Track market-moving stories before they get noisy

Hyperliquid (HYPE) has experienced declining prices in recent sessions, with CoinGecko data showing its market capitalization close to $18.04 billion and a daily trading volume around $918 million. These figures highlight the token’s significant market presence and recent surge in trading activity, despite underperforming the broader cryptocurrency market, which fell 3.9% over the last week. The current downturn in HYPE appears linked to overall market liquidations, an over-the-counter (OTC) distribution of tokens, and persistent selling pressure. No single event has been confirmed as the direct cause.

Price drop accompanied by high trading activityRecent Hyperliquid price action points to considerable volatility. Over the latest 24-hour period, HYPE traded in a range between $79.52 and $85.73, indicating sharp fluctuations amid increased trader activity. The daily trading volume, nearing $918 million, is substantial relative to the total market value of the token.

CoinGecko’s data from October 13 recorded daily volume reaching close to $950 million, a 43.6% increase from the preceding day. While this spike indicates strong interest, it does not clarify how much of the selling was from major holders or whether capital was flowing out of the protocol overall.

HYPE’s price closed at $91.91 on October 6 and slid to $80.97 by October 12, marking an 11.9% decline over this period. At last check, the token traded at $81.09, remaining well below its recent highs and suggesting a sustained recovery has yet to emerge.

Trading volume surged to nearly $950 million on October 13, up 43.6% from the previous day, reflecting heightened activity during HYPE’s price decline.

Macro pressures and liquidation eventsThe broader digital asset market has also endured significant selling. Bitcoin, for example, dipped below $83,000 on October 12 as investors responded to US dollar strength, rising bond yields, and energy market uncertainty. CoinReporter noted that over $770 million in crypto positions were liquidated during this period, with the majority being forced closures of leveraged long positions.

Leveraged trading can amplify market swings, as falling below margin requirements triggers automatic liquidations, accelerating price drops and further liquidations in a feedback loop.

Analysis by CoinStats on October 13 indicated that $11.46 million in HYPE derivatives positions were liquidated within 24 hours, with long positions representing 98.2% of this total. These figures suggest that many bullish HYPE traders faced forced closures as prices dropped, but liquidations are highly dynamic across changing market conditions.

Investor attention remains on macroeconomic uncertainty as the US Consumer Price Index report is due on October 14. This inflation reading could influence expectations for US Federal Reserve policy and appetite for cryptocurrencies, likely increasing volatility but not serving as a conclusive cause for HYPE’s recent losses.

Separately, Hyperliquid Labs completed an OTC transaction involving 3.75 million HYPE tokens—valued at approximately $330 million—over October 7 and 8. The transfer included five wallets, each receiving 375,000 tokens, following a weeklong unstaking period.

The team clarified to FXStreet that these tokens would not be sold through public exchanges. While such a transaction draws attention due to its size, it does not confirm that large-scale selling occurred on the open market. The OTC transaction took place several days before HYPE’s drop, raising more questions about supply than providing a simple explanation for market weakness.

Mini dictionary: OTC (Over-the-counter) transactions are trades arranged directly between parties rather than on public exchanges, allowing large amounts to change hands discreetly.

Platform activity and market outlookDespite the drop in HYPE’s price, underlying trading activity on the Hyperliquid platform remains strong. As an on-chain ecosystem specializing in perpetual futures and spot trading, Hyperliquid reported approximately $7.04 billion in total value locked, $3.3 million in daily fees, and $2.68 million in project revenue over the most recent 24 hours.

A single day of high fees and revenue does not guarantee continued demand for the HYPE token but does indicate ongoing protocol use. The distinction between platform health and token performance remains key: increased uncertainty over supply or leverage can impact HYPE even if trading remains active.

MetricValue (Latest 24h)Total value locked$7.04 billionFees generated$3.3 millionProject revenue$2.68 millionTrading volume$918 millionPrice range$79.52 – $85.73Market watchers are monitoring possible levels for a turning point, particularly the $79.50 area as a recent low and $85.70 as a near-term high. Sustained recovery above the upper level would signal stronger buying activity.

Additionally, analysts continue to watch trading volume and derivative liquidations as indicators of whether selling pressure is subsiding or if volatility remains high. The market’s reaction to US inflation data on October 14, as well as any updates on institutional demand and token transfers, will likely shape short-term sentiment for HYPE.

The available market data point to a combination of leveraged liquidations, elevated trading activity, and uncertainty following a major OTC transaction as factors behind HYPE’s recent downward move.

In summary, Hyperliquid’s latest decline reflects overlapping market pressures rather than a single clear catalyst. Attention remains on the balance between sustained platform engagement and supply-related uncertainty as the token seeks to regain investor confidence.

Starknet launches shadow accounts, enabling users to anonymously link their main wallets with DeFi activities.

According to an official announcement, Starknet has launched Shadow Accounts, allowing users to participate in public DeFi activities via an independent, self-controlled address while keeping the link between this address and their main wallet confidential. Shadow Accounts are independent pseudonymous addresses on Starknet, funded by users’ protected STRK20 balances. The first integration will launch tomorrow. While the balance, transaction history, and application positions of Shadow Accounts remain publicly visible on-chain, STRK20 protects the connection between these accounts and users’ main wallets. This means users do not need to hide their DeFi activities themselves, while reducing the likelihood that external observers can trace those activities back to their main wallets.

1 hours ago

Applied Materials forecasts its services business revenue will grow by more than 20% by 2026, and top $12 billion by 2030.

Applied Materials (AMAT.O) said it targets a non-GAAP gross margin of 54% and operating margin of 40% by 2030. It projects its services business revenue will grow by over 20% in 2026, and exceed $12 billion by 2030. The company plans to expand its R&D labs and manufacturing capacity to more than double current levels by 2030, return 80% to 100% of its free cash flow to shareholders by 2030, and lift its wafer fabrication equipment (WFE) market share by more than 2 percentage points between 2025 and 2030.

1 hours ago

Perspective: Bitcoin investors who accumulated positions at high levels have their cost prices capping upside potential, with selling pressure having notably eased.

Glassnode stated that the cost basis of investors who purchased Bitcoin at high levels continues to cap its upside potential. Following Bitcoin’s rebound to around $88,000, investors with 1 to 2-year holding periods sold off heavily, and this price level is also near the break-even point for investors who have held Bitcoin for 6 to 12 months. Bitcoin’s price subsequently faced resistance below this level, and this selling pressure has now eased significantly.

1 hours ago

21Shares Launches Synthetic Anthropic ETP on the Vienna Stock Exchange

21Shares has launched a synthetic Anthropic ETP on the Vienna Stock Exchange, trading under the ticker CLAU, providing investors with non-leveraged exposure linked to the pre-IPO implied valuation of the artificial intelligence startup. The ETP does not grant investors direct ownership of Anthropic shares, either before or after the firm goes public. The product accesses this exposure via total return swaps (TRS), tracking a reference rate compiled by Kaiko, which is calculated based on Anthropic’s perpetual futures prices on Binance.

1 hours ago

Ripple partners with Stripe-owned Privy to introduce embedded wallet functionality for the XRP Ledger.

Ripple has partnered with Stripe-owned wallet infrastructure firm Privy to integrate support for the XRP Ledger (XRPL) into Privy’s developer platform. The integration eliminates the need for developers to build their own wallet infrastructure, allowing them to add XRPL wallets to their applications with features including wallet creation and management, transaction signing, plus support for XRP, Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin, and other assets on the network.

1 hours ago

Strive, a Nasdaq-listed company based in Dallas, Texas, has expanded its bitcoin holdings by acquiring 3,311 BTC over the past week, increasing its total to 32,773 coins. This purchase brings Strive’s bitcoin reserves to approximately $2.7 billion at current market prices, placing the firm as the fifth largest publicly traded bitcoin holder.

Bolstering Corporate Bitcoin HoldingsAccording to a recent regulatory filing published Tuesday, Strive’s latest acquisition cements its position among the top corporate holders of the cryptocurrency. The company now trails only Strategy, Twenty One, Metaplanet, and MARA in terms of publicly disclosed bitcoin holdings, based on data provided by Bitcoin Treasuries.

Unlike companies such as Strategy, which have employed debt-financed purchases to accumulate bitcoin, Strive has maintained a zero-debt strategy. CEO Matt Cole has underscored that Strive carries no margin requirements and that its bitcoin holdings remain entirely unencumbered.

Despite headwinds for major bitcoin treasuries this year, Strive’s debt-free approach and focus on shareholder value have distinguished it from peers, as evidenced by the company’s significant stock gains in 2026.

Corporate peers have endured pressure in 2026 as the value of bitcoin fluctuated. Several major treasuries saw their stock values decline, with some being forced to liquidate tokens or overhaul their business models in response to bearish market conditions.

Despite sharing similar treasury models with other digital asset companies, Strive has outperformed much of its competition. Its shares, trading under the ASST ticker, have advanced by nearly 60% year-to-date, even though they slipped slightly during Tuesday’s session. This move is in contrast to significant stock declines reported by other large bitcoin-holding firms throughout the year.

Strive officially launched as a bitcoin treasury institution last year, drawing inspiration from Strategy, currently the largest corporate bitcoin holder. However, by refusing to employ leverage or take on debt, Strive has maintained a more conservative posture toward digital asset management.

The goal for investors remains clear: produce amplified returns through Strive’s equity performance, closely linked to the value of its bitcoin reserves.

With sudden shifts in the market, including events such as unexpected altcoin listings or monetary policy decisions from the Federal Reserve, investors often find themselves moving quickly between applications for charts, news, or portfolio management. To streamline this process and enhance efficiency, some traders are utilizing privacy-focused platforms like CryptoAppsy, which consolidate real-time price alerts, macroeconomic data, and individualized news feeds in a single interface—without needing to create an account.

Acquisition Activity and LeadershipEarlier this year, Strive completed the all-stock acquisition of Semler Scientific, a move that marks the first time a publicly traded bitcoin treasury company has acquired another such entity. This acquisition is viewed as a sign of consolidation within the corporate bitcoin sector and signals further institutional interest in strategic mergers in the industry.

Strive was established by tech entrepreneur and former Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who envisioned the firm playing a central role in merging digital assets with public equity markets.

As of now, Strive continues to set itself apart in the landscape of corporate bitcoin treasuries, both through its growing balance sheet and by maintaining a debt-free strategy aimed at maximizing shareholder returns.

Saylor Cheers Strive’s $280 Million Bitcoin Buy While Strategy Bought 85% Less

Tesla, an electric vehicle manufacturing firm led by world-renowned billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, has retained its strong Bitcoin position as one of Bitcoin's major corporate holders over the years.

While frequent market volatility has driven many large holders off their positions, Tesla remains committed to its Bitcoin fortune, which has barely moved over the last four years.

Tesla holds 8,430 BTCAlthough Tesla had earlier sold parts of its initial Bitcoin investment when it ventured into the crypto space around 2021, the latest data from the Arkham intelligence firm shows that the company still holds up to 8,430 BTC as of October 13.

HOT Stories

Per Bitcoin's current market price, the company's current Bitcoin holdings are now worth about $960 million after surviving multiple periods of extreme volatility.

You Might Also Like

While the holdings have survived several months of market turmoil, the firm still boasts substantial paper gains, considering that Bitcoin was a lot cheaper when it initially bought in 2021. With its current holdings, Tesla remains one of Bitcoin's largest corporate holders.

Tesla's secured over $710 million in Bitcoin gains At the time of its initial venture, Tesla made headlines in February 2021 when it joined the Bitcoin bandwagon after disclosing a Bitcoin purchase worth $1.5 billion.

Its Bitcoin purchase at that time delivered large gains as Bitcoin's price climbed massively some weeks later, causing Tesla's Bitcoin holdings to reportedly be worth more than $2 billion, and around $2.5 billion at one point.

Nonetheless, Tesla later reduced its exposure after it sold 4,670 BTC in 2021, and subsequently made other major moves during the May 2022 market turmoil associated with the LUNA crash.

After several occasions of dumping and buying more BTC tokens, Tesla's Bitcoin stash has remained around 8,430 BTC since 2022.

The stash, which was worth about $250 million at the time, is now worth about $960 million per Bitcoin's recent price, marking a gain of over $710 million in four years.

In brief
Bitcoin is up 2.24% at $83,591.79 after dipping to $80,953.41, a higher low than the $80,365.12 swing that started its latest bounce.
The Crypto Fear and Greed Index sits at a neutral 55, down from an "extreme greed" peak of 82 in August.
Myriad traders give 54% odds that Bitcoin touches $80,000 in October and 45% odds it reaches $87,500.
Bitcoin is bouncing today following a week that had traders swapping "Uptober" memes for "spooky szn" ones after BTC cut its September gains in half.

The price of Bitcoin today slid to $80,953.41 early Tuesday, extending a Monday sell-off, then reversed to $83,591.79, up 2.24% on the day.

Myriad: How high will Bitcoin go? Click to make your prediction.The Crypto Fear and Greed Index, a 0-to-100 sentiment gauge built from momentum, volatility, options positioning and social data, fell to 53 from an "extreme greed" reading of 82 on Aug. 26. It reads 56 today, a neutral score. What it boils down to is this: The August euphoria is gone, but traders aren’t panicking either.

Bitcoin ETFs are down a net $386.3 million in October, and outflows force funds to sell actual Bitcoin. Wednesday's Consumer Price Index report, expected to show annual inflation rising to 3.6% from 3.4%, is the next test: a hotter print would boost rate-hike bets and likely pressure Bitcoin. The Federal Reserve meets Oct. 27-28.

Traders on Myriad, a prediction market developed by Decrypt's parent company Dastan, give 54% odds that Bitcoin falls to $80,000 this month, down from 56% on Monday. The BTC highs in October market holds at 45% for $87,500. So, overall, sentiment has improved today, even if slightly.

Bitcoin price: Bulls defend the golden zoneToday's low stopped about $588 above $80,365.12, the swing low where the bounce began. That higher low is what traders want in an uptrend. Bitcoin also reclaimed the Fibonacci "golden zone" between $81,847.57 and $82,305.50, an area where pullbacks within uptrends often draw buyers.

Bitcoin price data. Image: TradingviewThe Average Directional Index, or ADX, measures trend strength, and readings above 25 confirm a trend. It reads 29.9 with buyers in control, but it was 42.8 on Oct. 7, so the uptrend is coasting rather than accelerating. The 50-day exponential moving average stayed above the 200-day, a golden cross traders read as an intact long-term uptrend.

The Relative Strength Index, a 0-to-100 momentum gauge, sits at 53.4, just above the 50 line that separates bullish from bearish momentum. The Squeeze Momentum Indicator has been on for seven sessions, meaning volatility is compressed like a coiled spring, and its -0.52 reading leans slightly bearish.

A daily close above $84,245.88 would open $86,644.19, then the $87,422.70 high, about $77 shy of Myriad's $87,500 line. Losing $81,603.02 would bring the daily trend band's upper edge into play just above $80,000. A close below it would expose $77,500.

Until Wednesday's CPI print, the active squeeze points to a market that is winding up rather than picking a direction. Oil and Iran headlines, Treasury yields, and daily ETF flows remain the short-term catalysts to track.

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed by the author are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, investment, or other advice.

Daily Debrief NewsletterStart every day with the top news stories right now, plus original features, a podcast, videos and more.

Bitcoin’s price could be due a move upwards as the supply of the leading cryptocurrency on exchanges shrinks. 

That’s according to a researcher at data firm CryptoQuant, who wrote in a Monday report that bitcoin on exchanges has dropped to 2.67 million from 2.8 million since February. 

The price of bitcoin was recently $83,485, unmoved over a 24-hour period but up 8% over the past 30 days after having its best quarter in years. Its surge in August and September has led a number of analysts to declare the bear market is over.  

“If buying demand continues to improve while exchange supply remains low, BTC could benefit from a supply-demand imbalance, creating favorable conditions for a longer-term upward trend,” the report by on-chain researcher Rei Researcher read. 

It added: “More importantly, in recent weeks, bitcoin has recovered from its lows while exchange reserves have continued to decline. This is a notable development, suggesting that the supply readily available for trading is decreasing even as the market recovers.”

The report further noted that it was possible investors were taking bitcoin off exchanges to put in cold storage solutions. 

Bitcoin’s price was mostly trading under $65,000 for the first half of 2026. The coin spent most of this year in a bear market following the all-time high of $126,080 it hit in October 2025. 

But that all changed in August. News that the U.S. Treasury would double the size of its liquidity-support buyback operations, weakening the dollar but strengthening bitcoin and other non-yield bearing assets. 

Now, the so-called debasement trade — where investors throw money at an asset to hedge against a currency losing its value — is hot again. Bitcoin is benefiting from the trade, analysts say, as it did in 2024 and 2025. 

Bitcoin’s price is still more than 30% below its record. 

Mathew Di Salvo

Mathew is a reporter who's covered the space since 2019, reporting on everything from Salvadoran president Nayib Bukele's Bitcoin bet to crypto exchange FTX's bankruptcy.

Strive (NASDAQ: ASST) has added 3,311 Bitcoin valued at approximately $280 million to its corporate treasury, bringing its total holdings to 32,773 BTC. This development marks a significant expansion of the company’s cryptocurrency reserves as Strive accelerates its accumulation strategy.

Strive expands reserves as Bitcoin accumulation acceleratesA regulatory filing dated October 13 details Strive’s purchase of Bitcoin between October 5 and October 9. The company acquired the assets at an average price of about $84,500 per coin, factoring in all fees and expenses.

This latest acquisition boosted Strive’s Bitcoin reserves by 11.2% over just one week. The company’s BTC holdings rose from 29,462 BTC on October 2 to 32,773 BTC on October 9, documenting the largest weekly increase since its January merger with Semler Scientific. That merger added thousands of Bitcoin to Strive’s balance sheet.

Strive has been steadily building its Bitcoin reserves throughout 2026. In September, the company purchased 1,375 BTC for about $109 million, raising its holdings to 24,531 BTC at that time.

Despite continued cryptocurrency purchases, Strive reported increased liquidity. Cash and cash equivalents climbed from $284.7 million to $310.3 million during the reporting period, underscoring the company’s balanced financial approach.

In addition to Bitcoin, Strive reported ongoing exposure to Strategy’s preferred securities. The company holds 505,000 STRC shares, valued at roughly $50.3 million.

Mini dictionary: Semler Scientific is a publicly traded healthcare technology company. Its January merger with Strive resulted in the consolidation of significant Bitcoin holdings under Strive’s balance sheet.

Recent filings also reveal key changes in Strive’s share structure. The number of effective common shares increased from 100.94 million to 110.39 million, reflecting a rise of 9.4 million shares or around 9.4% over the reporting period.

Although the company’s Bitcoin reserves expanded by 11.2%, the increase in outstanding shares means that Bitcoin per effective common share rose by only about 1.7%. This detail is crucial for investors seeking exposure to Bitcoin through company shares.

MetricBefore (Oct 2)After (Oct 9)Change (%)Bitcoin holdings (BTC)29,46232,773+11.2%Common shares outstanding100.94 million110.39 million+9.4%Bitcoin per share0.29160.2966+1.7%This phenomenon highlights a common dynamic in Bitcoin treasury firms, where larger share issuance can dilute the per-share benefit of rising cryptocurrency reserves. Bitcoin treasury stocks may not provide shareholder exposure directly proportional to the growth in reserves.

In addition to expanding its common share base, Strive increased the number of SATA preferred shares by 532,094, bringing the total to around 14.03 million. This illustrates Strive’s continued use of various financial instruments to support its capital strategy.

Strive reported that while its total Bitcoin reserves surged, the impact on Bitcoin exposure for each ASST share was tempered by a corresponding increase in the company’s outstanding shares.

19h16 ▪ 4 min read ▪ by Eddy S.

Summarize this article with:

Metaplanet raises 52 billion yen, or 328 million dollars via zero-coupon bonds, to restructure its debt and buy back its own shares. A major maneuver that secures its 44,000 Bitcoins without liquidation risk.

In brief Metaplanet issues 52 billion yen of zero coupon convertible bonds due 2031. The company Metaplanet repays 23.6 billion yen of Bitcoin-backed debt. An amount of 28.3 billion yen is allocated to buy back the company’s own shares. This financial strategy protects the entire war chest of 44,000 Bitcoins held. The Japanese company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE: 3350) continues to make waves in the corporate world and the world of Bitcoin(BTC). Metaplanet officially announced the issuance of yen convertible bonds called “Euro-Yen” with zero coupon due 2031 for a total amount of 52 billion yen, or approximately 328 million dollars. According to the excerpt from Metaplanet’s official statement:

The issuance of these bonds aims to improve the company’s debt structure and ensure financial flexibility by replacing part of our existing interest-bearing borrowings with long-term, unsecured, interest-free funds.

Thanks to this zero rate (0%) structure, the company secures long-term capital over 5 years without burdening its income statement with monthly interest. At the end of September 2026, the company’s cash already amounted to 44,000 bitcoins, confirming its position as an Asian giant in digital asset reserves.

The net proceeds from this fundraising estimated at about 51.9 billion yen have been allocated to two clear strategic objectives:

Repayment of Bitcoin-collateralized loans (~23.6 billion ¥): Metaplanet will use about 23.6 billion (149.2 million dollars) yen starting November 2026 to repay part of its Bitcoin-backed credit line. This decision aims to bring the debt ratio back below the maximum threshold of 10% of the net asset value of Bitcoin held (BTC NAV).

Massive share buyback program (~28.3 billion ¥) Between October and December 2026, up to 28.3 billion yen (178.9 million dollars) will be allocated to buy back treasury shares. This share buyback program allows absorbing up to 8% of the shares outstanding, a powerful lever to increase the value per share for all investors.

By replacing short-term debt backed by volatility with long-term interest-free capital, Metaplanet eliminates any risk of forced sale (liquidation) of its Bitcoin reserves in case of temporary market decline. Here is a summary of the key figures of the operation:

Indicator / ParameterValue & DetailsTotal amount raised52.0 billion ¥ (~328 million $)Type of securityZero coupon convertible bonds (due 2031)Interest rate (Coupon)0.0 %
BTC debt repayment~23.6 billion ¥ (planned in Nov. 2026)Treasury share buyback~28.3 billion ¥ (up to 8% of capital)Current Bitcoin reserves44,000 BTC (as of 09/30/2026) By adopting a financial engineering inspired by Strategy, Metaplanet strengthens its balance sheet while protecting its 44,000 bitcoins. This cleanup plan eliminates liquidation risk and enhances shareholder value in the long term.

Maximize your Cointribune experience with our "Read to Earn" program! For every article you read, earn points and access exclusive rewards. Sign up now and start earning benefits.

Join the program

A

A

Lien copié

Eddy S.

The world is evolving and adaptation is the best weapon to survive in this undulating universe. Originally a crypto community manager, I am interested in anything that is directly or indirectly related to blockchain and its derivatives. To share my experience and promote a field that I am passionate about, nothing is better than writing informative and relaxed articles.

DISCLAIMER

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and should not be taken as investment advice. Do your own research before taking any investment decisions.

Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services has raised its Bitcoin ETF holdings from $22 million to $33 million, according to its latest Form 13F filing for the second quarter of 2026.

What the filing shows
Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services, LLC is a registered investment advisor and a subsidiary of Wealth Enhancement Group. An RIA is a firm that manages money for clients and owes them a fiduciary duty, meaning it is legally required to act in their best interest.

The firm’s total assets under management sit at around $120 billion. Its 13F-reported equity and ETF positions were estimated at about $59.8 billion as of June 30, 2026.

The 13F is a quarterly disclosure that large institutional managers file with the SEC, covering their stock and ETF holdings at quarter end.

A spread across several funds
The Bitcoin exposure is not concentrated in a single product. The firm holds a stake in the Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC), along with the ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) and the VanEck Bitcoin ETF (HODL).

The FBTC position was valued at approximately $4.2 million as of June 30, 2026, down from earlier valuations in the $11 million to $15 million range. So the overall Bitcoin ETF number rose while the Fidelity position shrank.

The roster also includes BITX, a leveraged product, and QBF, a structured product.

The broader institutional picture
13F filers collectively raised their Bitcoin ETF positions by approximately 1.3% during the second quarter of 2026, despite overall ETF outflows over the same period.

Bitcoin ETFs also accounted for 22.4% of total US spot ETF AUM in the quarter.

Wealth Enhancement Group has grown largely through acquisitions, and that expansion has brought portfolio diversification that now includes Bitcoin ETF exposure.

What this means
The shrinking FBTC stake alongside a larger total is worth flagging for anyone tracking issuer competition. Spot Bitcoin ETFs hold essentially the same underlying asset, so issuers compete on fees, liquidity and distribution relationships, and allocations can shift between them without any change in overall Bitcoin conviction.

The presence of leveraged and structured products like BITX and QBF points to varied client needs. 13F data arrives after the quarter closes, so it shows where a firm stood, not where it stands today.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Vivian Nguyen. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.

Super League Enterprise has bought its first Bitcoin. Just one, for $83,041.40.

The Nasdaq-listed company (NASDAQ: SLE) made the purchase days before shareholders vote on a deal that would bring 2,100 Bitcoin onto its books.

One coin, filed with the SEC
The purchase happened on October 10, 2026. Super League disclosed it in an SEC Form 8-K filed on October 13.

The company framed the buy as a first step. It is exploring Bitcoin as a treasury asset that would sit alongside its cash. It did not announce a formal commitment.

CEO Matt Edelman described the transaction as an inaugural acquisition. He tied it to the company’s plan to combine a Bitcoin treasury strategy with its existing gaming and media operations.

The Metaplanet deal waiting in the wings
Super League signed an agreement with Metaplanet Inc. (TSE: 3350) on August 18, 2026.

Metaplanet is Japan’s third-largest corporate Bitcoin holder globally. Under the deal, it plans to contribute 2,100 Bitcoin plus $2.5 million in cash.

In exchange, Metaplanet would receive approximately 95.7% of Super League’s common stock.

The treasury contribution from Metaplanet was initially valued at around $132 million in August. By early October, that figure had risen to about $179 million.

Shareholders are scheduled to vote on the deal on October 16, 2026. If approved, closing is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.

After closing, Super League would take a new name: Superplanet Inc.

The agreement also includes a 5-year lock-up on Metaplanet securities once the transaction closes.

Why buy one coin first
Buying a single Bitcoin before receiving 2,100 of them does serve a practical purpose. Holding even one coin forces a company to sort out custody, accounting treatment and internal controls.

Those systems need to work at scale if the Metaplanet deal closes. Starting small lets the company test the plumbing while the stakes are low.

What this means for shareholders and the market
For existing Super League shareholders, the October 16 vote is the main event. Approval would dramatically change the company’s balance sheet and ownership structure.

With Metaplanet set to own approximately 95.7% of the stock, current holders would control a small slice of a much larger, Bitcoin-heavy company.

The jump in deal value from about $132 million to roughly $179 million reflects Bitcoin price movement between signing and the vote.

For Metaplanet, the deal offers a path into US markets through a Nasdaq listing. The combined company aims for access to both US and Japanese financial markets.

Edelman’s stated intent is to run the Bitcoin treasury alongside existing operations, not instead of them.

The shareholder vote lands on October 16, 2026, and closing is targeted for the fourth quarter. Until then, Super League’s Bitcoin treasury consists of exactly one coin.

Disclosure: This article was edited by John Chen. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.

15 Years of Litecoin & 15 MilestonesOnly two crypto have achieved fifteen years of activity: Bitcoin, and now Litecoin. 

Since Litecoin launched on 13 October 2011, Coinmarketcap has estimated more than 60 million cryptocurrencies have appeared. Among former ‘Top 100’ projects, Cryptorank’s research shows only 71.9% still exist, and even fewer remain active. Meanwhile, Litecoin has never left the leaderboard. Ever. While market cap ranking is one way to measure Litecoin’s success, there’s so much more to the project’s 15 year history. And this piece celebrates 15 milestones that have had a profound impact on the space, the project, and Litecoin’s users. 

Happy 15 Years, Litecoin. Here’s to many more!

1. 2011: Litecoin's fair launchCharlie Lee, aka coblee, announced Litecoin on BitcoinTalk in October 2011. 
‍

Charlie Lee, aka coblee, announces 'a lite version of Bitcoin'. Source: BitcoinTalk‍

Earlier that month Lee had settled on the project’s positioning as a ‘lite’ version of Bitcoin, and quickly landed on a suitable name: Litecoin. On 4th October 2011, Lee registered five domains - including Litecoin.org and Litecoin.com - on CrazyDomains for $38.85. Eventual Ethereum co-creator, Vitalik Buterin, wasn’t a fan of the name, though.
‍

Only 5 years until Litecoin can answer Vitalik's question. Source: BitcoinTalk
Unlike other projects to that point, the intent was for Litecoin’s launch to be as fair as possible. With that in mind, the source code and binaries were released four days before launch so anyone could download them, compile the software, and get set up in advance. Even Litecoin’s go-live date/time was voted on by the community. With 42.9% of the 91 voters opting for 03:00 GMT on Thursday 13 October 2011. 

To avoid speculation of a pre-mine ahead of public release, Lee took a leaf from Satoshi’s playbook and placed a timely headline into the Coinbase data of Litecoin’s genesis block.

Coinbase data of Litecoin’s genesis block read: @NY Times 05/Oct/2011 Steve Jobs, Apple’s Visionary, Dies at 56. ‍

No question, Litecoin had pulled off the fairest crypto launch to that point. Maybe ever? Think about it: of the 60 million cryptocurrencies, how many launched without an ICO, VC-backing, founder stash or massive pre-mine? How many projects let the community decide when to launch, or released candidates ahead of time to ensure equal mining opportunity from the jump?

Litecoin had the fairest, most decentralized and transparent launch in history. 

‍

2014: Litecoin and Dogecoin begin merged miningIn December 2013, Dogecoin launched as a fork of Litecoin. Almost immediately, Dogecoin faced network security issues due to shallow, fluctuating hashrate. By mid-2014, Charlie Lee proposed a potential solution. One that would not just strengthen Dogecoin, but Litecoin too. So Lee reached out to Doge’s community on reddit to outline the concept and benefits of LTC/DOGE merged mining:
‍

Fortunately for all, Lee’s proposal was well-received by the Doge community, and Dogecoin adopted AuxPoW on 11th September 2014. Chains didn’t merge. Project rules and block histories remained independent. So what changed? Miners could now reuse the same proof-of-work to help secure both Dogecoin and Litecoin networks. 
‍

Dogecoin & Litecoin. Source: of much Wow.
If this merged-mining milestone never happened would we still have Doge? Or Litecoin!? Thankfully common sense prevailed over tribalism, and both projects are thriving more than a decade later.

‍

3. 2015–2023: Three halvings. No committee required.Litecoin is programmed to experience a halving roughly every four years. 

On 2nd August 2023 Litecoin’s third successful halving saw miner rewards reduced from 12.5 Litecoin to 6.25 Litecoin. So why celebrate miners getting their reward cut in half? Put simply, each Litecoin halving acts as a self-deflationary mechanism. Ensuring that Litecoin’s fixed supply of 84 million becomes more scarce over time by halving the amount of new coins introduced into circulation approx. every four years.

The concept can be challenging to get your head around. We made a short visual explainer on halvings and their importance in the ongoing success of Litecoin and other proof-of-work (PoW) projects. It’s short and great if you’re a visual learner: 
‍

‍

Litecoin’s fourth halving will take place in late July 2027, reducing coin issuance to 3.125 LTC per block mined. And while Litecoin Foundation was established to help maintain and grow Litecoin, the non-profit has no control over block halvings. Every facet of Litecoin’s future coin issuance - including halving dates / block height, and reward amounts - was written into the codebase fifteen years ago. Back in early October, 2011. Which is mind-blowing, given these halvings will continue until 2142. At which point Litecoin’s entire fixed supply of 84 million will be issued and circulating.

4. 2017: The Litecoin Foundation is incorporatedIn 2017, Litecoin Foundation was formally incorporated in Singapore. And in mid-2022, the non-profit achieved 501(c)(3) status - allowing U.S citizens to make tax-deductible contributions. 

From the outset, the Foundation’s mission was clear: to advance Litecoin awareness, adoption, security and development. Nearly a decade later, Litecoin Foundation’s mission remains unchanged. And its leadership, community and volunteers are more dedicated, effective and passionate than ever before.

To learn more about Litecoin Foundation, how to donate, join the team or volunteer, please visit: https://litecoin.com/litecoin-foundation.
Your support ensures the continued growth, decentralization and development of the Litecoin network. Thank you!
‍

5. 2017: Coinbase adds LitecoinIn May 2013, Charlie Lee sent an email to [email protected] to see if they’d "be interested in supporting Litecoin”. Coinbase’s first employee, Olaf Carlson-Wee, responded 48 hours later asking for Lee’s phone number. And the rest is history… 

Charlie Lee's Exchange with Coinbase Support ([email protected])Not so fast.

While Lee initiated the chat, it was actually Coinbase who had a proposition for him. Leave Google to come work for the exchange. It was 50% less pay and a super long commute, but the decision was easy. Lee was committed to Litecoin’s growth and taking a job at Coinbase would put him that much closer to decision-makers. In July 2013, Charlie Lee became an ex-Googler, and one of Coinbase’s earliest employees. It took four years of persistence, but Lee’s persistence paid off. On 3rd May 2017, Coinbase added support for Litecoin.

Mission complete, Lee left Coinbase in June 2017 to dedicate himself entirely to Litecoin.

Today's my last day at @coinbase! I will miss working with you all. I'm going to shift my focus to Litecoin now. To the moon! 😁 https://t.co/Ys9dZwtTFO

— Charlie Lee Ⓜ️🕸️ (@SatoshiLite) June 10, 2017 ‍

6. 2017: Litecoin activates SegWit before BitcoinThe SegWit discussion kicked off when Pieter Wuille presented at Scaling Bitcoin in December 2015. Though debate around SegWit - and the best way to scale Bitcoin - hit boiling point in 2017, with Bitcoin’s developers and community divided.

Since 2011, Litecoin has always been intended as a complement to Bitcoin. Something Charlie Lee made clear from the very beginning. So, with Bitcoin tearing itself apart over SegWit, Charlie put forward a solution:

“But with SegWit and Bitcoin’s current block scaling deadlock, I see a potential for Litecoin to help Bitcoin break through this deadlock. Litecoin can take a lead and be a positive force in the cryptocurrency space. We have been drafting behind the Bitcoin race car for many years. It’s about time to take a turn out front.” - Source:  My Vision For SegWit And Lightning Networks On Litecoin And Bitcoin.

Never one to kick tyres, Charlie and the Litecoin developers got to work. And on 10th May 2017, the first SegWit transaction was made on Litecoin! 

Litecoin’s successful activation proved it was safe to make the upgrade, silenced technical FUD and demonstrated real-world implementation. Less than four months later, the Bitcoin community had reached its verdict and SegWit was fully activated on 24 August 2017.  

NB: While we do our best to be unbiased, we also recommend objective explanation of SegWit from the great Andreas Antonopoulos

7. 2017: Lightning makes its first non-test payment on LitecoinAbout two hours after SegWit activated on Litecoin, Christian Decker made what is widely considered the first payment on the Lightning Network. Decker opened a Litecoin Lightning channel and sent 0.00000001 LTC (one litoshi, the smallest unit of Litecoin) from Zurich to San Francisco in less than a second. The best part: Decker recorded the transaction live to prove it. History thanks you, sir.  
‍

‍

Just as it had done with SegWit, Litecoin implemented and tested the Lightning ahead of Bitcoin. To this day few know Litecoin even has Lightning. Let alone that the first non-test Lightning payment was made on Litecoin!

Lightning is a major improvement to the Bitcoin (and Litecoin) ecosystems. One that many, including Charlie Lee, believe brings Bitcoin much closer to Satoshi’s real vision.

6/6 Bitcoin with Lightning Network more closely fits the Bitcoin whitepaper's title: "A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System." This is Satoshi's Vision.

— Charlie Lee Ⓜ️🕸️ (@SatoshiLite) October 6, 2018
8. 2017: Litecoin helps prove trustless cross-chain swapsOn 19th September 2017, Decred and Litecoin completed a cross-chain atomic swap. Charlie Lee swapped 1.337 LTC for 2.4066 DCR as an early demo of two (pretty different) chains exchanging value without an intermediary. 

Just completed the first $DCR <> $LTC cross-chain atomic swap with @SatoshiLite. Huge shout-out for debugging with us! More info soon™... https://t.co/o2viQm3LTR

— Decred (DCR) (@decredproject) September 19, 2017 Executing the trustless, independent trade opened up entirely new and genuinely decentralized finance (DeFi) possibilities. And it was his belief in the real-world use cases that saw Lee get involved. Not to mention improved compatibility between Litecoin and other chains. 

If you’re keen to learn more, check out this comprehensive and compelling post on Decred’s Medium.   

9. 2020: PayPal adds LitecoinThis was - and still is - a big deal. On 21 October 2020, PayPal announced that U.S. customers would be able to buy, hold and sell Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin directly in their PayPal accounts. 
‍

The PayPal integration put Litecoin in at the fingertips of millions of mainstream users, growing reach well beyond crypto exchanges and wallets. An enormous and criminally overlooked milestone in Litecoin’s history.

‍

10. Litecoin becomes BitPay's most-used cryptoIn mid-2021, Litecoin was added by the world’s biggest crypto payment processor, BitPay. Within months Litecoin established itself as one of the platform’s most frequently used crypto. And soon it’d become a dominant force.

Real-world use has always been a key metric of Litecoin’s continued success. And for 12 consecutive months from 2023 - 2024, Litecoin was the most used crypto on BitPay by customers and businesses alike. With users purchasing everything from VPN subscriptions and household goods, to $170,000 Patek Philippe watches and cars . 

In June 2024, Litecoin made up 40.91% of all transactions. More than Bitcoin (22.51%), Ethereum (10.83%) and BCH (5.87%) combined. 
‍

Source: BitPay via @LTCFoundation on X.com‍

This milestone is so epic as it illuminates Litecoin’s original intent, outlined 15 years ago on BitcoinTalk. To act like a silver to Bitcoin’s gold. And not simply to be exchanged for another currency, but be used for everyday commerce and payments for goods and services. 
‍

The formation of Litecoin’s positioning, articulated sharply by forum user, coblee, in 2011. 
11. 2022: Litecoin activates privacy via MWEB Big call, but MWEB is the biggest feature or improvement in Litecoin’s history.

Personal and financial privacy has never been more important. Since May 2022, Litecoin users have had the option of confidential transactions via MWEB (MimbleWimble Extension Blocks). Achieving relative privacy with Litecoin has never been easier. 

After years of further development and testing, MWEB was ready for even broader adoption by going mobile. In March 2024 a Litecoin Core release opened the door for mobile wallet support. Integrations by wallets such as Cake and Nexus followed, making private Litecoin transactions far more accessible. Daily MWEB activity grew steadily, with transaction counts reaching highs above 1,600 in late September 2024.

By 16 December 2025, the MWEB balance had reached 402,000 LTC. Continued wallet adoption and rising interest in privacy pushed it even further. As at time of this writing, a balance all-time high of 567,921 LTC was achieved on 11 September 2026.
‍

MWEB balance all-time high of 567,921 LTC was achieved on 11 September 2026. Source: mwebexplorer.com
While privacy and “privacy coins” are all the rage across crypto, Litecoin has offered optional confidential transactions since 2022! Making it one of the longest-running and most widely available privacy options in the space. And, importantly, without forcing privacy by default on users. Giving Litecoin greater everyday flexibility than coins that are private by default.

Privacy and Confidential Transactions have been some of the most contentious topics among Bitcoin developers. History has shown that reaching consensus in Bitcoin Core is difficult. From SegWit to Lightning, Litecoin has tested and validated long-debated improvements that were later adopted by Bitcoin. Four years of real-world Litecoin MWEB use may now provide the battle-tested evidence Bitcoin needs to follow suit.

Want to use Litecoin with privacy? It’s super easy. Download Nexus Wallet on iOS or Android - officially endorsed by the Litecoin Foundation.
‍

12. 2025: Litecoin processed 300 millionth transactionOn 4 January 2025, Litecoin processed its 300 millionth transaction! A milestone for permissionless currency, decentralisation, financial freedom and inclusion. But the number becomes more interesting when you look at how Litecoin got there. 

In 2024 alone, the Litecoin network processed more than 92 million transactions, up from around 67 million in 2023. Put another way: almost a third of Litecoin’s first 300 million transactions happened in a single year. Thirteen years into its existence, Litecoin had just recorded its busiest year yet.
‍

~1.22 million transactions were processed on January, 3 2024. Source.Importantly, all that activity didn’t make Litecoin expensive to use. Throughout 2024, Litecoin’s daily average transaction fee stayed below US$0.01. A fairly important detail for a currency intended for everyday use, not just the occasional movement of a fortune.

Litecoin’s Average Transaction Fees, 2024. Source.
Now, Litecoin has passed the 418 million transaction mark. And the count will just keep climbing. 
‍

13. 2018-2026: From LoafWallet to NexusCountless wallets have added support for Litecoin over the last 15 years. Now, in 2026, almost every major wallet supports Litecoin. Including non-native crypto wallets like PayPal!  

Regardless, Litecoin Foundation has always placed considerable focus on developing its own ‘official’ wallet, developed and maintained by its developers. It started with self-custodial LoafWallet, which re-branded to Litewallet in 2019. By mid-2025, the Foundation made the decision to sunset Litewallet in favor of a more robust, reliable and advanced wallet years in the making: Nexus.

Unveiled at Litecoin Summit 2025 by the lead developer, Loshan, Nexus is the new official Litecoin Foundation wallet. Released on iOS and Android in June 2025, Nexus combines self-custody, opt-in MWEB/private payments, Tor integration, Coin Selection, in-app gift card purchase and plenty more. 

If you need a Litecoin wallet, check out Nexus. The official Litecoin Foundation wallet. No notes.

14. 2025: Litecoin becomes a corporate treasury assetIn July 2025 we saw the launch of Litecoin’s first corporate treasuries: Luxxfolio and Lite Strategy!

A former Bitcoin miner, Luxxfolio, decided to go all in on Litecoin. Launching in July with a 20,000 LTC treasury. Ever since, Luxxfolio has been committed to helping Litecoin grow, injecting funds into the ecosystem and deploying assets into yield-generating protocols.  

Then came Lite Strategy. With more than 929,000 Litecoin, the Nasdaq (NASDAQ: LITS) listed entity is the world’s largest Litecoin Treasury and first US-listed public company to adopt Litecoin as a primary reserve asset. Read all about Lite Strategy’s journey. 

Thank you, Luxxfolio and Lite Strategy. We treasure your Litecoin-first passion and commitment! 

‍

15. 2025: Litecoin gets its U.S first spot ETF  In November 2025 Litecoin officially joined the ranks of Bitcoin and Ethereum with the approval of its first U.S. Spot Litecoin Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF)! Announced by Canary Capital Group, the NASDAQ-listed LTCC fund represents a landmark moment for the most enduring and reliable crypto.

“In 2011 when I launched Litecoin, my vision was to build a fair, open, and accessible complement to Bitcoin. Fourteen years later, seeing a U.S. spot ETF approved for Litecoin is both humbling and historic. This recognition cements Litecoin’s role as sound money. Fast, secure, and globally accessible." - Litecoin’s creator, Charlie Lee.‍

-------------------------------

It’s been fifteen years since “a lite version of Bitcoin” launched. And in 2026, Litecoin is still stronger than ever. Not because it followed hype, pumped bags or FOMO’d into the latest narrative. But because it did what other cryptos didn’t: focused on being more usable and useful to people of all walks, all over the world. A mission Litecoin’s had since day one, that’s unlikely to change any time soon.

Happy 15th birthday, Litecoin. Here’s to the next chapter.

‍
Acknowledgments & Dedications.This piece is dedicated to the champions of Litecoin. Those who’ve made the first 15 years of Litecoin’s life a success. People who’ve asked for no praise, but absolutely deserve it. Every volunteer, community member, donor, event attendee and sponsor; every believer, educator and speaker; and the personalities who make up the Litecoin Foundation’s formidable team.

Ways to support the Litecoin Foundation:Donate your support for the FoundationRun a node,  download Litecoin CoreVisit Litecoin.com or purchase from the ShopFollow @LTCFoundation on X/TwitterRead other long-form pieces of Litecoin History:Bitcoin & Litecoin's 13 Year Symbiotic RelationshipDeep-dive into Litecoin’s early, early daysLitecoin’s most prolific year (2023)Unprecedented Growth, Memes & Privacy (2024)The year Litecoin proved to be sound money (2025)Written by Robbie Coleman. Follow him on X / Twitter.

First Nasdaq-Listed Company with Litecoin Reserve Treasury Celebrates 15 Years of Uptime and Real-World Payments with an Industry-Wide Storytelling Campaign

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lite Strategy, Inc. (Nasdaq: LITS), today launched Proof of Time: proofoftime.litestrategy.com, an industry-wide public archive capturing fifteen years of crypto history through the untold stories of the people who built, used, and sustained the ecosystem. The project marks the 15th anniversary of the Litecoin network, created by Charlie Lee and launched on October 13, 2011.

Litecoin has stayed true to its original mission and vision of enabling everyday payments, and the network's fundamentals reflect that. With a market capitalization of approximately $5 billion, more than one million weekly transactions through 2026, and average fees of just $0.003 to $0.01, Litecoin continues to deliver scalable, low-cost payments. More than nine million addresses hold a Litecoin balance, underscoring a broad and durable holder base.

Proof of Time is designed to document the human history behind Litecoin. By collecting firsthand accounts, stories of early trades, and the online communities that shaped the modern digital asset landscape, the archive is launched to highlight the depth, longevity, and culture that continue to set Litecoin apart.

"When I launched Litecoin in 2011, I wanted to build a faster, cheaper network for everyday transactions," said Charlie Lee, Creator of Litecoin and member of the Board of Directors of Lite Strategy. "Fifteen years later, that’s still the job. But today, it’s not just about the age, I see a lot in the people active in Litecoin and the work we’re doing together. We are continuing to build Litecoin to be even more secure and sustainable for the long term, ensuring it delivers on its original promise as our community grows."

"In crypto, you can buy attention, but you can’t buy fifteen years of continuous uptime," said Jay File, CEO and CFO of Lite Strategy. "Fifteen years without the network going offline, through every market cycle and every challenge along the way, is the kind of hard-earned track record institutional investors look for. Lite Strategy provides public-market investors with a transparent, regulated vehicle to gain direct exposure to that enduring institutional foundation. Both Charlie and I share that long-term vision."

The launch follows Lite Strategy’s recent report of its financial results for its first full fiscal year operating as the first U.S. publicly traded company to adopt Litecoin as its primary treasury reserve asset. Link to the information here: https://investor.litestrategy.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lite-strategy-reports-fiscal-year-2026-financial-results

To explore the archive or submit a story, visit proofoftime.litestrategy.com. References to websites and hyperlinks are provided solely for convenience. Information contained on or accessible through such websites or hyperlinks is not incorporated by reference herein.

About Litecoin's 15th anniversary

Fifteen years after going live, the Litecoin network has never gone offline. According to the Litecoin Foundation, it has processed more than 416 million transactions since 2011, and still handles more than a million a week, including 4.9 million transactions in September 2026 alone. Currently, over 9 million addresses hold a Litecoin balance, while MWEB, the network's opt-in privacy feature, held a record 563,923 LTC in September 2026. The network is also preparing for the future with LitVM testnet, which brings smart contracts to Litecoin, processing more than 350 million transactions ahead of its planned mainnet launch, and the fourth Litecoin halving is expected around July 2027, when the reward for each block drops from 6.25 to 3.125 LTC.

About Lite Strategy, Inc.

Lite Strategy, Inc. (Nasdaq: LITS) is the first U.S. publicly traded company to adopt Litecoin (LTC) as its primary treasury reserve asset. The company employs an active treasury management strategy to generate yield on its LTC holdings, compound LTC per share, and create lasting stockholder value. Lite Strategy offers investors regulated, transparent and actively managed exposure to Litecoin that no ETF or passive vehicle can replicate. Lite Strategy also retains a portfolio of pharmaceutical assets, providing strategic optionality independent of its digital asset treasury. For more information, visit www.litestrategy.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Lite Strategy undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Contacts:

Investor Relations:

Alliance Advisors IR

Adele Carey

SVP, Investor Relations

[email protected] 

Public Relations:

Impact3

Casey Wilson

Head of Public Relations

[email protected] 

Source: Lite Strategy, Inc.

XRP Ledger activity surged in the past 24 hours as payment volume climbed 153.9%, reaching 363.3 million XRP, according to data from XRPScan. This marks a reversal after a period of relative calm on the network.

Volume rebound follows price supportXRP is now trading near $1.36, recovering from a recent low of $1.31 on the daily chart. Buyers re-entered the market at the orange moving average, which currently sits around $1.34. This level held as support, and after several red candles, the price action shows a green candle, suggesting a potential bounce.

Despite the apparent recovery, the latest ledger volume remains well below the 30-day average of 680.4 million XRP. The sharp percentage rise reflects a rebound from an exceptionally weak previous day, rather than a record-setting surge. XRP Ledger’s all-time high for payment volume stands at 7 billion XRP, highlighting the significant gap between current figures and historical peaks.

Volume on the XRP Ledger often moves in short, intense waves, with previous spikes surpassing 1.5 billion XRP before contracting below 500 million. Notable surges occurred in November and February, when volume rose to approximately 2.5 billion and 2.7 billion XRP, while September saw a smaller jump to nearly 1.9 billion.

Market context and technical hurdlesThe most recent activity spike comes as the XRP price has declined from around $1.65 in late September to the low $1.30s. The relative strength index (RSI) hovers near 40, signaling tepid momentum, yet not indicating heavy selling pressure. October has also brought a downturn in trading volume on major exchanges. The increase in on-chain transactions may hint that participants are beginning to return after a subdued period.

Looking ahead, the $1.38 to $1.40 zone will serve as a critical resistance for bulls. Closing above this range would allow XRP to reclaim both the black and blue moving averages on technical charts, potentially paving the way toward $1.45 and then $1.50. If the rally stalls, traders will focus on defending the $1.31 low; falling below this level would undermine confidence in the recent recovery.

Meme token market draws attentionAs analysts monitor XRP’s volume recovery for signs of broader market interest, similar dynamics play out in segments like the meme token market, where momentum can change rapidly. In this space, internet trends often lead to significant inflows within days. Data from Fomo App illustrates this phenomenon, highlighting a case where a $99 investment in the “Niu Lai” meme token was converted into roughly $370,000. Market watchers emphasize that tracking not only prices but also investor timing and token selection can be pivotal. Platforms such as Fomo App combine token discovery, trading, social feeds, investor rankings, and trade notifications on a single interface, allowing users to follow meme tokens alongside investor activity.

For now, the increase in XRP Ledger payment volume and the recent price bounce offers early signs of renewed enthusiasm. However, a sustained trend will depend on volume remaining above average and breaking through established resistance levels. Market participants will maintain a close watch on data for confirmation of a broader shift in sentiment.

While a single day of strong ledger growth is encouraging, traders are likely to demand consistent volume above the 30-day average before considering the move a lasting bullish development.

Standard Chartered, one of the world’s largest banks, announced yesterday that it has launched institutional custody services for Ripple’s stablecoin RLUSD through its Dubai International Financial Centre branch.

This situation has also increased enthusiasm for XRP, and the on-chain analysis platform Santiment has evaluated the RLUSD news and its potential impact on the XRP price.

At this point, Santiment noted that the growth of Ripple’s stablecoin RLUSD does not automatically translate to a price increase for XRP. According to Santiment, the real determining factor is not the stablecoin’s market capitalization, but rather the extent to which the XRP Ledger network is used by financial institutions.

RLUSD Grows While XRP Declines! In its latest analysis, Santiment noted that while RLUSD’s market capitalization increased, XRP fell, indicating that the two assets did not move in tandem. According to Santiment, this pattern shows that there is no direct correlation between the growth and price movements of the two assets.

The increasing adoption of RLUSD alone does not guarantee a rise in demand for XRP. The fact that the stablecoin can be used on different blockchains, and that financial institutions can use RLUSD for payments or collateral without directly purchasing XRP, are the main reasons for this divergence.

The Decisive Factor for XRP: Network Usage! At this point, Santiment noted that wider adoption of RLUSD could benefit the XRP ecosystem in the long run. According to Santiment, if banks, institutional investors, and trading firms begin using RLUSD on XRPL, network transaction volume and liquidity could increase. Such a development is considered a factor that could support the XRP ecosystem, and burning small amounts of XRP in transactions on the XRP Ledger is also among the potential consequences of network usage.

However, Santiment notes that this situation alone is not expected to have a significant impact on the XRP price.

Finally, Santiment stated that Standard Chartered’s move was significant. According to Santiment, while these moves expand RLUSD’s role in areas such as institutional custody and collateral trading, the actual impact on XRP’s price will depend on whether network usage and institutional demand increase significantly.

*This is not investment advice.

Follow our Telegram and X account now for exclusive news, analytics and on-chain data!

XRP (CRYPTO: XRP) has fallen 10% over the past week as analysts point to historically oversold conditions.

Yet, on-chain data points to a growing divergence between RLUSD (CRYPTO: RLUSD) adoption and the altcoin’s price performance.

Ripple’s recent developments point to growing stablecoin adoption pushing its stablecoin RLUSD to nearly $2.5 billion in market capitalization.

Santiment Intelligence sees the nearly $2.5 billion in market capitalization for RLUSD as a sign of the stablecoin’s expanding use in payments, settlement and growing institutional adoption:

Standard Chartered launched institutional custody for RLUSD on the XRP Ledger through its Dubai branch, allowing eligible institutional clients to hold the stablecoin within regulated banking infrastructure. Ripple, Circle and Standard Chartered’s venture arm, SC Ventures, participated in an OKX investment round valuing the exchange at $25 billion before the investment. Ripple’s earlier $150 million financing commitment to LMAX was aimed at expanding RLUSD’s utility across institutional crypto markets. Will RLUSD Growth Boost XRP’s Value?RLUSD’s growth does not directly increase XRP’s value, as the two serve different purposes, Santiment cautioned.

Greater institutional adoption of RLUSD on the XRP Ledger could indirectly benefit XRP through increased network activity, deeper liquidity and broader ecosystem adoption.

The stronger long-term bullish case rests on expanding network utility and XRP’s potential role as a bridge asset rather than RLUSD’s market cap growth alone.

Despite its recent decline, XRP continues to hold long-term rising support, potentially setting the stage for a recovery.

Crypto trader Cryptollica highlighted XRP’s monthly RSI hitting a 13-year low, deeply negative realized profits and declining unrealized gains as signs of extreme market stress.

The analyst says oversold conditions and prolonged price compression could fuel a strong rebound, although an immediate recovery is not guaranteed.

Image: Shutterstock

Read Next

Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs

© 2026 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

To add Benzinga News as your preferred source on Google, click here.

THE BLOCK: Ripple, Stripe-owned Privy partner to bring embedded wallets to XRP Ledger

2 hours ago

Ripple has partnered with Stripe-owned wallet infrastructure firm Privy to integrate support for the XRP Ledger (XRPL) into Privy’s developer platform. The integration eliminates the need for developers to build their own wallet infrastructure, allowing them to add XRPL wallets to their applications with features including wallet creation and management, transaction signing, plus support for XRP, Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin, and other assets on the network.

Scan the QR code

Download APP

S&P Dow Jones Indices has executed its first over-the-counter (OTC) total return swap using the Canton Network, marking a significant step toward digitizing traditional finance (TradFi) infrastructure with blockchain technology. The trade involved moving the swap contract onto a distributed ledger, streamlining processes previously managed manually.

TradFi meets blockchain with Canton NetworkCanton Network, a permissioned blockchain platform designed for institutional finance, aims to become the central infrastructure for traditional capital markets. While Polygon fills this role in the public Web3 sector, Canton is developing closed, configurable channels that allow financial institutions to digitize workflows while keeping operations private and secure.

Unlike public blockchains, Canton Network allows institutions to maintain greater control and privacy by limiting transaction visibility to relevant parties. Its structure enables banks and financial firms to build custom connectivity rails for trading without exposing sensitive information on public networks.

Mini dictionary: Canton Network is a privacy-focused blockchain infrastructure developed for institutional digital asset markets, offering interoperability and secure transaction channels tailored to regulated finance.

The landmark OTC swap was executed between DRW, a major market maker, and finance firm Marex via the Derivnex platform. The contract referenced the iBoxx USD Liquid Investment Grade Index, which was tokenized and distributed to the necessary participants using data provided by analytics firm Kaiko.

Operational efficiency and autonomyBoth counterparties coordinated the derivative’s full lifecycle through a unified blockchain dashboard based on International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) standards. This eliminated the need for cumbersome manual reconciliation. Future trades may further benefit from on-chain cash settlements and collateral management, as Canton seeks to expand its operational capabilities.

“Uncleared OTC derivatives are a massive market with bespoke, cumbersome workflows. By executing this trade on Derivnex on Canton, Marex and DRW are able to operate off the same immutable record, streamlining workflows,” stated Don Wilson, Founder and CEO of DRW.

The start of S&P’s on-chain activity coincided with the latest update to the Ripple Custody service, which in early October introduced support for the Canton blockchain. Ripple, known for its digital asset infrastructure solutions, provides large banks and financial organizations with custody and settlement capabilities for Canton’s native assets, including the Canton Coin (CC) token and CIP-56 digital securities.

Through Ripple’s “bring your own validator” model, institutions keep their signing keys stored internally and retain full control over their vaults. This integration grants traditional banks direct access to manage positions on Canton without exposing private keys externally.

Market reception and boundariesDespite the technological advancements, many in the retail crypto community have voiced skepticism. Critics focused on Canton’s private, institution-only architecture, arguing that it fails to embody the open and decentralized principles typically associated with blockchain technology.

Although some users have described Canton as “not a real blockchain,” the network has nonetheless become an operational platform for major Wall Street participants, with Ripple acting in a custodial gateway role.

Canton’s relationship with Ripple remains strictly technical. The network operates independently, does not rely on Ripple’s own ecosystem, and neither the XRP token, XRPL ledger, nor the RLUSD stablecoin are used in any part of Canton’s settlement process.

As the debate over decentralization versus security continues, Canton has positioned itself as the blockchain of choice for large-scale TradFi digitization while leveraging Ripple’s custody for added security and efficiency.

Cardano (CRYPTO: ADA) dropped 4% while XRP (CRYPTO: XRP) held nearly flat over the past 24 hours as whale selling piles pressure onto ADA ahead of a key support test.

Why Analysts Say Cardano Faces a ‘Big Correction’Widely-followed crypto analyst Ali Martinez posted a thread on X, warning that Cardano whales have been reducing their holdings fast, with large holders offloading more than 110 million ADA over the past five days. 

That selling adds pressure right as price approaches a key support level.

Network activity backs up the concern, with daily active addresses falling 41.36% from 27,248 to 15,977, a sign that fewer people are actually using the network even as whales head for the exit.

Martinez also flagged $0.24 as the decisive level to watch. A break below that support inside Cardano’s rising channel would open the door toward the channel’s lower boundary near $0.21.

Why XRP’s Exchange Flows Look More MixedCryptoQuant analyst Amr Taha reported that XRP withdrawals have outpaced deposits across exchanges since late August. 

Earn 8% APY on a Real Estate-Backed Note from $5,000

EquityMultiple's Alpine Notes have distributed $478M+ with no missed payments. Accredited investors can start with $5,000 at a fixed 8% APY for 6 months.

Binance’s withdrawal share climbed from 52% to 54% between Aug. 26 and Oct. 12, while the share across all exchanges rose from 51% to 52.7% over the same stretch.

More withdrawals than deposits often means traders are moving coins off exchanges into long-term storage rather than gearing up to sell.

Total exchange balances, however, moved in opposite directions depending on the platform:

ExchangeReserve ChangePeriodBinanceDown 101 million XRP (2.705B → 2.604B)Sept. 27 to Oct. 13Upbit + Bithumb (South Korea)Up roughly 90 million XRPSimilar windowCryptoQuant InsightsXRP is leaving Binance at roughly the same pace it’s building up on South Korean exchanges, pointing to demand rotating toward those platforms rather than disappearing from the market altogether.

Where XRP and Cardano Stand TechnicallyXRP trades near $1.37 after breaking below the rising trendline that had supported its triangle pattern. 

Key levels for XRP:
$1.38 to $1.40: resistance, with the 20-day EMA at $1.43 capping further upside
$1.34: 100-day EMA, initial support
Cardano trades near $0.234, just above support where the 50-day EMA meets the 0.618 Fibonacci level. 

Key levels for ADA:
$0.230 to $0.231: current support zone
$0.219 to $0.213: next targets if that support breaks
Photo via Shutterstock

Read Next

Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs

© 2026 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

To add Benzinga News as your preferred source on Google, click here.

Shares of Evernorth Holdings Inc. (XRPN) began official trading on the Nasdaq exchange on October 12, following the company’s public launch and merger. Alongside the opening, Evernorth filed an updated Form 8-K regulatory report with the Securities and Exchange Commission, correcting earlier technical errors and confirming the final distribution of shares among major investors. This report clarified the current ownership of the newly established XRP-linked treasury.

Key stakeholders and XRP treasury controlEvernorth’s reserves, referred to as the XRP treasury, were formed by directly swapping XRP tokens for equity in the company, through in-kind exchanges. The latest SEC filing disclosed the precise holdings of leading Ripple insiders and strategic partners in the new structure.

Chris Larsen, co-founder of Ripple, emerged as the largest private shareholder, controlling 2,340,249 Class A shares both personally and through related entities. Ripple Labs Inc. directly holds 1,678,382 Class A shares and shares joint investment and voting rights with the transaction’s sponsor over another 4,215,479 shares.

Japanese financial group SBI Holdings, Inc. established a significant presence with 9,431,914 Class A shares and 2,359,038 Class C shares, representing 7.5% of all Class C shares. Meanwhile, venture capital firm Arrington XRP Capital, managed by Michael Arrington, took 1,199,503 Class A shares.

In total, private placements distributed 15,288,001 Class A shares and 31,392,746 Class C shares to investors. By contrast, holders from the previous shell company Armada, which merged with Evernorth, secured only 20.5% of the available Class A shares in the new capital structure.

Investor/EntityClass A SharesClass C SharesChris Larsen2,340,249–Ripple Labs Inc.1,678,382 (+4,215,479 joint)–SBI Holdings, Inc.9,431,9142,359,038Arrington XRP Capital1,199,503–Mini dictionary: Evernorth Holdings Inc., a public company, was formed through a SPAC merger and holds a treasury of XRP tokens, which are exchanged for company shares as part of its equity structure.

XRPN stock performance after debutTrading in XRPN shares began with high volatility. Before the merger was completed, the stock maintained a steady baseline at $10.00 per share, a typical pattern for special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs).

Ahead of the deal’s closing in late September, expectations triggered a sharp speculative rally, pushing XRPN’s pre-market price as high as $48.50. This rapid climb pushed technical oscillators into significantly overbought territory.

By the October 13 close, XRPN had declined to $17.07, marking a fall of almost two-thirds from its peak. On the day, the share price showed a slight increase of 0.95%, while the Relative Strength Index (RSI) settled at a neutral 49.92.

Amid strong speculation, XRPN surged to $48.50 during pre-market trading in late September before correcting to $17.07 after its Nasdaq debut, returning its RSI to more balanced levels.

Leadership and outlookThe newly combined company’s future now rests with its executive team, headed by Hugo Jandesboz, who previously served as director at Coinbase Asset Management. Analysts believe the management’s handling of the tokenized XRP treasury will be critical for the company’s next phase.

Private investors, as the updated structure reveals, now hold the majority of Class A and C shares, positioning leading Ripple insiders and strategic partners at the center of Evernorth’s evolving capital framework.

With initial volatility subsiding, XRPN’s prospects are expected to hinge on how its management navigates the complexities of integrating XRP reserves and responding to ongoing market dynamics.

Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs See Massive Outflows: $788 BTC and 29,926 ETH Withdrawn in 24 Hours

Interactive Brokers logo / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain, PD-textlogo)

Interactive Brokers, a Nasdaq-listed brokerage, has announced the launch of cryptocurrency staking services. This move establishes the brokerage as a significant player in the cryptocurrency market by expanding its offerings beyond crypto custody to include staking. The service allows users to lock proof-of-stake assets like Ethereum to support network security and earn rewards. While the specific details of supported assets and jurisdictions remain undisclosed, this development could enhance the attractiveness of Ethereum and other staked assets to investors.

Key Takeaways Interactive Brokers’ entry into cryptocurrency staking suggests increased institutional interest in yield-generating crypto assets. Market pricing implies this move may boost confidence in Ethereum’s potential to reach higher valuations by the end of 2026. The development is consistent with scenarios where Ethereum’s staking appeal grows, potentially influencing its future price trajectory. What to Watch Watch for details on the assets and jurisdictions Interactive Brokers will support, as these factors could further influence market sentiment. Regulatory developments or announcements from major Ethereum stakeholders, such as the Ethereum Foundation or key financial institutions, might also impact Ethereum’s market dynamics. Observers are likely to focus on changes in Ethereum’s staking metrics and any shifts in market odds regarding its price targets for the end of 2026.

Term Structure

Contract Odds Δ since publish Volume 24h December 31, 2026 0.9% — — View market → December 31, 2026 0.9% — — View market → December 31, 2026 1.9% — — View market → December 31, 2026 3.1% — — View market → December 31, 2026 6% — — View market → January 1 2027 20% — — View market → January 1 2027 4.5% — — View market → January 1 2027 1.1% — — View market → January 1 2027 1.1% — — View market → January 1 2027 2.5% — — View market → January 1 2027 4.1% — — View market → January 1 2027 8.5% — — View market → January 1 2027 8.8% — — View market → January 1 2027 2.6% — — View market → January 1 2027 1.7% — — View market → January 1 2027 5.5% — — View market → January 1 2027 44.5% — — View market → January 1 2027 13.5% — — View market → January 1 2027 2.1% — — View market → January 1 2027 21% — — View market → January 1 2027 47.5% — — View market →

Eligible clients keep at least 70% of staking rewards under the broker’s agreement, while withdrawals remain subject to network waiting periods.

Eligible clients keep at least 70% of staking rewards under the broker’s agreement, while withdrawals remain subject to network waiting periods.

Loading this article…

Free newsletters

Good reporting. Delivered.Choose your coverage: crypto and DeFi, the future of finance, or both.

Free. Unsubscribe anytime.

Latest

USDC records $81.2 billion in DEX trading volume over 30 days

Oct. 13, 2026

USDC records $81.2 billion in DEX trading volume over 30 days

USDC's significant DEX trading volume highlights its pivotal role in decentralized finance, underscoring the growing reliance on stablecoins.

By VIVIAN NGUYEN

Tron stablecoin market cap grows by $554.9 million in one week

Oct. 13, 2026

Tron stablecoin market cap grows by $554.9 million in one week

Tron's stablecoin growth underscores its pivotal role in digital dollar transactions, but reliance on USDT poses concentration risk challenges.

By KAYE QUEMA

Crypto spot trading volume hits $696.7 billion in September as every major exchange grows

Oct. 13, 2026

Crypto spot trading volume hits $696.7 billion in September as every major exchange grows

The surge in crypto spot trading volume indicates a renewed investor interest, potentially driving market volatility and regulatory scrutiny.

By VIVIAN NGUYEN

MediaMarktSaturn halts Ledger sales amid spyware concerns

Oct. 13, 2026

MediaMarktSaturn halts Ledger sales amid spyware concerns

The suspension highlights the critical need for rigorous supply chain security and consumer vigilance in the hardware wallet market.

By KAYE QUEMA

Ledger reviews device sales policies after $90 million spyware theft

Oct. 13, 2026

Ledger reviews device sales policies after $90 million spyware theft

Ledger's policy review highlights the critical need for robust supply chain security to protect consumer trust and prevent financial losses.

By JOHN CHEN

Injective adds Thai conglomerate arm Gulf Labs as institutional validator

Oct. 13, 2026

Injective adds Thai conglomerate arm Gulf Labs as institutional validator

Injective's partnership with Gulf Labs could significantly enhance its presence in Asia, potentially transforming Thai financial sectors.

By ESTEFANO GOMEZ

Lido reports 40% of staked ETH now running on 0x02 validators

Oct. 13, 2026

Lido reports 40% of staked ETH now running on 0x02 validators

The shift to 0x02 validators could streamline Ethereum's network, enhancing efficiency and potentially increasing staking rewards.

By ESTEFANO GOMEZ

Zest sets October 23 deadline to exit aeUSDC on Stacks Market V1

Oct. 13, 2026

Zest sets October 23 deadline to exit aeUSDC on Stacks Market V1

The transition to Stacks Market V2 signifies a shift towards more secure and efficient DeFi operations, impacting liquidity dynamics.

By ESTEFANO GOMEZ

SEC Commissioner Mark Uyeda defends quorum rule revisions

Oct. 13, 2026

SEC Commissioner Mark Uyeda defends quorum rule revisions

The SEC's quorum rule change may streamline decision-making but risks legal challenges and highlights the urgency of filling vacant seats.

By JOHN CHEN

Peach adds native USDC bridging so Arc users can fund and trade in one place

Oct. 13, 2026

Peach adds native USDC bridging so Arc users can fund and trade in one place

Peach's integration enhances Arc's user experience by simplifying cross-chain liquidity, potentially boosting user engagement and network activity.

By KAYE QUEMA

Loading more articles...

You've reached the end