Latest FinTech & Blockchain News
2025: Crypto Enters Adulthood with Infrastructure and Regulation Convergence
Crypto shifted from excitement to utility in 2025, with clearer rules enabling banks and fintechs to use public blockchains for payments and tokenization. DeFi apps like Aave reached $25bn loans, Visa settled with USDC on Solana, and JPMorgan launched tokenized funds on Ethereum.
Stablecoins processed over $50 trillion, rivaling Visa volumes.
Standard Chartered Rolls Out Blockchain-Based Tokenized Deposits
Standard Chartered launched a tokenized deposit solution, allowing clients to shift money from traditional ledgers to blockchain infrastructure. This enables seamless movement onto blockchain for enhanced efficiency.
The rollout highlights growing bank adoption of tokenization.
MetaComp Integrates Stable Blockchain into StableX Payments Network
MetaComp partnered with Stable to integrate its high-throughput blockchain into the StableX payments network for cross-border payments. The move follows StableX's debut at Singapore Fintech Festival 2025.
It aims to boost efficiency in global payments.
Bitget Wallet Launches Zero-Fee USDC On-Ramp with Alchemy Pay
Bitget Wallet introduced a zero-fee USDC on-ramp in partnership with Alchemy Pay, simplifying fiat-to-stablecoin conversions. This enhances accessibility for users entering crypto ecosystems.
It supports broader stablecoin adoption in fintech.
Institutional Crypto Derivatives Mature with $35M Raises and Coinbase Investments
Institutional derivatives platforms like Architect Financial Technologies (AX) raised $35M for perpetual futures on traditional assets using blockchain. Coinbase Ventures invests in DeFi for RWAs, with $30B tokenized markets and 76% of investors planning more crypto exposure.
Regulatory clarity and Layer 2 scalability drive adoption.
Fold Holdings Joins Russell 2000 Amid MSCI Crypto Exclusion Debate
Fold Holdings, a bitcoin treasury fintech, was added to the Russell 2000 index, boosting visibility and potential inflows. This occurs as MSCI proposes excluding firms with >50% digital assets.
It highlights evolving index treatment of crypto firms.
Bitcoin Drops to $87,300 as Crypto Market Crashes 2.45% Ahead of Christmas
Bitcoin fell 2.1% to $87,300, with total crypto market cap at $2.95T down 2.45%, due to holiday pullback and strong US data delaying rate cuts. Altcoins like Solana and Ethereum declined over 3%, with bearish technical patterns.
Open interest and volume dropped, signaling caution.
December Bear Market Drives Investors to Funds Coin for Staking
Amid the crypto bear market, investors are flocking to Funds Coin for staking to secure stable passive income. This shift reflects demand for yield in downturns.
The trend emerged prominently on December 23, 2025.
Clearwater Analytics Acquired for $8.4 Billion in Major FinTech Deal
Clearwater Analytics, supporting $10T in assets with AI-driven investment platforms, will go private in an $8.4B acquisition. Recent buys include Enfusion for $1.5B and others totaling $685M.
It consolidates cloud-native fintech for institutions.
Top Blockchain Stocks for 2025: Nvidia, Block, Mastercard, PayPal
Recommended blockchain stocks include Nvidia for mining chips, Block (SQ) for Bitcoin via Cash App, Mastercard for crypto payments, and PayPal for PYUSD. Global blockchain market projected to $469B by 2030.
Diversified plays hedge volatility.
DeFi Scales with Aave, PayPal, and Bank Stablecoins on Morpho
DeFi lending like Aave hit $25B loans, Société Générale deployed MiCA-compliant stablecoins on Morpho, and PayPal expanded PYUSD via Spark. Coinbase and Crypto.com integrated Morpho for USDC yield.
This marks production-scale adoption.