Green Minerals invests $1.2B in Bitcoin to hedge inflation risks.
Company shifts treasury strategy, reducing reliance on unstable fiat currencies.
Blockchain to improve transparency, traceability, and mining supply chain efficiency.
Green Minerals, a company based in Norway, is well known for its work in deep-sea mining and sustainable mineral extraction. Recently, the company made an important announcement. It has adopted a Bitcoin Treasury Strategy. This resolution is the first step for Green Minerals to adopt the concept of blockchain technology on a larger scale.
Green Minerals Turns to Bitcoin to Escape Inflation Risk
This move is chiefly caused by the need to save the financial situation of the company. Green Minerals would like to decrease its dependence on the regular currencies. These are the currencies that are influenced by inflation and the instability in the world politics. Investing in Bitcoin, the company wants to be sure that its assets are safe and they will not lose their place in the world where everything can change at any moment.
Executive Chairman Stale Rodahl clarified the situation at the company. He remarked that we are in an age of monetary inflation. Even more now when conditions are weak, a good balance sheet is important. In his view, Bitcoin is a decentralized system that is not tied to inflation like other currencies, which makes it a good alternative.
Under this plan, Green Minerals has set a target of raising an amount up to 1.2 billion US dollars. Partners will be involved in realizing this aim. Significant bit of this money will be spent in order to develop the Bitcoin reserves of the company. It is a set strategy. The company is sure that due to Bitcoin it is possible to overcome the risks in the future and be ready to the long-term development.
Meanwhile, Green Minerals is also paying attention to other applications of blockchain. As an example, the blockchain can enhance transparency in the supply chain. It is also useful to confirm the origin of minerals and enhance the efficiency of operations. This can be useful in terms of the compliance to new regulations as well as with keeping ahead of the rivals.
Bitcoin Strategy to Support Green Minerals’ Core Projects
Although the company is moving into digital assets, its main focus remains the same. Green Minerals remains dedicated to its central business in sustainable mineral mining. The Bitcoin Treasury Strategy is meant to endorse, not substitute, these objectives. The company reckons that it can have a good financial foundation for upcoming projects through digital assets. These would comprise investments in equipment and infrastructure required for deep-sea mining.
Another thing that should be mentioned is that other firms take the same steps. Such as ProCap, which recently increased its position in Bitcoin. Strategy, which used to be called MicroStrategy, and Know Labs and Metaplanet have also added Bitcoin to their balance sheets. All these demonstrate that the global business community is getting more interested in Bitcoin.
Green Minerals also aims at transparency. The firm desires to handle its ownership of Bitcoin in an open and accountable manner. To this end, it will develop a safe platform for purchasing, storing, and reporting on Bitcoin. A new measurement by the name of Bitcoin per share will also be introduced in the company. This will demonstrate to the shareholders the value of Bitcoin that is attached to the number of shares held by each of them.
Lastly, Green Minerals makes a brave and progressive move. This company is already looking to the future by investing in Bitcoin and implementing blockchain in its business. This plan is likely to enable Green Minerals to expand and remain safe in a world undergoing changes.
Bot-driven activity on Ethereum contributed to the surge in stablecoin volume and pushed stablecoin swaps on DEXs to a new all-time high.
Record-low gas fees in 2025 made Ethereum mainnet more attractive for stablecoin activity than competing chains.
Stablecoin transfers and market cap shifted back from L2s to Ethereum L1, reversing last year’s trend and boosting mainnet dominance.
In May 2025, bot activity on Ethereum registered its largest share ever in stablecoin transfers, representing 57% of volume and 31% of transaction count. Bots on Ethereum made over 4.84 million stablecoin transfers, totaling more than $480 billion last month, also reaching all-time high levels.
Increased bot activity helped lift Ethereum L1 back to the center of DeFi activity, boosted existing operations, and caused significant changes in Ethereum’s DEX volume distribution. Here is why this happened — and what this trend could mean for Ethereum going forward.
Low-Fee Environment Fueled the Bot Surge
The most impactful factor that boosted bot activity on Ethereum has been an over 92% drop in mainnet fees in early 2025. With gas prices hovering below 1 gwei in March and April, Ethereum L1 became more cost-competitive in stablecoin transfers not only compared to other L1 networks but even to its L2s. Most of Ethereum’s gains in overall stablecoin activity this year occurred during this record-low-fee period.
However, stablecoin transfers are the most fee-sensitive type of transactions. For example, following the Pectra upgrade in early May, Ethereum L1 saw elevated fees, which led to a 8% decrease in total stablecoin transaction volume and a $1 billion drop in stablecoin market cap. This slowed the growth of bot activity within the network but didn’t reverse it, as the sector was still riding the momentum from the low-fee period.
Chart: Transaction Fee Comparison Between Ethereum and Its L2s
Bots were primarily used for automating swaps, arbitrage strategies, and liquidity routing, which contributed to the spike instablecoin swap dominance on Ethereum’s DEXs. In April and May, stablecoin swaps held the top spot in Ethereum’s DEX activity for two consecutive months for the first time ever, making up 37% and 32% of total DEX volume, respectively.
As a result, USDT and USDC took center stage, increasing its share in DEX volume (green circle). In March and April, USDC even became the most traded asseton Ethereum DEXs.
Ethereum’s transition to a more stablecoin-focused DEX volume signals a broader transition in Ethereum’s on-chain economy — one that favors utility and payment-focused use cases over speculative trading. In 2025, only two categories saw meaningful DEX volume increases on Ethereum: tokenized assets, which surged by 284%, and stablecoin swaps, up 31%.
Ethereum Eats Up L2s in the Stablecoin Field
One of the major consequences of Ethereum’s bot expansion and reduced fees was that L1 has been increasingly taking the market share from its L2s.
Stablecoin market cap
So far in 2025, Ethereum mainnet’s stablecoin market cap grew by 11%, while the combined stablecoin market cap on L2s shrunk by 1%. For comparison, in 2024, Ethereum mainnet posted a 65% increase, but L2s collectively surged by 218%. The biggest declines in stablecoin supply among L2s this year have come from Optimism, which lost over $700 million.
Transaction Volume
In total, the Ethereum ecosystem, including mainnet and L2s, processed over $11 trillion in stablecoin transaction volume in 2025 to date, triple the volume seen over the same period in 2024. This brought Ethereum’s share of global stablecoin volume to 60%, up from 40% in 2024, indicating that stablecoin activity has been shifting to Ethereum from other L1 networks as well.
At the time of this writing, L1 and L2s were showing a nearly 50/50 split in monthly transaction volume within the Ethereum ecosystem, with mainnet largely reclaiming positions starting March 2025, or during record-low-fee environment.
Transaction Count
In 2022-2024, L1’s share of stablecoin transactions in the Ethereum ecosystem was primarily declining to as low as 22%, since users increasingly favored L2s for their lower costs. But, in 2025, that trend has also flipped. According to GrowThePie data, Ethereum mainnet recorded over 30 million stablecoin transactions this year, lifting its share in transaction count to 42%.
Chart: Transaction Count Distribution Across Ethereum and Its L2s
Final Thoughts
While bots are often associated with sandwich attacks and frontrunning, Ethereum’s increase of bot activity within the stablecoin field shows that they could be among the major drivers to improve market efficiency, boost stablecoin adoption, and enhance DEX performance — a net positive for users and protocols alike.
Still, stablecoin transfers are highly fee-sensitive, meaning that the network may face a trend reverse and user migration outside Ethereum if fees remain elevated. However, if L1 manages to maintain a low-fee environment over time, this could help Ethereum reclaim further market share in the stablecoin space.
Webus unveils $300M plan to build XRP reserve and drive global blockchain expansion.
Funds will support cross-border payments, digital wallets, and Web3 loyalty tools.
Despite revenue drop, Webus stock jumps 34% as investors back its XRP strategy.
In a major development, Webus International Limited has announced a strategic plan to raise $300 million to boost XRP adoption. The Chinese AI mobility company aims to use non-equity financing to support the use of XRP in cross-border payments. This decision will enable the company to deliver even faster and more affordable cash transfers to its international clients.
Webus to Raise $300M for XRP Reserve and Global Growth
With the resulting funds, Webus will add to its reserve of XRP. The company is confident that the reserve will make it possible to settle international payments immediately. At the same time, Webus will design tools based on blockchain technology for digital wallets, Web3 loyalty tokens and secure recorded bookings. The objective of these features is to improve and clarify the way customers use the app.
The money will also help Webus to enhance what it offers in countries worldwide. Doing this involves bringing AI-enabled mobility services to countries outside the United States. As a result, the $300 million plan focuses on three main objectives: establishing the XRP reserve, expanding blockchain infrastructure, and facilitating the company’s rapid global expansion.
Furthermore, Webus is renewing its joint partnership with Tongcheng Travel. Wetour and Tongcheng are helping to provide the Wetour × Tongcheng inter-city charter service, now used by millions. The large user base at Tongcheng will support Webus in connecting with more people in China. Thanks to this, Webus can build a strong standing in the national market as it looks to enter other countries.
CEO Nan Zheng says that teaming up with Tongcheng again will strengthen Webus’ position in China. At the same time, using XRP will allow the company to increase the efficiency of payments conducted across borders. Payouts and refunds can be made with XRP instantly and at a low price. As a result, Webus could distinguish itself from others in the competitive mobility and fintech market.
Webus Stock Soars 34% Despite Financial Struggles
However, there are still challenges to face. The $300 million plan is still being worked out and is based on reaching agreements with the funders. Webus is also experiencing financial difficulties. This year, the company’s revenue went down by 54%, leaving it at $5.35 million. Financial analysts assessed the company with a weak health rating which might reduce investor confidence.
Still, the stock market moved higher after the news was released. Once the announcement was made, shares of Webus (WETO) went up by more than 34%. This high jump reflects that investors think positively about the next steps the company is taking and its approach to blockchain.
Lastly, Webus’s focus on blockchain technologies proves how industries that used to avoid digital solutions are now turning to blockchain for help. To improve its services in Tongcheng and other areas, Webus has built an XRP reserve and started cooperating with Tongcheng. If successful, this could not only boost XRP adoption but also reshape how payments are made in the mobility industry.
Dubai launches Prypco Mint, region’s first tokenized property platform.
Project backed by VARA, Central Bank, and Future Foundation.
Prypco Mint uses XRP Ledger for fast, secure transactions.
Dubai has taken a major step in the digital real estate space. The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has launched Prypco Mint, the Middle East’s first tokenized property investment platform. The use of digital tokens is making real estate investments open to a wider audience on this platform. Since the minimum investment is Dh2,000, property investment has become more available than it was before.
UAE Residents Can Now Invest in Tokenised Property via Prypco Mint
Right now, people in UAE can only use Prypco Mint if they have a valid Emirates ID. The pilot project is carried out in association with Prypco and Ctrl Alt. Furthermore, the plan is sponsored by important institutions such as VARA, the Central Bank of the UAE, and the Dubai Future Foundation. Zand Digital Bank is helping to make this pilot financially possible.
Besides, DubaiLand allows overseas investors to own a share of ready-to-own properties in the city. Individuals interested in the service should visit the digital portal at mint.prypco.com. For now, everyone will use UAE Dirhams for their first transactions. At this time, transactions with cryptocurrency are prohibited.
In addition, investors will gain benefits in two important ways. At the start, they will be paid rental income. They may make money if the property’s worth goes up as years pass. Under DLD oversight, all investments are legalized and their ownership shares are registered as well. That’s why investors feel secure and trusting.
Over time, the DLD expects that tokenized real estate assets will represent 7% of Dubai’s property market. It’s expected to reach AED60 billion ($16.3 billion) by the year 2033. Right now, only local residents can take part in the pilot, but the authorities want to make it available to foreign investors over time.
Prypco Mint Merges Real Estate with Web3 Technology
This action is in line with Dubai’s wider goals to lead the world in digital progress. In March, Dubai revealed plans to tokenize real estate. Since the city has worked to attract companies working on blockchain and has progressed with measures to ease the process of owning property.
In addition, this move follows other digital-first efforts. For example, the government of Dubai is teaming up with Crypto.com to allow people to use crypto for government services. This illustrates that the city focuses on building an area that is both technology-driven and welcoming to investors.
The platform’s platform is built on top of the XRP Ledger (XRPL). People know this blockchain network because of its strong safety features and quick operations. For more than ten years, the XRPL has received trust from users all over the world. With the help of this technology, Dubai makes Prypco Mint’s transactions safe and easy.
To conclude, the introduction of Prypco Mint will help advance both the real estate and digital industries in Dubai. Legal oversight, the latest in blockchain technology, and opportunities to invest are brought together for local residents. When the platform grows and operates globally, it could influence the behavior of investors in property from the UAE to other countries as well. With this move, Dubai is still at the forefront of blending property and digital finance
On-chain RWA value surged by $7.5 billion in 2025, matching 2024 growth, and outperforming other sectors within the DeFi ecosystem.
Tokenized treasuries led inflows, with Euro bonds doubling its on-chain value and BlackRocks’s BUIDL capturing 79% of U.S.-treasury-based RWA growth in 2025.
Tokenized gold beat its 2024 figuresin both market cap and new holders increases.
Ethereum ecosystem’s dominance strengthened, hosting over 83% of RWA value on general-purpose chains.
Real-world assets are no longer a side bet in DeFi — they’re becoming the main event. After adding $7.5 billion in on-chain valuethroughout 2024, the RWA sector matched that figure in the first five months of 2025. On May 13, on-chain RWA value reached $23.8 billion, up from $16.3 billion at the start of the year.
The surge isn’t just about capital. The number of RWA holders has also crossed a key milestone, surpassing 100,000 addresses, showing a 22% increase in 2025 so far.
This rapid expansion in both adoption and value comes as most DeFi sectors are seeing stagnation or contraction. With the RWA sector surging by 43% in 2025, its on-chain value briefly surpassed total DEX TVL.
The Drivers Behind the RWA Surge and Biggest Winners
While RWAs as a whole are surging, not all sectors are riding the same wave. In 2025, market uncertainty — not just yield — has become the dominant catalyst, and no asset classes reflect that more than bonds and gold.
Tokenized Euro Bonds Doubled in New On-Chain Value
The sharpest RWA sector spike came from Non-U.S. bonds, which saw a 101% increase in on-chain value in 2025 so far. This sector saw distinct inflection points that coincided with political headlines — most notably, accelerated inflows following Trump’s inauguration and another local jump after a selection of tariffs became effective on March 3-4.
Among Non-U.S. bonds, Euro-denominated ones stand out as the biggest winner, adding $102.6 million in on-chain value in 2025, and already outpacing 2024 on that matter. Most of these inflows went to Spiko’s EUTBL, which now accounts for over 80% of this RWA segment, experiencing 114% and 78% increases in value and holders in 2025, respectively.
However, tokenized Euro bonds account only for 1% of the entire RWA sector, meaning this hasn’t been the biggest landscape mover, despite the local surge.
BUIDL Took Over the U.S. Treasuries Segment
Tokenized U.S. treasuries had a much larger impact on the RWA sector, adding over $2.8 billion in on-chain value throughout this year. Around 79% of these inflows were allocated to BlackRock’s BUIDL, which has been securing the top spot in this segment starting mid-March. March 12, when the EU announced retaliatory tariffs, has also been the turning point in rapid BUIDL expansion, as nearly all of its gains occurred after this date. As such, BUIDL showed a more than 343% increase in new value added year-to-date, outpacing even much smaller funds.
Notably, BUIDL has also been among the leaders in attracting new holders, showing a 57% increase in the first five months of the year. This appears to be remarkable as BUIDL is not available on open markets, and features a much larger entry threshold. According to Amberdata, BUIDL features a minimum investment worth $5 million, while USTB, OUSG, USYC, and TBILL — $100,000. This signifies that the expansion of tokenized U.S. treasuries was primarily driven by institutional investors.
Another catalyst that pushed BUIDL forward was the downfall of USYC, which saw an over 3,000% increase in on-chain value in 2024, and dominated the space between November 2024 and March 2025. USYC experienced an over 73% drop in on-chain value in 2025, which began shortly before Circle’s acquisition of Hashnote, USYC issuer. The USYC drop occurred due to the yield-bearing USD0 stablecoin, which utilizes USYC as a primarily backing asset, and lost 60% of its TVL this year.
Tokenized Gold Overshadowed Its 2024 Performance
In parallel with the surge in fixed-income RWAs, tokenized commodities, especially gold, have emerged as a resilient safe-haven sector, benefitting from the same macro tailwinds. Total market cap for tokenized commodities grew by over $547 million in 2025 to date, with gold-backed tokens accounting for nearly 98% of that growth.
This momentum has been largely led by Paxos’ PAXG, Tether’s XAUT, and Kinesis’ KAU, which together make up 88% of gold-related trading activity. Among them, XAUT saw the most significant growth in user base, nearly doubling its number of holders (+102%) since January. Despite this, PAXG still dominates the space in terms of holders, outpacing XAUT by nearly 10 times.
As such, tokenized gold has already managed to beat its 2024 figures in both increased on-chain value and new holders.
While tariff-induced uncertainty served as a major catalyst to boost tokenized gold, activity stayed elevated even after the tariff noise began to subside. On April 22,tokenized gold trading volumes spiked to nearly $400 million, coinciding with gold spot prices hitting an all-time high above $3,500. This is the highest daily trading volume that tokenized gold showed since the U.S. banking crisis in March 2023.
Ethereum Ecosystem Strengthened Its RWA Dominance
In 2025, Ethereum’s role as the central infrastructure layer for RWA has become even more pronounced. The combined Ethereum ecosystem — including both mainnet and L2s — now accounts for over 82% of total RWA value hosted on general-purpose blockchains, up from 75% at the start of the year and 70% in early 2024.
This growing dominance is driven by two complementary trends: the rise of products originally launched on Ethereum such as BUIDL, and the rapid emergence of new RWA platforms on Ethereum L2s. The most notable example was the debut of Tradable, a private credit-focused platform that deployed over $1.7 billion in assets on zkSync. This single launch catapulted zkSync into the position of second-largest general-purpose blockchain in RWA.
Furthermore, unlike most other chains that depend on a single RWA vertical or flagship project, Ethereum offers the most diversified spectrum of RWA products. This gives Ethereum an inherent advantage: it’s not overly reliant on the success of any one sector. Instead, it acts as the primary execution layer for RWA growth wherever it happens.
While Ethereum dominates the general-purpose blockchain landscape, it’s important to note that in a broader view — including purpose-built blockchains — Provenance technically takes the top spot. This is largely due to its private credit platform Figure, with nearly $10 billion in RWA TVL.
Final Thoughts
RWAs are not only leading the DeFi recovery — they’re setting the pace of it. With over $7 billion in new on-chain value added in under five months, the sector is evolving to become a core infrastructure in both institutional and decentralized finance.
That said, the sector’s further short-term trajectory will largely hinge on the outcome of the existing tariff uncertainty. If trade tensions escalate, the flight to safe-haven and yield-generating RWAs could intensify even further. But a resolution, or even a de-escalation, could test the sustainability of the current inflows. Either way, RWAs have already proven their staying power as a response to market chaos.
Sources
The data used for this research consists of publicly available information from RWA.xyz, CoinGecko, DeFiLlama, and Amberdata. The observation period for this study was focused on RWA’s 2024-2025 performance, with data points starting January 1, 2024, and ending May 14, 2025.
With retail excitement growing and altcoin chatter reaching new highs, the race to find the next crypto rocket is on. Kaspa (KAS), Litecoin (LTC), and Cardano (ADA) are all making waves with bullish indicators, but there’s one project shaking up expectations. Web3Bay (3BAY) isn’t just chasing hype, it’s showing what crypto should look like in action.
Instead of waiting on ETF hype or whales to move the charts, Web3Bay rewards users for actual interaction. This e-commerce-focused platform uses crypto as a functional part of shopping. With nearly $2 million already secured in its presale and a token built for real use in payments and staking, Web3Bay is doing what most “top” cryptos still can’t, integrating into the real world.
1. Web3Bay (3BAY) Powers Past the Pack With Real Utility & High ROI Potential
Web3Bay is changing the game in 2025. This decentralized shopping hub doesn’t promise imaginary rewards, it hands users actual crypto for every purchase. No cashback, no gimmicks, just usable 3BAY tokens with staking power and governance rights. The presale is already in Stage 5, selling over 430 million tokens at $0.005247, with close to $2 million raised. The final price? $0.1959, setting the stage for an eye-popping 6,430% ROI for early buyers.
What makes 3BAY stand out isn’t just the price action; it’s the functionality. With support for PayPal, Apple Pay, and crypto wallets, Web3Bay makes onboarding seamless. The token isn’t just for spending, it’s an economic engine, unlocking exclusive access, staking yields, and voting rights.
With a total supply limited to 5 billion tokens, the supply crunch is real. This isn’t just another buzz-heavy token, it’s a platform users can actually use. If you’re hunting for the top crypto to buy now, 3BAY isn’t just in the race, it’s setting the pace.
While other coins bank on market waves, forks, and big investors, Web3Bay is going after everyday users. In a crypto world moving toward daily use and practicality, 3BAY is already miles ahead.
2. Kaspa (KAS) Gathers Momentum, Targets $0.10 Mark
Kaspa is currently priced around $0.0905 after a minor dip of 0.27%, but the overall trend remains bullish. It has logged 18 green days in the last month, with analysts projecting an 11.49% rise that could take KAS to $0.104 by May 9. With 63% bullish sentiment and a Fear & Greed Index score of 67, KAS is catching trader attention.
Looking further, Kaspa’s May price could average $0.188976, with highs reaching up to $0.317. Among proof-of-work coins, it holds real potential for short-term traders. Still, when it comes to utility, Kaspa is more speculative than functional.
3. Litecoin (LTC) Surges on ETF Buzz, Eyes $100 Milestone
Litecoin is on the move, now priced at $88.32 after a 7% jump and nearly $900 million in volume. The rally is fueled by whispers of a spot Litecoin ETF, though SEC approval is still pending. Technically, LTC looks strong, support at $81.43 is holding, and the Chaikin Money Flow just turned positive.
With an RSI of 58.49, momentum is picking up. A breakout above $96 could lead to a run toward the critical $100 mark. As a payment-focused token, Litecoin remains solid, but its breakout hopes rest on institutional moves. For ETF-driven plays, it’s one of the top cryptos to buy now, but the upside is tied to outside catalysts.
4. Cardano (ADA) Gains Whale Attention While Holding Key Support
Cardano is trading at $0.6635 after rising 1.79%. Though its price moves have been calm, the fundamentals are anything but quiet. In April alone, whales moved over $9.12 billion in large ADA transactions, pointing to serious institutional interest.
ADA continues to hold above its Fibonacci support level, and a break past $0.70 could signal a bigger run. Analysts believe it could reach $1.4045 before the end of 2025, supported by platform upgrades and ETF possibilities. Cardano is a steady Layer-1, but it’s still in waiting mode, not quite firing off yet.
Web3Bay Is Delivering Now, While Others Wait
Kaspa, Litecoin, and Cardano are all pushing forward, each driven by different narratives, mining power, ETF buzz, or steady network upgrades. But the crypto world is shifting fast, and real-world use is becoming the new benchmark. That’s exactly where Web3Bay stands tall.
This isn’t just another token with hype around the corner, it’s a live platform where crypto rewards happen daily. By tapping into how people already spend online, Web3Bay turns routine shopping into a crypto-earning experience. With payments, staking, and governance baked into one utility-focused coin, 3BAY is doing what big-name projects still only talk about.
With nearly $2 million in presale funding and practical integrations already in place, Web3Bay is proving that the top crypto to buy now isn’t always the one with the loudest name; it’s the one that actually works.
Disclaimer: This is a paid post and should not be treated as news/advice. LiveBitcoinNews is not responsible for any loss or damage resulting from the content, products, or services referenced in this press release.
30 April 2025 – Pencil Finance, the student loan real-world-asset (RWA) protocol on EDU Chain that is co-incubated by Animoca Brands and HackQuest, today announced that Open Campus and Animoca Brands have deployed US$10 million in liquidity as loan collateral to facilitate DeFi student loans on the Pencil Finance platform.
Pencil Finance is a decentralized lending protocol designed to bring student loan financing on-chain, transforming how student debt is serviced. It connects global investors with trusted student loan originators through tokenized loan bundles.
EDU Chain is a Layer 3 blockchain on Arbitrum Orbit that is designed for consumer-facing education apps and on-chain education finance (EduFi). EDU Chain is powered by the EDU token (EDU) which is listed on Binance, KuCoin, Gate.io, Bithumb, MEXC, Bitmart, and various other exchanges.
Open Campus, which is the foundation behind EDU Chain, and Animoca Brands have contributed US$10 million as liquidity to Pencil Finance to be used as loan collateral. The goal is to expand access to education financing through blockchain technology.
Recent policy changes in the U.S. could put millions of borrowers at risk of defaulting on their student loans, highlighting the urgent need for accessible, transparent, and efficient financing solutions for the student loan market, which is estimated to be worth around US$3 trillion globally (Market Research Future, April 2025).
Yat Siu, co-founder and executive chairman of Animoca Brands, said: “Blockchain is redefining how education is funded and developed. By bringing student loans on-chain, this initiative seeks to boost transparency, efficiency, and Web3 adoption for potentially hundreds of millions of students globally, while also increasing financial literacy. We believe this will have very significant implications for the US$3 trillion student loan market.”
Frank Li, co-founder of Pencil Finance, said: “Blockchain technology allows us to reimagine student lending from the ground up. By bringing loans on-chain, we deliver transparency, efficiency, and access at a global scale, helping students everywhere unlock new educational opportunities.”
Harry Zhang, co-founder and CMO of HackQuest, said: ‘This milestone demonstrates the real-world impact of blockchain in education. On-chain loans empower students and open new opportunities for investors.”
Through Pencil Finance’s student loan RWA protocol, whitelisted users can provide liquidity to loan pools. Whitelisted users can choose to deploy capital to a Senior Tranche or a Junior Tranche for higher returns with first-loss risk. Pencil Finance enables loans to be deployed, and repayments to be managed, transparently on-chain.
Pencil Finance issued its first loan this week; the recipient is HackQuest, which will use the loan proceeds to incentivize student developers learning about EDU Chain on the HackQuest platform.
-END-
About Open Campus
Open Campus is a community-led DAO that is building an on-chain education network to empower both educators and students. Core contributors to the Open Campus DAO include Animoca Brands, TinyTap, NewCampus, RiseIn, and HackQuest. Together, they are working with Open Campus to enhance the education system for teachers, learners, and institutions by using innovative blockchain protocols and funding initiatives. Open Campus has launched EDU Chain, a Layer 3 blockchain on Arbitrum Orbit designed for consumer-facing education apps and on-chain education finance (EduFi), powered by the EDU token.
About Animoca Brands
Animoca Brands Corporation Limited (ACN: 122 921 813) is a Web3 leader that leverages tokenization and blockchain to deliver digital property rights to consumers, helping to establish the open metaverse and its associated network effects. It has received broad industry and market recognition including Fortune Crypto 40, Top 50 Blockchain Game Companies 2025, Financial Times’ High Growth Companies Asia-Pacific, and Deloitte Tech Fast.
Animoca Brands realizes its mission via three integrated business pillars: operating Web3 businesses to advance blockchain adoption with native projects such as Moca Network, Anichess, The Sandbox, Open Campus, NEOM Web3 initiatives, and a regulated stablecoin project in partnership with Standard Chartered and HKT; providing digital asset advisory services including tokenomics advisory, liquidity provisioning, and institutional research to help external Web3 projects grow; and investment management, with a portfolio of investments in over 540 companies including industry leaders Pudgy Penguins, Yuga Labs, Axie Infinity, Polygon, Consensys, Magic Eden, OpenSea, Dapper Labs, YGG, and many others.
HackQuest is the gateway to the Web3 development world, providing a comprehensive, one-stop educational infrastructure that minimizes friction and helps onboard developers and non developers to the world of Web3. HackQuest believes that improving Web3 developer education is key to driving mass adoption.
About Pencil FinancePencil Finance is a decentralized lending protocol focused on bringing real-world student loan financing on-chain. It connects investors with verified student loan originators, turning student debt into a transparent, investable asset class. Pencil uses blockchain infrastructure, a dual-tranche capital structure, and smart contracts to deliver structured, risk-adjusted returns backed by real-world student loan portfolios, enabling sustainable yield generation with tangible social impact.
Disclaimer: This is a paid post and should not be treated as news/advice. LiveBitcoinNews is not responsible for any loss or damage resulting from the content, products, or services referenced in this press release.
WazirX plans to resume trading by May 2025 after $234M hack.
The exchange is to begin user compensation after Singapore court’s May 13 ruling.
WazirX, an Indian cryptocurrency exchange, is working to resume its operations following a devastating cyberattack in July 2024 that resulted in the theft of $234 million from its users. The company plans to return to operations by May 2025 based on the pending judgment from Singapore’s High Court scheduled for May 13, 2025. The exchange requires the Singapore High Court ruling to advance its user compensation program and platform restructuring following the hack.
WazirX Plans User Compensation Post-Court Approval on May 13, 2025
WazirX announced on its official X account on April 21, 2025, that the platform will begin trading again ten business days after the court approves the proposed restructuring plan. The platform plans to start compensating users who suffered monetary losses from the breach immediately following the court’s decision. WazirX provided its customer base a confirmation that it maintains timeline adherence and constantly communicates transparently about recovery progress.
Zettai PTE Ltd, as the parent company of the exchange, finished the required steps that allow further recovery progression, while the court hearing represents the next main checkpoint to finalize compensation scheme details. The first fund distribution to users will begin promptly after the court validates the recovery procedures, according to WazirX.
Users experienced extensive impact from the July 2024 hack because it prevented numerous individuals from accessing their cryptocurrency assets. WazirX has developed plans to launch a decentralized exchange (DEX) combined with new cryptocurrency token creation to support victims of the security breach. The exchange follows these initiatives as part of its strategy to win back user confidence and normalize its operational conditions.
WazirX has maintained steady advancement of its restructuring program even while encountering regulatory and legal hurdles in the Indian market. The company achieved more than nine out of ten creditor approvals for its recovery plan. The majority of investors show restraint regarding their recoveries because they believe they will receive back only 45 to 50% of their lost funds. This figure is significantly lower than what users had hoped for, given the scale of the breach.
WazirX Remains Optimistic About Court Approval for Compensation Plan
Legal issues in India have complicated the situation further. The Indian Supreme Court dismissed the 54 hacked victims’ petition, which targeted WazirX as well as the Binance network and the custody provider Liminal with legal actions. The court determined that crypto policy issues exceeded its authority; thus, it referred victims to contact appropriate regulatory bodies.
WazirX continues its Singapore restructuring activities without any resolution of the legal situation in India. The company maintains positive expectations that court endorsement will permit providing compensation to users who were affected. Many users remain worried about how the court delays, alongside uncertain recovery rates, will affect their situation.
Crypto analyst Ajay Kashyap emphasized that India lacks proper regulations that protect the crypto market. The Indian crypto user base must pay transaction taxes, but has no legal defense in case of hacker attacks. Numerous crypto experts, along with the entire digital currency network, express their annoyance about unclear regulatory standards and insufficient consumer safeguards.
Despite these challenges, WazirX maintains its dedication to repairing its platform while also recovering funds for its user base. The company expects the approaching court decision to restore its ability to honor its promises while rebuilding its position in the cryptocurrency sector.
Coinbase launches XRP futures with CFTC oversight for secure, regulated trading.
Nano and standard contracts open XRP trading to all investor levels.
Coinbase, one of the largest cryptocurrency platforms in the United States, has officially launched futures contracts for the XRP token on its US derivatives exchange. The April 21 announcement marked a significant milestone for regulated digital asset trading.
Coinbase Offers XRP Futures for All Investor Levels
The futures contracts receive oversight from the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Traders automatically receive a “regulated and capital-efficient way to access one of the most liquid digital assets” from Coinbase. XRP trading has become more secure and standardized after investors gained access to this new, escalated trading methodology.
Furthermore, the launch provides standard contracts representing 10,000 XRP and small nano contracts catering to retail investors covering 500 XRP. The current XRP market value of $2.13 matches the total worth of $1,000 for a nano contract. The new structure lets investors of every financial capacity enter the market.
Before the launch, Coinbase Derivatives applied to the CFTC for authorization of their XRP futures. Now that contracts operate in the market, XRP traders benefit from better price point accuracy and more dependable market environments. XRP demand as a fast and inexpensive international payment solution requires reliable market conditions because this digital currency has become famous for its quick, low-cost transactions.
In addition, the regulated XRP futures contracts might enable the creation of a future XRP spot exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the U.S. Many experts see futures contracts as vital elements toward establishing spot ETFs because they improve both pricing accuracy and defend against market manipulation risks.
Meanwhile, the launch time of this development carries important strategic value. This trading launch appears just when the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) made its decision to abandon its ongoing appeal against Ripple. The legal dispute remained a source of uncertainty about XRP for multiple years. In addition, Ripple settled its legal dispute with the SEC by reaching a $50 million agreement. The growing investor confidence in XRP demonstrates the positive outcome.
XRP Enters New Era with Legal Wins and Market Growth
Also worth noting, the good market performance stimulates investment companies to create new financial products. The company Teucrium introduced its 2x leveraged XRP Exchange-Traded Fund to the market. The product allows investors to increase their XRP market exposure twice as much.
Moreover, Ripple keeps expanding its services at full speed. Hidden Road now operates under the company’s umbrella after its purchase, as the enterprise grows its business with institutions. This organization assists major finance companies with their daily cash requirements that total over $10 billion. Ripple buys this company to transform XRP into a major settlement mechanism for cross-asset financial transactions.
At the same time, major asset management firms Bitwise and Franklin Templeton now show interest alongside Ripple in creating XRP asset products. The SEC applicants want to offer XRP ETFs because institutions need this product.
The launch takes place as Ripple and the SEC approach a settlement that will end their legal dispute. The parties filed a joint motion this month to pause their case since they had a basic settlement arrangement in place. The case will formally conclude its proceedings within the next two months if the parties receive approval.
Ultimately, Coinbase’s introduction of XRP futures impacts XRP’s role as a coin for regulated financial markets. With legal clarity improving and investor interest rising, XRP appears to be stepping into a new era.
Following the success of its first Battlepass season, Whale.io is excited to launch Battlepass Season 2, bringing players a fresh wave of rewards and features. This new season builds on the strong foundation of Season 1, offering enhanced benefits like the chance to win two Lamborghinis, $Whale Tokens, and a range of exclusive perks. With a focus on blockchain-driven security and innovative gamification, Season 2 delivers a richer, more rewarding experience for crypto gaming enthusiasts.
A Proven Success, Elevated for Season 2 in Whale.io
The first Battlepass season at Whale Casino captivated players worldwide, setting a new standard for engagement and rewards in the crypto casino space. Season 1 introduced innovative features like Lootboxes, Tribe Earnings, and $Whale Token integration, creating a vibrant community of players who embraced the platform’s unique approach to gaming. Building on this momentum, Battlepass Season 2 amplifies the excitement with enhanced rewards, new opportunities, and unparalleled prizes that make every moment on the platform unforgettable.
Whale Casino Key Highlights of Battlepass Season 2
Battlepass Season 2 retains the core features that made Season 1 a hit while introducing thrilling additions designed to captivate both new and returning players. Here’s what Battlepass holders can expect:
Double Lamborghini Giveaway: In a move, Whale Casino is offering two Lamborghinis as flagship prizes in Season 2. These iconic supercars symbolize the high-octane thrill of the Battlepass, giving players the chance to drive away in style. Whether it is a seasoned player or a newcomer, the opportunity to win a Lamborghini adds an electrifying dimension to every bet.
Higher Rewards and Bonuses: Season 2 takes rewards to the next level with bonuses, including boosted multipliers, cashback offers, exciting freebets, and freespins. These enhanced incentives ensure that every gaming session is packed with opportunities to maximize winnings.
Freespins Galore: Battlepass holders will enjoy a generous allocation of freespins, unlocking additional chances to hit big wins across Whale Casino’s extensive game library. These spins are tailored to keep the action flowing and the rewards stacking.
$Whale Tokens: The upcoming Whale Token remains a cornerstone of the Battlepass experience. Season 2 holders will receive $Whale Tokens, which can be used for in-platform perks, traded in the crypto market, or saved for future value appreciation, offering a unique blend of gaming and investment potential.
Exclusive Whale Merch: From limited-edition apparel to premium casino-themed collectibles, Season 2 Battlepass holders will gain access to exclusive merchandise that celebrates their status as Whale Casino VIPs.
Higher RAF Earnings for Battlepass holders: Levelling up in Battlepass gives higher Refer-a-Friend percentage to Battlepass holders. Inviting Friends will help to earn more than regular Planktons.
Lootboxes Packed with Surprises: The popular Lootbox feature returns with even more mystery rewards and boxes. Players can unlock bonus credits, rare digital collectibles, or special in-game perks, adding an element of surprise to every gaming session.
Lead Your Own Tribes: The Tribe feature continues to foster community and competition. Players can form or join Tribes, unlocking tribe-specific challenges, rewards, and bragging rights as they climb the leaderboards together.
Why Get the Battlepass Season 2 in Whale Casino
The Battlepass Season 2 is more than a gaming upgrade—it’s a ticket to a world of excitement, community, and rewards. Here’s why every player should secure their pass:
Unprecedented Prizes: The chance to win one of two Lamborghinis sets Season 2 apart as a game-changer in the casino world. These dream cars are within reach for Battlepass holders, making every spin a step closer to an extraordinary prize.
More Excitement and Fun: Season 2 deepens the gaming experience with rewards at each level up. Players are incentivized to explore the platform, conquer milestones, and unlock exclusive content, transforming gaming into an epic adventure.
Blockchain Security and Transparency: Built on blockchain technology, the Battlepass ensures every transaction, reward, and prize draw is secure, transparent, and verifiable. Players can play with confidence, knowing fairness is guaranteed.
Community and Competition: The Tribe system fosters camaraderie and rivalry, allowing players to connect, strategize, and compete for collective rewards. It’s gaming with a social edge.
Earning Opportunities with $Whale Tokens: The integration of $Whale Tokens offers players a passive income with staking on Whale. As the token grows in utility and value, Battlepass holders stand to benefit both in-game and in the broader market.
Exclusive Access: Battlepass holders have early access to new games, priority entry to tournaments, and content unavailable to non-pass holders, ensuring they’re always at the forefront of Whale Casino’s innovations.
The Role of Whale Token in Season 2
The upcoming Whale Token continues to play a pivotal role in Whale Casino’s ecosystem. In Season 2, $Whale Tokens will unlock premium features, facilitate special transactions, and grant access to exclusive events. As the token evolves, it may also empower players to influence platform decisions, making Battlepass holders not just players, but stakeholders in Whale Casino’s future.
Participation in the High-Speed Challenge
Whale Casino invites players to buckle up for Battlepass Season 2, where the stakes are higher, the rewards are bigger, and the prizes are nothing short of spectacular. From the chance to win a Lamborghini to the thrill of exclusive rewards and $Whale Tokens, Season 2 is set to redefine crypto gaming.
Whale.io has launched Season 2 of its Battlepass, providing users with access to new features and community engagement opportunities through its gamified platform.
About Whale Casino
Whale Casino is a trailblazer in crypto gaming, combining cutting-edge blockchain technology with an immersive casino experience. Committed to security, transparency, and player satisfaction, Whale Casino continues to push boundaries, delivering unparalleled entertainment to a global audience.
Discovering the future of Whale.io and $WHALE token by checking them out here:
