George Town, Grand Cayman, July 24th, 2025, Chainwire Zircuit has announced its next major product: an AI-powered trading engine designed for lightning-fast, cross-chain execution. This launch builds on the success of Zircuit’s Deposit Vaults, which now secure more than $950 million in stablecoins, ETH, and BTC. The new AI Trading Engine—“Hyperliquid for AI Trading”—unlocks real-time signal detection and one-click automated trading across both EVM chains and Solana. Together, these two flagship products create a complete on-chain financial toolkit: Deposit Vaults deliver passive, secure yield with institutional-grade security. AI Trading Engine empowers active traders with real-time signal detection and cross-chain execution, backed by Zircuit-grade reliability. “At Zircuit, our mission is to make on-chain finance both safer and smarter,” said Dr. Martin Derka, co-founder of Zircuit. “This new engine combines real-time AI insights with seamless execution, all without sacrificing the security standards our users trust.” How it works: AI Signal Detection: Scans on-chain and off-chain data to identify alpha before it disappears. Cross-Chain Auto-Routing: Executes on the best-priced venues. One-Click Strategies: Handles wallets, gas, and slippage so users can start trading instantly. Zircuit-Grade Security: Every contract inherits the same battle-tested security stack that protects Zircuit’s vaults, including sequencer-level security and anti-phishing tech. Rollout Timeline: Closed Beta: Late July 2025 (invite-only for vault users) Public Launch: August 2025 with SDK access for strategy builders Ecosystem Grants: Q4 2025 with 10M ZRC to support community-built AI models Vault users can expect beta invitations on their dashboards, along with trading incentives and prizes. New users who join Deposit Vaults now will receive fee rebates on future AI trading. Developers and quants should stay tuned for an upcoming AI-trading competition featuring grants, bounties, and rewards. For more information, users can visit zircuit.com and connect on X/Twitter @ZircuitL2 . About Zircuit Zircuit : Where innovation meets security, designed for everyone. Zircuit offers developers powerful features while giving users peace of mind. Designed by a team of web3 security veterans and PhDs, Zircuit combines high performance with unmatched security. Experience the safest chain for DeFi and staking. ContactHead of CommunicationsJennifer ZhengZircuitjen@zircuit.com Disclaimer: This is a sponsored press release and is for informational purposes only. It does not reflect the views of Crypto Daily, nor is it intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice.
Key Takeaways: Web3 platforms lost $3.1 billion in H1 2025, already surpassing full-year 2024 losses. Access control failures were the leading cause, followed by phishing and smart contract bugs. AI-related attack vectors rose by 1,025%, showing risks in inference layers and APIs. Web3 projects lost $3.1 billion to exploits and scams in the first half of 2025, according to the Hacken 2025 Half-Year Web3 Security Report published July 24 . 2025 is already the most expensive year in Web3 security, and we’re only halfway through. $3.1B lost. Social engineering. AI-driven exploits. Protocol design flaws. Our Half-Year Report breaks it all down and shows how to defend against what’s next: https://t.co/6x8JDjkmJT pic.twitter.com/hQjxTvpjlN — Hacken (@hackenclub) July 24, 2025 The report states that the amount lost in H1 this year has already exceeded the total losses recorded across all of 2024. It attributes $1.83 billion of this amount to access control exploits, the majority of which occurred in Q1. AI-Related Exploits Explode by 10x in Web3 Phishing and social engineering attacks accounted for $600 million, a sharp increase from the previous year. Another $263 million was lost due to smart contract vulnerabilities, marking DeFi’s most damaging quarter since early 2023. Hacken identified a surge in AI-related exploits, with incident volume rising by 1,025% compared to H2 2024. These cases stemmed from issues such as insecure API design, improper model access restrictions, and weak user input filtering in AI inference layers. The single largest incident in the period was the $290 million Munchables breach, followed by $136 million lost in the Pike Finance series of attacks. The Uniswap V4 ecosystem also recorded its first major hook-related exploit, resulting in a $12 million loss. According to the report, Ethereum accounted for 61.4% of total losses, while BNB Chain and Arbitrum represented 20.2% and 11.4%, respectively. Exploits on Ethereum L2s and alt-L1s made up the remainder. Security Enhancements in Exigent Need “2025 has been a wake-up call,” said Hacken Co-Founder and CBDO Yevheniia Broshevan. “As blockchain reaches enterprise scale and regulations advance, cybersecurity becomes a core business function.” The report recommends continuous monitoring and automated defense systems to address rising threats. It also warns that standard auditing remains insufficient given the increased complexity of integrated systems and AI models in Web3 environments. DeFi protocols made up nearly 69% of all incidents tracked in H1 2025. CeFi incidents were fewer but tended to result in higher individual losses. The report also noted a growing overlap between financial and infrastructure attack vectors. The rise in AI-driven exploits exposes the challenge facing the crypto industry: the rapid adoption of complex technologies outpacing the development of security frameworks. At the same time, geopolitical actors and financially motivated groups have begun to treat blockchain infrastructure as high-value targets. The convergence of traditional cybersecurity threats with on-chain vulnerabilities may require new regulatory coordination between Web3-native firms, national agencies, and cybersecurity vendors. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) How might regulations like MiCA or the EU AI Act influence future Web3 security practices? These frameworks may impose formal governance, model validation requirements, and real-time monitoring standards that force protocols to integrate cybersecurity by design rather than after deployment. Are smaller protocols more vulnerable to these complex attacks? Yes. The report implies that limited technical resources and overreliance on third-party tooling leave smaller teams exposed, especially as AI integrations expand without clear defensive standards. Is there any indication of coordination between threat actors? While not explicitly detailed, the increase in sophisticated, cross-layer attacks suggests potential collaboration or tooling exchanges between financially motivated hackers and more organized adversarial groups. The post Hacken Report Flags $3.1B Web3 Meltdown, 1,025% Spike in AI Attacks appeared first on Cryptonews .
BitcoinWorld Zircuit Launches AI Trading Engine for Lightning-Fast, Cross-Chain Trading George Town, Grand Cayman, July 24th, 2025, Chainwire Zircuit has announced its next major product: an AI-powered trading engine designed for lightning-fast, cross-chain execution. This launch builds on the success of Zircuit’s Deposit Vaults, which now secure more than $950 million in stablecoins, ETH, and BTC. The new AI Trading Engine—“Hyperliquid for AI Trading”—unlocks real-time signal detection and one-click automated trading across both EVM chains and Solana. Together, these two flagship products create a complete on-chain financial toolkit: Deposit Vaults deliver passive, secure yield with institutional-grade security. AI Trading Engine empowers active traders with real-time signal detection and cross-chain execution, backed by Zircuit-grade reliability. “At Zircuit, our mission is to make on-chain finance both safer and smarter,” said Dr. Martin Derka, co-founder of Zircuit. “This new engine combines real-time AI insights with seamless execution, all without sacrificing the security standards our users trust.” How it works: AI Signal Detection: Scans on-chain and off-chain data to identify alpha before it disappears. Cross-Chain Auto-Routing: Executes on the best-priced venues. One-Click Strategies: Handles wallets, gas, and slippage so users can start trading instantly. Zircuit-Grade Security: Every contract inherits the same battle-tested security stack that protects Zircuit’s vaults, including sequencer-level security and anti-phishing tech. Rollout Timeline: Closed Beta: Late July 2025 (invite-only for vault users) Public Launch: August 2025 with SDK access for strategy builders Ecosystem Grants: Q4 2025 with 10M ZRC to support community-built AI models Vault users can expect beta invitations on their dashboards, along with trading incentives and prizes. New users who join Deposit Vaults now will receive fee rebates on future AI trading. Developers and quants should stay tuned for an upcoming AI-trading competition featuring grants, bounties, and rewards. For more information, users can visit zircuit.com and connect on X/Twitter @ZircuitL2 . About Zircuit Zircuit : Where innovation meets security, designed for everyone. Zircuit offers developers powerful features while giving users peace of mind. Designed by a team of web3 security veterans and PhDs, Zircuit combines high performance with unmatched security. Experience the safest chain for DeFi and staking. Contact Head of Communications Jennifer Zheng Zircuit jen@zircuit.com This post Zircuit Launches AI Trading Engine for Lightning-Fast, Cross-Chain Trading first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by chainwire
July 24th, 2025 – George Town, Grand Cayman Zircuit has announced its next major product: an AI-powered trading engine designed for lightning-fast, cross-chain execution. This launch builds on the success of Zircuit’s Deposit Vaults, which now secure more than $950 million in stablecoins, ETH, and BTC. The new AI Trading Engine—“Hyperliquid for AI Trading”—unlocks real-time signal detection and one-click automated trading across both EVM chains and Solana. Together, these two flagship products create a complete on-chain financial toolkit: Deposit Vaults deliver passive, secure yield with institutional-grade security. AI Trading Engine empowers active traders with real-time signal detection and cross-chain execution, backed by Zircuit-grade reliability. “At Zircuit, our mission is to make on-chain finance both safer and smarter,” said Dr. Martin Derka, co-founder of Zircuit. “This new engine combines real-time AI insights with seamless execution, all without sacrificing the security standards our users trust.” How it works: AI Signal Detection: Scans on-chain and off-chain data to identify alpha before it disappears. Cross-Chain Auto-Routing: Executes on the best-priced venues. One-Click Strategies: Handles wallets, gas, and slippage so users can start trading instantly. Zircuit-Grade Security: Every contract inherits the same battle-tested security stack that protects Zircuit’s vaults, including sequencer-level security and anti-phishing tech. Rollout Timeline: Closed Beta: Late July 2025 (invite-only for vault users) Public Launch: August 2025 with SDK access for strategy builders Ecosystem Grants: Q4 2025 with 10M ZRC to support community-built AI models Vault users can expect beta invitations on their dashboards, along with trading incentives and prizes. New users who join Deposit Vaults now will receive fee rebates on future AI trading. Developers and quants should stay tuned for an upcoming AI-trading competition featuring grants, bounties, and rewards. For more information, users can visit zircuit.com and connect on X/Twitter @ZircuitL2 . About Zircuit Zircuit : Where innovation meets security, designed for everyone. Zircuit offers developers powerful features while giving users peace of mind. Designed by a team of web3 security veterans and PhDs, Zircuit combines high performance with unmatched security. Experience the safest chain for DeFi and staking. Contact Head of Communications Jennifer Zheng Zircuit jen@zircuit.com This content is sponsored and should be regarded as promotional material. Opinions and statements expressed herein are those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of The Daily Hodl. The Daily Hodl is not a subsidiary of or owned by any ICOs, blockchain startups or companies that advertise on our platform. Investors should do their due diligence before making any high-risk investments in any ICOs, blockchain startups or cryptocurrencies. Please be advised that your investments are at your own risk, and any losses you may incur are your responsibility. Follow Us on X Facebook Telegram Check out the Latest Industry Announcements The post Zircuit Launches AI Trading Engine for Lightning-Fast, Cross-Chain Trading appeared first on The Daily Hodl .
George Town, Grand Cayman, July 24th, 2025, Chainwire Zircuit has announced its next major product: an AI-powered trading engine designed for lightning-fast, cross-chain execution. This launch builds on the success of Zircuit’s Deposit Vaults, which now secure more than $950 million in stablecoins, ETH, and BTC. The new AI Trading Engine—“Hyperliquid for AI Trading”—unlocks real-time signal detection and one-click automated trading across both EVM chains and Solana. Together, these two flagship products create a complete on-chain financial toolkit: Deposit Vaults deliver passive, secure yield with institutional-grade security. AI Trading Engine empowers active traders with real-time signal detection and cross-chain execution, backed by Zircuit-grade reliability. “At Zircuit, our mission is to make on-chain finance both safer and smarter,” said Dr. Martin Derka, co-founder of Zircuit. “This new engine combines real-time AI insights with seamless execution, all without sacrificing the security standards our users trust.” How it works: AI Signal Detection: Scans on-chain and off-chain data to identify alpha before it disappears. Cross-Chain Auto-Routing: Executes on the best-priced venues. One-Click Strategies: Handles wallets, gas, and slippage so users can start trading instantly. Zircuit-Grade Security: Every contract inherits the same battle-tested security stack that protects Zircuit’s vaults, including sequencer-level security and anti-phishing tech. Rollout Timeline: Closed Beta: Late July 2025 (invite-only for vault users) Public Launch: August 2025 with SDK access for strategy builders Ecosystem Grants: Q4 2025 with 10M ZRC to support community-built AI models Vault users can expect beta invitations on their dashboards, along with trading incentives and prizes. New users who join Deposit Vaults now will receive fee rebates on future AI trading. Developers and quants should stay tuned for an upcoming AI-trading competition featuring grants, bounties, and rewards. For more information, users can visit zircuit.com and connect on X/Twitter @ZircuitL2 . About Zircuit Zircuit : Where innovation meets security, designed for everyone. Zircuit offers developers powerful features while giving users peace of mind. Designed by a team of web3 security veterans and PhDs, Zircuit combines high performance with unmatched security. Experience the safest chain for DeFi and staking. ContactHead of CommunicationsJennifer ZhengZircuitjen@zircuit.com Disclaimer: This is a sponsored press release and is for informational purposes only. It does not reflect the views of Bitzo, nor is it intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice.
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BitcoinWorld Ethereum Whale’s Astounding Accumulation Signals Bullish Trends The crypto world is abuzz with a fascinating development: the emergence of a colossal new player, an Ethereum whale , whose recent movements have sent ripples across the market. Imagine a freshly minted wallet, appearing seemingly out of nowhere, and immediately beginning to absorb massive quantities of ETH. This isn’t just a minor transaction; we’re talking about hundreds of millions of dollars in digital assets, signaling a potentially significant shift in the landscape. Onchain Lens, a prominent analytics platform, recently brought this intriguing activity to light via X, capturing the attention of analysts and investors alike. This new entity’s rapid accumulation of Ethereum raises a myriad of questions about its identity, its intentions, and what this could mean for the future trajectory of one of the world’s leading cryptocurrencies. Who is This Mysterious Ethereum Whale and What Are They Doing? The spotlight is firmly on a newly created wallet that has wasted no time establishing itself as a formidable Ethereum whale . According to the detailed report from Onchain Lens, this wallet has been on an aggressive accumulation spree, receiving a staggering 87,275 ETH, valued at approximately $320 million, from Galaxy OTC. This was followed by another substantial acquisition of 16,472 ETH, worth about $61.43 million, from FalconX. In total, this single, fresh wallet has amassed over 103,747 ETH, translating to a grand sum exceeding $381 million in a remarkably short period. But what exactly does it mean to receive funds from “OTC” desks like Galaxy OTC and FalconX? OTC, or Over-The-Counter, trading involves direct transactions between two parties, typically outside of traditional exchanges. These deals are often preferred by institutional investors, high-net-worth individuals, or large corporations looking to buy or sell significant amounts of cryptocurrency without impacting market prices on public exchanges. The sheer volume of ETH acquired through these channels suggests a highly sophisticated and well-funded entity operating with a clear strategy, rather than a typical retail investor. The fact that this is a “newly created wallet” further fuels the mystery, indicating fresh capital entering the Ethereum ecosystem rather than a transfer from an existing large holder. Decoding the Massive ETH Accumulation: What Signals Are We Seeing? The actions of an Ethereum whale , especially one accumulating such a vast sum, are rarely random. There are several compelling theories and signals that market observers are trying to decode: Institutional Interest: The most common interpretation is the entry of a large institution. Pension funds, hedge funds, or even large corporations might be quietly building positions in Ethereum as part of a long-term investment strategy. The use of OTC desks strongly supports this, as institutions prioritize privacy and minimal market disruption for their large trades. Long-Term Bullish Outlook: Such a significant accumulation often signals a strong belief in Ethereum’s long-term potential. This whale might be betting on the continued growth of the Ethereum ecosystem, the success of its scaling solutions (like sharding), or its role in the decentralized finance (DeFi) and NFT sectors. They could be anticipating future price appreciation, making these current prices attractive for a large entry. Staking Preparations: With Ethereum’s transition to Proof-of-Stake, holding ETH allows participation in staking, earning yield. This massive accumulation could be a precursor to a large-scale staking operation, where the whale intends to lock up their ETH to secure the network and earn rewards. This would reduce the circulating supply of ETH, potentially leading to upward price pressure. Supply Shock Potential: When a single entity accumulates such a large amount of an asset, it can reduce the available supply on exchanges. If this ETH is moved off exchanges and held in cold storage or staked, it creates a supply squeeze, which historically can lead to significant price increases if demand remains constant or grows. Understanding these potential motives is crucial for anyone trying to gauge the market’s future direction. The move by this particular Ethereum whale is not just a statistic; it’s a potential harbinger of things to come. Historical Precedent: What Past Ethereum Whale Moves Tell Us? History often rhymes, especially in the volatile world of cryptocurrencies. Observing the patterns of an Ethereum whale is a time-honored tradition among on-chain analysts. Past instances of significant ETH accumulation by large entities have frequently preceded notable market movements. For example, during periods of market consolidation or perceived undervaluation, whales tend to “buy the dip,” accumulating quietly before a major price rally. Conversely, large distributions by whales can sometimes signal an impending downturn or profit-taking phase. While past performance is not indicative of future results, the sheer scale of this new wallet’s acquisition draws parallels to other periods of intense institutional or high-net-worth interest. These aren’t speculative day trades; they represent strategic positioning. This kind of capital deployment suggests a deeper conviction in Ethereum’s fundamental value proposition and its long-term viability as a foundational layer for the decentralized internet. The sustained nature of these large buys, even if from a new wallet, speaks volumes about confidence in the asset. Implications for the Ethereum Market: Is a Bullish Wave Approaching? The emergence of this massive Ethereum whale and its aggressive buying behavior naturally leads to speculation about its implications for the broader Ethereum market. A significant inflow of capital, particularly from entities operating through OTC desks, is often viewed as a bullish indicator. Here’s why: Increased Demand & Scarcity: Every ETH accumulated by this whale is effectively taken out of the immediate circulating supply available for trading on public exchanges. If this trend continues or if other large players follow suit, it creates an imbalance between supply and demand, potentially driving up the price of ETH. Market Confidence Boost: Large institutional buying can instill confidence in the market. When major players commit significant capital, it signals to smaller investors and even other institutions that Ethereum is a legitimate and valuable asset, potentially attracting more investment. Reduced Volatility (Potentially): While large buys can cause initial price spikes, if the ETH is being accumulated for long-term holding or staking, it can reduce overall market volatility by removing a large chunk of supply from active trading, leading to more stable price action over time. However, it’s also important to consider the flip side. While the immediate sentiment is often positive, the sheer concentration of ETH in one new wallet could also represent a future risk if the whale decides to sell a large portion of their holdings. Yet, for now, the prevailing sentiment among analysts leans towards this being a strong vote of confidence in Ethereum’s future. Navigating the Waters: What Should Investors Do About This Ethereum Whale Activity? For the average investor, the activity of an Ethereum whale can be both exciting and daunting. While it’s tempting to follow such large moves, it’s crucial to approach this information with a clear strategy and a dose of caution. Here are some actionable insights: Stay Informed: Continue to monitor on-chain data and reports from reputable sources like Onchain Lens. Understanding the flow of large capital can provide valuable context for market movements. Conduct Your Own Research: Don’t solely rely on whale movements as a basis for investment decisions. Dive deep into Ethereum’s fundamentals, technological advancements, ecosystem growth, and overall market conditions. Risk Management is Key: Large accumulations are not guarantees of future price increases. The crypto market remains volatile. Always invest only what you can afford to lose and consider dollar-cost averaging to mitigate risk. Long-Term vs. Short-Term: Consider your own investment horizon. Whales often operate on long-term strategies. If your goal is short-term trading, their moves might not align with your objectives. Diversify: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. While Ethereum is a strong asset, a diversified portfolio can help weather market fluctuations. Ultimately, the actions of this newly identified Ethereum whale serve as a powerful data point, indicating significant interest and capital flowing into the Ethereum ecosystem. It underscores the growing maturity and institutional appeal of digital assets, but individual investors should always make decisions based on their own financial situation and risk tolerance. The emergence of a new, colossal Ethereum whale accumulating over $381 million in ETH from OTC desks is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing developments in the crypto space recently. This aggressive buying, reported by Onchain Lens, signals a strong belief in Ethereum’s long-term value, likely driven by institutional interest, staking preparations, or a strategic move to capitalize on future growth. While the identity of this mysterious entity remains unknown, its actions underscore the increasing flow of significant capital into the digital asset market, potentially paving the way for a bullish future for ETH. As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, keeping an eye on such large-scale movements provides invaluable insights into the broader market sentiment and potential trajectories. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What is an Ethereum whale? A1: An Ethereum whale refers to an individual or entity holding a very large amount of Ethereum (ETH), typically enough to significantly influence market prices through their buying or selling activities. Their transactions are closely monitored by analysts for insights into market sentiment and potential future movements. Q2: What does “accumulating ETH” mean in this context? A2: In this context, “accumulating ETH” means that a newly created wallet has been actively purchasing and holding large quantities of Ethereum, rather than selling it. This behavior often suggests a long-term bullish outlook, as the holder is building a significant position in anticipation of future price appreciation or for strategic purposes like staking. Q3: What are Galaxy OTC and FalconX? A3: Galaxy OTC and FalconX are Over-The-Counter (OTC) trading desks. These platforms facilitate direct, large-volume cryptocurrency trades between buyers and sellers, often institutions or high-net-worth individuals, without routing them through public exchanges. This method helps prevent large orders from causing significant price volatility on the open market. Q4: How might this Ethereum whale’s activity affect ETH price? A4: Large-scale accumulation by an Ethereum whale can potentially lead to a bullish impact on ETH price. By removing significant amounts of ETH from the circulating supply, it can create scarcity. If demand remains strong or grows, this reduced supply could drive prices upward. It also signals strong confidence in Ethereum, potentially attracting more investors. Q5: Is this a definite sign of a bull run for Ethereum? A5: While the activity of this Ethereum whale is a strong positive signal and indicates significant institutional interest, it is not a guaranteed predictor of a bull run. The crypto market is influenced by numerous factors, including macroeconomic conditions, regulatory changes, and broader market sentiment. It’s one strong data point among many to consider. Q6: Should I invest in ETH because of this whale’s actions? A6: The actions of any single large entity, including an Ethereum whale , should not be the sole basis for your investment decisions. Always conduct your own thorough research, understand the risks involved, consider your personal financial situation and investment goals, and consult with a financial advisor if needed. This article provides information, not financial advice. Did this deep dive into the mysterious Ethereum whale and its astounding accumulation pique your interest? Share this article with your friends, fellow investors, and on your social media channels to spark a conversation about the future of Ethereum and the impact of these colossal market movers! To learn more about the latest Ethereum trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Ethereum price action. This post Ethereum Whale’s Astounding Accumulation Signals Bullish Trends first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team
OpenAI is preparing for the launch of its highly anticipated next-generation AI model, GPT-5. Recent statements from the company's CEO, Sam Altman, and leaked information suggest the model could be available as early as August. Following the development, the WLD price experienced volatility due to Sam Altman being the CEO of OpenAI and also the founder of Worldcoin (WLD). Chart showing the volatility of the WLD price. While Microsoft engineers began preparing the server infrastructure for GPT-5 in the first months of the year, the model's release was postponed until August following various tests and delays. Altman made noteworthy remarks about GPT-5's capabilities in a podcast. He stated that he was struggling to answer a question, and he posed it to GPT-5, which the model responded perfectly. “I felt unnecessary,” Altman said, noting that AI's ability to access information surpasses human capabilities. Related News: BREAKING: Important Development for Toncoin (TON) - Ton Foundation Announces Major TON Treasury Partnership with a Company While not yet officially unveiled, some features of GPT-5 have leaked to the public. OpenAI will reportedly offer “mini” and “nano” versions of the new model via API. GPT-5 will also reportedly incorporate OpenAI's previously introduced advanced reasoning capabilities, called o3. Altman stated that this integration is part of the company's goal of achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI). However, OpenAI's planned release dates have varied in the past for various reasons. These dates can be affected by technical challenges encountered during the development process, server capacity, and model announcements from competing companies. Indeed, OpenAI announced that its open language model, originally expected to be released this month, was delayed due to security testing. *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: OpenAI’s GPT-5 Model Launch Date Leaked – Surprise Altcoin Price Affected
GameSquare (GAME), a Nasdaq-traded company, has acquired a rare CryptoPunks NFT in exchange for preferred shares. The deal marks the potential for reserves based on valuable on-chain art. GameSquare (GAME) struck a deal to acquire CryptoPunk #5577, a rare NFT that is one of the 25 special edition Ape Punks. The previous owner, Compound’s founder Robert Leshner, sold the NFT in exchange for $5.15M in preferred shares. The NFT, also known as Cowboy Ape, is already used for GameSquare’s X profile. GameSquare has acquired the iconic Cowboy Ape #5577 CryptoPunk from DeFi pioneer @rleshner in a $5.15M strategic investment. We also added $10M of ETH to our treasury, bringing total Ethereum treasury holdings to over $52 million. pic.twitter.com/U2LFaPqECm — GameSquare Holdings Inc. (@GSQHoldings) July 24, 2025 The rare Punk was first claimed in 2017 and has received multiple bids over the years. The highest bid was for $122.82M in August 2021. Leshner held out through multiple other offers, offering higher valuations in USD and ETH terms. Even during crypto winter, the NFT received regular offers. Leshner acquired the NFT in early 2022, when the market was already unraveling. The rare item then spent years in “crypto winter,” where NFTs were seen as a failed experiment. However, several collections held short-term rallies and responded to positive news. Leshner will receive payment in the form of preferred GameSquare shares valued at $5.15M. The shares are convertible into GameSquare common stock at $1.50 per share. Currently, GameSquare trades at $1.30, incentivizing Leshner to keep the preferred shares. The rare Cowboy Ape has already been transferred to a new wallet , which holds three other Punks. GameSquare already holds 10,170 ETH , after its latest $10M purchase. The company aims to signal its alignment with the Ethereum ecosystem, by holding rare and valuable items. Are NFTs returning in 2025? The GameSquare deal is starting to look similar to the creation of crypto treasuries, though this time, the company acquires an NFT. The appeal of NFTs returned as ETH broke above $3,800, sparking hopes for a return to valuable on-chain art. In the past weeks, the NFT sector recovered, boosting the floor price of top collections. NFT items rallied after several quarters of decline, driven by the long downtime of OpenSea. Currently, NFTs are coming back in fashion, with Ethereum minting a special item to mark its 10th anniversary. Influencer Arthur Hayes commented that CryptoPunks may become a prominent collection again, surpassing Ethereum’s appeal. Yat Siu, the chairman of Animoca Brands, also believes NFTs will return this bull cycle and boost Ethereum’s influence. CryptoPunks retain top status CryptoPunks recovered its floor price to over 48 ETH, raising the value of the entire 10,000-item collection. The current price floor is the highest since March 2024, and marks a six-month expansion. The collection grew its trading to over 690 ETH per day. CryptoPunks are considered a blue chip NFT, and among the few to be offered through a Sotheby’s auction . The collection is drawing attention, as the items are also connected to DeFi. One personal collection is used as collateral to borrow $15M. To retain the 112 items acquired at launch for just $200, the early buyer pays $5,500 in daily interest. In the meantime, the collection has grown in value, and the backstory of the NFTs makes them even more interesting. The usage of NFTs as collateral may also be a precursor to corporate collections, especially for Ethereum treasury companies. So far, no BTC treasury company has owned Ordinals, unless the collectible items were sent as a gimmick to the treasury wallets. Your crypto news deserves attention - KEY Difference Wire puts you on 250+ top sites
The defunct crypto exchange FTX has announced that it will begin its next round of payments to creditors on September 30. This marks the third significant payout to creditors since the crypto exchange collapsed and filed for bankruptcy in 2022. Also, the record date for eligible claim holders to receive their funds has been set for August 15. This follows a significant court decision to reduce the claims reserve, unlocking billions for distribution. $1.9B Cleared for Distribution After Reserve Cut In its latest update, FTX confirmed that the bankruptcy court approved a reduction in the claims reserve from $6.5 billion to $4.3 billion. This decision releases $1.9 billion for the next round of creditor payouts. FTX did not reveal the exact amount that will be distributed on September 30. Nevertheless, the approval gives fresh hope to thousands of former users who have been awaiting repayment. So far, FTX has paid out about $6.2 billion in total to creditors through two earlier rounds. In February, the company returned $1.2 billion and paid out $5 billion in May to creditors . The whole repayment plan aims to deliver between $14.7 billion and $16.5 billion, depending on the type of claim and its assessed value. Most Creditors Set to Recover More Than Initial Claims FTX’s plan is expected to repay about 98% of creditors at least 119% of their original claims. This is based on the values at the time of the company’s collapse in 2022. However, this has not been without controversy. Some creditors argue that the recovery plan undervalues crypto assets, as the broader crypto market has surged since the time of bankruptcy. All distributions will be processed through BitGo, Kraken, and Payoneer, which will handle the logistics of the payouts. Crypto traders believe that the next wave of repayments could bring new liquidity into the market, particularly for altcoins, as recipients may reinvest their funds. Court Rejects Immediate Forfeiture in Restricted Countries In a separate legal move, the FTX Recovery Trust submitted a motion on July 4. As revealed in a recent X post , the company asked the court for permission to cancel and reverse creditor claims in restricted jurisdictions. These include countries where such payments may be illegal, such as China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. The motion caused an intense backlash, with creditors from those regions filing formal objections . The bankruptcy court reviewed the issue in a hearing on Tuesday and rejected the original proposal. The court instructed FTX to revise the motion by removing the “immediate forfeiture” clause. It also allowed creditors in restricted regions to transfer and access their claims through different, legally approved jurisdictions. The post FTX Sets September 30 for Next Creditor Payout appeared first on TheCoinrise.com .