HodlX Guest Post Submit Your Post How liquid staking and restaking are reshaping the DeFi landscape in 2025 Since its inception, the DeFi (decentralized finance) ecosystem has transformed unbelievably, with staking mechanisms evolving and no longer existing in the simple form of receiving PoS (proof-of-stake) rewards, as they are currently being advanced as quite elaborate yield-generating schemes. The rise of liquid staking and restaking protocols is one of the essential DeFi trends of 2025, as the technology transforms how users engage with blockchains to get rewards and obtain returns. Difficulty in registering disasters and disaster gaps filling the traditional staking bottleneck Despite its role as the basis of PoS networks, classical staking has long entailed two potential costs – its users have to give up liquidity by locking the tokens to provide their network with security and earn remuneration in society. Such a constraint has always kept other investors outside the process of staking, especially those interested in having the freedom of selling or frequently using their resources, like in other DeFi services and protocols. As DeFi transitioned into a mature product, the problem was even more imminent. The users were forced to either stake to receive the staking rewards or engage in other yield-generating ones , such as lending, borrowing or supplying liquidity to DEXs (decentralized exchanges). To a large extent, this type of either-or situation left too much value at the table, resulting in inefficient use of capital throughout the ecosystem. That is the liquid staking revolution. Liquid staking was created to solve this dilemma elegantly and enable the user to stake their tokens and maintain liquid derivative tokens reflecting their stake. These LSTs (liquid staking tokens) are freely tradable. They can be secured as collateral or create leverage in other DeFi protocols, thus removing what is known as the liquidity penalty of traditional staking. This idea became popular with protocols like Lido Finance that offered stETH (staked Ethereum) as a fluid version of staked ETH. This new technology made the possible use cases and yield strategies floodgates. By now, users could stake ETH and in return, get their teeth – then use it in DeFi solutions like providing liquidity on DEXs, gaining more rewards by lending protocols or following other DeFi ideas. The implications have been enormous. These protocols boosted the overall security of the network by allowing staked assets to be withdrawn when a stake was less likely to be attacked by a lazy observer, since this raised the number of people staking – thus making the network more secure – and because it added capital to the DeFi ecosystem by making more capital available to be staked and therefore used by all the protocols available. The new frontier – r estaking Restaking has become the logical upgrade based on the effectiveness of liquid staking. With restaking, the users may increase the security assurances of their collateral possessions to cover other blockchain services and protocols and earn other payoffs simultaneously. EigenLayer is one of the first to enter this market, and they have developed what some are referring to as a paradigm shift in how blockchain security is handled. Instead of having each new protocol require booting up its security, restaking enables sharing staked assets to secure many services via a single staking set. That makes the security model more efficient and gives stakes more revenue opportunities. The technology does not end at that point. The LRTs (liquid restaking tokens) are a second layer of such an ecosystem and enable the liquidity of restated positions in the same way LSTs enable traditional staking. This forms a compound effect where users can obtain rewards generated by a single source while keeping their liquidity and capability to engage in other DeFi processes. The awakening of the institution The fact that more and more institutions have become interested in the DeFi staking mechanisms was perhaps the most critical development in 2025. DeFi has been used to define many of the current financial services based in the traditional financial world, but they are becoming more open to the value proposition of these developed staking tactics. Several factors are causing the shift. First, the regulatory climate has improved, and some straightforward rules are crystallizing regarding the staking of digital assets and DeFi engagement. Second, the infrastructure has become highly mature, and forms of institutional-grade custody and compliance tools allow traditional finance to enter the space more safely. Leading financial institutions have stopped seeing DeFi as a speculative turf and instead see it as a plausible yield source that can supplement conventional investment. The fact that liquid staking and restaking protocols allow for the earning of many incomes – keeping the option of moving the positions due to varying market realities – fits the practices of institutional risk management. Risks and its considerations and challenges Along with the thrilling prospects, the development of staking procedures has given rise to new risks that one will have to pay close attention to. The risk of smart contracts has also been compounded, given that people are dealing with more complex protocols. All abstractions between liquid staking, restaking and liquid restaking introduce possible sources of failure. There are more nuances to slashing risks. In classical staking, users are subjected to cuts due to validator malpractices on an individual network. When restaking, these risks add on top of each other on various services and protocols. When a validator is malicious when securing more than one network by staking, the fines may even be more drastic. The complexity of such systems also causes new types of systemic risk. The more capital that flows into interconnected staking protocols, the greater the chance of an escalating failure. The potential effects of a serious problem with one of the largest liquid staking providers on the DeFi ecosystem are huge. To the future – Future of yield This path of the development of DeFi staking speaks of the idea that we are just at the beginning of a paradigm shift, like blockchain networks secured and rewarded to users. The concept of yield staking – the possibility to earn more than one source of income on one underlying asset – is becoming more advanced. Further advancements can also involve cross-chain restaking when the value staked on the first blockchain can be used to secure the services on the other chains. This would make the multi-chain ecosystem even more intertwined and efficient and present users with even more varied sources of revenue. There is also a high probability that integrating traditional finance with such DeFi mechanisms will speed up. There is a potential to create new financial instruments to offer the DeFi rates to the conventional investment portfolio as institutions gain more comfort with the risk-reward curves of more advanced staking strategies. Clarity of regulation will remain extremely important to this evolution. The more lawmakers and regulatory authorities have an insight into the inner workings of these systems, the more guidelines of ease or restriction may emerge that can either speed up the use of these mechanisms or narrow down how they evolve. Conclusion The development of simple staking to more sophisticated yield-generation strategies is an evolution of technology and a paradigm shift in our capital efficiency and blockchain security models. By removing the trade-offs that restricted stake participation in the past, liquid staking and restaking protocols are opening up new opportunities for individual and institutional investors. As these mechanisms keep maturing and becoming mainstream, they are bound to play a focal role in the overall transformation of the financial system. It is possible to have several income streams in one asset, remain liquid and be a part of a larger system of financial services, which has a strong appeal to the point where conventional finance is finding it difficult to ignore. The critical point is that the participants should clearly view the risks and rewards of these opportunities. New optics in DeFi will create a new opportunity, and whoever best understands how to operate in the complexity and manage the risks will be in the best situation to take advantage of this new paradigm. Erick Otieno Odhiambo is a full-stack developer freelancing for crypto-based projects and blogs, with a strong interest in blockchain technology. He has years of experience in software development and creating content. His goal is to teach and encourage with well-researched stories about Web 3.0. 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The post Why Tom Lee Believes Ethereum Price Could Reach $10,000 appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News Popular market strategist Tom Lee, founder of Fundstrat, has explained why he believes Ethereum (ETH) has the potential to climb to $10,000. Ethereum’s price has been stuck around $2,400 for some time, without much movement. While some experts like Bitwise think it might not hit new all-time highs this year, Tom Lee remains positive about its future. In an interview with Coinage , said that even though Ethereum slowed down in innovation for a while, it’s now regaining momentum. One reason is the growing trend of tokenizing real-world assets. This means turning things like dollars, company shares, and other financial products into digital tokens. Big companies like Robinhood and Coinbase’s Base network are already working on Ethereum, which helps strengthen its position in the market. Lee also explained that Ethereum is mostly U.S.-based or operates under U.S. regulation, making it a safer and more reliable option for handling tokenized financial products. Another factor, according to Lee, is that many investors have given up on Ethereum, assuming its best days are over. This could actually set the stage for a surprise rally. He said that if the world embraces tokenized assets and starts trading them actively, the value of blockchains like Ethereum will rise sharply. Tom Lee said, “Ethereum could probably go to $10,000 if the world realizes tokenizing assets is the future.” As this trend grows, demand for Ethereum’s network could increase, pulling its price up with it. Ethereum Price Prediction (Short-Term) Ethereum’s price is still moving sideways within a broad range between $2,200 and $2,600. It hasn’t decided whether to move higher or drop towards the support zone again. The price briefly dipped below $2,383 but bounced back, showing bulls are still active at this level. Right now, Ethereum is stuck between the upper and lower boundaries of this range, with no clear breakout yet. If it breaks above the top of the range and holds, the price could target higher levels like $2,530 and $2,780. .
Summary SoFi's re-entry into crypto unlocks a massive new market, with stablecoins and crypto trading poised to drive significant revenue growth. The fintech exited the crypto business in late 2023 due to regulatory pressures to gain the banking license. Crypto fintechs are currently trading at much higher valuation multiples due to the scalable and capital-light business models. Despite recent stock highs, SoFi remains undervalued at 16x EBITDA, especially compared to crypto peers like Robinhood and Circle. While SoFi Technologies, Inc. ( SOFI ) has reported impressive financial results since exiting the crypto sector back in late 2023, the stock has now soared to multi-year highs on just announcing the future launch. The fintech should unlock a whole new segment that has launched a peer stock to a far higher market cap. My investment thesis remains ultra-Bullish on SoFi, even at recent highs, due to a still relatively cheap valuation and a large market opportunity. Source: Finviz Golden Opportunity Back on June 25, SoFi announced the return of crypto to the fintech platform. The company plans to initially offer cryptocurrency trading in the popular coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum, along with plans to offer stablecoins, the opportunity to borrow against crypto assets and expanded payment options. Source: SoFi website For now, members have to join a waitlist with an unknown timeline to product launches. The U.S. Senate just passed the Genius Act providing a regulatory path for stablecoins, opening up the door for fintechs like SoFi to launch such products. The stablecoin market is forecasted to rise more than tenfold by 2030 to between $3 trillion and $4 trillion , up from only ~$250 billion now. Analysts at Citizens JMP see the potential for annual revenues from stablecoins opening up a $100 billion opportunity. SoFi originally offered limited crypto trading of up to 20 tokens back in 2023 before exiting the opportunity to pursue a digital bank. SoFi handed the operations over to Blockchain.com and apparently included crypto assets of just under $140 million . The fintech didn't provide a lot of details regarding the crypto business size, probably due to its infancy position, but SoFi has experience in the area and could potentially lead to a snappy re-launch. Robinhood started offering crypto a few years back, and the company only topped $50 million in quarterly revenues in Q1'24. Robinhood recently saw revenues jump to $610 million during the Q4/Q1 period, for an annualized rate above $1 billion. The company reported crypto notional trading volumes in Q1 of $46 billion, vastly larger than the limited balances held by SoFi back in late 2023. The online broker lists a cryptocurrency asset balance of $28 billion to end March. Robinhood has total platform assets of $221 billion, so a lot of questions will exist on whether SoFi has the investment products to achieve any level of success, as the brokerage business isn't a prime focus. Source: Robinhood Q1'25 presentation Left Behind Robinhood has ridden these transaction-based revenues from both crypto and stock options trading to produce an $87 billion market cap, now over 4x the valuation of the similarly sized SoFi previously focused on lending products. SoFi has the potential to use the additional growth from transaction-based revenues to boost the stock valuation. Data by YCharts Even recent IPO Circle Internet Group ( CRCL ) has seen the market cap start to $45 billion based on offering a 2nd largest stablecoin product. Clearly, the market is offering higher valuations to fintechs involved in the crypto sector. Robinhood has seen adjusted EBITDA targets suddenly double the estimates for SoFi. Robinhood now trades at nearly 40x EBITDA targets of $2.25 billion for 2026 while SoFi only trades at 16x a forecast of $1.27 billion for next year. Data by YCharts SoFi has the opportunity to unleash crypto revenues, along with the push into the SoFi Plus subscription service, similar to how Robinhood used the Gold Card product to attract a horde of new customers. SoFi had already forecast 25% annual growth over the next 3 years, while analysts generally aren't forecasting these same growth rates with estimates for growth below 20% in both 2026 and 2027. Source: Seeking Alpha If crypto generates the next inflection point for SoFi, the stock has substantial upside. The fintech would see both a boost to already solid sales growth forecasts and another step up in profits with a possible corresponding valuation multiple boost due to the shift away from relying on lending products for growth while moving to scalable, capital-light revenue. The risk is that SoFi is now late to offer a crypto product with Coinbase ( COIN ), Robinhood and other platforms having first mover advantage. In addition, SoFi might always have a valuation tied to the risks associated with lending products. Takeaway The key investor takeaway is that SoFi already offered a compelling valuation and business model, but crypto could take the fintech to the next level. The stock has a compelling valuation at only 16x adjusted EBITDA targets with much faster growth rates and the opportunity for crypto and new subscription services to boost SoFi to another level.
Ripple is scaling RLUSD-powered stablecoin payments globally, fusing blockchain precision with embedded fiat access to transform enterprise finance across high-impact markets. Ripple and Openpayd Join Forces to Power Global Stablecoin Payments Surging enterprise demand for seamless blockchain-to-banking integration is accelerating partnerships focused on compliant stablecoin solutions for high-volume global payments and treasury operations. Financial infrastructure
The 2025 crypto market is shifting fast, and smart investors are adapting even faster. While Solana (SOL) and Ripple’s XRP have retained their credibility as high-cap leaders, there’s an increasing appetite for deeper, more asymmetric opportunities. For many traders, that path now points directly to MAGACOIN FINANCE —a presale project gathering serious traction ahead of its anticipated debut on exchanges. With an influx of capital flowing into early-stage projects, MAGACOIN FINANCE is emerging as the dark horse of Q3. Its well-structured presale rounds, capped token supply, and unique branding have drawn in investors looking for strong setups before the broader market catches on. Early Momentum Propels MAGACOIN FINANCE Into the Spotlight MAGACOIN FINANCE is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about opportunities in early investor circles. The project has closed each presale round ahead of schedule—indicating strong demand and sustained retail engagement. Unlike many meme-token imitators, this altcoin is built around more than just hype. The project’s deflationary supply mechanics , combined with a verified smart contract audit , appeal to long-term investors seeking stability in a volatile market. The lack of VC control adds another layer of appeal, providing retail investors with more favorable tokenomics. Its ecosystem positioning is designed with longevity in mind—offering investors a chance to get in before potential listing events and liquidity unlocks drive price discovery. Solana and XRP: Still Strong, But Missing Early-Stage Edge Solana continues to shine as a Layer-1 protocol, especially given its rapid DeFi expansion and developer activity. Similarly, XRP has gained renewed institutional traction following regulatory victories and ETF developments that could broaden its investor base. Yet among seasoned traders, there’s an understanding that high-cap coins like XRP and SOL have already made their major moves in past cycles. That doesn’t mean they lack potential—but it does mean the returns are more incremental compared to early-stage altcoins that are still flying under the radar. This is where MAGACOIN FINANCE becomes compelling: it offers the kind of presale-phase exposure that XRP and Solana once represented years ago. Strategic Timing Matters in a Rebalancing Market Portfolio rotation is the name of the game in Q3 2025. As investor appetite shifts from consolidation plays to high-upside bets, early positioning in strong presale projects can offer considerable reward. MAGACOIN FINANCE is gaining ground in this narrative—its consistent wallet growth, presale sellouts, and cultural relevance are creating a potent recipe for price appreciation. Analysts now rank MAGACOIN FINANCE among the most interesting early-phase assets for the second half of the year. They cite not just its political and meme-driven momentum, but also its robust underlying mechanics that are catching the eyes of long-term capital allocators. Analyst Insight: MAGACOIN FINANCE Has Breakout Potential Market observers note that MAGACOIN FINANCE checks several of the right boxes: A scarcity-based token model No venture capital dilution Strategic messaging aligned with macro and cultural narratives Consistent momentum ahead of public listings With these elements in place, analysts say the project could outperform many listed altcoins in the next leg of the cycle. If exchange listings arrive as expected, the early buyers from the presale phase could stand to benefit the most. Final Takeaway: Not Just a Meme—But a Calculated Move As 2025 unfolds, it’s clear that investors are not abandoning blue-chip assets like Solana and XRP—but they are actively seeking diversification into more aggressive upside scenarios. MAGACOIN FINANCE represents a rare window of entry—before wider awareness, media attention, and listings shift the pricing floor permanently. For those preparing for the next rotation, MAGACOIN FINANCE isn’t just an option. It’s a strategic move. For more information, please visit: Website: magacoinfinance.com Exclusive Access: magacoinfinance.com/entry Continue Reading: Why Solana and XRP Investors Are Pivoting Toward MAGACOIN FINANCE in the 2025 Crypto Landscape
Australian crypto billionaire Tim Heath narrowly escaped a violent kidnapping attempt on July 3rd, as reported by Decrypt. The assailants, posing as painters, employed sophisticated tactics including GPS tracking and
BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF has surpassed its flagship S&P 500 fund in annual fee revenue, signaling a major shift in investor focus towards cryptocurrency. Despite having an expense ratio nearly
Panama City, July 21, 2025 – HTX DAO , an ecosystem partner of HTX, a global leading cryptocurrency exchange, made a high-profile appearance with a prime show booth from June 26 to 27 at Istanbul Blockchain Week 2025, Turkey’s most influential Web3 event. This marked a major stride in HTX DAO’s global expansion strategy, highlighting its forward-looking initiatives in decentralized governance, ecosystem growth, and compliance-first innovation. HTX on the Global Stage: Embracing the Stablecoin Surge and Web3 Integration During the event, Justin Sun, Advisor to HTX and Founder of TRON, and Serdar Serdengecti, Listing Director of HTX, delivered key insights into the shifting dynamics of the digital asset landscape. Justin Sun emphasized that the industry is entering a transformative phase, accelerated by regulatory openness and institutional adoption. He pointed to the surging stablecoin momentum as a pivotal opportunity for the crypto ecosystem to demonstrate real-world utility. In particular, Sun highlighted Turkey’s proactive embrace of stablecoins such as USDT on TRON, showcasing how digital assets can drive economic empowerment and financial freedom at scale. “This is just the beginning. The real work is still ahead of us,” said Sun. “I encourage all of you to keep building and keep pushing. I look forward to seeing the progress we will make together in the remaining half of 2025.” At the roundtable, “From Trading Platforms to Financial Superapps: Are Crypto Exchanges Becoming the Everything App for Digital Finance?”, Serdar Serdengecti shared insights on the global regulatory landscape and convergence in Web3. Serdar reiterated HTX’s commitment to compliance as a cornerstone of its global strategy, stating that HTX actively engages regulators, respects jurisdictional frameworks, and designs for long-term trust. He outlined how HTX’s listing process is rooted in user value, supported by research from HTX Ventures, the scalability and interoperability of TRON, and the decentralized governance of HTX DAO. The platform is collectively forming a robust path for sustainable project incubation, fostering a resilient and scalable ecosystem. Looking ahead, Serdar described the next phase of Web3 as the “Era of Integration”, where infrastructure, user experience, regulation, and value creation will increasingly converge. “The lines between CeFi and DeFi, DAOs and TradFi, will continue to blur. Centralized platforms and decentralized protocols will accelerate collaboration, and regulatory frameworks for stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets will gradually take shape. Therefore, the industry’s next phase will not be solely about innovation, but about who can earn trust, integrate ecosystem resources effectively, and scale sustainably.” HTX DAO’s Space Capsule Booth Draws Crowds in Istanbul HTX DAO’s space capsule-themed booth became a major attraction on the exhibition floor. The installation served not only as a visual showcase of HTX DAO’s visions but also as a touchpoint for real-time engagement with global builders and local enthusiasts. HTX DAO team members were on-site to guide attendees through the platform’s latest progress in governance tools, ecosystem expansion, and user engagement. Strategically positioned at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, Istanbul has become a vital hub for Middle Eastern and European crypto innovation. HTX DAO’s participation at IBW reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to a “decentralized governance and global collaboration” framework and reinforces HTX’s broader mission to bridge regional ecosystems with global infrastructure. As Serdar noted, “Turkey’s Web3 community is maturing from the ground up, fast-moving, community-rich, and deeply responsive to both global innovation and local needs. Any project that can thrive here proves its adaptability on a global scale. HTX is proud to partner with local builders and communities to advance a more open, transparent, and inclusive digital future.” About HTX DAO As a multi-chain deployed decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), HTX DAO demonstrates an innovative governance approach. Unlike traditional corporate structures, it adopts a decentralized governance structure composed of a diversified group, jointly committed to the success of this organization. This unique ecosystem advocates openness and encourages all DAO participants to propose ideas that can promote the development of HTX DAO. Contact Information Website: www.htxdao.com Email Address: media@htxdao.com The post HTX DAO Showcases Compliance and Decentralized Governance Vision at Istanbul Blockchain Week first appeared on HTX Square .
BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF is earning more in annual fees than the firm’s signature S&P 500 fund, despite having an expense ratio almost nine times higher.