Ondo Finance ($ONDO) has launched its global platform, Ondo Global Markets, on BNB Chain, unlocking direct access to 100+ tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs.

PancakeSwap is teaming up with @OndoFinance to bring 100+ tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) in stocks, bonds, and ETFs onchain to @BNBCHAIN.

You can now trade tokenized assets on PancakeSwap with zero fees for the first 30 days.https://t.co/EgOKhem4yT https://t.co/QwXvU3SALk pic.twitter.com/bbHBCY8rpq

— PancakeSwap (@PancakeSwap) October 29, 2025

The move brings real-world financial assets onchain, allowing BNB Chain users to trade tokenized equities through PancakeSwap, one of the largest DEXs in DeFi.

Today, Ondo Global Markets expands to @BNBCHAIN, bringing U.S. markets to millions worldwide.

100+ tokenized stocks & ETFs are now live on one of the world’s most active blockchain ecosystems, supported by @PancakeSwap.

Wall Street, now on BNB Chain. Powered by Ondo. pic.twitter.com/G8l2EUsy8s

— Ondo Finance (@OndoFinance) October 29, 2025

PancakeSwap and Ondo Finance Unite

PancakeSwap ($CAKE) is teaming up with Ondo Finance to bring real-world assets (RWAs), including stocks, bonds, and ETFs, to BNB Chain ($BNB).

Through this partnership, users can now trade tokenized U.S. assets like Netflix, Tesla, and even BlackRock’s iShares Gold Trust directly on PancakeSwap. All powered by Ondo’s onchain infrastructure.

And here’s the kicker, zero trading fees on all Ondo tokenized assets for the first 30 days.

This integration marks a major milestone for DeFi. It connects everyday crypto users to the traditional stock market without leaving the blockchain.

Tokenization Goes Live on BNB Chain

The launch of Ondo Global Markets on BNB Chain marks a defining moment in the tokenization movement.

BNB users now have onchain access to more than 100 tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs, seamlessly integrated into the ecosystem via PancakeSwap.

This is real TradFi meeting DeFi, fast, secure, and transparent.

Ondo has been teasing this rollout for weeks. “Tokenization on BNB Chain loading at 99%,” the team wrote earlier, hinting that RWAs were about to go live. Now, it’s official.

The RWA Boom, $34B and Rising

The real-world asset (RWA) sector has exploded past $34 billion in tokenized assets. Ondo Finance is leading that charge, with $1.8 billion already onchain.

From tokenized Treasuries to ETFs, the demand for regulated, yield-bearing assets onchain has never been stronger.

Analysts point to the ongoing institutional interest as proof that the tokenization wave is here, and it’s accelerating.

A Global Gateway for U.S. Markets

The expansion of Ondo’s Global Markets platform to BNB Chain opens up global access to U.S. equities.

Through a recent partnership with Blockchain.com, over 90 million wallets worldwide can now gain exposure to U.S. assets, all within the crypto ecosystem.

That means users in Asia, Africa, or Europe can buy and hold tokenized versions of the same stocks traded on Wall Street, without needing a traditional brokerage account.

Global exposure to U.S. markets, unlocked.

Institutional Adoption and Regulatory Strength

Ondo’s rapid growth is backed by serious institutional infrastructure.

The company’s acquisition of Oasis Pro, an SEC-registered broker-dealer and Alternative Trading System (ATS), gives it the regulatory foundation to tokenize trillions in assets.

With this acquisition, Ondo can issue and trade tokenized versions of Treasuries, stocks, and ETFs in a compliant framework, something few DeFi projects can match.

It’s why major financial institutions are paying attention.

Over 100 partners are now part of Ondo’s growing network, with voices from JPMorgan, DRW, and BlackRock all echoing the same message:

Tokenization isn’t coming, it’s already here.

PancakeSwap’s Zero-Fee Launch

To kickstart adoption, PancakeSwap is removing all trading fees for Ondo’s tokenized assets for the first 30 days.

That gives BNB Chain users a strong incentive to test the waters, trade tokenized RWAs, and experience first-hand how fast and cheap onchain finance can be.

It’s a marketing play that also sets PancakeSwap apart as one of the first DeFi platforms actively supporting tokenized real-world assets.

This collaboration gives the DeFi community what it’s been asking for, real assets, real yields, real liquidity.

Bridging TradFi and DeFi

Ondo Finance calls its mission simple, bringing TradFi and DeFi together.

That bridge is now stronger than ever. With tokenized U.S. assets live on BNB Chain, the lines between traditional investing and blockchain trading are starting to blur.

A BNB Chain user can now own fractional shares of Tesla or Netflix, stake DeFi tokens, and swap into stablecoins, all in one ecosystem.

It’s a unified experience where the blockchain becomes the marketplace for everything, from crypto to real-world stocks.

ONDO Token Outlook

The $ONDO token has become a key player in the RWA narrative.

With TVL now at $1.8 billion, investors are watching closely as adoption grows. Analysts expect short-term volatility, but sentiment remains bullish, with targets of $2+ soon and $9 by 2030.

$ONDO continues to benefit from expanding institutional partnerships and growing onchain demand. Its exposure to both DeFi and tokenized finance gives it a unique position in the market.

Tokenization is no longer theory. It’s live.

From $34B+ in total tokenized assets to Ondo’s $1.8B footprint, the shift from paper-based finance to digital assets is accelerating.

Ondo’s Global Markets launch on BNB Chain proves one thing: the tokenization revolution is going mainstream.

As institutions integrate, regulations mature, and DeFi platforms adapt, Ondo stands at the center, connecting liquidity, compliance, and access.

Ondo’s BNB Chain RWA rollout could go fully live any day now.

The team has hinted that more integrations, new assets, and fresh partnerships are coming soon.

Users can expect deeper liquidity on PancakeSwap, more tokenized ETFs, and possible expansion into other major blockchains.

The message from Ondo is clear, this is just the beginning.

Follow @OndoFinance and @PancakeSwap for real-time updates as tokenized markets go fully onchain.

Disclosure: This is not trading or investment advice. Always do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any services.

Follow us on Twitter @themerklehash to stay updated with the latest Crypto, NFT, AI, Cybersecurity, and Metaverse news!

The post Ondo Finance Brings Tokenized U.S. Stocks and ETFs to BNB Chain appeared first on The Merkle News.

Former FTX US President Brett Harrison is back with a new venture, Architect Financial Technologies, and its flagship platform, AX, a regulated exchange built for perpetual futures on traditional assets.

AX introduces a way to trade stocks, forex, ETFs, indexes, and commodities with the same flexibility and efficiency as crypto perpetual contracts. In short, it brings the “crypto perps” model to traditional finance, but in a regulated, centralized structure.

The @Architect_fi team and I are excited to announce the launch of AX, the world’s first centralized and regulated exchange for perpetual futures on traditional assets: FX, single stocks, ETFs, stock indexes, interest rates, metals, energy, and more. pic.twitter.com/W5hmihDubc

— Brett Harrison (@BrettHarrison88) October 29, 2025

Trading Without Market Hours

Unlike traditional markets, AX will operate 24/7, giving traders round-the-clock access to stocks and currencies.

The platform offers perpetual futures contracts, meaning trades never expire, a feature inspired by crypto derivatives. Traders can use smaller collateral to control larger positions, bringing leverage tools that were once exclusive to crypto markets into stocks and forex.

In Harrison’s words, AX is designed to “combine the capital efficiency and operational simplicity of crypto perps with the security, transparency, and regulatory oversight of traditional futures exchanges.”

That mix, crypto-style flexibility with Wall Street safeguards, could redefine how traders engage with global markets.

The First Regulated Exchange for Traditional Perps

AX is being described as the world’s first centralized, regulated exchange for perpetual futures on traditional assets.

The exchange will offer a wide range of products including:

•  Foreign currencies (FX)
•  Single stocks
•  Stock indexes and ETFs
•  Interest rates
•  Metals, energy, and commodities

All contracts on AX are standardized, centrally cleared, and traded on an anonymous order book operated by Architect Bermuda Ltd, which runs under dual licenses issued by the Bermuda Monetary Authority.

That dual structure allows AX to balance global accessibility with full compliance and institutional-grade transparency.

Designed for Institutions, Built for Scale

At launch, AX is open to institutional clients, including hedge funds, family offices, asset managers, market makers, and insurers in eligible jurisdictions.

A waitlist is available for qualified individual traders, signaling that retail access will come later.

Harrison said the platform’s focus is on professional-grade performance, backed by Connamara Technologies’ matching engine, which powers AX’s low-latency APIs, web interface, and open-source SDKs for developers in multiple programming languages.

The goal is to deliver speed, transparency, and accessibility, the same qualities traders expect from top-tier crypto exchanges, but with the regulation and security of traditional finance.

A New Market Structure

AX introduces a hybrid trading model that blends crypto-style capital efficiency with traditional risk controls.

Harrison detailed how AX’s design includes:

•  Price bands and volatility halts to maintain fair pricing
•  Default waterfalls to manage counterparty risk
•  Product-specific margin requirements tailored to each asset

Collateral can be posted in U.S. dollars or stablecoins, making it flexible for both institutional investors and crypto-native traders.

All settlements rely on independent benchmarks, ensuring transparent price discovery and consistent risk management.

AX will also support portfolio margining across multiple asset classes, improving capital efficiency for professional traders running multi-market strategies.

Raising Capital and Building Confidence

Chicago-based Architect Financial Technologies is currently raising its Series A round, with $17 million secured so far from a lineup of strategic backers:

•  Coinbase Ventures
•  Circle Ventures
•  Anthony Scaramucci’s SALT Fund

This early funding gives Architect the momentum to expand globally and continue developing its institutional product suite.

For investors, the names behind the funding signal confidence, particularly given the turbulent legacy of FTX. Harrison’s credibility, paired with strong backing from leading crypto and fintech firms, positions AX as a serious player in the evolution of digital trading.

From FTX to Architect

Brett Harrison’s return to the spotlight comes nearly two years after stepping down from FTX US.

He served as president for 17 months, leaving the company in September 2022, just weeks before the exchange’s dramatic collapse.

Before FTX, Harrison worked at Citadel Securities and Jane Street, where he first collaborated with Sam Bankman-Fried. Those experiences gave him deep insight into both traditional trading infrastructure and crypto exchange operations, the exact blend of expertise shaping AX.

Now, with Architect, he’s building a platform that merges the efficiency of crypto systems with the oversight of traditional markets.

A New Frontier for Traders

The goal behind AX is simple, bring crypto-style perpetual trading to traditional assets in a regulated, secure way.

That means:

•  24/7 trading across global markets
•  Leverage and capital efficiency previously seen only in crypto
•  Unified margin management across asset types
•  Regulatory protection and institutional-grade oversight

This hybrid approach could fundamentally change how people invest in stocks, currencies, and commodities, removing the limitations of market hours while maintaining transparency and compliance.

It’s not just a new platform; it’s a new model for how financial markets could operate in the future.

What Makes AX Different

The difference lies in the bridge, connecting crypto’s flexibility with Wall Street’s discipline.

Unlike decentralized exchanges, AX is fully regulated, providing traditional safeguards like margin limits, volatility halts, and standardized contracts.

At the same time, it offers crypto-style speed, leverage, and access to multiple assets under one system.

Traders will be able to execute strategies that were once limited by time zones, clearing delays, or outdated infrastructure.

In short, AX takes the best from both worlds, the agility of DeFi and the stability of TradFi, and fuses them into a single trading environment.

Architect’s AX platform is now live for institutional participants, with expansion plans underway.

Harrison said the company aims to bring broader access to qualified retail investors once regulatory pathways are cleared.

The team is already exploring new integrations, asset listings, and collateral types to make the platform more inclusive over time.

For now, AX represents a first-of-its-kind exchange, designed to modernize global trading infrastructure, one that could eventually bring 24/7, crypto-style markets to every major asset class.

The mission: make traditional markets trade like crypto, without sacrificing trust or oversight.

Brett Harrison’s Architect Financial Technologies is charting a new course for global trading. With AX, it’s blending the best of both financial worlds, speed, transparency, and 24/7 access, all wrapped in regulatory clarity.

The timing feels right. As markets evolve and digital infrastructure matures, AX could become the blueprint for how future exchanges operate, always open, fully regulated, and globally accessible.

Disclosure: This is not trading or investment advice. Always do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any services.

Follow us on Twitter @themerklehash to stay updated with the latest Crypto, NFT, AI, Cybersecurity, and Metaverse news!

The post Former FTX US President Brett Harrison Launches AX, A Regulated Exchange for Perpetual Contracts on Traditional Assets appeared first on The Merkle News.

Circle, the company behind the USD Coin (USDC), has launched the public testnet of its new blockchain, Arc, marking a major step in its plan to bring traditional finance onchain.

The testnet, which went live with over 100 global partners, includes heavyweights such as BlackRock, Visa, HSBC, AWS, Anthropic, and Goldman Sachs.

Arc is designed to become what Circle calls “the economic operating system of the internet.” The new blockchain aims to merge the reliability of traditional finance with the speed and transparency of digital assets.

Arc Public Testnet is live.

It’s Day 1 and a robust, interconnected ecosystem is already taking shape.

Over 100+ testnet participants spanning DeFi, asset issuers, capital markets firms, global fintechs, and more are exploring use cases and building on Arc.

Join us. Architect… pic.twitter.com/jGSqlzl3J7

— Arc (@arc) October 28, 2025

A Layer 1 Network Built for Real-World Finance

Arc is not just another blockchain. Circle built it as a Layer 1 chain focused entirely on financial use cases, from tokenized funds and cross-border payments to foreign exchange (FX) settlements.

Unlike blockchains that rely on volatile native tokens, Arc uses USDC as its gas token. That means every transaction fee is denominated in U.S. dollars, keeping costs predictable for enterprises and developers.

Circle says transaction times are under one second, offering near-instant settlement, a critical feature for institutions managing large financial flows.

Designed for Institutions, Built for Scale

Arc’s design is all about enterprise-grade infrastructure. It supports everything from global payments and capital markets to lending and foreign exchange.

According to Circle, the network allows businesses to conduct onchain transactions with fixed USD-based fees, eliminating the uncertainty of fluctuating gas prices seen on Ethereum and other blockchains.

It also introduces optional privacy controls, giving regulated entities a way to transact securely without exposing sensitive financial data on the public ledger.

Global Partnerships Fuel Early Momentum

Circle’s vision for Arc is already drawing broad institutional interest. Partners include:

•  Apollo, BlackRock, and BNY Mellon from the asset management space
•  Deutsche Bank, HSBC, Standard Chartered, and Goldman Sachs from global banking
•  AWS, Visa, Mastercard, Cloudflare, and Vodafone from the tech and payments sectors

In total, more than 100 organizations are collaborating on the testnet phase. This early backing signals that Arc is positioning itself as the default infrastructure layer for real-world finance.

Expanding the Stablecoin Ecosystem

Beyond USDC, Arc will enable the issuance of local currency stablecoins, allowing countries and companies to tokenize their own fiat currencies.

Participants in this initiative include JPYC, SBI Holdings, Forte, and Coins.ph, each working to build regional stablecoin ecosystems on Arc.

Circle believes this multi-currency framework will pave the way for seamless cross-border settlements and foreign exchange operations between stablecoins, all within Arc’s sub-second, low-cost environment.

Exchange and Infrastructure Support

The project’s ecosystem already has strong backing from major crypto platforms. Coinbase, Kraken, Robinhood, and Galaxy Digital are among the exchanges supporting Arc.

On the infrastructure side, integrations with Alchemy, Chainlink, LayerZero, and MetaMask ensure developers can build directly on Arc without needing to reinvent existing tools.

This combination of institutional and developer participation sets Arc apart from most new blockchains, which often struggle to attract both audiences simultaneously.

Governance and the Road to Decentralization

While the network is currently managed by Circle, the company has confirmed that Arc will gradually transition to community governance.

In its testnet announcement, Circle said it plans to open validator participation over time, allowing independent organizations to secure and govern the network.

This phased approach mirrors Circle’s broader philosophy: start with reliability and compliance, then evolve toward decentralization as adoption grows.

Circle ra mắt testnet công khai cho blockchain Arc – “Hệ điều hành kinh tế của Internet”.

🔸 Arc là blockchain Layer 1 mới của Circle, hướng đến ứng dụng tài chính quy mô lớn, có hơn 100 tổ chức tham gia.

🔸 Arc dùng USDC làm token gas, giao dịch nhanh dưới 1… pic.twitter.com/F5O4TxQY8M

— ThuanCapital (@ThuanCapital) October 28, 2025

Industry Reaction: Divided Views

Despite the fanfare, not everyone is convinced. Some in the crypto community argue that Arc’s private structure limits its potential.

One critic compared it to Macromedia, calling it “a solution searching for a problem.” The skeptic’s view is that a private blockchain has no purpose in an industry defined by openness and permissionless innovation.

Still, Circle’s institutional strategy appears deliberate. By starting with trusted partners and familiar financial rails, the company hopes to bridge the gap between traditional finance and public blockchain networks.

The Vision Ahead

Circle calls Arc a long-term project, one meant to anchor the future of onchain financial activity. The goal is to make global payments, trading, and lending instant, transparent, and dollar-denominated.

The company says this will help move real-world assets (RWAs) and institutional money onto the blockchain, creating a unified financial system where value moves as easily as data.

If successful, Arc could become the underlying infrastructure that powers global finance in the digital era. But if skeptics are right, it may struggle to find a use case beyond a small group of early adopters.

The Arc blockchain represents Circle’s boldest move yet, a purpose-built financial network supported by the biggest names in banking, asset management, and tech.

Whether it becomes the backbone of digital finance or fades into another corporate blockchain experiment will depend on real adoption and open participation.

For now, Arc’s testnet is live, and the world is watching as Circle tries to build what it calls the economic operating system of the internet.

Disclosure: This is not trading or investment advice. Always do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any services.

Follow us on Twitter @themerklehash to stay updated with the latest Crypto, NFT, AI, Cybersecurity, and Metaverse news!

The post Circle Unveils Arc, A Payments-Focused Blockchain Backed by Global Giants appeared first on The Merkle News.

Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), the parent company behind Truth Social, is stepping into decentralized finance with a new move that could reshape how social media interacts with money.

The company announced plans to launch Truth Predict, a blockchain-based prediction market integrated directly into Truth Social, and powered by Crypto.com.

This marks the world’s first social media platform to embed a regulated prediction market, blending political chatter, financial speculation, and community engagement under one roof.

Turning Social into Transactional

Truth Predict allows users to trade prediction contracts on real-world events like political elections, economic shifts, inflation, and even sports outcomes.

Each trade happens through Crypto.com’s North America Derivatives platform, ensuring regulatory compliance in the United States. Contracts resolve based on verified outcomes, and winners receive payouts directly from pooled bets, a clean, transparent model that merges entertainment with economics.

For users, the experience remains seamless. Within Truth Social, activity feels familiar, posts, discussions, and polls, but behind the scenes, every interaction can now have financial weight.

A First-Ever Integration of Social Media and DeFi

This isn’t just another token launch or prediction app. It’s a fusion of two worlds, social media and decentralized finance.

Truth Predict bridges Truth Social’s community with Crypto.com’s derivatives infrastructure, bringing a new dimension to how users interact online.

Here’s how it works: users on Truth Social will use “Truth Gems”, in-app tokens that represent participation credits. These gems are convertible into $CRO, Crypto.com’s native token, allowing users to connect social engagement with tangible on-chain value.

It’s the first time a social app directly ties its ecosystem to a major cryptocurrency, and it could set the tone for how future platforms monetize activity.

How the Market Works

Prediction markets aren’t new, but integrating them into a mainstream social platform is.

Here’s what users can expect once Truth Predict goes live:

•  Markets Available: Users can place bets on politics, sports, finance, and cryptocurrency price movements.
•  Execution Layer: Trades will execute on Crypto.com Derivatives North America, ensuring every transaction meets federal standards.
•  Settlement: Payouts are automated via smart contracts. Once an event resolves, verified results determine winners and release rewards.
•  Conversion System: Truth Gems → $CRO → Real value. This dual-layer token economy keeps speculation on-platform but still connected to the broader crypto world.

The setup turns Truth Social into more than a social app. It’s now a financial participation hub, where engagement meets opportunity.

Compliance-First, A Core Focus

Unlike offshore crypto betting platforms that often skirt U.S. regulations, Truth Predict’s architecture is fully compliance-driven.

The project leverages Crypto.com’s U.S.-registered derivatives arm to provide federally compliant trading access to U.S. users. That’s a major distinction in an industry still grappling with legal uncertainty.

Trump Media stated that beta testing for Truth Predict is already in progress, with a U.S. launch planned following regulatory clearance. Once the model stabilizes, the platform aims to expand globally, rolling out to international users with localized markets, including commodities, foreign exchange, and global sports leagues.

The mission: to make prediction markets mainstream, not just within crypto, but as part of everyday social engagement.

https://twitter.com/cryptocom/status/1983152059248435549?t=R1jzgedcDjFEBa75XJpxjA&s=19

Why This Move Matters

Trump Media’s entry into DeFi marks a bold pivot for Truth Social.

Since launch, the platform has been framed as a free-speech alternative to traditional social media. Now, by adding blockchain-based prediction markets, Truth Social becomes a hybrid of communication and commerce, a place where opinion and financial position meet.

For Crypto.com, this partnership could bring millions of new users into its ecosystem, especially those unfamiliar with trading or blockchain derivatives. The ability to convert Truth Gems into $CRO directly ties user activity to Crypto.com’s liquidity pool and trading infrastructure, a potential boost for Cronos adoption.

The result? A mutually beneficial loop, Truth Social gains innovation and monetization; Crypto.com gains reach and integration into a politically active user base.

Technology Behind Truth Predict

Crypto.com’s derivatives backbone powers the trading mechanism. The platform provides pricing feeds, liquidity management, and trade execution under existing U.S. frameworks.

Truth Social’s development team focuses on UI/UX integration, ensuring that prediction markets feel like part of the app, not a separate trading terminal.

This shared structure allows for real-time updates, dynamic market odds, and verified event resolutions, all within Truth Social’s familiar interface.

The system’s simplicity means even non-crypto users can participate without needing external wallets or complex onboarding.

Following beta testing, Truth Predict will officially launch across the U.S., opening prediction contracts on key national topics such as the 2026 midterm elections, Federal Reserve policy decisions, commodity price movements, and major sports outcomes.

Once stable, global expansion will introduce broader market categories and localized event coverage.

The goal isn’t just entertainment. It’s to build an ecosystem where social conversation and financial speculation coexist transparently, all within the bounds of regulation.

A New Era for Social Finance

The partnership between Truth Social and Crypto.com signals a larger industry trend, the merging of social engagement and decentralized finance into one user experience.

It transforms passive scrolling into active participation.

And by integrating $CRO directly into Truth Predict’s economy, it gives users real financial exposure to the markets they discuss daily.

In the process, Truth Media positions itself at the frontier of a new movement, where platforms aren’t just about sharing opinions but also about staking value behind them.

Truth Predict isn’t just a product; it’s a statement.

Trump Media is betting that the future of social interaction is financially expressive, where people don’t just talk about world events, they participate in their outcomes.

With Crypto.com providing the backbone and Truth Social offering the stage, the next generation of social media might be one where every opinion can carry a price tag, and every conversation can move a market.

Disclosure: This is not trading or investment advice. Always do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any services.

Follow us on Twitter @themerklehash to stay updated with the latest Crypto, NFT, AI, Cybersecurity, and Metaverse news!

The post Truth Social and Crypto.com Team Up to Launch “Truth Predict”, Where Social Meets Speculation appeared first on The Merkle News.

Ozak AI and BlockchainFX Impress, But BlockDAG’s Coinbase & Kraken Listing Leaks Starts Whale Frenzy!

Lately, Ozak AI and BlockchainFX have dominated crypto-chatter, one promising an AI-driven trading ecosystem that’s already pulled millions in funding, the other pushing a cross-market super-app connecting DeFi, forex, and equities. Both are fueling discussions about what the next generation of presale crypto coins could look like. But if these projects are setting the stage for innovation, what happens when a network built for speed, scalability, and real utility suddenly steps into the exchange spotlight?

 

That’s exactly what’s unfolding with BlockDAG (BDAG). According to the tweet from Crypto Rover, its listings on Coinbase and Kraken aren’t speculation, they’re structured, confidential, and virtually ready to launch. The crypto space might just be standing on the edge of its next breakout moment.

BlockDAG: The Leak That Set the Market Buzzing

When Crypto Rover hinted that internal documents confirming BlockDAG’s listings on Coinbase and Kraken had surfaced, the community lit up. The leaks show this isn’t rumor, it’s paperwork. Coinbase has already outlined trading pairs like BDAG/USDT and BDAG/USD, along with in-app promotions and banner placements. Kraken’s cooperation file reveals $300,000 set aside for liquidity and another $300,000 for marketing campaigns, including token disbursements. Together, they paint a picture of a project entering the exchange arena with precision and preparation.

This leak hit right as presale crypto coins were competing for attention, and BlockDAG instantly stole the spotlight. Its presale has raised over $430 million across 31 batches, selling more than 27 billion BDAG coins to 312,000+ holders. The final TGE code still allows late investors to access the presale price of $0.0015, with the mainnet launch price expected at $0.05. Few presale crypto coins have shown this level of traction before listing day, and that’s exactly why this leak feels monumental.

Add to that over 20,000 mining rigs sold, audits from CertiK and Halborn, and a multi-year F1® partnership, and you’ve got a project that looks ready for its big exchange debut. Rover’s leak might have just signaled the countdown.

Ozak AI: The $4M Presale Turning Heads in 2025

Ozak AI has become one of the most talked-about new tokens of late, especially after its presale crossed the $4 million mark. Priced around $0.012 per token, the project claims to be building a decentralized AI ecosystem powered by Prediction Agents that let users create or use trading models without coding.

It’s built around a DePIN-based streaming network that handles low-latency data and runs on decentralized compute infrastructure. Partnerships with Pyth Network, Dex3, Hive Intel, and SINT have helped boost its visibility, while its integration plans suggest practical use cases in analytics and on-chain data services.

Much of the hype around Ozak AI comes from its positioning as a utility-driven token rather than a speculative one. The presale phase allocates 30% of its 10-billion supply, with the rest split between ecosystem development, liquidity, and reserves. Its backers claim it could reach $1 if the roadmap holds a, bold projection that reflects both optimism and risk. With several promotional articles calling it the “AI-crypto of 2025,” the project now sits among the year’s most watched early-stage tokens, especially as investors weigh how far its claimed technology can really go.

BlockchainFX: The $7M Presale Building a Multi-Asset Super App

BlockchainFX has turned heads by raising over $7 million in its presale and positioning itself as a bridge between traditional finance and crypto. The project aims to create a multi-asset platform where users can trade more than 500 instruments, from cryptocurrencies to stocks, forex, ETFs, and commodities, all from a single app.

Its token, BFX, is priced between $0.019 and $0.023 in the current presale phase, with an expected listing target around 0.05. Reports also mention daily USDT rewards for stakers and redistribution of 70% of platform trading fees back to the community, showing how the token is built around active ecosystem use.

What makes BlockchainFX stand out is its attempt to merge DeFi tools with everyday trading functionality. The roadmap mentions Visa card integration for crypto payments and ongoing audits by firms like CertiK and Coinsult. The presale has attracted over 8,500 investors, thanks to its focus on accessibility and cross-market exposure. While much of the buzz is driven by promotional coverage, the idea of a single gateway that connects digital and traditional assets has made BFX one of 2025’s most closely watched presale projects, especially as it edges toward its public launch.

Why BlockDAG Tops the Chart Among the Best Presale Crypto Coins

Ethereum’s steady upgrades and Solana’s strong developer traction have both reinforced their positions as key market leaders. Yet, even with network expansions and rising transaction activity, both continue to face limitations, Ethereum in speed and costs, Solana in stability during surges. As investors look for newer ecosystems that combine both reliability and scale, attention is shifting toward projects offering stronger fundamentals before listing.

That’s where BlockDAG has gained an edge. Unlike Ozak AI and BlockchainFX, which are still deep in their development phases, BlockDAG already has tangible progress, with $430 million raised, 312,000 holders, and confirmed listing agreements with Coinbase and Kraken. Among all presale crypto coins right now, BDAG’s blend of technology, transparency, and readiness makes it the project everyone’s watching heading into 2025.

• Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network
• Website: https://blockdag.network
• Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial
• Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu

Disclosure: This is a sponsored press release. Please do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any projects. Read the full disclosure here.

The post Ozak AI and BlockchainFX Impress, But BlockDAG’s Coinbase & Kraken Listing Leaks Starts Whale Frenzy! appeared first on The Merkle News.

Prague, Czech Republic – October 2025 — Every ambitious trader asks the same question: What’s the fastest way to scale? Should you grind through endless two-step challenges, or go straight for instant funding?

The choice is more than technical. For thousands of traders worldwide, it’s the difference between finally breaking through — or burning out before the journey even starts.

The Hidden Trap of Two-Step Challenges

For years, two-step challenges were sold as the “fair test” of a trader’s skill. In reality, they’ve become a money-printing machine for firms — and a graveyard for traders’ dreams.

Here’s the truth:

• Over 80% of traders fail challenges before ever reaching live capital.
• Time wasted: weeks or even months grinding demo accounts with no real payout.
• Moving goalposts: some firms quietly change risk rules mid-way, making “success” nearly impossible.
• Emotional burnout: by the time traders pass, they’re drained — and many blow up under pressure.

As one trader described it:

“Passing the challenge was harder than trading real markets. It felt like a game designed for me to lose.”

This is the dark side of the two-step model — and why so many traders are turning to instant funding.

The Rise of Instant Funding

Instant funding flips the model. No months of hoops, no simulated games — just real capital from day one.

Why it matters:

• Real payouts, faster — profits in weeks, not months.
• Less stress, more focus — discipline built around live markets, not demo gimmicks.
• Career acceleration — scaling from $5,000 to $40,000 instantly is possible.

If you want a clear comparison of top firms offering instant funding vs. two-step evaluations, explore our breakdown of the Best Crypto Prop Trading Firms of 2025.

Martin’s Story: From Burnout to Breakthrough

Martin, a 29-year-old trader from Germany, nearly gave up on his dream.

He spent six months and over $2,000 trying to pass multiple two-step challenges at offshore firms. Each time, he got close — only for the rules to shift or the payout to vanish. By the end, he wasn’t just broke; he was broken.

“I felt like I was gambling against the house. Even when I passed, they always found a reason not to pay. I told myself: maybe trading isn’t for me.”

Then Martin found Mubite. He applied for Instant Funding, got $20,000 in capital on day one, and within four weeks, withdrew his first profit — real money, on time, no excuses.

Now, just three months later, Martin has scaled to a $60,000 account and says he finally feels like a professional:

“Mubite gave me what others never could: trust. For the first time, my effort actually mattered.”

Mubite’s Hybrid Model: Choice + Trust

Unlike offshore firms, Mubite gives traders both options:

• Instant Funding up to $40,000 for traders ready now.
• Funded Accounts up to $1,000,000 for those who prove long-term consistency.

The numbers speak louder than slogans:

• 10,000+ traders from 100+ countries
• $500,000+ in payouts in the last 12 months
• 4.9 Trustpilot rating — highest in the industry, with 140+ verified reviews
  

Learn how to build consistency from day one with our guide: 5 Habits Every Beginner Needs to Succeed in Crypto Prop Trading.

Why Trust Matters More Than Models

Whether it’s instant funding or two-step evaluations, the truth is this: the model means nothing if the firm doesn’t pay.

That’s why Mubite puts trust first:

• Clear rules — no moving targets.
• Verified payouts — $500k+ documented.
• Independent proof — 4.9 on Trustpilot.

As Mubite’s CEO explains:

“The model is only half the story. The other half is trust. We built Mubite so traders know: if they perform, they get paid. Period.”

What’s Next: Scaling Beyond Models

Mubite’s vision is bigger than instant funding or challenges. The firm is building the world’s first global trading tribe — a network where 100,000 traders can scale capital, compete in tournaments, and grow together.

With live events planned in Dubai, Asia, and Latin America, plus online competitions for traders worldwide, Mubite is turning crypto prop trading from a lonely grind into a global movement.

Final Thoughts

The choice is clear:

• Two-step challenges drain your time, your money, and your energy.
• Instant funding accelerates your career.

Mubite proves that with transparency, fast payouts, and a real trading community, scaling doesn’t take months of games — it starts today.

👉 Join Mubite, get up to $40,000 in instant funding, and trade with a firm that’s already paid $500k+ to 10,000 traders worldwide.

Because trading should be about your skill — not their games.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored press release. Please do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any projects. Read the full disclosure here.

The post Instant Funding vs. Two-Step Challenges — Which Prop Trading Model Really Works for Crypto Traders? appeared first on The Merkle News.

Bitcoin’s largest corporate holder just got bigger. Strategy (MSTR.O) added another 390 BTC to its treasury last week, spending $43.4 million at an average price of $111,053 per bitcoin.

The move highlights the company’s consistent buying pattern even as the asset’s 2025 rally shows no signs of slowing down.

According to a post on X, the purchase was completed between October 20 and October 26, funded through proceeds from its STRF, STRK, and STRD series preferred stock issuances.

Bitcoin Holdings Cross 640,000 BTC

As of October 26, 2025, Strategy holds a total of 640,808 bitcoins, the largest corporate Bitcoin treasury globally. The company has spent an estimated $47.44 billion on its cumulative BTC acquisitions, with an average purchase price of $74,032 per coin.

The firm’s BTC yield has reached 26.0% year-to-date, reflecting the impact of Bitcoin’s continued appreciation throughout 2025. Strategy’s relentless accumulation underscores its belief in Bitcoin as a long-term store of value and strategic asset in an inflationary global market.

The 390 BTC acquisition may seem modest compared to earlier buys, but it reinforces a steady accumulation strategy rather than speculative timing. For a company already holding more than half a million bitcoins, even smaller purchases demonstrate conviction, and signal confidence to the broader market.

Building Through Volatility

Strategy’s approach remains consistent: acquire, hold, and wait. Each acquisition pushes its balance sheet deeper into Bitcoin exposure, while the firm’s yield performance continues to validate its “digital gold” thesis.

In a market often driven by short-term hype, Strategy’s consistent purchases stand out. This latest buy adds to a streak of quarterly acquisitions despite fluctuating prices, proving that the company views Bitcoin less as a trade and more as a reserve asset.

The company’s funding model, issuing preferred stock to raise capital, provides a low-risk, flexible way to expand its Bitcoin portfolio without taking on excessive debt. It’s a model that other institutional players are beginning to notice.

The Yield Story

A 26% BTC yield YTD is a remarkable figure, even for an asset that’s outperformed most global equities this year. It points to the effectiveness of Strategy’s treasury management approach. While traditional portfolios rely on bonds and equities for returns, Strategy’s balance sheet now behaves more like a Bitcoin ETF, one that captures both price appreciation and strategic yield.

This yield not only reflects gains from market performance but also the company’s ability to leverage its holdings effectively, signaling operational efficiency and a long-term advantage over competitors who remain on the sidelines.

American Bitcoin Boosts Its Treasury

In parallel, another institutional player, American Bitcoin ($ABTC), has also increased its holdings. The firm recently acquired 1,414 BTC, bringing its total treasury to 3,865 BTC.

American Bitcoin’s strategy differs from pure accumulation. The company combines direct Bitcoin production through mining with periodic market purchases to strengthen its balance sheet. This hybrid model allows it to reduce its average cost per bitcoin, ensuring it remains competitive even as spot prices rise.

Executive Chairman Asher Genoot explained the approach clearly:

“By producing Bitcoin directly, we can reduce our average cost per Bitcoin to drive a cost advantage over vehicles that buy exclusively on the open market.”

This production-based accumulation creates a natural hedge against market volatility. While most public Bitcoin holders rely solely on capital inflows, American Bitcoin generates part of its treasury through self-mining, providing long-term cost stability.

Rising Satoshis Per Share

Another notable metric from American Bitcoin’s update is its Satoshis Per Share (SPS), now reported at 418, marking a 52% increase since September 1. This figure tracks the company’s Bitcoin exposure per share and gives investors a clear view of how effectively treasury growth translates into shareholder value.

The strong SPS growth indicates both aggressive accumulation and disciplined treasury scaling. It also positions the company competitively among institutional Bitcoin holders, where transparency around treasury performance is increasingly valued.

The company’s progress was shared in a post by Treasury Edge, highlighting the alignment between mining expansion, financial strategy, and shareholder impact.

The latest moves from both Strategy and American Bitcoin show that institutional conviction in Bitcoin remains strong even after significant price growth in 2025.

Strategy’s continued buying streak and American Bitcoin’s integrated mining model reflect two sides of the same coin, accumulation through both capital deployment and production efficiency. Together, they illustrate a maturing institutional ecosystem around Bitcoin, where companies view the asset not as speculation but as a strategic treasury reserve.

Long-Term Implications

At a time when central banks debate digital currencies and inflationary pressures persist globally, the continued flow of corporate capital into Bitcoin adds weight to the idea that digital assets are no longer fringe.

With Strategy now holding over 640,000 BTC and American Bitcoin scaling production, the narrative is clear: Bitcoin is becoming an institutional-grade treasury instrument.

As Bitcoin’s supply issuance continues to decline and halving approaches, companies accumulating now are effectively securing their share of a finite asset. The result is a stronger, more mature market structure, one increasingly dominated by strategic, long-term holders rather than speculative traders.

Strategy’s latest 390 BTC purchase reaffirms its role as the world’s leading Bitcoin accumulator, while American Bitcoin’s dual mining-and-purchase strategy sets a cost-efficient precedent for others to follow.

Both stories highlight the same reality: corporate Bitcoin adoption isn’t slowing down. Instead, it’s evolving, from opportunistic buys to structured, yield-driven treasury management.

Bitcoin is no longer just a trade. For these institutions, it’s a strategy.

Disclosure: This is not trading or investment advice. Always do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any services.

Follow us on Twitter @themerklehash to stay updated with the latest Crypto, NFT, AI, Cybersecurity, and Metaverse news!

The post Strategy Expands Bitcoin Holdings to 640,808 BTC as Institutional Accumulation Surges appeared first on The Merkle News.

Traditional online payment systems are outdated. They’re slow, expensive, and depend heavily on humans.

x402 changes that.

It introduces a new way for developers and AI agents to pay for APIs, software, and services directly with stablecoins, all over standard HTTP connections.

In simple terms, it makes autonomous, instant payments possible between machines, without needing middlemen.

The Problem: Payments That Don’t Match the Internet’s Speed

The digital world moves fast, but today’s payment rails still crawl.

They rely on centralized processors, carry high fees, and take days to settle.

Every API, subscription, or software access comes with friction, recurring billing systems, manual approvals, and regional limitations.

For developers and AI agents that operate in real time, that model doesn’t work anymore.

The Solution: Agent-to-Agent Payments

x402 replaces this outdated setup with an agent-to-agent payment model.

Here’s what that means in practice:

🔹 Payments settle in seconds

🔹 Micropayments are supported natively

🔹 Global access with no currency conversion

🔹 No chargebacks, no middlemen

It’s designed to work across borders and protocols, using stablecoins as the default payment medium.

Think of it as PayPal, but for machines.

How x402 Works

x402 uses the existing HTTP 402 response code, the one originally intended for “Payment Required”, to enable direct payment settlement between two digital agents.

This means that a bot, app, or AI system can automatically pay for an API call or a data request in real time, without needing a human or a credit card.

Payments are made in stablecoins like USDC, achieving instant finality and zero chargebacks.

Each transaction happens seamlessly, fast, compliant, and verifiable on-chain.

The Builders Behind x402

Some of the most active builders on BNB Chain are already bringing x402 to life.

Projects like @unibase_ai, @pieverse_io, @AEON_Community, and @termix_ai are integrating the protocol into their systems to enable autonomous API payments.

BNB Chain describes x402 as an internet-native payment standard, a design built specifically for agents and AI ecosystems, not humans.

Developers can now plug x402 into their applications and allow AI agents to pay directly for what they consume, on demand.

Facilitators: The Gatekeepers of Autonomous Payments

The x402 system also introduces “Facilitators.”

These are the gateways that verify and settle payments made through the protocol.

Entities like PayAI or Coinbase can serve as facilitators, validating payments, ensuring compliance, and maintaining a secure on-ramp between traditional finance and machine payments.

This layer guarantees the same regulatory assurance as human transactions, without slowing down the process.

Why x402 Matters

x402 is more than a payment protocol, it’s a new financial standard for the AI era.

It allows software agents to pay as they go, per API call, per data request, per inference, all without subscriptions, cards, or intermediaries.

That opens a new economy: one where AI models, tools, and bots transact directly, autonomously, and transparently.

By aligning payments with machine speed, x402 eliminates one of the biggest bottlenecks in AI deployment, billing.

BNB Chain at the Core

BNB Chain has quickly become the home for x402 integrations.

Its speed, low fees, and EVM compatibility make it an ideal ground for developers experimenting with autonomous payments.

According to BNB Chain’s official announcement, the protocol’s adoption rate has already begun to climb, with multiple agent-based dApps adopting the standard.

Traditional online payment systems today are slow, expensive and human-dependent.

x402 changes that, allowing developers and AI agents to pay for APIs, software and services directly with stablecoins over HTTP.

Builders like @unibase_ai, @pieverse_io, @AEON_Community &… pic.twitter.com/0NS9jvidkK

— BNB Chain (@BNBCHAIN) October 27, 2025

BNB Chain’s ecosystem has long supported innovation in DeFi, gaming, and payments, and now, it’s positioning itself as the AI payment layer of Web3.

The x402 Boom on Solana

Interestingly, x402 isn’t just a BNB Chain story.

On Solana, the trend has exploded, up over 4,000% in just seven days, according to data tracked across developer communities.

The $X402 token, which powers the Solana side of the movement, is gaining traction fast.

It enables ultra-fast, low-fee payments for AI agents, while attracting new developers through hackathons and open integrations.

The mission: to make Solana the “default payment layer” for the AI economy.

x402 is an internet-native payment standard for Agents: fast, cheap, and on-chain.

Agents can pay per API call in USDC with instant finality, no chargebacks, and full compliance. The entire process is achieved without the friction of managing API keys or subscriptions.… pic.twitter.com/NSGC6Y0Bf9

— CoinMarketCap (@CoinMarketCap) October 27, 2025

Top Gainers in the x402 Ecosystem

The growth is already visible.

Over the last 7 days, several x402-based tokens have surged as developers race to integrate HTTP-based payments.

Here are the Top 10 Gainers in the x402 ecosystem:

🔸 ZARA – [@zaara_ai](https://x.com/zaara_ai)

🔸 PAYAI – [@PayAINetwork](https://x.com/PayAINetwork)

🔸 FREGO – [@GetFrego](https://x.com/GetFrego)

🔸 DREAMS – [@daydreamsagents](https://x.com/daydreamsagents)

🔸 JTVO – [@JatevoId](https://x.com/JatevoId)

🔸 QUAIN – [@quaindotcom](https://x.com/quaindotcom)

🔸 OPUS – [@opus_universe](https://x.com/opus_universe)

🔸 FDRY – [@getFoundry](https://x.com/getFoundry)

🔸 BREW – [@homebrewrobots](https://x.com/homebrewrobots)

🔸 SWITCH – [@switchboardxyz](https://x.com/switchboardxyz)

🚨 x402 trend is exploding on Solana – up over 4,000% in just 7 days 🚀
Powered by seamless HTTP 402 integration, $X402 enables ultra-fast, low-fee payments for #AIAgent.
The $X402 token not only attracts developers through the upcoming hackathon but also promises to… https://t.co/KDSF0r4P81 pic.twitter.com/sV3oBNeHZG

— Solana Daily (@solana_daily) October 27, 2025

The Bigger Picture

The rise of x402 marks a shift from human-driven payments to machine-native finance.

Just as DeFi decentralized trading and staking, x402 is decentralizing the act of paying itself, making transactions faster, smaller, and smarter.

It’s also setting the foundation for PayFi, a new movement that combines payment infrastructure with DeFi principles for AI and Web3.

As stablecoins continue to dominate settlement flows and agents become more autonomous, protocols like x402 will likely become the backbone of the next financial internet.

The internet of money is evolving again, this time, for machines.

x402 bridges the gap between AI agents and blockchain payments, offering speed, efficiency, and autonomy that traditional payment rails can’t match.

Whether on BNB Chain or Solana, the momentum is clear.

x402 is no longer just a protocol, it’s a standard in the making.

And as developers continue to build around it, one question lingers: Will the x402 trend take over Solana next?

Disclosure: This is not trading or investment advice. Always do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any services.

Follow us on Twitter @themerklehash to stay updated with the latest Crypto, NFT, AI, Cybersecurity, and Metaverse news!

The post x402: The Internet-Native Payment Standard Powering the AI Agent Economy appeared first on The Merkle News.

Binance just turned up the heat again. On October 25, 2025, at 14:00 (UTC+8), the world’s largest exchange officially listed Giggle Fund (GIGGLE) and SynFutures (F), opening spot trading for pairs GIGGLE/USDT, GIGGLE/USDC, GIGGLE/TRY, F/USDT, F/USDC, and F/TRY.

Both tokens carry Binance’s Seed Tag, signaling early-stage, high-potential projects that traders should keep a close eye on.

Binance Will List Giggle Fund (GIGGLE) and SynFutures (F) with Seed Tag Applied

Read more 👉 https://t.co/4czkYC8A9m pic.twitter.com/5Yf7kORLWl

— Binance (@binance) October 25, 2025

Giggle Fund (GIGGLE): The Memecoin with a Mission

Move over, Doge and Pepe. There’s a new meme in town, one that gives back.

Giggle Fund (GIGGLE) is built on the BNB Smart Chain and has quickly captured attention for mixing humor with heart. This isn’t just another memecoin chasing hype; it’s a project that channels a portion of every transaction into charitable donations for children’s education.

According to the project’s team, Giggle Fund has already raised nearly $7 million through its Giggle Academy initiative, a program funding classrooms, supplies, and digital learning access for underprivileged children worldwide.

Binance itself spotlighted the project earlier this week in its charity blog, celebrating how $GIGGLE is turning memes into missions. The blog post read like an endorsement of what’s possible when community energy meets real-world impact.

Shortly after, the exchange doubled down, granting Giggle Fund a Binance Alpha listing.

“Thank you, Binance, for believing in the mission and helping us bring education to kids worldwide!” the Giggle Fund team wrote on X.

The $GIGGLE Surge: Laughter Turns into Liquidity

Within hours of the Binance listing, Giggle Fund exploded across crypto markets.

•  Price: $236.75
•  Market Cap: $236.75M
•  24h Volume: $213.65M
•  24h Change: +155%
•  All-Time High (ATH): $281.14

That’s a +154.84% gain in 24 hours, pushing Giggle into one of the day’s most talked-about tokens.

So what caused the rocket fuel? Three major triggers:

1. Binance Listing (Oct 25, 2025), The main catalyst. Spot trading opened with instant demand. Volume spiked 10x within hours.

2. Charity-Backed Tokenomics, Every transaction contributes to Giggle Academy, creating a do good, earn good feedback loop.

3. Whale Accumulation, On-chain data showed large wallets piling in, with one investor reportedly buying $1.2 million worth of GIGGLE during the listing hour.

Giggle Fund’s mix of community fun, viral marketing, and purpose-driven tokenomics has given it a unique identity in a market dominated by pure speculation.

Big love to Binance! ❤️

Yesterday, @binance highlighted us in their charity blog, showcasing how $GIGGLE is transforming memecoins into a force for global good, raising almost $7M to date for children’s education.🙏

Today, Binance continues their support with $GIGGLE Alpha… pic.twitter.com/gyDGjDlrn4

— GiggleFund (@GiggleFundBSC) October 3, 2025

But make no mistake, this is still high-volatility territory. The token’s price swung from $85 → $274 → $225 in less than 24 hours. That’s not for the faint-hearted.

Still, even skeptics admit, Giggle Fund has proven that laughter can move markets.

“The Memecoin That Laughed Its Way to Binance”

That’s how traders are describing it online.

What started as a niche experiment on the BNB Chain is now the first major charity-driven memecoin to land on Binance’s main platform. For its holders, it’s validation. For Binance, it’s a clear nod toward community coins that stand for more than hype.

The listing announcement alone sent waves through the memecoin sector. Projects with similar social themes saw temporary volume spikes, suggesting traders are betting on “cause-based crypto” as the next meta.

Giggle Fund’s community, known as the “Laughing Legion,” celebrated the milestone with a mix of memes, jokes, and heartfelt gratitude.

“It’s not about luck, it’s about laughter and learning,” one user wrote.

SynFutures (F): DeFi Infrastructure Joins the Party

Alongside Giggle’s emotional surge came a quieter but equally important listing: SynFutures (F).

Unlike GIGGLE’s meme-driven energy, SynFutures represents serious infrastructure. It’s a decentralized exchange (DEX) and full-stack DeFi protocol providing liquidity solutions and derivative trading tools for on-chain markets.

The project has been building steadily for months, and its inclusion on Binance, with the Seed Tag, marks a major milestone in its evolution.

By listing both SynFutures and Giggle Fund together, Binance made a subtle but strategic point: crypto isn’t just speculation or structure, it’s both. One brings the community, the other brings the rails.

While SynFutures didn’t see the same fireworks as GIGGLE on launch day, traders expect its utility to grow as decentralized finance continues to mature.

Why Binance’s Dual Listing Matters

This double listing highlights a broader theme, Binance’s role in shaping the next phase of crypto diversity.

By supporting a memecoin that donates to real causes and a DeFi protocol building infrastructure, the exchange is signaling a wider philosophy: innovation isn’t limited to one side of crypto.

It’s community and code. Emotion and engineering.

The Seed Tag for both tokens reminds investors of the obvious: early-stage equals high risk. But it also means early opportunity, the kind Binance users rarely ignore.

For Giggle Fund, the message is simple, doing good doesn’t have to be boring.

Its founders call it “philanthropy on-chain.” Each transaction doesn’t just circulate capital, it circulates hope.

The team says it wants to build a world where trading can directly impact classrooms and communities. The Binance listing, they say, is “just the beginning.”

Meanwhile, SynFutures continues to build in the background, aiming to give traders deeper control over decentralized markets and smarter access to liquidity.

Together, both projects reflect what’s next for crypto: utility with a human touch.

In one day, Binance managed to spotlight the best of two worlds, fun meets function.

Giggle Fund turned memes into meaning. SynFutures reinforced the foundation beneath it.

And as traders watch GIGGLE’s wild swings, from laughter to liquidity, one thing’s clear:

Crypto isn’t just about profit anymore. Sometimes, it’s about purpose.

Disclosure: This is not trading or investment advice. Always do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any services.

Follow us on Twitter @themerklehash to stay updated with the latest Crypto, NFT, AI, Cybersecurity, and Metaverse news!

The post Binance Lists Giggle Fund (GIGGLE) and SynFutures (F), Memecoins Meet Market Infrastructure appeared first on The Merkle News.

The new x402 category just went live on CoinGecko, and it’s already becoming one of the most-watched trends in the crypto space.

But what is x402, and why is it suddenly everywhere?

NEW Category: x402

x402 is an open-source HTTP-native payment protocol developed by @coinbase.

We've added a new category to help you track all their tokens in one place.

Check it out 👉 https://t.co/Ub1mFuIubS pic.twitter.com/SWTntAPdLz

— CoinGecko (@coingecko) October 25, 2025

Let’s break it down.

What Is x402?

x402 is an open-source HTTP-native payment protocol created by Coinbase.

In simple terms, it’s a new open payment system that lets anyone, even AI bots, send small crypto payments instantly. No accounts. No cards. No banks.

It’s built directly on a web rule called HTTP 402, “Payment Required.”

That code has existed since the 1990s, but it was never used until now.

Coinbase and Cloudflare revived it to create something revolutionary, a way for the internet itself to accept crypto payments.

The Internet Can Now Pay and Get Paid

Here’s what this means:

• A website can now say, “Pay 0.01 USDC to access this file.”
• Your wallet simply pays, and you get access in 2 seconds.
• No logins. No KYC. No friction.

The x402 protocol allows machines, apps, and AI agents to transact autonomously. They can buy data, pay for compute, or rent API access, all without human intervention.

For the first time, AI can pay AI, trustlessly, instantly, and across chains.

x402 is taking over! @Coinbase + @Cloudflare's open protocol revives HTTP 402 for instant USDC micropayments.

AI agents pay autonomously—no accounts or API keys! 2-second settlement, $0.001 microtransactions. Cross-chain (Base, Solana, Polygon, NEAR).

$30T economy by 2030?… pic.twitter.com/KpxRezuWsx

— WilcosX.eth Ⓜ️Ⓜ️T (@WilcosX) October 25, 2025

Why x402 Exists

The reason x402 matters comes down to one simple shift: AI agents need to transact.

As autonomous AI systems get smarter, they need to make micro-purchases, buying data, renting servers, and paying APIs in real time. Traditional payment rails don’t support that.

Visa and Mastercard can’t handle one-cent transactions every few seconds.

But x402 can.

That’s why Coinbase built it, to power the financial layer for AI and the next generation of the internet.

How x402 Works

The process is incredibly simple, yet powerful:

1. You request a resource from a website (data, file, etc.)
2. The server replies: “Payment Required – Pay 0.01 USDC”
3. Your client or AI agent pays using the x402 header
4. The server verifies it instantly and grants access

It all happens automatically in about two seconds, with zero transaction fees.

No centralized payment processors. No trusted intermediaries.

It’s DeFi logic embedded into HTTP, the universal protocol of the web.

The x402 Ecosystem Is Growing Fast

In the past month alone, x402 has already recorded over 43,000 transactions, according to on-chain data shared by Coinbase.

The project is being tested with Google Cloud, AWS, and even Singapore’s CBDC initiative.

Backed by Visa, AWS, and Google AP2, x402 is quickly shaping up to be a serious infrastructure layer for real-world payments, not just another crypto experiment.

Coinbase and Cloudflare also announced the creation of the x402 Foundation to coordinate development, adoption, and open-source standards across chains like Base, Solana, Polygon, and NEAR.

Why x402 Matters

x402 is a huge leap forward for crypto utility.

It fixes one of the internet’s longest-standing issues, how to pay for things online instantly, cheaply, and securely.

Today, most payments rely on middlemen charging 3% or more.

With x402:

•  Payments are instant
•  Fees are nearly zero
•  Transactions are cross-chain compatible
•  Users (and bots) keep full custody of their assets

It’s like giving the internet a built-in crypto wallet.

Real Use Cases Emerging

The potential use cases are massive.

AI Bots Paying for Data, Imagine an AI scraping financial data, paying 0.01 USDC each time it queries an API.

Pay-Per-Article Models, Websites could replace subscriptions with tiny, instant payments per read.

Cloud Compute Rentals, Servers could charge bots by the second for processing time.

Everything happens on-chain, automatically, without logins or invoices.

That’s the power of HTTP 402, and why many are calling it the new money layer for the internet.

Early Projects Building on x402

The x402 movement is already spawning a growing ecosystem of projects.

Some early builders include:

•  Heurist AI ($HEU) – Building on-chain AI infrastructure.
•  Daydreams ($DREAMS) – Focused on AI-agent networks and creative data payments.
•  PayAI ($PAYAI) – Developing payment rails for AI-driven APIs.
•  Gloria AI ($GLORIA) – Focused on web monetization tools.

And of course, the first breakout token from the ecosystem, $PING (@pingobserver), is already gaining attention;

Meme tokens are even starting to emerge under the x402 narrative, like $SANTA (@santavirtuals) and $DREAMS (@daydreamsagents), each capturing the attention of early adopters watching this trend unfold.

Challenges and What’s Next

It’s still early days.

Most websites don’t yet support x402 payments. Developer tools are limited.

And speculative tokens are everywhere, crowding the signal.

But despite the early noise, the foundation looks strong.

If more web services, AI agents, and protocols begin adopting x402, it could become the standard for crypto-native payments online.

The next few months will be crucial as adoption metrics start to surface, especially if big names like Coinbase, Cloudflare, and Google Cloud continue driving integration.

At its core, x402 represents a shift in how value moves online.

It’s the bridge between the web, crypto, and AI, three technologies that have mostly operated in isolation.

With x402, the web finally gets a native payment layer, AI gets a way to transact, and crypto gets a global use case beyond speculation.

It’s still early, but the signs are clear:

HTTP 402 is coming to life, and it might just change how the internet works.

Disclosure: This is not trading or investment advice. Always do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any services.

Follow us on Twitter @themerklehash to stay updated with the latest Crypto, NFT, AI, Cybersecurity, and Metaverse news!

The post x402 Goes Live on CoinGecko, Coinbase’s New Payment Protocol is Powering the “AI × Crypto” Wave appeared first on The Merkle News.

Pump.fun just hit a massive milestone. The project’s buybacks of the $PUMP token have surpassed $150 million, with 9.4% of total supply already repurchased in just over three months.

That makes Pump.fun only the second Solana project to ever reach this level, the first being Raydium (@Raydium), which has completed over $200 million in lifetime buybacks.

It’s a powerful statement for Solana’s growing on-chain economy and a signal that revenue-backed models are taking center stage again in crypto.

The Power of Buybacks in Crypto

In traditional markets, companies buy back their own shares to increase shareholder value.

Crypto projects do something similar, only faster, and transparently on-chain.

When a platform earns revenue, it can use part of it to buy back tokens from the open market.

That reduces supply, supports price stability, and directly reflects how well the platform is performing.

For long-term investors, this is one of the strongest fundamentals to watch.

Projects that generate consistent revenue and use it for buybacks tend to show sustainable token strength over time.

And that’s exactly what we’re seeing now with Pump.fun and a few standout protocols across the ecosystem.

Pump.fun, The Revenue Machine

Pump.fun started as a memecoin launch platform on Solana.

Now it’s one of the highest-earning on-chain businesses in the ecosystem.

Its model is simple: every token launched pays a small fee, and the platform earns revenue from that constant stream of activity.

As of now, Pump.fun’s buyback total exceeds $150 million, repurchasing nearly one-tenth of its entire supply.

For comparison, few DeFi or trading protocols across any blockchain have achieved that scale in such a short time.

That buyback number alone places Pump.fun alongside Solana’s biggest names, second only to Raydium, the long-standing DEX with over $200 million in total buybacks over its lifetime.

This shows the strength of Solana’s on-chain liquidity and how memecoin platforms have evolved into serious economic drivers within the ecosystem.

Why Buybacks Matter

Token supplies in crypto are variable.

Inflation, emissions, and unlocks often weigh on token prices.

Buybacks act as a counterweight, a way to absorb supply and stabilize value.

When a project’s revenue grows, it gains the power to consistently buy back tokens, effectively linking price performance to actual business output.

That’s what separates sustainable tokens from hype-driven ones.

Hyperliquid and Pump.fun have recently shown how well this model can work.

Both platforms run with strong revenue inflows, and both are executing significant buybacks that strengthen token confidence.

These are signs of maturity across DeFi, a shift toward revenue-aligned token economies.

The Long-Term View

Of course, not every project can sustain this.

Many tokens, even promising ones, eventually succumb to supply growth, emissions, staking rewards, or token unlocks overwhelm their buyback power.

It’s a pattern that’s played out countless times before.

That’s why revenue remains the most critical factor in long-term crypto investment.

Tokens without cash flow eventually rely on speculation alone.

Tokens with revenue can support real, repeatable demand.

As buyback programs scale, they not only defend token prices but also build a feedback loop, the more users interact with the platform, the more revenue it earns, and the stronger the buybacks become.

Pump.fun, Hyperliquid, and the “Revenue Era”

Between Pump.fun and Hyperliquid, the conversation in crypto is shifting back to revenue-based valuation, something that used to define traditional equity markets.

These projects are proving that on-chain platforms can operate like real businesses:

•  They generate fees.
•  They sustain buybacks.
•  They give value back to holders.

This evolution could define the next major narrative in DeFi, one centered not on speculation or liquidity mining, but on cash flow and buyback economics.

What It Means for Solana

For Solana, this is a major credibility boost.

Projects like Pump.fun and Raydium are showing how active ecosystems can monetize usage at scale.

With over $350 million combined in lifetime buybacks, these two platforms alone have created a benchmark for real revenue generation in the blockchain space.

And with Solana’s ultra-low fees and high throughput, it’s clear why it’s becoming the preferred home for revenue-driven on-chain projects.

The next step will be how these projects scale further.

Can Pump.fun sustain its buyback pace over the next six months?

And can Hyperliquid keep its edge as perp trading heats up across L2s?

If these projects continue to prove that real revenue equals real value, we may be witnessing the start of a more mature phase for crypto, one where fundamentals finally matter again.

Pump.fun’s $150 million buyback milestone isn’t just a stat, it’s a signal.

Revenue-backed crypto projects are thriving again, and investors are starting to notice.

As supply-heavy projects fade, platforms with strong revenue and aggressive buybacks are likely to dominate the next market cycle.

And Pump.fun is leading that charge, one buyback at a time.

Disclosure: This is not trading or investment advice. Always do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any services.

Follow us on Twitter @themerklehash to stay updated with the latest Crypto, NFT, AI, Cybersecurity, and Metaverse news!

The post Pump.fun’s $PUMP Buybacks Cross $150 Million  appeared first on The Merkle News.

The Uniswap Foundation has awarded a grant of up to $9 million to Brevis, a leading ZK infrastructure developer, to design and manage a Router Rebate Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative built entirely on zero-knowledge proofs.

The rebate system will allow DEX aggregators like 1inch and Matcha to receive gas rebates when routing user transactions through Uniswap v4 hooked pools. The goal is simple, to drive faster v4 adoption, deepen liquidity, and reward routers that power Uniswap’s next chapter.

🚀 @UniswapFND has awarded Brevis a grant to build a trustless gas rebate program for v4 routers!

Up to $9M in rebates for DEX aggregators integrating v4 hooked pools. All calculations verified by Brevis ZK proofs.

Here's what we're building 🧵 pic.twitter.com/7o4uLVPGCT

— Brevis (@brevis_zk) October 24, 2025

From Infrastructure Provider to Ecosystem Builder

This grant marks a turning point for Brevis.

Until now, Brevis was primarily known as a ZK data coprocessor powering off-chain computation. With this move, it steps directly into the Uniswap ecosystem as a builder, deploying, managing, and maintaining the rebate system that connects ZK technology with on-chain economics.

At its core, this collaboration brings real utility to zero-knowledge proofs in DeFi, not just for privacy, but for automated economic verification.

What the $9M Grant Covers

The Uniswap Foundation’s grant will fund the development, deployment, and long-term management of the Router Rebate Program.

Here’s what that means:

•  Up to $9 million will be distributed as cashbacks to DEX routers that integrate Uniswap v4 hooked pools.
•  The rebates will be calculated and verified trustlessly using Brevis’s ZK Data Coprocessor and Pico zkVM.

The program creates a direct incentive loop, the more routing activity through v4, the more liquidity and fees for the ecosystem.

Uniswap remains the largest DEX by trading volume, maintaining over $5.6 billion in 24-hour activity. The addition of a router rebate system could further expand that dominance by improving aggregator integrations and execution speed.

How the Rebate System Works

Gas costs are a real challenge for DeFi users. Every transaction consumes gas, and tracking these costs precisely is often complex.

Here’s how Brevis changes that.

1. Routers route orders through Uniswap v4 hooked pools.
2. Brevis calculates gas costs off-chain, using its data coprocessor.
3. It then generates a zero-knowledge proof (ZK proof) verifying that the gas cost calculation is accurate.
4. The router submits this proof on-chain to claim the rebate.

The result?

A fully automated, trustless refund system. No centralized tracking. No manual auditing. No trust assumptions.

Every rebate is verified cryptographically before payment.

Why It Matters for Uniswap v4

Uniswap v4’s architecture, built around hooks and custom liquidity pools, opens the door for new automated features, but it also adds complexity for aggregators.

By introducing a rebate program, Uniswap gives routers a reason to integrate early. The more routing volume they push through v4 pools, the more rebates they earn.

This has three direct effects:

⚡ Faster v4 adoption across major DEX aggregators.

🌊 Deeper liquidity in hooked pools, as volume scales.

🔄 Better swap execution for end users, due to improved routing efficiency.

And perhaps most importantly, it does all of this without sacrificing DeFi’s trustless ethos.

Brevis’s ZK Advantage

Brevis has built a strong reputation for developing scalable ZK proof systems that can process and verify data from any on-chain or off-chain source.

Its ZK Data Coprocessor acts as a secure off-chain environment that computes heavy data operations, like gas tracking or routing cost analysis, and then generates a proof for on-chain validation.

The integration of Pico zkVM makes this process both lightweight and verifiable, meaning gas rebates can be calculated without any central servers or human intervention.

In essence, Brevis brings machine-verifiable economics to Uniswap v4.

The Uniswap Foundation has launched a grant program for @brevis_zk. DEX aggregators (e.g., 1inch and Matcha) will be able to receive a total cashback of up to $9 million when they route user transactions through Uniswap v4 pools.

With this announcement, Brevis is no longer just… pic.twitter.com/cF3PbwHAGY

— mufettis 🐋 (@nftmufettisi) October 24, 2025

Season 2 Activation

According to Brevis, the rebate integration is scheduled to go live in Season 2, following internal testing and protocol audits.

Season 2 will focus on testing the full pipeline, from routers submitting proofs, to automatic rebate distributions on-chain.

This marks a major milestone in how decentralized exchanges can reward routing activity. If successful, Uniswap’s rebate model could set a new standard across DeFi for trustless incentive systems.

“Tasks will focus on testing or using the trustless gas rebate system,” the Brevis team shared. “This is a significant step for both Brevis and the Uniswap ecosystem.”

The collaboration between Uniswap and Brevis represents more than just a grant, it’s a statement of direction for the next era of decentralized trading.

DeFi is evolving toward automation and verifiability, and this system combines both:

•  It automates gas rebates.
•  It verifies them trustlessly using ZK proofs.

This structure removes the need for intermediaries while maintaining economic fairness and transparency, a key goal for open finance.

As one analyst noted on X, “This isn’t just about rebates, it’s about turning proofs into incentives.”

Ecosystem Impact

The move is expected to spark stronger router competition among leading DEX aggregators like 1inch, Matcha, and ParaSwap, each aiming to capture a share of the $9M reward pool.

Routers that adapt fastest to the rebate mechanism could see immediate profit advantages, driving more users through Uniswap v4 over competitors.

In the long term, this should boost liquidity depth, reduce slippage, and increase total value locked (TVL) across v4 pools.

The Uniswap Foundation’s $9 million grant to Brevis is more than a funding announcement, it’s a blueprint for how DeFi incentives can evolve using zero-knowledge technology.

By aligning protocol economics with cryptographic trust, Uniswap is moving closer to a future where proof replaces trust in every layer of its stack.

If this rebate model succeeds, it won’t just make trading cheaper, it’ll redefine how infrastructure and incentives interact in decentralized finance.

And for Brevis, it’s a major leap, from being a ZK infrastructure provider to becoming a core builder inside the largest DEX ecosystem in crypto.

Disclosure: This is not trading or investment advice. Always do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any services.

Follow us on Twitter @themerklehash to stay updated with the latest Crypto, NFT, AI, Cybersecurity, and Metaverse news!

The post Uniswap Foundation Awards $9M Grant to Brevis for Trustless Router Rebate System appeared first on The Merkle News.

The rumors are finally real. Polymarket, the fast-growing prediction market, is officially launching its native $POLY token and an airdrop.

CMO Matthew Modabber confirmed the move publicly, sparking immediate buzz across crypto Twitter. What started as speculation has now become one of the most anticipated token launches in the decentralized prediction space.

And the timing couldn’t be better, adoption is climbing fast, funding is on the horizon, and the platform’s momentum looks unstoppable.

The $POLY Token Is Coming

Polymarket’s CMO didn’t hold back. He confirmed that the team is preparing both a native token and a massive airdrop designed to reward early users for their real engagement.

“Expect every airdrop hunter and crypto trader to rush in,” one insider wrote on X, moments after Modabber’s statement. “Early users will likely be rewarded for volume, longevity, and organic activity.”

That’s music to the ears of the early Polymarket faithful, the traders who’ve been active long before this announcement.

Rumors suggest that the $POLY airdrop could arrive in 2026, with eligibility tied closely to user activity, trading patterns, and authentic participation.

A $15 Billion Valuation on the Table

Behind the scenes, things are moving just as fast.

According to Bloomberg, Polymarket is already in talks to raise fresh funding at a valuation of up to $15 billion.

That number alone is staggering, and it puts Polymarket in rare company. If the round materializes, it would rank among the largest valuations ever for a decentralized prediction platform.

Investors are reportedly circling, attracted by the project’s growth curve and the promise of an industry that blends finance, politics, and real-time sentiment data.

Airdrop Rules: Real Traders Only

The airdrop might be massive, but Modabber made one thing clear:

No room for farmers.

During an AMA, he emphasized that the $POLY distribution will prioritize real users, those with consistent, organic trading histories. Farming tactics and wash trades won’t cut it this time.

“The drop is likely tied to volume, activity, and trading behavior,” Modabber said. “Passive users risk missing out.”

That statement alone has triggered a flurry of renewed interest across prediction market communities. Traders are dusting off their old accounts, placing small but steady bets, and building volume ahead of the official snapshot.

The rules are simple: trade, stay active, and prove authenticity.

Polymarket’s Big Play: More Than Just Predictions

Polymarket isn’t just another betting site dressed in Web3 colors.

It’s a data-driven prediction market that lets users trade on real-world events, everything from elections and sports to economics and pop culture.

Each market reflects crowd sentiment, and each trade becomes a data point.

That makes Polymarket more than entertainment, it’s an evolving form of decentralized intelligence.

The upcoming $POLY token will be the foundation of that ecosystem. It’s not a meme or a quick cash grab, it’s infrastructure.

That’s a crucial distinction. While other airdrops have chased hype, Polymarket is building a long-term framework for decentralized forecasting, liquidity incentives, and governance.

“This Ain’t Just Another Platform”

Crypto Twitter is calling it a new era for prediction markets.

“This ain’t just another platform,” one Polymarket supporter wrote after the AMA. “It’s being built to compete globally.”

That’s not just talk. With user engagement rising, investor attention growing, and a token launch confirmed, Polymarket is positioning itself as a potential market leader in on-chain predictions.

Its focus on real users, not bots, not farmers, is part of a wider strategy to build trust and longevity.

If the $POLY token succeeds, it could establish a new standard for transparency and fairness in decentralized trading.

Early Users in the Spotlight

The confirmation has turned every early user into a potential winner.

Activity, longevity, and organic volume will likely determine who benefits most from the airdrop.

It’s a familiar formula, but Polymarket’s approach feels different. Instead of chasing hype, the team is rewarding consistency, the users who believed in the product before it became mainstream.

One long-time trader summed it up best: “You can’t farm conviction.”

With the official launch expected in 2026, traders now have months to ramp up their participation and secure their place in what could become one of the largest airdrops in crypto history.

Market Reaction: Momentum Building

The crypto crowd wasted no time. Mentions of $POLY exploded across X after Modabber’s confirmation.

Prediction market tokens, even unrelated ones, saw spikes in volume as speculators positioned themselves early.

Polymarket’s growing visibility has also spilled over to its current trading volume, which continues to trend upward. If this pace holds, the platform could hit record participation before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, curiosity about Polymarket’s native tokenomics is building fast. Traders want to know how $POLY will fit into governance, fees, and incentives, but for now, the team remains tight-lipped.

Still, the message is simple: stay active, stay early, stay ready.

Building Toward a Global Platform

What sets Polymarket apart isn’t just the product, it’s the ambition.

This project is aiming high. A $15 billion valuation isn’t just a number; it’s a statement of intent.

With new capital, a growing user base, and a native token on the way, Polymarket is positioning itself at the intersection of finance, media, and prediction technology.

The $POLY token is designed to unify the ecosystem, from market creation and trading incentives to governance and liquidity. It’s the next logical step in making prediction markets mainstream.

The Early Birds Will Set the Pace

Polymarket’s journey is still unfolding, but one thing is clear: early participants will shape what happens next.

“This is one of those projects you don’t just watch,” Modabber said during the AMA. “You get involved.”

And that’s exactly what the crypto world is doing. The excitement is building, the engagement is rising, and the countdown to the $POLY airdrop has already begun.

The opportunity is simple, get in early, stay active, and trade with intent.

Because when the airdrop lands, the early birds won’t just get rewarded, they’ll define the next chapter of decentralized prediction markets.

Disclosure: This is not trading or investment advice. Always do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any services.

Follow us on Twitter @themerklehash to stay updated with the latest Crypto, NFT, AI, Cybersecurity, and Metaverse news!

The post Polymarket Confirms $POLY Token and Airdrop, A $15B Prediction Revolution in the Making appeared first on The Merkle News.

In a move that sent shockwaves across the crypto world, President Donald Trump has granted a full pardon to Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, drawing a dramatic close to one of the most polarizing legal sagas in the industry.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump signed the pardon on Wednesday, ending weeks of speculation. People close to the decision say he had grown increasingly convinced that Zhao was unfairly targeted under the Biden administration’s so-called “war on crypto.”

Breaking: President Trump has pardoned Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, whose crypto exchange has been boosting the Trump family's own crypto venture https://t.co/OxksrhgUyJ

— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) October 23, 2025

“The War on Crypto Is Over”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the decision in a statement that instantly made headlines.

“President Trump exercised his constitutional authority to pardon Mr. Zhao, who was prosecuted in the Biden administration’s crypto war,” she said. Then, she added the line that defined the day: “The Biden administration’s war on crypto is over.”

The message was clear, Trump was drawing a line under the previous administration’s approach and signaling a new, friendlier era for digital assets and innovation in the United States.

Four Months, $4.3 Billion, and a Second Chance

For Zhao, it’s been a long and humbling road.

He spent four months in prison, stepped down as CEO of Binance, and agreed to pay a $4.3 billion fine for failing to prevent money laundering on the platform. The penalties were some of the harshest the crypto industry had ever seen.

Deeply grateful for today’s pardon and to President Trump for upholding America’s commitment to fairness, innovation, and justice.
🙏🙏🙏🙏

Will do everything we can to help make America the Capital of Crypto and advance web3 worldwide.

(Still in flight, more posts to come.)…

— CZ 🔶 BNB (@cz_binance) October 23, 2025

Many in the space viewed the case as selective punishment, the kind of enforcement traditional banks often escape. The pardon now rewrites that story.

“There was never really a need for forgiveness, just fairness,” one Trump advisor reportedly said. “The President saw the truth and corrected the course.”

Binance and the Trump Crypto Connection

The timing of the pardon raises eyebrows for another reason.

Earlier this year, Binance accepted a $2 billion investment from an Emirati fund, with payments made in a digital currency created by World Liberty Financial, the Trump family’s own crypto venture.

That deal boosted both parties. Binance gained a foothold in a region eager to expand its digital economy, while the Trump-backed token gained credibility and attention. For critics, the overlap looks transactional. Supporters call it alignment of vision.

Either way, the relationship between Binance and the Trump ecosystem is deeper than ever, and the pardon only strengthens it.

“BIG CEO IS BACK”

Just hours after the pardon went public, Zhao returned to social media.

On X, he posted two short lines that captured the moment perfectly:

“BIG CEO IS BACK.”

“The comeback era starts now.”

Those few words ignited the crypto community.

Binance’s official account quickly joined in, posting:

“Massive win for @cz_binance, @binance, and the entire crypto space.”

It didn’t take long for the markets to react. Binance Coin (BNB) saw a sharp rise as investors rushed back, reading Trump’s pardon as a sign that the regulatory chill over crypto might finally be thawing. (Data source: CoinMarketCap)

Incredible news of CZ’s pardon today! Thank you, President Trump @POTUS for your leadership and for your commitment to make the US the crypto capital of the world!

CZ’s vision not only made Binance the world’s largest crypto exchange but shaped the broader crypto movement.…

— Binance (@binance) October 23, 2025

Trump’s Broader Message

The pardon is about more than Zhao, it’s a political declaration.

Trump’s team has long argued that the Biden administration weaponized law enforcement to stifle the crypto industry. Leavitt doubled down on that message in her remarks:

 

“In their desire to punish the cryptocurrency industry, the Biden Administration pursued Mr. Zhao despite no allegations of fraud or identifiable victims.”

She went further, saying the previous administration’s crackdown “severely damaged America’s reputation as a leader in technology and innovation.”

By contrast, Trump’s action positions him as a defender of innovation and free enterprise. It’s not just a pardon, it’s a policy shift.

Relief and Renewal Across Crypto

Within hours, the sentiment across the crypto world flipped from frustration to relief.

For months, Zhao’s case had been held up as a warning of what happens when innovation meets government hostility. Now, that same story is being retold as one of redemption and resolve.

“Trump saw the unfairness and acted,” said one industry advocate who has worked with both Binance and Washington regulators. “It’s a message that builders are welcome again.”

The pardon restores Zhao’s reputation and gives Binance breathing room to reestablish trust. For investors and developers who’ve been sitting on the sidelines, it feels like the first sign of genuine policy clarity.

Behind the scenes, Trump’s advisors are framing this as part of a broader economic reset. The administration wants to make the U.S. a center for blockchain innovation, not a hostile jurisdiction that drives talent overseas.

Pardoning Zhao, whose company remains the world’s largest crypto exchange by volume, sends a powerful message. It tells global markets that the U.S. is open to innovation again, and that the new administration intends to lead, not chase, the digital economy.

Closing One Chapter, Opening Another

In many ways, the pardon closes one of the darkest chapters in crypto’s short history.

Zhao’s fall from grace, once seen as the final nail in crypto’s credibility, now feels like the start of something new.

The tone has shifted. The fear is fading. A sense of momentum is returning.

Leavitt summed it up in one sentence that will likely be quoted for years:

“The Biden administration’s war on crypto is over.”

With Zhao free, Binance rebuilding, and Trump declaring open support for the industry, a new era has begun.

Crypto isn’t in exile anymore, it’s back at the table.

And this time, it has the President’s signature behind it.

Disclosure: This is not trading or investment advice. Always do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any services.

Follow us on Twitter @themerklehash to stay updated with the latest Crypto, NFT, AI, Cybersecurity, and Metaverse news!

The post Trump Pardons Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao, The Crypto Comeback Begins appeared first on The Merkle News.

BNB Chain just had one of its biggest weeks this year. In a single sweep, $BNB was listed on Robinhood, Coinbase, and Polymarket, giving the Binance ecosystem one of its strongest pushes into mainstream finance yet.

For a token that already dominates the on-chain scene, this triple listing marks a turning point.

BNB Lands on Robinhood, Retail Access Just Got Easier

$BNB is now live on Robinhood, opening the door for millions of U.S. retail users to buy, hold, and trade the Binance native token directly through the app.

This move signals a deeper integration between Binance’s ecosystem and traditional finance. Robinhood’s inclusion of BNB follows its expansion into multi-chain crypto listings and comes at a time when retail interest is returning to the market.

#BNB listed on @RobinhoodApp and Coinbase on the same day. https://t.co/RAgHB5C21m

— CZ 🔶 BNB (@cz_binance) October 22, 2025

BNB serves as the lifeblood of BNB Chain, powering transaction fees, staking, and governance. It’s the gas that keeps one of the busiest blockchains in the world running.

According to CoinMarketCap, $BNB trades at around $1069, with a market capitalization of over $148 billion, ranking it as the fourth-largest cryptocurrency globally.

The Robinhood listing expands BNB’s exposure to one of the most active retail audiences in the U.S. market. Historically, new exchange listings tend to drive short-term price volatility, and with Robinhood’s scale, that volatility could be amplified.

Beyond price action, the listing helps legitimize BNB’s place among top-tier crypto assets, showing how Binance’s ecosystem continues to grow even amid regulatory headwinds.

Mainstream Adoption: Robinhood and Coinbase Together

BNB hitting Robinhood and Coinbase on the same day is rare, and symbolic.

It shows how far the Binance ecosystem has come in terms of credibility and reach. Coinbase, America’s largest regulated crypto exchange, and Robinhood, one of the most popular trading platforms for retail users, now both offer BNB trading.

That’s more than just access, it’s validation.

The move could spark a new wave of retail interest, similar to the altcoin surges of 2024. In a market driven by liquidity and accessibility, this dual listing gives BNB a powerful edge.

For investors, it offers a safer, regulated route to buy into the Binance ecosystem without needing to use Binance’s own exchange.

For BNB Chain, it’s an opportunity to attract builders and traders who may have previously stayed on Ethereum or Solana due to accessibility issues.

As listings broaden, liquidity improves. And when liquidity improves, ecosystem activity follows.

Why It Matters: Expanding Despite Challenges

Despite ongoing regulatory scrutiny around Binance, the BNB ecosystem continues to expand through third-party partnerships and integrations.

By appearing on multiple independent trading platforms, BNB reduces its reliance on Binance Exchange. That’s crucial for long-term resilience.

In essence, BNB is evolving beyond its parent company, transforming into a multi-chain infrastructure token that underpins a massive Web3 economy.

This week’s listings demonstrate that institutional and retail players alike are willing to support BNB Chain’s growth, even if the centralized exchange behind it faces hurdles.

It’s a strategic pivot, and it’s working.

Polymarket Adds BNB: Prediction Markets Go Multi-Chain

Beyond traditional finance, BNB also gained ground in the decentralized prediction market space.

Polymarket, one of the fastest-growing Web3 platforms, has added full support for BNB deposits and withdrawals, expanding its multi-chain capabilities.

JUST IN: BNB deposits & withdrawals are now live on Polymarket. pic.twitter.com/vuc0U33YkH

— Polymarket (@Polymarket) October 22, 2025

BNB Chain’s reputation for low fees and high throughput makes it a natural fit. Prediction markets need fast, cheap transactions, and that’s exactly what BNB offers.

Users can now seamlessly move BNB into Polymarket, trade, and settle predictions without going through Ethereum bridges or complex cross-chain tools.

This integration also benefits Polymarket. With BNB’s large holder base, the platform gains access to a new stream of liquidity and traders. In return, BNB Chain gains new use cases and higher transaction volumes.

According to CoinMarketCap, BNB’s 24-hour trading volume sits around $1.5 billion, but that number could rise as decentralized applications like Polymarket continue to build on it.

Ecosystem Impact: DeFi, NFTs, and Beyond

The listing wave and Polymarket integration both point to a broader trend, BNB Chain’s quiet dominance in on-chain activity.

In recent months, BNB Chain has consistently processed over 25 million daily transactions, outpacing most Layer-1 blockchains.

Its DeFi ecosystem, with protocols like PancakeSwap and Venus, continues to attract billions in total value locked (TVL).

The chain’s memecoin scene, especially after the Reload airdrop and 0.05 Gwei standard gas adoption, remains one of the most active in crypto.

Now, with BNB trading on more regulated platforms, the ecosystem could see a new wave of liquidity and builder participation, especially from U.S. users who previously couldn’t access it.

NFTs, gaming, and prediction markets are emerging as new frontiers. The Polymarket move alone highlights how BNB Chain is extending beyond DeFi into real-world and event-driven applications.

Market Outlook: A Signal for Maturity

BNB’s triple listing week reflects crypto’s next phase, maturity through integration.

The lines between centralized and decentralized systems are blurring fast. Robinhood brings the traders, Coinbase adds compliance, and Polymarket brings real-world utility.

Together, they form a picture of what crypto’s next growth cycle might look like: one where liquidity, speed, and accessibility matter more than speculation alone.

Whether this week triggers a price rally or not, it confirms one thing, BNB is now firmly mainstream.

Disclosure: This is not trading or investment advice. Always do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any services.

Follow us on Twitter @themerklehash to stay updated with the latest Crypto, NFT, AI, Cybersecurity, and Metaverse news!

The post BNB’s Big Week: Robinhood, Coinbase, and Polymarket Go Live appeared first on The Merkle News.

Market activity is climbing again as attention shifts toward projects showing real momentum.

BlockDAG’s limited-time $0.0015 entry is driving excitement ahead of its much-awaited Genesis Day, signaling a major turning point in its roadmap. Meanwhile, Mantle (MNT) has surged 7% following a strong liquidity boost, and Hedera (HBAR) is experiencing renewed volatility in its stablecoin market.

 

These three names, BlockDAG (BDAG), Mantle, and Hedera, illustrate distinct stages of blockchain growth: one preparing for activation, one expanding liquidity depth, and one managing on-chain fluctuations. As 2025 approaches, their progress continues to define the top crypto picks shaping the market’s next cycle.

Mantle (MNT) Strengthens on Stablecoin Liquidity Growth

Mantle has rallied 7% to a new high after World Liberty Financial (WLF) deployed its $3 billion USD1 stablecoin on the network, instantly expanding on-chain liquidity and strengthening user confidence. Mantle’s stablecoin market cap has climbed to $738 million, highlighting increased capital inflows.

According to DeFiLlama, Mantle’s Daily Active Address (DAA) divergence hit 94.47%, reflecting a rise in genuine user activity. The uptrend is technically supported by an ascending channel pattern formed since early September, with each dip attracting renewed demand.

If the current strength holds, Mantle could target new highs; however, a short-term decline below $2 could lead to a correction toward $1.84 if traders lock in profits.

Hedera (HBAR) Faces Swings in Stablecoin Supply

Hedera’s network data points to sharp fluctuations in stablecoin circulation throughout 2025. Supply spiked from $42 million in January to $78 million before dropping to $35 million within days. Similar surges occurred in May, August, and October, where volumes swung between $214 million and $46 million, then $224 million and $56 million, with the latest fall from $164 million to $81 million.

USDC accounts for 99.6% of this liquidity, suggesting that only a few wallets influence the majority of flows, creating periodic instability. Despite this, Hedera maintains visibility through enterprise collaborations and growing DeFi initiatives. Analysts expect the network to stabilize once liquidity distribution broadens, which could restore its strength among utility-driven projects.

BlockDAG Unlocks TGE Code Ahead of Genesis Day

BlockDAG has entered its final and most crucial stage before Genesis Day, marking the activation of its mainnet and the beginning of exchange trading. The project’s presale has surpassed $430 million milestone, with more than 27 billion BDAG coins already distributed among 312,000+ global participants.

Batch 31, priced at $0.0015 for a limited time, stands as one of the last opportunities to join before its expected $0.05 listing price, highlighting the momentum leading up to launch.

At the heart of BlockDAG’s design is a hybrid Layer-1 framework that merges Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus with a multi-parent Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) model. This advanced combination allows the network to achieve throughput of up to 15,000 transactions per second, balancing scalability with energy efficiency and top-tier security. The system is also EVM-compatible, enabling the smooth deployment of existing Ethereum projects and expanding its developer reach.

With over 20,000 hardware miners shipped and an active base of 3.5 million X1 mobile miners, BlockDAG has built one of the most extensive decentralized mining communities in the world.

This Friday, BlockDAG is set to go LIVE on Binance for an exclusive AMA on October 24 at 3PM UTC, marking one of its biggest global appearances yet. The session will feature insider updates, new roadmap reveals, and major insights ahead of Keynote 4: The Launch Note and GENESIS DAY.

Final Overview

As Q4 2025 gathers momentum, BlockDAG, Mantle, and Hedera showcase three contrasting paths within blockchain development. BlockDAG’s $0.0015 entry continues to gain traction before Genesis Day, promising a scalable, EVM-compatible mainnet ready for deployment. Mantle advances through expanded liquidity and network growth, while Hedera seeks stability amid fluctuating capital flows.

Together, these projects demonstrate how transparent development and real-world utility define future market leaders. As Genesis Day approaches, BlockDAG’s blend of scalability, community strength, and technological readiness positions it as one of the most anticipated mainnet activations of 2025.

• Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network
• Website: https://blockdag.network
• Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial
• Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu

Disclosure: This is a sponsored press release. Please do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any projects. Read the full disclosure here.

The post Countdown to Genesis Day: BlockDAG’s Presale Surges Past $430M+ as MNT Climbs 7% and HBAR Market Volatility Grows appeared first on The Merkle News.

The drama around the ASI alliance has escalated. This time, it’s Ocean Protocol in the spotlight, accused of offloading over $100 million worth of community tokens.

Fetch AI has publicly accused Ocean Protocol of this misconduct and concealment following a series of large token transfers.

The Alliance That Started It All

Back in March 2024, Ocean Protocol, Fetch AI, and SingularityNET announced a bold move, a merger under the Artificial Superintelligence (ASI) Alliance.

The goal: unify their projects under one token, $FET, to streamline liquidity and drive interoperability across decentralized AI ecosystems.

Under the deal, holders of $OCEAN and $AGIX could convert their tokens to $FET at a fixed rate.

In theory, all assets would be consolidated, simplifying governance and ecosystem participation.

But as the data shows, Ocean Protocol didn’t fully let go of its legacy tokens.

Ocean’s Hidden Cache

Despite the merger, Ocean Protocol’s team retained a significant stash of $OCEAN.

According to their public communications, these tokens were earmarked for “community incentives” and “data farming rewards.”

However, on July 1st, 2024, a wallet identified as belonging to the Ocean Protocol team, 0x4D9B, initiated a major transfer:

• Converted 661 million $OCEAN into 286 million $FET (~$191 million).
• Sent 90 million $FET to an OTC provider, GSR Markets.

That transaction immediately raised questions. Why would tokens meant for “community programs” be moving to OTC desks?

The $FET Split

The story didn’t end there.

On August 31st, the same wallet split the remaining 196 million $FET into 30 fresh addresses.

By October 14th, almost all of these wallets had forwarded their balances to Binance or OTC providers.

In total, an estimated 270 million $FET left Ocean-associated wallets:

•  160 million to Binance
•  109 million to GSR Markets

The movements suggest systematic liquidation, even though Ocean Protocol hasn’t confirmed any sales.

Ocean Protocol Walks Away

Then came another shock.

On October 9, Ocean Protocol announced its withdrawal from the ASI Alliance.

No reason was provided. No statement referenced the massive token movements.

The timing, right after the transfers, only deepened community suspicion.

Fetch AI, one of the three ASI partners, went public with accusations of “unethical and undisclosed dumping” by the Ocean Protocol team.

Their posts gained traction on X, fueling a new wave of speculation about how much $FET had been sold.

Ocean Protocol’s Response

Ocean’s CEO quickly denied the claims, calling them “unfounded and baseless rumors.”

He stated that the team was preparing a formal statement to clarify what happened.

As of now, no detailed reply has been issued.

Bubblemaps, the blockchain analytics platform tracking the incident, confirmed they’ve reached out to the Ocean team, but have received no response.

Their data does confirm, however, that the Ocean-linked multisig wallet:

•  Converted 661M $OCEAN into 286M $FET, then
•  Sent 270M $FET to Binance and GSR.

That’s where the on-chain trail ends.

What the Chain Shows

At this stage, there’s no direct proof that the transferred tokens were sold.

On-chain activity alone can’t confirm liquidation.

But historically, such large transfers to CEXs and OTC desks are often tied to off-market sales or liquidity exits.

According to Bubblemaps, the behavior “mirrors typical liquidation patterns,” though the final destination of the $FET remains unverified.

The case has now been added to Intel Desk, Bubblemaps’ open investigation hub, where community analysts are free to trace the flow.

If Ocean Protocol did indeed sell part of its “community incentive” tokens, the implications go beyond a single project.

It would signal a serious breach of trust within the ASI ecosystem, one that could undermine the broader narrative of decentralized AI collaboration.

The ASI alliance was built on transparency. The merging of three independent projects, each with distinct communities, required absolute trust in how tokens were managed.

Any perceived misconduct could fracture that trust completely.

Market Reactions

Since the news broke, $FET has shown slight volatility but remains relatively stable.

As of today, CoinMarketCap data shows:

•  $FET trades at $0.25, with a market cap around $614 million.
•  $OCEAN,trades around $0.26, 

Traders remain cautious, with on-chain sentiment shifting toward “watch mode” until Ocean provides clarification.

This isn’t the first controversy surrounding token consolidation or alliance mergers.

When multi-project ecosystems merge, treasury transparency becomes a critical weak point.

Ocean Protocol’s case underscores that even well-established teams can face accountability challenges once funds are repurposed or redistributed off-chain.

If proven true, the $120M transfer would represent one of the largest undeclared token dumps in recent history, and a major setback for ASI’s credibility.

Until Ocean Protocol releases its full statement, speculation will continue.

The Bubblemaps investigation remains open, and community sleuths are already analyzing linked wallets, exchange inflows, and OTC desk activity.

The ASI alliance, once hailed as the future of decentralized AI, now faces its toughest stress test yet.

Whether the fallout ends in a formal audit or a public reconciliation remains to be seen.

For now, one fact is clear, over 270 million $FET left Ocean’s wallets, and nobody knows why.

Disclosure: This is not trading or investment advice. Always do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any services.

Follow us on Twitter @themerklehash to stay updated with the latest Crypto, NFT, AI, Cybersecurity, and Metaverse news!

The post Ocean Protocol Faces Allegations Over $100M in Token Transfers Following ASI Exit appeared first on The Merkle News.

Solana is once again proving why it’s among the most dominant blockchains in the world.

Data from September 2025 shows the network collected roughly $425 million in on-chain transaction fees, placing it on pace to exceed $5 billion annually.

That figure doesn’t just highlight user activity, it reflects Solana’s growing economic weight across the entire crypto ecosystem.

Fees and Revenue

The numbers are staggering.

According to on-chain data, Solana’s total fee revenue has surged, with gross annualized fees now topping $5 billion.

This positions Solana far ahead of most public blockchains in both usage and revenue generation.

On a per-user basis, the average transaction fee for 2025 sits around $0.02, while the median daily fee is just $0.001, among the lowest in the industry.

The network’s local fee markets, introduced in mid-2024, have proven effective at isolating rate competition to specific “hot” applications, ensuring other users continue to transact cheaply.

In practice, it means users running heavy DeFi strategies or NFT mints might see slightly higher fees, but for most participants, transactions remain nearly free.

That’s a delicate balance, high economic throughput, without pricing out small users.

Solana’s September Fees Hit $425M, Annualizing to Over $5B – A Blockchain Giant in the Making

— OKX Ventures (@OKX_Ventures) October 21, 2025

Network Scale and Activity

Beyond the fees, Solana’s ecosystem expansion continues at a remarkable pace.

As of September, there are now over 500 independent applications deployed on-chain.

By sector ranking, Solana currently sits:

•  3rd in NFT trading volume
•  5th in stablecoin transfers
•  7th in on-chain Real World Assets (RWA)

Its native token, $SOL, remains one of crypto’s strongest performers.

According to CoinMarketCap, $SOL trades around $194 with a market capitalization exceeding $106 billion, ranking it fifth overall among non-stablecoin assets.

Over the last 90 days, $SOL has also ranked as the third most liquid crypto asset globally by spot trading volume.

That depth of liquidity has helped Solana maintain price stability and strong inflows despite market turbulence.

Performance and Latency

Performance has always been Solana’s competitive edge, and it’s accelerating further.

Block production currently averages 400 milliseconds, with transactions reaching finality in roughly 12 to 13 seconds.

However, the upcoming Alpenglow upgrade promises a game-changing leap forward.

Once deployed, Alpenglow will reduce finality to 100–150 milliseconds, an order of magnitude faster than most networks, while also lowering the Byzantine Fault Tolerance threshold from 33% to 20%.

That means faster confirmations, lower consensus overhead, and even greater resilience under high-load conditions.

Token Supply and Staking

Solana’s tokenomics remain tightly optimized for long-term sustainability.

The network’s annualized inflation rate is between 4% and 4.5%, but half of all base transaction fees are burned, permanently removed from circulation.

That dynamic creates a natural deflationary counterbalance as usage grows.

Staking participation also remains robust.

During the 90-day observation window, approximately 68% of circulating SOL was staked across validator nodes.

Stakers currently earn a nominal yield of about 7%, translating to a real, inflation-adjusted return of 2.5%–3% depending on network activity.

This balance of security, liquidity, and burn mechanics has become one of Solana’s most sustainable economic models yet.

Major Upgrades: The Alpenglow Era

The Alpenglow upgrade represents the biggest technical leap since Solana’s mainnet launch.

It introduces Votor and Rotor, two key components designed to push performance and reliability to new levels.

Votor Consensus: Reduces the number of rounds required for validators to reach agreement. The system leverages high-frequency, synchronized broadcasting to achieve ultra-fast consensus.

Rotor Propagation: Enhances concurrency by allowing multiple block proposals to flow simultaneously, drastically reducing latency.

Together, these components bring on-chain transaction finality down to 150 milliseconds, enabling near-instant execution for DeFi, high-frequency trading, and real-time applications.

Block Marking and Fast Leader Handover

In parallel with Alpenglow, Solana has rolled out two complementary technologies:

1. Block Marking Mechanism

Each new block now includes a “leader switch marker.”

This allows the next validator in line to prepare for block production in advance, cutting idle handover time.

As a result, block production cycles have dropped from 400ms to around 120ms, increasing throughput and minimizing downtime.

2. Fast Leader Handover Technology

If a node times out or fails during its leadership window, the network instantly triggers a secure takeover by the next leader.

This drastically reduces the risk of forks or double-spends and improves overall chain stability, particularly under congestion or attack conditions.

Together, these systems make Solana not just fast, but predictably fast, a crucial distinction for institutional DeFi and trading infrastructure.

Solana’s Expanding Ecosystem

Today, Solana’s ecosystem stretches across DeFi, NFTs, DePIN, Social, and Stablecoins, with over 500 active projects and integrations across 100+ products and plug-ins.

Total cumulative trading volume on Solana’s decentralized exchanges now exceeds $6 billion, underlining how embedded it has become in on-chain finance.

This diversity makes Solana’s growth less dependent on a single trend.

Whether it’s NFT marketplaces, DePIN projects like Helium, or stablecoin protocols such as Jupiter and Kamino, Solana continues to capture new user segments.

With the Alpenglow upgrade underway and network performance hitting record highs, Solana is positioning itself for the next stage of adoption.

Its low fees, high throughput, and robust staking economy continue to attract developers seeking scalable, low-latency infrastructure.

From a macro view, the network’s combination of technical speed, economic sustainability, and developer stickiness makes it one of the most active ecosystems in all of crypto.

As Solana pushes toward sub-second finality, it’s clear that the chain isn’t just competing on speed anymore, it’s building the foundation for a full-scale financial internet.

Disclosure: This is not trading or investment advice. Always do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any services.

Follow us on Twitter @themerklehash to stay updated with the latest Crypto, NFT, AI, Cybersecurity, and Metaverse news!

The post Solana Dominates Blockchain Activity with Record $5B Annualized Fees appeared first on The Merkle News.

BlockDAG Hits $430M Milestone as Genesis Day Approaches, While Sui Gains Momentum and Solana Awaits ETF Decision

October is proving decisive for three major coins: BlockDAG, Sui, and Solana. BlockDAG (BDAG) has now secured $430 million in its presale, selling over 27 billion coins as the countdown to Genesis Day accelerates. Meanwhile, the Sui (SUI) price rally gains traction with surging DEX activity, while the Solana (SOL) breakout target draws attention ahead of a key ETF decision.

 

Together, these projects are steering the market from summer’s sideways movement into renewed growth. With community enthusiasm rising, the best crypto to invest in now is being defined by those delivering measurable results. From Solana’s ETF hopes to Sui’s DeFi expansion and BlockDAG’s presale strength, October could be a defining month for digital coins.

Sui (SUI) Price Rally Strengthens With Record DEX Growth

The Sui (SUI) price rally has been building steadily, with analysts projecting a move toward $5.5 if resistance near $3.9 is surpassed. A strong double-bottom pattern around $3.4 has added confidence to the bullish outlook, supported by robust liquidity and consistent stablecoin inflows. Current data shows Sui ranking third in 24-hour stablecoin deposits, behind only Ethereum and Solana, signaling growing confidence in the network.

Sui’s DEX trading activity is also at a record high, hitting $4.09 billion. This confirms that the rally is backed by real demand rather than speculation. Market observers like BitGuru and Rony Kapoor describe the setup as an early accumulation phase, echoing patterns that previously led to significant rallies.

Another boost for Sui is the upcoming suiUSDe, a synthetic dollar supported by Sui Group Holdings and Ethena, which could expand liquidity and adoption. If momentum holds, analysts see the Sui (SUI) price rally targeting $5.5 to $6.5 by year-end, reinforcing Sui’s role as one of the best cryptos to invest in now.

Solana (SOL) Breakout Target Nears Ahead of ETF Decision

Solana (SOL) remains firmly in focus as it trades around $231, consolidating inside a symmetrical triangle ahead of the SEC’s October 10 ruling on a proposed Solana spot ETF. Many analysts place approval odds near 95%, noting how Bitcoin and Ethereum saw major institutional inflows following their ETF launches.

From a technical perspective, Solana has strong support between $226 and $231, while the $238 to $240 zone acts as a breakout trigger. A clear move above that level would confirm the Solana (SOL) breakout target between $250 and $265, potentially starting a fresh rally lasting weeks. Supporting this setup, on-balance volume continues to rise, and a $61.6 million exchange outflow on October 7 signals accumulation.

Developers and institutional partners also continue expanding Solana’s ecosystem. With ETF anticipation building, analysts see SOL’s structure aligning with its bullish case, placing it firmly among the best crypto to invest in now as October gains momentum.

BlockDAG Accelerates Toward Genesis Day With $430M Presale

While Sui and Solana continue to strengthen, BlockDAG is pushing closer to its anticipated Genesis Day. The project has raised $430 million, sold more than 27 billion BDAG coins, and attracted over 312,000 holders worldwide. Alongside this, 20,000 hardware miners and more than 3.5 million X1 mobile app miners are actively connected, showing BlockDAG’s global expansion.

This Friday, October 24, at 3 PM UTC, BlockDAG will connect with the global community in a Binance AMA. The discussion will feature insider perspectives, roadmap breakthroughs, and pivotal updates ahead of Keynote 4: The Launch Note and GENESIS DAY.

Genesis Day, scheduled for November, marks the shift from presale to live mainnet. Early supporters will receive rewards, exchange listings will advance, and all on-chain systems will activate. A key highlight is the Buyer Battles, which distributes 50 million BDAG daily to participants, with unsold amounts awarded to the top buyer of the day. This gamified setup keeps demand and participation consistent as the presale winds down.

Security remains one of BlockDAG’s strongest assets. Audited by CertiK and Halborn, the hybrid PoW+DAG framework includes multi-signature and time-delay protections for extra safety in mining, transactions, and presale processes.

Moreover, BlockDAG recently introduced a limited-time TGE code that grants early launch access based on rank:

• 1–300 Rank: Instant Airdrop
• 301–600 Rank: Airdrop after 30 min
• 601–1000 Rank: Airdrop after 60 min
• 1001–1500 Rank: Airdrop after 2 h
• 1501–2000 Rank: Airdrop after 4 h
• 2001–5000 Rank: Airdrop after 6 h
• 5001 Rank: Airdrop after 24 h

Now in Batch 31, priced at $0.0015 with a listing goal of $0.05, BlockDAG is targeting $600 million. Its strong audits, global participation, and growing community engagement keep BlockDAG at the forefront of discussions about the best crypto to invest in now.

Wrap Up

October showcases three coins shaping the market’s momentum: Sui, Solana, and BlockDAG. The Sui (SUI) price rally highlights rising DEX volumes, while the Solana (SOL) breakout target gains attention as ETF anticipation builds. Yet BlockDAG stands out with its $430 million presale, over 27 billion coins sold, and the countdown to Genesis Day.

The Buyer Battles system and new TGE code have fueled activity, while CertiK and Halborn audits ensure trust and security. With Batch 31 priced at $0.0015 and a $0.05 listing goal, BlockDAG’s progress makes it a leading contender for the best crypto to invest in now. Together, these three coins are turning October into one of the most defining months in recent crypto history.

• Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network
• Website: https://blockdag.network
• Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial
• Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu

Disclosure: This is a sponsored press release. Please do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any projects. Read the full disclosure here.

The post BlockDAG Hits $430M as Genesis Nears, Sui and Solana Join the Race appeared first on The Merkle News.

VanEck just fired a bold shot in the Ethereum staking arena. The firm filed an S-1 with the SEC for the “VanEck Lido Staked ETH ETF.”

This isn’t just another Ethereum fund. It’s the first ETF in the U.S. targeting stETH, the tokenized form of ETH staked through Lido.

The play? Regulated exposure to stETH, minus the complexity of self-custody or on-chain management.

What Is stETH?

stETH is short for “staked ETH.” It’s minted when users stake ETH through Lido, the leading liquid staking protocol. stETH mirrors the value of ETH but also reflects staking rewards, meaning it accrues yield over time.

This token has become a go-to for DeFi protocols and institutions wanting exposure to Ethereum staking, without locking their assets for the long haul.

This ETF isn’t just another fund. It’s a recognition of Ethereum staking’s evolution, and stETH’s growing dominance within it.

VanEck’s move signals growing institutional appetite for yield-bearing Ethereum. More importantly, it represents confidence in Lido as Ethereum’s staking backbone. If approved, the VanEck Lido Staked ETH ETF would give traditional investors direct access to staking yields, without touching DeFi rails.

No hardware wallets. No validators. No crypto-native complexity. Just exposure.

A Bridge Between DeFi and TradFi

The ETF is designed to track the price of stETH while complying with U.S. regulations. VanEck wants to bring DeFi staking revenue into a format institutions can actually touch.

It’s a clear move to bridge two worlds, decentralized finance and traditional markets.

Lido Finance, the protocol behind stETH, confirmed the news with a simple tweet:

“VanEck has filed for the first U.S. ETF referencing stETH.”

That’s it. No hype. Just a quiet but seismic shift.

Ethereum Staking, Simplified

To understand why this matters, look at Ethereum’s current staking model.

Ethereum runs on proof-of-stake. Validators earn rewards for securing the network, but it requires 32 ETH and some serious technical chops. Enter Lido. It democratizes access by letting users stake any amount and get stETH in return. This token stays liquid, tradable, and DeFi-compatible.

Institutions want in, but without direct exposure to wallets or smart contracts. VanEck saw the gap. This ETF could fill it.

The filing comes just as the SEC softens its stance on liquid staking. After months of regulatory ambiguity, things are clearing up. That makes this ETF not just possible, but plausible.

Also, Lido currently holds the lion’s share of Ethereum’s staked supply. Over 8.6 million ETH is staked via Lido, about 31.5% of all staked ETH.

It’s no surprise VanEck is tapping Lido, not another protocol. The volume, the liquidity, the trust, it’s already there.

Crypto-native investors have long enjoyed staking rewards. Now institutions want a piece, but need a regulated wrapper.

The VanEck ETF would deliver yield exposure in a tax-efficient, compliant form. It simplifies reporting. It fits within a fund manager’s toolkit. And it removes the burden of running or outsourcing validator operations.

This is not about speculating on ETH alone. It’s about gaining passive income through one of the most proven staking setups in the ecosystem.

Lido Staked ETH: More Than a Token

stETH isn’t just a reward-bearing token. It’s become a foundational asset in DeFi. It’s accepted across lending platforms, used as collateral, and paired in AMMs.

That kind of utility makes it sticky. And VanEck’s proposed ETF just adds to its legitimacy.

Also worth noting, Lido’s community and DAO have steered the protocol with a long-term view. Governance is active. Protocol changes are peer-reviewed. And stETH’s peg to ETH has proven resilient, even under market stress.

This isn’t a done deal. The SEC still needs to review and approve the filing. But the intent is clear.

VanEck sees a future where staking yield sits inside ETF portfolios, right next to bonds and equities.

It’s a recognition that Ethereum’s staking economy isn’t just a crypto experiment anymore. It’s a real revenue stream. And thanks to liquid staking, it’s now tradable, trackable, and soon, investable via ETF.

The VanEck Lido Staked ETH ETF could become a turning point for staking products in the U.S. If greenlit, it would validate stETH’s role in Ethereum’s future, and unlock access to staking rewards for an entirely new investor class.

No wallets. No lockups. Just exposure to ETH yield, wrapped in a ticker.

Disclosure: This is not trading or investment advice. Always do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any services.

Follow us on Twitter @themerklehash to stay updated with the latest Crypto, NFT, AI, Cybersecurity, and Metaverse news!

The post VanEck Bets on Liquid Staking with stETH ETF appeared first on The Merkle News.

Are we about to see a new meme season? Elon Musk is back doing what he does best, shilling memes. And once again, the markets are listening.

The billionaire just posted a video of his dog, Floki, “as CEO of X.” Within hours, $FLOKI surged over 30%, reigniting memories of the wild 2021 meme frenzy that made the Viking dog an internet legend.

Elon’s post wasn’t just nostalgia. It was a spark, and on Crypto Twitter, sparks turn into rallies fast.

The Meme That Started It All

When Elon first shared a picture of his Shiba Inu named Floki in 2021, it set off one of crypto’s biggest meme chain reactions.

Every chart on CT had the Viking dog in it. FLOKI’s market cap rocketed into the billions, trading volume hit record highs, and a new era of meme-driven community tokens was born.

According to CoinMarketCap, $FLOKI currently trades at around $0.00008 with a 24-hour trading volume surpassing $500 million, showing how active the community remains years later.

Now, four years later, Elon just brought the meme back, and the timing couldn’t be more bullish.

FLOKI Survived What Others Couldn’t

While dozens of 2021-era meme projects vanished, FLOKI didn’t just survive, it evolved.

The team built real utilities, formed global partnerships, and expanded into DeFi, gaming, and tokenization. FLOKI became the 1 memecoin on BNB Chain, leading in both user activity and ecosystem integration.

It’s the only major memecoin from 2021 to not only endure the bear market but also hit a new all-time high in 2024.

That alone speaks volumes.

A Meme With Fundamentals

Most memes fade. FLOKI built.

Today, the project operates as a full ecosystem with working products and tangible value drivers:

•  Valhalla, FLOKI’s play-to-earn metaverse, is live on opBNB mainnet, delivering a Web3 gaming experience that actually works.
•  Floki Trading Bot spans multiple chains, generating real buy-and-burn fees that feed token utility.
•  FlokiFi Locker secures over $100 million in total value locked (TVL) across top blockchains.
•  Floki Name Service and Floki Hub pioneer decentralized identity, helping users personalize their on-chain presence.

It’s not just memes anymore, it’s infrastructure.

Institutional and Global Recognition

Beyond crypto circles, FLOKI now has institutional credibility.

It’s one of only two memecoins, alongside DOGE, to launch a regulated ETP in Europe, making it available to traditional finance investors.

The project also secured backing from DWF Labs, a major institutional player known for supporting high-growth crypto ecosystems.

And recently, FLOKI was included in VanEck’s Memecoin Index, solidifying its position as one of the sector’s top assets.

A Global Marketing Powerhouse

Few projects in crypto have built brand power like FLOKI.

The team has pushed massive global campaigns, from Times Square billboards to sports sponsorships in football, cricket, tennis, and esports.

Its footprint extends across Hong Kong, Nigeria, Vietnam, and other key markets, giving the token one of the broadest cultural reaches in Web3.

For a coin born from a meme, FLOKI’s global recognition is almost unmatched.

The Community That Never Left

If one thing defines FLOKI, it’s the community.

Over 700,000 holders now make up the FLOKI army, an active force that’s constantly pushing development, integrations, and marketing.

Even during the bear market, when interest in memes died down, FLOKI’s holders kept building, and now, their patience might be paying off.

As Elon’s latest meme goes viral again, the community is already turning up. Floki’s supporters are back in full force, flooding timelines with Viking memes and bullish charts.

The Timing Is Everything

The crypto market is slowly heating up again. Meme tokens like DOGE, BONK, and PEPE are all showing renewed activity.

But FLOKI stands out for one simple reason, it’s meme plus fundamentals.

When Elon Musk revives a meme, it’s not just entertainment, it’s a market event. And FLOKI has the infrastructure, community, and credibility to capitalize on it.

With Solana and BNB Chain ecosystems booming, FLOKI’s multi-chain presence positions it perfectly for what could become the next meme season.

Elon Musk named his dog Floki. That’s how it all began.

What started as a meme evolved into a global movement, a real brand, and a living example of what community-driven crypto can achieve.

Now, four years later, the meme that started it all is alive again, and it’s stronger than ever.

Disclosure: This is not trading or investment advice. Always do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any services.

Follow us on Twitter @themerklehash to stay updated with the latest Crypto, NFT, AI, Cybersecurity, and Metaverse news!

The post Elon Musk Just Revived the Meme That Built a Movement, FLOKI appeared first on The Merkle News.