Big news is buzzing around Ripple Labs ! If you’re following the crypto space, you know that regulatory clarity, or lack thereof, has been a major factor influencing where companies choose to build and grow. Recently, the President of Ripple Labs, Monica Long, shed light on a significant strategic shift: a major Ripple US expansion is now underway, largely thanks to what the company sees as increasingly crypto-friendly policies emerging from the U.S. administration. Why is Ripple Labs Betting Big on US Crypto Policy? For years, the regulatory environment in the United States has been a point of contention and uncertainty for many crypto firms, including Ripple Labs. The ongoing legal battle with the SEC has been a prime example of this. However, recent statements and potential shifts in approach from U.S. regulators and policymakers seem to be instilling a renewed sense of confidence in some industry leaders. Monica Long highlighted in a recent interview that this evolving landscape is a primary driver behind Ripple’s decision to significantly scale up its domestic operations. This isn’t just talk; it involves tangible steps: Increased Hiring: Ripple is actively growing its team within the U.S., bringing in talent to support its expanding initiatives. Exploring M&A: The company is on the lookout for further mergers and acquisitions to bolster its capabilities and market position in the States. Scaling Operations: Beyond just headcount, the infrastructure and operational footprint are being expanded to handle increased business volume domestically. This focus on the U.S. market signals a belief that the regulatory tide may be turning, creating a more favorable environment for crypto businesses to operate and innovate. A Key Move: The Hidden Road Acquisition One concrete example of Ripple’s expansion strategy in action is the recent Hidden Road acquisition . Hidden Road is a prime broker for digital assets, offering services that are crucial for institutional participation in the crypto markets. Acquiring a firm like Hidden Road allows Ripple to: Expand its offerings to institutional clients. Strengthen its presence in the institutional crypto trading and financing space. Integrate prime brokerage services into its existing suite of enterprise solutions. This acquisition is a clear indication that Ripple is not just expanding its team but also strategically acquiring capabilities to enhance its business model within the U.S. and globally, leveraging the perceived shift in US crypto policy . What About a Ripple IPO? A question often asked by investors and market watchers is whether Ripple Labs plans to go public via an initial public offering ( Ripple IPO ). With the company expanding and seemingly finding its footing even amid regulatory challenges, an IPO might seem like a logical next step. However, Monica Long clarified that while the company is well-capitalized – boasting billions in cash reserves – the focus right now is squarely on business growth and expansion, not an IPO. Being well-funded provides Ripple with the flexibility to pursue strategic acquisitions like Hidden Road and invest heavily in its core business areas without immediate pressure from public market demands or the need to raise capital through an offering. This means that while a Ripple IPO remains a possibility in the future, it is not the company’s immediate priority. The current emphasis is on building out its products, services, and market share, particularly within the U.S. as the regulatory picture potentially brightens. Benefits and Challenges of Ripple’s US Focus Ripple’s decision to double down on its Ripple US expansion comes with potential benefits and challenges: Potential Benefits: Capitalizing on a potentially massive domestic market. Closer engagement with U.S. policymakers and regulators to help shape future US crypto policy . Attracting top U.S.-based talent. Leveraging the U.S. financial infrastructure. Potential Challenges: Lingering regulatory uncertainties, despite positive signs. Competition from other crypto firms operating in the U.S. Executing successful integrations of acquisitions like Hidden Road acquisition . Managing the ongoing legal situation while simultaneously expanding. Actionable Insights for the Crypto Community What does this news mean for you, whether you’re an investor, developer, or simply interested in the crypto space? Watch US Crypto Policy: Keep a close eye on developments in U.S. crypto regulation. Ripple’s move suggests industry leaders see positive momentum, which could impact other projects. Understand Ripple’s Strategy: Ripple is focusing on enterprise solutions and institutional services, evidenced by the Hidden Road acquisition . This indicates their primary business direction. Don’t Hold Your Breath for a Ripple IPO: While possible long-term, it’s not happening anytime soon. Their focus is internal growth and strategic M&A. Ripple Labs is Confident: The significant investment in U.S. expansion signals strong confidence from Ripple’s leadership in their future prospects, despite past and present challenges. Summary: Ripple’s Strategic Pivot to the States In conclusion, Ripple Labs is making a calculated and significant move by prioritizing its Ripple US expansion . This strategic pivot is largely influenced by perceived positive shifts in US crypto policy , creating what Ripple sees as a more conducive environment for growth. The company is actively hiring, exploring further M&A opportunities following the notable Hidden Road acquisition , and is well-funded with billions in cash. While the idea of a Ripple IPO is often discussed, President Monica Long confirms it is not an immediate plan, with the current focus firmly on building and scaling the business domestically. This aggressive expansion signals Ripple’s determination to solidify its position in a key global market as regulatory clarity potentially increases. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends and regulatory developments, explore our articles on key developments shaping cryptocurrency institutional adoption.
Recent findings reveal that altcoins often decay rapidly against Bitcoin (BTC), emphasizing Bitcoin’s stability as a long-term investment. Key altcoins like LUNA1, ONG, and BRISE have shown the most severe
The founder of the smart contract platform Cardano ( ADA ), Charles Hoskinson, is warning that the future of Ethereum ( ETH ) could be in question. In an Ask Me Anything (AMA) on his YouTube channel, Hoskinson says he doesn’t “think Ethereum will survive more than 10 to 15 years.” According to Hoskinson, Ethereum faces existential threats both from within its ecosystem and externally. “The [Ethereum] layer-2s will continue to suckle out all of the alpha and people will start fighting and it will get harder and harder for [Ethereum co-founder] Vitalik [Buterin] to be able to hold it together through sheer force of will. And users will gradually migrate to other places and then they’re going to get eclipsed by Bitcoin DeFi (decentralized finance). Because once that turns on, the TVL (total value locked) will be larger than Ethereum and a lot of people will start migrating in that particular direction… …and the other thing is they’re being eaten alive by Solana and Sui and these other things. So, brilliant project. It’s just a victim of its own success. Like MySpace [social network] or any of these other things that have a lot of network effect and momentum. BlackBerry [smartphone] is another example. But people have fundamentally different paradigms that over the long term are intrinsically superior. And they creep up on you.” The Cardano creator says that Ethereum’s problems can be traced to three mistakes made by the founders and developers. “The number one problem Ethereum has is that they took an easy road out where they did three things wrong. So first off, wrong protocols. They have the wrong accounting model, they have the wrong virtual machine and they have the wrong consensus model. All of these were self-inflicted wounds. People told them not to do it, they did it and they got where they needed to go. Second, what they chose to do to solve these problems is put in all these weird slashing economics and layer-twos and other things and now they’re living with all of the consequences of these types of things. And third, they really don’t have a good on-chain governance system So really what needs to happen is you need a parallel track with solving all those three things.” Follow us on X , Facebook and Telegram Don't Miss a Beat – Subscribe to get email alerts delivered directly to your inbox Check Price Action Surf The Daily Hodl Mix Disclaimer: Opinions expressed at The Daily Hodl are not investment advice. Investors should do their due diligence before making any high-risk investments in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency or digital assets. Please be advised that your transfers and trades are at your own risk, and any losses you may incur are your responsibility. The Daily Hodl does not recommend the buying or selling of any cryptocurrencies or digital assets, nor is The Daily Hodl an investment advisor. Please note that The Daily Hodl participates in affiliate marketing. Generated Image: Midjourney The post Cardano Creator Charles Hoskinson Says Ethereum Might Not ‘Survive’ Next 10 to 15 Years – Here Are His Reasons appeared first on The Daily Hodl .
Non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace OpenSea has regained its position as the leading platform for digital collectible trading, even as overall market activity declined. Data tracker NFTScan shows that OpenSea has held the top spot in NFT marketplaces’ trading volume for the last 30 days. According to the data site, OpenSea holds over 40% of the market’s trading volume, while Blur, its largest competitor, is at 23%. Meanwhile, the NFT platform Magic Eden has a 7.69% market share, while OKX NFTs have a 5% market share. The data tracker also shows that in the last month, almost 70% of the wallets transacting with NFTs engaged with OpenSea. The data shows that over 610,000 wallets opted to use OpenSea over its competitors. In the last three months, the data shows OpenSea had over 2.1 million wallets engaging with its platform. By comparison, wallets engaging with Magic Eden, Blur and OKX NFT only reached a combined market share of 17%, around 103,000 wallets. In the last three months, the platforms had a total of 380,000 wallets trading NFTs on their platforms. NFT marketplace wallet distribution data. Source: NFTScan OpenSea regained NFT dominance amid platform developments In the last quarter of 2024, OpenSea continuously promoted the launch of its new platform OS2. At the time, OpenSea co-founder and CEO Devin Finzer said they would “reimagine everything,” and that a new version would come in December. On Feb. 13, OpenSea launched the open beta for OS2, allowing the public to finally use its platform after a period of reserved access for private beta users. At the time, the NFT marketplace also teased the launch of the project’s official token, SEA. Apart from launching a revamped NFT marketplace, the project ventured into crypto token trading. On April 19, the platform announced that it had opened its Solana trading access for all its users, skipping a scheduled closed beta phase limited to 50,000 users. The new feature allows OpenSea users to trade Solana tokens, including popular memecoins like Bonk and Ai16z. In addition to platform developments, the NFT marketplace had also been freed from regulatory scrutiny. On Feb. 22, Finzer announced that the US Securities and Exchange Commission had dropped its investigation into the digital collectible marketplace. Related: Polygon NFTs overtake Ethereum collectibles in 7-day sales NFT sales dropped 61% in the first quarter of 2025 OpenSea is regaining its market dominance amid a slowdown in NFT sales volumes. CryptoSlam data shows that in Q1 2025, NFT sales volumes reached $1.5 billion. This represents a 61% decline compared to the $4.1 billion volume in the same period in 2024. Despite declining sales volumes, some metrics showed that NFTs are still interesting to many traders. CryptoSlam shows over 359,000 NFT buyers in the last seven days, a 52% increase compared to the previous week. Furthermore, despite a volume slowdown, some collections have continuously shown signs of life. In the last seven days, CryptoPunks surged 82% in sales. In the last 30 days, the collection reached almost $20 million in sales volumes. Magazine: Pokémon on Sui rumors, Polymarket bets on Filipino Pope: Asia Express
The post Roger Ver Paid $600K to Donald Trump Ally to Fight Crypto Charges appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News Roger Ver, once known as “Bitcoin Jesus,” is now facing serious charges, including mail fraud, tax evasion, and filing false returns. But Ver isn’t relying on the courts alone—he’s taking his fight to Capitol Hill. $600K Lobbying Effort to Influence Congress According to filings, Ver paid $600,000 to Trump ally Roger Stone to lobby Congress to amend the law he’s accused of breaking. The New York Times reported that Stone was hired in February. Ver denies wrongdoing but admits he struggled to manage his U.S. exit tax, citing Bitcoin market illiquidity at the time. In a January video , Ver made a public appeal to Trump, warning he faces over 100 years in prison for promoting crypto. The government accuses Ver of evading at least $48 million in taxes after renouncing his U.S. citizenship. Ver maintains the situation was complicated, blaming the illiquidity of Bitcoin for making it difficult to comply. Crypto Voices Rally Behind Ver Support for Ver is growing. Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, serving a life sentence, has called for Ver’s pardon, highlighting Ver’s past support. American economist Jeffrey Tucker also defended Ver, calling him a hero being punished for advocating freedom. Ver’s push coincides with Trump’s growing support for crypto and retreat from tough SEC regulations. Whether Ver’s lobbying will pay off remains uncertain, but the message is clear: crypto’s future now runs through political corridors. Why did Roger Ver pay $600,000 to Roger Stone? Roger Ver paid $600,000 to Roger Stone to lobby Congress to amend the law he is accused of breaking and to influence political support for his legal battle. Is Donald Trump’s pro-crypto stance likely to help Roger Ver’s case? Trump’s softer stance on crypto could create a more favorable political environment, but it’s unclear if it will directly impact Ver’s legal outcome. How did Bitcoin’s illiquidity cause Ver’s tax issues? Ver claims Bitcoin’s market was too illiquid when he renounced his U.S. citizenship, making it difficult to sell enough coins to cover his exit tax obligations.
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance, finding a place where cryptocurrency thrives isn’t just about technology; it’s about environment. Crypto enthusiasts, businesses, and investors are constantly seeking locations that offer a supportive ecosystem. According to a recent report, one European capital has risen above the rest, earning the coveted title of the world’s most crypto-friendly city . This recognition highlights not just technological readiness, but a holistic approach embracing the future of finance. Why is Ljubljana Crowned the Most Crypto-Friendly City? The Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, has been recognized by migration advisory firm Multipolitan as the world’s most crypto-friendly city. This significant finding comes from Multipolitan’s 2025 Crypto Report, which evaluated 20 global cities. The ranking isn’t based on a single factor but an all-around assessment covering several crucial areas that contribute to a thriving crypto adoption environment. This comprehensive approach provides a robust picture of what makes a city truly welcoming to the digital asset space. Multipolitan’s methodology delves deep into the elements that matter most to the crypto community. Key factors considered include: Regulatory Environment: Assessing the clarity and supportiveness of local and national regulations concerning cryptocurrencies. A predictable legal framework is vital for both users and businesses. Taxation: Examining how crypto assets and transactions are taxed. Favorable or clear tax policies reduce uncertainty and encourage participation. Crypto Infrastructure: Evaluating the availability of essential services like crypto exchanges, blockchain companies, and the presence of physical infrastructure such as crypto ATMs. Lifestyle Factors: Incorporating broader economic and quality-of-life metrics, including GDP per capita, housing affordability, and internet speed, which indirectly support a tech-savvy population open to crypto. Popularity of Crypto ATMs: A specific metric highlighting accessible points for converting between fiat and crypto, indicating public usage and acceptance. This multi-faceted evaluation places Ljubljana at the forefront, demonstrating a balanced strength across various domains crucial for fostering a positive Slovenia crypto ecosystem. The report indicates that Ljubljana successfully combines supportive policies with tangible infrastructure and a conducive living environment. Ljubljana’s Edge and Global Competition While Ljubljana secured the top spot, the report also highlighted other cities making significant strides. Hong Kong and Switzerland’s Zurich were tied for second place, showcasing their strong positions as financial centers with growing crypto relevance. Their high ranking underscores the global nature of the push towards greater crypto integration, with different regions adopting different strategies to become a leading crypto hub . Ljubljana’s success suggests that a supportive regulatory stance, combined with practical infrastructure and a high quality of life, can outweigh the traditional dominance of larger financial hubs when it comes to crypto-friendliness. This provides a compelling case study for other cities looking to attract crypto talent and investment. Beyond City Limits: Slovenia’s Crypto Wealth The positive news for Slovenia extends beyond just its capital city. The Multipolitan report also ranked countries based on the average wealth held per crypto holder. In this category, Slovenia also topped the list, with an approximate average of $245,000 worth of crypto assets per holder. This statistic is remarkable and suggests not only widespread crypto adoption within the country but also a significant level of investment and potentially long-term holding among its population. It paints a picture of a nation where crypto is not just present, but actively utilized and valued at a high level. What Can We Learn from Ljubljana’s Success? Ljubljana’s recognition as the world’s most crypto-friendly city offers valuable insights for policymakers, businesses, and individuals interested in the future of finance. It underscores the importance of: Clear Regulation: Ambiguity is a major hurdle for crypto growth. Supportive and clear rules build confidence. Accessible Infrastructure: Making it easy for people to buy, sell, and use crypto through ATMs and accessible exchanges is key to mass adoption. Integration with Lifestyle: A city’s overall economic health, connectivity, and affordability contribute to its attractiveness for the crypto community, many of whom value flexibility and digital integration in their lives. The case of Ljubljana demonstrates that being a leading crypto hub is achievable through a deliberate strategy focusing on creating a welcoming environment from multiple angles. Conclusion: Ljubljana Leads the Way Multipolitan’s 2025 Crypto Report shines a spotlight on Ljubljana, Slovenia, as a global leader in fostering a crypto-friendly environment. By excelling in areas like regulation, infrastructure, and lifestyle factors, Ljubljana has set a benchmark for what it means to truly embrace the digital asset revolution. Coupled with Slovenia’s impressive average crypto wealth per holder, the country is positioning itself as a significant player in the global crypto space. As the world continues to navigate the complexities and opportunities of cryptocurrency, cities like Ljubljana provide a clear example of how to build a thriving ecosystem for the future of finance. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our articles on key developments shaping crypto adoption and regulation globally.
MagicBlock, a developer of real-time infrastructure for decentralized games and applications on the Solana blockchain, has secured $7.5 million in a seed funding round. The round was led by Faction Ventures, with participation from Maven 11 Capital, Delphi Digital, Robot Ventures, Mechanism Capital, and Equilibrium. The funding aims to support MagicBlock's efforts to enable fully on-chain gaming experiences on Solana, leveraging scalability features of the Solana network. The company has also received backing from Lightspeed and Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko. Industry observers have praised the MagicBlock team for their innovation and technical expertise in building on the Solana foundation. This is an AI-generated article powered by DeepNewz, curated by The Defiant. For more information, including article sources, visit DeepNewz . To continue reading this as well as other DeFi and Web3 news, visit us at thedefiant.io
OKX, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange, announced the upcoming launch of its OKX Pay Wallet next week. The new wallet is designed as a private keyless solution requiring Know Your Customer (KYC) verification and will be integrated with OKX's Ethereum Layer 2 platform. This launch aims to facilitate broader cryptocurrency adoption by targeting up to one billion users. The OKX Pay Wallet will include a card feature, potentially enabling daily transactions using stablecoins such as USDT. The product is part of OKX's broader strategic focus on regulatory compliance and payment finance (PayFi), reflecting its ongoing investments in user experience, research, and development. OKX has recently enhanced its platform with UI upgrades and expanded access, including availability on the US App Store for both its exchange and wallet applications. This is an AI-generated article powered by DeepNewz, curated by The Defiant. For more information, including article sources, visit DeepNewz . To continue reading this as well as other DeFi and Web3 news, visit us at thedefiant.io
After a sharp market correction that tested conviction across the board, optimism is slowly returning to the crypto sector. Leading the recovery are the usual suspects— Bitcoin , Ethereum , and XRP —each demonstrating that time-tested fundamentals and large-scale adoption matter, especially in turbulent times. These projects have proven they can absorb shocks, adapt quickly, and continue to lead the broader conversation. But as attention settles on familiar names, a new generation of assets is quietly forming its own path forward. One name gaining traction in these early stages is MAGACOINFINANCE . MAGACOINFINANCE Is Earning Respect by Avoiding the Spotlight—and Delivering Anyway While some projects live off hype, MAGACOINFINANCE has taken the opposite approach—building quietly and consistently. It didn’t surge with the market, nor did it fade during the crash. It simply kept developing, growing its user base, and attracting the attention of researchers and early investors who look past surface-level trends. In recent weeks, conversations about MAGACOINFINANCE have shifted. It’s no longer a question of whether the token has potential—it’s about how much of that potential is already being realized. Community strength, wallet metrics, and early integrations all point in one direction: steady, healthy momentum. It’s not trying to outshine giants like Ethereum or Bitcoin . It’s simply carving out space of its own—and doing it well. Rebound Watch: Cardano, Toncoin, Chainlink, and Stellar Cardano continues to play the long game. Its slow, peer-reviewed approach to development can frustrate some, but it has earned deep trust from long-term holders. After the crash, it has rebounded with the same steady resilience that defines its roadmap. Toncoin is expanding its reach via integrations with everyday digital platforms. Its growth trajectory is unique—leaning on mobile usability and mainstream accessibility to drive real-world engagement. Chainlink remains the cornerstone of smart contract data. With nearly every major Decentralized finance protocol depending on its oracles, its value is undeniable. Volatility doesn’t shake its relevance—it reinforces it. Stellar remains mission-driven. Focused on cross-border payments and financial inclusion, its post-crash performance reflects strong backing and continued use in emerging economies and fintech platforms. All four continue to bring substance to the table. But in a market hungry for new momentum, MAGACOINFINANCE is offering something different: the promise of early-stage movement built on execution—not speculation. Closing Outlook The dust hasn’t fully settled, but the direction is clearer. Bitcoin , Ethereum , and XRP continue to inspire confidence. They are the cornerstones of this space for good reason. But as 2025 approaches, investors aren’t just asking which coins will recover. They’re asking which ones are quietly getting ready to lead. MAGACOINFINANCE may not have peaked—because it’s only just begun. To learn more about MAGACOINFINANCE , please visit: Website: https://magacoinfinance.com Twitter/X: https://x.com/magacoinfinance Continue Reading: Post-Crash Optimism Remains for Ethereum, XRP, and Bitcoin (BTC)
The post Top Altcoins to Consider Before Bitcoin Price Revives a Rise Back to $100K appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News Bitcoin price is closely correlated with many altcoins that closely follow the trend. These altcoins have been following the BTC price rally and experiencing a similar price action to the star token. Therefore, now that Bitcoin is believed to revive a strong ascending trend soon, these cryptos are expected to follow and probably rise and reach new highs. The entire market triggered a massive breakout in Q4 2024, which pushed the BTC price to a new ATH close to $109K. This has also elevated the prices of the altcoins like Ethereum, XRP, Litecoin, Solana & Dogecoin. While Ethereum peaked above $4000, XRP above $3.3, Bitcoin almost reached $150, and Dogecoin $0.5. Meanwhile, the winner of the race was Solana, which managed to peak and form a new ATH above $295. While almost the whole market faced a major rejection, followed by a pullback, these altcoins maintained the same ascending consolidation as Bitcoin. The prices of ETH, XRP, LTC, DOGE & SOL have been consolidating since the start of the month but under bullish influence. All of them are testing the resistance strongly and preparing for the next bullish move by the BTC. Once done, these altcoins are believed to trigger a 30% upswing. While Bitcoin price is primed to rise back to $100K after securing the resistance at $95,000, Ethereum price is expected to surge above $2000. Besides, the XRP price is expected to surpass the crucial resistance at $2.6. Meanwhile, Solana’s price is expected to make it to $180, and Dogecoin’s price could surge above $0.2 and eventually reach $0.25. However, to do so, the Bitcoin price is required to close the weekly trade above $95,000 and secure the resistance at $96,800 before the end of the month.