Will The NEAR Protocol Survive After This Critical Vote? Will Validators Walk Away?

Telegram is making waves in the DeFi space by allowing users to earn yields through its self-custodial wallet, thanks to a new partnership with Affluent. This integration, announced on October 24, marks a significant step towards making decentralized finance more accessible to everyday users. With the growing interest in DeFi, this feature could empower Telegram's vast user base to explore new financial opportunities right within the app.

USD.AI is making waves by merging decentralized finance (DeFi) with artificial intelligence (AI) through an innovative system that turns stablecoins into loans for Nvidia GPUs. This approach not only channels crypto liquidity into AI infrastructure but also meets the growing demand for crypto credit. It's a significant development that could reshape how businesses access the technology they need, making it easier and more efficient to fund AI projects.

B2C2, a leading institutional liquidity provider, has launched PENNY, a new platform that allows users to swap stablecoins like USDT and USDC across various blockchains without incurring any fees. This innovation is significant as it enhances the accessibility and efficiency of stablecoin transactions, potentially attracting more users to the crypto market and fostering greater liquidity.

Tether's CEO, Paolo Ardoino, recently announced that the stablecoin USDT has reached an impressive milestone of 500 million users globally, which accounts for about 6.25% of the world's population. This significant growth highlights the increasing adoption of cryptocurrencies and the role of stablecoins in the financial ecosystem. With a circulating supply of approximately $182 billion, USDT is becoming a key player in the market, reflecting a growing trust in digital currencies among users.

Tether has minted another 1 billion USDT, which has sparked discussions about the impact of stablecoins on liquidity in the crypto market. This move comes at a pivotal moment as Bitcoin faces challenges in regaining its value after a period of volatility, and altcoins are experiencing significant declines. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for investors and market watchers as they navigate the current landscape.

Gold's recent market cap plunge of $1.75 trillion has ignited discussions about a potential shift of capital into cryptocurrencies. This significant drop, the largest since 2013, has already shown early signs of liquidity moving towards digital assets, with notable inflows into USDT and Bitcoin briefly reaching $114,000. This trend could indicate a growing confidence in cryptocurrencies as an alternative investment, making it a pivotal moment for both investors and the crypto market.

A recent study by TRM Labs highlights a concerning trend: while 99% of stablecoin transactions are legitimate, there is a notable increase in their use for criminal activities. This finding is significant as it raises alarms about the potential for stablecoins to facilitate illicit transactions, which could undermine the integrity of the cryptocurrency market and prompt regulatory scrutiny. Understanding this duality is crucial for stakeholders in the financial and tech sectors as they navigate the evolving landscape of digital currencies.

Coinbase and Ripple have emerged as significant contributors to a major construction initiative at the White House, highlighting the growing influence of cryptocurrency companies in political and infrastructural developments. This initiative not only showcases the financial power of these firms but also their commitment to engaging with government projects, which could pave the way for more collaboration between the crypto industry and public sector.

The Bank of England is raising concerns about the increasing trend of financiers lending to data centers, fearing it could lead to an AI bubble similar to the dot-com crash of the early 2000s. This matters because such a bubble could have significant repercussions for the economy, reminiscent of past financial crises, highlighting the need for careful regulation and oversight in the rapidly evolving AI sector.

Ethereum is experiencing a significant surge in stablecoin usage, with transfers skyrocketing by 400% in just 30 days, totaling $581 billion. This surge indicates growing confidence in the stablecoin market, which now boasts a cap of over $163 billion. Despite a recent dip in Ethereum's value, many traders see this as a prime buying opportunity, suggesting that the market remains optimistic about Ethereum's future.

Recent estimates reveal that China is still a significant player in the Bitcoin mining sector, contributing about 14% of the global hash-rate as of late 2025. This marks a slight increase from the previous quarter, showcasing China's resilience and influence in the cryptocurrency landscape. With an estimated computing power of 145 EH/s, China's role is crucial as the industry evolves, especially in light of technological advancements like Google's recent breakthroughs in quantum computing that could impact Bitcoin's encryption.

JPMorgan is reportedly gearing up to accept Bitcoin and Ether as collateral for loans, marking a significant shift in the banking sector's approach to cryptocurrencies. This move not only reflects the growing acceptance of digital assets in traditional finance but also opens new avenues for crypto investors seeking liquidity. By embracing these cryptocurrencies, JPMorgan is positioning itself at the forefront of financial innovation, potentially attracting a new client base and enhancing its competitive edge.

Bitcoin's recent volatility is showing signs of cooling down as the market braces for a potential short squeeze rally. Following the significant market crash on October 10, traders are caught in uncertainty, unsure if the next move will signal a recovery or further correction. This situation is crucial as it could determine the future trajectory of Bitcoin and influence broader market trends.