News from the blockchain world #78 | Web3 opportunities & more ??
Welcome to the latest edition of the News from the Blockchain World! ??
The crypto space is buzzing with excitement: social media mentions of "Bitcoin" and "Ethereum" surged last week, while searches for "how to buy crypto" hit all-time highs.
This week’s highlights also include meme coins affecting market activity, a recap of NFT trading volumes from 2024, and significant leadership shifts at the Ethereum Foundation.
The market is moving fast, and we are here to cut through the noise and provide you with the key insights to stay ahead. Let’s dive into the key trends shaping Web3 together. ??
From this edition, you'll learn, a.o:
? Which state-owned bank is now offering ETH staking?
? How did NFT trading volumes fare in 2024?
? Which meme coin is emerging as 2025's biggest crypto story?
? What leadership changes are on the horizon for the Ethereum Foundation?
? How have two newly launched meme coins impacted the market?
For the freshest crypto opportunities, visit our page and explore curated airdrops, testnets, and NFTs.
Happy reading, and see you next week!
?? Telegram Partners Exclusively With TON for Mini Apps, Serving 950 Million Users Via TON Connect.
Telegram has partnered exclusively with The Open Network (TON) Foundation, making TON the sole blockchain infrastructure for its mini-app platform. All mini apps, including games, must use TON and its TON Connect wallet protocol for blockchain functionalities, excluding other blockchains like Sui and Aptos. Telegram’s vast user base of 950 million monthly active users provides a massive opportunity for TON to expand its reach. Developers have until February 21, 2025, to migrate their apps to TON to retain cryptocurrency features, with the TON Foundation offering grants up to $50,000 to assist in the transition.
?? Crypto.com launches institutional-grade exchange services in the United States.
Crypto.com has launched its institutional-focused exchange in the U.S., offering access to over 300 cryptocurrencies and 480 trading pairs. Complementing its retail app, the exchange aims to cater to advanced and institutional users. CEO Kris Marszalek highlighted significant technological and banking upgrades since its initial 2022 testing.
?? Bitget Partners with Kaia Foundation to Foster Mini-Dapp Ecosystem on LINE Messenger.
Bitget exchange has partnered with Kaia DLT Foundation to boost the Mini-Dapp ecosystem on LINE Messenger, leveraging Kaia's blockchain capabilities. Kaia boasts over 2M active wallets and 13M transactions. The collaboration will focus on identifying and supporting innovative Mini-Dapps with incubation, advisory, and market strategies. This initiative, backed by Bitget's expertise and Kaia's integration with LINE’s 200M+ active users, aims to mainstream decentralized services.
?? Robinhood Unleashes Crypto Trading and Staking Services in Spain as MiCA Takes Effect.
Robinhood has debuted a localized trading app in Spain, offering crypto trading, staking, and investing services as the EU's MiCA regulations take effect. The company, boasting 24 million global users and $5.2 billion in deposits last October, targets the EU market as a key growth opportunity. Promotions include 1% cashback on crypto deposits and a 100% match on ETH staking rewards up to €10,000. Additionally, Robinhood's pending acquisition of Bitstamp, with over 50 global licenses, is set to bolster its competitive positioning in Europe.
?? Bybit Card QR Pay Revolutionizes Payments in Brazil with Pix Integration.
Bybit crypto exchange has launched Bybit Card QR Pay in Brazil, leveraging the Pix payment system for fast, secure, and seamless transactions. Exclusive to Bybit Card users in BRL, the feature offers instant payments, reduced fees, and broader merchant acceptance. Users can activate it via the Bybit app and enjoy real-time transfers while adhering to card spending limits.
?? Changelly Exchange Teams Up with Revolut to Boost Crypto Adoption in EEA.
Changelly, an instant cryptocurrency exchange, has partnered with Revolut to offer users in the European Economic Area (EEA) faster and more secure crypto purchases. Through this integration, users can now buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, and 28 other cryptocurrencies using Revolut Pay and bank cards. The partnership streamlines transactions with competitive rates but excludes UK-based users due to regulatory constraints. Both companies aim to expand these services globally in the future.
?? Deus X Pay Partners with BCB Group to Revolutionize Fiat Settlements.
Institutional stablecoin payment solutions provider Deus X Pay has partnered with BCB Group to enhance fiat currency settlements through BLINC’s real-time payment network. This collaboration enables instant settlement for fiat currencies like EUR via SWIFT and SEPA, optimizing cross-border transactions for institutional and corporate clients.
?? Litecoin ETF Likely Next for Approval in U.S., Bloomberg Analyst Predicts.
A Litecoin ETF is "most likely" the next spot crypto ETF to gain U.S. approval, according to Bloomberg's Eric Balchunas. This follows Canary Capital's amended S-1 filing for its Litecoin ETF, suggesting potential engagement from the SEC. The application names U.S. Bancorp Fund Services as the administrator, with Coinbase Custody Trust and BitGo as custodians. While market anticipation builds, the upcoming leadership change at the SEC adds uncertainty, as crypto-friendly Paul Atkins awaits Senate confirmation as chair. Litecoin, known for its reliability and enterprise-grade use cases, saw its price rise 15% to $118.54 in the past 24 hours.
?? Switchboard to become first Solana oracle network to go live on Jito's growing restaking platform.
Solana's leading oracle network, Switchboard Protocol, is set to become the first to leverage Jito's restaking platform in production. This integration boosts the security of Switchboard’s oracles, essential for connecting smart contracts with real-world data, while utilizing Solana’s $76 billion staked SOL market more efficiently. With nearly 70% of SOL staked, the collaboration between Switchboard and Jito marks a milestone for expanding Solana's DeFi ecosystem and unlocking new blockchain use cases.
?? Booking.com partners Antom for improved payment options across Asia.
Booking.com has teamed up with Antom, a payment and digitalization provider under Ant International, to optimize payment solutions for its accommodation providers across Asia. This partnership will introduce over 40 payment options, including major mobile wallets like AlipayHK, GCash, and GrabPay, catering to a diverse market of 680 million people in regions such as Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Japan, and more.
?? Indian Telecom Giant Jio Partners with Polygon to Propel Web3 Adoption for 450M Users.
Jio Platforms, a subsidiary of Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries, has partnered with Polygon Labs to integrate Web3 and blockchain services into its digital offerings for over 450 million users in India. This collaboration aims to leverage Polygon’s blockchain technology to enhance Jio’s applications and services.
?? New crypto VC Sigma Capital targets $100 million fund, with $40 million pre-committed.
Newly established crypto VC firm Sigma Capital, led by Vineet Budki, aims to raise $100 million for its debut fund, with $40 million already pre-committed by crypto funds, angel investors, and high-net-worth individuals. The fund plans to allocate 50% to early-stage startups, 40% to liquid tokens and DeFi strategies, and 10% to fund-of-funds over the next three years. Sigma envisions becoming the "Sequoia/SoftBank of crypto," leveraging its team's successful track record in early-stage investments like Solana and Sui. Based in Dubai and Singapore, the firm will focus on DeFi, blockchain infrastructure, gaming, and RWA tokenization.
?? Bison expands banking network with Deutsche Bank partnership.
Bison, the crypto trading platform by Boerse Stuttgart Group, has added Deutsche Bank as a new banking partner, diversifying its banking relationships. This partnership ensures euro deposits are safeguarded in escrow accounts under Deutsche Bank, complementing the role of Solaris SE. Users need to update the Bison app and accept new terms, though fees, transaction limits, and IBAN details remain unaffected. Deposits are protected under statutory insurance up to €100,000 per depositor.
?? Ovoro Simplifies Crypto Investing with Automated Platform.
Finnish company Ovoro has launched Finland’s first fully automated cryptocurrency investment platform, aiming to simplify crypto investing for beginners and enthusiasts. Registered as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) under the FIN-FSA, the app offers automated trading powered by AI trained on a decade of market data. Key features include round-the-clock automated trades, curated Asset Collections (like Bitcoin and Ethereum bundles), and a risk-free simulator for new users.
?? Bybit Becomes First Exchange to Offer Copy Trading for Gold and Forex Markets
Bybit, the second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has introduced Copy Trading for Gold and Forex markets, making it the first crypto platform to do so. Users can replicate professional trading strategies within their MT5 accounts using USDT as collateral, allowing easier access to these markets without expertise.
?? Remittix Unveils PayFi Solution, Transforming Crypto-to-Fiat Payments.
Remittix has introduced PayFi, a revolutionary platform that bridges cryptocurrencies and traditional fiat systems. Users can convert over 100 cryptocurrencies to fiat and transfer funds globally without foreign exchange fees. PayFi also features an API for businesses to accept crypto payments and settle in fiat, supporting 50+ crypto pairs and 30 fiat currencies. With advanced security verified by BlockSAFU, Remittix offers ultra-low fees (as low as 1%) and fast transactions, bypassing intermediaries like banks. Powered by its native token RTX, Remittix is positioned as a strong contender against platforms like Stripe and Wise.
?? HyperFly, AI-Driven Trading Companion using Natural Language.
HyperFly is an AI-powered trading assistant leveraging OpenAI and Hyperliquid technology to provide a seamless trading experience. Users can interact naturally for tasks like managing trades, receiving personalized advice, and processing orders securely. The platform integrates with popular wallets like MetaMask and WalletConnect and ensures security through wallet signatures and gas-free agent authentication. Key Features: AI-driven natural language interface for easy trading; Secure interaction through Hyperliquid Agents that cannot withdraw funds; Native token $FLY available via Hypurr.
?? SoftBank Veteran Targets Payment Infrastructure Revamp with Blockchain-Driven DTR.
Akshay Naheta, known for orchestrating major SoftBank deals, has launched Distributed Technologies Research (DTR) to modernize global payments infrastructure. DTR’s AmalgamOS bridges traditional banking and blockchain, automating transaction routing for optimal speed and cost. It connects 12,000 European banks, supporting both fiat and stablecoins across 48 countries, while reducing fees and settlement delays.
?? Good Market Launches No-Code AI Trading Platform to Tackle Retail Traders' Challenges.
Good Market, founded by fintech experts from M2 Exchange and Freetrade, introduces a no-code trading platform aimed at reducing retail traders’ $2.1 trillion in losses caused by emotional and undisciplined trading. The platform, currently in closed beta with 500+ traders, features AI-driven trade execution, automated risk management, and a no-code strategy builder with 300+ parameters.
?? Xsolla to launch Xsolla ZK: Advancing Web3 adoption for gamers.
Global gaming commerce company Xsolla is launching Xsolla ZK, leveraging Ethereum Layer 2 ZK Rollup technology to introduce a digital backpack for game developers and enhance Web3 adoption. The initiative uses the ZKsync Elastic Chain to offer scalable, user-friendly tools aligned with existing economic models for gaming. With support for major gaming titles like Valve and miHoYo, Xsolla aims to simplify blockchain integration, enabling seamless in-game features and payment options. This move is positioned to bridge gaps for both developers and gamers, driving innovation in the Web3 gaming space.
?? Uniswap version 4 deployments to begin rolling out this week.
Uniswap Labs announced that Uniswap v4 deployments will start rolling out this week, enabling developers to test hooks and integrations. A full launch, with all contracts deployed, is expected next week. Key updates in v4 include a singleton liquidity architecture for faster transactions and reduced gas fees, flash accounting for additional gas savings, and modular hooks for custom liquidity pool functionalities. Originally planned for 2024, the rollout was delayed due to extensive code audits and security competitions.
?? Ethereum Pectra Network Upgrade to Go Live in March.
Ethereum's Pectra upgrade is set to go live in March 2025, pending successful hard forks on Sepolia and Holesky test networks in February. Pectra, split into two phases due to its complexity, will first implement improvements like EIP-7702 for enhanced account abstraction, reducing phishing risks, and EIP-7251, which increases the ETH staking limit from 32 to 2,048. The second phase, the Fusaka upgrade, is planned for later in the year. These changes aim to improve user experience, security, and validator efficiency.
?? USDT0 Launches to Enable Seamless Cross-Chain USDT Transfers.
USDT0 introduces a unified and efficient system for cross-chain stablecoin transfers. Using a lock and mint mechanism, USDT is locked on Ethereum, and equivalent USDT0 tokens are minted on destination chains, ensuring 1:1 asset backing for transparency and trust. Transfers are facilitated by the Omnichain Fungible Token (OFT) standard developed by Layer Zero, which offers unified liquidity management, high security through decentralized validation, and seamless scalability.
?? Solana Launches Decentralized WiFi Network Roam to Unite 1 Million Hotspots.
Solana has launched Roam, a decentralized WiFi network aiming to integrate over one million global hotspots into a secure network powered by blockchain. Participants can earn rewards through staking and daily check-ins via ROAM tokens, while the platform supports crypto mining and secure connections. Built on Open Roaming protocols, Roam seeks to advance Decentralized Wireless (DeWi) technology.
?? Trump pardons Silk Road founder.
President Donald Trump has granted a full and unconditional pardon to Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road, an infamous online black market. Ulbricht, sentenced to life in prison in 2015 for facilitating over $200 million in illicit trade using Bitcoin, was accused of managing the platform under the alias "Dread Pirate Roberts." Trump fulfilled a campaign promise, framing the pardon as a correction of government overreach and highlighting support from the Libertarian Party. Critics remain divided, citing the platform's link to illegal drug sales and alleged solicitation of violence, though no murders were proven. Ulbricht's release marks a significant pivot in U.S. policy towards cryptocurrency under the Trump administration.
?? Balancing Privacy and Regulation: The FATF Travel Rule and Its Impact on Bitcoin.
The FATF Travel Rule, originally designed to combat money laundering in traditional finance, has extended to Bitcoin and other digital assets, sparking debate about privacy and financial freedom. While intended to enhance transparency, critics argue the rule undermines Bitcoin’s decentralized nature, increases operational costs for small businesses, and alienates underbanked populations. Issues like data breaches, centralized KYC storage risks, and ineffectiveness in combating financial crime highlight the challenges. Proposals for a balanced approach include exemptions for small transactions and privacy-preserving technologies like zero-knowledge proofs.
?? Mark Uyeda Named Interim SEC Head.
President Donald Trump has appointed Mark Uyeda as Acting SEC Chair until the Senate confirms Paul Atkins for the role. Uyeda, a Republican SEC Commissioner since 2022, has been critical of former Chair Gary Gensler's regulatory policies and is expected to focus on capital formation and innovation. This move, along with Caroline Pham’s appointment as Acting CFTC Chair, signals potential shifts in US financial regulation, particularly for crypto, as the new administration takes a pro-industry stance.
?? PumpFun Lawsuit Could Redefine Memecoins.
A $231 loss on the PumpFun platform has escalated into a $500M fraud lawsuit, uncovering alleged pump-and-dump schemes, lack of identity checks, and targeting of vulnerable groups. Accusations also include tokens promoting hate speech and harmful content. The lawsuit challenges PumpFun under the Howey Test, potentially classifying its tokens as securities—a move that could lead to widespread delistings and impact the memecoin market. With founders accused of pocketing millions, the case could reshape crypto regulation and spell trouble for memecoin holders.
?? 'We don’t list securities' - Coinbase challenges SEC in appellate court.
Coinbase has escalated its legal battle with the SEC by filing an interlocutory appeal with the Second Circuit, asserting that it does not list securities. Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal emphasized the need for legal clarity to resolve years of regulatory uncertainty that have stifled innovation.
?? From Dream Jobs to Dangerous Passwords: Lazarus Group's LinkedIn Attacks.
Cybersecurity warnings spotlight the Lazarus Group’s LinkedIn-based attacks, targeting industries like defense and cryptocurrency since 2019. Campaigns like Operation Dream Job involve hijacked recruiter accounts to send malicious Word documents, while Operation Dangerous Password uses malware-laden ZIP files to breach cryptocurrency exchanges. Another campaign, Operation AppleJeus, redirects victims to Telegram to download fake cryptocurrency tools that install malware. Key tactics include switching communication from LinkedIn to platforms like Skype or Telegram, persistent follow-ups, and using legitimate-seeming accounts.
?? Linea filters over half a million Sybil addresses from upcoming token airdrop.
Ethereum Layer 2 network Linea has excluded 516,960 Sybil addresses from its upcoming token airdrop, reducing eligible wallets to 780,243. In collaboration with Nansen, Linea analyzed wallets for "Sybil" behavior, such as automated and coordinated activities, ensuring legitimate users benefit from the airdrop. Flagged users can verify their status and appeal if necessary. The airdrop is part of Linea's efforts to decentralize governance and transition its zkEVM to a permissionless system. Further token details and allocation snapshots are expected soon.
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?? GRVT Raises $5 Million to Expand Crypto Exchange Services.
GRVT, a crypto exchange built on the ZKsync Layer 2 network, raised $5M in funding led by Abu Dhabi’s Further Ventures, bringing total funding to $14.3M. The platform plans to introduce spot and options trading, expand globally with upgraded licenses, and grow its team. GRVT added nine new trading pairs, achieved $75M in 24-hour trading volume, and sees daily averages of $50M with 800 active traders and 55 institutional clients. The exchange aims to launch its token later this year.
?? Hamilton raises $1.7M to tokenize real-world assets on Bitcoin.
Hamilton, a protocol focused on tokenizing real-world assets (RWA) on Bitcoin, has raised $1.7 million in pre-seed funding led by DisrupTech Ventures. The platform enables global access to investments like U.S. Treasury bills and real estate, leveraging Bitcoin's security and decentralization. Hamilton addresses financial barriers in emerging markets by offering stable, low-cost financial products accessible with as little as $1.
?? Gamer-focused Tilted social app raises $1.3M to save TikTok’s creator economy.
Tilted, a Web3-powered social platform for gamers, secured $1.3M. The app aims to replace TikTok for U.S. creators, offering a blend of TikTok and Twitch features while enabling users to buy, sell, and trade game assets like skins. Built on the Sui blockchain, Tilted focuses on monetization through e-commerce tools, passive income opportunities, and seamless fiat and crypto transactions. With over 1.58M daily active Fortnite players and plans to provide 80,000 jobs to TikTok refugees, Tilted is set to launch on January 31, positioning itself as a game-changer for the creator economy.
?? TON DeFi lender EVAA Protocol raises $2.5 million in private token sale.
EVAA Protocol, a DeFi lending platform for the TON ecosystem, raised $2.5 million in a private token sale with participation from Polymorphic, Animoca Brands, TON Ventures, and others. The funding will support the launch of EVAA’s token and enhance its offerings, including lending, borrowing, and leveraged staking, as it aims to strengthen TON's DeFi landscape. Integrated with platforms like OKX, Bitget, Tonkeeper, and TON Foundation, EVAA aims to position itself as a foundational layer for TON DeFi.
?? Hyve Labs Secures $2.75M in Pre-Seed Funding to Revolutionize Web3 Gaming.
Hyve Labs raised $2.75 million in pre-seed funding led by Framework Ventures, to develop a decentralized gaming rollup that integrates AI and Web3 for seamless social gaming experiences. The platform will connect gamers through popular social platforms like Telegram and Discord, while offering immersive gaming and empowering developers to innovate.
?? Solana-based social graph protocol Tapestry raises $5.75M in Series A funding.
Tapestry, a Solana-based social graph protocol, has raised $5.75 million in a Series A funding round co-led by Union Square Ventures and Fabric Ventures, with additional support from Stellation Capital, Slow Ventures, and Foresight Ventures. Designed to enable developers to integrate social features into blockchain applications, Tapestry leverages Solana’s state compression technology for efficient data storage and transactions.
?? EarnOS Raises $5 Million to Reinvent Brand-User Interactions Online.
EarnOS is a platform that changes how brands connect with people online. Instead of showing annoying ads, EarnOS rewards users with stablecoins when they interact with campaigns, like learning about new products or services. These rewards can be spent in the real world using the EarnOS debit card. EarnOS protects user privacy by only sharing relevant details with brands, using advanced blockchain and AI technology. For example, brands like Uber are already testing this system to ensure their ads are effective and trustworthy. EarnOS plans to grow its community (already over 320,000 users), add more features, and partner with more big-name companies.
?? Nomura-backed Komainu raises $75M in Bitcoin to fuel global expansion.
Komainu Holdings, a Nomura-backed cryptocurrency custodian, raised $75 million in Bitcoin from Blockstream Capital Partners. The funding will fuel global expansion, enhance risk management, and integrate advanced technologies like Blockstream’s Liquid Network and asset management platform (AMP). Komainu plans to reduce transaction settlement times and establish a Bitcoin treasury for hedging and yield optimization. The firm targets growth in Singapore, Japan, the US, and Switzerland.
?? WalletConnect builder Reown raises $13M in Series B round including Shopify and Kraken.
Reown, the creator of WalletConnect, has secured $13 million in a Series B funding round led by Union Square Ventures and 1kx, with participation from Shopify Ventures, Kraken Ventures, and others. This brings its total fundraising to $38 million. The funds will accelerate development of Reown’s SDKs—AppKit and WalletKit—to simplify blockchain onboarding and enhance user experience by abstracting complexities like gas fees and seed phrases. Used by wallets like Trust Wallet and DeFi apps such as Jupiter and Drift, Reown aims to bridge crypto and traditional finance systems.
?? 1Money Raises $20 Million to Launch Network for Stablecoin Payments.
1Money, a new player in stablecoin infrastructure, raised $20 million in seed funding to develop its Layer 1 protocol exclusively for stablecoin payments. Led by ex-Binance.US CEO Brian Shroder, the 1Money Network plans to launch in Q2 2025, focusing on fast, secure, and low-cost stablecoin transactions. The network will process 250,000+ transactions per second, support multiple stablecoins, and include built-in compliance tools. The platform aims to bridge the gap between Web3 technology and mainstream adoption, targeting real-world use cases like eCommerce, remittances, and peer-to-peer payments.
?? First vote-to-earn meme coin Flockerz raises $10m ahead of exchange debut.
Flockerz (FLOCK), the first vote-to-earn (V2E) cryptocurrency, raised $10 million in its presale ahead of its January 22, 2025, exchange debut. The token empowers its community through a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), where holders vote on decisions like protocol updates and treasury management while earning rewards.
?? Phantom crypto wallet raises $150M in Series C at $3B valuation.
Phantom, a digital asset wallet, secured $150 million in Series C funding at a $3 billion valuation, led by Sequoia Capital and Paradigm, with participation from Andreessen Horowitz and Variant. This funding will support the launch of Phantom's social discovery feature and streamlined peer-to-peer payments. Phantom, founded in 2021, boasts 15 million monthly active users and over $20 billion in annual swap volume, outperforming competitors like Coinbase Wallet and MetaMask in late 2024. The company also expanded support to the Sui blockchain, alongside Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, and continues to focus on non-custodial NFT services. Phantom clarified it has no plans to launch a token despite rumors.
?? Merit Systems raises $10M to help open-source developers get paid.
Merit Systems Inc. has raised $10M from leading investors, including a16z Crypto and Blockchain Capital, to develop "open-source capitalism"—a model ensuring fair compensation for contributors to open-source software. The system leverages blockchain and Web3 technologies to attribute and reward developers proportionally for their contributions, tackling the "attribution problem" in software. Co-founders Ryan Sproule and Sam Ragsdale, both with extensive blockchain and open-source experience, aim to build a sustainable economic ecosystem for innovation and progress in open-source software.
?? Best Wallet Raises $7M in Presale, Aims to Redefine Crypto Wallets in 2025.
Best Wallet's presale has raised $7M, offering a feature-rich, non-custodial wallet tailored for traders and iGaming enthusiasts. Amid Bitcoin's momentum and market volatility, Best Wallet empowers users with advanced transactional tools, a project screening feature, and an upcoming Best Card debit service. The wallet integrates over 200 decentralized protocols and 20 cross-chain bridges. Partnerships with Alchemy Pay and MoonPay further enhance its utility, enabling users to convert crypto to over 100 fiat currencies and deposit funds directly into their bank accounts.
?? Dogizen raises $2.9m as lucrative staking has investors flocking.
Dogizen, a Telegram-based gaming platform, has raised $2.9 million in its initial coin offering (ICO) on Telegram, boasting an unprecedented staking APY of 101%. Offering a mix of staking rewards and profit-sharing through its DOGIZ token, the project aims to revolutionize Telegram gaming with its Dogizen Universe launchpad and gaming library. Listing below a $10M market cap, Dogizen seeks to avoid pitfalls of token airdrops and leverage a loyal community to target gains similar to competitors like Hamster Kombat.
?? Dogecoin Price Jumps 13% in 15 Minutes Following U.S. Department of Government Efficiency Website Launch Featuring DOGE Logo.
Dogecoin (DOGE) experienced a 13% price increase in just 15 minutes after the official launch of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency’s website, featuring the Dogecoin logo and slogan. This unexpected connection between a government initiative and a meme cryptocurrency has boosted DOGE’s profile and led to a rebound in price from $0.33 to $0.40.
?? ZachXBT's address cashes out nearly $4 million on memecoin.
Blockchain investigator ZachXBT has cashed out $3.9 million worth of SOL from a memecoin dropped into their Solana wallet by an unknown creator. The ZACHXBT token, which briefly reached a $97 million market cap, fell to $19 million after ZachXBT withdrew tokens and liquidity. ZachXBT confirmed the movements but stated they had no connection to the token's deployment or promotion. On social media, ZachXBT reflected on regrets about not prioritizing financial gain, sparking mixed reactions, with some praising their contributions to the crypto space.
?? Bank of America CEO Foresees Crypto Payment Boom With Clear Rules.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan highlighted the potential for cryptocurrencies to become a mainstream payment option if regulatory clarity emerges. Moynihan expressed optimism about the banking system's role in integrating crypto into everyday transactions, contingent on clear rules. He noted Bank of America’s blockchain readiness, with hundreds of patents in place. Moynihan sees crypto as a complement to traditional payment systems but stressed that clear regulatory frameworks are crucial for adoption.
?? Deribit saw trading volumes balloon above $1.1 trillion in 2024
Deribit, a crypto derivatives exchange, reported a 95% year-over-year growth in trading volumes, exceeding $1.1 trillion in 2024. Spot trading led the surge with an 810% increase, while notional options trading volumes grew by 99%. The platform’s record day occurred post-U.S. elections, coinciding with a $100k Bitcoin rally under pro-crypto President Donald Trump. Despite implementing FATF’s Travel Rule and relocating to Dubai with a regulatory license, Deribit continued expanding, pursuing derivatives licenses in France and Brazil and introducing new custody solutions.
?? 'How to buy crypto?' Mentions of bitcoin jump on social media and web searches.
Mentions of "Bitcoin" and "Ethereum" on social media skyrocketed during January 2025, with Bitcoin mentions doubling from 247,000 to 495,000 in one week and Ethereum mentions growing from 73,600 to 293,000. Simultaneously, search interest in terms like "Bitcoin," "Crypto," and "how to buy crypto" hit peak Google Trends ratings of 100 during President Trump’s pro-crypto inauguration week.
?? Dogecoin Faces Correction: Consolidation or Prelude to a Rally?
Dogecoin (DOGE) has experienced a dip, dropping from $0.4050 to $0.3380. Currently consolidating, DOGE is trading below the $0.3750 resistance and the 100-hourly simple moving average, with key resistance levels at $0.3650 and $0.3680. A breakout above these levels could propel DOGE to $0.40 or higher, potentially targeting $0.420. If DOGE fails to recover, it may test critical supports at $0.3380, $0.3250, or even dip to $0.300.
?? Trump-Backed World Liberty Financial Swaps $90M Stablecoins for ETH, LINK, TRX.
Trump-supported World Liberty Financial swapped approximately $90 million worth of stablecoins (USDC and USDT) for ETH, LINK, ENA, TRX, and other tokens via CoW Swap. This move follows the project’s recent $300 million raised from selling 20% of its WLFI token supply. High-profile backers like Justin Sun have increased their investments, with Sun committing an additional $45 million, bringing his total to $75 million. World Liberty now holds $171M in ETH, $20.5M in WBTC, and over $100M in stablecoins, signaling a shift in its strategy to diversify holdings ahead of President-elect Trump’s inauguration.
?? Coinbase app surges in Apple's U.S. App Store rankings.
The Coinbase app climbed to 21st place on Apple’s U.S. App Store, up from 193rd at the start of January, as interest in cryptocurrency surges ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration. Memecoin launchpad Moonshot also skyrocketed, becoming the #1 finance app and #7 free app overall after the launch of Trump’s $TRUMP memecoin. Moonshot processed $400M in volume in just 12 hours, adding over 200,000 new on-chain users. This surge reflects heightened crypto interest and underscores the influence of Trump's memecoin launch on the market.
?? Trump's Memecoin Sparks Backlash from Crypto Insiders and Washington Leaders.
President-elect Donald Trump's launch of the TRUMP memecoin, alongside Melania Trump’s own token, has drawn sharp criticism from crypto insiders and Washington leaders. Critics claim it distracts from the industry's legitimacy and exposes investors to high risks. Organizations like Better Markets argue the memecoin benefits elites while harming everyday Americans. The launch coincides with a shift in Congress toward pro-crypto sentiment, with crypto-friendly leaders poised to influence regulation. However, lawmakers like Rep. Ro Khanna advocate for stricter oversight, including banning elected officials from holding memecoins. While some see it as a signal of Trump's openness to blockchain, others warn investors to exercise caution.
?? Bitcoin flirts with record high level of $109,000 ahead of Trump’s inauguration
Bitcoin surged to a record high of $109,111, reflecting optimism ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's pro-crypto inauguration. Analysts cite speculation about potential policies, including rumors of a Bitcoin strategic reserve, and excitement over Trump and Melania's memecoins as key drivers of the rally. While Bitcoin and Ether rose significantly, smaller altcoins and Solana saw declines as liquidity shifted toward high-profile tokens. Over $1.2 billion in liquidations marked the day as retail investors fueled the market's volatility.
?? Vitalik Buterin details 'large changes' to Ethereum Foundation leadership amid calls for new leadership.
Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum’s co-founder, revealed significant leadership changes underway at the Ethereum Foundation (EF) aimed at improving technical expertise, communication, and innovation while maintaining EF’s neutral mission. This comes as criticism mounts, with co-founder Joseph Lubin suggesting fresh leadership and proposing Danny Ryan and Jerome de Tychey as co-leaders to replace Aya Miyaguchi. Buterin opposed lobbying regulators, stressing EF’s role as a neutral platform. The debate follows Trump’s choice to launch his memecoin on Solana, prompting fresh scrutiny of Ethereum’s strategy and engagement.
?? Trump’s memecoin rebounds to over $60 after Robinhood listing announcement.
The Official Trump (TRUMP) memecoin rebounded to $61 after Robinhood announced its listing, driving its market cap to $12.1 billion with a $60 billion fully diluted valuation. The news added $2.5 billion in market cap within hours, sparking renewed interest in the token, which launched ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
?? Melania Trump's Memecoin Sparks Controversy.
Melania Trump’s new memecoin, MELANIA, launched shortly after the Official Trump Token, has drawn harsh criticism from the crypto community. Valued at $5.7 billion fully diluted, it caused the TRUMP token’s price to plummet from $75 to $45, sparking concerns of dilution and poor tokenomics. Critics pointed out significant flaws in the planning and distribution of MELANIA, including 89% of its supply being held in a single wallet. Compared to Donald Trump’s coin, which seemed professionally managed, MELANIA’s rushed release and amateurish execution led to widespread backlash, with commentators highlighting the chaotic implications for the broader market and crypto newcomers.
?? GenZ and Alpha Retirement Plans Include Crypto Pensions.
A recent study shows that 20% of Generation Z and Alpha are opting for crypto pensions over traditional options, signaling a shift in financial trends among young adults. With dissatisfaction with conventional pension systems on the rise, more youth are turning to innovative, tech-driven solutions for their long-term financial security. Additionally, the increasing interest in crypto investments, triggered by Bitcoin's recent surge, suggests potential growth in the pension industry with digital assets at the forefront.
?? Coinbase Unveils Bitcoin-Backed Loans for U.S. customers.
Coinbase has introduced bitcoin-backed loans, allowing U.S. customers (excluding New York) to borrow up to $100,000 in USDC without selling their bitcoin. The feature, powered by the Morpho lending protocol on Ethereum and Base, offers instant access to funds, 4% USDC rewards, and tax advantages by enabling users to retain bitcoin ownership. The loans feature flexible repayment options but will liquidate collateral if it falls below a specific value threshold. Coinbase plans to expand this offering to include more assets and markets globally.
?? Swiss state-owned bank PostFinance launches ETH staking.
PostFinance, a Swiss government-owned bank serving 2.7 million customers, has launched Ether staking, allowing users to stake as little as 0.1 ETH (~$331). This fully integrated service enables customers to see staking rewards directly in their asset statements. While currently limited to Ether, PostFinance plans to expand to other cryptocurrencies. The initiative aligns with the bank's broader crypto-friendly strategy, which includes prior ventures like crypto custody and trading services. PostFinance joins a growing list of traditional financial institutions adopting blockchain technologies.
?? NFT Trading Volumes Drop 19% in 2024, CryptoPunks Prices Surge 13% on IP Sale Rumors.
NFT trading volumes in 2024 dropped 19% to $13.7 billion, the lowest since 2020, with sales declining 18% to 50 million. Despite the downturn, some collections like Pudgy Penguins thrived, with a 114% floor price increase thanks to retail partnerships. CryptoPunks prices surged 13%, fueled by rumors of a potential intellectual property (IP) sale. While volumes peaked at $5.3 billion in Q1, they fell to $1.5 billion in Q3 before recovering to $2.6 billion in Q4, driven by rising crypto prices. The year also saw heightened competition between platforms like Blur, OpenSea, and Magic Eden, as the NFT market shifted towards practical applications such as gaming and digital ticketing.
?? HashKey Predicts Bitcoin Rally To $300k and XRP, SOL ETF Approvals in 2025.
Hong Kong-based HashKey Group forecasts a transformative 2025 for crypto, predicting Bitcoin to hit $300K and Ethereum to reach $8K amid rising adoption and institutional inflows. They anticipate XRP and Solana ETFs gaining approval, drawing billions in investments, and boosting market capitalization to $10 trillion. Stablecoin market caps, including USDT and USDC, are projected to grow to $300 billion, driven by regulated, asset-backed solutions.
?? How an arrogant AI meme coin became the most explosive story of 2025.
iDEGEN, an AI meme coin, has become 2025’s hottest crypto story by embracing controversy and unfiltered interactions with crypto communities. After raising $16.1M in presales and surviving a ban on X (formerly Twitter), iDEGEN gained massive traction, with early investors seeing 75,000% returns. Its V2 upgrade expanded the project to Telegram, targeting trending hashtags and KOLs, and plans to dominate TikTok and Instagram. Positioned to capitalize on AI's multi-trillion-dollar potential, iDEGEN is creating a unique blueprint for viral, adaptive AI while setting the stage for technological and financial innovation in the crypto space.
?? Pyth launches new oracle ‘Lazer’ to offer price feeds to latency-sensitive apps.
Pyth Network has unveiled Lazer, a new oracle designed for latency-sensitive applications such as high-frequency trading, derivatives, and perpetual futures protocols. Offering ultra-low-latency price feeds with updates as fast as one millisecond, Lazer aims to enable real-time market operations for DeFi protocols, potentially surpassing centralized exchanges in speed and efficiency. The oracle supports up to 1,000 price feeds, provides granular data like bid-ask prices and market depth, and is optimized for high-throughput environments like Solana and Ethereum.
?? Nubank expands rewards feature for USDC holders, offering 4% annual returns.
Brazil-based Nubank has expanded its USDC rewards program, offering daily returns on balances of 10+ USDC at a fixed 4% annual rate. This follows a successful pilot program with variable rates. The bank also introduced last year crypto swap features for BTC, ETH, SOL, and UNI, enabling direct trades with reduced fees. Additionally, Nubank integrated the Bitcoin Lightning Network via a partnership with Lightspark, providing faster, low-cost transactions. Serving over 100 million users in Latin America, Nubank continues to strengthen its position in digital banking and crypto services.
?? Tether Relocates Headquarters to El Salvador After Securing Digital Asset Service Provider License.
Tether, the company behind the USDT stablecoin, has decided to move its headquarters and subsidiaries from the British Virgin Islands to El Salvador in light of the country's favorable regulatory environment and Bitcoin adoption efforts. This relocation aligns with Tether's goal to focus on emerging markets and support financial inclusion globally, reinforcing its commitment to decentralized finance.
?? Italy's largest bank Intesa buys bitcoin for $1 million as a 'test'.
Intesa Sanpaolo, Italy's largest bank by assets, made its first direct bitcoin purchase, acquiring 11 BTC worth €1 million ($1.03 million). CEO Carlo Messina described the move as a minimal "experiment" to prepare for sophisticated client demands. The bank previously traded crypto options, futures, and ETFs but has now ventured into spot crypto purchases. The transaction, initially leaked online, highlights Intesa’s cautious approach to digital assets amid its $100 billion securities portfolio.
?? Sony's Soneium Blockchain Faces Memecoin Controversy Amid Mainnet Launch.
Sony’s blockchain subsidiary launched its Ethereum Layer 2 platform, Soneium, targeting content creators and equitable value distribution, but quickly faced backlash. Built using Optimism’s OP Stack, Soneium attracted 15.4M wallet addresses and 50M transactions during its testnet phase. However, its mainnet launch sparked controversy after blacklisting certain memecoins, including "Aibo," over intellectual property concerns. Users criticized the move for undermining blockchain openness, while Sony defended its stance, citing the need to balance IP protection and web3 innovation. The incident has reignited debate over the role of blockchain developers in maintaining decentralized ecosystems.