Next-Level Crypto ??: AI-Powered Trading ??, Tron’s Free USDT Transfers ?, and the Quantum Threat to BTC ?

Another wild week in crypto! ??

From billion-dollar hacks to Wall Street embracing Web3, the market is heating up in every direction. Ethereum is scaling, stablecoins are evolving, and AI is creeping further into the space. Whether youre here for the trading action, DeFi innovations, or the latest on quantum computing’s impact on Bitcoin, we’ve got you covered ???

Bybit’s Billion-Dollar Blunder: Crypto’s Wildest Heist Yet ??

Hackers stole $1.4 billion from Bybit – marking the largest cyber theft in crypto history. The notorious Lazarus Group, allegedly linked to North Korea, is behind the attack, sending shockwaves through the industry. But in a plot twist, Bybit bounced back fast, securing loans and purchases to fully replace the stolen funds ????

Now, as our partner Elliptic (check out our case study!) reports, the stolen crypto is likely heading to mixers in an attempt to disappear – but with such a massive sum, laundering won’t be easy ??? Will Bybit’s quick recovery restore trust, or is this just another wild chapter in crypto’s never-ending security saga ????

Big Money Meets Web3: Canary Capital Bets on Axelar ??

Institutional investors, get ready! Canary Capital just rolled out Axelar Trust, giving the big players exclusive access to AXL, the token powering Axelar Network ’s blockchain interoperability network. ???? This tech connects blockchains like Solana and Stellar while also allowing developers to tokenize real-world assets—think real estate and even intellectual property! ????

With backing from giants like J.P. 摩根 and 德意志银行 , Axelar Network is proving it’s got serious potential. And with the crypto market heating up, Canary is making a bold move—because, let’s face it, Web3 isn’t just for crypto geeks anymore! ??

Superchain Takes Over: The Ethereum L2 Powerhouse ??

Optimism’s Superchain is on a mission to dominate Ethereum’s layer-2 transactions, already handling 60% and aiming for 80% by the end of 2025.? With big names like Sony, Coinbase, Kraken, and Uniswap building on its OP Stack, it's becoming the go-to network for scaling Ethereum. ?????

With $4 billion locked in and 11.5 million daily transactions, Superchain isn’t just growing—it’s reshaping how Ethereum handles DeFi and stablecoins. ? And with future upgrades bringing more interoperability, it looks like Superchain is gearing up to be the real boss of L2s! ??

Cardano’s Big ETF Moment? SEC Starts the Countdown ?

The SEC has officially acknowledged Grayscale’s proposal for a spot Cardano ETF, meaning the approval process is now in motion. ???? If greenlit, this ETF would let investors gain exposure to Cardano without actually holding ADA, making it a more traditional, stock-like investment. ????

This move comes as part of a wave of crypto ETF filings, including applications for XRP, Dogecoin, and even Hedera. ???? While approval isn’t guaranteed, one thing’s for sure—the crypto ETF race is heating up, and Cardano is now officially in the running! ????

Super USDT Goes Crosschain: One Stablecoin to Rule Them All ??

Celo, Chainlink Labs , and Hyperlane have teamed up to launch Super USDT on the OP Superchain, making Tether’s stablecoin more liquid and interoperable across multiple blockchains. ??? Instead of dealing with fragmented, bridged versions of USDT, developers and users can now move the stablecoin seamlessly across networks without extra costs or compatibility headaches. ????

With over $140 billion in circulation, USDT is already the king of stablecoins, and this move aims to strengthen its dominance even further. ???? As stablecoins become the backbone of blockchain transactions, one thing is clear—crosschain is the future, and Super USDT is leading the charge! ??

Grayscale Bets on Pyth: Oracles, Solana, and Big Investments ????

Grayscale Investments has launched a Pyth investment fund, giving qualified investors a chance to tap into the PYTH token, which powers Pyth Network’s decentralized oracles. ???? These oracles feed real-time market data—crypto, stocks, and commodities—to over 90 blockchains, with Solana relying heavily on its price feeds. ????

With Solana booming and Pyth playing a key role in its ecosystem, Grayscale sees big upside potential. ???? This move follows their recent Dogecoin and Optimism funds, proving that Grayscale isn’t slowing down on crypto innovation anytime soon! ????

Tether’s Co-Founder Shakes Things Up with a Yield-Paying Stablecoin ??

Reeve Collins, co-founder of Tether , is back with USP, a new stablecoin that promises to pay users yield backed by bonds and real-world assets. ???? Unlike traditional stablecoins, this one lets investors earn passive income while keeping their funds pegged to the dollar—though details on its exact backing remain a mystery. ????

Launching on Ethereum and Solana, USP is stepping into an already crowded stablecoin market dominated by USDT and USDC. ???? With stablecoin transactions surpassing $15.6 trillion in 2024, it’s clear the demand is there—but can USP take a piece of the pie? ????

Citadel Securities Dips Its Toes into Crypto Liquidity ????

After years of watching from the sidelines, Citadel Securities is reportedly gearing up to provide liquidity for major crypto exchanges like Binance and Coinbase. ???? The firm, known for dominating traditional markets, is exploring a market-making role outside the US while waiting for clearer regulations at home. ?????

With Trump’s pro-crypto stance fueling industry optimism, Citadel might finally bring its deep pockets and trading expertise to the crypto scene. ???? If that happens, get ready—crypto markets could soon see some serious Wall Street-level liquidity! ????

Franklin Templeton Goes Crypto: A New ETF for Bitcoin and Ether ????

Franklin Templeton has launched the EZPZ ETF, a fund that lets investors gain exposure to Bitcoin and Ether without the hassle of buying them directly. ???? This is only the second crypto index ETF in the US, following Hashdex’s recent launch, and it currently holds 87% BTC and 13% ETH. ????

With plans to add more cryptocurrencies as regulations allow, EZPZ aims to become a one-stop crypto portfolio for investors. ???? As the US loosens its grip on crypto oversight, traditional finance is diving deeper into the blockchain world—because, let’s be honest, Wall Street doesn’t want to miss the party! ????

Tether-Backed Mansa Bets Big on Stablecoin Payments ????

MANSA , a fintech backed by Tether , just secured $10 million to expand its stablecoin-powered cross-border payment system. ???? By using digital dollars instead of traditional banking rails, Mansa aims to make global transactions faster, cheaper, and free from currency restrictions. ????

With stablecoin transactions already surpassing Visa and Mastercard in volume, Mansa sees a future where digital dollars replace slow, expensive bank transfers. ??? As stablecoins continue to shake up finance, it looks like traditional payment giants might need to step up their game! ????

Tron Brings Back Cheap USDT Transfers with ‘Gas Free’ Feature ?????

Tron is launching a Gas Free feature next week, allowing USDT transactions without needing TRX for fees. ???? This comes after Tron, once the cheapest blockchain for stablecoin transfers, saw USDT gas fees skyrocket past $9 in late 2024, frustrating users. ????

With this update, Tron aims to regain its low-cost advantage and make stablecoin transfers more accessible. ???? If all goes as planned, sending USDT on Tron might finally be as cheap as people remember—maybe even free! ????

Dubai Gives USDC and EURC the Official Stamp of Approval ???

Dubai has officially recognized USDC and EURC as the first stablecoins under its crypto token regime, allowing businesses in the Dubai International Financial Centre to use them for payments, treasury management, and financial services. ???? This move is part of the UAE’s growing push for crypto regulation, making the region even more attractive for digital asset companies. ????

Meanwhile, Tether isn’t sitting idle, securing its own recognition in Abu Dhabi and expanding into real estate payments. ????? With stablecoin usage booming and regulatory clarity improving, Dubai just took another step toward becoming a global crypto powerhouse! ????

Crypto Mining Firm Bgin Aims for a $50M IPO in the US ????

Singapore-based BGIN Blockchain is looking to raise $50 million through an IPO on Nasdaq, making it the latest crypto firm eyeing Wall Street. ???? Specializing in mining rigs for alternative cryptocurrencies like Kaspa, Alephium, and Radiant, Bgin has already sold over 115,000 rigs in the past two years. ???

With Trump’s pro-crypto stance boosting industry confidence, Bgin joins a growing list of firms considering IPOs, including eToro, BitGo, and Gemini. ???? If successful, this IPO could bring more legitimacy—and cash—into the crypto mining game! ????

Ohio Goes Crypto-Friendly: No Extra Taxes on Digital Payments ?????

Ohio lawmakers have introduced a bill that prohibits extra taxes on crypto payments, ensuring digital assets like Bitcoin and stablecoins aren’t treated differently from cash. ???? The legislation also protects the right to self-custody, staking, and crypto mining, allowing Ohioans to manage their assets freely. ???

On top of that, state pension funds must now evaluate investing in crypto ETFs, signaling growing institutional interest. ???? With Ohio pushing pro-crypto policies, it looks like the Buckeye State wants to be a serious contender in the blockchain revolution! ????

Mantra Finance Scores Dubai License, Expands DeFi andTokenization ????

Mantra Dental Finance has secured a crypto license from Dubai’s VARA, allowing it to offer DeFi and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization services to institutional investors in the UAE and MENA region. ???? With Dubai positioning itself as a crypto-friendly hub, Mantra plans to bridge DeFi and traditional finance, bringing billions in assets onchain. ????

While the focus is currently on institutional adoption, Mantra hints that retail investors may soon get a piece of the action. ????? With Dubai tightening regulations on unlicensed firms, this license gives Mantra a head start in shaping the future of compliant digital finance! ???

BNB Chain’s Hard Fork Brings Smart Contract Wallets and Faster Transactions ????

BNB Chain Innovation is rolling out the Pascal hard fork in mid-March, introducing native smart contract wallets to improve security, spending limits, and batch transactions. ??? This upgrade also boosts Ethereum compatibility, mirroring Ethereum’s upcoming Pectra upgrade. ?????

With faster block times and a growing memecoin craze (thanks to Binance founder CZ’s dog, Broccoli ????), BNB Chain is regaining momentum. ???? As Ethereum and Solana battle for DeFi dominance, BNB is making moves to stay in the game—one hard fork at a time! ???

Berachain Rises: Overtakes Base amp; Arbitrum with $3.2B TVL ????

Berachain has skyrocketed past $3.26 billion in total value locked (TVL), overtaking Arbitrum and Base to become the sixth-largest DeFi network. ???? This Layer-1 blockchain is making waves with its proof-of-liquidity consensus, keeping fees within its ecosystem and attracting major capital inflows. ????

With Ethereum and Solana still dominating DeFi, Berachain has a long way to go—but with a massive $632M airdrop and growing liquidity, it might just be the next big challenger in the space. ???? Whether it’s a bear market or bull market, Berachain seems ready to roar! ????

Ethereum’s Pectra Upgrade Hits Testnet: Faster, Cheaper, and Smarter ????

Ethereum developers have launched Pectra testing on the Holesky testnet, bringing cheaper transactions, smarter accounts, and bigger validator rewards one step closer to the mainnet. ???? Key changes include gas sponsorship (so users can transact without holding ETH) and higher validator staking limits, making the network more efficient. ????

With layer-2 scaling improvements and expanded blob storage, Ethereum is gearing up for faster and cheaper transactions across the board. ???? If all goes well, Pectra could be the next big step in Ethereum’s master plan—because who doesn’t love lower fees and better usability? ????

South African Firm Bets on Bitcoin to Hedge Inflation ?????

AltVest Capital has joined the Bitcoin bandwagon, making BTC its go-to reserve asset to hedge against inflation and economic instability. ???? Unlike other firms, Altvest is steering clear of altcoins, arguing that Bitcoin is the only truly decentralized and scarce digital asset that fits its investment strategy. ???

With plans to expand its BTC holdings, Altvest expects more African companies, especially in Rwanda and Kenya, to follow suit. ???? As inflation bites, it seems Bitcoin is becoming the new digital gold for businesses looking to protect their wealth! ????

ECB Pushes for a Digital Euro While the US Says No Thanks ????

The European Central Bank (ECB) is moving full speed ahead with its wholesale CBDC platform, aiming to streamline transactions between financial institutions. ???? While the EU sees this as a step toward a more integrated financial system, critics argue it could increase centralization and limit financial privacy. ????

Meanwhile, the US has taken the opposite approach, with Trump banning CBDCs and pushing for private digital asset alternatives. ?????? With global views on digital currencies sharply divided, one thing is clear—the battle for the future of money is heating up! ????

UAE Crypto App Downloads Surge 41% as Adoption Booms ????

Crypto fever is spreading in the UAE, with app downloads skyrocketing 41% in 2024, hitting 15 million installs—a record-breaking 2.8 million in December alone. ???? Market trends, aggressive marketing, and Trump’s crypto-friendly stance all played a role in this surge, attracting both seasoned traders and curious newcomers. ????

While user retention remains a challenge, the demand for crypto apps is still climbing, with January 2025 already seeing 3.5 million installs. ???? With the UAE positioning itself as a global crypto hub, this could be just the beginning of an even bigger adoption wave! ????

Nasdaq Aims to List HBAR ETF as Crypto ETFs Gain Momentum ????

Nasdaq has filed to list the Canary HBAR ETF, giving investors a way to gain exposure to Hedera’s native token, HBAR, without holding the asset directly. ???? This filing joins a growing list of altcoin ETF applications, including Solana, Litecoin, and even Dogecoin, as the SEC softens its stance on crypto under Trump’s administration. ?????

With crypto ETFs gaining traction, analysts predict more approvals in 2025, though HBAR’s fate remains uncertain. ???? If approved, this ETF could bring fresh institutional interest to Hedera’s ecosystem—but for now, it’s a waiting game! ???

Wintermute Expands to New York, Betting on a Pro-Crypto Future ?????

London-based crypto trading firm Wintermute is setting up shop in New York, aiming to grow its OTC and derivatives business in the US. ???? CEO Evgeny Gaevoy sees Trump’s pro-crypto stance as a game-changer, expecting regulatory crackdowns to ease and the US to set a global precedent for crypto rules. ????

While Wintermute won’t be hiring traders in NYC, its expansion signals big bets on a friendlier US crypto landscape. ?????? Meanwhile, Gaevoy isn’t a fan of memecoins, blaming them for draining liquidity—though that hasn’t stopped traders from piling in! ????

AI SPOTLIGHT ??

Anthropic’s AI Learns Pokémon – And It’s Already Beating Gym Leaders ??

Anthropic decided to benchmark its latest AI model, Claude 3.7 Sonnet, by making it play Pokémon Red—because why not? ? Unlike its predecessor, which couldn’t even leave Pallet Town, this upgraded AI managed to beat three gym leaders and rack up some serious in-game achievements. ????

With 35,000 actions taken to reach Lt. Surge, Claude 3.7 Sonnet is proving its "extended thinking" abilities—even if we don’t know how long it took. ??? AI mastering video games isn’t new, but if Claude keeps leveling up, we might see it challenging real Pokémon pros next! ????

Microsoft Gears Up for GPT-4.5 and GPT-5: AI Just Keeps Getting Smarter ??

微软 is boosting its infrastructure to support OpenAI ’s upcoming GPT-4.5 and GPT-5 models, with GPT-4.5 expected to roll out as early as next week. ???? OpenAI has been training its latest model using synthetic data, aiming for better reasoning and efficiency, while GPT-5 is set to follow in late May. ????

With 400 million weekly ChatGPT users and a $340 billion valuation, OpenAI is still leading the AI race—but competition from DeepSeek is heating up. ???? As AI gets smarter and the stakes get higher, Microsoft is making sure it stays ahead in the game! ????

Google’s Free AI Coding Assistant Takes on GitHub Copilot ????

谷歌 just launched Gemini Code Assist for individuals, a free AI coding assistant with massive usage limits, aiming to compete with GitHub Copilot. ???? Unlike its rival, 谷歌 ’s tool offers 180,000 code completions a month—90 times more than GitHub ’s free plan—and works across VS Code, JetBrains, and multiple languages. ???

With built-in bug detection, smart code explanations, and deep GitHub integration, Google is making a big play for developers. ????? The goal? Hook coders early with a free tool and convert them into enterprise users later—but for now, devs get a powerful AI sidekick for free! ????

Crypto VCs Love AI Agents—But They’re Not Betting on Them Yet ????

Crypto venture capitalists are excited about AI agents and their potential to supercharge trading volumes and boost DeFi efficiency, but they’re not investing just yet. ??? While AI-powered trading and security enhancements could reshape financial services, VCs say it’s still too early to tell where the real opportunities lie. ????

For now, firms like Pantera Capital and Dragonfly are watching from the sidelines, waiting for AI agents to prove their value. ????? But when the time is right, expect big money to flood into AI-driven crypto projects—because no one wants to miss the next big thing! ????

Microsoft’s Quantum Chip Sparks Bitcoin Security Debate ???

微软 ’s Majorana 1 quantum chip has crypto experts buzzing, with some saying it could speed up the timeline for making Bitcoin quantum-resistant. ????? While a full-scale quantum attack on Bitcoin is still years (or decades) away, River’s CEO warns that preparing now is crucial. ????

Critics argue that banks and traditional finance would be bigger targets before crypto, but others point out that Bitcoin’s public key system could be more vulnerable. ???? Whether this is a real threat or just sci-fi hype, one thing is clear—quantum computing is advancing fast, and crypto needs to keep up! ????

Bitcoin Miners Pivot to AI and Chip Sales as Halving Squeezes Profits ???

With Bitcoin mining rewards slashed in April 2024, major miners like Riot , Marathon, and Bitdeer Group are diversifying into AI computing and chip sales to keep revenues flowing. ???? Analysts say leasing high-performance hardware to AI firms and selling specialized ASIC chips could more than offset mining losses. ?????

Riot is even pausing BTC mining expansions to explore AI opportunities, while Bitdeer is building a $100M data center in Canada. ??? With AI’s demand for computing power skyrocketing, Bitcoin miners may soon become the backbone of the AI revolution—because if you can’t mine Bitcoin, mine AI profits instead! ??

With major upgrades, new ETFs, and AI shaking things up, the crypto landscape is evolving at breakneck speed. As the industry navigates regulations, innovation, and market moves, one thing’s for sure—there’s never a dull moment. Stay tuned, stay informed, and see you next week! ??