Zignaly, the premiere platform for connecting users with top digital asset managers, has announced that its founders have made the strategic decision to extend the lock-up on their $ZIG tokens until January 2026, a year later than originally planned.
This decision underscores their unwavering commitment to ZIGChain, the Layer-1 blockchain designed to democratize wealth generation, making investment opportunities accessible to everyone.
“By extending the lock-up on our $ZIG tokens, we emphasize our commitment to the community and the mission of ZIGChain,”
said Bartolome R. Bordallo, Co-Founder and CEO of Zignaly.
“This decision is about fostering equal investment opportunities and ensuring long-term sustainability for all stakeholders. Together, we are building a more inclusive financial future that benefits everyone.”
ZIGChain, Zignaly’s Layer 1 blockchain, represents the next evolution in democratizing wealth-generation opportunities. By offering an infrastructure for developers to build decentralized wealth-generation protocols and fund managers to deploy advanced strategies, ZIGChain is disrupting the way institutions and retail investors can invest. The Blockchain’s $100M Ecosystem Fund, supported by DWFLabs and UDHC Finance, aims to drive further innovation within the WEB3 space.
The choice to maintain the lock-up also aligns with the company’s focus on creating equal financial opportunities for all participants within the ZIGChain ecosystem, ensuring that the project’s core values remain intact. It also significantly changes the company’s tokenomics, leading to lower supply in the market as founder tokens remain locked.
This extension excludes the founders’ donation of 100 million $ZIG tokens to the ZIGChain Foundation. Starting January 2025, these tokens will continue to vest over a 30-month period, following a linear release schedule. The vesting plan aims to empower the ZIGChain ecosy
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Oroswap, founded by a team of Zignaly Community OGs, announced that it has been building in stealth on ZIGChain – the upcoming purpose-driven blockchain for wealth generation. Giving first-hand visibility to the massive developer ecosystem that ZIGChain has.
A full-fledged DEX with Standard AMM & CLMM capabilities together with a robust feature-rich roadmap, Oroswap (“Oro” Spanish for “gold”) is more than the promise of an on-chain marketplace.
It is the first DEX being built with conversational AI experience & execution capabilities. At the moment, no DEX in the blockchain space offers this capability.
AI discussion and uses have been growing over the past few years throughout the Crypto space, but 2025 really brought agentic AI as the future of blockchain & AI confluence – especially within DeFi which remains extremely complex despite advances in improving UI/UX.
“As community OGs of the $ZIG ecosystem, building on ZIGChain was a no-brainer. However, we didn’t want just another DEX. Having past experience in AI & machine learning, we wanted to deliver a product that would supremely improve the user experience for the community and set a standard for all dApps building on ZIGChain – build great products but with superior UI / UX in mind. With Oroswap, we aim to deliver that,” the OROSwap team shared,
The Oroswap DEX will be a major dApp on the ZIGChain blockchain and an innovative decentralized exchange experience for wealth managers.
Abdul Rafay Gadit, Co-Founder of Zignaly and ZIGChain said, “The team behind Oroswap are some of the brightest developers in the Web2 & Web3 space with an amazing journey that spans AI, Machine Learning, Gamification & even the Bitcoin ecosystem! For us to have such seasoned developers choosing ZIGChain to build on as a way for them to give back to the community is a testament to all the work we have been putting in. Extremely excited by the product vision and looking forward to supporting all innovative ideas on ZIGChain especially those with AI in the core flows”
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TRON founder Justin Sun has offered a hypothetical plan for Ethereum and the Ethereum Foundation (EF) under his leadership. His remarks come amid controversy over EF’s leadership transformation.
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin outlined the reforms’ goals and progress. He highlighted improvements in technical expertise, ecosystem engagement, and operational efficiency.
Justin Sun Outlines Blueprint for Ethereum LeadershipThe TRON executive shared ambitious remarks on how he would lead the Ethereum Foundation if given the opportunity. Sun’s vision, shared on X, outlined a four-point plan to radically restructure EF operations, optimize Ethereum’s economic model, and drive the price of ETH to $10,000.
“If EF and Ethereum were under my leadership, ETH would hit $10,000,” Sun claimed.
Sun proposed an immediate halt to ETH sales for three years to stabilize supply and boost market confidence. He suggested covering EF’s operational costs through DeFi protocols like Aave, staking yields, and stablecoin borrowing, aligning with Ethereum’s deflationary goals.
A key component of his plan involves imposing significant taxes on Layer 2 (L2) solutions, aiming to generate $5 billion annually. The collected taxes would go toward exclusively repurchasing and burning ETH, further enhancing its scarcity and value.
Sun also called for a drastic downsizing of EF staff, retaining only top performers and offering them significant salary increases. This merit-based approach, he argued, would streamline operations and improve efficiency.
Finally, Sun emphasized adjusting node rewards and increasing fee burns to reinforce Ethereum’s deflationary narrative. He proposed redirecting all resources toward Ethereum’s core L1 development, focusing on scalability, security, and adoption. Justin Sun’s plan sparked a mixed response, with some applauding the bold vision.
“These are all very practical suggestions. Please pay attention to them and refer to them, Vitalik Buterin,” core developer 0xSea.eth posed.
Meanwhile, others challenged Sun to focus on TRON and explore bringing decentralized finance (DeFi) to its ecosystem.
“Maybe start with how to make DeFi great on TRON – you should ask your exec team (and yourself), “Why is DeFi nonexistent on TRON despite it being the chain with the most stable coins on it?” If you answer this, maybe TRON can beat eth one day,” ZIGChain co-founder Abdul Rafay Gadit remarked.
Vitalik Buterin Defends Leadership Amid CriticismSun’s proposed solution aligns with Vitalik Buterin’s recent post discussing ongoing changes over the past year, some of which have already been implemented. Buterin emphasized goals such as strengthening the EF’s technical leadership and improving collaboration with ecosystem participants. He also addressed concerns, rejecting the notion that the EF might adopt centralized or politically motivated roles.
“…these things aren’t what EF does and this isn’t going to change. People seeking a different vision are welcome to start their orgs,” Buterin articulated.
Aya Miyaguchi, an EF executive, confirmed the ongoing efforts, expressing excitement about forthcoming announcements. She noted that the reforms aim to solidify Ethereum’s position as a global neutral platform while embracing decentralized and privacy-preserving technologies.
The announcement has stirred controversy within the crypto community. Critics argue that the current leadership has failed to manage Ethereum effectively.
“Respectfully, just let new blood take over. You guys can’t even make a simple Twitter account work—how can you be trusted to lead the second biggest blockchain,” Wazz posed.
Another user, Coinmamba, suggested that pressuring Miyaguchi to resign could result in Ethereum reaching new all-time high. Buterin strongly condemned these comments, defending Miyaguchi and calling out the toxicity of such social media rhetoric.
“No. This is not how this game works,” Buterin retorted. “The person deciding the new EF leadership team is me. If you ‘keep the pressure on,’ then you are creating an environment that is actively toxic to top talent. YOU ARE MAKING MY JOB HARDER,” the Ethereum co-founder lamented.
Buterin also refuted specific claims against Miyaguchi, pointing out inaccuracies in translations and misinterpretations of her statements. He reiterated the need for a “proper board” within EF to enhance governance.
ETH Price Performance. Source: BeInCryptoEthereum’s ETH token was trading at $3,305 as of this writing, representing a modest 0.2% surge since Wednesday’s session opened.
ZIGChain and Nomad Fulcrum have inked an MOU to collaborate in integrating blockchain and real-world asset tokenization. This partnership aims to expand access to tokenized assets and bring long-term investment solutions to more people. Nomad Fulcrum is an expert in using artificial intelligence (AI) in the management of tokenized assets. Low risk has been recorded with a 27% return in 2024. By integrating with ZIGChain, the vision is to increase liquidity and provide equal opportunities to RWAs to wealth managers and individual investors.
The proposed ZIGChain will work on the creation of an efficient and secure means of managing tokenized assets. This integration helps ease the process of gaining and trading RWAs, to the advantage of both retail and institutional investors. ZIGChain has witnessed this strategic collaboration through its official social media platform, X account.
Role of Nomad Fulcrum’s Tokenization Platform This collaboration is based on the concept of Nomad Fulcrum, which specializes in the tokenization of traditional assets. This approach enhances liquidity and the market and enables investors to easily manage their risks through diversification.
ZIGChain will also provide an architecture that will make tokenized assets easily available for everyone and with faster processing and better management of assets. Thus, a partnership between the investment company and AI-driven strategies integrated with blockchain will create positive changes in the investment process increasing its sustainability and efficiency.
AI-Powered Strategies and Blockchain Integration The partnership will help wealth managers provide diversified and unique ideas and solutions to clients. ZIGChain will provide a secure and scalable blockchain that provides an efficient asset tokenization and trading platform. The MOU signed between ZIGChain and Nomad Fulcrum is a major achievement in integrating blockchain into finance. Combining this with RWA tokenization on ZIGChain will open up new possibilities for investors looking to obtain sustainable returns.
This collaboration is an example of the increasing integration of blockchain technology with conventional finance to offer new approaches to wealth management. These two companies are looking forward to improving the blockchain environment and giving investors a broader platform for diversified and sustainable investment.
AUTHOR
Crypto journalist with years of experience providing in-depth analysis and news on blockchain and decentralized finance. With a keen eye for detail, Shahzaib delivers insightful articles that explore the latest trends, market movements, and innovations within the crypto and blockchain ecosystem. His work focuses on educating readers while offering expert commentary on the evolving landscape of digital assets, DeFi protocols, and the broader impact of blockchain technology.
ZIGChain, the layer-1 blockchain developed by social investment platform Zignaly, has announced that its testnet is now live.
The testnet will allow developers to explore, build and test decentralized finance and real-world asset tokenization solutions aimed at democratizing wealth generation and access, the L1 noted.
The price of ZIGChain (ZIG) token rose following the announcement. Data from crypto.news showed that ZIG’s price was up more than 11% at the time of writing, hovering near $0.11. The token previously reached highs of $0.17 in December 2024, a rally fueled by the platform’s massive buyback and burn program.
Recently, ZIGChain revealed its 44th burn event had permanently removed 43,771,804 ZIG tokens from circulation.
According to Zignaly, ZIGChain, built with the Cosmos SDK, enables developers to leverage features such as Token Factory and a decentralized exchange
The former offers support for asset creation while the DEX feature allows for liquidity operations, with these optimized for scalability. The testnet also supports interoperability via compatibility with the Inter-Blockchain Communication protocol.
ZIGChain will implement a phased approach for the testnet, introducing new features and capabilities over time. This approach aims to provide developers with expanded functionality and integrations as they experiment with DeFi and RWA solutions.
The testnet goes live days after blockchain security platform SCV Secuity announced they had completed an audit of ZIGChain’s pre-testnet blockchain. SCV said the successful audit meant the Cosmos-SDK build L1’s public testnet wasn’t far off.
ZIGChain celebrated a major milestone today, flipping the switch on its mainnet beta and officially entering what the team calls “Genesis Day.” After weeks of rigorous testing—and plenty of late nights for developers—the blockchain is now live, ready to power everything from decentralized exchanges to real-world asset tokenization. If you’ve ever tried to navigate traditional finance or shoehorn it into a blockchain context, you know how messy it can get.
Abdul Rafay Gadit, ZIGChain’s co-founder, said, “Accessing reliable and transparent investment infrastructure has historically been difficult, not just for retail users, but even for experienced managers. With ZIGChain, we’re taking a meaningful step toward changing that by focusing deeply on real-world assets as the foundation for long-term, scalable wealth generation. We aim to equip developers with the tools they need to start building programmable protocols designed to align with applicable law that bridge traditional assets with blockchain technology.”
From Vision to Reality Behind the scenes, there’s serious firepower: a $100 million ecosystem fund fueled by DWF Labs, UDHC Finance, and Disrupt.com, plus the pedigree of Zignaly—the social investment platform that already connects over 600,000 users with more than 150 fund managers. Those users, Gadit points out, helped shape ZIGChain’s core features, like native staking, cross-chain bridges, and an institutional-grade validator network.
Co-founder and CEO Bart Bordallo sums it up: “This mainnet beta launch represents a shift from vision to foundation. We’ve built a high-performance, interoperable architecture that can handle the complex requirements of DeFi, RWA tokenization, and automated investment protocols at scale. The infrastructure includes our validator network, cross-chain bridge capabilities, and native staking mechanisms – all designed for institutional-grade security and compliance. We’re excited to see developers leverage these technical foundations to build the next generation of financial applications.”
Over the next few weeks, you’ll see ZIGChain roll out its Hub for staking and validation, connect its bridges for seamless $ZIG migration, and fire up its full validator roster. Even before the dust has settled, a handful of eye-catching projects are gearing up to go live:
Oroswap, a DEX you can literally chat with—thanks to its AI-driven conversational interface.
Valdora Finance, offering liquid staking natively on ZIGChain, so you can earn rewards without locking your tokens away forever.
Permapod, a lending protocol that accepts tokenized real-world assets as collateral—think art, property, or even specialty equipment.
Nawa Finance, designed from the ground up to meet Shariah-compliance standards for users seeking ethical DeFi. These projects aren’t just shiny demos; they’re the first wave of builders betting their reputations on ZIGChain’s promise: a legal-ready, high-performance Layer 1 that plays nicely with existing regulations and institutional demands.
Back in April, at the ZIGChain Summit in Dubai, the team also unveiled Zamanat—the world’s first Shariah-compliant real-world asset tokenization platform—and launched a $25 million DeFAI Innovation Fund. That event highlighted the chain’s dual focus on ethical finance and on-chain programmability, setting the tone for an ecosystem that welcomes everyone, regardless of income, tech skills, or location.
Today’s launch isn’t the finish line, but it’s a big first lap. As more applications go live and the network fills with real assets, ZIGChain hopes to prove that decentralized wealth generation can be both powerful and inclusive. If you’re curious to see what comes next, keep an eye on their GitHub—and maybe clear your calendar for a few late-night coding sessions.
AUTHOR
Mushumir Butt is a seasoned crypto journalist with over three years of experience reporting on the world of blockchain and cryptocurrency. At Blockchain Reporter, he delivers insightful news, in‐depth project reviews, and precise price analysis and predictions. With a strong background in SEO and digital marketing, Mushumir excels at breaking down complex trends into clear, accessible content, ensuring readers stay ahead in the fast‐paced crypto space.
ZIGChain price jumped double digits to hit highs of $0.11 amid a major digital asset treasury announcement by Europe-based firm BTCS.
Summary
ZIGChain price rose by more than 22% as price broke to highs of $0.11. The token’s value jumped as BTCS announced a $100 million raise and $30 million allocation to its ZIG digital asset treasury strategy. ZIGChain, the layer 1 blockchain aimed at the democratization of wealth generation through real-world asset tokenization, saw its native token’s price soar by more than 22% to hit highs near $0.11.
The surge to the intraday high, the highest price level for the altcoin in over a month, came amid an announcement by publicly-traded firm BTCS. In an update, BTCS, the largest European digital asset treasury company, said it had raised $100 million in a new funding round.
BTCS plans to use proceeds of this Series G raise for its crypto treasury strategy, with $30 million going into a ZIGChain (ZIG) treasury strategy.
BTCS eyes ZIG yield An expansion to the company’s diversified treasury strategy will also see 60% of the funds deployed towards exposure to Bitcoin (BTC) and 10% to Core (CORE). Deployment into BTCS’s active treasury strategy, unlike the passive “buy and hold” playbook popularized by Strategy.
BTCS’ approach aims to deliver operational revenue and yield – even during episodes of flat markets.
“The inclusion of ZIGChain in BTCS’s treasury strategy highlights a broader shift toward productive digital asset treasuries,” said Abdul Rafay Gadit, co-founder of ZIGChain and member of BTCS’s Supervisory Board.
He added:
“Unlike passive holdings, validators and staking rewards create recurring revenue streams while directly strengthening the networks themselves. We see this model as a sustainable path forward for listed companies seeking transparent and resilient exposure to digital assets.”
ZIGChain price last traded above current levels in late August, while its year-to-date highs of $0.13 came on January 18. The ZIG token traded at the all-time peak of $0.22 in April 2021. Notable ecosystem platforms for the layer 1 chain includes Zignaly, a regulated social investment platform and Zamanat, a Shariah-compliant RWA tokenization platform.
The VIX Fear Index for the US stock market stands at 18.63 today, with fear sentiment intensifying in the crypto market.
According to Cboe data, the U.S. stock market's VIX Fear Index stands at 18.63 as of today, down 0.86 points from the prior reading of 19.49, marking a decline of approximately 4.41%. Separately, per Alternative data, the Crypto Fear & Greed Index is at 12 today (compared to 17 yesterday), indicating intensifying extreme fear sentiment.
11 minutes ago
Bank of Japan Board Member: Should Accelerate Pace of Interest Rate Hikes If Upside Inflation Risks Intensify
Bank of Japan (BOJ) Policy Board member Naoki Tamura stated that if upside risks to price growth intensify further, the BOJ should not hesitate to accelerate the pace of interest rate hikes or raise rates by a larger margin. He projected that the BOJ will implement interest rate hikes every few months until its policy rate reaches the neutral level of around 2%. (Golden Ten)
11 minutes ago
Crypto token M plunged over 80% in a short period, hitting a low near $0.5.
According to HTX market data, the token M saw a sharp short-term price plunge, with its decline once exceeding 80% and hitting a low of around $0.5, and is now trading at $0.54.
11 minutes ago
Blockchain data infrastructure firm Cambrian has closed a $6 million funding round, jointly led by Franklin Templeton and Polychain Capital.
Blockchain data infrastructure project Cambrian has closed a $6 million seed round, co-led by Franklin Templeton and Polychain Capital, with participation from Flow Traders, Selini Capital, and other investors. The project previously raised a $5.9 million pre-seed round led by a16z Crypto Startup Accelerator, bringing its total funding to $11.9 million. Cambrian currently provides institutional investors and AI Agents with real-time and historical data APIs covering on-chain yields, risks, lending markets, and trading activities, and plans to further build a verifiable data oracle network. Official data shows it has indexed over $4.5 billion in lending TVL, tracks more than 320,000 DEX liquidity pools, and currently supports Base and Solana, with plans to expand to additional ecosystems including Ethereum. The funds will be used to expand on-chain data coverage, accelerate oracle network development, and team recruitment.
11 minutes ago
Whale 0xbilly pulled off another "buy high, sell low" move, exiting with a $220,000 loss in a single day.
According to EmberCN’s monitoring, whale address 0xbilly liquidated 2,409 ETH in the early hours of today when ETH fell to around $1,569.5, worth approximately $3.78 million, with a total loss of roughly $220,000. Notably, this batch of ETH was purchased just one day ago for about 4 million USDC, at an average price of approximately $1,660.2. The address also previously bought 7,768.5 ETH at a high of $2,254 in March this year, valued at around $17.51 million, and exited via stop-loss four days later, incurring a loss of roughly $800,000.
11 minutes ago
Two whales opened a short position worth approximately $90 million on the S&P 500.
According to monitoring by Onchain Lens, two whale addresses are building short positions on the S&P 500, with a combined position of approximately $90 million. Details are as follows: Whale address "0x469" has opened 6,500 S&P 500 short positions, using 20x leverage, valued at around $48 million, with a liquidation price of $8,413.66. Whale address "0x4ff" has opened 5,686.66 S&P 500 short positions, using 7x leverage, valued at around $42 million, with a liquidation price of $8,358.13.
PANews reported on December 15th that Bybit has officially launched ZIG asset deposit services on ZIGChain. Users can now easily deposit ZIG assets into the Bybit platform. ZIG withdrawal services will be available after liquidity requirements are met; please refer to the Bybit platform's withdrawal page for details.
ZIGChain is the world's first Layer 1 blockchain designed specifically for wealth creation. Through a secure and transparent infrastructure, it successfully connects institutional finance, DeFi, and real-world assets, enabling everyone to easily build, manage, and grow their own wealth.
Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.
ZIGChain announces an integration with Ondo Finance to bring Ondo’s tokenized stocks and ETFs to users across ZIGChain’s ecosystem
ZIGChain, the blockchain built to bring investment products onchain for institutions and everyday users, today announced an integration with Ondo Finance, which pioneered the tokenization of institutional-grade real-world assets, to bring Ondo tokenized stocks & ETFs to ZIGChain, extending their shared vision of accessible onchain exposure to publicly traded US securities to a new generation of users through ZIGChain.
Ondo Finance has done something genuinely difficult: taking securities and making them available as programmable, onchain products. That breakthrough matters most when it reaches the widest possible audience. ZIGChain provides infrastructure through which that reach expands by bringing Ondo-tokenized products to users across the GCC and beyond on the ZIGChain ecosystem.
For ZIGChain, this integration is a direct expression of its founding mission. Not to build new financial products for those who already have access, but to take the best existing ones — the instruments that generate real, reliable yield — and make them available onchain, to anyone.
“The next phase of onchain finance is not about replicating access that institutions already have. It is about taking those instruments and making them genuinely accessible to a broader universe of participants, through transparent, scalable onchain infrastructure, without the minimums and intermediaries that have always stood in the way,” said Abdul Rafay Gadit, Co-Founder, ZIGChain. “Ondo has done the hard work of bringing these products onchain. ZIGChain is the infrastructure through which that reaches a new generation of users. For us, this is deeply aligned with our mission: to make high-quality financial opportunities more open, more programmable, and more globally accessible.”
“Bringing tokenized US stocks and ETFs to new ecosystems and user bases is core to what the Ondo Global Markets platform enables. ZIGChain’s infrastructure gives investors across the GCC onchain exposure to the world’s most in-demand securities, with the execution quality and transparency that institutional markets demand. This is exactly the kind of distribution that expands the reach of tokenized finance where it matters most” said Oya Celiktemur, EMEA Director, Ondo Finance.
Access to Ondo-tokenized products through ZIGChain will roll out in phases beginning at the end of May, with initial availability across selected ecosystem applications and partners, expanding over time.
The integration does not constitute a token launch or guarantee of yield or returns. Underlying assets are issued by Ondo Global Markets (BVI) Limited. ZIGChain does not custody underlying real-world assets. All investments carry risk.
Disclosure: This content is provided by a third party. Neither crypto.news nor the author of this article endorses any product mentioned on this page. Users should conduct their own research before taking any action related to the company.
Key Facts ZIGChain announced an integration with Ondo Finance to bring Ondo’s tokenized US stocks and ETFs to users across the ZIGChain ecosystem, with a focus on the GCC region. Access rolls out in phases starting from late May 2026, with initial availability across selected ecosystem applications and partners. The integration deepens ZIGChain’s real-world asset stack, alongside Valdora Finance’s Liquid RWA Vaults and Beehive’s tokenized SME private credit pipeline. Underlying assets are issued by Ondo Global Markets (BVI) Limited; ZIGChain does not custody the underlying real-world assets, and the integration is not a token launch or a guarantee of yield. Quoted are Abdul Rafay Gadit, Co-Founder of ZIGChain, and Oya Celiktemur, EMEA Director at Ondo Finance. ZIGChain has integrated Ondo Finance’s tokenized US stocks and ETFs, bringing onchain exposure to publicly traded US securities to users across its ecosystem and, in particular, the GCC region. Announced on 8 June 2026, the integration deepens ZIGChain’s real-world asset stack and positions the network as a regulated onchain layer through which institutional-grade financial products reach everyday users at scale.
What the integration brings The integration connects ZIGChain to Ondo Global Markets, the platform that pioneered the tokenization of institutional-grade US securities. Through it, ZIGChain ecosystem users gain access to Ondo’s catalogue of tokenized stocks and ETFs — programmable, onchain representations of publicly traded US equities — without the account minimums and intermediaries that have traditionally gated access to those markets.
Access rolls out in phases from late May 2026, with initial availability across selected ecosystem applications and partners and broader expansion over time. The structure mirrors how Ondo has distributed its tokenized securities elsewhere: the assets are issued by Ondo Global Markets (BVI) Limited, and the integrating platform — in this case ZIGChain — provides the distribution and access layer rather than custodying the underlying real-world assets.
Deepening the RWA stack For ZIGChain, the Ondo integration slots into a broader real-world asset strategy. It sits alongside Valdora Finance’s Liquid RWA Vaults and Beehive’s tokenized SME private credit pipeline, giving the network three distinct RWA verticals: tokenized public equities through Ondo, liquid yield vaults through Valdora, and private credit through Beehive.
The combination reflects ZIGChain’s positioning as infrastructure for bringing existing, high-quality financial products onchain rather than minting novel crypto-native instruments. As the network frames it, the strategy is not to build new products for those who already have access, but to take the instruments that generate real, reliable yield and make them available onchain to anyone.
Executive comments Abdul Rafay Gadit, Co-Founder of ZIGChain, framed the integration as a direct expression of the network’s founding mission. “The next phase of onchain finance is not about replicating access that institutions already have. It is about taking those instruments and making them genuinely accessible to a broader universe of participants, through transparent, scalable onchain infrastructure, without the minimums and intermediaries that have always stood in the way,” he said. “Ondo has done the hard work of bringing these products onchain. ZIGChain is the infrastructure through which that reaches a new generation of users.”
Oya Celiktemur, EMEA Director at Ondo Finance, positioned the deal as a distribution expansion into a strategically important region. “Bringing tokenized US stocks and ETFs to new ecosystems and user bases is core to what the Ondo Global Markets platform enables,” she said. “ZIGChain’s infrastructure gives investors across the GCC onchain exposure to the world’s most in-demand securities, with the execution quality and transparency that institutional markets demand. This is exactly the kind of distribution that expands the reach of tokenized finance where it matters most.”
Ondo’s widening distribution The ZIGChain deal continues a rapid expansion of Ondo Global Markets’ distribution footprint through 2026. The platform — the largest tokenized equities venue by total value locked since its September 2025 launch — has integrated with a string of major wallets and platforms, including MetaMask, Trust Wallet, and most recently KuCoin Web3 Wallet, which added more than 260 Ondo-tokenized securities in late April.
ZIGChain’s contribution to that network is geographic specificity. Where most prior integrations targeted broad crypto-native user bases, the ZIGChain deal explicitly aims at the GCC and surrounding markets — regions where demand for US equity exposure is strong but traditional brokerage access has historically been constrained by intermediaries, minimums and cross-border friction. The move also lands amid a broader surge in tokenized US equity access, with Binance launching its own equities and bStocks products the same month.
The risk framing ZIGChain was explicit about the limits of the integration. It does not constitute a token launch, nor a guarantee of yield or returns. The underlying assets are issued by Ondo Global Markets (BVI) Limited, ZIGChain does not custody the underlying real-world assets, and all investments carry risk. That framing is consistent with how tokenized equity products are typically structured — the token confers economic exposure to the underlying security rather than direct legal ownership of the share itself.
FAQ What does the ZIGChain and Ondo Finance integration provide?
The integration brings Ondo Finance’s tokenized US stocks and ETFs to users across the ZIGChain ecosystem, with a particular focus on the GCC region. It gives users onchain exposure to publicly traded US securities through Ondo Global Markets, rolling out in phases from late May 2026 across selected ecosystem applications and partners.
Does ZIGChain custody the underlying stocks?
No. The underlying assets are issued by Ondo Global Markets (BVI) Limited, and ZIGChain does not custody the underlying real-world assets. The integration is not a token launch and does not guarantee yield or returns; all investments carry risk.
How does this fit ZIGChain’s broader strategy?
The Ondo integration deepens ZIGChain’s real-world asset stack, joining Valdora Finance’s Liquid RWA Vaults and Beehive’s tokenized SME private credit pipeline. Together they give ZIGChain three RWA verticals — tokenized public equities, liquid yield vaults and private credit — supporting its positioning as a regulated onchain layer for distributing high-quality financial products to everyday users.
The ZIGChain–Ondo integration is another datapoint in one of 2026’s clearest trends: tokenized US equities are no longer confined to a handful of crypto-native venues but are spreading rapidly across wallets, chains and regional ecosystems. By targeting the GCC specifically, ZIGChain is betting that the next wave of tokenized-equity adoption comes not from deepening access where it already exists, but from extending it into regions where demand has long outstripped supply. This article is informational and does not constitute investment advice.
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London, 10th July, 2025 – Leading enterprise blockchain platform, VeChain, announces the launch of its first-ever cross-chain bridge with Wanchain, the industry’s longest-running decentralised interoperability solution. The bridge connects the VeChain ecosystem with over 40 major blockchains.
VeChain is an enterprise blockchain platform that ranks among the top 50 most valuable chains, with a market cap exceeding $1.8 billion and has initiated significant changes in 2025. With VeChainThor as its Layer 1 blockchain, VeChain is creating a new DeFi ecosystem utilizing its tokens, VET, VTHO, and B3TR.
VeChain has also formed a partnership with Visa to introduce the Stella Pay card, allowing users to spend their tokens at any point of sale. The company has achieved MiCAR compliance to operate in Europe and launched a new staking platform with over $84 million in assets, following SEC guidelines. All these moves are aimed at achieving greater adoption while complying with the regulations of each region.
Powered by its partnership with Wanchain, VeChain plans to enhance its DeFi capabilities by enabling interoperability across various chains and increasing liquidity within its ecosystem. The Wanchain Bridge is estimated to compete in volume with the top 10 most-used bridges, according to DefiLlama.
Commenting on the cross-chain bridge launch, Sunny Lu, CEO of VeChain, said:
“Thanks to the Wanchain Bridge integration, VeChain is breaking down the barriers of blockchain isolation, connecting VeChainThor to 40 major chains like Ethereum, Bitcoin, and Solana.
“This milestone unlocks unprecedented liquidity and DeFi opportunities for $VET, $VTHO, $B3TR, and beyond, enabling enterprises and users to engage seamlessly in a truly interconnected Web3 ecosystem. We are not just bridging chains, we are building the future of global tokenized adoption.”
With the support of Wanchain’s cross-chain interoperability solutions, VeChain integrates with the most prominent DeFi applications, including swaps, lending, staking, liquidity pools, and more, from 40 different chains. All the DeFi apps currently have a total value locked (TVL) of more than $116 billion and are now connected to VeChain thanks to the Wanchain Bridge.
Wanchain is a platform of interchain bridges that powers interoperability by connecting over 40 major networks, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and now VeChain. Its secure, non-custodial bridges, built with Secure Multiparty Computation and Shamir’s Secret Sharing cryptography, enable seamless asset transfers for DeFi and Web3 ecosystems. It boasts an industry-leading security track record, with zero exploits reported since its launch in 2017. Wanchain has processed hundreds of thousands of transactions and billions in cross-chain volume to date.
Commenting on the VeChain integration, Temujin Louie, CEO of Wanchain, said:
“Partnering with VeChain to launch their first-ever cross-chain bridge is a game-changer for blockchain interoperability. This integration connects VeChainThor to the most used chains, unlocking seamless asset transfers and fueling DeFi innovation.
We’re thrilled to empower VeChain’s ecosystem with Wanchain’s secure, battle-tested infrastructure, driving real-world adoption and creating new opportunities for users and enterprises alike.”
These integrations mark a milestone for VeChain, solidifying its position as a leading enterprise blockchain platform committed to regulatory compliance and seeking widespread adoption.
With Wanchain’s secure and robust cross-chain technology, VeChain is poised to unlock new opportunities in the DeFi industry, fostering a more interconnected and accessible blockchain ecosystem.
About Wanchain
Wanchain is a global leader in decentralised blockchain interoperability and creator of the blockchain industry’s first decentralised cross-chain bridge. Since its founding in 2017, Wanchain has remained committed to driving blockchain adoption by establishing a unified decentralised network of blockchains built on industry-wide standards and specifications. Wanchain’s cross-chain infrastructure, renowned for its engineering rigor and industry-best uptime, empowers developers to build truly decentralised cross-chain applications to power the future of Web3. Today, this decentralised infrastructure supports countless products across dozens of EVM and non-EVM networks.
For more information, visit wanchain.org.
About VeChain
VeChain is a leading blockchain Foundation for enterprise applications. VeBetterDAO, VeChain’s new sustainability app platform, is unleashing a revolution for how society drives action on sustainability, from end-users to enterprise to institutions.
For more information, please visit: https://vechain.org.
Disclaimer: This is a Press Release provided by a third party who is responsible for the content. Please conduct your own research before taking any action based on the content.
Oliver Dale
Editor-in-Chief of Blockonomi and founder of Kooc Media, A UK-Based Online Media Company. Believer in Open-Source Software, Blockchain Technology & a Free and Fair Internet for all. His writing has been quoted by Nasdaq, Dow Jones, Investopedia, The New Yorker, Forbes, Techcrunch & More. Contact [email protected]
VeChain’s layer-1 blockchain platform VeChainThor is integrating Wanchain as a cross-chain bridge partner, allowing it to connect to over 40 blockchains as it eyes liquidity expansion.
The integration brings Wanchain’s decentralized interoperability infrastructure to VeChainThor, with VeChain (VET) and other native tokens set to benefit from further adoption across decentralized exchanges, staking platforms, and liquidity pools.
VeChain said in a post on X that it is also eyeing adoption for its tokens across lending protocols and other ecosystems in the rapidly expanding decentralized finance market.
“Partnering with VeChain to launch their first-ever cross-chain bridge is a game-changer for their blockchain interoperability,” said Temujin Louie, chief executive officer of Wanchain. “This integration connects VeChainThor to the most used chains, unlocking seamless asset transfers and fuelling news kinds of real-world focused innovation.”
As well as VET, other VeChain assets that could get a boost from the cross-chain integration include VTHO and B3TR, the VeChain team noted.
Wanchain bridge to connect VeChainThor to 40 blockchains VeChainThor is an enterprise-ready layer-1 smart contracts blockchain that launched its mainnet in 2018 and has seen significant adoption since. The platform is eyeing further growth via the Wanchain cross-chain bridge.
Specifically, integrating Wanchain’s bridge allows VeChainThor to connect to more than 40 blockchains. The interoperability of Ethereum Virtual Machine and non-EVM support includes top chains such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP Ledger, and BNB Chain.
The VeChain-Bitcoin bridge will support BTC, while the VeChain-Ethereum bridge will support ETH, USDC, USDT, VET, VTHO, and B3TR.
“This initial, extensive coverage opens up substantial liquidity channels and integration pathways across a wide range of DeFi markets and use cases,” the platform wrote.
According to VeChain, this broad support could be a major move for VET, VTHO, and B3TR.
The partnership with Wanchain comes days after the launch of StarGate, an institutional-grade staking platform. It adds to VeChain’s key upgrades and web3 growth initiatives.
Notably, StarGate’s unveiling on July 1, 2025, has helped the total value locked on VeChain increase by more than $100 million.
Wanchain deployed a direct USDC bridge connecting VeChain and Sui blockchains on August 27, 2025. This enables seamless stablecoin transfers between the enterprise-focused network and the high-performance DeFi platform. VeChain's corporate users now have access to Sui's $2 billion total value locked and connections to global USDC liquidity networks processing trillions in annual volume.
VeChain officially celebrated the launch by retweeting Wanchain's announcement. The company highlighted connections to substantial stablecoin liquidity and "new users and growth opportunities." This marks a practical bridge between enterprise blockchain applications and high-yield DeFi protocols.
How Does the Wanchain USDC Bridge Work?Users connect wallets to Wanchain's portal at bridge.wanchain.org. They select USDC from either VeChain or Sui, then confirm transactions with fees typically under $1. Transfers complete within minutes using decentralized validators rather than centralized custodians.
Wanchain maintains a perfect security record. Seven years and $1.5 billion in bridged volume with zero incidents. This track record contrasts sharply with the $2.17 billion in bridge exploits that hit other platforms in 2025 alone. Currently, Wanchain connects 42 networks and supports 134 assets.
What DeFi Opportunities Open Up for VeChain Users?Sui's DeFi ecosystem doubled its value throughout 2025. Native USDC integration and protocol expansions drove this growth. VeChain users can now access double-digit yields through lending platforms like Suilend and Navi.
Several key opportunities await users:
Lending protocols offer USDC integration for yield generationDecentralized exchanges like Cetus enable token swappingBTCfi initiatives include wrapped Bitcoin strategiesGaming protocols leverage Sui's object-centric architectureNative USDC on Sui has grown to approximately $580 million in circulating supply as of August 2025, demonstrating rapid adoption since its October 2024 launch. This outpaced established chains like Algorand and Hedera. Sui also reportedly reached over 3 million daily active users in August 2025, with some metrics indicating it is competing closely with Solana for user engagement. USDC inflows exceeding $500 million partly drove this growth.
How Does This Impact Enterprise Users?Corporate partners can now leverage stablecoin rails for international settlements. No more foreign exchange risks. Companies like Walmart China have used VeChain for supply chain tracking since 2019. They now gain access to new payment infrastructure.
Several practical applications emerge from this connectivity:
Carbon credit settlements can occur in USDCSupply chain payments reduce expenses versus traditional bankingBitcoin yield strategies become accessible through Sui's BTCfi protocolsEthereum's congested infrastructure becomes less necessary. Average gas fees reached $5 in mid-2025 compared to VeChain's sub-cent transaction costs.
Why Does This Bridge Matter Now?VeChain's July 2025 Wanchain integration already connected it to over 40 chains. This demonstrates accelerating interoperability adoption. However, this direct Sui bridge specifically targets DeFi access rather than general connectivity.
Cross-chain infrastructure addresses a major problem. Liquidity fragmentation spans over 100 competing layer-1 blockchains. Global USDC transactions are trending toward $20 trillion annually in 2025, based on quarterly volume patterns. Regulatory clarity from the US stablecoin framework supports cross-chain usage.
Market projections look promising. Some analysts suggest VeChain's total value locked could potentially triple by year-end 2025. Cross-chain capital inflows will partly drive this growth. Sui's institutional partnerships with Grayscale and Amina Bank signal the maturation of its infrastructure, ready for integration with traditional finance.
Wanchain benefits from deflationary tokenomics. The platform burned 900,000 WAN tokens by August 2025, creating economic incentives tied to bridge usage. Both networks can now benefit from 2025's trend toward hybrid blockchain usage. Projects are increasingly leveraging multiple specialized networks rather than remaining confined to a single ecosystem.
Sources:Wanchain Official Bridge Launch Announcement (August 27, 2025)VeChain Official Social Media Confirmation (August 27, 2025)Sui Network DeFi Analytics and Performance Data (2025)Cross-Chain Bridge Security Analysis (2025)
Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin is now available in the Cardano ecosystem through an integration by the cross-chain bridge Wanchain. This development comes amid the Cardano ecosystem’s plans to integrate more stablecoins on the network, while Ripple is also eyeing expansion of its stablecoin beyond the XRP Ledger (XRPL) and Ethereum.
Ripple’s RLUSD Now Available On The Cardano Network In an X post, Wanchain revealed that its cross-chain bridge now supports the RLUSD stablecoin. With the integration, users will be able to bridge the stablecoin directly from the XRPL network to the Cardano network. Furthermore, they can bridge the stablecoin from Ethereum to Cardano.
Additionally, users can bridge Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin on XRPL or Ethereum to Wanchain and then route it from the bridge to the Cardano network. The bridge also enables bridging from the XRPL to the top Layer-1 network, Ethereum.
It is worth noting that RLUSD is currently issued natively only on the XRPL and Ethereum networks. However, Ripple announced plans last year to expand the stablecoin to Ethereum layer-2 networks, including Base, Optimism, Unichain, and Ink. The firm also noted that testing on these chains will begin in partnership with Wormhole.
RLUSD currently ranks as the 8th largest stablecoin, with a market cap of $1.5 billion. Most of the stablecoin’s supply currently sits on the Ethereum network, while 382 million tokens are in circulation on the XRP Ledger.
Boost For Cardano’s Ecosystem Ripple’s RLUSD becomes the second tier-1 stablecoin available to Cardano users, following USDC’s launch on the network earlier this year. It is worth noting that Cardano’s stablecoin market cap has climbed to $50 million following the launch of USDC.
The network’s DeFi TVL had also climbed when USDC launched on the network and could rise again, with network users now able to access RLUSD through the cross-chain bridge. Interestingly, Cardano’s founder, Charles Hoskinson, has long teased plans to integrate RLUSD natively into the network, though that has yet to happen.
Meanwhile, amid RLUSD gaining access to the Cardano ecosystem, Cardano stakeholder Input Output has put nine proposals forward in a bid to scale the network. Notably, none of them focuses on stablecoin integrations, with the highlight being the Leios upgrade, which developers aim to use to scale the network to 27 million monthly transactions by 2030.
Ripple’s US dollar-pegged stablecoin, RLUSD, can now move seamlessly across new networks following its integration with Wanchain’s bridge infrastructure. Users are now able to transfer RLUSD between the XRP Ledger, Ethereum, Cardano, and Wanchain networks, greatly improving cross-chain mobility. This marks a pivotal shift for Ripple, taking its stablecoin beyond the confines of its native platforms.
RLUSD gains momentum with Wanchain’s cross-chain bridgeAccording to an official statement from Wanchain, RLUSD is now transferable across multiple major blockchains via their bridge protocol. While RLUSD is minted natively on the XRP Ledger, the new integration enables its movement to Cardano, Ethereum, and Wanchain networks. Similarly, the Ethereum-based RLUSD can now traverse to Cardano and Wanchain using this infrastructure.
Currently, RLUSD is issued directly only on the XRP Ledger and Ethereum. However, the recent bridge integration lets users shift liquidity between blockchains without relying on centralized intermediaries. As stablecoins continue to gain traction in payments, trading, and decentralized finance (DeFi), such cross-chain compatibility becomes increasingly vital for users.
With this new support, RLUSD holders can move their assets from the XRP Ledger to Cardano through Wanchain’s infrastructure. RLUSD minted on Ethereum can also be integrated into the Cardano ecosystem via the same bridge. In addition, RLUSD available on the Wanchain network can now flow in both directions with Cardano.
Rising appeal of cross-chain bridgesWanchain has been focusing on interoperability and bridge solutions between blockchains for some time. The inclusion of RLUSD in its system brings Ripple’s stablecoin to a broader audience. Notably, Cardano has recently taken significant steps to expand access to dollar-backed assets within its ecosystem.
This bridge infrastructure also allows direct transfers between RLUSD on the XRP Ledger and Ethereum. For users managing liquidity across multiple blockchains, this reduces the hassle of executing additional swaps when navigating between various DeFi platforms and blockchain applications.
Ripple’s multi-chain stablecoin ambitionsThe integration supports Ripple’s multi-chain rollout strategy for RLUSD. Ripple previously disclosed plans to expand RLUSD over time to additional Ethereum-compatible layer-2 networks such as Base, Optimism, Unichain, and Ink. These deployments are currently being tested through a collaboration with Wormhole.
RLUSD has also made its way into the exchange landscape. Since early April, it has been tradeable on Coinone, allowing South Korean investors direct access to the stablecoin with Korean won. This move signaled Ripple’s entry into regulated stablecoin markets in Asia.
Beyond transfers, RLUSD has found new use cases in various applications. On the Bitrue exchange, it can now be used as collateral in futures markets, offering users a stable asset for leveraged trading and wider participation in derivative products.
Mastercard, meanwhile, is exploring options with RLUSD as part of its initiative to implement stablecoins into blockchain-based payment systems. While no formal launch has occurred yet, this reflects interest from major corporate players in utilizing Ripple’s stablecoin for institutional partnerships, beyond traditional token transfers.
Currently, RLUSD has achieved a market capitalization of roughly $1.5 billion, making it the eighth largest stablecoin in existence. While most tokens circulate on Ethereum, there are 382 million RLUSD in supply on the XRP Ledger. The Wanchain bridge integration has considerably broadened RLUSD’s access across multiple blockchains.
In its statement, Wanchain highlighted that by adding RLUSD to its bridges, it enables users to easily transition between important blockchains, aiming to increase RLUSD’s footprint within more diverse ecosystems.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.
TLDR: RLUSD now moves across XRPL, Ethereum, and Cardano using Wanchain bridge infrastructure European banks plan a euro stablecoin using Ripple tech, expanding institutional blockchain use Ripple upgraded custody services with compliance tools and staking for institutional clients RLUSD adoption grows through pilots in payments, settlements, and multi-chain DeFi access Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin continues to expand its reach as new infrastructure and institutional developments reshape its role in digital finance.
Recent updates show progress in cross-chain access, banking collaborations, and custody services, positioning RLUSD within evolving global payment networks.
Cross-chain expansion strengthens RLUSD accessibility RLUSD’s latest development centers on its integration with Wanchain’s bridge infrastructure. This upgrade allows
transfers between the XRP Ledger, Ethereum, Cardano, and Wanchain. As a result, users can move RLUSD without relying on centralized exchanges.
A recent tweet from CoinDesk reported that Wanchain added support for Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin. The post noted that the bridge enables transfers across major blockchain networks. This update confirms RLUSD’s growing presence in multi-chain environments.
The bridge supports two-way transfers, which improves liquidity movement between networks. Users can send RLUSD from the XRP Ledger to Cardano or from Ethereum to Cardano. They can also reverse these transactions with minimal friction.
This setup reduces dependency on wrapped assets and intermediaries. Instead, RLUSD operates across ecosystems in a more direct manner. As liquidity moves freely, trading and decentralized finance activity may become more efficient.
Wanchain acts as a central hub connecting these blockchains. Through this role, it simplifies how assets move between networks. Therefore, RLUSD becomes easier to access for users operating on different chains.
The stablecoin currently holds a market capitalization of about $1.5 billion. Around 382 million tokens circulate on the XRP Ledger. Meanwhile, a larger share remains active on Ethereum, supporting its broader use.
Institutional adoption and infrastructure upgrades progress Beyond technical integration, RLUSD is gaining traction among financial institutions. European banks are preparing to launch a euro-backed stablecoin using Ripple’s technology. ING, UniCredit, and BNP Paribas plan to release it in late 2026.
This initiative focuses on regulated digital payments within the eurozone. It also introduces competition to dollar-based stablecoins. Ripple’s infrastructure will support settlement and transaction processing for the project.
At the same time, Ripple has upgraded its custody platform. The update includes real-time compliance monitoring and cloud-based security systems. These features aim to meet institutional requirements for digital asset management.
The platform also introduces staking capabilities. This addition provides institutions with more flexibility when managing digital assets. As a result, RLUSD becomes easier to integrate into treasury operations.
Institutional use cases are already being tested in real-world scenarios. RLUSD is part of pilot programs for real-time settlements with partners like Kyobo Life Insurance. It is also being explored for credit card settlement processes with Mastercard.
These developments align with Ripple’s broader multichain strategy. RLUSD is also undergoing testing on Ethereum Layer-2 networks such as Base, Optimism, and Ink. These efforts expand its potential use across scaling solutions.
As RLUSD moves across networks and gains institutional support, its role in payments and finance continues to evolve. Its presence across multiple chains and systems reflects ongoing efforts to increase utility and access.
Wanchain has integrated Ripple stablecoin, RLUSD, into its cross-chain bridge, expanding connectivity beyond the XRP Ledger (XRPL) and Ethereum.
Specifically, Wanchain now enables RLUSD to move seamlessly across additional networks, including Cardano. This upgrade strengthens the stablecoin’s utility and positions it as a more versatile asset within the multi-chain landscape.
Key Points Wanchain integrates RLUSD into its cross-chain bridge, expanding its reach beyond XRPL and Ethereum. The integration allows RLUSD to move across XRPL, Cardano, Ethereum, Wanchain, and several other routes. Ripple is currently making moves to expand RLUSD access to more networks, with mainnet deployment on Ethereum L2 networks like Optimism expected this year. RLUSD currently holds a $1.6 billion market cap, with trading volume surging over 91% in 24 hours to $80.45 million. Wanchain Expands RLUSD Availability Beyond XRPL and Ethereum In a tweet, Wanchain announced adding RLUSD to its bridge infrastructure, enabling smooth two-way transfers across multiple blockchains.
Consequently, users can now move RLUSD between the XRP Ledger and Cardano, XRPL and Wanchain, Ethereum and Cardano, Ethereum and Wanchain, Wanchain and Cardano, as well as XRPL and Ethereum. This expanded routing significantly enhances the token’s cross-chain accessibility.
Moreover, the integration highlights ongoing efforts toward a multi-chain financial system. Instead of operating in the Ethereum and XRPL ecosystems alone, RLUSD now circulates across interconnected platforms, improving liquidity flow and user flexibility.
Ripple Plans RLUSD Debut on Multiple Blockchains Meanwhile, the move aligns with Ripple’s strategy to extend RLUSD’s reach beyond its native ecosystems. That vision gained traction in December when Ripple partnered with Wormhole, leveraging its NTT token standard to expand the stablecoin to Ethereum Layer-2 networks, including Optimism and Base.
While testing remains ongoing, Ripple plans a full mainnet rollout once it secures the necessary regulatory approvals. Now, with Wanchain’s integration, RLUSD’s accessibility has widened further to include Cardano and Wanchain’s own network.
RLUSD Volume Spikes 91% Since its launch in December 2024, RLUSD has rapidly gained traction in the crypto market. It has secured listings on major exchanges, including Binance, Bitget, Kraken, HashKey, and Coinone.
Currently, RLUSD has a market cap of $1.6 billion, ranking it as the 44th-largest token globally and the eighth-largest stablecoin. In addition, its trading activity has surged, with volume jumping over 91% in the past 24 hours to reach $80.45 million—an indication of rising demand and market engagement.
DisClamier: This content is informational and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author's personal opinions and do not reflect The Crypto Basic opinion. Readers are encouraged to do thorough research before making any investment decisions. The Crypto Basic is not responsible for any financial losses.
Amid bearish crypto market, few cryptocurrencies are showing significant surge over the past 24-hours. As per the detail compiled by Phoenix Group, a prominent crypto analytics and aggregator platform, $H, $ALICE, $META, $XPIN are surging significantly along with $APRA, $B2, $MED and $OM. These assets gaining the attention of crypto investors and trader.
Humanity Protocol ($H) has been the top performer of the day skyrocketing 133.3% and currently trading at $0.17 with a market cap of $320.3 million, listed on Bybit. The $H surge has sparked renewed interest among mid-cap investors and speculative traders. Following Humanity, My Neighbor Alice ($ALICE) showed a 59.5% increase today, and now exchanging hands at $0.51 with a market capitalization of $46.2 million. $ALICE’s listing on Binance continuously providing the strong liquidity support and visibility.
On third Metadium ($META) is trending with a 45.1% jump to $0.02 as the trading momentum is driven via Upbit that has pushed its market cap to $37.7 million. On the same time, XPIN Network ($XPIN) has jumped by 23.6% to $0.001, with a relatively modest capitalization of $17 million.
Gainers of the Bottom Showing Unexpected Market Caps $ARPA and BSquared Network ($B2) are following the gainers with gains of 21.5% and 19.7%, respectively. $B2 has recently reached $1.77 with a robust market of $72.9 million that clearly signals the growing demand among infrastructure-focused projects. Healthcare narrative-based blockchain project MediBloc ($MED) jumps by 13.5% to $0.004 with the market cap of $48.3 million.
In the lower double-digit gainers, Mantra (%OM) has surged 12.1% and currently trading at $0.12 while Open Campus ($EDU) ascends to 12.0%, and both trading actively on Binance. On the bottom of the list of gainers is Story ($IP) that is up by 11.3% that boasts the largest market cap among the gainers at $2 billion and trading at $6.60.
The mixed list of token based on different narratives i.e., gaming, identity, health and DeFi tokens showing the expanding demand of digital sector. These tokens have marked their name with growing appetite for mid-cap and utility-driven assets.
AUTHOR
Crypto journalist with years of experience providing in-depth analysis and news on blockchain and decentralized finance. With a keen eye for detail, Shahzaib delivers insightful articles that explore the latest trends, market movements, and innovations within the crypto and blockchain ecosystem. His work focuses on educating readers while offering expert commentary on the evolving landscape of digital assets, DeFi protocols, and the broader impact of blockchain technology.
Cover image via www.freepik.com Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.
There is a growing narrative among XRP enthusiasts that a major unwinding in the Japanese yen carry trade could trigger a global liquidity crisis. In this scenario, these enthusiasts have positioned XRP as the solution to stabilizing disrupted financial flows, starting in Japan and rippling worldwide.
Spike in Japan’s 20-year government bondAn XRP community member highlighted that Japan’s 20-year government bond yield hit 2.751%, increasing by 0.035%.
Higher yields signal investor demand for safer, higher-return Japanese debt amid BoJ tightening. This pulls money back to Japan, accelerating the unwinding, that is, traders selling foreign assets to cover yen loans. Past unwinds caused global volatility, which analysts have warned could happen soon.
The yen carry trade is a popular investment strategy that has fueled global markets for decades. Notably, Japan’s low interest rates make borrowing yen inexpensive.
Traders convert yen to higher-yielding currencies such as USD and invest in assets like U.S. stocks, bonds or emerging market debt. In the end, they pocket the interest rate differential as profit.
It provides cheap liquidity to risk assets, boosting everything from Wall Street to crypto. However, sudden yen strength erodes profits and triggers forced sales.
Analysts note that a liquidity crisis is looming as the carry trade is about to collapse. The trade is reversing due to shifting monetary policies, creating a vicious cycle.
To combat inflation and yen weakness, the BoJ has normalized rates since 2024. This makes borrowing yen more expensive, squeezing profits.
Also, the U.S. Federal Reserve easing cycle narrows the yield gap, making the trade less attractive.
Can XRP stop Japan’s liquidity crunch?An unwind is not just a Japanese problem but a global liquidity crunch. Trillions in yen-funded investments flood back, selling off U.S. and global assets. This could depress bond prices, spike U.S. yields and trigger stock sell-offs.
However, XRP enters as a proposed fix for the resulting chaos, leveraging Ripple's tech for instant, low-cost global transfers.
In a crisis, banks need quick access to fiat without prefunding accounts. XRP acts as on-demand liquidity, settling cross-border payments in seconds.
Moreover, Ripple has a strategic partnership with Japan’s SBI Holdings, integrating XRP into local payments. Therefore, if yen liquidity dries up, Japanese institutions could use XRP to source USD instantly, bypassing carry trade fallout.
Critics, however, argued that this is hype, noting that XRP’s role depends on adoption.
This year witnessed an upsurge in concerns over carry trade, and Japan’s announcement of an economic stimulus package has further intensified the situation. Shanaka Anslem Perera, alongside many economists, highlights the significant issue facing the stock market, cryptocurrencies, and, broadly, global liquidity as of November.
Japan’s Economic Narrative UnraveledAs the crypto market experienced accelerated sales, Japan declared a $110 billion stimulus package on Sunday. If the U.S. had taken such measures, the market might have been buoyed by the notion of monetary expansion. Yet, Japan’s move resulted in a different outcome, as the country’s bond yields spiked to 1.73%.
Over the past ten months, the interest rate differential between the U.S. and Japan fell from 3.5% to 2.4%, effectively ending the carry trade narrative. For three decades, Japan borrowed at zero interest to invest in U.S. equities, cryptocurrencies, global bond markets, and real estate. Japan offered 0% interest but could earn 4% in the U.S. or achieve higher gains in crypto at zero cost.
The stimulus announced on November 16 marks the end of this period. Throughout the year, signals were observed. Each 1% debt-to-GDP increase, already at 263%, costs Japan $26 billion.
Ripple Effects on Cryptocurrencies and EconomyJapan possesses $3.2 trillion in foreign assets, primarily in U.S. companies, bonds, and others. Part of it is in cryptocurrencies, and these funds are now returning home. As the era of zero or near-zero interest draws to an end, the world’s biggest buyer becomes a net seller.
In situations where large, consistent sellers exist, they continue to sell despite falling prices until the goal is met. Shanaka Anslem Perera points out, reductions in U.S. stock valuation from 21x to 16x arise not due to recession but from liquidity withdrawal. While the strengthening Yen damages exporters, Nikkei falls by 12%. Emerging market funds lose 30%, and credit spreads increase by 100 basis points.
The Federal Reserve ending quantitative tightening on December 1 is seen as a concession. They recognize Japanese capital’s withdrawal and plan to print money to purchase Treasury bonds, exerting financial dominance. Japan’s era of free money subsidizing the world for 30 years has ended. Every asset priced for liquidity abundance is now being repriced for scarcity.
The Bank for International Settlements reports $764 billion in direct cross-border Yen loans by the second quarter of 2025. Including derivative instruments and hedging positions, total carry trade risk exceeds $1.2 trillion. In 18-24 months, $500-600 billion capital is expected to return to Japan, with amplified domino effects.
It’s estimated that 20-25% of crypto market liquidity relies directly or indirectly on Yen flows, raising concerns over “direct liquidity issues in crypto” amidst stock market declines. This is partly why accelerated sales began on Sunday, and without rapid U.S. expansion and crypto inflows, medium-term impacts could be greater.
The Federal Reserve’s decision to end quantitative tightening on December 1, 2025, is viewed as a preventative measure for Japan. Following years of continuous sales, the Fed should revert to buying Treasury bonds to mitigate effects. Despite Powell’s hawkish efforts, shifting conditions pressure the Fed’s stance. For cryptocurrencies, the situation leans towards a rise by 2026, contingent on the magnitude of the Fed’s actions.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.
American model Bri Teresi recently discussed the idea that XRP could play a role in Japan’s reverse yen carry trade, a multitrillion-dollar unwind now moving through global markets.
In a recent post on X, Teresi said she believes XRP matches the type of fast and programmable system that the financial infrastructure of today needs.
Teresi Spotlights XRP’s Strengths She called attention to guidance from the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), which says an effective settlement asset should turn over 8 to 10 times a day so banks avoid holding slow-moving currency.
I believe XRP will be used as a bridge asset in the reverse Yen carry trade. Right now, the BIS says an efficient settlement asset should turn over 8–10 times per day to prevent banks from sitting on huge piles of stagnant currencies. But in a new financial system that’s faster,…
— Bri Teresi (@briteresi) November 27, 2025
Teresi argued that newer systems focus on speed, and she sees XRP meeting that requirement, with SBI Remit in Japan already using it for faster cross-border settlements.
According to the model, XRP’s design allows it to move far faster than the BIS benchmark. After watching an analysis from crypto educator Lewis Jackson, she raised an important question: if trillions begin crossing borders as this reverse carry trade unwinds, what kind of transaction speed will regulators expect from a bridge asset like XRP?
What is The Reverse Carry Trade? For context, Jackson highlighted the entire situation in a recent podcast episode. During his commentary, he discussed how a carry trade works, using a simple example.
Specifically, a person could borrow $100,000 in a country offering 0% interest, convert the funds into their own currency, and invest it at a 5% return. After one year, that investor would still owe exactly $100,000, but the investment would produce $105,000, leaving $5,000 in profit.
Jackson explained that Japan enabled this type of strategy for more than twenty years because the Bank of Japan cut interest rates to 0% in 1999, held that level for years, and even pushed rates negative in 2016, which effectively paid people to borrow.
He noted that this environment created what the market calls the yen carry trade. Ministry of Finance data places the size of this trade between $4.2 trillion and $4.5 trillion, with major global banks and financial institutions taking part. The Bank for International Settlements documented this activity as well.
However, everything changed on March 19, 2024, when the Bank of Japan ended its negative-rate era and raised its benchmark rate to 0.1%. Jackson said the small move created major concern because investors feared more hikes could follow.
Notably, higher rates would erase the profit potential of carry trades, so many traders started to unwind their positions. This led to the reverse carry trade. He estimated that roughly 40% of the trade had already reversed, leaving 60% still active. This remaining portion could strain the system if it unwinds too quickly.
XRP Could Have a Role to Play Jackson then explained why some people in the crypto community believe XRP could help. For context, reversing a carry trade at this scale requires fast and reliable currency conversion, and traditional rails often move slowly and cost a lot.
According to him, XRP offers a quicker, cheaper, and more secure way to move value across borders. He then highlighted Japan’s long relationship with XRP. Specifically, SBI Remit uses XRP for payment routes between Japan and the Philippines and between Japan and Indonesia. Also, Japanese institutions maintain long-running partnerships with Ripple, which gives the theory more weight.
Jackson noted that he had studied BIS documents, Japanese regulatory material, and SBI Remit’s integrations, and confirmed that the major details behind the reverse carry trade storyline all come from established sources.
He then called attention to discussions over how XRP’s price might react if these flows ran through the asset, with some predicting price surges to thousands. While Jackson does not support any specific prediction, he said Japan’s policy shift, the scale of the unwind, and XRP’s presence in the country create a setup that deserves serious attention.
DisClamier: This content is informational and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author's personal opinions and do not reflect The Crypto Basic opinion. Readers are encouraged to do thorough research before making any investment decisions. The Crypto Basic is not responsible for any financial losses.
The Bank of Japan is expected to raise interest rates to 0.75% at its December meeting, the highest since 1995, affecting global markets including cryptocurrencies.A stronger yen could lead to de-risking in macro portfolios, impacting liquidity conditions that have supported bitcoin's recent recovery.Governor Kazuo Ueda indicated a high probability of a rate hike, with officials prepared for further tightening if their economic outlook supports it.The Bank of Japan is preparing to raise interest rates at its December policy meeting, a shift that would lift the country’s benchmark rate to its highest level since 1995 and potentially reverberate through global risk markets, including crypto.
People familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that policymakers are leaning toward a 25-basis-point hike to 0.75% at the Dec. 19 meeting, contingent on no major shock to global markets or Japan’s domestic outlook.
The yen strengthened after the report, climbing from just above 155 to around 154.56 per dollar on Friday.
Such implications run through the yen-funded carry trade, one of the financial world’s oldest macro linkages. Hedge funds and proprietary trading desks have historically borrowed yen at ultra-low rates to finance leveraged positions in higher-beta assets — a structure that persisted through nearly three decades of near-zero BOJ policy.
A shift toward higher Japanese rates reduces the attractiveness of that trade and may force positioning adjustments in markets where leverage and liquidity are most sensitive, including bitcoin.
A stronger yen typically coincides with de-risking across macro portfolios, and that dynamic could tighten liquidity conditions that recently helped bitcoin rebound from November’s lows.
BTC slipped toward $86,000 earlier in the week before recovering to over $93,000 alongside U.S. equities, and remains heavily influenced by global rate expectations after a month of macro-driven volatility.
Governor Kazuo Ueda signaled Monday that the board would make an “appropriate decision” on rates, language similar to remarks delivered ahead of prior hikes. Market pricing now implies almost a 90% probability of a December move. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s key ministers are not expected to oppose the shift.
BOJ officials are also likely to indicate readiness for further tightening if their outlook materializes, though they remain cautious about committing to a path.
For bitcoin traders, the risk is less about Japan’s terminal rate and more about the directional break from a decades-long source of global liquidity.
If yen funding costs continue to rise, leveraged macro funds may trim exposure to BTC and other high-volatility assets. But a controlled, incremental BOJ tightening, without sharp equity drawdowns, may have limited impact in the near term, especially with U.S. rate-cut odds rising.
Updated Dec 7, 2025, 1:50 p.m. Published Dec 7, 2025, 5:36 a.m.
3 min read
Summary
Impending BOJ rate hike largely priced in; Japanese bond yields near multi-decade highs.Speculators maintain net bullish positions in the yen, limiting scope for sudden yen strength.BOJ tightening may contribute to sustained upward pressure on global yields, impacting risk sentiment.With the Bank of Japan (BOJ) expected to hike rates next week, some observers are worried that the Japanese yen could surge, triggering an unwinding of "carry trades," crushing bitcoin.
Their analysis, however, overlooks actual positioning in the FX and bond markets, missing the nuance and far more likely risk that Japanese yields, by anchoring and potentially lifting global bond yields, could eventually weigh over risk assets rather than the yen itself.
Popular yen carry tradesBefore diving deeper, let's break down the yen carry trade and its influence on global markets over the past few decades.
The yen (JPY) carry trade involves investors borrowing yen at low rates in Japan and investing in high-yielding assets. For decades, Japan kept interest rates pinned near zero, prompting traders to borrow in yen and invest in U.S. tech stocks and U.S. Treasury notes.
As Charles Schwab noted, "Going long on tech and short on the yen were two very popular trades, because for many years, the yen had been the cheapest major funding currency and tech was consistently profitable."
With the BOJ expected to raise rates, concerns are rising that the yen will lose its cheap-funding status, making carry trades less attractive. Higher Japanese interest rates and JGB yields, along with a strengthening yen, could trigger carry trade unwinds – Japanese capital repatriating from overseas assets and sparking broad risk aversion, including in BTC, as witnessed in August 2025.
Debunking the scareThis analysis, however, lacks nuance on several levels.
First and foremost, Japanese rates – even after the expected hike – would sit at just 0.75%, versus 3.75% in the U.S. The yield differential would still remain wide enough to favor U.S. assets and discourage mass unwinding of carry trades. In other words, BOJ will remain the most dovish major central bank.
Secondly, the impending BOJ rate hike is hardly unexpected and is already priced in, as evidenced by Japanese government bond (JGB) yields hovering near multi-decade highs. The benchmark 10-year JGB yield currently stands at 1.95%, which is more than 100 basis points above the official Japanese benchmark interest rate of 0.75% projected after the hike. The same can said about the two-year Japanese yield, which is hovering above 1%.
This disconnect between bond yields and policy rates suggests market expectations for tighter monetary conditions are likely already priced in, reducing the shock value of the rate adjustment itself.
"Japan’s 1.7% JGB yield isn’t a surprise. It has been in forward markets for more than a year, and investors have already repositioned for BOJ normalization since 2023," InvestingLive's Chief Asia-Pacific Currency Analyst Eamonn Sheridan said in a recent explainer.
Bullish yen positioningLastly, speculators' net long yen positions leave little room for panic buying post-rate hike, and even less reason for carry trade unwinds.
Data tracked by Investing.com shows that speculators' net positioning has been consistently bullish on the yen since February this year.
This starkly contrasts with mid-2024, when speculators were bearish on the yen. That likely triggered panic buying of the yen when the BOJ raised rates from 0.25% to 0.5% on July 31, 2024, leading to the unwinding of carry trades and losses in stocks and cryptocurrencies.
Another notable difference back then was that the 10-year yield was on the verge of breaking above 1% for the first time in decades, which likely triggered a shock adjustment. That's no longer the case, as yields have been above 1% and rising for months, as discussed earlier.
The yen's role as a risk-on/risk-off barometer has come under question recently, with the Swiss franc emerging as a rival offering relatively lower rates and reduced volatility.
To conclude, the expected BOJ rate hike could bring volatility, but it is unlikely to be anything like what was seen in August 2025. Investors have already positioned for tightening, as Schwab noted, and adjustments to BOJ tightening are likely to happen gradually and are already partially underway.
What could go wrong?Other things being equal, the real risk lies in Japanese tightening sustaining elevated U.S. Treasury yields, countering the impact of expected Fed rate cuts.
This dynamic could dampen global risk appetite, as persistently high yields raise borrowing costs and weigh on asset valuations, including those of cryptocurrencies and equities.
Rather than a sudden yen surge unwinding carry trades, watch BOJ's broader global market impact.
Another macro risk: President Trump's push for global fiscal expansion, which could stoke debt fears, lift bond yields, and trigger risk aversion.
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