BitcoinWorld Zama Raises $57M in Series B to Bring End-to-End Encryption to Public Blockchains Paris, Zug, France/Switzerland, June 25th, 2025, Chainwire Zama Raises $57M in Series B to Bring End-to-End Encryption to Public Blockchains With new backing by leading U.S. blockchain investors, Zama becomes the world’s first Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) unicorn. Funding coincides with the announcement of the Zama Protocol, which enables confidential applications on any blockchain. From July 2025, developers can start building FHE applications on Zama’s public testnet. Zama , the open-source cryptography company building state-of-the-art Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) solutions for blockchain, announced a $57 million Series B funding round co-led by U.S.-based investment firms Blockchange Ventures and Pantera Capital, bringing Zama’s total funding to over $150 million, and its valuation to north of a billion USD. The new funding will support Zama’s mainnet launch, ecosystem adoption, and research efforts to make financial applications built with FHE scale to thousands of transactions per second. The timing of Zama’s announcement reflects the accelerating demand within the finance ecosystem for technologies that enable confidential, scalable, and compliant onchain financial applications. “With this latest raise, Zama becomes the world’s first unicorn in the FHE space, which is a major milestone for the industry. Reaching a $1 billion valuation represents a significant increase that reflects the market’s confidence in our FHE technology and our team’s ability to deliver confidentiality to financial applications onchain” said Dr Rand Hindi, CEO and co-founder of Zama. The funding coincides with the announcement of Zama’s Confidential Blockchain Protocol and its public testnet in July 2025, enabling developers to build confidential applications through Zama’s FHEVM, with support for other EVM chains and Solana to follow. Ken Seiff, Co-Managing Partner of Blockchange Ventures, said: “Not since I first saw Ethereum in 2014, have I seen a company commercializing an entirely new technology that could be as foundational to our global technology infrastructure. As finance moves onchain and regulations tighten globally, public blockchains are likely to be the first beneficiaries of what Zama is building. But the opportunity goes well beyond that, as industries such as health care, defense, and virtually all others that use cloud computing could massively benefit from the stepchange in confidentiality and compliance pioneered by FHE, and in particular, Zama.” “Zama’s FHE protocol launch is a cryptography milestone. By enabling efficient, developer-friendly FHE, Zama unlocks secure, compliant, and verifiable dApps for AI, crypto, and cloud,” said Paul Veradittakit, Managing Partner at Pantera. “The protocol paves the way for onchain identity, financial, and consumer applications—previously out of reach for developers.” Zama’s FHEVM makes it possible to run confidential smart contracts on encrypted data , guaranteeing both confidentiality and composability. Blockchain-native confidentiality unlocks several use cases: Onchain Finance: Zama enables financial institutions to securely use public blockchains for a range of applications, including confidential stablecoin issuance and payments, asset tokenization, compliance, and more. Confidential Tokens : The ability to keep balances and amounts encrypted onchain enables blockchain companies to distribute tokens confidentially. Investors, team members and other token holders no longer have to publicly disclose their ownership, allowing them to better manage their portfolio and reduce the risk of being targeted by hackers. Identity and Proof of Humanity: The ability to distinguish between humans and AI in onchain applications is essential to the security of onchain finance. With the Zama Protocol, application developers can verify whether a user is human, without disclosing their identity publicly. Network States : Zama enables onchain communities and network states to operate confidentially. From currency to identity, governance and registries, it now becomes feasible to run key infrastructure on public blockchains. Zama will use the fresh funding to advance the field of FHE and further commercialize its accessibility to blockchain applications and beyond. Zama is actively addressing the core challenges that have historically held back FHE adoption: Speed : At current benchmarks, Zama’s FHE technology is 100x faster than when the company was founded, and is now capable of supporting most onchain payment use cases. Zama is expecting its technology to be 100x more scalable within the next five years, allowing it to address the most demanding onchain applications. Hardware integration : Using GPUs enables Zama to scale to hundreds of transactions per second. Zama is working towards a dedicated hardware-accelerated chip to advance FHE performance, with the ultimate goal of reaching tens of thousands of transactions per second. Developer usability : Using Zama doesn’t require learning new programming languages. Instead, developers can use Solidity and other existing languages, and deploy their applications on their preferred chain. “This round also underscores a broader shift: confidentiality is no longer a niche concern—it’s a foundational requirement. The broad adoption of blockchain in finance is driving demand for secure, confidential computing technologies,” said Hindi. About Zama Zama is an open-source cryptography company building state-of-the-art FHE solutions for blockchain. Its technology enables a broad range of use cases, from confidential finance to Web3 and network states. Zama was founded by Dr. Pascal Paillier and Dr. Rand Hindi, and has the largest research team in homomorphic encryption. To learn more about Zama, users can visit https://www.zama.ai/ . Contact PR & Comms Lead Fabiana Forni Zama fabiana.forni@zama.ai This post Zama Raises $57M in Series B to Bring End-to-End Encryption to Public Blockchains first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by chainwire
BitcoinWorld Barclays Crypto Block: Crucial Impact on UK Digital Asset Transactions A significant development is shaking up the UK cryptocurrency landscape, directly impacting how many users acquire digital assets. Starting June 27, UK investment bank Barclays will no longer permit its customers to use their bank cards for any cryptocurrency-related transactions. This move, as reported by Cointelegraph on X, marks a pivotal moment for those accustomed to direct Barclays crypto block and card-based purchases of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies. If you’re a Barclays customer, this crucial change demands your immediate attention and understanding. Understanding the Barclays Crypto Block: What You Need to Know The news of Barclays’ decision to implement a comprehensive cryptocurrency card ban has sent ripples through the UK crypto community. Previously, many users found it convenient to use their Barclays debit or credit cards to fund accounts on cryptocurrency exchanges or directly purchase digital assets. This impending restriction means that as of June 27, any attempt to use a Barclays card for such transactions will be declined. It’s a clear signal from one of the UK’s major financial institutions regarding its stance on direct card-based crypto interactions. This isn’t an isolated incident. Several traditional banks globally, and indeed within the UK, have either imposed similar restrictions or increased scrutiny on crypto-related transactions. Their stated reasons often revolve around: Fraud Prevention: Banks cite concerns over the irreversible nature of cryptocurrency transactions, making them a target for fraudsters who might trick individuals into sending funds to illicit crypto addresses. Consumer Protection: The volatility of cryptocurrencies and the lack of robust regulatory frameworks in some areas lead banks to believe they are protecting customers from potential financial losses. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) & Know Your Customer (KYC) Compliance: While reputable exchanges have strong AML/KYC protocols, banks often express concerns about the broader ecosystem and the potential for funds to be laundered through less regulated channels. Regulatory Uncertainty: The evolving regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies means banks often err on the side of caution until clearer guidelines are established. For individuals engaging in crypto transactions UK -wide, understanding these underlying reasons is crucial, as they often dictate the broader banking industry’s approach to digital assets. Why Are Banks Limiting Digital Asset Purchases? The decision by Barclays bank crypto restrictions is part of a larger trend observed across the financial sector. While the immediate impact is on the convenience of card-based transactions, the deeper reasons are multifaceted. Banks operate under strict regulatory obligations, especially concerning financial crime and consumer protection. The pseudo-anonymous nature of some cryptocurrency transactions, coupled with the rapid innovation in the DeFi space, presents challenges for traditional financial institutions trying to maintain compliance. Consider the following aspects contributing to banks’ cautious approach: Factor Impact on Banks’ Stance Fraud Risk High incidence of scams involving crypto, leading to chargeback disputes and reputational damage for banks. Market Volatility Rapid price swings in cryptocurrencies can lead to significant losses for consumers, prompting banks to act as gatekeepers. Regulatory Gaps Lack of clear, comprehensive global or even national regulations on crypto assets puts banks in a difficult position regarding compliance. Money Laundering Concerns Fear of illicit funds being moved through crypto, necessitating stringent AML/KYC checks, which are easier to control with direct bank transfers than card payments. Consumer Education Many consumers may not fully understand the risks associated with crypto, leading banks to take a protective stance. This cautious approach is not unique to Barclays. Other prominent UK banks like NatWest and Santander have previously implemented similar limits or outright bans on certain types of crypto transactions, especially those involving debit and credit cards, highlighting a collective concern within the traditional financial system about the perceived risks associated with digital asset purchases . Navigating the New Landscape: Alternatives for UK Crypto Users For Barclays customers and indeed any UK crypto enthusiast, the cryptocurrency card ban doesn’t mean the end of your crypto journey. It simply means adapting your methods for acquiring digital assets. The good news is that several viable alternatives exist, ensuring you can continue to participate in the crypto economy. Here are some actionable insights and alternatives to consider: Direct Bank Transfers (Faster Payments): Most reputable cryptocurrency exchanges in the UK support direct bank transfers via the Faster Payments service. This method typically allows you to deposit GBP from your bank account directly to the exchange, which you can then use to buy crypto. This is often the preferred method for larger sums and is generally free or incurs minimal fees. P2P (Peer-to-Peer) Platforms: Platforms like LocalBitcoins or Paxful allow you to buy crypto directly from other individuals. Payment methods can vary widely, including bank transfers, PayPal, or even cash. While offering flexibility, always exercise caution and use platforms with robust escrow services to protect yourself. Crypto-Friendly Neobanks/Fintechs: Some newer financial technology companies (neobanks) are more open to cryptocurrency transactions. While not a direct substitute for Barclays, opening an account with such a provider might offer more flexibility for your crypto activities. Always research their policies and regulatory compliance. Alternative Payment Gateways: Some exchanges might offer alternative payment gateways that don’t involve direct card use but might route through other financial services. Check the specific options available on your preferred exchange. Understanding Exchange Policies: Each exchange has its own set of deposit and withdrawal methods. Before attempting to make digital asset purchases , thoroughly review the supported payment options and any associated fees or limits. This shift requires a bit more planning but ultimately encourages users to explore more robust and often more secure methods of funding their crypto endeavors. The broader implications for crypto transactions UK -wide are that reliance on traditional banking cards for quick crypto buys may diminish, pushing users towards more direct banking integrations or alternative financial rails. The Broader Impact: What Does the Barclays Bank Crypto Decision Mean for the UK? The Barclays crypto block isn’t just about one bank; it reflects a broader narrative playing out between traditional finance and the burgeoning crypto industry. While some might view it as a setback, others see it as a catalyst for greater innovation in how fiat and crypto interact. Challenges: Reduced Convenience: For new users, card payments were often the easiest entry point. This ban could make initial digital asset purchases seem more daunting. Potential for “De-banking”: While not a full de-banking, this move contributes to a narrative where traditional banks are increasingly cautious or restrictive towards crypto businesses and individuals, potentially pushing some activities underground or to less regulated channels. Stifled Innovation (Short Term): If other major banks follow suit without clear regulatory guidance, it could temporarily hinder the growth of seamless fiat-to-crypto on-ramps in the UK. Opportunities: Growth of Direct Bank Integrations: Exchanges will likely double down on optimizing direct bank transfer services, making them faster and more user-friendly. Demand for Crypto-Native Solutions: This could accelerate the development and adoption of decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions and stablecoins, reducing reliance on traditional banking rails for crypto activity. Call for Regulatory Clarity: Such moves often highlight the urgent need for comprehensive and clear regulatory frameworks for crypto assets, which could ultimately foster a more stable and integrated environment. The landscape for crypto transactions UK is constantly evolving. As financial institutions grapple with the complexities of digital assets, their decisions shape the accessibility and future growth of the crypto market. The Barclays bank crypto decision serves as a powerful reminder that users must remain adaptable and informed about the changing financial ecosystem. Preparing for June 27: Your Action Plan for Cryptocurrency Card Ban With June 27 fast approaching, it’s essential for Barclays customers, and indeed anyone involved in digital asset purchases in the UK, to prepare. Don’t wait until the last minute to find out your preferred method of buying crypto is no longer available. Here’s a simple action plan: Verify Your Current Methods: If you use a Barclays card for crypto, confirm that you have alternative deposit methods set up on your chosen exchange. Test Bank Transfers: Before June 27, try making a small direct bank transfer to your crypto exchange account to ensure it works smoothly and you understand the process. Explore Other Banks: While Barclays has made its move, other banks might have different policies. However, be aware that the trend is towards increased caution. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on news from your bank and your preferred crypto exchanges regarding deposit methods and regulatory changes. Understand Fees and Limits: Different deposit methods may have varying fees and limits. Familiarize yourself with these to avoid surprises. This proactive approach will help you seamlessly transition your crypto transactions UK activity without interruption. The goal is to ensure that the cryptocurrency card ban by Barclays does not derail your participation in the digital asset space. Conclusion: Adapting to the Evolving UK Crypto Landscape The decision by Barclays to block card-based digital asset purchases from June 27 marks a significant shift for UK crypto users. While it undoubtedly impacts the convenience of acquiring cryptocurrencies via traditional bank cards, it also serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing tension and evolution between legacy financial systems and the innovative world of digital assets. The Barclays crypto block underscores the need for users to be adaptable, explore alternative funding methods like direct bank transfers, and stay informed about the ever-changing regulatory and banking landscape concerning crypto transactions UK . As the crypto ecosystem matures, navigating these changes with foresight and flexibility will be key to continued participation and success. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Bitcoin and Ethereum price action. This post Barclays Crypto Block: Crucial Impact on UK Digital Asset Transactions first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team
The XRP price (XRP) has managed to remain green in the past 7 days despite the volatility introduced by the war between Iran and Israel. The token has managed to stay above its $2 psychological support after briefly dropping below that level during the weekend. This week, attorney John Deaton, a well-known supporter of Ripple who recently lost his bid for the U.S. Senate against Elizabeth Warren, commented that the blockchain company should take advantage of the positive environment in which cryptos are in to launch its initial public offering (IPO) . I know @bgarlinghouse said @Ripple is NOT in a rush to go public. They certainly don’t need to raise capital, which is often, a primary reason to go public. But TIMING an IPO is also a big consideration. If @circle can hit a 62B-75B market cap then @Ripple , with nearly 40B XRP,… https://t.co/MSFNMy6i8E — John E Deaton (@JohnEDeaton1) June 23, 2025 Leveraging the success of Circle’s IPO , Deaton believes that the market could value Ripple at as much as $100 billion. “If @circle can hit a 62B-75B market cap then @Ripple, with nearly 40B XRP, currently valued at $2 (ie $80B), could certainly hit a $100B market cap in this environment,” Deaton asserted in an X post. If Ripple does agree with his view, this would support a bullish XRP price prediction as it would contribute to raising the public’s awareness about the project and could further solidify Ripple’s bid to become the preferred cross-border payment platforms for global enterprises. XRP Price Prediction: XRP Forms Bullish Pattern That Anticipates a Retest of Its Recent Highs Looking at the 12-hour chart for XRP we can see that the token has formed a bullish pennant pattern as a result of the long-standing consolidation phase that came after its November 2024 rally. Ripple’s legal victories against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and a change in leadership at the agency propelled the price of XRP near its all-time high. Pennant patterns like this favor the continuation of the uptrend that once pushed the token to those levels. Hence, if the price breaks out above the $2.5 area, we could witness a retest of the $3.4 level soon. Momentum indicators in this lower time frame have been improving as the Relative Strength Index (RSI) moved above 50, meaning that the uptrend has been gaining strength. The $2 mark seems to be the most relevant support to watch. Another bounce above this area could provide the necessary liquidity for a rally toward a new ATH. As cryptos continue to recover, storing your digital assets safely is a key priority. One of the hottest crypto presales of the year , Best Wallet (BEST), has launched its innovative Web 3 storage solution that features low fees and supports assets from dozens of blockchains. Best Wallet (BEST) Nears $14M Raised As It Prepares to Launch Token Best Wallet (BEST) aims to take a share from dominant solutions like MetaMask and Exodus by introducing a set of new tools for investors that will make its crypto wallet quite appealing. The solution currently supports assets in 60 different blockchains and offers low fees for swaps. Its mobile app can be downloaded for iOS and Android devices and it comes with a powerful crypto screener called ‘ Upcoming Tokens ’. This last feature helps investors identify the most promising crypto presales and has already spotted big winners like MIND of Pepe (MIND) and Pepe Unchain (PEPU). To buy $BEST at its discounted presale price, head to the Best Wallet website and connect your wallet (e.g. Best Wallet ). You can either swap USDT or ETH for this token or use a bank card to invest. The post [LIVE] XRP Price Prediction: John Deaton Says $100B Ripple Valuation Is Possible – Here’s What That Means for XRP appeared first on Cryptonews .
While Bitcoin (BTC) has been the main agenda of the market with its rise from $ 100,000 to $ 107,000 in the last two days, an altcoin listed on Binance is quietly rising. At this point, Sei (SEI), a layer-1 blockchain, has increased by 28% in the last month and 70% in the last week. Alphractral, an analysis platform that evaluated the rise in SEI, stated that SEI has recently broken out of the accumulation zone and started to rise. At this point, SEI broke through the months-long consolidation process and made a sharp rise in the last week. The analytics firm said that this rally was driven by increased buying pressure from whales, an increase in open interest and volume, and predicted that the rise in the SEI could continue. Total open interest increased by 48.3%; exchange volume increased by 155%, indicating that large investors are aggressively taking long positions. Again, Alphractal added that the Buy/Sell Pressure Delta data confirms a bullish reversal. According to Alprachtal, the SEI charts reveal a clear reversal bullish pattern with multiple buy signals flashing green. Stating that such movements seen in the SEI are not exclusive to the SEI, Alphractal argued that large investors are positioning themselves in altcoins and that it indicates bullishness not only for the SEI but for all altcoins. “SEI is moving out of the accumulation zone as whales buy aggressively! SEI is up, leaving the consolidation phase behind. Over the last 24 hours: Open Interest increased by 48.3%, Exchange volume increased by 155%, Bid/Sell Pressure Delta shows clear reversal signals, Multiple Alpha signals accurately highlight buy and sell opportunities. And it presented an excellent accumulation window for SEI. “Such moves in SEI are clear signs that Market Makers are positioning themselves in Altcoins. When smart money gets involved, it usually signals the beginning of strong trends.” *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: Analysis Firm Explains: “This Altcoin Is Quietly Rising, Could Be a Sign of an Altcoin Bull!”
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BitcoinWorld EU Stablecoin Rules: Unveiling a Bold Future for Digital Cash Amidst ECB Warnings The world of finance is constantly evolving, and at its forefront are digital assets reshaping how we think about money. In a significant move, the European Union is poised to unveil groundbreaking new EU Stablecoin Rules , a decision that could redefine the landscape for digital currencies across the bloc. This bold step comes despite vocal warnings from the European Central Bank (ECB), setting the stage for a fascinating clash between regulatory ambition and financial caution. What Are the New EU Stablecoin Rules All About? At its core, the European Commission’s latest initiative aims to create a robust legal framework for stablecoins. These cryptocurrencies are designed to maintain a stable value, often pegged to fiat currencies like the Euro or US Dollar, or to commodities. The proposed EU Stablecoin Rules are set to treat stablecoins issued outside the EU as largely interchangeable with those originating within the bloc. This fungibility, the ability to be interchanged, is a critical aspect of the new regulations. It means that whether a stablecoin is issued by a European entity or a global player, it will likely fall under the same regulatory umbrella within the EU. This move seeks to provide clarity and consistency, ensuring that all stablecoins operating within the European market adhere to a unified set of standards, fostering trust and predictability in this burgeoning sector. Why the European Commission is Pushing Forward with Digital Cash The European Commission’s drive to regulate stablecoins isn’t merely about control; it’s about integration and innovation. Their vision is clear: to weave these digital assets into the fabric of the traditional financial system, potentially paving the way for a new era of digital cash . By establishing clear guidelines, the Commission aims to unlock the potential benefits of stablecoins, such as faster, cheaper cross-border payments, enhanced financial inclusion, and new avenues for economic growth. This proactive stance reflects a desire to lead in the global digital finance space rather than merely react to its developments. They see stablecoins as a bridge between traditional finance and the decentralized world, offering a stable and reliable medium for transactions in a digital economy. The belief is that a well-regulated stablecoin market can bolster Europe’s competitiveness and offer consumers and businesses more efficient payment solutions. Understanding the ECB Warnings: A Looming Concern? Despite the Commission’s optimistic outlook, the European Central Bank (ECB) has repeatedly voiced significant apprehensions. The core of the ECB warnings centers on the potential for these new standards to destabilize the region’s traditional banking system. The ECB fears that if stablecoins become widely adopted as a form of ‘digital cash,’ they could lead to a significant shift of deposits away from commercial banks. This ‘disintermediation’ could erode banks’ funding bases, impacting their ability to lend and potentially leading to financial instability. Furthermore, the ECB highlights risks associated with the fungibility across jurisdictions. They argue that treating all stablecoins equally, regardless of their issuer’s domicile, could complicate oversight and make it harder to manage systemic risks, especially during periods of financial stress. These concerns are rooted in the ECB’s mandate to maintain price stability and safeguard the financial system, leading to a cautious approach to novel digital assets. The Broader Impact of Stablecoin Regulation The impending stablecoin regulation will undoubtedly send ripples across the financial ecosystem. For existing banks, it presents both a challenge and an opportunity. While deposit flight is a concern, it could also spur innovation, pushing banks to offer their own digital currency solutions or integrate stablecoin services. For the cryptocurrency market, clear regulations could be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it could legitimize stablecoins, attracting more institutional investment and broader adoption. On the other hand, stringent rules might stifle innovation for smaller players or create compliance burdens that are difficult to meet. Consumers, however, might benefit from increased security, transparency, and potentially lower transaction costs. The regulatory framework aims to protect users from risks associated with volatile crypto assets and ensure that stablecoins truly deliver on their promise of stability. This careful balancing act is crucial for fostering a healthy and secure digital financial environment. Navigating the Future of Digital Cash in Europe As the EU moves closer to implementing its comprehensive framework, the implications for the future of digital cash in Europe are profound. This regulatory push signifies a global trend where jurisdictions are grappling with how to integrate digital assets into existing financial structures. What does this mean for you, whether you’re an investor, a business owner, or simply a consumer? For Businesses: Prepare for new payment rails and potential cost efficiencies in cross-border transactions. Compliance with new EU standards will be paramount. For Investors: The regulatory clarity might attract more mainstream investment, but also brings stricter oversight and potentially less anonymity. For Consumers: Expect increased consumer protection and potentially more stable, reliable digital payment options. The dialogue between the European Commission and the ECB underscores the complexity of regulating a rapidly evolving technological landscape. While the path forward is not without its challenges, the EU’s commitment to establishing a clear regulatory framework for stablecoins marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of digital finance. The European Union’s decision to press ahead with new EU Stablecoin Rules , despite the reservations from the ECB, marks a definitive step towards integrating digital assets into the mainstream financial system. This bold move reflects a broader ambition to foster innovation while ensuring financial stability and consumer protection. The ongoing dynamic between regulatory enthusiasm and central bank caution highlights the intricate balance required to navigate the future of finance. As stablecoins become more intertwined with our daily transactions, these regulations will shape not just the European market, but potentially influence global approaches to digital currency governance. To learn more about the latest stablecoin regulation trends and the evolving digital cash landscape, explore our article on key developments shaping the future of finance and crypto adoption. This post EU Stablecoin Rules: Unveiling a Bold Future for Digital Cash Amidst ECB Warnings first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team
Polymarket is close to raising $200M at a $1B valuation Polymarket, the blockchain prediction marketplace whose users can wager on everything from U.S. presidential elections to global events, is close to closing its $200 million led by Founders Fund of Peter Thiel. “Polymarket is now a $1B unicorn. Founders Fund is all-in on crypto betting. The next cycle will be wild.” — @Blockworks_ The deal, first reported by Bloomberg, will leave Polymarket with a post-money value of $1 billion—making it crypto's newest unicorn and the highest-valued decentralized betting site ever. The new Series B will include $50 million in prior unannounced funding and is Founders Fund's biggest single bet on a DeFi business. The venture capital firm, already invested after Polymarket's Series B worth $45 million in May, is joined by a roster of heavy-hitters: General Catalyst, Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia, Polychain, and Ethereum's Vitalik Buterin. Polymarket's earlier rounds raised $70 million in 2024, fueling fast growth and global expansion. Volumes, Traders, and Election-Driven Expansion The rise of Polymarket has been meteoric. The platform has over 21,000 open markets, 1.2 million traders, and 20 million open positions. Daily average trading volume is $40 million, record May 2025 volume of $1.1 billion, and a peak of $2.6 billion during the 2024 U.S. election. The site is currently a destination for real-time crowd-sourced forecasts on everything from the NBA title to geopolitical flashpoints like Israel-Iran tensions and the fate of the GENIUS Act. Recent partnerships—most notably a high-profile collaboration with Elon Musk's xAI to integrate Polymarket's markets with the analysis of Grok AI—have further raised its profile and user interest. The platform's novel approach to decentralized, non-custodial betting has made it the choice of retail and institutional players alike seeking open, data-driven odds. Albeit global in scope, Polymarket's growth has not been controversy-free. The site is de facto barred to American users under a 2022 CFTC settlement, and it employs geoblocking and VPN detection in order to neutralize legal exposure. But regulators still are wary, with the CFTC putting out a warning that offshore prediction markets ”cannot escape U.S. law by technicality.” To address these matters, Polymarket has hired on the services of ex-CFTC Chairman J. Christopher Giancarlo as a consultant and is weighing further compliance measures. Legal experts disagree. Some argue that Polymarket's fee-based, neutral model distinguishes it from gambling, placing it nearer to a public prediction tool than a sportsbook. Others warn that an increasing regulatory clampdown could reduce U.S. revenue by up to 60% and potentially jeopardize its global ambitions. Token Launch, Global Expansion, and the 2025 Election With $200 million in fresh capital, Polymarket plans to scale operations, build out its tech, and expand into new markets. Rumors of a potential token release also persist, which would further fuel its valuation and network effects. The 2025 U.S. election cycle will create yet another wave of record trading, with new markets on politics, economics, and sport already attracting millions in open interest. Polymarket's $200 million raise at $1 billion valuation marks a new era in decentralized prediction markets. Backed by blue-chip investors, turbocharged user growth, and a high-profile U.S. election coming up, the site can shape how the world bets—and forecasts—the future. But with regulators watching intently, the next chapter may be its most sensational yet.
Iran might currently be hosting around 15% of bitcoin's global hashrate as potentially revealed by the hash movements amid recent events.
Solana's SOL SOL token is trading at $144.04, down 0.62% in the past 24 hours, after briefly climbing as high as $147.73 earlier in the session, according to CoinDesk Research's technical analysis model. The move came amid a spike in trading volume and fresh commentary from Syncracy Capital Co-Founder Ryan Watkins, who reaffirmed Solana’s long-term importance in the evolving crypto economy. Watkins, whose firm makes concentrated, thesis-driven investments in crypto, followed up on a prediction he made in May , when he called the competition between Solana and Hyperliquid “the cryptoeconomy’s defining battle” as U.S. equities begin migrating onchain. At the time, he suggested that the winner could become a $100 billion to $500 billion platform capable of reshaping capital markets. On June 25, in a new post on X , Watkins said that Solana now appears set to lead the “tokenization of everything,” while Hyperliquid is positioned to dominate the perpetual futures space. The remarks reinforced market narratives around Solana’s potential to support the next wave of blockchain-based financial infrastructure. Institutional interest in Solana continues to rise, with CME Futures volume for SOL recently hitting a record high of 1.75 million contracts. Market watchers have taken this as a sign of deepening engagement from sophisticated investors even as price action cools from recent highs. SOL’s current support levels and structural strength are drawing attention ahead of potential retests of the $148–$150 range. Technical Analysis Highlights SOL traded in a 24-hour range of $4.96 (3.47%) from $145.09 to $147.45. Support was established at $143.02, with resistance encountered at $147.98. Between 13:06 and 14:05 UTC, price rose from $146.27 to $147.31, a 0.71% gain. The session high of $147.98 was recorded between 13:43 and 13:46 on strong volume. A resistance band formed between $147.90 and $148.00, while support held at $146.70. Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards . For more information, see CoinDesk's full AI Policy .
GameStop has raised another $450 million through a follow-on sale of zero-coupon convertible senior notes, pushing its total fundraising to $2.7 billion in just under two weeks. The company made the disclosure in a filing to the US Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday. This second chunk was brought in after the initial $2.25 billion raised last month through a private placement. The notes were offered under a 13-day option that gave the original buyer the right to purchase more, and that option got exercised in full. The notes are due in 2032 and can be converted into GameStop Class A shares at a rate of $28.91 per share, which is a 32.5% premium compared to the stock’s volume-weighted average price as of June 12—the day the first offering launched. GameStop says the money is going into general business use and “making investments in a manner consistent with GameStop’s Investment Policy,” which includes buying Bitcoin to hold on the company’s balance sheet. GameStop sticks to MicroStrategy’s crypto playbook GameStop started buying Bitcoin in May, picking up 4,710 coins with part of the proceeds from a $1.3 billion convertible note it sold earlier this year. That first round of buying cost around $500 million. The company is now copying the same strategy that Michael Saylor’s company, Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), used to build up its massive crypto holdings. Strategy became the biggest corporate owner of Bitcoin by selling equity and issuing debt to keep loading up. That tactic also brought heavy price swings to its stock over the past few years. Strategy used different types of securities, including convertible debt, to buy Bitcoin. GameStop is now using the same approach. CEO Ryan Cohen told shareholders the move to stack Bitcoin is about macroeconomic risks, and called the asset’s fixed supply and decentralized structure a possible hedge against those risks. Ryan is also close friends with Saylor now, as per their X accounts. Shares of GameStop were priced at $23.16 as of Tuesday, down 0.56% on the day, continuing to underperform as market focus shifts toward companies with cleaner financials and stronger growth outlooks. The decision to buy Bitcoin hasn’t done much to lift the share price, and now analysts are questioning whether the strategy actually makes sense. Revenue down, collectibles up, analysts unimpressed On the same day the company filed details of the second note sale, it also reported a 17% drop in revenue for the fiscal first quarter, down to $732.4 million. Demand for digital games is rising while foot traffic in physical stores continues to slide. GameStop’s core business, retail sales of new and used games and consoles, is still bleeding out slowly. Wedbush analyst Michael Pachter wasn’t impressed. He reiterated his underperform rating on GameStop, saying the company is just appealing to “greater fools” who are willing to pay more than double the value of the company’s assets. Pachter added that GameStop is already trading at 2.4 times cash, and sees no upside from using that cash to buy Bitcoin. “The strategy makes little sense,” he said. That’s not exactly glowing support from Wall Street. Still, Cohen is pushing the company in new directions. At the annual meeting on Thursday, he said GameStop is expanding its collectibles business, calling trading cards a “natural extension” of the brand. He described it as a segment with high margins and said it’s deeply rooted in retail. While games may be going digital, cardboard isn’t. GameStop said its collectibles revenue jumped 54% in the first quarter compared to last year. Most of that growth came from sales of Pokémon Trading Cards, which are clearly still pulling weight among buyers who aren’t just kids. A survey from Circana showed that 19% of adults had bought Pokémon cards for themselves within the last six months. Most buyers said they’re collecting them for fun or as room decoration. Circana also noted that adults were the biggest spenders across all age groups when it came to toys in the first quarter. So GameStop is stacking Bitcoin and Pokémon cards. Whether that works out remains to be seen. But for now, the company has $2.7 billion in its pocket, Bitcoin on its balance sheet, and a CEO betting on collectibles and crypto in equal measure. KEY Difference Wire : the secret tool crypto projects use to get guaranteed media coverage