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The Bitcoin price experienced a swift surge on Sunday, briefly hitting a new November high of $111,129 on the Bitstamp exchange, indicating a temporary return of bidder interest, particularly on platforms like Binance and Coinbase. However, this late weekend rally was met with significant scepticism from traders who doubted its sustainability, suspecting it would quickly unravel as traditional markets reopened. Concerns were amplified by observed selling pressure returning from a major Bitcoin whale who had previously distributed $650 million since the crash from all-time highs in October, preventing bulls from decisively reclaiming crucial support levels like $111,200.
Technical analysis highlighted the importance of reclaiming the 21-week exponential moving average (EMA), which stood at $111,230, as a key ceiling for the weekend's upside. Failure to move above and flip this level to support would signal a continued struggle for bulls. Furthermore, a longer-term perspective focused on Fibonacci retracement levels, suggesting that the recent price drop to just above $100,000 might mark a typical bottom near the 38.2% level. However, analysts cautioned that if Bitcoin were to close a monthly candle below this critical Fibonacci level, the current bull run would most likely be over, underscoring the persistent fear of a deeper bear market despite the temporary price gain. Source
Tether has reported an impressive $10 billion profit for the first three quarters of 2025, placing it among the most profitable financial institutions globally. This performance surpasses Bank of America’s $8.9 billion over the same period and nearly doubles U.S. Bank’s $5.5 billion. The company’s earnings are primarily fuelled by returns from its $135 billion in U.S. Treasury reserves, which back its stablecoin USDT. These returns have enabled Tether to rival Wall Street giants like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, whose net incomes for the year stand at around $12.56 billion and $12.4 billion, respectively.
Despite its private ownership and base in El Salvador, Tether’s profitability continues to climb, with the firm poised to exceed its 2024 annual profit of $13 billion. Although still trailing far behind JP Morgan’s $44 billion in net income, Tether’s rise demonstrates the significant financial impact of stablecoin operations at scale. In the third quarter alone, the company issued over $17 billion worth of new USDT, raising its total supply to more than $184 billion. Its vast U.S. Treasury holdings now exceed those of countries like Germany and Saudi Arabia, marking Tether as one of the largest non-state holders globally. Source
Blockchain has evolved from being a branding tool in sports to becoming a critical part of stadium infrastructure and operations. Sports organizations are now implementing blockchain for ticketing, identity management, and rights verification at scale, moving beyond sponsorship deals toward tangible utility. This integration helps leagues combat fraud, ensure data transparency, and enhance fan engagement through smart contracts and verifiable data. Analysts expect the blockchain market in sports to grow from roughly $2.05 billion in 2024 to $10 billion by 2035, as leagues seek standardized, compliant networks that simplify ticketing, loyalty programs, and settlements across venues.
The technology’s role now extends to governance, doping control, and credential verification, creating tamper-evident systems that improve trust and efficiency. For fans, blockchain operates invisibly behind familiar actions such as mobile ticketing, seat upgrades, and digital collectibles, embedding itself seamlessly into the matchday experience. As budgets shift from short-term sponsorships to long-term software infrastructure, the focus turns to solutions that deliver transparency, automation, and verifiable settlement. Sports have become a proving ground for blockchain’s mainstream adoption, demonstrating that real-world utility—not hype—is what cements its place in everyday consumer life. Source
During Coinbase’s Q3 2025 earnings call, CEO Brian Armstrong amused prediction market participants by deliberately mentioning words like “Bitcoin,” “Ethereum,” “blockchain,” “staking,” and “Web3.” The move came after Armstrong noticed users betting on which terms would appear during the call on platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket. His last-minute inclusion of those terms instantly determined the market outcomes, sending odds for those words to 100% and paying out those who had predicted correctly. Armstrong described the act as spontaneous and fun, though some observers accused him of manipulating prediction markets, calling the stunt a poor reflection on both him and the industry.
Coinbase later stated that the comments were made in a lighthearted way and emphasized that company policy prohibits employees from participating in prediction markets involving Coinbase. While industry figures such as Vitalik Buterin defended Armstrong’s intentions, others, including Arca CIO Jeff Dorman, criticized the incident as inappropriate. Despite the controversy, the impact on financial markets was minimal, as the relevant prediction markets saw low liquidity and small volumes. Coinbase’s Q3 earnings beat expectations, driving its stock up nearly 5% to $343.78, even as the firm and its CEO found themselves at the centre of a broader conversation about ethics and entertainment in financial innovation. Source
Coinbase is reportedly in advanced discussions to acquire BVNK, a London-based stablecoin infrastructure startup, in a deal valued at around $2 billion. The move follows the exchange’s growing focus on stablecoins as a key revenue source, which accounted for roughly $246 million, or 20% of its total revenue, in the third quarter of 2025. Founded in 2021, BVNK provides enterprise-grade stablecoin payment solutions for merchants and has attracted backing from major investors, including Citi Ventures, Visa, and Haun Ventures. Coinbase Ventures is already among BVNK’s early investors, and the potential acquisition is expected to close later this year or in early 2026, pending due diligence.
The deal comes amid renewed corporate enthusiasm for stablecoins following the passage of the GENIUS Act in the United States, which introduced clear regulatory guidelines for collateralization and compliance. The act has legitimized stablecoins for institutional use, sparking a wave of adoption across the financial industry. Visa, for example, has launched pilot programs enabling stablecoin-based international payments. For Coinbase, the BVNK acquisition would strengthen its infrastructure capabilities and diversify its income beyond trading fees, positioning the exchange as a key player in the rapidly expanding stablecoin and digital payments ecosystem. Source
Bitcoin’s long-standing trend of strong October performance, often dubbed “Uptober,” broke in 2025 as the cryptocurrency ended the month down over 8%, marking its weakest showing in years. After reaching a record high of $126,080 early in the month, Bitcoin dropped to around $109,820, its lowest level in four months. Analysts attributed the downturn to several overlapping factors, including tightening liquidity conditions, renewed macroeconomic concerns, and shifting expectations around U.S. interest rate policy. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s comments that another rate cut was “not a foregone conclusion” spooked markets, while President Donald Trump’s renewed trade tensions with China added further uncertainty, prompting widespread liquidations of long positions.
Experts also pointed to increased selling by long-term holders who believe Bitcoin may have peaked within its four-year cycle, historically a key rhythm for crypto markets. While previous Octobers saw gains as high as 40%, this year’s 3.69% decline reflected fragility in both sentiment and market structure. Analysts suggested that tightening liquidity and fragile macroeconomic signals have made Bitcoin particularly vulnerable compared to traditional assets. However, some remain optimistic, noting that the potential approval of new crypto exchange-traded funds and supportive legislation could revive momentum in the coming months. Investors now look ahead to November—dubbed “Moonvember”—with hopes that the market will bounce back after a disappointing end to “Uptober.” Source
The European Commission is reportedly preparing a proposal that would place both stock and cryptocurrency exchanges under the direct supervision of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). The move is part of a broader strategy to create a more unified and competitive capital market across the European Union, reducing regulatory fragmentation that currently increases the cost of cross-border operations for startups. The plan, which mirrors the structure of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, would give ESMA expanded authority over crypto asset service providers and trading infrastructure. European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde and other officials have voiced support for a single supervisory framework that can manage systemic risks from large, cross-border financial firms.
The draft proposal, expected in December, would also allow ESMA to issue binding decisions in disputes between asset managers and streamline oversight across member states. It comes amid growing concern that inconsistent national regulations under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) could lead to regulatory arbitrage. France, Austria, and Italy have already advocated for transferring crypto supervision to ESMA, following France’s threat to restrict the practice of “passporting” licences obtained in more lenient jurisdictions. ESMA Chair Verena Ross has confirmed that the reform aims to reduce market fragmentation and move toward a true capital markets union, providing startups and investors with a more stable and integrated financial environment. Source
Markethive is a comprehensive digital ecosystem built to integrate social networking, marketing automation, and blockchain technology into one unified platform. Far beyond a traditional social network or blogging site, it combines advanced linking dynamics and organizational tools to foster collaboration and expand online visibility. Users can manage unlimited interconnected WordPress blogs, distribute content through a wide-reaching network of integrated APIs, and connect with global audiences across traditional and crypto-focused media channels. The HivePress system extends this network even further, creating a decentralized content distribution framework that amplifies visibility and audience engagement. This interconnected design allows seamless content syndication and engagement, enabling individuals and organizations to maximize their online presence through a powerful blend of social interaction, analytics, and automation.
Central to Markethive’s philosophy is empowerment through transparency, collaboration, and blockchain-backed ownership. It offers entrepreneurs, creators, and businesses advanced analytical tools, including real-time traffic metrics, visual data mapping, and Vector Research insights, to refine strategies and measure influence. The platform rewards participation through its Hivecoin cryptocurrency and Faucet system, ensuring users earn for their engagement. Built on blockchain technology, Markethive prioritizes data privacy, decentralized governance, and fair monetization, allowing users to control their content and income. With over 25 years of innovation, Markethive positions itself as the world’s first blockchain-based market network, merging community, commerce, and technology to promote an equitable and secure digital economy that empowers individuals to thrive in an interconnected world. Source
Former FTX US president Brett Harrison criticized the growing trend of excessive leverage in crypto trading, calling it irresponsible and a major problem for the industry. He argued that allowing traders to use leverage as high as 1,000 times their capital on volatile crypto assets encourages reckless behavior and leads to massive losses. Harrison, who is launching a new exchange called Architect, aims to offer perpetual futures for traditional assets such as stocks, forex, and rare metals, but with far stricter limits on leverage. His comments come amid increased scrutiny of crypto derivatives, especially after a flash crash in October that wiped out $19 billion from the market.
Architect will allow up to 25x leverage on stable assets like the EUR/USD pair and only 8x on more volatile instruments such as Tesla stock, a sharp contrast to the extreme leverage commonly available in crypto markets. Harrison said the purpose of a derivatives exchange should be to enable safe, long-term trading rather than promoting gambling-like behavior through excessive leverage. Meanwhile, decentralized exchanges continue to attract retail traders with minimal regulation and sky-high leverage options, a trend Harrison believes will keep exposing small investors to heavy losses and destabilizing the broader market. Source
The decentralized exchange token Aster surged more than 30% after Binance co-founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao revealed that he personally purchased over $2.5 million worth of the asset. CZ shared a screenshot of his wallet on X, saying he had used his own money to buy Aster on Binance and planned to hold it long-term. Following the announcement, Aster’s price jumped from $0.91 to a peak of $1.26 before stabilizing around $1.22. The token’s trading volume soared from $224 million to more than $2 billion within 24 hours, while its market capitalization increased from $1.8 billion to $2.5 billion as traders rushed to follow CZ’s move.
The revelation marked the first time CZ had publicly announced buying a token other than BNB, fueling speculation and excitement across the crypto community. However, some investors remain sceptical about the rally’s sustainability, as large traders began shorting Aster shortly after the surge, betting on a price decline. Despite the speculation, CZ clarified that he rarely buys new tokens and had hoped to acquire more before the price spike. His family office, YZi Labs, had previously invested in Aster’s predecessor, Astherus, which merged with APX Finance in 2024 to form Aster. Source
Romania’s National Office for Gambling (ONJN) has added the prediction market platform Polymarket to its blacklist of unauthorized websites, citing unlicensed gambling activities. The regulator stated that Polymarket qualifies as counterparty betting, where users stake money against each other and the outcome of a future event determines winnings. ONJN emphasized that the decision is based on law rather than technology, warning that allowing unlicensed betting under the guise of trading could set a dangerous precedent. The regulator highlighted the platform’s heavy activity during Romanian elections, noting that a single market predicting the mayor of Bucharest attracted over $16 million in volume.
Polymarket has faced scrutiny in other regions, including the United States and France, over similar compliance concerns. While the platform had been effectively banned in the U.S. following a 2022 CFTC fine, it later acquired the derivatives exchange QCX, allowing it to resume operations domestically. The firm recently secured a $2 billion investment from Intercontinental Exchange, valuing it at around $9 billion. Despite the blacklist in Romania, Polymarket continues to plan for broader growth, including the potential launch of its own token. Source
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has unveiled its Fintech 2030 strategy, which emphasizes tokenization as a central pillar of the city’s financial innovation plans over the next five years. The strategy, called DART, focuses on data, artificial intelligence, resilience, and tokenization, with 40 initiatives aimed at growing the fintech ecosystem. The HKMA intends to accelerate the tokenization of real-world assets, including financial instruments, and plans to lead by example through the issuance of tokenized government bonds and exploring tokenized Exchange Fund papers. The initiative will also feature the launch of a new central bank digital currency, e-HKD, recently piloted for blockchain settlements, offline payments, and programmable financial activities.
The strategy further includes collaboration with industry players and other central banks, with pilot programs such as Project Ensemble set to test the practical applications of tokenized assets. Alongside tokenization, the HKMA aims to integrate artificial intelligence into the financial system to enhance accessibility, responsiveness, and customization in banking services while ensuring transparency and public trust. By combining tokenization with AI and resilient infrastructure, Hong Kong seeks to strengthen its position as a global hub for fintech innovation and digital financial services. Source
Coinbase exceeded expectations in Q3, reporting $1.9 billion in revenue driven by rebounding trading volumes and profitable services such as staking, custodial offerings, and its Ethereum L2, Base. The company highlighted strong early performance in Q4, with October transaction revenue reaching $385 million, and emphasized the expansion of its asset offerings from around 300 to over 40,000 in the U.S. through DEX integrations. Coinbase’s focus on launching CFTC-regulated 24/7 perpetual futures also contributed to its financial results, underscoring how volatility and trading volumes tend to support the exchange’s bottom line despite market swings.
Meanwhile, BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF, IBIT, experienced significant outflows of $290.8 million as Bitcoin dipped below $110,000, though cumulative inflows remain strong at $88 billion, indicating long-term institutional adoption. REX Shares launched a new ETF, ULTI, designed to convert volatility in equities—including crypto-exposed firms like Core Scientific and Gemini—into weekly income through options strategies. The actively managed fund targets as many as 30 highly volatile U.S. stocks, aiming to provide income while managing tail risk, reflecting Wall Street’s continued interest in packaging crypto market fluctuations for investors seeking cash flow. Source
Europol has warned that criminal activity involving cryptocurrency and blockchain is becoming increasingly sophisticated, placing a growing burden on law enforcement agencies across the EU. Burkhard Mühl, head of Europol's European Financial and Economic Crime Centre, emphasized the need for continued investment and cross-border cooperation to tackle complex crypto-related crimes. While crypto crime accounts for only a fraction of overall financial crime, high-profile cases this year have included laundering operations in Latvia, clandestine hawala networks moving over $23 million, and a crypto investment fraud ring that defrauded more than 5,000 victims of nearly $540 million. Physical attacks on cryptocurrency holders, known as wrench attacks, have also been rising in parts of Europe, highlighting the real-world risks tied to digital assets.
Experts note that law enforcement faces challenges due to the global nature of crypto crime and inconsistent results from blockchain analytics firms. Diana Pătruț of the Blockchain Intelligence Professionals Association highlighted the lack of standardized training, methodologies, and wallet attribution as obstacles to effective investigations, and warned against over-reliance on private sector tools that may introduce bias. She stressed the need for collaborative development of standards and enhanced training, as well as building critical assessment capabilities within investigative teams. Overall, authorities advocate for treating crypto-related crime as part of the broader financial crime landscape, recognizing its growing significance as digital assets, stablecoins, and tokenized assets become more integrated into mainstream financial markets. Source
Over 300 executives from traditional finance, digital assets, and regulatory bodies convened in Abu Dhabi for Agentic., focusing on the practical deployment of tokenized finance. The event highlighted the UAE’s rapid adoption of tokenization frameworks, with Abu Dhabi and Dubai providing regulatory clarity, deep capital pools, and increasing global financial firm presence. Panels emphasized infrastructure, standards, and verified data as essential foundations for moving tokenization from pilot projects to production, while initiatives such as VARA’s tokenized real-world asset recognition and ADGM’s corridor for capital and technology were showcased as models for institutional adoption. Participants agreed that compliance, legacy-system integration, and multichain pragmatism are now priorities over ideological debates about blockchain.
Data and agentic AI emerged as key enablers for scaling tokenized markets. Speakers stressed that nearly 70% of enterprise data remains unstructured or fragmented, with Inveniam’s acquisition of Storj and its Diol marketplace providing decentralized storage, compute, and tokenization solutions. Agentic AI systems were demonstrated capable of autonomously analyzing contracts, structuring data onchain, and verifying compliance in real time, reducing manual oversight and streamlining institutional workflows. The UAE’s combination of regulatory speed, capital availability, and openness to multichain infrastructure positions it as a global hub where technology, compliance, and liquidity converge, accelerating the real-world adoption of tokenized and AI-driven finance. Source
Cryptocurrencies drifted lower over the weekend as investors awaited U.S. employment data and assessed comments from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding high interest rates. Bitcoin traded near $108,000, down about 1.7% over 24 hours, while Ethereum slipped roughly 3.5% to $3,750, with altcoins underperforming as traders maintained a cautious stance. Bessent noted that restrictive monetary policy may have pushed parts of the economy, particularly housing, into recession and suggested that the Federal Reserve could have room to cut rates, sparking debate over whether potential cuts would signal economic strength or stress.
On-chain data indicates that Bitcoin remains below a key short-term holders’ cost basis near $113,000, which has acted as a resistance level for the past three weeks, suggesting waning demand at current prices. Analysts caution that a sustained decline below this threshold could open the path to a deeper pullback, with support near $88,000 based on the realized cost basis of active supply. With U.S. markets reopening and Friday’s employment report expected to show moderated hiring and steady unemployment, investors are weighing whether rate cuts will reflect confidence in a soft landing or growing economic weakness, creating near-term volatility in crypto markets. Source
Disclaimer: These articles are provided for informational purposes only. They are not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other advice.
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