Donald Trump’s WLFI Partners Ethena Labs, What’s Cooking?

Decentralized finance (DeFi) platform Ethena has revealed a collaboration with World Liberty Financial, a project backed by Donald…

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XRP Whale Activity Raises Questions About Future Price Potential Amid Growing Sentiment

XRP’s recent surge in whale activity has ignited speculation about its potential price trajectory, raising questions about ambitious future targets. XRP’s recent technical indicators suggest that continued bullish momentum is

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BREAKING: FED Chairman Jerome Powell Talks About Strategic Bitcoin Reserve in the US

When asked about the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve at a press conference, Jerome Powell said that they are not allowed to own Bitcoin and that they are not in favor of changing the laws. A strategic reserve is a stockpile of a critical resource that can be released in times of crisis or supply disruption. The most famous example is the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the world's largest emergency supply of crude oil, established by Congress in 1975 after the 1973–74 Arab oil embargo crippled the U.S. economy. Presidents have drawn on this stockpile to calm oil markets during wars or when hurricanes have hit the U.S. oil infrastructure in the Gulf of Mexico. Analysts and legal experts are divided on whether Trump could use his executive powers to create the reserve or whether an act of Congress would be required. Some have argued that Trump could create the reserve through an executive order directing the U.S. Treasury’s Exchange Stabilization Fund, which can be used to buy or sell foreign currencies and can also be used to hold Bitcoin. The reserve could also include Bitcoin that the government has seized from criminal actors, which is around 200,000 tokens worth around $21 billion at current prices, according to the data. Trump suggested this stockpile could be a starting point when announcing his BTC reserve plan in a speech in July, but it remains unclear what the legal process would be to move them out of the Justice Department. Trump did not say whether the government would add to that stockpile by purchasing more BTC on the open market. To do so would require the government to borrow money, but some Bitcoin reserve advocates say the U.S. could sell some of its gold reserves and use the proceeds to buy BTC. *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: BREAKING: FED Chairman Jerome Powell Talks About Strategic Bitcoin Reserve in the US

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Meme coins drive Solana DApp revenue to $365m record

Decentralized application revenue on Solana reached a new record high, mainly generated from meme coin-related transactions and tools.

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Meme coins drive Solana DApp revenue to $365m record

Decentralized application revenue on Solana reached a new record high, mainly generated from meme coin-related transactions and tools. According to Syndica’s research , Solana ( SOL ) native DApps garnered $365 million in revenue during November 2024, a new monthly high for the popular layer-1 blockchain network. Solana’s decentralized finance ecosystem was the leading port of call for revenue. SOL DeFi comprised almost 84% of cash raised last month, compared to wallets and infrastructure, which attracted less than 15%. Among DeFi activity, meme coins and meme-supportive protocols dominated SOL revenue. Meme coin DApps monthly revenue surged 305-fold in 2024, raking in over $500 million. Pump.fun, crypto’s most popular meme token launch pad , led Solana protocol revenue last month with $106 million, a first for the young project. Top Solana DApp revenue earners in 2024 | Source: Syndica You might also like: News Solana’s Pump.fun bans UK users after FCA warning Telegram bots solidified their presence within SOL’s ecosystem. The category has amassed the second biggest revenue stream after meme coin DApps, recording over $300 million this year. Meme traders regularly tap bots like Trojan, Banana Gun, and BONKbot to invest in new trendy launches directly from Pavel Durov’s private messaging platform. Meme coins and meme coin DApps may be Solana’s main characters, but the ecosystem rapidly expanded to include several active players. Syndica’s research reported a parabolic jump in “high-quality players” within SOL’s ecosystem. Researchers noted an increase in protocols earning over $10,000 to $10 million monthly revenue. The report highlighted SOL’s Decentralized Physical Infrastructure as a major sector in the early stages of revenue generation. DePIN, as crypto natives call it, refers to maintaining and providing real-world services like servers using individual blockchain resources. Protocols such as Render, Nosana, Helium, and Hivemapper have recently seen strong demand for their services, driving notable revenue growth. Render’s decentralized compute network is currently the largest revenue driver in the DePIN sector. Syndica report Read more: Key strategies on how to make DePIN mainstream | Opinion

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How Wall Street’s Relationship With Bitcoin Will Transform in 2025: 5 Predictions

When Michael Saylor announced MicroStrategy's conversion of $250 million in Treasury reserves to bitcoin in August 2020, Wall Street analysts dismissed it as a reckless gamble. "Superior to cash," Saylor declared of bitcoin at the time, drawing skepticism from traditional banking circles. Yet today, those same banks that sneered at bitcoin's corporate adoption are now scrambling to participate in bitcoin-collateralized lending as they race to capitalize on its superior characteristics as institutional-grade collateral and a thriving product-market fit. Traditional collateral, such as real estate, requires manual appraisals, subjective valuations and complex legal frameworks that vary by jurisdiction. Bitcoin, by contrast, offers instant verification of collateral backing through public blockchain data, 24/7 real-time settlement and liquidation capabilities, uniform quality regardless of geography or counterparty, and the ability to enforce lending terms programmatically. When a lender realizes that they can instantly verify and potentially liquidate bitcoin collateral at 3 a.m. on a Sunday — while real estate sits waiting for manual appraisals, subjective valuations, and potential evictions— there will be no going back. 1. Traditional banking bends the knee to bitcoin. MicroStrategy's (MSTR) approach fundamentally altered how public companies view bitcoin as a treasury asset. Rather than simply holding bitcoin, the firm has pioneered a treasury model of leveraging public markets to amplify its crypto position — issuing convertible notes and at the market equity offerings to finance purchases of bitcoin. This strategy has allowed MicroStrategy to significantly outperform spot bitcoin ETFs by harnessing the same financial engineering that made traditional banks powerful, but with bitcoin as the underlying asset instead of traditional financial instruments and real estate. As a result, one of my predictions for 2025 is that MSTR will announce a 10-for-1 stock split to further its market share as it will allow many more investors to purchase shares and options contracts. MicroStrategy's playbook demonstrates just how deeply bitcoin has penetrated traditional corporate finance. I also believe financial services built around bitcoin are set to explode in popularity as long-term holders and new investors look to get more out of their positions. We expect to see rapid growth in bitcoin-collateralized loans and yield-generating products for bitcoin holders worldwide. Moreover, there’s an almost poetic answer to why bitcoin-backed loans have become so popular — they are a true representation of financial inclusion, with a business owner in Medellín facing the same collateral requirements and interest rates as one in Madrid. Each person’s bitcoin carries identical properties, verification standards and liquidation processes. This standardization strips away the arbitrary risk premiums historically imposed on borrowers in emerging markets. Traditional banks marketed "global reach" for decades while maintaining vastly different lending standards across regions. Now, bitcoin-backed lending exposes this inherited inefficiency for what it is: a relic of an antiquated financial system. 2. Borders fall as capital flows freely. Nations are entering a new era of competition for bitcoin business and capital. Consequently, we expect to see new tax incentives specifically targeting bitcoin investors and businesses in 2025. These will happen alongside fast-track visa programs for crypto entrepreneurs and regulatory frameworks designed to attract bitcoin companies. Nations historically competed for manufacturing bases or regional headquarters. Now they compete for bitcoin mining operations, trading venues and custody infrastructure. El Salvador's bitcoin treasury position represents early experimentation with nation-state bitcoin reserves. While experimental, their moves and the recent proposal for a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve forces traditional financial centers to confront bitcoin's role in sovereign finance. Other nations will study and attempt to replicate these frameworks, preparing their own initiatives to attract bitcoin-denominated capital flows. 3. Banks race against obsolescence. In debt markets, necessity drives innovation. Public companies now routinely tap bond markets and convertible notes to finance bitcoin-related transactions. The practice has transformed bitcoin from a speculative asset into a cornerstone of corporate treasury management. Companies like Marathon Digital Holdings and Semler Scientific have been successful in following MicroStrategy's lead, and the market has rewarded them. This is the most important signal for treasury managers and CEOs. Bitcoin’s got their attention now. Meanwhile, bitcoin lending markets have come a long way over the last two years. With the deadwood being cleared away, serious institutional lenders now demand proper collateral segregation, transparent custody arrangements and conservative loan-to-value ratios. This standardization of risk management practices attracts precisely the type of institutional capital that previously sat on the sidelines. More regulatory clarity out of the U.S. should open the door for more banks to get involved in bitcoin financial products — this will benefit consumers the most, with new capital and competition driving rates down and making bitcoin-backed loans even more compelling. 4. Bitcoin and crypto M&A intensifies. As regulatory clarity emerges through the SAB 121 resolution addressing crypto custody and other guidance, banks will face a critical choice: build or buy their way into the growing market of bitcoin & lending. As a result, we predict at least one of the top 20 U.S. banks will acquire a crypto business in the coming year. Banks will want to move fast, and development timelines for cryptocurrency infrastructure stretch beyond competitive windows, while established firms already process billions in monthly volume through battle-tested systems. These operational platforms represent years of specialized development that banks cannot rapidly replicate. The acquisition premium shrinks against the opportunity cost of delayed market entry. The confluence of operational maturity, regulatory clarity and strategic necessity creates natural conditions for the banking industry’s acquisition of cryptocurrency capabilities.These moves mirror previous financial technology integration patterns in which banks historically acquired electronic trading platforms rather than building internal capabilities. 5. Public markets validate bitcoin infrastructure. The cryptocurrency industry is poised for a breakthrough year in public markets. We expect to see at least one high-profile crypto initial public offering exceeding $10 billion in valuation in the U.S. Major digital asset companies have built sophisticated institutional service layers with revenue streams that now mirror those of traditional banks, processing billions in daily transactions, managing substantial custody operations with rigorous compliance frameworks and generating stable fee income from regulated activities. The next chapter of finance will therefore be written not by those who resist this change but by those who recognize that their very survival depends on embracing it.

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How Bitcoin Is Transforming Live Casino Gaming: The Rise of Decentralized Betting in 2024/2025

Bitcoin is not just a currency; it is a revolution. Bitcoin is a revolution, but not only in a financial sense. It changed the way we view and perceive money. BTC managed to influence industries, financial markets, companies, and individuals. It touched on so many spheres of ordinary life that it's no wonder it changed the way live casino games are viewed and played. If we look only at the last few years, the gambling industry has been elevated to a new level thanks to technological advancements, of which Bitcoin is a massive part. The moment online casinos and sportsbooks started to embrace BTC and other crypto, their sphere of operations was widened by a large margin. Bitcoin allows casino goers to fully enjoy a faster, safer, and more transparent product. The gaming experience is on a whole new level with BTC and blockchain, a revolutionary technology not discussed enough. When writing this article, decentralized betting is already at the center stage. Its central promise, which it dully delivers, is a fairer and more accessible way to play casino games and partake in online gambling. We live in an age when the gambling industry is not only influenced but also shaped by the presence of cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin is leading the way, and its name is often in the news. Live casino gambling is a different beast with BTC backing it, and that's the subject we will cover today. We will also speak of what's expected in this domain at the end of 2024 and in the early months of 2025. The Impact of Bitcoin on Live Casino Gaming Bitcoin has a massive impact on live casino gaming. It can be compared to Muhammad Ali's influence on boxing or Lionel Messi's influence on FC Barcelona. It transcends the era and shapes things to come in the future. It has already brought a few changes to the main stage, but we're going to talk only about the key ones. The speed of transactions is always a good place to start, moving through improved safety and security fields. It wraps it up with the benefits the players experience from the transformation of online casinos in the hands of cryptocurrencies. Faster Transactions and Lower Fees While many still rely on and hold high faith in traditional payment methods, it is a public secret that their time is long over. Regarding online casinos, traditional banking comes with high fees and delays. It is never a surprise when credit card payments take days to process or when the bank has issues with transferring money to online gambling establishments. For most players, the main problem is when there are issues with funds withdrawal. It is a hell we've often been a part of, or is that a purgatory? What changed most of these issues and made them disappear in an instant is Bitcoin. BTC is a synonym for speed. With this cryptocurrency, most transactions are processed instantly. The best part is that Bitcoin knows no boundaries. Using cryptocurrencies doesn't matter whether you're playing from America, Europe, Asia, or Africa. Crypto doesn't discriminate. With crypto, the movement of funds is rapid, and you do not need approval from a higher authority. While there are attempts to regulate cryptocurrencies, they are still decentralized currencies with no governing body over them, and we wouldn't want it any different. While everything said above is fantastic, it gets even better—the fees associated with dealing with cryptocurrencies are much lower than standard payment methods. Traditional banking and casino withdrawals were often marred by high costs, infuriating players who had to give up a portion of their winnings. With this issue gone, online sport betting platforms and crypto casinos such as Bety.com , high rollers, and international players can finally enjoy their fruits of labor. Enhanced Transparency and Security While the Internet has been around for some time now, we do not yet fully trust it. Online casinos are especially scrutinized, with security being one of the biggest concerns in the universe of online gambling. Every player wants to have faith that their funds and personal info are in good hands—safe and secure. This is a possibility and a solution that can be attained by using Bitcoin. If you're new to online crypto casinos and digital currencies, you must know that the public ledger, better known as blockchain, records every BTC transaction. Because of this, players can't experience data breaches. Their data is not accessible, and no one can tamper with it. When it comes to gambling, money is always involved, and by knowing that it will always be safe through the use of BTC, players can rest easy when gambling online, which wasn't the case back in the day. Another layer of trust also exists with BTC because the players can verify transactions. The last but not least piece of info tied to BTC and its use at online casinos is that by using it, you eliminate the need for the casino to have your sensitive data shared with the house. This means that you do not have to reveal your personal data or banking information to play at a crypto casino. With this info kept to yourself, the chances of having identity theft or data breach are kept to a bare minimum. The Rise of Decentralized Betting Platforms Bitcoin managed to influence everything it touches. Both online and traditional casinos benefited from the existence of BTC. But the list continues. It also aided in the rise and prosperity of decentralized betting platforms. While many see these platforms as just another form of online casino, they differ significantly. Blockchain is not used only for payments and withdrawals at decentralized betting platforms. This tech is also behind creating and running games and is managing the bets. With this approach, decentralized betting platforms have elevated openness and fairness even more than regular crypto casinos. How Blockchain Technology Is Shaping the Industry Decentralized betting has many sources backing it, but its backbone remains blockchain technology. Blockchain helps decentralized betting by recording all transactions in a safe and secure way that cannot be changed once they are recorded. This aids both the players and the online casinos. First, blockchain technology ensures that all games and end results are random. RNG ( Random Number Generator ) is present in traditional casinos, too, but players have no means of knowing it and must trust the casino on its word. Blockchain eliminates the necessity for trust, as everything is transparent. All players can see how the results are calculated at any given moment, which leaves no place for doubt. Furthermore, blockchain technology simplifies payouts. Winnings are transferred automatically via smart contracts. This eliminates the possibility of human error and ensures that every player is paid what they're owed. Decentralized gambling is everything we've dreamed of in the past, and now that we have it, it is hard to believe that it's true. The Role of Smart Contracts in Fair Play Do you know what smart contracts are? In essence, they are contracts in the form of digital agreements that are executed when all conditions are met. For decentralized platforms, they are key ingredients. Let us give you an example for everyone who needs help understanding what we're discussing. Let's say you're playing a hand of blackjack. With a smart contract, your bet would be collected, your game results would be calculated, and in the case of a win, your winnings would be paid out in full. Do you understand? There would be no need for casinos or their staff to be involved in the process. What this does for a player is that it reduces the possibility of fraud and ensures that all rules tied to the game, the bet, and the payout are met in full. When a smart contract is implemented, disputes are less common. With smart contracts, all rules are set in advance, and with this setup, any misunderstanding remains minimal. For bettors, this makes all forms of bets enjoyable and straightforward. The Future of Bitcoin and Live Casino Gaming In terms of digital cu, Bitcoin is an ancient one. It was the first digital currency to meet the digital world, and thus, it holds the most influence. In the world of casino gaming, it is seen as a messiah. According to experts, more and more casinos will have to accept BTC. With time, many casinos will switch to only BTC models. When this happens, the doors will open for Ethereum and Litecoin to receive the same treatment. This revolution is happening as we speak, and by the end of 2024 and by the start of 202, we're going to be there. Here's what will happen. Predictions for 2024/2025 It is always challenging to predict the future. What's worse, it is easy to be wrong. However, we are almost sure that more and more casinos will accept BTC without fault. As we said, Ethereum and Litecoin will receive the same treatment as the following two cryptos once Bitcoin is widely accepted . Furthermore, governments will want to get on the gravy train. In the future, we will see more crypto regulation than ever before. This will be good for everyone as they will receive more trust from a broader audience. When players feel that the industry is safer than before, more of them will flock in to join. The funny thing is that crypto is as secure as it is, and BTC is more secure than any other, but for many onlookers, the blessing from the authorities will mean more than what the situation dictates in their wallets. While everything above is essential, the factor that could overshadow them all is the change in player demographics. Bitcoin casinos might receive a new influx of players, and we're talking about a younger audience that is more adept at using new technologies. When this happens, and BTC casinos receive a new and younger audience, the entire industry might change shape. In most cases, when the youth takes over, it leads to better features and more innovative games. Even the older players would be okay with this. Innovations to Watch Bitcoin in itself is an innovation. Together with a few others, it might shape the world of casino gaming. The one tech that is almost here to look out for is VR. Virtual reality is the game changer. An immersive, virtual casino, much like a real one, where you can wager using digital currencies, is imminent in the foreseeable future. With this innovation, live gaming would become more popular than ever and much more than it is today. While this is amazing, another step forward in the form of tokenized awards is waiting in the shadows. Casinos will soon be able to use blockchain to make this possible. These tokens could be money, cryptocurrency, exclusive access to casino events, or loyalty points. The last but not least addition is the much-talked-about artificial intelligence. In the future, online casinos will play a significant role. AI tools might be used to analyze blockchain data to improve game design or identify data patterns. When this becomes possible, it will be easier for casinos to offer players a more personalized experience. Conclusion Bitcoin is making its rounds around live casino gaming. It is making every transaction faster, reducing fees, and improving safety and security. Thanks to decentralized platforms and blockchain technology, fairness is taken to new levels, and both together are reshaping the industry. As we move into 2024 and 2025, all of these changes will accelerate; we guarantee it. With new innovations on the horizon, the future of live casino gaming looks brighter than ever. Whether you’re a casual player or a high roller, Bitcoin will improve your experience. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

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BREAKING: Trump’s Cryptocurrency Project Bought This Altcoin, According to Onchain Data

According to breaking news, onchain data reveals that Donald Trump's cryptocurrency project World Liberty purchased Ethena (ENA) for $250,000. Onchain records showing Trump's project purchasing $250k worth of ENA. *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: BREAKING: Trump’s Cryptocurrency Project Bought This Altcoin, According to Onchain Data

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Fed’s Third Rate Cut of 2024, Will It Revive XRP and Bitcoin Prices?

The post Fed’s Third Rate Cut of 2024, Will It Revive XRP and Bitcoin Prices? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News As expected, on December 18, 2024, the Federal Reserve lowered the key interest rate by 25 bps, the third consecutive reduction so far in 2024. However, this rate cut announcement cautioned us about additional reductions in the coming years. Fed Cuts Rates by 25 Basis Points This decision has officially lowered the federal funds rate to 4.25% from 4.50%. While inflation remains slightly above the central bank’s target, it has significantly declined from the 40-year high reached during the pandemic peak. Although the effects of this latest rate cut may not be immediately noticeable, it marks a critical step in what appears to be a broader effort by the Federal Reserve to continue reducing rates over time. Despite this expectation of a rate cut, the overall cryptocurrency market remained declining ahead and following the FED announcement. Additionally, there is no sign of price recovery across the crypto market. Will the Crypto Market Recover? According to Coinmarketcap , the overall cryptocurrency market is down by 2.62%. In contrast, major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP , and Solana (SOL) witnessed a price decline of over 2.65%, 2.30%, 4.69%, and 5.15% respectively in the past 24 hours. Source: Coinmarketcap Based on the historical data, the rate cut is undoubtedly favorable for the financial market, including cryptocurrency. However, Min Jung, the research analyst at Presto Labs cited that the upcoming rate cut would create the least impact on Bitcoin’s BTC price. A few analysts further add that the recent rate cut may support the recent price decline to recover soon and gain losses.

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Coinbase Highlights Five Areas In Crypto To Watch Out In 2025

The post Coinbase Highlights Five Areas In Crypto To Watch Out In 2025 appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News Coinbase has shared five influential areas that will shape the future of the cryptocurrency market. It shared that the stablecoins total market cap is at an all-time high of nearly $200B and could move much higher. Tokenized real-word assets (RWAs) grew by 60% to $13.5 billion in 2024. The introduction of US spot Bitcoin ETFs in 2024 has been a game-changer for the crypto landscape, driving increased institutional participation. DeFi’s share of crypto trading volume nearly doubled this year to 14%. It also noted that January will see the swearing-in of the most pro-crypto Congress ever.

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