COINOTAG News reported on May 13th that U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman, Gary Atkins, proposed a significant reevaluation of the regulatory framework governing digital asset custody. During a
In a move signaling growing institutional engagement within the high-speed Solana ecosystem, Australian blockchain investment firm DigitalX has announced a strategic partnership with SOL Strategies . This collaboration is set to significantly impact how DigitalX participates in network validation and yield generation on the Solana blockchain, specifically through their ability to Stake SOL . What Does This Solana Validator Partnership Mean for DigitalX? The core of this announcement, shared via BitGo’s custody platform and SOL Strategies ‘ official channels, is DigitalX ‘s selection of SOL Strategies as its dedicated Solana validator partner. For those new to the concept, a validator is a crucial participant in a Proof-of-Stake blockchain like Solana. Validators are responsible for verifying transactions and adding new blocks to the chain, a process that secures the network and, in return, earns them rewards, which are then often shared with those who ‘delegate’ their tokens to them. By partnering with SOL Strategies , DigitalX is positioning itself to actively participate in the Solana network’s consensus mechanism. This isn’t just about technical participation; it’s a strategic financial decision. Staking allows holders of SOL tokens to earn passive income, essentially putting their assets to work. This partnership facilitates DigitalX ‘s ability to efficiently and securely Stake SOL holdings. The choice of SOL Strategies wasn’t arbitrary. The announcement highlights SOL Strategies ‘ reputation for operating a high-performance validator network. In the competitive world of staking, validator performance directly impacts the rewards earned. Factors like uptime, low commission fees, and efficient infrastructure contribute to higher yields. SOL Strategies is noted for achieving top yields within the Solana ecosystem, making them an attractive partner for a firm like DigitalX looking to maximize returns on its staked assets. Why is Crypto Staking Becoming So Popular? The move by DigitalX reflects a broader trend in the digital asset space: the increasing adoption of Crypto staking by both retail and institutional investors. Staking offers several compelling advantages: Passive Income: It provides a way to earn rewards on crypto holdings beyond just price appreciation. Network Security: By staking, participants help secure the underlying blockchain network. The more tokens staked, the more robust the network becomes against certain types of attacks. Participation: Staking allows token holders to actively participate in the network’s governance and operations. Potential for Compounding: Rewards earned from staking can often be re-staked, leading to compounding returns over time. For institutional players like DigitalX , Crypto staking represents a sophisticated strategy for asset management and yield generation in the digital economy. It’s a way to derive value from their crypto holdings while contributing to the health and security of the networks they invest in. Understanding the Role of a Solana Validator A Solana validator is a critical component of the Solana network’s Proof-of-History (PoH) and Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanisms. Unlike Proof-of-Work (PoW) used by Bitcoin, where miners compete using computational power, Solana relies on validators to agree on the state of the blockchain. Here’s a simplified look at what they do: Transaction Processing: Validators bundle and process transactions submitted by users. Block Production: They propose and vote on the next block to be added to the chain. Network Security: By staking SOL tokens, validators put capital at risk, incentivizing honest behavior. Malicious actions can result in ‘slashing,’ where a portion of their staked tokens is lost. Maintaining the Ledger: Validators maintain a copy of the Solana ledger and ensure its integrity. Operating a high-performance Solana validator requires significant technical expertise, reliable hardware, and consistent uptime. This is why firms like DigitalX often choose to delegate their staking power to specialized providers like SOL Strategies rather than running their own infrastructure. SOL Strategies: A Preferred Partner for Staking SOL The selection of SOL Strategies by DigitalX underscores the importance of choosing a reliable and high-performing validator. While the core function of validators is standardized, their operational efficiency, fee structure, and historical performance can vary significantly. SOL Strategies appears to have demonstrated a track record that appealed to DigitalX ‘s requirements for maximizing returns when they Stake SOL . Key factors that likely influenced DigitalX ‘s decision could include: Proven Yield Performance: Their reputation for delivering ‘top yields’. Infrastructure Reliability: Ensuring high uptime to maximize staking rewards and avoid penalties. Security Practices: Robust security measures to protect staked assets and validator keys. Transparency: Clear information about commission rates and performance metrics. This partnership is a vote of confidence not only in SOL Strategies as a service provider but also in the Solana network itself as a viable platform for institutional Crypto staking and yield generation. Challenges and Considerations in Crypto Staking While Crypto staking offers attractive benefits, it’s not without risks. DigitalX and any entity looking to Stake SOL must consider factors such as: Slashing Risk: As mentioned, validators can lose staked funds if they act maliciously or experience significant downtime. While delegating transfers some operational risk, the delegator’s funds are still potentially subject to slashing penalties incurred by the validator. Lock-up Periods: Staked SOL is typically locked for a period, meaning it cannot be immediately traded or moved, reducing liquidity. Market Volatility: The value of the staked asset (SOL) can fluctuate significantly, potentially offsetting staking rewards if the price drops. Validator Risk: The performance and reliability of the chosen Solana validator directly impact rewards and potential slashing risk. Professional firms like DigitalX conduct thorough due diligence to mitigate these risks, and partnering with established entities like SOL Strategies and using secure custody solutions like BitGo are part of that risk management strategy. Actionable Insights for Investors What can individual investors take away from this news? The partnership between DigitalX and SOL Strategies highlights several points: Institutional Interest is Growing: Large firms are increasingly exploring ways to generate yield and participate in blockchain networks through Crypto staking . Validator Choice Matters: If you plan to Stake SOL , research different validators based on their performance, fees, and reliability. Solana Ecosystem Maturity: This partnership indicates increasing maturity and infrastructure availability within the Solana network to support institutional participation. For those considering staking, understanding the process, the risks involved, and the importance of selecting a reputable Solana validator is crucial. Conclusion: A Strategic Step for DigitalX on Solana The partnership between DigitalX and SOL Strategies marks a significant step for the Australian firm into more active participation within the Solana ecosystem. By selecting a high-performance Solana validator , DigitalX aims to optimize its returns on staked SOL, leveraging SOL Strategies ‘ expertise and infrastructure. This move underscores the growing appeal of Crypto staking as a yield-generating strategy for institutional players and further validates Solana as a robust network capable of supporting such activities. As the digital asset landscape evolves, we can expect to see more traditional firms exploring similar avenues to put their crypto assets to work. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our articles on key developments shaping Solana price action, institutional adoption, and other digital assets.
Key takeaways: Monero price prediction suggests a bullish trend, with XMR anticipated to reach $608.32 by the end of 2025. XMR could reach a maximum price of $1,263.90 by the end of 2028. By 2031, Monero’s price may surge to $2,059.10. Monero (XMR) stands out in the cryptocurrency space for its strong focus on privacy and decentralization of transactions, making it one of the leading privacy focused cryptocurrencies . This makes it a popular choice for privacy advocates and those prioritizing security. The Monero ecosystem constantly evolves, marked by significant milestones like enhanced protocol upgrades and growing adoption across various sectors, which underscore its utility. As Monero progresses, many wonder about its future price trajectory. Will its unique features drive significant value growth, as many traders speculate ? Can it sustain its competitive edge in the ever-evolving crypto market? Will XMR recapture its ATH at $517.62 in the long term forecast ? Overview Cryptocurrency Monero Token XMR Price $335 Market Cap $6,223,253,849.41 Trading Volume 24-h $141,085,820.53 Circulating Supply 18,446,744.07 XMR All-time High $517.62 May 07, 2021 All-time Low $0.213, Jan 15, 2015 24-h High $349.95 24-h Low $330.69 Monero price prediction: Technical analysis Sentiment Bullish 50-Day SMA $233.83 200-Day SMA $204.84 Price Prediction $715.14 (112.11%) F & G Index 60.83 (greed) Green Days 17/30 (57%) 14-Day RSI 87.20 Monero price analysis TL;DR Breakdown Monero price rose to $353; however, sellers triggered a sharp decline. The XMR coin dropped by over 1.5% at the time of writing. Monero price has support and resistance at $317 and $353, respectively. The Monero price analysis for May 12 shows high volatility as XMR price surged toward $350 only to decline later toward $330. Buyers are currently aiming for a rebound rally. Monero price analysis 1-day chart: XMR declines following rejection around $350 The 24-hour XMR/USD price chart indicates a mixed market sentiment as the altcoin observes an increase of more than 50% of its value in the last few days as XMR rose from the $220 price level to the $330 mark where it trades at press time. In recent hours, the momentum met a halt after sellers defended around $350 level, creating a decline. Monero price analysis 1-day chart The indicators reflect the increasing bullish price sentiment, as all three major technical indicators show positive signs. The MACD is bullish at 5.52 units and shows rising bullish pressure at the current price level. The RSI also shares this sentiment, as while it rose to the 85.50 index level from the 46.00 mark, highlighting overbought conditions. The diverging Bollinger Bands suggest higher volatility, indicating that the $350 resistance may not hold for the week. Monero price analysis 4-hour chart The 4-hour price chart shows that Monero spiked toward the $350 mark but could not maintain a foothold and returned to the $330 level before rising to the current $335 price level where it has consolidated for a while now. Monero price analysis 4-hour chart The RSI is at 64.49, suggesting declining bullish momentum as the price struggles around the $340-$350 mark. The MACD, at -0.11, shows rising bearish momentum on the 4-hour charts. While the EMAs are high above the mean value, it suggests bullish market sentiment. The moving average indicators show convergence, further supporting the sentiment by flashing a falling slope. These indicators collectively indicate a slowing bullish trend above the $340 level, suggesting a pause at the $350 range. Monero technical indicators: Levels and actions Daily simple moving average (SMA) Period Value Action SMA 3 $ 286.39 BUY SMA 5 $ 295.53 BUY SMA 10 $ 287.64 BUY SMA 21 $ 266.21 BUY SMA 50 $ 236.61 BUY SMA 100 $ 227.77 BUY SMA 200 $ 202.51 BUY Daily exponential moving average (EMA) Period Value Action EMA 3 $ 260.94 BUY EMA 5 $ 245.43 BUY EMA 10 $ 230.91 BUY EMA 21 $ 222.96 BUY EMA 50 $ 219.19 BUY EMA 100 $ 212.90 BUY EMA 200 $ 198.90 BUY What to expect from Monero price analysis? 4-hour price chart by Tradingview Monero price analysis shows that XMR saw a beautiful start to this week as the price rose to the $350 mark before falling. Currently the bulls hold strong as the XMR price maintains its ascending channel pattern. According to our analysis, we expect the XMR price to continue rising towards the $350 mark after brief consolidation below the $340 mark. However, the bulls need to guard the $330 and $325 key support levels to prevent a fallback below the $320 price mark. Is Monero a good investment? Monero is an attractive investment because it emphasizes privacy and security, utilizing advanced cryptographic techniques to ensure transaction confidentiality. Its growing adoption across various use cases and a decentralized development model enhance its long-term potential. With a limited supply and increasing investor interest, Monero offers a unique opportunity for those seeking financial autonomy and privacy to invest in cryptocurrency. However, investors should remain cautious of regulatory risks and market volatility when considering Monero as part of their portfolio, making it essential to seek investment advice . Why is XMR down today? Monero price surged toward the high of $350. However, this level attracted short-term holders to cash in, resulting in a sharp rejection. As a result, the price is now consolidating above $330. Will XMR recover to its all-time high? Monero is expected to recover toward its all-time high of $518 by mid-2026 as the privacy chain continues to reduce its tech debt and progresses toward greater utility and privacy. However, the platform might have to overcome regulatory scrutiny and challenges before it can see mass adoption. How much will Monero be worth in 5 years? The Monero price prediction for 2030 suggests a minimum price of $1,048.76 and an average trading price of $1,142.11 . The maximum forecasted price is set at $1,208.35. Will XMR reach $1000? The chance of Monero (XMR) hitting $1,000 hinges on various factors, which will influence its future price movements . The adoption of privacy transactions and technological advances could increase demand. Favorable regulations and market sentiment toward privacy coins would also help. Yet, regulatory risks, competition, and market volatility are challenges. $1,000 is possible with favorable conditions, especially considering the current price but market dynamics and regulations will shape its path. Does XMR have a good long-term future? Monero (XMR) has the potential for a strong long-term future due to its focus on privacy and security, which makes it attractive to users seeking anonymity. However, regulatory scrutiny and notoriety from being the favored medium for some past criminals impact the current monero sentiment, making it challenging to become the star of the market. Monero’s commitment to privacy gives it a solid foundation for long-term growth, but it must carefully navigate market and regulatory landscapes. Recent news/ opinion on Monero Monero recently announced the FCMP++ Optimization Competition to optimize the helioselene and ec-divisors libraries used in Monero’s upcoming Upgrade. The competition is now open to submissions. The FCMP++ Optimization Competition is now open for submissions! https://t.co/vca2GKXlNz — Monero (XMR) (@monero) May 1, 2025 Monero price prediction May 2025 The XMR price prediction for May 2025 suggests a minimum value of $240.57 and an average price of $276.58. The price could reach a maximum of $594.62 during the month, reflecting the broader category of digital assets . Month Minimum Price ($) Average Price ($) Maximum Price ($) May 240.57 276.58 594.62 Monero price prediction 2025 The Monero price prediction for 2025 anticipates a potential increase in the price of Monero upon adoption, resulting in a maximum price of $608.32. Based on the analysis, investors can expect an average price of $592.85, while the minimum price could be around $248.04. Year Minimum Price ($) Average Price ($) Maximum Price ($) 2025 248.04 592.85 608.32 Monero price prediction 2026-2031 Year Minimum Price ($) Average Price ($) Maximum Price ($) 2026 593.91 663.16 691.9 2027 814.07 978.83 1,006.07 2028 1,064.79 1,221.19 1,263.90 2029 1,064.79 1,221.19 1,263.90 2030 1,313.19 1,430.07 1,513.02 2031 1,866.21 2,019.61 2,059.10 Monero Price Prediction 2026 According to the XMR price forecast for 2026, Monero’s price is anticipated to reach a minimum trading price of $593.91. The potential maximum XMR price could be $691.90, with an average price of $663.16. Monero Price Prediction 2027 The XMR price prediction for 2027 will continue rising and exhibit minimum and maximum prices of $814.07 and $1,006.07, as well as an average price of $978.83. Monero Coins Price Prediction 2028 Monero’s price is expected to reach a minimum price of $1,064.79 in 2028. The maximum expected XMR price is $1,263.90, with an average price of $1,221.19. Monero Price Prediction 2029 The XMR price prediction for 2029 expects XMR to reach a minimum of $1,064.79. The XMR price can reach a maximum level of $1,263.90, with an average price of $1,221.19 throughout 2029. Monero Price Prediction 2030 The Monero price prediction for 2030 suggests a minimum price of $1,313.19 and an average trading price of $1,430.07. The maximum forecasted price is set at $1,513.02. Monero Price Prediction 2031 The Monero price prediction for 2031 suggests a minimum price of $1,866.21 and an average trading price of $2,019.61. The maximum forecasted price is set at $2,059.10. Monero Price Predictions 2025-2031 Monero market price prediction: Analysts’ XMR price forecast Firm 2025 2026 Coingecko $420.93 $568.19 Digitalcoinprice $349.23 $478.65 Cryptopolitan’s Monero (XMR) price prediction Cryptopolitan’s Monero price forecast suggests a bullish outlook for Monero’s future price should the market recover soon. According to our expert analysis, XMR might record a maximum price of $608.32 , a minimum price of $248.04 , and an average price of $592.85 at the end of 2025. Monero historic price sentiment Monero’s market value has changed dramatically since its launch in 2014, from less than $1 to over $475. May 2021 marked the highest point in Monero’s history. Monero’s price projections revealed the coin’s security. They provide investors with optimism that they will be freed from the persecution of some authorities simply by buying or selling Monero. Monero price history; Source: Coinmarketcap Across 2023, Monero’s price rose by 11.49%. The highest price was $278.56, and the lowest was $114.16. In January 2024, Monero stayed stable around the $150.00 mark as market momentum remained low. However, the stability was short-lived as February crashed to $101.95. However, XMR showed swift recovery as it closed the month near the $150.00 level again. In March and April 2024, XMR saw a steady decline from $150.00 to $120.00, where it found key support. In May 2024, XMR observed steady bullish pressure as the price rose from $120.00, approaching resistance at $150. In June 2024, Monero (XMR) traded within the $150 – $175 price range as either side struggled to make a clear breakthrough. In July, the crypto traded around the $155 mark as the price volatility remained relatively low. XMR opened trading at $156.05 in August and ended the month at $176.00, making remarkable gains. September was bearish for the asset, as the price declined below the $160 mark by the end of the month. In October, Monero observed a steep crash and has been making a swift recovery since then. In December, Monero made remarkable strides as the asset’s price broke past the $220 mark, albeit briefly as it closed the month below $200. In January, Monero saw a bullish January as the price rose from below the $200 mark to $238 by the end of the month. In February, the price fell towards the $215 mark as bears dominate the markets. In March, the price observes mixed momentum and closed the month slightly below $215. In April the consolidation continued late into the month before spiking past the $325 mark before ending the month around $275.
Summary Crypto markets stumbled early in April, but Bitcoin held strong amid rising institutional interest and shifting macro trends, while token unlocks and speculative fatigue dragged on some alts. Though the 30-day MA of BTC/S&P 500 correlation fell below 0.25 briefly in early April, it quickly regained a correlation of around 0.55 by the end of the month. However, this brief lapse in covariance between BTC and equities did translate into a better BTC return profile than equities. April was a quieter month for Solana, focused on core improvements aligned with its “Increasing Bandwidth, Reducing Latency” roadmap. Crypto markets stumbled early in April, but Bitcoin held strong amid rising institutional interest and shifting macro trends, while token unlocks and speculative fatigue dragged on some alts. Layer 1s (L1S) Have Fallen (-34%) Year-to-Date Source: Market Vectors as of 4/30/2025. The MarketVector™ Smart Contract Leaders Index (MVSCLE) is designed to track the performance of the largest and most liquid smart contract assets. Index performance is not representative of strategy performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Not intended as a recommendation to buy or sell any securities named herein. April opened with an unexpected chill in the crypto markets. BTC initially sank as low as $74.5K ( -32% from January 2025 all-time-high) while Altcoins fared worse. SOL ( SOL-USD ) dipped below $95 ( -68% from January 2025 all-time-high), Sui ( SUI-USD ) touched $1.70 (- 68% from January 2025 all-time-high), and ETH ( ETH-USD ) plunged under $1400 (-66% from 4-year highs). The MarketVector Smart Contract Leaders Index (MVSCLE) slipped to 91 ( -59% from its December 2024 high of 220 ). The broader crypto market took on water alongside a sharp global sell-off in risk assets, sparked by a deepening trade dispute. Price Returns April (%) YTD (%) MarketVector Infrastructure Application Leaders Index 26 -37 Coinbase 18 -18 MarketVector Meme Coin Index 16 -48 MarketVector Global Digital Assets Equity Index 15 -28 Bitcoin 13 0 MarketVector Smart Contract Leaders Index 5 -34 Nasdaq Index 1 -10 S&P 500 Index -1 -5 MarketVector Decentralized Finance Leaders Index -1 -57 Ethereum -3 -47 Source: Bloomberg as of 4/30/2025. Index performance is not representative of strategy performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Not intended as a recommendation to buy or sell any securities named herein. Even before April, sentiment had already begun to list. Crypto investors absorbed concurrent broadsides from the decline in the DeFi AI, AI Agents, and DeSci sectors, which lost ( -91% ), ( -81% ), and ( -75% ) YTD, respectively. Memecoins also added to the damage as trading volumes dropped ( -93% ) between January and March 2025, while MarketVector’s Memecoin Index showed a loss of ( -55% ) YTD. Crypto investors also struggled to stay afloat under the barrage of relentless token unlocks, with $7.2B hitting the market in January alone and $28B expected by the end of June. When tariffs were announced on April 7, crypto looked ready to sink to Davy Jones’ Locker. BTC fell -500bps relative to stocks that day. But from there, BTC began to show signs of life. On a daily return basis, it outperformed stocks more often than not ( 10 out of 17 sessions) and posted strong gains on up days amid heavy BTC buying. By month-end, BTC was treading water in the mid- $90k range, having retraced over half its January ATH losses. BTC’s buoyancy appears tied to the strengthening sovereign asset narrative, continued expansion of BTC investment products, and renewed risk appetite following pauses in tariff escalation. We also note meaningful corporate accumulation: MSTR ( MSTR ) ( +25.4K BTC ), XXI ( +31.5K ), Metaplanet ( MTPLF ) ( +954 BTC ), and SMLR ( SMLR ) ( +275 BTC ), as well as ETF and fund buying ( +29K BTC ). Altcoins, lacking similar helping currents, struggled to recover amid the implosion of speculative zest. The MarketVector Smart Contract Leaders Index recovered just 19% of their December-to-April losses while ETH clawed back only 16.5% of its drawdown over the same period. Amid the carnage, a few ships avoided the onslaught and gained significant steam. Sui ( +52% ) surged ahead of its annual Base Camp conference. STX ( +22% ) gained on BitGo’s endorsement of its sBTC initiative and its ties to BTC price appreciation. SOL ( +16% ) found support as multiple firms announced plans for Solana-based treasury strategies, and its community put its heads down to improve the network . Bitcoin’s Correlation to Stocks Shows Little Change Crypto Correlation to S&P 500 Index is Still High Source: VanEck Research, Artemis XYZ as of 4/28/2025. Index performance is not representative of strategy performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Not intended as a recommendation to buy or sell any securities named herein. In April, many in the crypto community celebrated BTC’s apparent decoupling from broader risk assets, but the data does not fully support this case . Though the 30-day MA of BTC/S&P 500 correlation fell below 0.25 briefly in early April, it quickly regained a correlation of around 0.55 by the end of the month. However, this brief lapse in covariance between BTC and equities did translate into a better BTC return profile than equities. BTC returned ( +13% ) in April while the Nasdaq Composite and S&P 500 returned ( -1% ) and ( +1% ) respectively. More interestingly, the tariff melee caused the volatility of the S&P 500 and Nasdaq to each double over the course of April, while BTC’s volatility actually fell ( -4% ). Going forward, we expect the relationship between equities and BTC to dissolve further as individual investors, corporations, and central banks recognize Bitcoin as a sovereign, uncorrelated store-of-value asset. Countries like Russia and Venezuela have already acknowledged BTC’s developing role in international trade. We believe that many nations will transition some international trade to BTC as a result of Western nations' overuse of sanctions, the desire to hedge away dollar risk, and the lack of trustworthy alternative currencies. Top 5 Blockchains by Average Daily Revenue Top Chains This Month TRX ($) HYPE ($) SOL ($) ETH ($) BTC ($) Avg Daily Revenue 1,704,424 1,455,743 1,210,862 710,386 533,430 3 Months Ago SOL ($) ETH ($) TRX ($) HYPE ($) BTC ($) Avg Daily Revenue 8,184,682 4,832,461 1,820,250 1,722,981 663,422 6 Months Ago ETH ($) SOL ($) BTC ($) TRX ($) BNB ($) Avg Daily Revenue 4,512,295 2,453,933 1,570,891 1,566,830 343,967 9 Months Ago ETH ($) SOL ($) TRX ($) BTC ($) BNB ($) Avg Daily Revenue 3,099,851 1,752,622 1,349,523 777,232 360,772 12 Months Ago BTC ($) ETH ($) SOL ($) TRX ($) BNB ($) Avg Daily Revenue 9,382,056 7,352,098 1,694,517 1,327,356 708,056 Source: VanEck Research as of 4/29/2025. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Not intended as a recommendation to buy or sell any securities named herein. Remarkably, onchain activity measured by blockchain revenues, stablecoin transfer volume, and DEX volumes was robust despite the token price drawdowns. Compared to March 2025’s figures, total blockchain revenue was (+ 0.5% ) , stablecoin transfer volume was ( +11% ) , and DEX volume was ( +5% ) compared to April’s values. Tron, a general purpose blockchain who derives most of its activity from stablecoin transfers, and Hyperliquid, a blockchain focused on trading applications, respectively earned the first and second most revenue amongst smart contract platforms (SCPS) in April. This marks the second consecutive month where Tron and Hyperliquid earned more onchain revenue than Solana earned. Another notable event in April was Ethereum's reversal in asset movement trends. After previously ranking among the blockchains with the most outflows, it became the top recipient of asset inflows from other blockchains. Ethereum received most of its inflows from its L2s, chiefly Arbitrum and Optimism, while Ethereum’s assets left Mainnet for Base and Sonic. More Firms Replicate Saylor’s Strategy BTC Price Tends to Drive MSTR Premium Source: VanEck Research, Strategy as of 4/28/2025. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Not intended as a recommendation to buy or sell any securities named herein. A crypto narrative that flowered amid the downpour of negativity in April was the sprouting of new firms replicating Saylor’s BTC Treasury Strategy. Until Michael Saylor launched the Bitcoin ((BTC)) treasury strategy in 2020, most corporate BTC holders were crypto-native firms such as miners, trading companies, and exchanges. That changed when companies like Block ( 8.48K BTC) and Tesla ( 11.5K BTC) began accumulating BTC as a core treasury asset. Most recently, GameStop ( GME ) announced plans to allocate part of its $1.5B capital raise to BTC purchases. Currently, total corporate BTC treasury holdings stand at approximately 1.05 million BTC. We trace the renewed interest in Saylor’s strategy to the persistent premium embedded in Strategy ( MSTR ) stock. MSTR trades at a 119% premium to the combined value of its BTC holdings and enterprise software business. This phenomenon has attracted other firms such as Metaplanet (Japan, 5K BTC) and Semler Scientific (USA, 3.3K BTC) to engage in Bitcoin strategies. Semler trades at approximately 1.07 times its BTC NAV, while Metaplanet trades around 2.25 times. In April, Softbank ( SFTBY ), Tether, and Cantor Fitzgerald launched a joint venture called XXI, with initial holdings of 31.5K BTC. Companies have also expanded beyond BTC to accumulate other tokens. DeFi Development Corp (formerly Janover) increased its SOL holdings to 317K tokens valued at $47M and announced plans to raise to $1B more in SOL. Upexi ( UPXI ), another Nasdaq-listed firm, said it would raise $100M , largely for SOL accumulation. In Canada, SOL Strategies announced a $500M note facility to purchase SOL to back its shares. While this financialization trend reflects growing institutional interest in digital assets, we cautiously approach its broad adoption. As more firms seek exposure through capital markets, it may introduce added volatility to BTC and other crypto assets. We will explore this dynamic further in an upcoming blog post on MicroStrategy. Name Bitcoin (₿) Microstrategy, Inc. 553,555 MARA Holdings, Inc. ( MARA ) 47,600 XXI 31,500 Riot Platforms, Inc. ( RIOT ) 19,223 Galaxy Digital Holdings Ltd ( BRPHF ) 13,704 CleanSpark, Inc. ( CLSK ) 11,869 Tesla, Inc. ( TSLA ) 11,509 Hut 8 Mining Corp ( HUT ) 10,273 Coinbase Global, Inc. ( COIN ) 9,480 Block, Inc. ( XYZ ) 8,485 Source: BitcoinTreasuries.Net as of 4/28/2025. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.Not intended as a recommendation to buy or sell any securities named herein. April’s Notable Performers - Solana (+16%) and SUI (+52%) Solana spends April building Solana Decentralized Exchange (DEX) Volume is Driven by Memecoins April was a quieter month for Solana, focused on core improvements aligned with its “Increasing Bandwidth, Reducing Latency” (IBRL) roadmap. The chain released SIMD-0207, raising the block compute limit to 50M , up from 48M , a ( +4% ) increase. This enables higher transaction throughput and sets the stage for SIMD-0256, which could raise the limit to 60M . In effect, a higher compute limit expands block size and network capacity. The Solana Foundation also reassessed its validator delegation program, which allocates over 70M SOL, roughly 18% of total staked SOL. Some community members have raised concerns about centralization and possible favoritism. In response, Solana will begin removing validators with less than 1,000 SOL in external stake who have relied on Foundation support for more than 18 months. Three underperforming validators will be phased out for every new validator onboarded to the Solana Foundation delegation program. The program aims to encourage validators to deliver services beyond basic validation. Many already offer tools like blockchain scanners that serve the community at no cost. These contributions raise a validator’s profile and help attract stake. In short, the Foundation is rewarding those who add value to the ecosystem and phasing out those who do not. Meanwhile, memecoins remain the primary driver of onchain revenues. In January 2025, they accounted for 44% of decentralized exchange trading volume, and 35% in April 2025. If we exclude stablecoins, SOL, and SOL liquid staking tokens, often on the other side of trades, memecoins represent 99% of Solana trading activity in January and 95% in April. While some question the sustainability of this trend, Solana has proven its unmatched ability to process large volumes of decentralized trading. This positions Solana as the most likely home for the next breakout trading application. SUI’s near-term velocity is impressive Average Daily Decentralized Exchange (DEX) Volume for April 2025 Source: Artemis XYZ as of 4/30/2025. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Not intended as a recommendation to buy or sell any securities named herein. We have extensively covered the potential of Sui’s blockchain and find it compelling based on its rockstar leadership team, novel high-performance architecture, and continued output of interesting products. Blockchains are extremely competitive businesses, and one of the only moats is a project’s ability to ship new, useful features. Sui continues to deliver with tools like Walrus, a decentralized storage protocol; Deepbook, a chain-wide liquidity pool for all assets; Seal, a data access control tool; and Nautilus, an off-chain computation verifier. Even the most avid crypto user may find the value of these tools hard to assess, but each was created to solve specific developer problems based on user feedback. In our discussions with teams building on Sui, many point to the responsiveness of Mysten Labs, the core developers behind the network. This drive to make things that matter to developers is one of the key features differentiating Sui from other SCPs. Sui’s fundamentals in April reflect its price momentum. DEX volumes jumped ( +45.5% ) to a daily average of $374M , up from March, making Sui the 6th highest trading blockchain. On the revenue front, Sui ranked 9 th among SCPs, generating an average of $44K per day. Its stablecoin supply remains relatively small at $885M , placing it 12 th by onchain stablecoin value. Still, Sui ranks 1st in stablecoin turnover ratio at 716% (stablecoin transfer volume/stablecoin market cap), just ahead of Base at 602% . April’s Notable Laggards - Ethereum (-3%) and XRP (+5%) ETH + L2s Share of Fees Hit Multi-Year Lows in April Source: Artemis as of 4/30/2025. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Not intended as a recommendation to buy or sell any securities named herein. Ethereum’s ETH ( -3% ) continued to lag this month as faster chains like Solana ( +16% ) and Sui ( +52% ) gained market share during the latest rally. Unfortunately for Ethereum, this marks a continuation of a grim, longer-term trend: its share of blockchain transaction fees dropped from ( -74.1% ) two years ago to just 13.7% of all smart contract platform (SCP) revenues. In our opinion, the market is sending a clear signal: users, applications, and fees are migrating to faster, cheaper chains. In response, Ethereum developers are advancing several initiatives to scale the network and simplify its execution layer dramatically. Ethereum L1 Developments Vitalik Buterin’s RISC-V Proposal: Vitalik Buterin has proposed replacing Ethereum’s Virtual Machine ((EVM)) with the RISC-V architecture. This move to RISC-V could simplify Ethereum’s execution layer, boost transaction speeds, and dramatically improve zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) efficiency. Today, proving a single Ethereum block takes around 4.7 minutes; with RISC-V, researchers hope to cut this down by up to 100x, unlocking sub-5-second proving times critical for scaling ZK rollups. The proposal also aims to enhance competition among block producers while maintaining Solidity and Vyper compatibility. However, implementing RISC-V would require rebuilding major sections of Ethereum’s core code and could take years. EIP-9698: 100x Gas Limit Increase: Ethereum researcher Dankrad Feist proposed EIP-9698, which would increase the gas limit by 100x over four years. This change could raise throughput from today’s 15–20 transactions per second (TPS) to around 2,000 TPS by 2029. Instead of a hard fork, the upgrade would use a deterministic, exponential schedule baked into Ethereum client defaults, allowing validators to upgrade hardware gradually. If approved, the changes could start on June 1. Access Lists for Parallelization: EIP-9580 introduces block-level access lists to enable parallel transaction processing. By predefining which accounts and storage slots are accessed, Ethereum could dramatically cut validation times, allowing for simultaneous disk reads and EVM execution. This is similar to how Solana works under the hood. This would improve performance, especially under network congestion. These L1 initiatives reflect a growing focus on reasserting control over the Ethereum ecosystem’s economics. As the Ethereum ecosystem’s Layer 2s have scaled, they have increasingly taken user activity and transaction fees from the L1, even though Ethereum continues to provide core security and data availability infrastructure. Recently, Flashblocks’ launch on OP Superchain networks like Base, Unichain, and Optimism reduced confirmation times to 200ms down from 2s. Additionally, Arbitrum upgraded its blockchain to enable gas to be paid in tokens other than Ethereum. Taken together, these moves embody the tension between Ethereum and its L2s. Flashbots will arguably draw more activity away from Ethereum’s Mainnet, while Arbitrum’s new proposal may reduce the importance of ETH in the L2s that are built using Arbitrum’s tech stack. With ETH prices continuing to lag other major cryptocurrencies, the market increasingly recognizes L2s as economically parasitic to L1. This tension has led to the urgency in the Ethereum Foundation’s efforts to reclaim fee share and reinforce ETH’s value proposition as an asset. At the same time, many L2s are pursuing their own priorities, setting the stage for a growing divergence in strategy. We applaud Ethereum’s effort and scaling of its blockchain, but we urge it to make more rapid changes. The competition, such as Solana and Sui, responds quickly to user needs with tight feedback loops that can be measured in weeks or months. Ethereum must consider the threats these new chains pose as terminal and match the cadence of its competitors. XRP barely budges despite Ripple’s shift Driven by DeFi Demand on Ethereum, RLUSD Supply Crossed 300M in April Source: Ripple as of 5/2/2025. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Not intended as a recommendation to buy or sell any securities named herein. April saw XRP underperform despite Ripple’s efforts to reposition its network through several key moves. For years, many dismissed Ripple as a speculative asset with little real usage. Recently, however, it has shifted toward smart contracts, a dollar-pegged stablecoin, and major acquisitions to drive activity on its chain. Ripple began April by integrating RLUSD, its enterprise-grade stablecoin, into Ripple Payments, a platform offering institutions fast, low-cost, blockchain-assisted cross-border transactions. According to data from Ripple, RLUSD supply crossed $300M by month-end, growing 30% month-over-month. However, with roughly 79% of RLUSD issued on Ethereum, it's unclear how much of this growth stems from DeFi activity versus enterprise usage. Issued by a NYDFS-regulated limited-purpose trust company, RLUSD arguably offers stronger compliance oversight than USDT or even USDC. Just one week after RLUSD’s integration, Ripple announced a $1.25B acquisition of Hidden Road, one of the largest deals in digital assets to date. Hidden Road plans to use RLUSD for cross-margining between traditional and digital assets, a key utility for prime brokers who move trillions in collateral daily. Ripple also intends to migrate Hidden Road’s post-trade activity onto the XRP Ledger, positioning XRPL as a foundational layer for institutional finance. In a joint report released the same week, Ripple and Boston Consulting Group projected the tokenized real-world asset market could grow from $600B today to $18.9T by 2033, a +53% compound annual growth rate ( CAGR ) . Ripple’s actions show a clear conviction in this thesis and its intent to benefit if it plays out. If successful, Ripple may become a case study in transforming a speculative token into a world-class business. With over 40% of XRP’s supply, Ripple holds a war chest worth $100B to fund future acquisitions. As April closed, rumors surfaced that Ripple offered $4–5B to acquire Circle, ahead of Circle’s expected IPO. Though XRP underperformed this month, it remains a standout long-term performer, up ( +340% ) YoY, compared to an ( -8% ) decline in the MarketVector Smart Contract Leaders Index . In the competitive world of crypto, Ripple has succeeded where technically superior blockchains have failed. Its durability comes from a consistent narrative, strong leadership, and an unmatched community of XRP holders. Disclosures Index Definitions S&P 500 Index: is widely regarded as the best single gauge of large-cap U.S. equities. The index includes 500 leading companies and covers approximately 80% of available market capitalization. Nasdaq 100 Index: is comprised of 100 of the largest and most innovative non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market based on market capitalization. MarketVector Centralized Exchanges Index: designed to track the performance of assets classified as 'Centralized Exchanges'. MarketVector Decentralized Finance Leaders Index: designed to track the performance of the largest and most liquid decentralized financial assets, and is an investable subset of MarketVector Decentralized Finance Index. MarketVector Media & Entertainment Leaders Index: designed to track the performance of the largest and most liquid media & entertainment assets, and is an investable subset of MarketVector Media & Entertainment Index. MarketVector Smart Contract Leaders Index: designed to track the performance of the largest and most liquid smart contract assets, and is an investable subset of MarketVector Smart Contract Index. MarketVector Infrastructure Application Leaders Index: designed to track the performance of the largest and most liquid infrastructure application assets, and is an investable subset of MarketVector Infrastructure Application Index. MarketVector Digital Assets 100 Large-Cap Index: market cap-weighted index which tracks the performance of the 20 largest digital assets in The MarketVector Digital Assets 100 Index. MarketVector Digital Assets 100 Small-Cap Index: market cap-weighted index which tracks the performance of the 50 smallest digital assets in The MarketVector Digital Assets 100 Index. MarketVector Meme Coin Index: modified market cap-weighted index which tracks the performance of the 6 largest meme coins. Meme coin refers to crypto assets often named after characters, individuals, animals, artworks, or other memetic elements. Initially supported by enthusiastic online traders and communities, these coins are intended for entertainment purposes. Coin Definitions Bitcoin (BTC): A decentralized digital currency enabling peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries or a central authority. Ethereum (ETH): A decentralized platform that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApp S ) using its native token, Ether. Solana (SOL): A high-performance blockchain using Proof-of-History and Proof-of-Stake to support fast, low-cost dApps and decentralized finance. BNB (BNB): The native token of the BNB Chain ecosystem (formerly Binance Smart Chain), used for gas fees, staking, and DeFi applications. Avalanche (AVAX): A highly scalable smart contract platform designed for speed and low fees, supporting custom subnets and DeFi applications. Cardano (ADA): A proof-of-stake blockchain emphasizing academic research and peer-reviewed development; used for dApps and token issuance. Polkadot (DOT): A multichain network that enables interoperability between blockchains via parachains and a central relay chain. Tron (TRX): A blockchain platform focusing on digital entertainment and content sharing, enabling low-cost transactions and USDT transfers. Toncoin (TON): A layer-1 blockchain originally developed by Telegram, optimized for scalability, speed, and integration with the messaging app. Sui (SUI): A high-throughput, low-latency Layer 1 blockchain designed for parallel transaction execution and on-chain asset management. Near Protocol (NEAR): A Layer 1 blockchain with a sharded architecture designed for developer-friendly applications, recently pivoting toward AI and intent-based trading. Hedera (HBAR): A proof-of-stake network using a unique hashgraph consensus algorithm, focused on enterprise-grade decentralized applications. Mantle (MNT): A modular Ethereum Layer-2 solution using Optimistic Rollups and Alt-DA to improve scalability and cost-efficiency. Base: A Coinbase-backed Ethereum Layer-2 using Optimistic Rollups to offer fast, low-cost transactions within a regulated environment. Scroll: An Ethereum Layer-2 network utilizing zk-rollups for enhanced security, scalability, and faster transaction speeds. EigenDA: A decentralized data availability layer leveraging Ethereum validators to offer scalable, modular rollup infrastructure. Celestia (TIA): A modular blockchain focused on providing decentralized data availability for Layer-2 rollups and other chains. Uniswap (UNI): A leading decentralized exchange (DEX) on Ethereum that uses an automated market maker (AMM) model for permissionless token swaps. Chainlink (LINK): A decentralized oracle network that connects smart contracts to real-world data sources and APIs via secure data feeds. Gnosis (GNO): An Ethereum-based platform specializing in prediction markets and DeFi tools, governed by the GNO token. XRP (Ripple): A digital asset designed for cross-border payments, developed by Ripple Labs, with a focus on enterprise and financial institutions. HEX: A controversial token marketed as a high-yield savings product built on Ethereum; subject to regulatory scrutiny and legal action. Hyperliquid (HYPE): A hybrid L1 and L3 system optimized for decentralized perpetual futures trading with Ethereum compatibility. RLUSD – Ripple's enterprise-grade stablecoin issued via Ripple Payments. Stacks (STX): A Bitcoin layer-2 protocol that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications to operate on the Bitcoin network, using Bitcoin as the settlement layer. Arbitrum (ARB): An Ethereum layer-2 scaling solution that uses optimistic rollups to provide faster, lower-cost transactions while remaining compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). Optimism (OP): An Ethereum layer-2 network leveraging optimistic rollups to reduce fees and latency for dApps while supporting Ethereum-native tooling and infrastructure. Sonic: A Solana-based layer-2 architecture designed for ultra-low-latency, high-throughput execution, optimized for Solana-native applications and modular deployments. (Note: No native token as of now.) Unichain: A modular Ethereum rollup tailored for MEV-aware applications, focused on enabling custom block production logic and efficient settlement within the Ethereum ecosystem. (Note: No native token as of now.) Risk Considerations This is not an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation to buy or sell any of the securities, financial instruments or digital assets mentioned herein. The information presented does not involve the rendering of personalized investment, financial, legal, tax advice, or any call to action. Certain statements contained herein may constitute projections, forecasts and other forward-looking statements, which do not reflect actual results, are for illustrative purposes only, are valid as of the date of this communication, and are subject to change without notice. Actual future performance of any assets or industries mentioned are unknown. Information provided by third party sources are believed to be reliable and have not been independently verified for accuracy or completeness and cannot be guaranteed. VanEck does not guarantee the accuracy of third party data. The information herein represents the opinion of the author(s), but not necessarily those of VanEck or its other employees. Index performance is not representative of fund performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. In vestments in digital assets and Web3 companies are highly speculative and involve a high degree of risk. These risks include, but are not limited to: the technology is new and many of its uses may be untested; intense competition; slow adoption rates and the potential for product obsolescence; volatility and limited liquidity, including but not limited to, inability to liquidate a position; loss or destruction of key(s) to access accounts or the blockchain; reliance on digital wallets; reliance on unregulated markets and exchanges; reliance on the internet; cybersecurity risks; and the lack of regulation and the potential for new laws and regulation that may be difficult to predict. Moreover, the extent to which Web3 companies or digital assets utilize blockchain technology may vary, and it is possible that even widespread adoption of blockchain technology may not result in a material increase in the value of such companies or digital assets. Digital asset prices are highly volatile, and the value of digital assets, and Web3 companies, can rise or fall dramatically and quickly. If their value goes down, there’s no guarantee that it will rise again. As a result, there is a significant risk of loss of your entire principal investment. Digital assets are not generally backed or supported by any government or central bank and are not covered by FDIC or SIPC insurance. Accounts at digital asset custodians and exchanges are not protected by SPIC and are not FDIC insured. Furthermore, markets and exchanges for digital assets are not regulated with the same controls or customer protections available in traditional equity, option, futures, or foreign exchange investing. Digital assets include, but are not limited to, cryptocurrencies, tokens, NFTs, assets stored or created using blockchain technology, and other Web3 products. Web3 companies include but are not limited to, companies that involve the development, innovation, and/or utilization of blockchain, digital assets, or crypto technologies. All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest. As with any investment strategy, there is no guarantee that investment objectives will be met and investors may lose money. Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss in a declining market. Past performance is no guarantee of future performance. © Van Eck Associates Corporation. Original Post Editor's Note: The summary bullets for this article were chosen by Seeking Alpha editors.
Education tech firm Classover Holdings (KIDZ) said in early May that it would sell $400 million worth of shares to buy solana. Its stock exploded higher. Shares of the thinly traded company, then with a market cap well shy of $50 million soared from $1.15 to more than $7 in just two sessions before settling back to the current $3.69. . Classover wasn’t the first company to experience the crypto surge, and it won’t be the last. A growing number of obscure, microcap and nanocap companies are embracing cryptocurrency — not as a business line or payment method, but as a headline-grabbing balance sheet item. They often follow the same script: an announcement of a shift in strategy to hold digital assets like bitcoin or solana, followed by a pop in the stock price. Today, GD Culture Group (GDC), a company with a market cap of around $30 million, announced plans to sell up to $300 million in shares to buy bitcoin and TrumpCoin (TRUMP), a meme token themed around U.S. President Donald Trump. The company declared that this purchase was part of its new “crypto asset treasury strategy.” The stock rose 13% on the news. Also today, Amber International Holdings (AMBR), valued at just under $900 million, said it would allocate $100 million to a basket of cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin, ethereum ETH, solana, XRP, Binance Coin BNB and sui SUI. All are attempting to mimic the original corporate crypto evangelist: Strategy (MSTR). In August 2020, the enterprise-software company pivoted to using bitcoin as its primary treasury reserve asset. Since then, its stock has soared more than 3,000%, fueled not by software sales or product innovation, but the price of bitcoin. Many retail investors now treat the stock as a proxy for bitcoin exposure. But while Strategy had a longstanding business and a consistent, transparent strategy — in addition to its chairman, Michael Saylor, emerging early as a bitcoin proponent — these newer companies appear to be leveraging the crypto hype machine with little track record or follow-through. Take Worksport, a Nasdaq-listed manufacturer of truck bed covers. Last year, the company announced plans to invest its cash reserves into bitcoin and XRP . Its stock, which had been sliding for years, jumped after the announcement. But the rally didn’t last, and the stock has since returned to pre-announcement levels. The company said in April that it had made a six figure initial purchase. “We are still bullish on our initial positions and have been holding. We will consider adding in the future as appropriate,” a spokesperson told CoinDesk at the time. The playbook seems straightforward: Find a buzzy crypto token, announce a purchase or strategic allocation, then ride the temporary surge in retail investor attention. In many cases, the amount the company plans to invest vastly exceeds its own market capitalization. That was true for Classover and GD Culture, both of which proposed multi-hundred-million-dollar allocations despite being worth a fraction of that. It’s unclear whether these companies will actually make their proposed purchases or how they plan to raise the funds. But the market’s reaction points to a pattern: Microcap firms are using crypto as a megaphone. Still, the tactic is proving effective in the short term. As long as the market rewards crypto-related headlines with stock rallies, small companies are likely to continue jumping on the bandwagon. Whether any of them become long-term crypto believers like Strategy remains to be seen. There are, however, some firms that appear to be taking the Strategy route more seriously — and seeing results. Japanese investment firm Metaplanet has steadily grown its bitcoin holdings to 6,796 since launching its Bitcoin Treasury Operations in April 2024, positioning itself as one of the more committed corporate holders in Asia. Similarly, U.S.-based medical device company Semler Scientific has been buying bitcoin consistently since adopting it as a reserve asset. It now holds 3,634 BTC on its balance sheet, reflecting a strategy that mirrors MicroStrategy’s playbook rather than simply borrowing its headlines. Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards. For more information, see CoinDesk’s full AI Policy.
Bitcoin is set to get a boost from a $2.5 trillion increase in deficit
Brazilian authorities are seeking a ban on chat app Discord after a planned attack on LGBTQ+ attendees at a Lady Gaga concert. The country has targeted social media platforms in the past.
Get ready for a significant shift in the world of stablecoins! The Global Dollar Network (GDN), a key initiative aimed at driving the widespread use of the USDG stablecoin , has just announced a major expansion. This move isn’t just about adding names to a list; it’s about dramatically increasing the reach and utility of USDG, bringing it closer to users and businesses around the globe. What is the Global Dollar Network and Why Does This Expansion Matter? Launched to specifically support Paxos’ innovative USDG stablecoin , the Global Dollar Network acts as an ecosystem designed to facilitate the seamless movement and adoption of USDG. Think of it as a superhighway built for digital dollars, connecting various financial institutions, platforms, and service providers. Its core mission is simple: to make USDG accessible, usable, and integrated into as many facets of global commerce and finance as possible. The recent announcement that GDN has welcomed 19 new members is a game-changer. This isn’t just incremental growth; it represents a near doubling of the network’s size in one go. This kind of rapid expansion signals strong industry interest and confidence in both the GDN model and the potential of Paxos USDG . Who Are the New Players Joining the GDN? The 19 new partners represent a diverse mix of entities crucial to the broader crypto and financial ecosystem. Among the notable names highlighted are: Crypto Exchange BitMart: Adding a major exchange like BitMart immediately opens up USDG access to a large base of crypto traders and users, enabling easier buying, selling, and potentially trading of the stablecoin. Custodian Zodia Custody: Backed by Standard Chartered, Zodia Custody brings institutional-grade digital asset custody solutions to the network. This is vital for attracting larger players and ensuring secure storage of USDG. Stablecoin Payment Firms Beam and FOMO Pay: These firms specialize in facilitating payments using stablecoins. Their inclusion directly enhances USDG’s utility for real-world transactions, e-commerce, and business payments, directly boosting Stablecoin adoption in practical use cases. The remaining partners likely include a mix of other exchanges, wallets, payment processors, fintech companies, and potentially traditional financial institutions exploring digital assets. This variety is key to building a robust and versatile network. How Does This Boost USDG Stablecoin Adoption? The addition of these 19 partners directly translates into enhanced accessibility and utility for USDG stablecoin . Here’s how: Increased Access Points: More exchanges and wallets mean more places where users can acquire, hold, and transfer USDG. Broader Use Cases: Integrating with payment firms expands the possibilities for using USDG for everyday transactions, cross-border payments, and business settlements. Institutional Confidence: The inclusion of custodians like Zodia provides the necessary infrastructure and trust layer to attract institutional investors and large enterprises. Expanded Geographic Reach: New partners often bring access to new markets and user bases around the world. With this expansion, the Global Dollar Network now boasts over 25 partners, collectively providing access to an estimated 42 million users worldwide. This is a significant leap towards achieving mass Stablecoin adoption . Why Are Stablecoin Partnerships So Crucial for Growth? In the rapidly evolving digital asset landscape, collaboration is paramount. Stablecoin partnerships are not just beneficial; they are essential for a stablecoin to move beyond a niche crypto asset and become a widely used digital currency. Networks like GDN facilitate this by: Creating Interoperability: Connecting different platforms allows USDG to flow freely between exchanges, wallets, payment apps, and other financial services. Building Trust: Partnering with regulated and reputable entities adds credibility and reduces perceived risk for users and businesses. Driving Innovation: Partners can build new products and services on top of the USDG infrastructure, creating novel use cases. Accelerating Network Effects: As more partners join, the network becomes more valuable for everyone, attracting even more participants. The growth of the Global Dollar Network is a prime example of how strategic Stablecoin partnerships can accelerate adoption and build a powerful ecosystem around a digital asset like Paxos USDG . What Does This Mean for the Future of Digital Dollars? This expansion positions USDG as a strong contender in the competitive stablecoin market. By building a broad and diverse network, GDN is laying the groundwork for USDG to become a truly global digital dollar. While challenges remain, including navigating varied regulatory environments and competing with other stablecoins and traditional payment systems, the momentum is clearly building. The success of initiatives like the Global Dollar Network will be a key indicator of how quickly and effectively stablecoins can be integrated into mainstream finance and commerce. This latest move is a significant step forward in that journey. Conclusion: A Massive Leap for USDG and Stablecoin Adoption The Global Dollar Network’s addition of 19 new partners, including major players like BitMart and Zodia Custody, marks a pivotal moment for the USDG stablecoin . This expansion dramatically increases the network’s reach, utility, and potential for driving widespread Stablecoin adoption . By forging strong Stablecoin partnerships across exchanges, custody providers, and payment platforms, GDN is building a robust ecosystem designed to make Paxos USDG a truly accessible and functional digital dollar for millions worldwide. This development underscores the growing importance of collaborative networks in the evolution of digital finance. To learn more about the latest stablecoin trends, explore our article on key developments shaping USDG and other stablecoins’ institutional adoption.
NEW YORK, NY — New York Mayor Eric Adams is making a pitch to crypto companies returning to the U.S. or expanding their presence in the country: set up shop in New York City. “This is the Empire State,” Adams said at a press briefing at Gracie Mansion on Monday. “We should be looking forward to building empires, particularly in the crypto space.” Adams, who is running for reelection, reiterated his commitment to making New York City a crypto hub, telling reporters that he would work with tech and crypto companies, both big and small, to create a friendly environment to attract them and help them succeed. “My goal remains the same as it was on day one as mayor: making New York City the crypto capital of the globe,” Adams said. His remarks echo similar pledges from President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly said he wants to make the U.S. the “crypto capital of the planet.” Adams is also taking inspiration from Trump in another way: next week, he’s hosting New York City’s first-ever Crypto Summit, which he said will bring together city officials and representatives from the crypto industry to discuss ways the city can benefit from crypto — and vice versa. In an April press release announcing the summit, Adam’s administration described the event as “com[ing] on the heels of the White House Digital Asset Summit in March.” “We’re going to attract world-class talent, provide opportunities for underbanked communities, and make government more user-friendly,” Adams said. “We are focused on the long term values of these technologies for our city and its people, not chasing memes or trends.” Earlier this year, Trump's appointed officials at the Department of Justice directed prosecutors in the Southern District of New York to drop corruption charges against Adams, leading to an exodus of career prosecutors. The charges were dismissed with prejudice by a judge. New York’s crypto industry — as well as its banking and insurance industries — is regulated by the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), which has a reputation as a tough regulator. NYDFS issues the notoriously difficult-to-get Bitlicense, a special license required to do business as a crypto company in New York. In the past, Adams has been critical of the Bitlicense, claiming that it stifled regulation and advocating for scrapping it shortly after taking office as mayor in 2022. When asked about New York’s regulatory environment on Monday, however, Adams seemed to strike a more conciliatory tone towards NYDFS, saying that “it’s good to know that the city is going to have safe regulations in place for those who are investing, and there’s not going to be any abuses.” “But at the same time, we can overregulate and prevent growth,” Adams added. “There’s a level of safety that comes with the right regulations, but overregulations can hurt this industry and we don’t want that to happen.”