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The cryptocurrency token MANTRA (OM) experienced a dramatic drop in value, losing 98% of its worth in just under an hour. This sudden crash caused more than $6 billion to disappear from its market cap, with the price plummeting from nearly $6 to around $0.57. Many traders were unable to react in time to sell their holdings before the value collapsed.
As news of the crash spread, users on the social media platform X began to express their anger and frustration. They accused a group referred to as the “Kabal team” of manipulating the market by selling a large amount of tokens all at once.
Although no specific individuals have been named, many tweets suggested that this group was connected to the MANTRA project. One user claimed, “The Kabal team just rugged everyone. Project is dead.”
A well-known figure on X, @zachxbt, stated that the token was heavily manipulated through market makers and supply control. The community on the Mantra Discord channel is now waiting for updates from the project team.
Another user described MANTRA as one of the biggest scams in the crypto world, alleging that the team controlled the token supply to manipulate prices for their benefit.
Data from Arkham revealed that the Mantra DAO team had previously transferred and burned a significant amount of OM tokens, totaling over 84 million tokens worth approximately $524 million. The price of OM had been declining for some time, with earlier warnings about supply inflation and a voting system that favored the team going unheeded.
During the turmoil, the official MANTRA Telegram group restricted new user access, leaving many potential members unable to join. Current members were seeking answers, but the moderators remained silent.
The CEO of MANTRA, John Patrick Mullin (JP), was reportedly at an event in Paris and did not respond to the crisis, leading some users to speculate that he was unaware of the situation.

Today, over $3 billion in Bitcoin and Ethereum options are set to expire, leading to expected market volatility. Bitcoin’s key “max pain” level is at $89,000, while Ethereum’s is at $2,300. The expiration of these options is causing significant price fluctuations.
Bitcoin has about $2.5 billion in contracts expiring, and Ethereum has around $500 million. This event, happening at 8:00 UTC on Deribit, is likely to create wild movements in the cryptocurrency market.
The “max pain” points indicate where many option holders could face losses. Both Bitcoin and Ethereum have more buy options (calls) than sell options (puts), suggesting that traders are more optimistic about price increases. The current volatility is influenced by ongoing economic uncertainty and the large volume of options expiring, leading to sharp price swings.
Bitcoin has experienced notable intraday changes, with recent shifts of $6,000, frustrating traders. This erratic behavior makes it hard to identify a clear market trend. Analysts point out that Bitcoin’s resistance level is between $87,000 and $89,000, while $82,000 might be a temporary support level, though its sustainability is uncertain.
Market sentiment is generally bearish as traders prefer downside protection due to fears of further declines. Many are selling calls in the $89,000–$90,000 range, viewing it as a safer strategy amid the volatility. With the market’s high fluctuations, traders are focusing on short-term trades, quickly entering and exiting positions instead of holding them long-term.
External factors, like changing trade policies, add to the uncertainty, making traders cautious. They are waiting for clearer signals before making significant investments. After the options expiration, the market may stabilize, and any sharp price changes could be corrected.

Presales offer some of the highest potential returns in crypto, but timing is everything. Currently, FloppyPepe (FPPE) is in the spotlight as one of the most exciting AI-powered meme coins, and a limited-time 60% bonus is making it an even bigger draw for early buyers.
From March 3rd to March 7th, 2025, investors can claim 60% extra FPPE tokens using the promo code FLOPPYAI60 at checkout on the official FloppyPepe website. With the presale price currently at $0.0000002, this could be the last chance to accumulate at ultra-low prices before major exchange listings.

Time Is Running Out to Secure the FloppyPepe (FPPE) 60% Bonus

What Makes FloppyPepe (FPPE) Different from Other Meme Coins?
FloppyPepe stands out from other meme coins by integrating AI technology to reshape how meme culture and cryptocurrency interact. The project already has two live AI-powered utilities, making it a serious contender for one of the top-performing meme coins in 2025.

Meme coins thrive on engagement, but FloppyPepe (FPPE) is the first to automate viral meme generation with its meme-o-matic tool. This AI-powered meme creator lets users drop text, images, or videos to generate memes in seconds. Unlike traditional meme coins, which rely on community-generated content, FloppyPepe’s AI is certain that it is always at the center of internet culture.
This tool gives FloppyPepe a unique advantage by allowing its holders to create, share, and spread content effortlessly, keeping $FPPE at the forefront of viral crypto discussions.
FloppyX: AI Video Bot Keeping FPPE in the Spotlight
While Meme-o-Matic focuses on static content, FloppyX takes engagement to another level. FloppyX is an AI-powered video bot that reacts to market trends in real time, creating automated video content that drives conversations around FloppyPepe.
This means FloppyPepe doesn’t rely on external hype—it generates its own organic exposure. Whether it’s a market surge, a meme trend, or a viral news story, FloppyX makes sure that FloppyPepe remains relevant, active, and growing in the crypto space.
The Final Hours to Lock In the FloppyPepe Bonus
FloppyPepe’s stage-based presale pricing rewards early buyers, and with the 60% bonus about to end, this is a prime moment to accumulate before the price moves higher. The current presale price of $0.0000002 won’t last long, and with AI-powered utilities already live, FloppyPepe is well-positioned to compete with major meme coins like PEPE and Dogecoin (DOGE) in the coming months.
Other Top Crypto Presales to Watch
While FloppyPepe (FPPE) is at the forefront, investor interest is also being piqued by two other promising presales:
Penguin Gary (GARA) – A meme coin combining community-driven staking rewards with NFT collectibles, aiming to create a decentralized entertainment hub.Solaxy (SOLX) – A futuristic AI-powered ecosystem that integrates predictive analytics and algorithmic trading for crypto portfolios.
While these projects have potential, FloppyPepe stands out with its working AI utilities, viral engagement model, and a rapidly growing community. With the 60% bonus ending soon, this could be the best time to secure a position in what might become the next 1000x meme coin breakout.

Frequently Asked Questions
How can I claim the 60% bonus on FloppyPepe (FPPE)?
The 60% bonus is available from March 3rd to March 7th, 2025. Use the promo code FLOPPYAI60 at checkout on the FloppyPepe official website to receive extra tokens.
What makes FloppyPepe different from other meme coins?
FloppyPepe integrates two AI-powered features—Meme-o-Matic and FloppyX—giving it real utility that keeps engagement high and continued community interest.
How does FloppyPepe’s burn mechanism work?
Every $FPPE transaction includes a 1% burn, 1% redistribution to holders, and 1% allocation for ecosystem development, making it a deflationary asset over time.

All aboard the FloppyPepe express! This is your final boarding call for an express ticket to crypto riches. With a 60% bonus on all token purchases during the presale, you can enjoy a first-class ride to financial freedom. Use the code FLOPPYAI60 at checkout on the official website and secure your seat on the gravy train before it leaves the station!

Website: FloppyPepe.ioTelegram: FloppyPepe OfficialX (Twitter): FloppyPepe

Disclaimer: Any information written in this press release does not constitute investment advice. Optimisus does not, and will not endorse any information about any company or individual on this page. Readers are encouraged to do their own research and base any actions on their own findings, not on any content written in this press release. Optimisus is and will not be responsible for any damage or loss caused directly or indirectly by the use of any content, product, or service mentioned in this press release.

Wirex, a popular stablecoin payment app, has recently entered the US market. This allows American users to make payments using stablecoins through Visa. With a partnership with Bridge, users can pay directly from their non-custodial wallets.
They can use cards and bank transfers without losing control of their assets. This expansion meets the rising demand for stablecoin payments as more people want to use digital assets in their daily lives.
Wirex’s collaboration with Bridge ensures easy integration, giving users better access to digital payments. This move also supports the broader acceptance of crypto.
The US is currently focusing on stablecoin regulation, which may speed up their adoption. Leaders in the industry, like Circle, Coinbase, and Ripple, are working with lawmakers to create new policies. Clear regulations could help integrate stablecoins into mainstream finance, encouraging more businesses to join the market.
With Visa’s global reach, Wirex users can shop at over 80 million merchants worldwide. In early 2024, Stripe, a major payment provider, bought Bridge for $1.1 billion. This shows the growing role of stablecoin payment systems in everyday transactions.
Wirex’s expansion in the US could lead to significant revenue growth as the digital payments market continues to expand. The company’s co-founders believe that the strong demand for stablecoin payments and digital asset adoption are key reasons for entering the US market.
The US stablecoin market has already surpassed a total market cap of $225 billion. Regulatory clarity could further boost adoption. Major financial institutions, like Bank of America, are also watching this space closely. The CEO of Bank of America mentioned that they might launch their own stablecoin if regulations are favorable

After the Bybit hack, Binance saw a huge increase in net inflows, reaching $3.9 billion in just one week. This was a big jump compared to previous months.
The hack was the largest theft in crypto history, causing Bybit to drop from the second-largest exchange to the eleventh. As users left Bybit, Binance took advantage of the situation, bringing its total net inflows for February to $5.32 billion. In contrast, Bybit faced over 350,000 withdrawal requests and struggled to keep its users.
The hack, carried out by the Lazarus Group, stole $1.5 billion from Bybit. This incident led to a loss of trust among Bybit’s customers, while Binance gained confidence from users. The shift in user behavior shows that investors are looking for safer and more compliant platforms.
Binance’s strong market position and commitment to compliance have made it more appealing to users, further solidifying its status as the largest centralized exchange.
In the aftermath of the Bybit hack, Binance managed to handle the influx of new users smoothly. Bybit, on the other hand, was overwhelmed with withdrawal requests. Binance’s ability to navigate regulatory challenges and take proactive steps, like removing non-compliant stablecoins in Europe, shows its commitment to growth. Despite facing legal issues, Binance remains the top choice for many users.
The situation highlights a change in the exchange market, where trust and security are crucial for attracting users. As Bybit struggles, Binance’s increasing inflows reflect a growing reliance on platforms that prioritize compliance and security. Moving forward, Binance is likely to continue benefiting from these trends, reinforcing its position as the market leader in the crypto exchange space.

Vietnam’s Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chinh, has asked for a proposal to create a legal framework for digital currencies by March. The Ministry of Finance (MOF) and the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) will work on this proposal to manage digital assets and crypto.
This step is part of a larger plan to boost national growth and economic stability. Vietnam is currently 7th in the world for cryptocurrency ownership, according to Triple-A data.
At present, cryptocurrencies are not considered legal tender in Vietnam. Many businesses register abroad to avoid local rules, which puts local companies at a disadvantage and reduces potential tax income. The Prime Minister highlighted the need for action, noting that there is support from both the government and the public for this initiative.
The proposed legal framework will help businesses get funding from financial institutions more easily. It will also provide users with better transparency, reducing risks in digital currency transactions. Furthermore, it will assist the government in taxing crypto transactions, which will benefit the national economy.
Currently, Vietnam lacks a clear definition of virtual currencies or digital assets. Past attempts to regulate these assets were included in the Law on Digital Technology Industry, which classified cryptocurrencies as intangible assets. By 2025, the government plans to define digital assets based on technology and purpose, which will help clarify regulations and support sector growth.
To aid these efforts, the Vietnamese government is considering creating testing environments, known as sandboxes, to establish a digital asset exchange. This initiative aims to enhance the financial industry and advance Vietnam’s digital currency market. Additionally, the country plans to set up financial hubs in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang by 2025.
The Prime Minister’s directive also instructs the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) to draft policies on digital assets and sandboxes, with deadlines for Q2 2025. As Vietnam progresses with these regulations, it aims to become a significant player in the global digital currency market.

A wallet linked to Mt. Gox, a now-defunct cryptocurrency exchange, recently transferred 12,000 Bitcoin, valued at over $1 billion, to an unknown address. This transfer occurred as Bitcoin’s price rose to around $90,000.
Earlier, the same wallet moved 166,505 Bitcoin, worth about $15 million, to a cold wallet. These transactions ended a long period of inactivity, following a significant transfer of $172 million in Bitcoin last December. The wallet still holds more than 36,000 Bitcoin, which is worth around $3.3 billion at current prices.
Mt. Gox has pushed back its repayment deadline for creditors from October 31, 2024, to October 31, 2025. This extension is due to ongoing verification and processing needs for those making claims. While some creditors have received payments in cash, others are still waiting for their compensation in Bitcoin or Bitcoin Cash.
Historically, movements of Bitcoin from Mt. Gox have affected market sentiment. However, the recent transfers have not significantly impacted Bitcoin.

The crypto market’s swift recovery after the end-of-February crash has seen investors rush in to find the top altcoin to buy ahead of the next rally. However, finding such an altcoin is challenging, especially during turbulent moments. Fortunately, experts have spotted RCO Finance (RCOF), a new AI altcoin that has showcased great promise during its presale. 
Why do experts believe RCO Finance (RCOF) is the best altcoin to buy now? Continue reading to find out!
RCO Finance’s Vast Offering Simplifies Portfolio Diversification
Crypto investors are always on the hunt for a top altcoin to buy with millionaire-making potential. However, most crypto investment platforms are cumbersome and limit investors’ options. Fortunately, this is not the case with RCO Finance, an emerging DeFi platform that supports over 120,000 assets across 12,500+ classes. 
Amazingly, RCO Finance’s offering boasts crypto and traditional assets like FX, bonds, and shares. RCO Finance also integrates real-world assets (RWAs) into its offering by supporting the tokenization of real estate, art, and commodities, just to mention a few. This wide-ranging offering makes portfolio diversification an effortless endeavor. 
Besides exposing you to unlimited portfolio diversification options, RCO Finance supports passive earning through staking and lending. Also, RCO Finance boasts a non-KYC policy that allows you to join its platform without submitting sensitive personal information. 
An AI-Driven Tool That Increases Your Profitability Chances
While the above features make RCO Finance an alluring investment platform, it is worth pointing out that investors have warmed up to this project because of its AI-powered robo advisor. This tool is RCO Finance’s top feature because it offers custom investment insights.
These insights enable users to spot the top altcoin to buy based on their financial goals and risk tolerance. Specifically, the robo advisor relies on machine learning and algorithms to analyze data from leading sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. This tool uses this data to suggest the best times to open, double down, or close positions. 
For instance, the robo advisor can suggest buying the cryptos that Donald Trump intends to add to the U.S. crypto reserve. These include XRP, Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), Ethereum (ETH), and Bitcoin (BTC). When the reserve is set up, these cryptos will surge sharply, generating huge returns. 
Moreover, the robo advisor can trade automatically on your behalf, adjusting your portfolio 24/7. This feature allows the robo advisor to spot and buy the top altcoin to buy in March, positioning you for massive profits. Also, this feature helps you avoid relying on emotions and cognitive biases while investing. 
In a noteworthy developmental feat, RCO Finance recently launched its beta platform while still running its presale. This allows you to test the platform’s revolutionary features before the alpha goes live. Interestingly, RCO Finance intends to integrate more features into the beta platform while working on the alpha.
RCOF: The Top Altcoin To Buy For Enormous Returns In 2025
With the crypto market showing signs of rallying in March, investors searching for the top altcoin to buy are flocking to RCOF. This AI altcoin has captivated many investors because it conforms to the crypto industry’s safety standards. This can be attested to the smart contract audit performed by SolidProof, a top blockchain security firm.
Furthermore, RCOF has positioned itself as the top altcoin to buy because it offers HODLers perks like dividends, discounts, and voting rights. Also, RCOF’s impressive growth rate thus far has made it an alluring investment. RCOF is currently in Stage 5 of its presale, and each token is going for $0.1.
This price is set to increase to $0.13 when Stage 6 starts. Moreover, RCOF is poised to surge further as it advances toward its listing price of $0.4-$0.6. Also, experts expect RCOF to rise parabolically once it launches on top exchanges. This forecase explains why RCOF is a top altcoin to buy and why you should join the RCOF presale today!
For more information about the RCO Finance (RCOF) Presale:
Visit RCO Finance PresaleJoin The RCO Finance Community

Disclaimer: Any information written in this press release does not constitute investment advice. Optimisus does not, and will not endorse any information about any company or individual on this page. Readers are encouraged to do their own research and base any actions on their own findings, not on any content written in this press release. Optimisus is and will not be responsible for any damage or loss caused directly or indirectly by the use of any content, product, or service mentioned in this press release.

Former President Donald Trump’s recent executive order is set to change Bitcoin’s (BTC) market cycle, according to Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise. He believes that Bitcoin’s typical four-year cycle will become less intense, with shorter corrections, due to increasing institutional adoption.
Hougan emphasizes the importance of Trump’s order and the SEC’s supportive stance on cryptocurrency. On January 23, Trump signed an order to establish a “national digital asset stockpile,” which resulted in a significant $1.9 billion increase in crypto investments. This move has encouraged major Wall Street firms and institutional investors to enter the market more aggressively.
The latest Bitcoin cycle began in March 2023 after Grayscale won a crucial legal battle against the SEC regarding a Bitcoin ETF. This victory set the stage for Bitcoin ETFs to launch in January 2024, attracting billions in investments. Hougan believes that Trump’s executive order will further transform the market.
In his weekly memo, Hougan noted that mainstream adoption is exceeding expectations. He envisions banks soon holding crypto assets alongside traditional investments. He also predicts that stablecoins will become part of global payments and that major institutions will hold significant crypto assets. These developments could lead to trillions of dollars flowing into the crypto market.
Historically, Bitcoin follows a four-year cycle influenced by halving events, which reduce mining rewards and affect prices. This cycle includes an accumulation phase, a bull run, and a downturn. Past declines occurred in 2014, 2018, and 2022, suggesting another drop in 2026. However, Hougan is optimistic about the market’s maturity and a broader investor base.
Looking ahead, he predicts that 2025 could be a landmark year for Bitcoin, with prices potentially exceeding $200,000. This growth is attributed to ongoing ETF inflows and increased adoption by corporations and governments. However, he warns of potential challenges, including market excesses and bad actors, which could cause temporary pullbacks. Despite this, he believes corrections will be shorter and less severe.
Overall, Bitcoin’s future looks promising, with institutional support and regulatory clarity paving the way for sustained growth.

Illinois and Indiana are working on creating a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. This initiative is part of a growing trend among states looking to explore Bitcoin as a financial asset. Illinois is focusing on establishing a Bitcoin reserve fund, while Indiana is looking into blockchain applications and Bitcoin investments through exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
In Illinois, State Representative John M. Cabello has introduced House Bill 1844, known as the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act. This bill acknowledges Bitcoin as a decentralized asset that can help protect against inflation and economic instability. The proposed reserve would be overseen by the State Treasurer. It would allow residents and government entities to donate Bitcoin.
Any Bitcoin added to the reserve would need to be held for a minimum of five years before it could be sold or transferred. The bill also emphasizes transparency, requiring regular updates on how the fund is managed.
Indiana’s approach is somewhat different. House Bill 1322, introduced by Representative Jake Teshka and supported by Representatives Shane Lindauer and Cory Criswell, aims to integrate blockchain technology and allow Bitcoin investments.
This bill instructs the Department of Administration to investigate how blockchain can enhance government efficiency and security. It also permits state-managed funds, such as public employees’ and teachers’ retirement funds, to invest in approved Bitcoin ETFs. These ETFs can either hold Bitcoin directly or track its price through futures contracts.
This movement is similar to efforts in states like Utah and Arizona, which are also working on legislation to invest public funds in digital assets.

Bitcoin’s market is gearing up for a significant options expiry today. This event is notable because it coincides with the end of the month.
Around 80,000 Bitcoin (BTC) option contracts are set to expire, valued at approximately $8.36 billion. Despite the large figures, there is little cause for concern as the crypto derivative market usually has a minimal impact on the spot market.
This week, there are more call options than put options, indicating a bullish sentiment among traders regarding Bitcoin. The put-to-call ratio for Bitcoin options stands at 0.68. A report from Derbit noted that after Bitcoin’s price fell below $100,000, short-term traders became bearish and opted for more put options. In contrast, long-term traders remained optimistic, purchasing call options.
In addition to Bitcoin, 600,000 Ethereum contracts are also expiring today, with a put/call ratio of 0.43 and a total value of $1.95 billion. When combined, the expiry values for Bitcoin and Ethereum reach $10.3 billion.
Looking at the broader crypto market, data from CoinMarketCap shows a neutral trend. The overall market cap has increased by 0.07%, totaling $3.56 trillion. However, Bitcoin is showing slightly bearish signs, having dropped by 1% in the last 24 hours. Currently, Bitcoin is trading at $104,156.

Bitcoin (BTC) faced losses during Monday’s morning trading in Asia, dropping 4.5% to briefly fall below $100,000. Other cryptocurrencies like ETH, XRP, SOL, and BNB experienced even larger declines, with ADA and DOGE losing over 10%, according to CoinMarketCap.
The recent trading frenzy was sparked by two new memecoins: TRUMP and MELANIA. TRUMP, linked to President-elect Donald Trump, saw a significant drop of 30% to $49 after its launch on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Melania Trump introduced her own memecoin, MELANIA, which quickly surged by an astonishing 24,000% to reach a peak price of $13. This rapid rise in MELANIA’s value is believed to have drained liquidity from the TRUMP coin, which had been the most-traded asset on Binance over the weekend.
Some analysts suggest that the trading activity surrounding these memecoins indicates a fear of missing out (FOMO) phase in the current bull market, potentially leading to a correction in Bitcoin’s price.
However, others, like Jeff Dorman from Arca, view the launch of TRUMP as a positive sign for the cryptocurrency market. Dorman noted that regulatory concerns that have hindered token issuers and investors in the U.S. are now diminished, as the President himself is both an issuer and an investor.
Dorman emphasized that the TRUMP token signals a new era where cryptocurrencies can be utilized for capital formation and customer engagement by various entities, including companies and universities.

World Liberty Financial (WLF) is a decentralized finance project associated with Donald Trump. Recently, it experienced a spike in token sales, selling 20% of its token supply and planning to release an additional 5% due to high demand.
This surge in interest follows the launch of meme coins by Donald and Melania Trump. Melania introduced her coin, MELANIA, shortly after Donald launched his TRUMP token. These new coins have generated significant excitement in the crypto market, drawing attention to WLF.
WLF announced the sale of 21.3 billion tokens on social media, celebrating their success and the decision to release more tokens. The growing popularity of meme coins, especially those linked to the Trump family, has fueled investor enthusiasm.
Justin Sun, founder of Tron, has shown strong support for WLF. His company, Trondao, recently invested an additional $45 million, bringing its total investment to $75 million. Sun expressed his confidence in WLF on social media, indicating a positive outlook for the project under Trump’s leadership.
Additionally, WLF made a notable purchase of 14,403 Ethereum (ETH) for $48 million, although the reasons for this acquisition remain unclear. Speculation has arisen, especially after Eric Trump hinted at upcoming developments related to this purchase. He teased on social media about exciting news coming soon.
WLF also acquired four Ethereum Name Service (ENS) domains, including WorldLiberty.eth and trumpcoin.eth. This has led to questions about potential future meme coin launches on the Ethereum network.
In December, WLF invested over $45 million in various altcoins, which helped boost their prices. With the recent Ethereum acquisition, many are curious if WLF can achieve similar market impacts.
Overall, Donald Trump’s rising influence in the crypto space, along with Justin Sun’s backing, positions World Liberty Financial as a significant player in decentralized finance. As interest in meme coins grows, WLF’s future actions are highly anticipated.

Tether, a major cryptocurrency firm known for its stablecoin USDT, is moving its headquarters to El Salvador. This decision supports El Salvador’s aim to become a cryptocurrency trading center, as stated by CEO Paolo Ardoino. Along with the headquarters, Ardoino and other co-founders will relocate to the country.
El Salvador gained attention three years ago when President Nayib Bukele made Bitcoin legal tender alongside the U.S. dollar. Tether is taking advantage of this crypto-friendly atmosphere after obtaining a digital asset service provider license in El Salvador.
This will be Tether’s first physical headquarters, although most of its over 100 employees will still work remotely. Previously, the company was based in the British Virgin Islands.
Stablecoins like Tether’s USDT are essential for connecting cryptocurrencies with traditional finance. They are designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to fiat currencies, which helps users avoid price volatility. USDT represents about two-thirds of the $212 billion stablecoin market, which has grown by 45% in the past year, according to CoinGecko.
Despite its growth, Tether faces scrutiny from regulators concerned about risks to the financial system. Critics have pointed out the company’s lack of transparency regarding its reserves. However, Ardoino claims that most of Tether’s holdings are in U.S. Treasury bills managed by Cantor Fitzgerald. To address regulatory issues, Tether is enhancing its monitoring to prevent illegal activities.
While considering its headquarters, Ardoino mentioned that Tether does not have a license in the EU and has no plans to operate in the U.S. due to regulatory uncertainties. The move to El Salvador is expected to enhance the country’s status as a crypto hub, despite ongoing regulatory concerns.

Charles Hoskinson, the founder of Cardano, has announced ongoing discussions to integrate Ripple’s new stablecoin, RLUSD, into the Cardano blockchain.
Launched in December, RLUSD has gained traction as a regulatory-approved stablecoin with promising potential in the cryptocurrency market. Integrating RLUSD could enhance Cardano’s decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem, increasing its adoption and visibility.
In a recent social media post, Hoskinson highlighted the need to strengthen Cardano’s stablecoin offerings, which already include USDM and Djed. He expressed his willingness to facilitate RLUSD’s integration, stating, “Cardano needs a robust stablecoin ecosystem.” This move could be beneficial for both platforms.
Ripple is actively working to expand RLUSD’s reach, receiving support from various global exchanges. The stablecoin has also been involved in charitable initiatives, boosting its reputation. Hoskinson praised Ripple for its leadership and community focus, indicating a positive relationship between the two companies.
Cardano’s ADA token has faced volatility, recently hitting a two-year high before experiencing a decline due to market conditions. Long-term holders are trying to stabilize its value, and the potential integration of RLUSD could attract renewed interest and positive publicity for Cardano.
For Ripple, partnering with Cardano aligns with its strategy to compete with leading stablecoins and promote broader adoption. Collaborating with a well-known DeFi blockchain could create new opportunities for RLUSD.

MoonPay has acquired Helio, a blockchain payment processor based on Solana, for $175 million, its largest acquisition to date. This deal aims to enhance MoonPay’s crypto payment services and broaden solutions for merchants and marketplaces. MoonPay supports over 30 fiat currencies and 110 cryptocurrencies across 160 countries, and this acquisition is seen as a vital step in strengthening its infrastructure.
Initially, the acquisition was estimated at $150 million, but the final amount reached $175 million. Helio is known for its strong crypto checkout system, allowing businesses to accept major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. It currently serves over 6,000 merchants, including well-known platforms such as Shopify and Discord.
MoonPay plans to integrate Helio’s technology to simplify crypto payments and boost transaction efficiency. This is expected to increase trading volumes and improve services for merchants and developers. Helio has processed over $1.5 billion in transactions in just three years and is excited about the partnership, highlighting MoonPay’s global brand and regulatory expertise.
Crypto influencer Topo Gigio called this acquisition a milestone, marking the first nine-figure Web3 acquisition since 2022 and a significant achievement for Solana. MoonPay’s growth in 2024 has set the stage for this expansion, including becoming a licensed crypto business in the Netherlands under EU regulations.
In November 2024, MoonPay reported a 295% increase in daily Solana transactions compared to the previous year. Its partnership with PayPal in Q2 also simplified cryptocurrency purchases for US users.
This acquisition aligns with MoonPay’s strategy to influence crypto regulations in the US and demonstrates its commitment to social causes, such as donating $50,000 for California wildfire relief. Overall, MoonPay is solidifying its role in the Web3 and crypto payments landscape.

A U.S. federal court has approved the sale of 69,370 Bitcoin seized from the Silk Road marketplace, concluding a four-year legal battle.
Chief U.S. District Judge Richard Seeborg denied attempts to block the forfeiture, allowing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to liquidate the Bitcoin, valued at $6.5 billion. This marks the largest cryptocurrency seizure in U.S. history, linked to the dark web platform shut down in 2013.
The liquidation process will take time due to necessary administrative steps and potential appeals. Some Bitcoin has already been sold, with the DOJ transferring nearly $2 billion in Silk Road Bitcoin to Coinbase on December 3, 2024, where the U.S. Marshals Service oversees custody.
The case faced various legal challenges, including appeals from claimants like Battle Born Investments, who argued ownership rights. The court dismissed these claims, and the identity of “Individual X,” who surrendered the Bitcoin in 2020, remains unknown. The seized funds are tied to illegal transactions on Silk Road and represent a significant government crypto liquidation.
This decision coincides with the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has shown support for Bitcoin. His administration plans to create a strategic Bitcoin reserve, which may impact future government policies on cryptocurrency.
The situation highlights the government’s increasing involvement in the crypto space. In October 2024, preparations for the liquidation were reported, with blockchain data showing Bitcoin transfers to Coinbase.
Judge Seeborg, known for handling high-profile cases, aims to finalize asset forfeiture while ensuring transparency. The Silk Road Bitcoin liquidation could set a precedent for how the U.S. government manages seized digital assets, especially as the global crypto market evolves under new political leadership.

Donald Trump has introduced a new NFT collection called “Trump Bitcoin Digital Trading Cards” on the Bitcoin network using the Ordinals protocol. This initial batch consists of 160 cards, with plans for a total of 200. Buyers can obtain 100 cards from the “Mugshot Edition” through the Magic Eden marketplace by linking their Bitcoin wallets.
This collection marks Trump’s first NFT project on Bitcoin, following previous releases like the “Trump Digital Trading Cards” and the “America First” series. These earlier collections offered perks such as gold-themed sneakers and exclusive meals with Trump but struggled with trading activity.
The new Bitcoin collection has generated early interest, with 29% of the cards minted so far. The NFT market is evolving, with Ethereum and Bitcoin leading sales in 2024, each reaching $3.1 billion. The overall NFT market saw $8.8 billion in sales, a slight increase from the previous year.
Despite signs of recovery, the NFT market faces challenges like oversaturation. A staggering 98% of collections have little trading activity, and only 0.2% of new projects are profitable. Many collections lose over half their value shortly after release.
Innovative platforms like Magic Eden and projects like Pudgy Penguins are making strides in the space. Pudgy Penguins achieved $115 million in sales and launched their own token, influencing trends in the market. However, some platforms are downsizing, such as Kraken, which is closing its NFT marketplace by February 2025.
While the late 2024 NFT market shows signs of stabilization, speculative trading is on the decline. Trump’s new venture on Bitcoin Ordinals may reflect a strategic shift to leverage Bitcoin’s growing role in the NFT ecosystem. Its long-term success remains uncertain amid ongoing market challenges.

Circle, the second-largest stablecoin issuer, has donated $1 million in USDC to the inaugural fund for President Donald Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance. This donation reflects the growing support from the crypto industry for the new administration, which aims to lead in crypto innovation.
Other significant contributors include Coinbase, Kraken, Ripple, and Ondo Finance, with Ripple donating $5 million in XRP and the others each giving $1 million. Robinhood also made a notable contribution of $2 million.
Donors to the fund will receive various perks, such as gala tickets and private dinners with Trump and Vance. Those donating $1 million or more will gain exclusive access to high-profile events, allowing them to connect with key figures in the administration. Jeremy Allaire, CEO of Circle, expressed pride in using USDC for the donation, highlighting the growing influence of digital currencies.
The inauguration, set for January 20, will feature three days of events, including parades and galas. The inaugural fund has raised over $170 million, largely due to contributions from the crypto sector. The industry has played a significant role in political funding, with crypto-focused super PACs donating over $133 million in the recent election cycle.
USDC’s market cap has increased, especially after Trump’s re-election, driven by demand during the bull market. Tether’s regulatory challenges in Europe have also enhanced USDC’s appeal. The crypto sector’s support for the Trump administration aims for regulatory clarity and a stronger role in the economy.
Companies like Coinbase, Ripple, and Circle are solidifying their ties to policymakers through these donations, setting the stage for future collaboration in reshaping the financial landscape.