Author: James Wilson

With its decentralization, anonymity, and global nature, the cryptocurrency market offers groundbreaking potential for investments, payments, and transfers. However, its very nature makes it a hotbed for various cyber threats. From the exchange of USDT to ETH to converting ETH to more traditional currencies like the Romanian New Leu (RON), each step brings its own set of challenges and risks. This article delves into the cyber dangers lurking in the crypto world and outlines robust strategies to combat these threats effectively. The Perils of Crypto Exchanges: From USDT to ETH Cryptocurrency transactions are prime targets for cybercriminals, especially when conducting…

Memecoin-focused trading terminals aim to streamline high-volatility trading through faster execution, integrated discovery-to-trade workflows, and automation features such as alerts and copy trading. While Padre, GMGN, Photon, and BullX all target this use case, they differ primarily in blockchain coverage, emphasis on trading versus discovery, sophistication of automation and copy tools, and transparency around fees and execution mechanics. Padre vs GMGN vs Photon vs BullX: Overview PlatformMain TypeMain InterfaceMain FocusPrimary Chain FocusPadreTrading terminalWeb-based terminal / PWAHigh-speed execution, advanced trading tools, multi-chain memecoin tradingMulti-chain (Solana, Ethereum, Base, BNB)GMGNDiscovery + trading intelligence platformWeb dashboard with integrated tradingToken discovery, smart-money tracking, wallet monitoring,…

Ondo Finance and LayerZero have launched a bridge enabling cross-chain transfers of tokenized stocks and exchange-traded funds across Ethereum and BNB Chain. Summary Ondo Finance and LayerZero launched a bridge for cross-chain transfers of tokenized stocks and ETFs. The bridge supports over 100 assets across Ethereum and BNB Chain at launch. Ondo plans to expand the bridge to additional EVM networks. Ondo Finance has introduced a new cross-chain tool aimed at expanding how tokenized securities move across blockchain networks. The launch was announced on Dec. 17 in a statement from Ondo confirming a collaboration with interoperability provider LayerZero. Cross-chain transfers…

Coinbase has begun introducing new trading features as part of a broader update to its core platform. Summary Coinbase has begun rolling out stock trading and prediction markets to U.S. users as part of a major platform update. The expansion adds equities, derivatives, and event-based contracts alongside crypto trading in a single app. The move reflects Coinbase’s push to support a wider range of traditional and onchain financial products. Coinbase is expanding the types of assets users can access as the company continues to move beyond a crypto-only trading model.  In a blog post published on Dec. 17, Coinbase announced…

Ava Labs is entering 2025 with a long-term strategy focused on purpose-built blockchains rather than short-term market trends, according to the company’s chief business officer. Summary John Nahas of Ava Labs emphasized Avalanche’s focus on sovereign, use-case-specific layer-1 blockchains rather than a single network for all activity. Toyota, FIFA, and SMBC are building independent Avalanche chains tailored to specific workflows, reflecting demand for separate, secure blockchain environments. Avalanche currently supports nearly 80 live layer-1 chains and over 100 on testnet, with projections of around 200 institutional and enterprise chains by next year. John Nahas, chief business officer at Ava Labs,…

Euro-denominated stablecoins have reached approximately $1 billion in total circulating supply, according to industry data, though the figure represents a minimal fraction of Europe’s broader monetary system. Summary Euro-denominated stablecoins have surpassed $1 billion in circulation but still represent just 0.006% of the eurozone’s roughly $15.5 trillion M2 money supply. After limited activity in 2020–2021, issuance is now spreading beyond Ethereum to networks including Solana, Polygon, Arbitrum, Base, Avalanche, and Stellar. Euro stablecoins remain far smaller than dollar-based stablecoins and underrepresented relative to the euro’s real-world role. The eurozone’s M2 money supply stands near $15.5 trillion, according to Token Terminal,…

XRP has declined to a critical support level following a 30-day pullback, prompting technical analysis of whether the cryptocurrency can maintain its current price structure. Summary XRP has fallen to a key macro support level after a month-long pullback, drawing close attention from technical analysts. Momentum indicators such as the RSI are oversold on lower timeframes, increasing the probability of a short-term bounce. If XRP holds above this level and avoids setting a new low, the structure would support a bullish continuation with potential upside later in the year. The token reached an intraday low in the past 24 hours,…

Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev stated that prediction markets are entering a long-term growth phase, identifying platforms like Polymarket as early leaders in what he described as a “prediction market supercycle,” according to remarks shared in a video posted on social media platform X by Altcoin Daily. Summary Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev forecasts strong growth in prediction markets. New platforms, like PancakeSwap’s Probable, are entering the market, offering zero-fee trading on BNB Chain and supporting on-chain settlements. Kalshi raised $185 million while Polymarket secured partnerships with major firms like Intercontinental Exchange. Tenev said prediction markets remain in their early stages despite…

India’s Parliament debated bringing asset tokenization into the country’s formal legal framework this week, as lawmakers considered whether digital fractional ownership could expand access to wealth-generating assets. Summary Indian lawmaker Raghav Chadha framed tokenization as a tool to broaden wealth creation for India’s middle class. Tokenization allows small investors to access high-value assets with greater liquidity, fewer intermediaries, and reduced paperwork, he argues. Policymakers remain cautious due to investor protection, land title complexity, and fragmented laws, leaving the country behind peers like the UAE and Singapore. Chadha pushes for India’s first dedicated Tokenization Bill Member of Parliament Raghav Chadha urged…

Moody’s Ratings is diving into the $300 billion stablecoin market with a new rating system. Summary Moody’s is proposing a new system to rate stablecoins based on reserve quality, market value risk, and operational safeguards. The firm aims to provide investors with a clearer picture of redemption reliability. Ratings would be determined by the “weakest link” in a stablecoin’s reserve pool, factoring in liquidity, governance, regulatory context, and technology risks, while algorithmic stablecoins are excluded. The venerable 116-year-old credit rating firm unveiled a proposal to assess stablecoins like any other deposit: by looking at the quality of reserve assets, market…