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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has now enabled free, high‑speed Wi‑Fi access at all 43 public bus and marine transport stations, marking a significant upgrade in its bid to enhance commuter convenience. The deployment, completed on 17 June 2025, is part of a strategic collaboration with telecom provider e&. Commuters across the city can access the service using smartphones, tablets, or laptops while awaiting their bus or […]

The market capitalisation of tokenised Real‑World Assets has soared to over $23 billion, marking a surge of more than 260% since the start of the year, with private credit and US Treasury tokens accounting for the bulk of the growth.

Leading the charge, tokenised private credit comprises roughly 58% of the total market, while tokenised US Treasuries make up about 34% of the overall valuation. The dramatic expansion reflects increasing demand for on‑chain exposure to established asset classes beyond cryptocurrencies, as investors seek yield and diversification within a regulated digital framework.

Market participants have highlighted the clarity in evolving regulatory frameworks as a crucial catalyst. The enhanced transparency and legal recognition of tokenised assets in jurisdictions such as Abu Dhabi Global Market are encouraging institutional players to engage more actively. Concurrently, technology platforms and traditional finance firms are racing to establish token issuance and trading infrastructure.

One of the most prominent sector players, Securitize Inc., provides a full-stack platform enabling compliant tokenisation across asset types. As of May 2025, the firm has issued over $4 billion on‑chain, including $2.8 billion in tokenised US Treasury exposure, commanding more than 70% share of tokenised US Treasury products. Its leadership on tokenised private credit is also significant, with major asset managers like Apollo and BlackRock utilising the platform for their tokenised offerings.

Private credit, defined as non‑bank lending embedded in project, corporate, and direct lending vehicles, has long been one of the fastest‑growing alternative asset classes. Currently valued at an estimated $2–3 trillion globally, private credit forms a natural fit for tokenisation, enabling fractionated access, faster settlement, and enhanced transparency. By bridging direct lending with blockchain infrastructure, tokenisation platforms are opening access to smaller investors and unlocking liquidity for traditionally illiquid instruments.

US Treasury tokens have also gained rapid traction. In October 2024, Abu Dhabi‑based Realize launched a tokenised US Treasury ETF fund targeting $200 million assets. This initiative marked the first tokenised Treasury fund domiciled in Abu Dhabi Global Market, reflecting the growing confidence in sovereign debt tokens.

Growth to date appears driven by institutional interest, but emerging trends suggest growing participation from global wealth firms, family offices, and retail platforms. Securitize has onboarded numerous institutional investors and is planning retail channels in collaboration with custodians like Anchorage Digital, BitGo, and Copper.

Regulatory clarity is playing a defining role. US leadership from figures such as Securitize’s CEO appearing before House Financial Services, along with the Commodities Futures Trading Commission and Securities and Exchange Commission’s deliberations, is building a foundation for mainstream adoption. Internationally, regulatory sandbox setups—like Abu Dhabi’s—are providing live environments for tokenised asset experimentation.

As the total market cap moves beyond $23 billion, key drivers include mature tokenisation platforms, growing regulator engagement, and rising investor demand for yield-bearing digital assets within compliant frameworks. Whether private credit and Treasury tokens continue to dominate depends on lasting improvements in interoperability, standardisation, and token issuance efficiency.

Going forward, momentum may attract tokenisation of other asset types—real estate, commodities, infrastructure debt and equity. Yet challenges such as secondary market liquidity, cross‑chain compatibility, and investor education remain to be addressed. Leading infrastructure providers and asset managers appear intent on solving these, which may mutate tokenised RWAs from a niche tool into a mainstream financial innovation.

Hundreds of metal industry professionals converged on Cairo this week for the debut of the wire and Tube Middle East Africa events, held alongside GIFA and METEC Middle East Africa at METAL & STEEL EGYPT, hosted at the Egypt International Exhibition Center from 2 to 4 September. The four Messe Düsseldorf satellite fairs collectively presented machinery, technology, materials and services from the wire, cable, tube, foundry and […]

Saudi Arabia’s budget carrier Flynas debuted on the Tadawul at SAR 80, raising SAR 4.1 billion, but shares closed at SAR 77.30—down over 3 %—despite an opening high of SAR 84.10 and a low of SAR 69.90. Investors responded nervously to heightened regional instability following military activity between Iran and Israel. Across Gulf markets, risk aversion sharply impacted airline stocks: Flynas dropped roughly 3.4 % on debut, ACWA Power slipped 3.3 %, and […]

Greenlogue/AP Mubadala Investment Company and the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre have formalised a partnership designed to accelerate the emirate’s infrastructure agenda. The agreement, inked during the opening of the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit 2025, establishes a broad cooperation blueprint aimed at advancing key development projects. The accord commits both entities to conduct thorough feasibility studies and share knowledge to assess the viability of proposed ventures. It also […]

A ballistic missile launched by Iran struck the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange building in Ramat Gan on 19 June 2025, inflicting substantial structural damage in the heart of Israel’s financial district. This incident occurred amid a coordinated barrage that also hit key civilian infrastructure elsewhere, including Soroka Medical Centre in Be’er Sheva, intensifying already volatile regional tensions.

Sirens wailed across central and southern Israel as air defence systems engaged waves of inbound missiles. Between 20 and 30 ballistic projectiles were reported, an escalation surpassing previous exchanges earlier this monthꟷnotably those on 15 and 16 June, which injured dozens and damaged residences in Tel Aviv, Bat Yam and Haifa. This latest salvo targeted multiple urban areas, with at least 32 civilians confirmed wounded by Magen David Adom teams, some in serious condition.

The stock exchange structure, known as Birsa, sustained extensive facade damage and shattered windows, with parts of surrounding offices impacted. Video footage circulated online showing debris falling from upper floors into streets below. Emergency crews were deployed immediately to evacuate employees and assess structural integrity, though no fatalities were reported at the site.

In parallel, Soroka Medical Centre at Be’er Sheva—Israel’s principal hospital serving around one million residents with more than 1,000 beds—was also struck. Footage and eyewitness reports confirmed significant damage: roof collapse in some wards, shattered glass across corridors and injuries among both patients and medical staff. Hospital officials imposed strict access controls, advising the public to avoid the area as emergency protocols were activated.

Israel’s air-defence systems, including Iron Dome and Arrow batteries, intercepted many of the missiles but failed to prevent all impacts. Some missiles penetrated defences and struck densely populated neighbourhoods, damaging residential high-rises and injuring civilians. This pattern marks a troubling shift. Previous intercepts had been more successful, but the latest strikes have underscored vulnerabilities in urban protection.

The missile offensive came as retaliation for Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Earlier on 19 June, Israeli aircraft reportedly struck the heavy-water reactor at Arak and a related plutonium-production component, in what the Israeli government called efforts to disrupt Tehran’s nuclear capabilities. Iran’s state media countered that the reactor had been evacuated in advance and there was no radiation leak.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly condemned the missile strikes on Israel’s financial hub and its hospital network, accusing Iran’s leadership of targeting civilians and vowing that Tehran “will pay the full price”. Defence officials say that Iran deployed over 25 missiles targeting Israeli urban centres during this wave.

Humanitarian services are stretched thin. Magen David Adom paramedics reported at least 32 people with injuries ranging from shock and minor shrapnel wounds to serious trauma in Be’er Sheva and Tel Aviv. Hospitals near strike zones have diverted critically ill patients and limited admissions to emergencies, raising concerns over the continuity of essential health services.

Economically, the assault on the stock exchange reverberated across markets. While share trading has continued, operational disruptions occurred as staff evacuated and investigations into building safety commenced. Analysts note that the financial centre embodies Israel’s economic resilience, but warn that repeated infrastructure targeting injects uncertainty into investor sentiment.

As missiles fly in both directions, global powers are watching warily. US President Donald Trump indicated possible military support for Israel pending internal approval, while European leaders called for restraint and emphasised the potential for diplomatic channels. The International Atomic Energy Agency has voiced alarm over Iran’s uranium enrichment practices, now exacerbated by military confrontations sparked by retaliatory airstrikes.

Israeli authorities warn that this may be Iran’s most sustained attack yet, burning through long-range arsenal previously reserved for strategic military targets. Intelligence assessments suggest Iran is deploying missiles intensively—over 400 since the conflict’s escalation—though only a fraction have struck urban centres.

With civilian infrastructure clearly in the crosshairs, the stakes are escalating dangerously. Analysts warn that further strikes on hospitals, markets or cultural institutions may invite stronger Israeli countermeasures, potentially widening the conflict. For now, cities remain on high alert as missiles continue to disrupt daily life and rattle the foundations of an already tense Middle East.

U.S. President Donald Trump has appealed directly to the House of Representatives to pass the GENIUS Act—a bipartisan stablecoin regulation bill cleared by the Senate—without any amendments or delays, stressing that it will position the country as the “undisputed leader” in digital assets.

The Senate passed the bill on 17 June with a decisive 68‑30 vote, supported by senators from both parties. It introduces stringent rules for stablecoin issuance, including full backing of coins with liquid reserves and monthly disclosures of reserve compositions, alongside audit and Treasury oversight provisions. Trump openly praised the legislation, calling it “pure genius” and urging House Republicans to advance a “clean” version so it reaches his desk before Congress breaks for its August recess.

Major market players reacted positively. The approval spurred significant gains in related equities: shares of Circle Internet, issuer of the USDC stablecoin, surged between 16% and 27%, reflecting investor optimism for regulatory clarity and mainstream token adoption.

The GENIUS Act’s framework mandates that only permitted issuers—such as banks or federally approved payment companies—may issue stablecoins for U.S. users. It requires a one‑to‑one reserve ratio in U.S. dollars or Treasuries and monthly public disclosures about reserve composition. Additionally, it introduces safeguards for consumer protection and bankruptcy protocols prioritising stablecoin holders. Large issuers will have to undergo annual audits, and the bill prohibits stabilecoin ownership by Congress members, though it excludes the President and Vice President.

While Trump’s endorsement reflects his broader pro-crypto pivot—underscored by investments like Bitcoin, policy appointments, and support from his digital-assets advisory council—critics have flagged potential conflicts of interest. Trump and his family hold substantial stakes in crypto ventures including World Liberty Financial and its USD1 stablecoin, having earned tens of millions in 2024. Critics stress that exemption of the President from the bill’s conflict-of-interest ban leaves a loophole that some fear could be exploited.

Senators on both sides celebrated the bill. Republican sponsor Bill Hagerty described it as a “paradigm-shifting development” that moves the U.S. toward global leadership in crypto. Senate Banking Chair Tim Scott described it as “the most significant digital assets legislation ever to pass the U.S. Senate”. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent projected that the bill could expand the stablecoin market to $3 trillion‑plus by decade’s end.

Nonetheless, the path ahead is not without hurdles. Some Democrats, including Elizabeth Warren, Jeff Merkley and others, raised objections during Senate negotiations, warning the bill could grant a “super‑highway for corruption” and fails to curtail potential for big tech firms entering the stablecoin market. Senate negotiators incorporated numerous amendments to secure support, but key concerns remain unresolved.

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Cushman & Wakefield Greater China has been honoured with three five‑star awards at the 2025 Asia Pacific Property Awards, recognising its excellence in commercial real estate services across the region. The firm also received an additional “Award Winner” designation, strengthening its regional leadership credentials. Judged by an expert panel comprising property professionals, these awards are regarded as one of the industry’s most prestigious marks of quality, celebrating […]

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 June 2025 – Cushman & Wakefield, a leading global real estate services firm, has again been recognized at the Asia Pacific Property Awards, scoring three best Five Star Awards plus one “Award Winner” for outstanding achievements in the Greater China commercial real estate market, highlighting the firm’s leading industry position and exceptional service offerings. Best Property Agency/Consultancy China […]

Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority has greenlit three initial public offerings on the Tadawul Parallel Market, signalling sustained investor interest and broadening of the kingdom’s capital markets. The regulator authorised offerings for Zahr Al Khuzama Aluminium Company, Quality Education Company and Sahat Almajd Company Trading on 18 June 2025. The combined volume of shares to be sold stands at approximately 6.175 million, constituting stakes ranging from 11 […]

FalconX, a leading cryptocurrency prime brokerage, has initiated informal talks with bankers and advisers to explore an initial public offering in 2025, signalling a significant move to satisfy burgeoning institutional demand for digital assets. The firm, which last raised $150 million in 2022 at an $8 billion valuation, is not yet retaining an underwriter—an early but strategic step toward going public.

Founded in 2018, FalconX began as a crypto-focused prime broker, enabling clients to trade directly on exchanges. Today it spans three verticals—markets, custody and staking, and direct market access prime brokerage—positioning itself as a full-spectrum financial services provider for institutional clients. This evolution reflects growing investor interest in digital assets and the firm’s expansion through deals and strategic integration.

In early 2025, FalconX acquired Arbelos Markets, marking its entry into the derivatives segment, a lucrative but highly competitive space. It also forges partnerships with established players such as Standard Chartered, integrating global banking and foreign-exchange capabilities, and with Cantor Fitzgerald, accessing a credit facility collateralised by Bitcoin—its “first step in a broader credit framework” to bolster institutional offerings.

The broader crypto sector is experiencing an IPO wave. Several digital-asset platforms, including Fold, Exodus and eToro, have listed in 2025. Notably, stablecoin issuer Circle achieved a landmark $1.1 billion IPO on 5 June, marking the largest crypto-market debut in history and fuelling expectations of further listings. Following Circle’s success, firms such as Bullish and Gemini filed for public listings, with Kraken and Justin Sun’s Tron Group also preparing filings.

Amid this sector-wide momentum, FalconX is working to enhance its public profile, seeking to craft a compelling narrative ahead of a potential IPO. The firm’s strategy, according to one insider, emphasises readiness to appeal to public-market investors, including both strategic partnerships and public relations positioning.

The firm’s track record underpins its IPO ambition. In June 2022, it secured a $150 million Series D led by Singapore’s GIC and B Capital at an $8 billion valuation. That round also involved Thoma Bravo, Wellington Management, Adams Street Partners and Tiger Global Management. CEO Raghu Yarlagadda emphasised FalconX’s market‑neutral model, rigorous risk‑management and profitability amid volatility—a rarity in the crypto space.

With over $430 million in capital raised to date, FalconX has demonstrated resilience, continuing to hire and expand services even as competitors retrench. GIC’s commitment and the firm’s strategic posture reflect stable investor confidence.

Institutional demand for crypto is rapidly growing, and FalconX’s moves align with this shift. The acquisition of Arbelos, banking collaboration and credit facility signal a broader ambition to integrate traditional and digital finance infrastructures, broaden offerings and close service gaps. As co-head of markets Joshua Lim observed, strategic partnerships and acquisitions enable FalconX to fill missing links that would otherwise force customers to assemble services piecemeal.

Within this context, launching an IPO emerges as both a capital‑raising tool and a visibility lever. As one adviser noted, “When you launch an IPO, you need to have a story…. You’re selling yourself to the investing public”. FalconX’s groundwork suggests readiness to craft that narrative, aligning with its strong financial position and strategic trajectory.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 June 2025 – This week is set to be a pivotal one for financial markets in general and Forex market in particular as four major central banks—the Bank of Japan (BoJ), the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed), the Swiss National Bank (SNB), and the Bank of England (BoE)—are scheduled to announce their latest decisions on interest rates. Their policy […]

Cost estimates suggest manufacturing and assembling an iPhone entirely in the United States would push retail prices well beyond current norms, potentially reaching up to USD 3,500. Analysts point to steep labour costs, the absence of a mature electronics supply chain, and existing tariffs as primary drivers behind the inflation. Bill of materials for an iPhone 16 Pro is around USD 550, with assembly and testing adding approximately USD 30 when […]

A powerful heat wave will bring intense swelter to New York City and other major Eastern Seaboard cities, with heat indices rising into the triple digits along the I‑95 corridor. Temperatures are expected to climb well above seasonal norms from Sunday through mid‑week, driven by a strengthening high‑pressure dome and amplified humidity, posing serious health risks and heightening strain on infrastructure. Cities from Chicago to Washington, D.C.—including […]

A coalition of South Korea’s top 100 firms generated an economic contribution of 1,615.2 trillion won in 2024, marking a 3.9 percent rise from the previous year, according to CEO Score data released on 18 June. Samsung Electronics led the charge with a 7 percent increase to 157.5 trillion won, accounting for 9.8 percent of the total haul.

This growth reflects an integrated model of wealth distribution across stakeholders—suppliers, workers, government, shareholders and communities. Total sales of these firms reached 2,122.4 trillion won, growing 6.6 percent year-on-year, underlining the deep economic interlinkages driving expansion.

Hyundai Motor secured the second position with a contribution of 115.2 trillion won, followed by Kia at 86.6 trillion won, which spectacularly posted the steepest increase thanks to surging supplier payments. Among the top ten contributors were LG Electronics, Hyundai Mobis, GS Caltex, SK Energy, Posco, Samsung C&T and LG Chem. In contrast, LG Energy Solution saw a pronounced drop of 28.3 percent to 19.2 trillion won, weighed down by lower stakeholder payouts.

Industry breakdown highlights that electronics and IT firms contributed about 370 trillion won, followed by petrochemicals at 312 trillion won and the auto sector at 303.5 trillion won. Construction, shipbuilding, steel and distribution made further sizeable additions, reflecting a diverse industrial base.

The dominance of chaebol giants—especially Samsung—continues unabated. Samsung and its affiliates, constituting nearly a quarter of national GDP, help drive national innovation and exports. Beyond scale, these conglomerates are embracing strategic shifts. Government figures show a record R&D investment of 83.6 trillion won by South Korean firms, with Samsung alone ploughing 30.2 trillion won into innovation, followed by SK hynix at 4.5 trillion won, Hyundai at 4.3 trillion won, and LG Electronics at 3.4 trillion won.

Despite stepping up R&D budgets by 15.3 percent, only 40 domestic firms made the global top 2,000 by R&D outlays, compared to 681 in the US and 524 in China—underscoring scope for further thrust in innovation. Within semiconductors, South Korea continues to hold a dominant global footprint, commanding approximately 60 percent of the DRAM market and 52.6 percent of NAND, led by Samsung and SK hynix. Notably, SK hynix claimed 36 percent of DRAM market share in Q1 2025, overtaking Samsung’s 34 percent.

This data reveals a dual narrative: chaebol behemoths remain the backbone of the economy, but a growing reliance on innovation and global competitiveness is reshaping the corporate landscape. Hyundai’s pivot to electric vehicles, Kia’s ramped-up supplier integration and LG’s diversification into chemicals and energy solutions are emblematic of this shift.

However, concentration risk persists. Samsung and its affiliates form a significant share of GDP and exports, but reliance on a limited set of heavyweights may expose the economy to global headwinds. The comparative lag in R&D-intensive mid-sized firms risks stifling long-term resilience.

Nevertheless, public policy is responding. Regulatory tweaks aimed at supporting corporate research and streamlining licensing protocols, alongside financial incentives and infrastructure development, suggest a proactive stance to broaden innovation beyond the chaebol core.

As South Korea navigates economic turbulence—from fluctuating global demand to supply chain uncertainties and U.S.–China tech tensions—the measured expansion of stakeholder-driven value and intensification of R&D efforts signal a strategic repositioning.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 June 2025 – The report “Evolving Legacy: Decoding the Scientific Trajectory of Chinese Medicine” released today by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) and Elsevier, reveals the growing impact of Chinese Medicine research on global healthcare and modern health challenges. In this context, “Chinese Medicine research” encompasses not only clinical practice, but also basic and translational science, AI-driven systems medicine, […]

Nivex, formerly known as Nx.one, has re-emerged in 2025 with a strategic repositioning as a cutting‑edge AI‑powered trading platform, signalling a major transformation from its Web3 origins into a global crypto‑finance innovator. Leveraging generative algorithms as the operational core, Nivex aims to elevate trading from human‑driven execution to autonomous, intelligent systems.

Powered by over 45 AI‑based strategies spanning arbitrage, trend‑following and swing trading, the platform reports impressive performance metrics. Annualised returns range from 60 % to 3 500 %, win rates hover between 85 % and 95 %, maximum drawdowns are tightly controlled at 15–70 %, and Sharpe ratios exceed 2.6 — all underpinning over USD 1 billion in assets under strategy management as of Q2 2025. One standout offering, “BTC Grid Arbitrage + AI Risk Control”, executed 540 trades in 2024 with a 92 % success rate and yielded a total return of 272 %.

At its heart, Nivex purports AI is not simply a feature, but the platform’s operating system. Users define goals and the AI assumes responsibility for detecting trends, assembling strategies, allocating capital, managing risk and executing trades at millisecond speeds. Combined with a suite of tools including spot and futures trading, dollar‑cost averaging and grid trading, the platform positions itself not as an exchange, but an intelligent asset engine.

A central component of Nivex’s offering is its AI Strategy Engine, which supports customizable parameters—such as leverage, stop‑loss, DCA and drawdown limits—and integrates institutional-grade strategies. Complemented by Smart Yield and AI Lending systems, users can earn APYs of up to 60 % on fixed terms, while automated lending tools continually optimise on‑chain opportunities.

Critical to its ambitions is delivery of institutional‑grade signal copying. By aggregating signals from global quant funds, Nivex enables retail users to subscribe and replicate live trades via automated execution, stop‑loss and performance tracking—without any coding. The company asserts this approach raises win rates by 30 % and improves execution speed by 80 % compared with manual trading.

Nivex is also developing an “Institutional Buying Heat Index” based on fusion of ETF flows, on‑chain transfers, CEX‑DEX liquidity movements and sentiment signals. This engine converts macro and micro market trends into actionable portfolios for both retail users and institutional clients via APIs and data subscriptions.

Compliance and geographic expansion underpin Nivex’s credibility. The platform operates service centres in North America, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Southeast Asia, holding licences with FinCEN and MSB, and pursuing approvals from MAS, VARA and AUSTRAC. It also hosted AI‑driven closed‑door summits at Token2049 Singapore, attracting industry leaders such as Justin Sun of TRON.

Industry analysts highlight a growing shift in trading infrastructure—from simple order‑matching to data‑driven, strategy‑oriented platforms. Nivex exemplifies this trend, providing automated AI‑based strategy execution at a time when global investment in AI surpassed USD 350 billion in 2024.

The AI trading platform market is projected to grow from USD 11.5 billion in 2024 to USD 75.5 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 20.7 %, driven by high demand for automation, faster decision‑making and cost reduction. Within this context, major players include Kavout, Numerai and Algotraders — yet Nivex’s rapid integration of AI, compliance and global deployment positions it as a formidable contender.

Yet adoption of AI in trading brings challenges. Regulatory regimes struggle to keep pace, raising concerns about algorithmic opacity, data integrity and algorithmic bias. Nivex appears conscious of such risks, emphasising transparency, backtesting via a Strategy Lab, risk‑control features and strict KYC/AML protocols.

From a user experience angle, Nx.one’s prior focus on intuitive interface design, multi‑language support, real‑time analytics and security layer architecture—including multi‑signature wallets, cold storage, encryption, firewall defences and audit transparency—appears retained under Nivex.

CEO Simon highlighted Nivex’s core vision: “We’re not building a cheaper exchange—we’re building a smarter platform. Let the system trade for you. Let AI manage risk. Let data create wealth,” adding, “In the next five years, the most valuable asset won’t be trading skills. It’ll be your connection to a system that improves itself”.

JD.com is preparing to deploy a regulated stablecoin through its Hong Kong arm as part of a significant expansion into digital payments. Its subsidiary, Jingdong Coinlink Technology Hong Kong, entered the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s stablecoin sandbox in July 2024. The project is testing tokens pegged to the Hong Kong dollar and other major currencies, aiming for a wider rollout in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Tests performed by JD Coinlink have covered cross-border payment mechanisms, retail use cases—initially in JD Global’s Hong Kong and Macau markets—and investment applications on a public blockchain, ensuring transparency and regulatory compliance. JD is targeting integration across its extensive e-commerce ecosystem, including fast‑settling transactions for global trade, M&A deals, B2B settlements and consumer checkouts.

Richard Liu, JD’s founder and chairman, highlighted the company’s aim to secure stablecoin licences across major currency jurisdictions, citing the potential to cut cross‑border payment costs by up to 90 per cent and reduce settlement times to approximately 10 seconds. Liu underlined that once B2B applications prove viable, JD intends to broaden the stablecoin’s use to everyday consumer purchases within its platform.

The HKMA granted licences only to firms demonstrating robust risk controls and consumer protections. Under the Stablecoins Ordinance, which passed on 21 May 2025, issuers using or referencing the Hong Kong dollar must obtain formal approval and meet stringent obligations including reserve backing, redemption rights, transparent governance and segregation of client assets.

Jingdong Coinlink is complemented by parallel efforts to issue an offshore yuan stablecoin, though its launch hinges on regulatory authorisation from mainland authorities. This aligns with wider interest in the stablecoin market: Ant Group is also pursuing Hong Kong licences, and Western giants including JPMorgan, PayPal and Standard Chartered are racing to launch stablecoins.

Hong Kong’s regulatory clarity gives JD.com and its peers a regional advantage. The sandbox initiative, begun in March 2024, enabled live testing under HKMA supervision prior to licence application. With the Ordinance’s full force due on 1 August 2025, JD appears well aligned to capitalise on a rapidly evolving framework.

JD’s stablecoin will be issued on a public blockchain, enabling open verification of issuance volume and reserve data. CEO Liu Peng confirmed that the second phase of testing concluded in May, focusing on cross-border, retail and investment use cases. Assuming regulatory approval, licensing and integration plans are on track for Q4 2025.

These efforts form part of JD’s broader strategy to become a fintech powerhouse. The company recently expanded in food delivery and consumer finance, acknowledging a “lost” five‑year stretch of innovation. Its current push builds on JD’s in‑house blockchain infrastructure—Zhizhen Chain—which already facilitates roughly US $7 billion annually in supply‑chain finance.

Industry analysts observe that JD’s combination of logistics, e‑commerce reach and blockchain technology positions it uniquely among digital‑asset issuers. With nearly 600 million active users and operations spanning over 20 countries, the company could accelerate stablecoin adoption by integrating token payments into its merchant network.

As global stablecoin activity accelerates—fuelled by regulatory developments like the U.S. GENIUS Act and Hong Kong’s licensing framework—JD.com may emerge as one of Asia’s first large-scale retail-facing stablecoin providers.

Depending on its licensing trajectory, JD plans to list its stablecoin on regulated exchanges and deploy it on a public blockchain in Q4 2025. Beyond the HKD coin, the company is developing offshore yuan functionality, pending mainland approval.

By K Raveendran With the likelihood of a diplomatic solution appearing increasingly distant, West Asia is now clearly veering toward a longer and more intense confrontation, one that may significantly reshape economic, geopolitical, and energy dynamics not only in the Middle East but globally. What was initially perceived as a retaliatory exchange following months of […]

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 June 2025 – Get ready to turn your Bangkok getaway into a rewarding adventure—in every sense of the word! The ONESIAM Global Grand Giveaway, Siam Piwat’s flagship tourism campaign, is making a grand comeback for its second year from June 20 to September 30, 2025, and is set to bring even more exclusive rewards, elevated experiences, and jaw-dropping prizes […]

Bitcoin has surged to command approximately 64 per cent of the global cryptocurrency market, a dominance level unseen since January 2021 and propelled by heavy institutional inflows following the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s approval of Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024. This increased dominance has coincided with a resurgence in confidence for Ethereum, which has seen its share climb from around 7.1 per cent in April to approximately 9.3 per cent today.

This shift marks a turning point in crypto capital flows. For many investors, Bitcoin remains the safe harbour amid global market volatility and rising macroeconomic uncertainty. According to the Financial Times, heightened Bitcoin dominance is underpinned by “heightened institutional investment,” with major hedge funds such as Millennium Management and Brevan Howard among top ETF holders. Smaller tokens have lost ground as smart money funnels into the more established and liquid assets.

Ethereum’s revival reflects this evolving dynamic. Once languishing with just over 7 per cent market share in April, it has rebounded to 9.3 per cent. Analysts attribute the rise to improving investor sentiment and increasing adoption of Ethereum-based applications. Technical indicators also support a bullish outlook: Ethereum’s market value has risen nearly 48 per cent over the past three months, compared to Bitcoin’s 31 per cent.

Chart patterns signal a potential inflection. Bitcoin dominance has encountered resistance at around 64–65 per cent, hinting at a possible reversal. Analysts such as “Astronomer” on social platforms point out that Bitcoin’s market share is approaching a critical ceiling and may soon recede—a shift that historically precedes renewed altcoin activity.

Investor behaviour appears to reflect this emerging balance. Spot Ethereum ETFs have attracted sustained inflows, with over US$1.3 billion entering ETH products across 19 consecutive days. Additionally, ‘smart money’ whale activity in ETH protocols indicates a strategic accumulation, even as retail traders step back. These large-scale holders are said to control nearly 27 per cent of the total ETH supply—an indication of growing institutional confidence.

Market analysts underscore that Bitcoin dominance near 64 per cent still keeps altcoins marginalised. Daan Crypto warns that unless Bitcoin dominance dips below this level, funds will remain weighted toward Bitcoin. The Altcoin Season Index—a metric tracking the performance of top altcoins relative to Bitcoin—currently sits in the 30s, suggesting a fading but not yet full-blown move into altcoins. Historically, a shift above 75 triggers more substantive altcoin rallies.

Nevertheless, proponents argue that liquidity rotation is underway. Ethereum’s rise is seen as the vanguard, often signalling broader market rotation into high-cap alternatives. As Maxwell Mutuma noted, “Altcoins have spent a good part of 2025 playing catch‑up…with Bitcoin’s dominance at 64 per cent, it’s certainly raised some concerns,” even as “Ethereum’s recent surge hints at a broader altcoin rotation”.

Despite current trends, caution remains. Analyst Severino has advised that although technical indicators support a pullback in Bitcoin’s dominance, any full-scale altcoin rally is not yet assured. He emphasises that meaningful declines below 62 per cent in Bitcoin dominance would be needed to confirm a structural shift in asset allocation.

Ethereum stands at the centre of this crossroads. With its market share approaching 9.3 per cent, ongoing technological updates such as the upcoming Pectra upgrade may reinforce investor confidence and drive further capital inflows.

The current scene paints a narrative of cautious optimism. Bitcoin remains firmly dominant, buoyed by institutional demand, but Ethereum’s resurgence signals that capital is beginning to trickle back into the altcoin space. Whether this marks the vanguard of a broader altcoin resurgence or simply a temporary reprieve will depend on whether Bitcoin dominance retreats from its 64 per cent plateau.

Fitch Ratings upgraded Ghana’s long‑term foreign currency sovereign rating from “restricted default” to “B‑” on 16 June, accompanied by a stable outlook. The move reflects substantial progress in debt restructuring after the West African nation normalised relations with a large majority of its external commercial creditors. Ghana’s economy endured its most severe crisis in decades, driven by collapses in its cocoa and gold sectors. The government’s proactive restructuring […]

Conscious Aerospace, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Transavia have entered a strategic Memorandum of Understanding at the Paris Air Show to co-develop a liquid‑hydrogen fuel‑cell retrofit for the De Havilland Canada Dash 8‑300 regional turboprop. The agreement, inked in front of Dutch aviation authorities, aims to outfit the aircraft with hydrogen‑electric propulsion, optimise cabin and cargo configurations, assess route viability, and model operational costs ahead of demonstration flights […]

China’s central bank governor, Pan Gongsheng, announced at the Lujiazui Forum on 18 June that a dedicated international operations centre for the e‑CNY will be established in Shanghai. The move signals Beijing’s renewed push to extend the digital yuan’s reach in global transactions and shift the balance of currency power. Pan described stablecoins and central bank digital currencies as “reshaping cross‑border payments”, emphasising that global financial infrastructure needs […]

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