee waiver of 10 basis points, reducing the expense ratio to 0.15% until the end of 2025. - BlackRock’s U.S.-listed iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has been incredibly successful, with net assets exceeding $50 billion, making it the largest spot Bitcoin ETF in the U.S. - Coinbase, which provides custody for the U.S. Bitcoin Trust, will also handle the custody of the physical Bitcoin backing the new European ETP. - The European crypto ETP market, valued at $13.6 billion, lags behind the U.S., but BlackRock’s launch signals growing institutional interest in crypto-linked financial products in Europe. - The product is open to institutional investors and informed retail investors. Further, it will be issued by a special purpose vehicle domiciled in Switzerland. - In other news, the Trillion-dollar asset manager has added its blockchain-based money market fund to Solana. Image obtained from X

CHAINLINK PARTNERS WITH ABU DHABI’S $635B FINANCIAL HUB PARTNERS: DETAILS… - Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), a key financial center overseeing $635 billion in assets, has partnered with Chainlink Labs?to drive blockchain adoption and regulatory compliance. Key Details: - ADGM signed an MoU with Chainlink to enhance tokenization frameworks, aiming to connect traditional finance with onchain data while ensuring compliance. - The partnership will support blockchain projects under ADGM’s Registration Authority by leveraging Chainlink’s expertise in cross-chain interoperability, proof of reserves, and smart contract security. - The alliance focuses on tokenizing real-world assets like stocks and real estate, enabling fractional ownership, increased liquidity, and enhanced transparency. - ADGM and Chainlink will host events to educate UAE’s blockchain ecosystem on AI, tokenization, and emerging financial standards. Growing Crypto Adoption in UAE: - The UAE saw a 41% rise in crypto app downloads in 2024. - ADGM recently recognized Tether’s USDT as an accepted digital asset. - Dubai approved USDC & EURC stablecoins under its crypto framework. Images: Chainlink and Explore Travel

TRUMP MEDIA AND CRYPTO?COM TO LAUNCH TRUTH FI ETFS FOCUSED ON CRYPTO AND U.S. MARKETS - Trump Media (DJT) and Crypto?com announced plans to launch a series of exchange-traded products (ETPs) and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) under the Truth Fi brand. - Per reports, these investment vehicles will focus on digital assets and American-themed securities, aiming to attract investors aligned with Trump’s economic vision. Key Highlights: - The ETFs will include Bitcoin, Cronos (CRO), and other cryptocurrencies, alongside securities from sectors like energy and manufacturing. “We aim to create inventive funds incorporating firms that concentrate on rapid growth, technological innovation, and strengthening the U.S. economy, unencumbered by woke nonsense and political posturing,” said TMTG CEO Devin Nunes. “Investors will finally have options that adhere to their principles and that support superior U.S. companies precisely focused on their core businesses.” - Crypto?com will handle backend technology, custody solutions, and crypto liquidity for the ETFs. - The launch is set for later in 2025, subject to final agreements and regulatory approvals. - Once live, the ETFs will be available internationally, including in the U.S., Europe, and Asia via major brokerage platforms and the Crypto?com app (140M+ users). - This move aligns with DJT’s Truth Fi financial services strategy, which includes plans to invest $250M in ETFs, crypto, and other financial products through Charles Schwab. - Trump Media is increasingly engaging with crypto. In recent months, the Trump brand has been linked to NFT collections, memecoins, and a DeFi protocol (World Liberty Financial - WLFI). "These ETFs will give consumers more options from a brand with a loyal following. Once launched, these ETFs will be available on the Crypto(.)com App for our more than 140 million users around the world,” Crypto(?)com CEO, Kris Marszalek, noted. Images: Dealflow and Crypto(.)com X platforms