برچسب: Crypto

You Can Now Use Bitget Wallet to Pay with Crypto via QR Ph
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. BitPinas has no commercial relationship with any mentioned entity unless otherwise stated.

Bitget Wallet, a decentralized multi-chain crypto wallet developed by international crypto exchange Bitget, now supports national QR code payments in Vietnam and the Philippines.

This means that Filipino users can now scan QR Ph codes to pay for goods and services using stablecoins like $USDT and $USDC across multiple blockchains, including Ethereum, TRON, Solana, Base, TON, and BNB Chain.

Moreover, as part of the launch, users who use the feature at partner merchants will receive a 50% cashback on their first transaction until July 30, 2025, as announced by Bitget.

Game Changer? Crypto as Payment at Bitget Wallet

In a statement, Bitget shared the integration is part of its broader PayFi initiative aimed at bridging web3 technologies with real-world use cases. It is the first self-custody solution to enable QR-based crypto payments using national systems in both countries.

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In the Philippines, the crypto exchange clarified that purchases can be made at retail shops, restaurants, cafes, and food stalls, wherever QR Ph is accepted as a mode of payment.

It is because Bitget Wallet’s scan-to-pay function can automatically detect whether a QR code is blockchain-based, like Solana Pay; or a national QR, like QR Ph; and then process the transaction accordingly.
- Crypto balances are used directly for payment in this feature.
Moreover, the team behind Bitget Wallet expressed that by enabling direct stablecoin payments via QR Ph, the feature eliminates the need for peer-to-peer conversions for small-value transactions and offers a faster, more seamless experience for crypto users.

However, as of this writing, token conversion and gas-free payments are not yet active.

“We’re helping crypto become something people actually use—to eat, shop, travel, and live.”

Bitget Wallet

How to Pay via QR Ph at Bitget Wallet

Users need to scan a QR code from a local merchant, input the payment amount, and complete the transaction through the Bitget Wallet app.
- Open Bitget Wallet and tap the scan icon.
- Scan a QR Ph code.
- Enter the payment amount.
- Confirm the transaction.
- Receive cashback in $USDT to the same wallet (for the first transaction).
Promo: 50% Cashback at First Transaction

When a user uses the feature on Bitget Wallet for the first time, they will enjoy a 50% cashback of up to 2 $USDT. This is according to the announcement of Bitget.

Here are other reminders about the promo:
- Cashback is credited within 1 business day.
- Abuse or fraud leads to disqualification.
“We’re giving 50% cashback on your first crypto payment made via national QR codes in Vietnam or the Philippines.”

Bitget Wallet

Bitget in PH

Recently, Bitget Wallet highlighted its growing presence in Southeast Asia during Philippines Blockchain Week held at the SMX Convention Center Manila from June 10 to 11.

Will Wu, Head of Growth at Bitget Wallet, joined a panel on “Secrets of the Big Global Exchanges,” sharing insights on user trust and platform growth. At its booth, Bitget Wallet showcased its integration of Solana Pay and national QR code payments, reinforcing its push for accessible crypto transactions.

Bitget also partnered with crypto educator Cryptita Plays to launch the Young Learners’ Encyclopedia, an illustrated book that simplifies blockchain concepts for children in underserved areas of the Philippines.

Other Bitget News

Bitget Wallet was rebranded last month with a simpler interface and new features as part of its global “Crypto for Everyone Movement” and $1 million campaign to boost adoption, now supporting 130+ blockchains, real-world payments, tokenized assets, and a beginner-friendly “Simple Mode.”

This article is published on BitPinas: You Can Now Use Bitget Wallet to Pay with Crypto via QR Ph

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ژوئن 26, 2025
$481M Crypto Liquidations Rekt Traders After Israel-Iran Tension Eases
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. BitPinas has no commercial relationship with any mentioned entity unless otherwise stated.

The crypto market experienced significant liquidations, totaling around $481 million, or about ₱27.4 billion, mostly from short positions, in the past 24 hours, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire.

Key Details
- $BTC and $ETH led the liquidations, recording $153.95 million and $152.16 million, respectively.
- Among meme coins, $1000PEPE led with $7.55 million in liquidations, followed by $DOGE at $6.50 million, and $FARTCOIN at $6.29 million.
- Altcoins also experienced significant liquidations, with $SOL topping the list at $28.26 million, followed by $XRP with $11.27 million and $SUI with $5.96 million.
- The iGaming token $FUN also faced liquidations, totaling $7.88 million.
Liquidation Breakdown in the Last 24 Hrs
- Total Traders Affected: 132,945
- Largest Single Liquidation: $12.1 million $ETH-$USDT trade on crypto exchange Binance
- Long Positions: $115.49 million in liquidations
- Short Positions: $365.82 million in liquidations
Exchanges’ Impact
- Binance: $169.11 million (75.09% short positions)
- Bybit: $159.71 million (78.69% short positions)
- OKX: $63.89 million (69.22% short positions)
- Gate.io: $55.83 million (81.08% short positions)
- HTX: $29.58million (71.18% short positions)
- CoinEx: $2.56 million (80.45% short positions)
- Bitfinex: $414,690 (99.41% short positions)
- Bitmex: $138,940 (60.64% short positions)
Israel-Iran Tension: How it Affects Crypto Market

Heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East triggered a sharp selloff in the cryptocurrency market, briefly sending $BTC below the $100,000 mark.

The turmoil followed a series of U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, which President Donald Trump labeled a “success,” amid rising hostilities between Israel and Iran. The escalation rattled global financial markets, prompting risk-off behavior and a spike in crypto trading volume.

Market analysts noted the downturn could be temporary, with BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes hinting at renewed monetary stimulus.

“This weakness shall pass and $BTC will leave no doubt as to its safe haven status.”

Arthur Hayes, Co-Founder, BitMEX

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However, a day after Iran’s retaliation against the U.S. and missile attack on a U.S. military base in Qatar, Trump announced that the two countries in conflict had agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire.”

On the other hand, Trump Media and Technology Group Corp. confirmed it is moving forward with a massive $2.3 billion $BTC treasury strategy while also launching a $400 million stock buyback program.

The company, founded by Trump and listed on Nasdaq and NYSE Texas under the ticker $DJT, announced that the buyback will be executed through open market transactions and will not affect its previously announced bitcoin plan. Shares and warrants repurchased will then be retired.

CEO Devin Nunes said the move reflects confidence in the company’s strategic direction, highlighting that Trump Media now holds approximately $3 billion in cash.

“We have the flexibility to take actions like this which support strong shareholder returns.”

Devin Nunes, Chief Executive Officer, Trump Media and Technology Group Corp.

This article is published on BitPinas: $481M Crypto Liquidations Rekt Traders After Israel-Iran Tension Eases

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ژوئن 26, 2025
Unitronix Adds Bitcoin to Treasury in Strategic Crypto Shift
- Unitronix adds Bitcoin to treasury, advancing its digital asset strategy.
- Company plans $2M Bitcoin allocation to boost financial flexibility.
- Expanding crypto portfolio includes Ethereum, stablecoins, and DeFi tokens.
Unitronix Corp. has recently taken a significant step to expand its presence in the digital asset space. The company that specializes in blockchain technology, real-world asset (RWA) tokenization and crypto asset management revealed that it has updated its company strategy of its investor. This development involves acquiring Bitcoin for its treasury.

Unitronix to Allocate $2M to Bitcoin

This step is an indication of a larger direction in the company. Unitronix began as a digital asset portfolio management firm, but is now involved in the new technology of cryptocurrency investment with conventional treasury management strategies. The choice shows the increasing tendency of tech-related companies to use Bitcoin both as a store of value and financial development tool.

The rationale of this change lies in the fact that Bitcoin may be used in two major ways. On the one hand, it will provide a strong core treasury reserve that will help in the consolidation of the finances of the business. Second, it will serve as a major asset in the crypto investment tentative of the firm. With this, Unitronix anticipates to control more of the liquidity, ensure protection against the depreciating value of fiat currencies, and follow the long-term capital gains.

With this strategy, the company intends to allocate a preliminary amount of up to 2 million Dollars into Bitcoin. The takeover is projected to be realized in the near future. After the initial investment, Unitronix may buy more Bitcoin depending on market performance and available funds. Additionally, the company is exploring decentralized finance (DeFi) options. These options could help Unitronix generate income. At the same time, it plans to protect its core capital through careful financial planning.

Unitronix Highlights Growing Corporate Interest in Bitcoin

This accompanies the fact that the firm is still expanding its crypto portfolio. Up to now, it contains a combination of Ethereum, stablecoins, and DeFi tokens. The introduction of Bitcoin, however, is another indicator of long-term dedication to digital assets, which the company is committed to. This dedication was initially exercised when the company made its soft launch at the end of 2024, recording an exceeded 300% in gains realized.

As part of its broader financial management, Unitronix has also undertaken a stock buyback program. By January 2025, the company had repurchased its amount of outstanding shares by 165 million. This move is an indication that the management has long-term prospects of its changing strategy and a desire to strengthen the investor confidence.

Furthermore, Unitronix adopts a strategy that balances innovation with caution. By integrating Bitcoin into both its treasury and investment operations, the company enhances its adaptability. As a result, Unitronix positions itself to remain secure and responsive in today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape. Its main objective is to deliver sustained value to the shareholders and be at the forefront of the digital economy.

According to the observers, this is an indication of an increasing interest in digital currencies by progressive companies. As other companies continue researching how to employ the crypto asset, and Bitcoin in particular, the move by Unitronix could affect other practices.

Ultimately, Unitronix uses Bitcoin in its financial activities, demonstrating a significant shift in the attitude of businesses to digital currencies. In such a way, this tactic is helping this company not only redefine its future but also the overall use of decentralized financial instruments.
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ژوئن 26, 2025
Bybit Pay Now Lets Filipinos Use Crypto with QR Ph Payments
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. BitPinas has no commercial relationship with any mentioned entity unless otherwise stated.

Crypto enthusiasts from the Philippines and Vietnam can now use Bybit Pay, a crypto payment service by the international cryptocurrency exchange that allows users to shop at supported merchants, including mobile top-ups, using the 16 available cryptocurrencies through QR code payments.

To celebrate the launch, those who use the feature can earn $BTC cashback airdrops, according to Bybit.

Bybit Pay Can Now Read QR Ph

In a statement, Bybit confirmed that the feature is fully integrated with the QR Ph national standard, allowing users to scan QR codes and make payments on the Bybit Pay interface at participating merchants, including those under AEON Pay.

AEON, a partner in the launch, provides QR payment acceptance across a wide merchant network, especially in urban areas.

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Aside from its launch in the Philippines with QR Ph integration, Bybit has also rolled out Bybit Pay in Vietnam, supporting the country’s VietQR.

Earlier this year, in January, the crypto exchange introduced Bybit Card QR Pay in Brazil, integrating with the country’s Pix payment system, which enables real-time transfers and offers lower transaction fees.

How it Works

Transactions through Bybit Pay follow a streamlined, QR-based process aligned with the QR Ph standard:

Step 1: Users scan a merchant’s QR Ph code using the Bybit Pay app.

Step 2: The app generates a unique payment QR code for the user to approve the crypto transaction.

Step 3: The merchant scans the approved QR code, completing the payment instantly.

$BTC Cashback Airdrop

As part of its Southeast Asia rollout, Bybit also announced that Bybit Pay is offering $BTC cashback airdrops for users in the Philippines and Vietnam who pay using QR Ph or VietQR codes.

Running until June 30, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., PH time, the promo rewards users who spend at least $5 per day with $1 worth of $BTC per eligible transaction.

How to Join:

Step 1: Register for the promo on the Bybit platform.

Step 2: Open the Bybit app and scan QR Ph (Philippines) or VietQR (Vietnam) codes at participating stores.

Step 3: Spend at least $5 (or local equivalent) on eligible purchases.

Step 4: Claim your BTC rewards through the event page.

The promo applies to daily spending across everyday categories like food, drinks, and fashion, with participating merchants including UNIQLO.

Transactions are fee-free, with QR payments made through Bybit Pay processed instantly.

What is Bybit Pay?

According to its website, Bybit Pay supports both online and in-store transactions and integrates with national QR code payment systems.

It also allows users to transfer crypto to other users with zero fees.

Key features include:
- QR code-based payments for seamless checkout at retail merchants.
- Multi-currency support, including $BTC, $ETH, $USDT, and fiat like BRL.
- Instant payment processing with no transaction fees during promos.
- Integration with AEON Pay for wide retail coverage.
- Secure blockchain encryption for private, tamper-proof transactions.
- Available globally to verified users, except in restricted countries.
This article is published on BitPinas: Bybit Pay Now Lets Filipinos Use Crypto with QR Ph Payments

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ژوئن 25, 2025
Crypto News You May Have Missed This Week | June 14, 2025

From Stripe acquiring Privy to crypto updates in Singapore, here are the stories you may have missed this week.

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ژوئن 14, 2025
Bitcoin & Crypto Trading Blog – CEX.I
- 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

Record-High Bot Activity Helps Reshape Ethereum’s DEX Landscape

Bots were primarily used for automating swaps, arbitrage strategies, and liquidity routing, which contributed to the spike in stablecoin 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 asset on 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.
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ژوئن 9, 2025
How Hardware Wallets Keep Your Crypto Safe | by Lucien Bourdon | Jun, 2025
Buying crypto is easy. Securing it puts you in control.

If you’ve wondered whether exchanges are really safe, or what it means to “hold your own keys,” you’re not alone.

This article is for anyone who wants to take the next step: to understand what self-custody really means, why it matters, and how a hardware wallet helps you protect what’s yours.

Buying crypto is just the beginning. The most important part is you secure it.

Most people start by keeping crypto on an exchange or in an app. It’s easy, but it comes with a cost: you’re trusting someone else to hold your money. And if that platform gets hacked, freezes your account, or shuts down, your assets could disappear overnight.

Self-custody changes that. It means you, and only you, control the private keys that unlock your crypto. No third parties or gatekeepers.

Crypto was built on the idea of independence. Self-custody puts that into practice. It’s a shift in mindset: you’re not just investing, you’re owning your financial future.

A hardware wallet is a tool built for one purpose: keeping your crypto keys safe by keeping them offline.

When you set it up, your private keys are created inside the device, and they never leave it.

Even when plugged into your phone or computer, the wallet doesn’t share those keys. Instead, it signs transactions internally, then sends only the signed data out. Your keys stay isolated from the internet at all times.

This is called cold storage, and it’s the foundation of how hardware wallets protect your crypto.

The reason offline storage matters is simple: most online threats rely on access.

Malware, phishing attacks, and remote exploits all try to steal your private keys. But with a hardware wallet, the keys never touch your computer or phone, so your crypto stays safe even if those are compromised.

Each transaction must be physically confirmed on the device. You see exactly what you’re approving before anything is sent, which prevents invisible tampering.

The wallet runs minimal, purpose-built code. No extra apps. No background processes. That simplicity reduces the ways something can go wrong.

It’s this combination — offline isolation, physical confirmation, and minimal attack surface — that gives hardware wallets their unmatched level of protection.

Crypto wallets fall into two main types: software and hardware.
- A software wallet is an app on your phone or computer. It’s great for quick access and small payments, but because it’s connected to the internet, your keys are more exposed.
- A hardware wallet stores your keys offline in a separate device. This makes it much harder for hackers or malware to access your funds.
Use a software wallet if you are transacting often, and a hardware wallet for long-term saving.

A good rule of thumb: only keep in a software wallet what you’d carry in cash.

By combining both, you get the best of both worlds: speed and convenience for daily use, security, and peace of mind for long-term storage.

A hardware wallet protects your keys, but you’re still responsible for backing them up.

When you set up your wallet, it gives you a backup: a list of words to write down and store safely, also called a seed phrase or recovery seed.

Never share your backup, store it digitally, or enter it into an internet-connected device. If someone else gets access to it, they can take your funds; no hacking required.

If your wallet goes missing, your backup gets you back on track.

Want to go deeper? Read our full guide to wallet backups.

Trezor was the first hardware wallet ever created, launched in 2014. Since then, it’s become one of the most trusted tools for Bitcoin and crypto self-custody.

Its software and firmware are fully open source, meaning anyone can review and test the code. This kind of transparency helps ensure the security behind the device is real, not just claimed.

Trezor is designed to make self-custody simple. Setting up a wallet is beginner-friendly, and advanced features are available when you’re ready to use them.

Your keys never leave the device. No one (not even Trezor) can access your funds, freeze your account, or act on your behalf.

Behind Trezor is a security-first team and a global community that values privacy, personal freedom, and open technology. And if you ever need help, our support team is here to assist — real people ready to guide you.

Getting started with Trezor is simple. The device guides you through setup step by step, and the Trezor Suite app makes it easy to manage your wallet.

Once your wallet is set up, the most important step is to test and secure your recovery backup. Trezor Suite includes a built-in check so you can make sure everything is written down correctly before you need it.

After that, you’re ready to send and receive crypto.

If you want personal guidance, Trezor Expert offers one-on-one onboarding. A team member will walk you through setup, answer your questions, and help you feel fully in control from the start.

Taking control of your crypto comes with responsibility, but it also brings peace of mind.

With a hardware wallet, you know your keys are safe, and your money is truly yours.
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ژوئن 9, 2025
Crypto Exchange MEXC Taps Ivana Alawi’s Sibling to Lead Philippine Expansion
Aiming to push its expansion in the country, international cryptocurrency exchange MEXC appointed Amira Alawi as its new country manager for the Philippines.

She is a Moroccan-Filipino marketing consultant and entrepreneur with the real name of Amira Marbella Al-Alawi and is the older sister of Filipina actress Ivana Alawi.

Amira Alawi: The New MEXC PH Chief

According to her reposted article on LinkedIn, Alawi will be responsible for overseeing MEXC’s local operations and driving user adoption through community-focused initiatives.

“It’s kind of a big deal for someone who’s been fighting for more women in web3 representation and inclusivity. I’ve only doxxed recently but I’ve always been heavy in trading.”

Amira Alawi, Country Manager for the Philippines, MEXC

As per the statement, through her leadership, MEXC plans to launch localized education campaigns, creator-led content, and partnerships.

Alawi emphasized that web3 is not just about financial gains but a way to transform how Filipinos interact with technology, content, and capital by making this shift more accessible, particularly for women, creators, and digital entrepreneurs interested in learning about web3 and blockchain.

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Moreover, MEXC noted that Alawi’s background in influencer-driven campaigns, startup acceleration, and digital education, makes her well-equipped to lead localized, community-first strategies that resonate with the Filipino market.

“Mass adoption isn’t about hype—it’s about trust, knowledge, and relevance. That’s why we’re investing in leaders like Amira who can bring the message home, in language that connects with the market.”

MEXC

Amira Alawi: A Woman Leader in Web3

In addition to her role at MEXC, Alawi is also the head of social media and growth at Sovrun, a Filipino-led blockchain projecty formerly known as BreederDAO.

Amira is also a content creator with over five million views on TikTok, using her influence to promote crypto adoption and digital education.

She recently spoke at the AIBC World x SiGMA World Tour 2025 and will speak at Philippine Blockchain Week on June 10 to 11, 2025.

What is MEXC?

MEXC is a global cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2018. According to its website, it serves over 40 million users across more than 170 countries and offers spot, futures, and margin trading.

Recently, MEXC increased its involvement within the Solana ecosystem by acting as a significant sponsor for the Solana Summit APAC 2025.

It claims to have its core principles through its acronym:
- M: Most trending tokens to keep you ahead of the curve in the fast-evolving crypto space.
- E: Everyday airdrops, bringing you consistent rewards and opportunities.
- X: Xtremely low fees, empowering you with affordable trading and greater growth potential.
- C: Comprehensive liquidity to ensure smooth and seamless transactions, even in volatile markets.
However, it must be noted that MEXC is currently not registered and licensed as a virtual asset service provider (VASP) in the country, and there is currently a moratorium on accepting applications for it.

This article is published on BitPinas: Crypto Exchange MEXC Taps Ivana Alawi’s Sibling to Lead Philippine Expansion

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ژوئن 7, 2025
Crypto News You May Have Missed This Week | May 24, 2025
From Sui’s Cetus Protocol Hack to Pi Network Scam allegations, here is a roundup of the top crypto stories you may have missed.

Sui’s Cetus Protocol hacked for $260M

Sui’s largest decentralized exchange, Cetus Protocol, was hacked for $260 million, triggering a major crisis for the SUI ecosystem. The attacker exploited the platform using fake tokens like BULLA to manipulate liquidity pools and drain real assets, including 12.9 million SUI and $60 million in USDC.

The hacker later converted a large portion of the stolen USDC into 21,938 ETH, in an attempt to launder the funds. In response, Cetus immediately paused its smart contracts and launched a full investigation, while the SUI token price dropped roughly 15%, falling to around $3.90.

Cetus is now focused on damage control, recovering stolen assets, and reinforcing ecosystem security.

U.S. Senate Advances GENIUS Act

In a historic move, the U.S. Senate voted 66-32 to advance the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act to the Senate floor, marking the first time stablecoin legislation has reached this stage.

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This bipartisan breakthrough came after last-minute revisions and political pressure from pro-crypto groups like Stand With Crypto, which threatened to score the vote. While the revisions attracted enough support to clear the 60-vote threshold, critics argue the changes were largely superficial, designed more to provide political cover than address serious concerns.

The revised GENIUS Act introduces nominal oversight for Big Tech-issued stablecoins through a new review committee but leaves several loopholes intact, such as weak data protections and potential regulatory capture. The bill permits private firms to issue stablecoins, and while it restricts foreign issuers from operating on centralized exchanges, decentralized platforms remain unaffected.

Legislative features:
- Allows private firms to issue stablecoins
- Empowers states to charter stablecoin issuers
- Requires reserves to be fully backed by U.S. dollars and Treasury bills
- Mandates regular audits and compliance with AML standard
Tether, a major offshore stablecoin issuer, could face tighter restrictions. The legislation bars foreign stablecoins from operating on U.S.-based centralized exchanges unless they meet U.S. compliance requirements.

Blum Co-founder Arrested in Russia

Vladimir Smerkis, co-founder of the Telegram-based crypto project Blum and former head of Binance Russia, has been arrested in Moscow on allegations of large-scale fraud, according to Russian state media TASS. The accusations reportedly stem from his earlier ventures, The Token Fund and Tokenbox, where investors allegedly lost around $15 million.

While Smerkis remains under investigation and no formal charges have been confirmed, the court has approved his detention. Blum has clarified that Smerkis resigned and is no longer involved with the project in any capacity.

Cardano CEO Denies $600M ADA Misuse Allegations

Charles Hoskinson, founder of Cardano and CEO of Input Output Global (IOG), denied allegations that he misappropriated $600 million worth of ADA tokens. The controversy stems from claims that Hoskinson used a “genesis key” during the 2021 Allegra hard fork to manipulate the Cardano ledger and gain control over 619 million ADA.

In response, Hoskinson stated that the vast majority of the 350 million ADA in question had already been redeemed by original buyers over a seven-year period, and the remaining unclaimed funds were donated to Intersect, a Cardano-related organization.

Hoskinson expressed being “deeply hurt” by the community’s reaction and lack of trust, promising that IOG will release an audit report to clarify the situation. He noted that the accusations lack strong evidence and signaled a shift in how he engages with the community, including possibly handing over control of his social media accounts to a media team.

Pi Network Faces $8B Scam Allegations After Insider Token Dump

Pi Network is facing serious allegations of a potential $8 billion scam, following claims that over 12 million PI tokens were dumped by insiders from the Pi Core Team.

Blockchain investigator Atlas accused the team of orchestrating a pump-and-dump scheme, citing a sharp price increase followed by a dramatic 50% crash as evidence. The PI token, which had surged over 100% in early May 2025, began falling rapidly after May 14, coinciding with the alleged sell-off. This has led to widespread investor outrage and renewed concerns over the project’s transparency.

This article is published on BitPinas: Crypto News You May Have Missed This Week | May 24, 2025

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می 25, 2025
Bitcoin & Crypto Trading Blog – CEX.I
- 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 figures in 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 value throughout 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.
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می 24, 2025