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Circle has called for consistent and transparent regulation across all types of stablecoin issuers as the US Treasury Department moves forward with implementing the GENIUS Act. The company’s comments emphasized the need for equal treatment between banks, nonbanks, and foreign issuers to maintain fair competition and consumer protection. Circle also urged regulators to define clear enforcement mechanisms and penalties for noncompliance, reiterating its support for fully backed stablecoins with cash and high-quality liquid assets. These measures, it said, would prevent regulatory loopholes and promote trust in the stablecoin ecosystem.
The GENIUS Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump in July, is set to take effect after regulators finalize implementation rules. Circle’s recommendations were submitted during the Treasury’s second public comment period, alongside input from other major crypto firms like Coinbase. While the stablecoin framework is moving ahead, broader digital asset legislation remains stalled in Congress, with the Senate yet to take significant action on the market structure bill. Lawmakers continue to hold bipartisan discussions, but further progress is unlikely until at least 2026, according to recent statements from Republican leaders. Source
Bitcoin’s performance has faltered in recent weeks, falling about 20% from its record high of $126,080 and needing a 10% rebound to break even for the quarter. Analysts attribute this weakness to a combination of U.S.–China trade tensions, fears of a government shutdown, and thinning market liquidity, which have kept trading largely range-bound. Market data shows subdued activity, with neither bulls nor bears gaining a decisive edge. Experts have also cautioned that ongoing defaults in the DeFi and stablecoin sectors could indicate deeper systemic risks that may unsettle the broader crypto market.
Despite these headwinds, several analysts remain optimistic that Bitcoin could end the year in positive territory if key economic factors turn favourable. Improved liquidity, steady ETF inflows, contained inflation, and potential Federal Reserve rate cuts are seen as catalysts that could revive investor confidence and push prices higher. While the recent drop below Bitcoin’s 200-day moving average raised concerns, some experts argue that the same macroeconomic forces currently pressuring the market could eventually reverse and drive a rebound before year-end. Source
Coinbase executives Shan Aggarwal and Scott Meadows have emphasized the importance of coordinated regulation as Congress works on crypto-related legislation, arguing that the GENIUS stablecoin bill and the CLARITY market structure bill are key to fuelling the onchain economy. Speaking at the Blockchain Futurist Conference, Aggarwal compared the two bills to “oil” that keeps the crypto ecosystem running smoothly. He explained that as stablecoin supply expands under the GENIUS framework, capital will increasingly flow into tokenized assets and onchain financial instruments, driving liquidity and innovation across digital markets.
Meadows added that together, the GENIUS and market structure bills could provide the comprehensive regulatory clarity needed for institutions and markets to operate confidently within the crypto space. He said the combination of both frameworks creates a multiplier effect for industry growth by establishing consistent “rules of the road.” Coinbase’s comments coincided with the US Treasury’s consideration of GENIUS Act implementation, during which the company requested that restrictions on stablecoin interest payments apply only to issuers, not exchanges. Despite progress on GENIUS, the broader market structure bill remains stalled in the Senate due to the ongoing government shutdown, though Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has indicated that lawmakers are largely aligned on most of its provisions. Source
Traders on Myriad Markets have turned bearish on Bitcoin’s short-term prospects as the cryptocurrency struggles to recover from a 20% decline since its peak above $126,000. Prediction odds now give a 66% chance that Bitcoin will not reach a new all-time high before the end of 2025, reflecting growing caution amid market volatility, macroeconomic uncertainty, and reduced investor appetite. Analysts have adjusted their targets downward, with Galaxy cutting its year-end forecast from $185,000 to $120,000 as Bitcoin trades near $101,000. While some technical indicators suggest waning bearish momentum, traders remain hesitant, awaiting clarity on government policy and interest rate cuts that could influence market direction.
In contrast, sentiment toward Zcash has surged, with Myriad predictors overwhelmingly betting that the privacy-focused token will stay above $469, trading around $533 and marking its strongest performance since 2018. The odds of Zcash maintaining momentum flipped dramatically within days, showing renewed investor confidence even as broader markets weaken. Meanwhile, traders are also betting against PUMP, a Solana-based meme coin, with a 73% probability that its market cap will fall to $1 billion as activity cools and broader markets decline. Despite this downturn, upcoming developments like potential airdrops or increased on-chain engagement could still inject short-term volatility across prediction markets. Source
ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood has revised her long-term Bitcoin price target downward by $300,000, citing the rapid rise of stablecoins as a key factor reducing Bitcoin’s store-of-value appeal in emerging markets. Wood, who previously projected Bitcoin could reach $1.5 million by 2030, now sees the top cryptocurrency topping out closer to $1.2 million, acknowledging that stablecoins are filling the role once expected of Bitcoin. She noted that stablecoins have scaled far faster than anticipated, particularly as tools for savings and transactions in developing economies, offering a more practical solution for everyday financial needs.
Despite the adjustment, Wood maintains a positive outlook on Bitcoin, calling it a global monetary system distinct from stablecoins, which she described as digital representations of fiat currency. The growing adoption of dollar-pegged stablecoins has been particularly evident in countries like Venezuela and Argentina, where hyperinflation and strict currency controls have driven residents toward alternatives such as Tether’s USDt. Analysts at Standard Chartered estimate that stablecoins could drain over $1 trillion from traditional banking systems in emerging markets by 2028, underscoring a major shift in global financial behaviour as inflation and sanctions push more people to adopt blockchain-based financial solutions. Source
Robinhood is actively considering whether to add Bitcoin to its corporate balance sheet, according to Shiv Verma, the company’s Senior Vice President of Finance and Strategy. Speaking after the firm’s quarterly earnings call, Verma said management frequently debates the idea of creating a Bitcoin treasury but continues to weigh its advantages and drawbacks. While holding Bitcoin could align the company more closely with its crypto-focused user base, it would also require significant capital that might be better used for other strategic initiatives. Verma noted that shareholders already have the option to buy Bitcoin directly on Robinhood, prompting internal discussions about whether a corporate purchase would add sufficient value.
The remarks came as Robinhood reported stronger-than-expected quarterly results, with $1.27 billion in revenue and $0.61 earnings per share, alongside a 339% year-over-year surge in crypto trading revenue. CEO Vlad Tenev reaffirmed the firm’s broader vision to expand into a full-spectrum financial services platform. Over 200 public companies now hold Bitcoin or other digital assets as part of their treasuries, a strategy pioneered by MicroStrategy in 2020. However, experts continue to caution that such moves carry risk, as crypto price volatility has hurt the valuations of several firms that adopted similar approaches. Despite its growing crypto presence, Robinhood shares fell nearly 11% on Thursday, though they remain up over 240% for the year. Source
Blockchain gaming and decentralized finance continued to dominate Web3 activity in October, even as overall participation dipped slightly. According to DappRadar, total daily active wallets across the ecosystem fell 3% to 16 million, but gaming applications reached their highest activity share of the year at 27.9%. DeFi also maintained steady engagement at 18.4%, despite declining total value locked, which fell 6.3% during the month to $221 billion and later dropped further in early November. Top-performing decentralized applications included Raydium, Pump.fun, Jupiter Exchange, OKX Dex, and PancakeSwap v2, reflecting continued user interest in trading and liquidity-focused platforms.
While DeFi faced headwinds from leveraged liquidations and security breaches, the broader Web3 ecosystem showed signs of resilience. The sector suffered additional strain when Stream Finance lost $93 million in an exploit, with analysts identifying hundreds of millions more in potential vulnerabilities. Regulatory uncertainty also weighed on sentiment, as U.S. lawmakers discussed extending Know Your Customer requirements to non-custodial wallets. In response, major Ethereum-based projects formed the Ethereum Protocol Advocacy Alliance to coordinate policy efforts, while RedStone introduced a DeFi risk ratings platform to improve transparency and credit assessment. Meanwhile, NFT trading volume rose 30% to $546 million, signalling sustained enthusiasm for digital collectibles even amid broader market weakness. Source
Markethive presents itself as a comprehensive decentralized ecosystem designed to champion freedom, privacy, and individual empowerment. Built as a market network, it serves as both a social and commercial hub, offering entrepreneurs, artists, and creators the tools to interact, transact, and share ideas without fear of censorship or manipulation. Its blockchain-based infrastructure eliminates reliance on centralized entities, ensuring resilience, transparency, and user ownership of data. Through its proprietary cryptocurrency, Hivecoin (HVC), Markethive establishes a self-sustaining economy where users can earn income, conduct transactions, and retain control over their digital identities.
Beyond its technology, Markethive positions itself as a movement advocating for free speech and privacy rights in an increasingly controlled digital world. It allows communities to self-regulate content and provides tools to block or filter interactions without imposing centralized moderation. The platform ensures that user data remains private, untracked, and free from surveillance or targeted advertising. With blockchain integration, robust security measures, and a firm stance on content ownership, Markethive aims to restore trust and autonomy to online interactions. It envisions a global community where individuals can freely express themselves, protect their work, and achieve financial independence within a censorship-free environment. Source
Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has partnered with the Buenos Aires city government to promote responsible cryptocurrency use and education among citizens and small businesses. The initiative aims to empower Argentinians to understand and utilize digital assets safely through educational programs, awareness campaigns, and exclusive benefits. Both parties emphasized that responsible adoption is key to unlocking the benefits of crypto, such as financial inclusion and global accessibility, while minimizing risks through proper knowledge and security practices. The collaboration reflects a broader effort to integrate cryptocurrency into the local economy, especially in a country grappling with soaring inflation and widespread stablecoin use as a hedge against currency devaluation.
Despite the government’s focus on education and empowerment, Argentina’s crypto landscape remains turbulent following controversies around meme coins. Earlier this year, President Javier Milei faced legal scrutiny after endorsing a Solana-based meme token, LIBRA, which surged in value before collapsing and leaving investors with losses. Although he was cleared by the country’s anti-corruption unit, the investigation is ongoing. Meme coins, often driven by hype and internet culture, continue to highlight the volatile and speculative side of the crypto world. The Binance and Buenos Aires partnership has yet to clarify whether their educational campaigns will include guidance on the risks associated with such tokens, raising questions about the completeness of their approach to fostering “sensible” crypto adoption. Source
XRP has shown signs of renewed network strength despite its recent price struggles, with onchain data suggesting a possible market bottom. Over 21,000 new XRP wallets were created within 48 hours, marking the fastest growth in eight months, while the XRP Ledger’s decentralized exchange recorded nearly one million transactions in a single day. This surge in activity indicates rising engagement across the network, although analysts caution that much of the trading may be linked to whale redistribution, arbitrage, or automated strategies rather than organic demand. The divergence between record onchain activity and a declining price has fueled speculation about market manipulation and non-retail influence behind the current movement.
Following months of heavy whale selling, amounting to over $650 million in outflows since July, large holder activity has begun to stabilize, pointing to potential accumulation. Whale flows have now turned neutral, while futures data from Binance show that traders are increasingly favoring XRP over Bitcoin and Ethereum, whose open interest has fallen sharply. Analysts suggest that this shift reflects a cautious optimism and early accumulation phase as investors look for undervalued assets in a risk-averse environment. While easing whale pressure and record wallet growth strengthen the case for price stabilization, sustained recovery will ultimately depend on consistent demand and confirmation through price action. Source
MyPrize, a social gaming app with over 1 million users worldwide, has partnered with Crypto.com to integrate prediction market contracts into its platform. The collaboration allows MyPrize users to trade event contracts covering sports, politics, cryptocurrency, and other topics, joining a growing list of distributors like Hollywood.com, Underdog, and Trump Media. This move reflects the broader convergence of social platforms and financial markets, leveraging Crypto.com’s CFTC-regulated North American Derivatives Exchange license, which permits the self-certification of federally regulated event contracts. The partnership positions MyPrize within a rapidly expanding prediction market industry, which has seen weekly trading volumes surpassing $2 billion, driven by platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket.
The integration of prediction markets into a free-to-play social gaming app exemplifies how traditional gaming and financial speculation are intersecting. Users can earn and redeem in-game rewards such as Gold Coins or Sweeps Cash for real money, now with the added option to engage in regulated financial contracts. While details on revenue sharing between MyPrize and Crypto.com were not disclosed, such deals typically involve the distributor receiving a portion of trading fees. This initiative aligns with trends seen across the sector, including Robinhood’s partnership with Kalshi and FanDuel’s collaboration with CME, highlighting the growing popularity and accessibility of prediction markets within mainstream digital platforms. Source
Ethereum traders have turned notably bullish following a modest price rebound, with online sentiment showing the highest positive bias since July. After Ether neared $3,500, social media commentary shifted, averaging 2.7 bullish remarks for every bearish one, reflecting optimism that the token may be regaining upward momentum. Traders interpreted the price movement as a cue that Ethereum was “back in business,” with Ether trading between $3,251 and $3,451 over the past 24 hours and reaching $3,323 early Friday. This sudden optimism contrasts with the wider crypto market, where uncertainty and caution remain dominant.
Despite the spike in bullish sentiment, analysts caution that heightened optimism could backfire, as market movements often go against prevailing crowd expectations. Santiment noted that fear, uncertainty, and doubt previously fueled Ether’s recent rally, and excessive FOMO now risks slowing or reversing momentum. Meanwhile, the broader crypto market remains entrenched in fear, with the Crypto Fear & Greed Index at 24 out of 100, indicating “Extreme Fear.” Macro factors, including trade tensions between the US and China, continue to weigh on prices, leaving Ethereum traders’ bullishness as a localized phenomenon rather than a reflection of market-wide confidence. Source
Tenerife’s Technological and Renewable Energy Institute (ITER) is planning to sell 97 Bitcoin it purchased in 2012 for €10,000, which have since appreciated nearly 1,000 times in value to roughly $9.8 million. The original purchase was part of an experiment to study blockchain technology, not a financial investment. The Council of Tenerife, which oversees ITER, hopes to complete the sale soon with a regulated organization under the supervision of the Bank of Spain and the National Securities Market Commission. The proceeds are expected to fund ITER’s ongoing research initiatives in quantum technology, renewable energies, and genomics.
The sale highlights the intersection of cryptocurrency and scientific research, particularly as Bitcoin’s cryptography faces potential future challenges from advanced quantum computing. Although the quantum threat remains years away, it has already sparked discussions about security and preparedness within the crypto community. ITER’s move also follows broader trends in Spain, where financial institutions and companies are increasingly incorporating Bitcoin and other digital assets into their strategies. The outcome of the sale could provide significant funding for ITER’s projects while reinforcing the growing link between blockchain technology and scientific innovation. Source
Seven major crypto firms have joined forces to form the Blockchain Payments Consortium (BPC), aiming to establish common standards for crosschain stablecoin transfers and streamline blockchain transactions. The consortium includes Fireblocks, the Solana Foundation, TON Foundation, Polygon Labs, Stellar Development Foundation, Mysten Labs, and Monad Foundation. Their goal is to create a consistent framework that aligns blockchain payments with the data and compliance requirements of traditional financial systems, addressing the current fragmentation and inefficiencies that hinder adoption. By fostering interoperability and standardization, the BPC hopes to make blockchain transactions more seamless for both individuals and institutions.
The initiative comes amid a booming year for stablecoin transfers, which reached $27.6 trillion in 2024, surpassing the combined volumes of Visa and Mastercard. The BPC aims to enable faster, low-cost cross-border payments, integrate blockchain ecosystems with traditional finance, and provide a regulatory-compliant framework across jurisdictions. Industry leaders describe the effort as a critical step in maturing the crypto payments sector, reducing friction, and maximizing the potential of blockchain technology. By establishing shared standards, the consortium hopes to support broader adoption and collaboration as blockchain payments continue to grow in mainstream relevance. Source
South Korea is signaling potential adjustments to its sanctions framework on North Korea in response to recent U.S. actions targeting Pyongyang’s cryptocurrency theft operations. Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Ji-na indicated that Seoul could review its sanctions if necessary, emphasizing the importance of coordination with the U.S. to address digital threats that could fund North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. The remarks follow a new set of U.S. Treasury sanctions targeting eight individuals and two entities linked to DPRK cybercrime, including state-run IT fronts and overseas financial operatives, accused of laundering stolen cryptocurrency to support weapons development.
The U.S. sanctions highlight the growing scale of North Korea’s crypto-related activities, with the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team reporting $2.84 billion stolen since January 2024. Analysts note that additional sanctions by South Korea would reinforce U.S. measures, though the long-term impact may be limited given decades of similar restrictions. The South Korean government is coordinating with Washington to finalize details following recent diplomatic discussions, underscoring the ongoing effort to curb illicit digital financing while protecting the domestic digital ecosystem from external threats. Source
Google’s Threat Intelligence Group has identified a new wave of AI-powered malware that leverages large language models (LLMs) to dynamically generate, modify, and obfuscate malicious code in real time. At least five distinct malware families have been observed using external models such as Gemini and Qwen2.5-Coder during execution, enabling attackers to create malicious functions on demand rather than relying on hard-coded scripts. This “just-in-time code creation” method allows malware to continuously adapt and evade detection, representing a significant evolution in how state-linked and criminal actors deploy AI in active cyberattacks.
Among the groups exploiting this technology is UNC1069, a North Korean-linked actor engaged in cryptocurrency theft campaigns. The group reportedly used Gemini to query wallet application data, generate scripts for encrypted storage access, and produce phishing content targeting crypto exchange employees. Other AI-enabled malware families, such as PROMPTFLUX and PROMPTSTEAL, were linked to Russian threat actors and also demonstrated real-time code manipulation. Google has disabled the accounts involved and strengthened safeguards around model access, highlighting a growing attack surface where AI is weaponized to target digital assets and financial infrastructure. 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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