The post HBAR ETF Goes Live on Nasdaq During U.S Government Shutdown appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The Hedera (HBAR) community is celebrating a major milestone as the network’s first U.S. exchange-traded fund (ETF) is set to start trading on Nasdaq this Tuesday, October 28, 2025. 

The Canary Capital HBAR ETF, trading under the ticker HBR, will give investors direct spot exposure to HBAR, making it easier for institutions and advisors to invest in the network without managing crypto wallets.

A Breakthrough for Institutional Investors

Crypto Analyst Mark Chadwickx confirmed the listing, calling it a major step for institutional access to HBAR through Nasdaq. Many saw this as a huge credibility boost for the network.

Canary Capital CEO Steven McClurg confirmed the ETF launch after the company completed all required filings, using the SEC’s shutdown playbook, which allows new ETFs to go live 20 days after filing, even when regulators are short-staffed. 

The new HBAR ETF will hold actual HBAR tokens in custody with BitGo and Coinbase Custody, while CoinDesk Indices will provide official price tracking.

Alongside the HBAR product, Canary is also rolling out a Litecoin (LTC) ETF, both debuting in what’s turning out to be a busy week for new crypto fund listings in the U.S.

Crypto Community Reacts

The Hedera ETF launch stirred quite a buzz on social media. X users praised Hedera’s quiet strength, noting that while Bitcoin and Ethereum dominate headlines, Hedera has been steadily handling over 10,000 transactions per second for giants like IBM and Google. They described the ETF launch as “institutional stealth mode activated,” hinting at growing big-money interest behind the scenes.

However, not everyone was convinced. Another User, LuckyToken7777, cautioned that listing and full SEC approval are different matters, warning traders to be careful of potential hype-driven price moves. 

Faster ETF Approvals Under New SEC Rules

However, the launch timing isn’t random. In mid-September, the SEC approved new listing standards that make it easier for exchanges to list spot commodity ETFs like HBAR, Solana, and Litecoin. These new standards cut down the long review times that previously delayed crypto ETF launches. 

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Despite the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, Elenor Terrett explained that these ETFs can still go live because the 8-A filings, which register ETF shares for trading, have been certified, and the S-1 filings include language allowing them to take effect automatically after 20 days without SEC intervention. 

Having said that, this rule change has opened the door for multiple ETF debuts, including Bitwise’s Solana ETF on the NYSE and Canary’s listings on Nasdaq, all happening within days.

For Hedera, this marks a major turning point. The ETF not only increases market visibility but also gives traditional investors access to HBAR through regulated brokerage accounts, a big leap for a blockchain known for its enterprise and institutional partnerships with companies like IBM and Google.

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The post Alibaba’s Ant Group Eyes Crypto Future with ‘AntCoin’ Trademark in Hong Kong appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Alibaba’s fintech arm, Ant Group, is stirring buzz in the crypto world after filing a trademark application for “AntCoin” in Hong Kong. While the filing doesn’t confirm a token launch, it signals that the company is laying the legal groundwork to blend its Alipay payments ecosystem with Hong Kong’s fast-emerging regulated Web3 and stablecoin framework.

A Step Toward Blockchain-Based Finance

According to the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department, the AntCoin trademark, filed in June, covers a sweeping range of financial operations, from traditional banking, lending, and foreign exchange to blockchain settlement, digital-asset custody, stablecoin issuance, and even loyalty rewards. This suggests Ant Group’s long-term ambition to merge conventional financial services with decentralized digital finance, potentially making Alipay a gateway to Web3 adoption in Asia.

Tying In With Hong Kong’s Crypto Push

The timing of this move is noteworthy. Hong Kong recently introduced a stablecoin licensing regime in August, aimed at attracting regulated crypto innovation. Ant’s filing aligns neatly with this regulatory shift, showing the company’s intent to explore opportunities under the city’s new pro-crypto environment.

Adding to the anticipation, Ant Group Chairman Eric Jing is set to speak at the upcoming Hong Kong FinTech Week, sharing the stage with Christopher Hui, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Financial Services, and Fred Hu of Primavera Capital. This year’s event, traditionally focused on traditional finance, will heavily emphasize crypto and Web3 themes, sparking speculation that Ant might unveil more details about its blockchain direction.

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Crypto Impact 

Having said that, if Ant Group goes ahead with launching ANTCOIN, it could be a game changer for crypto adoption. With millions of Alipay users, the company could easily introduce digital currency to the mainstream. However, strict Chinese regulations might slow things down. Still, the move signals how major fintech giants are increasingly exploring the digital asset space.

Positioning Alipay for the Web3 Era

However, Ant Group’s interest in blockchain isn’t new, it has previously launched pilot projects exploring distributed ledger technology for supply chains and cross-border payments. However, the AntCoin filing marks its most direct step yet toward entering the regulated crypto economy. By securing the trademark early, the company ensures flexibility in branding, technology development, and compliance under Hong Kong’s evolving rules.

Though Ant Group hasn’t confirmed any token launch, the AntCoin trademark underscores how traditional fintech giants are preparing for the next wave of digital finance. With Hong Kong positioning itself as a crypto innovation hub, Ant’s latest move could soon bridge Alipay’s massive user base with regulated digital-asset services, potentially reshaping Asia’s payments landscape.

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The post Mt. Gox Repayment Delayed Again $4B Bitcoin Unlock Now in 2026 appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Mt. Gox Bitcoin unlock has been delayed once again, but this time, it may actually be good news for the crypto market. On Monday, the rehabilitation trustee of the defunct exchange announced that the repayment deadline has been pushed back to October 31, 2026, extending the wait for thousands of creditors hoping to recover lost funds.

Mt. Gox Repayments Delayed Until 2026 as Creditors Wait for Recovery

According to the latest update, Mt. Gox has repaid around 19,500 creditors through its base repayment, early lump-sum, and intermediate repayment programs. These distributions were made to those who completed all necessary eligibility procedures.

However, a large number of creditors are still waiting due to incomplete documentation and processing delays, prompting the Tokyo District Court to approve yet another deadline extension.

This marks the third major delay since the repayment schedule was first set for October 31, 2023. Despite mounting frustration, the trustee emphasized that the new deadline ensures repayments are made “to the extent reasonably practicable.”

Mt. Gox Still Holds $4 Billion in Bitcoin 

Blockchain data from Arkham Intelligence shows that Mt. Gox still holds 34,689 BTC, valued at roughly $4 billion, in its official wallet. The exchange also confirmed plans to distribute a portion of its recovered assets, including:

• 142,000 BTC
  
• 143,000 Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
  
• 69 billion Japanese yen (approximately $510 million) in fiat currency
  

While several creditors have already received their repayments through Kraken and Bitstamp since mid-2024, a large sum remains untouched. With repayments now delayed until 2026, this means that $4 billion worth of potential sell pressure has been effectively removed from the market for another year.

Why the Mt. Gox Repayment Delay Could Be Bullish for Bitcoin

If the Mt. Gox Bitcoin unlock had occurred this month as planned, even a small portion of the 34,000+ BTC hitting exchanges could have triggered heavy sell pressure, shaking market confidence. The postponement means:

• Less BTC supply on exchanges for the next 12 months
  
• No panic selling from decade-old wallets
  
• One major bearish overhang has been removed from the market
  

“The Mt. Gox delay removes a massive psychological burden from Bitcoin investors,” said one market analyst. “It’s one less thing for traders to worry about while the macro outlook is turning positive.”

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Timing Favors Bulls: Fed Signals Liquidity Is Returning

The timing of this extension could hardly be better for Bitcoin bulls. The U.S. Federal Reserve has recently hinted at an end to quantitative tightening (QT) and possible interest rate cuts in 2026, while trade tensions between the U.S. and China appear to be easing.

All three factors point to one thing: liquidity is coming back into the market. Combined with the Mt. Gox delay, the reduced selling pressure and improving macro landscape could create the perfect setup for Bitcoin’s next bullish phase.

As one trader put it: “No Mt. Gox dump, falling rates, and rising liquidity — this is the kind of alignment we wait years for.”

What’s Next for Mt. Gox Creditors?

With repayments now postponed until October 31, 2026, creditors must endure another year of uncertainty. Still, for the broader crypto market, the delay removes billions in potential selling pressure, a temporary bullish catalyst that could strengthen Bitcoin’s price stability in the coming months.

Partial repayments show progress, but the final resolution of the Mt. Gox bankruptcy, more than a decade after its collapse, remains a work in progress.

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The post North Korea’s AI Hackers Redefine Crypto Crime in 2025 appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

North Korea’s hackers have found a new weapon — and it’s not quantum computing.
In 2025 alone, state-sponsored groups like the Lazarus Group have stolen more than $2 billion in cryptocurrency, using artificial intelligence to supercharge every stage of their operations. AI now scans thousands of smart contracts in minutes, identifies exploitable code, and automates multi-chain attacks once limited to elite cyber teams.

AI at the Core of Modern Crypto Heists

The record-breaking $1.5 billion Bybit hack in February 2025 marked a turning point. Investigators from Elliptic and TRM Labs say North Korean hackers used AI-driven reconnaissance tools and deepfake recruiter profiles to infiltrate internal systems. Once inside, AI algorithms detected weaknesses, executed exploits, and routed stolen funds through Tron-based mixers and over-the-counter brokers, masking their trail with near-machine precision.

Cybersecurity experts note that AI now handles the entire attack lifecycle — from writing malicious code to generating phishing lures and managing laundering paths. As one analyst at Mysten Labs put it,

“Large language models have made cybercrime scalable even small teams can now operate like industrial-scale hackers.”

Quantum Computing Isn’t the Immediate Threat

While quantum computing remains a long-term risk, no existing system can yet break Bitcoin’s ECDSA encryption. Experts estimate it will take a decade or more before quantum decryption becomes realistic. The immediate challenge, they say, is defending against adaptive AI models that evolve faster than traditional security protocols.

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Industry Adapts to AI-Driven Threats

Exchanges and DeFi projects are now urged to run continuous, AI-aware security audits that scan for vulnerabilities as fast as attackers do. Firms like Elliptic, Chainalysis, and Mandiant are integrating AI-based monitoring to track suspicious fund flows and detect AI-generated phishing campaigns.

Some blockchain projects, including Mysten Labs and Algorand, are already preparing for quantum threats by developing quantum-resistant cryptography — ensuring long-term resilience while addressing today’s AI risks.

The Bottom Line

As North Korea’s hackers weaponize AI, the global crypto industry faces a new reality: machine-driven crime that learns, adapts, and scales at lightning speed. Defending against it will require the same technology that made it possible — AI fighting AI.

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The post Arthur Hayes ZEC Coin Price Prediction Sends Zcash Soaring Past $350 appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Zcash (ZEC) Price is back in the spotlight after a stunning 30% price jump in just 24 hours, triggered by a bold prediction from BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes. 

The token soared from $272 to $355 following Hayes’ “vibe check” post on X, where he hinted that the Zcash price could eventually hit a whopping $10,000. 

This bullish call sent traders rushing in, pushing Zcash’s market capitalization past the $5 billion mark for the first time.

Arthur Hayes’ Ignites FOMO

Arthur Hayes has a reputation for moving markets, and this time was no different. His simple post was enough to create massive fear of missing out (FOMO) among traders. 

Binance Square contributor AB Kuai Dong said Hayes’ endorsement, given his status as a “legendary investor,” made everyone “follow the trend and join in,” turning it into a full-blown market frenzy. 

Many traders on X admitted they couldn’t resist jumping in, with one user named Clemente confessing,

 “I was filled with so much FOMO I couldn’t stay sidelined.”

DeFi analyst Ignas said that Zcash’s sudden surge in hype shows how crypto trends spread quickly. At first, people see the coin everywhere on social media and feel unsure because it’s an old project. But as the price keeps rising, curiosity turns into fear of missing out, and many end up buying just to join in. 

Once they buy, they start liking and sharing more Zcash posts, which makes the hype grow even more. Ignas admitted he did the same, showing how easy it is to get caught in this loop.

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Privacy Tokens Gain Attention Again

Beyond Hayes’ influence, the rally also reflects renewed investor interest in privacy-focused cryptocurrencies amid growing global scrutiny over encryption and digital privacy. Zcash’s technology, built on zero-knowledge proofs, allows users to make either transparent or fully shielded transactions, ensuring total privacy for senders, receivers, and amounts. Traders are seeing Zcash and similar projects as a potential hedge against increasing government control over digital assets.

Fellow privacy token Monero (XMR) also saw a modest 3.6% gain to $346, though it remains restricted or delisted on major exchanges such as Binance, OKX, and several European platforms. Despite regulatory challenges, the renewed attention toward privacy tokens suggests the sector could see a broader revival if the momentum continues.

ZEC Price 490% Monthly Run and Market Sentiment

The past month has been phenomenal for Zcash, with a 490% surge in just 30 days, outpacing nearly every other top coin. The broader market sentiment remains cautiously optimistic, as Bitcoin holds steady near key resistance levels and altcoins begin to show strength. Zcash’s explosive rise suggests that traders are seeking high-risk, high-reward bets, particularly in niche sectors like privacy coins.

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