News related to
Capital

Bengaluru-based digital payments firm Cashfree Payments has raised $53 million in a Series C funding round led by South Korean gaming giant Krafton, with participation from existing investor Apis Partners. This investment aims to accelerate Cashfree’s product development, market expansion, and global growth initiatives. Established in 2015, Cashfree Payments has become a significant player in India’s digital payments landscape, processing $80 billion annually for over 800,000 businesses. […]

GWSLTD has introduced an AI-based cryptocurrency quantitative investment strategy, projecting daily returns of 5% and an annualized return of 986.23%. This initiative is designed to outperform traditional cloud mining platforms. The strategy employs machine learning and big data analytics to navigate the volatile digital currency market, focusing on assets like Bitcoin , Ethereum , Dogecoin , and Tether . By leveraging AI, GWSLTD aims to enhance investment […]

The cryptocurrency landscape is witnessing the emergence of Pepeto, a meme coin that has garnered significant attention during its presale phase. Priced at a mere $0.000000112, Pepeto positions itself as a potential high-return investment, reminiscent of the early days of Shiba Inu .

Shiba Inu’s meteoric rise transformed modest investments into substantial fortunes. An individual who invested $1,000 in SHIB during its inception in August 2020 would see that investment balloon to approximately $12.67 million today. This surge underscores the lucrative potential inherent in early-stage meme coin investments.

Pepeto aims to capitalize on this trend by presenting itself as the “true Pepe,” seeking to rectify past missteps in the meme coin sector. Beyond its humorous branding, Pepeto introduces innovative features designed to enhance user experience and market appeal. Central to its ecosystem is PepetoSwap, a platform offering zero-fee trading, a significant departure from the often hefty fees associated with traditional exchanges. Additionally, the development of the Pepeto Exchange aims to bolster liquidity and minimize slippage, ensuring smoother transactions for users.

The total token supply for Pepeto mirrors that of the original PEPE coin, set at 420 trillion tokens. This deliberate choice reflects a strategic effort to draw parallels with successful predecessors while carving out its unique identity in the crypto space.

The cryptocurrency landscape is witnessing a notable shift as FloppyPepe , a small-cap AI-integrated meme coin, gains traction among investors traditionally aligned with established tokens like Cardano . This trend highlights the dynamic nature of the crypto market, where emerging technologies and innovative projects can rapidly alter investor preferences.

FloppyPepe has distinguished itself by merging meme culture with artificial intelligence, creating a unique niche in the crypto ecosystem. The token’s recent SolidProof certification has bolstered investor confidence by ensuring the security and reliability of its smart contracts. This certification, achieved during its ongoing presale phase, underscores the project’s commitment to transparency and technological robustness.

The presale of FPPE has demonstrated remarkable momentum, reportedly raising nearly $1 million within 24 hours. This rapid capital influx is indicative of strong market interest and suggests a growing belief in FPPE’s potential. Contributing to this enthusiasm is the announcement of an upcoming text-to-image AI agent on Telegram, slated for release in two weeks, which aims to enhance user engagement and broaden the token’s utility.

In contrast, Cardano , a well-established blockchain platform known for its proof-of-stake consensus mechanism and focus on sustainability, has experienced a modest decline in its token value. Currently trading at approximately $0.769463, ADA has seen a 4.07% decrease over the past 24 hours. Despite its strong market position and a market capitalization exceeding $27 billion, ADA’s recent performance reflects the volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market and the challenges faced by established tokens amidst emerging competitors.

The rise of FPPE is part of a broader trend where investors are exploring alternative assets with high growth potential. Reports indicate that holders of Cardano and Dogecoin are reallocating funds towards emerging tokens like FPPE, driven by the prospect of substantial returns. Analysts have identified FPPE as a formidable contender in the AI crypto sector, with projections suggesting significant growth potential.

FPPE’s innovative approach includes deflationary tokenomics, where 1% of every transaction is burned, reducing the total supply over time and potentially increasing the token’s value. Additionally, 3% of each transaction is redistributed to long-term holders, incentivizing sustained investment and fostering a loyal community. These mechanisms are designed to create scarcity and reward commitment, distinguishing FPPE from other meme coins.

The convergence of meme culture and AI technology in FPPE represents a novel fusion that appeals to a diverse investor base. This blend not only capitalizes on the viral nature of meme coins but also integrates practical AI applications, offering users tangible utility beyond speculative trading. The forthcoming AI-driven features are anticipated to enhance user interaction and provide unique functionalities within the crypto space.

While FPPE’s ascent is noteworthy, it operates within a highly competitive and unpredictable market. Established entities like Cardano possess extensive ecosystems and substantial developer communities, providing them with resilience and the capacity for innovation. Cardano’s ongoing developments and strategic initiatives continue to position it as a significant player in the blockchain arena.

Canary Capital’s proposed spot Litecoin exchange-traded fund has been listed on the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation system under the ticker LTCC, signaling a significant advancement toward its potential debut. This development indicates that the necessary trading infrastructure is being established, though the ETF still awaits approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission .

The DTCC serves as the primary clearing and settlement provider for securities transactions in the United States, processing millions of trades daily. Inclusion in the DTCC system is a critical preparatory step for any ETF, ensuring that once regulatory approval is granted, the fund can commence trading seamlessly. However, it’s important to note that a DTCC listing does not imply SEC approval; it merely reflects that the issuer is making necessary arrangements ahead of a potential launch.

Canary Capital submitted its application for the spot Litecoin ETF in October 2024, positioning itself ahead of similar filings by asset managers such as Grayscale and CoinShares. The firm’s proactive approach suggests a strategic effort to be at the forefront of offering investors exposure to Litecoin through a regulated financial product. If approved, this ETF would be the first in the U.S. to provide direct exposure to Litecoin, expanding the range of cryptocurrency investment options beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.

The SEC’s decision-making process involves a thorough review of such applications, with an initial period of 45 days from the filing date, extendable up to 90 days. Given that Canary Capital’s application was filed in October 2024, a decision is anticipated imminently. Market analysts have been closely monitoring the situation, with Bloomberg’s Senior ETF Analyst Eric Balchunas estimating a 90% probability of approval before the end of 2025. This optimistic outlook is based on the SEC’s recent approvals of spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, which have set a precedent for similar cryptocurrency-based financial products.

The potential approval of a spot Litecoin ETF holds significant implications for the cryptocurrency market. Litecoin, often referred to as the “silver” to Bitcoin’s “gold,” has maintained a robust presence in the digital asset space since its inception in 2011. Designed to offer faster transaction confirmations and a different hashing algorithm, Litecoin has garnered a dedicated user base and widespread adoption. The introduction of an ETF would likely enhance Litecoin’s visibility and accessibility, attracting a broader spectrum of investors, including those who prefer traditional investment vehicles over direct cryptocurrency holdings.

The cryptocurrency market has experienced a surge in ETF-related activities, especially following the successful launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs in 2024. These products have collectively attracted substantial capital inflows, with Bitcoin ETFs alone amassing $65 billion, far exceeding initial projections. This influx of institutional investment has been a driving force behind the appreciation of Bitcoin’s price, which soared from $43,000 to over $100,000 within the same year. The anticipated approval of a Litecoin ETF could potentially replicate this effect, providing upward momentum for Litecoin’s market value.

As of February 22, 2025, Litecoin is trading at approximately $129.57, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.04% from the previous close. The cryptocurrency reached an intraday high of $138.79 and a low of $123.95. Market participants are keenly observing these price movements, as the potential approval of the ETF could serve as a catalyst for increased demand and price appreciation.

Portland-based startup AheadComputing has secured $21.5 million in seed funding to develop advanced CPU technology utilizing the open-source RISC-V architecture. Founded by former Intel executives, the company aims to address performance challenges in artificial intelligence applications, particularly those related to bandwidth and data processing limitations. Leading the company is CEO Debbie Marr, who, along with other senior executives, departed Intel last year to establish AheadComputing. Marr emphasized […]

Gomboc AI, a New York-based startup specializing in deterministic artificial intelligence for cloud security, has raised $13 million in seed funding to advance its mission of automating cloud security remediation. The latest $8 million investment was led by Ballistic Ventures, with continued support from Glilot Capital Partners and Hetz Ventures, who had previously co-led the company’s initial $5 million seed round. Founded in 2022 by CEO Ian […]

Advertisements

Kaito AI’s token has experienced a significant 50% surge following its airdrop on February 20, 2025, defying initial concerns over its tokenomics and insider allocations. The token is currently trading at $1.69, with a market capitalization exceeding $421 million.

The airdrop distributed 10% of Kaito’s total token supply to early community members and ecosystem participants. Despite apprehensions about potential sell-offs due to insider allocations—43.3% of the supply designated for team members and early investors—the token’s value has risen substantially.

Notably, several prominent crypto influencers, including Ansem and Anthony Sassano, liquidated their Kaito holdings shortly after the airdrop. Ansem sold approximately $230,000 worth of tokens, while Sassano offloaded around $185,000. Despite this selling pressure, the token maintained its upward trajectory.

The introduction of a staking feature offering an annual percentage rate of 53.6% has further bolstered investor interest. This rate surpasses returns from traditional assets, contributing to the token’s appeal.

Pi Network’s native cryptocurrency, Pi Coin, has experienced a dramatic decline of more than 60% in its market value following the project’s highly anticipated mainnet launch. The token’s price tumbled from an initial high of $1.97 to approximately $0.64 within a day, raising concerns among investors and the broader cryptocurrency community.

The mainnet launch, which occurred on February 20, 2025, was expected to bolster Pi Coin’s market presence. Several centralized exchanges, including OKX, Bitget, and MEXC, promptly listed the token, allowing users to trade Pi Coin on their platforms. Despite these listings, the token’s value swiftly depreciated, leading to significant market volatility.

In contrast, some major exchanges have refrained from listing Pi Coin. Bybit’s CEO, Ben Zhou, publicly criticized the project, citing concerns over its legitimacy. Zhou referenced a 2023 warning from Chinese authorities that labeled Pi Network as a scam targeting vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly. He emphasized that Bybit had no intentions of listing Pi Coin and challenged the Pi Network team to address these allegations.

The precipitous drop in Pi Coin’s value has been attributed to several factors. Analysts suggest that early miners may have capitalized on the mainnet launch to liquidate their holdings, exerting downward pressure on the price. Additionally, the absence of listings on prominent exchanges like Binance has limited the token’s accessibility and liquidity. Market participants have also expressed concerns regarding the token’s real-world utility and the project’s overall transparency.

Despite the current challenges, Pi Network boasts a substantial user base, with over 60 million registered users globally. The project’s unique mobile-based mining approach has garnered significant attention, allowing users to mine cryptocurrency directly from their smartphones without the need for energy-intensive hardware. However, discrepancies in reported user numbers have emerged, with blockchain explorers indicating approximately 9.1 million active users, leading to questions about the platform’s actual adoption rate.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 February 2025 – The beginning of 2025 witnessed a complex geopolitical scenario in Europe, with the most prominent events expected to impact financial markets. The intersection of political instability, economic tensions, and global trade dynamics makes it crucial for traders to be vigilant and reactive. Understanding these events is essential to forming well-informed trading strategies. Kar Yong Ang, […]

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office has solidified its commitment to fostering economic collaboration with China by entering into strategic agreements with prominent Chinese entities. These partnerships, announced during the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in Shanghai, aim to enhance investment intelligence and facilitate the expansion of Chinese enterprises into Abu Dhabi’s burgeoning market.

In a notable development, ADIO has partnered with Wind Information, China’s leading financial information services provider. This collaboration designates Wind Information as ADIO’s preferred knowledge partner in China, granting investors enhanced access to Abu Dhabi’s dynamic investment landscape. The alliance is poised to bridge information gaps, enabling Chinese investors to make informed decisions about opportunities within the emirate.

Simultaneously, ADIO has forged a strategic partnership with Hejun Group, a prominent Chinese consulting firm. This agreement is designed to accelerate Chinese investment in Abu Dhabi by leveraging Hejun Group’s extensive network of over 2,000 publicly listed companies. The collaboration aims to introduce these enterprises to Abu Dhabi’s investment prospects, thereby fostering economic growth and diversification within the region.

Further strengthening bilateral ties, ADIO has entered into an agreement with Fosun International Limited, a global innovation-driven consumer group. This partnership seeks to expedite the expansion of Fosun’s subsidiaries into Abu Dhabi and the broader Middle East. ADIO will provide tailored investor support, streamlined market access, and strategic guidance to facilitate Fosun’s ventures in key sectors such as wealth management, fintech, premium residential real estate, and healthcare innovation.

These strategic alliances underscore Abu Dhabi’s proactive approach to attracting foreign investment and enhancing its position as a global financial hub. By collaborating with leading Chinese firms, the emirate aims to diversify its economy and foster innovation across various industries.

The Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in Shanghai served as a pivotal platform for these announcements, highlighting the emirate’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with China. The forum facilitated discussions on Abu Dhabi’s role as a global financial, trade, and technology hub, with a focus on technological innovation in areas such as financial technology, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital transformation.

These developments are set against the backdrop of burgeoning trade relations between the United Arab Emirates and China. Bilateral trade between the two nations is projected to reach $200 billion by 2030, positioning Abu Dhabi as a critical gateway for Chinese investment in the Middle East and beyond. The emirate already hosts a significant number of the 6,000 Chinese companies operating in the UAE, spanning key sectors including technology, financial services, and energy.

In addition to these partnerships, Abu Dhabi has been actively engaging in strategic investments to bolster its economic landscape. For instance, Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company, has been expanding its footprint in the European energy sector. Masdar is currently negotiating with banks to structure the acquisition of a new portfolio of renewable energy assets from Endesa, a Spanish utility company. This move aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to invest in sustainable energy solutions and diversify its investment portfolio.

The financial sectors of the UAE and China have been exploring collaborative opportunities to enhance cross-border investments. The Shenzhen Stock Exchange and Dubai Financial Market have signed a memorandum of understanding to bolster cross-border investing, particularly in exchange-traded funds . This agreement includes dual listings, shared indices, and fixed-income offerings, aiming to facilitate secondary market investments and strengthen financial ties between the two nations.

These initiatives reflect a broader trend of deepening economic cooperation between Abu Dhabi and China, with both parties seeking to capitalize on mutual investment opportunities and drive sustainable economic growth. The strategic partnerships established by ADIO are poised to play a pivotal role in this collaborative effort, fostering a conducive environment for innovation, investment, and economic diversification.

By Dr. Gyan Pathak BJP led government is now in power in the National Capital Territory Delhi, that has come with too many poll-promises to keep, and a very alert and strong opposition to challenge .It was obvious in the very first cabinet decision of the government led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, that officially […]

Nissan Motor Co. experienced an 11% surge in its share price on Friday following reports that a prominent Japanese consortium is formulating plans to attract investment from Tesla Inc. This development comes on the heels of Nissan’s unsuccessful merger discussions with Honda Motor Co., highlighting the automaker’s ongoing efforts to stabilize its financial standing. The initiative is spearheaded by Hiro Mizuno, a former Tesla board member, with […]

Dara Holdings, the family office of Saudi billionaire Lubna Olayan, has significantly increased its investments in female-led startups across the United Arab Emirates since mid-2024. This strategic move aims to address the gender financing disparity prevalent in the region’s traditionally male-dominated business landscape. In February 2025, Dara Holdings participated in a $10 million seed funding round for qeen.ai, a Dubai-based artificial intelligence startup co-founded by former Google […]

Burjeel Holdings, a prominent super-specialty healthcare provider in the MENA region, has announced that its Board of Directors has authorised management to explore a share buyback programme of up to 10% of the group’s share capital. This initiative is pending approval from shareholders and the Securities and Commodities Authority. The company plans to execute the buyback through open market purchases, fully funded by its operating cash flow. […]

Lambda, a prominent AI infrastructure provider, has raised $480 million in a Series D funding round, elevating its total equity capital to $863 million. The investment aims to accelerate the expansion of Lambda’s Cloud platform, Model Inference API, and Chat AI Assistant. The funding round was co-led by Andra Capital and SGW, with participation from notable investors including Andrej Karpathy, ARK Invest, Fincadia Advisors, G Squared, In-Q-Tel […]

Over 350 side events transformed mega digital assets event to mega festivities HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 February 2025 – Regarded as the “Super Bowl of Blockchain” and “the World Cup of Web3”, Consensus, the most influential and longest-running event of the crypto world, picked Hong Kong as a destination to expand beyond North America, with a record-setting debut of nearly 10,000 from […]

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company has successfully completed a $2.84 billion share offering in its subsidiary, ADNOC Gas. The sale involved approximately 3.1 billion shares, priced at 3.40 dirhams each, representing 4% of ADNOC Gas’s total share capital. This transaction stands as the largest share sale in the Middle East and North Africa region since Saudi Aramco’s $12.3 billion offering in June.

The offering witnessed exceptional demand from institutional investors across the Gulf Cooperation Council and international markets, with total oversubscription reaching 4.4 times. The pricing of 3.40 dirhams per share reflects a 43% premium over ADNOC Gas’s initial public offering price of 2.37 dirhams per share and a 5% discount to the company’s closing share price of 3.58 dirhams on February 20, 2025, the last trading day before the offering.

Settlement of the offering is expected to occur on or around February 26, 2025. Post-transaction, ADNOC will retain an 86% majority stake in ADNOC Gas, while the company’s free float will increase by 80%, bringing it to a headline figure of 9%. This enhanced liquidity is anticipated to pave the way for ADNOC Gas’s inclusion in major indices such as the Morgan Stanley Capital International Emerging Market Index and the Financial Times Stock Exchange Emerging Market Index, potentially during the next quarterly review, subject to meeting all relevant inclusion criteria.

Khaled Al Zaabi, Group Chief Financial Officer at ADNOC, expressed pride in completing the UAE’s first-ever marketed offering and the largest placement on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange to date. He highlighted that the exceptional demand and competitive pricing underscore strong investor confidence in ADNOC Gas’s performance and growth prospects. Al Zaabi reaffirmed ADNOC’s commitment as a long-term majority shareholder, emphasizing the subsidiary’s integral role in Abu Dhabi’s decarbonization and growth ambitions.

ADNOC Gas has demonstrated consistent growth and profitability. In its full-year 2024 financial results, the company reported an adjusted net income of $5 billion, the highest since its IPO, with $1.38 billion earned in the fourth quarter alone. These figures significantly surpass Bloomberg consensus estimates. The company’s robust performance aligns with its strategic update announced in November 2024, which outlined a refreshed growth pipeline. This includes the planned acquisition of Ruwais LNG and a target of over 40% adjusted EBITDA growth by 2029.

The successful offering is expected to diversify ADNOC Gas’s shareholder base and enhance liquidity. A higher free float is also projected to facilitate the company’s inclusion in prominent emerging market indices, broadening its investor base and increasing awareness of its value proposition.

BofA Securities, Citi, EFG-Hermes, First Abu Dhabi Bank, HSBC, and International Securities acted as joint global coordinators and bookrunners for the offering. ADNOC has agreed to a restriction on selling additional shares for a period of six months from the closing of the offering, subject to certain exceptions and unless waived by the joint global coordinators.

ADNOC Gas, operational since early 2023, was formed by consolidating ADNOC’s gas processing, liquefied natural gas , and industrial gas operations into a single entity. The company went public on the ADX, raising approximately $2.5 billion in one of the region’s largest IPOs in recent years. This latest share sale further underscores ADNOC’s strategy to unlock value from its assets and attract a diversified investor base.

The global stablecoin market has reached a record valuation of over $215 billion, reflecting a significant surge in demand for these digital assets. This growth is largely driven by the increasing adoption of stablecoins such as Tether and USD Coin , which collectively dominate the market.

Data from Alphractal indicates that the stablecoin market capitalization has risen by 73%, escalating from $121.18 billion in August 2023 to $211 billion as of January 31, 2025. This upward trajectory underscores the pivotal role stablecoins play in providing liquidity and stability within the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

USDT maintains its position as the largest stablecoin by market capitalization, recording an all-time high of $140 billion in December 2023. As of January 31, 2025, its market cap stands at $139.4 billion, accounting for approximately 63.84% of the total stablecoin market. Despite this dominance, USDT’s market share has experienced a slight decline, decreasing from 67.5% to 64.9% over the past month.

Conversely, USDC has exhibited substantial growth, with its market capitalization increasing by over 120% from a low of $24.1 billion on November 14, 2023, to $53.4 billion by January 31, 2025. This surge has elevated USDC’s market share to 24.6%, positioning it as a formidable competitor in the stablecoin sector. The heightened demand for USDC is evidenced by its trading pairs reaching an all-time high daily volume of $20 billion on January 18, 2025.

The Solana blockchain has also experienced a remarkable increase in stablecoin supply, largely attributed to the launch of the TRUMP memecoin on January 18, 2025. This event spurred a 73.6% surge in Solana’s stablecoin supply, culminating in an all-time high of $11.1 billion by the end of January. The influx of capital and record-breaking decentralized exchange trading activity on Solana have been significant contributors to this growth.

In a strategic move, Tether, the issuer of USDT, has announced plans to relocate its headquarters to El Salvador. This decision aligns with El Salvador’s initiative to establish itself as a hub for digital currency trading. Tether’s CEO, Paolo Ardoino, along with other co-founders, are set to move to the country following the acquisition of a digital asset service provider license. This relocation marks the first time Tether will establish a physical headquarters, transitioning from its previous incorporation in the British Virgin Islands.

The burgeoning stablecoin market has not gone unnoticed by regulators, who express concerns about the potential risks these digital assets may pose to the broader financial system. The rapid expansion of stablecoins, which serve as a bridge between the crypto universe and traditional financial markets, necessitates increased scrutiny to ensure financial stability and consumer protection.

The cryptocurrency market is witnessing significant activity as Shiba Inu reports a 588% surge in its token burn rate, coinciding with XYZVerse’s initiative to eliminate one billion of its own tokens. These substantial reductions in token supplies have ignited discussions about potential supply shocks and their implications for market dynamics.

Shiba Inu’s recent increase in burn rate has led to the destruction of over 15 million SHIB tokens in a single transaction, with a total of approximately 81.9 million tokens burned over the past week. This aggressive reduction strategy aims to decrease the circulating supply, potentially enhancing the token’s value by increasing scarcity.

In parallel, XYZVerse has announced a strategic move to burn one billion of its tokens. This decision reflects a growing trend among cryptocurrency projects to implement token burns as a mechanism to manage supply and influence market value. The combined effect of these burn initiatives by SHIB and XYZVerse has prompted analysts to consider the possibility of a supply shock, which could lead to increased demand and potential price appreciation for the remaining tokens.

Despite these developments, Ethereum , the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, continues to experience subdued trading activity. ETH has been consolidating above the key $2,500 support level, reflecting market indecision and low trading volumes. This sideways movement indicates an equilibrium state, with buyers and sellers awaiting a decisive breakout to determine the next trend.

Market analysts suggest that Ethereum’s current consolidation phase is a classic example of market indecision. The two-week-long price range has resulted in liquidity being stacked on both sides of the market, with participants awaiting a clear directional move. A breakout above the $2,800 resistance level could signal renewed bullish interest, while a breakdown below $2,640 may indicate further bearish momentum.

Adding to the complexity, the balance of Ether on exchanges has reached record lows, with over $1 billion worth of ETH exiting trading platforms within a 24-hour period. This trend suggests increased accumulation by investors, potentially supporting a price recovery. However, the overall market sentiment remains cautious, as participants assess the broader economic landscape and its impact on cryptocurrency valuations.

World Liberty Financial, the cryptocurrency venture backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, has made a significant investment in the decentralized finance sector by purchasing 547,990 SEI tokens for $125,000 USDC. This strategic move has led to a notable increase in SEI’s market value, reflecting the growing influence of institutional investments in the cryptocurrency landscape.

The acquisition, executed on February 20, 2025, saw World Liberty Financial acquiring SEI tokens at an average price of $0.228 per token. This transaction was conducted on the Ethereum network, underscoring the platform’s continued prominence in facilitating significant cryptocurrency trades. Following the purchase, SEI’s price experienced an immediate surge, climbing approximately 12% to reach $0.24. This uptick highlights the market’s responsiveness to substantial investments from prominent entities.

World Liberty Financial’s portfolio, now valued at $117.052 million, reflects a 6.439% decrease in profit and loss, amounting to a $56.522 million loss. Despite this downturn, the firm continues to diversify its holdings, with recent acquisitions including 52.07 Wrapped Bitcoin worth $5 million and 2.53 million MOVE tokens valued at $1.14 million. These investments align with the company’s broader strategy to strengthen its position within the DeFi sector.

In addition to World Liberty Financial’s activities, notable movements have been observed among cryptocurrency whales. Two newly created multi-signature wallets, linked to the same creator, have collectively spent $20 million USDC to acquire 400 million WLFI tokens over the past two days. This substantial accumulation indicates a growing confidence among large-scale investors in the potential of WLFI tokens.

The SEI token, designed to enhance decentralized trading experiences, has garnered increased attention due to these high-profile investments. Market analysts suggest that such institutional interest could signal the onset of a bullish trend for SEI, as well as for the broader DeFi ecosystem. The infusion of capital from entities like World Liberty Financial is perceived as a vote of confidence in the viability and future growth of decentralized financial platforms.

World Liberty Financial’s strategic moves are not occurring in isolation. The cryptocurrency market as a whole has been experiencing a resurgence, with various tokens witnessing upward trajectories. The involvement of influential figures and substantial financial commitments are contributing to a renewed optimism within the crypto community.

However, these developments also prompt discussions about the potential implications of such concentrated investments. While the immediate market reactions are positive, questions arise regarding the long-term effects on market stability and the decentralization ethos that underpins the cryptocurrency space. The actions of large entities can significantly sway token valuations, which may lead to increased volatility and influence over decentralized networks.

PACT Protocol has officially launched on the Aptos Network, introducing over $1 billion in on-chain assets to the high-performance blockchain. This strategic move, following nine months of collaboration with the Aptos Foundation, aims to enhance financial inclusion by providing fully on-chain lending and securitization infrastructure for licensed lenders in emerging markets.

The integration enables lenders to originate, securitize, and service loans more efficiently, fostering a transparent and scalable financial environment for borrowers, originators, and institutional investors. As the inaugural participant in the Aptos Foundation’s incubation pilot, PACT Protocol benefits from strategic and technical support provided by Aptos Labs.

On-chain credit infrastructure is revolutionizing global finance, particularly in regions where traditional banking services are inaccessible to approximately 85% of the population. By leveraging Aptos’ sub-second finality and minimal transaction fees, PACT aims to reduce borrowing costs and expand credit access in underserved communities worldwide.

Ash Pampati, Head of Ecosystem at Aptos, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that it expands financial access to users in emerging markets globally. Solomon Tesfaye, Head of Capital Markets at Aptos Labs, highlighted that PACT’s integration offers a transparent and scalable solution, reducing costs and broadening credit opportunities for underserved communities.

PACT Protocol selected Aptos for its institutional-grade infrastructure, scalability, and adoption within the financial sector. The network’s support for native USDC and USDT, along with its capacity to handle high transaction volumes at low costs, ensures seamless credit flows while maintaining security and reliability through its Move programming language.

MANSA, a fintech company specializing in cross-border payment solutions, has secured $10 million in funding to address liquidity challenges in global transactions. The funding round was led by Tether, the issuer of the stablecoin USDT, with participation from Polymorphic Capital, Octerra Capital, Faculty Group, and Trive Digital.

The investment comprises a $3 million pre-seed round and an additional $7 million in liquidity funding from institutional investors, including corporate backers and quantitative funds. MANSA plans to utilize these funds to expand its operations into Latin America and Southeast Asia, regions that often face liquidity constraints in cross-border payments.

Co-founded by CEO Mouloukou Sanoh and Nkiru Uwaje, MANSA aims to revolutionize global payments by integrating blockchain technology to facilitate real-time, on-chain transactions. This approach seeks to make cross-border payments faster, more efficient, and cost-effective, thereby eliminating the limitations of traditional financial systems.

“Securing $10 million in pre-seed and liquidity funding marks a significant milestone in our mission to transform the way money moves,” said Sanoh. “By bringing payments on-chain and leveraging efficient liquidity solutions, we are addressing critical challenges in cross-border transactions—making payments faster, cheaper, and more reliable worldwide.”

Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, expressed support for MANSA’s objectives, stating, “MANSA’s vision for addressing liquidity challenges in cross-border payments aligns with our mission to create a more efficient and inclusive financial system. By leveraging USDT for real-time settlements and instant payouts, MANSA is solving critical pain points for payment companies operating in emerging markets.”

Since its launch in August 2024, MANSA’s stablecoin-based payment solution has processed over $27 million in transaction volume on-chain, with nearly $11 million in January 2025 alone. This growth underscores the increasing demand for efficient and reliable cross-border payment solutions.

The company’s expansion into Latin America and Southeast Asia is poised to provide businesses and individuals in these regions with access to faster and more affordable payment options. By scaling its liquidity infrastructure and developing strategic partnerships with financial institutions and payment providers, MANSA aims to bridge existing gaps in the global payment landscape.

In addition to its technological advancements, MANSA is committed to financial inclusion and innovation. The company’s solutions are designed to address global liquidity shortages, offering a more accessible way for businesses and individuals to transact across borders. This approach is particularly beneficial in emerging markets, where traditional financial systems often fall short in meeting the needs of the population.

The use of stablecoins in cross-border transactions offers several advantages, including reduced settlement delays and lower transaction costs. By transacting on-chain, businesses can conduct seamless cross-border payments without the inefficiencies associated with traditional financial systems. This method also provides a viable alternative for import-heavy economies facing shortages of fiat currencies, enabling businesses to access digital dollars at scale and bypass local currency restrictions and capital controls.

Cactus Custody, a prominent provider of institutional digital asset custody solutions, has achieved the SOC 1 Type 1 certification following an independent audit conducted by Deloitte. This accomplishment underscores the company’s dedication to maintaining high operational control standards and delivering secure, compliant custody services.

The comprehensive audit by Deloitte evaluated various aspects of Cactus Custody’s operations, including client account onboarding, fiat and cryptocurrency transactions, and internal system processes. The assessment confirmed the robustness of the company’s financial processing capabilities, encompassing settlement procedures, reconciliation, account management, fee processing, asset valuation, reporting, and the secure management of cryptographic keys throughout their lifecycle across diverse custody storage methods.

Wendy Jiang, General Manager of Cactus Custody, emphasized the significance of this certification: “Achieving SOC 1 Type 1 certification underscores our commitment to robust governance, precise financial management, and secure custody. We prioritize the security of our clients’ assets and maintain strict internal controls to deliver top-tier service. Moving forward, we will promote compliance and transparency, striving to set higher benchmarks in the evolving crypto asset space to enhance trust and satisfaction among our clients.”

The SOC 1 Type 1 certification serves as a benchmark for evaluating the effectiveness of an organization’s internal controls over financial reporting. By obtaining this certification, Cactus Custody demonstrates its capability to safeguard client assets and ensure the accuracy of financial information, thereby reinforcing trust with its clientele.

In addition to the SOC 1 Type 1 certification, Cactus Custody has previously attained the SOC 2 Type 1 certification, also audited by Deloitte. The company is actively working towards achieving the SOC 1 Type 2 report within the current year. These ongoing efforts reflect Cactus Custody’s dedication to enhancing digital asset custody standards, promoting industry compliance, and providing transparent, secure custodial services through regular, independent audits.

Cactus Custody is recognized as a trusted institutional digital asset custodian, holding ISO certifications and a license in Hong Kong . The company has also received a temporary exemption from the Monetary Authority of Singapore . Adhering to strict capital reserve requirements and Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing regulations, Cactus Custody is committed to the principle of “Security First, Integrity Always,” aiming to simplify crypto asset management for its clients with professionalism and confidence.

The attainment of the SOC 1 Type 1 certification is a significant milestone for Cactus Custody, reflecting its unwavering commitment to operational excellence, financial accuracy, and the security of digital assets. As the digital asset landscape continues to evolve, such certifications play a crucial role in establishing and maintaining client trust, ensuring that service providers like Cactus Custody meet and exceed industry standards for security and compliance.

VISHNU RAJA
RYO YAMADA
HITORI GOTOH
IKUYO KITA