Plasma reaches $2.5b market cap as markets speculate on Tether connection

SoftBank and Ark Invest are reportedly in talks to join Tether's significant funding round, aiming to raise between $15 billion and $20 billion for a 3% equity stake. This move could elevate Tether's valuation to $500 billion, highlighting the growing interest in stablecoins and their potential impact on the cryptocurrency market. Such investments not only bolster Tether's financial standing but also signal confidence from major players in the future of digital currencies.

Softbank and Cathie Wood's Ark Invest are reportedly among the potential investors in Tether's latest fundraising efforts. This development is significant as it highlights the growing interest from major financial players in the cryptocurrency space, particularly in stablecoins like Tether. Such investments could bolster Tether's position in the market and enhance its credibility, which is crucial for the overall stability of the crypto ecosystem.

SoftBank and ARK Invest are reportedly in talks to participate in Tether's multibillion-dollar funding round, highlighting a growing institutional interest in stablecoins. This move could significantly reshape the crypto landscape and enhance Tether's influence in the market. As more major players consider investing in stablecoins, it signals a shift in how cryptocurrencies are perceived and utilized, potentially leading to greater adoption and innovation in the sector.

A recent report by blockchain analytics firm Elliptic reveals that a network of crypto wallets linked to Russian state entities has facilitated the movement of over $8 billion in digital assets to evade Western sanctions. This alarming development highlights how sanctioned Russian businesses are increasingly relying on stablecoins like Tether's USDT to maintain their operations, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current sanctions and the potential for cryptocurrencies to undermine financial regulations.

XYZVerse is making waves in the crypto world by building a $16 million market cap and a strong community even as the market faces a downturn. With a recent massive liquidation of $1.68 billion in leveraged positions, many investors are looking for stable options, and XYZVerse could be the HODL pick for the upcoming altseason. This resilience not only highlights the project's potential but also offers hope to investors seeking reliable opportunities in a volatile market.

As we approach the fourth quarter of 2025, the crypto market is showing promising signs of growth, particularly in the meme coin sector, which has seen a remarkable 36% increase in market cap over the past year. Stablecoins, gaining popularity, have also experienced significant growth, with their market cap rising from just over $200 billion. This positive trend is further fueled by anticipated legislative changes and potential interest rate cuts, making it an exciting time for investors and enthusiasts alike.

Crypto.com’s Cronos has seen a significant decline, losing over $6 billion, or nearly 50% of its market cap, following a rally driven by news related to Trump. This sharp drop raises concerns within the community about the sustainability of demand for Cronos and the overall stability of the cryptocurrency market. Understanding these fluctuations is crucial for investors and enthusiasts alike, as they reflect broader trends and sentiments in the crypto space.

As we look towards 2025, layer-1 blockchains are solidifying their role as the backbone of the crypto ecosystem. With new regulations for stablecoins being established and tokenized assets making their debut, the resilience and importance of these foundational technologies are becoming increasingly clear. This evolution is crucial as it not only enhances the stability of the crypto market but also paves the way for broader adoption and innovation in the financial landscape.

Aster has taken a proactive step by reimbursing traders affected by a glitch in the XPL perpetual trading system, which inadvertently caused liquidations and sent the price down to $4. This incident highlights the importance of reliability in cryptocurrency trading platforms, especially as Aster's decentralized exchange (DEX) achieved record daily trading volumes exceeding $100 billion. By addressing the issue promptly, Aster not only mitigates potential losses for its users but also reinforces trust in its platform, which is crucial in the volatile world of digital assets.

XRP's price has recently dropped below $2.80, falling to $2.74 after peaking at $2.92. This decline has resulted in a staggering loss of approximately $18 billion in market capitalization. Such significant fluctuations in the cryptocurrency market can impact investor confidence and highlight the volatility inherent in digital assets, making it crucial for investors to stay informed about market trends.

The crypto market is facing significant challenges today, with major currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum experiencing notable declines. Bitcoin has fallen below $110,000, and Ethereum has dropped over 2.5%. Despite this downturn, newer cryptocurrencies such as Plasma, ASTER, and Avantis are managing to attract USD liquidity, indicating that there are still opportunities in the market. This situation is crucial as it highlights the volatility of cryptocurrencies and the potential for emerging players to thrive even in tough conditions.

Cloudflare has launched the Net Dollar, a new stablecoin designed specifically for AI agents. This innovative cryptocurrency aims to facilitate seamless transactions in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, making it easier for businesses and developers to integrate AI solutions. The introduction of the Net Dollar is significant as it highlights the growing intersection of blockchain technology and artificial intelligence, potentially transforming how digital assets are utilized in various sectors.

BounceBit Prime has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing $1.5 billion in cumulative volume, largely thanks to the support from Franklin Templeton's Benji token. This achievement is notable as it reflects growing confidence in the platform, especially with its vault reaching a total value locked of $10 million. Such developments are crucial in the ever-evolving cryptocurrency landscape, indicating a positive trend for investors and users alike.

SoftBank and Ark Invest are reportedly in talks to join Tether's significant funding round, aiming to raise between $15 billion and $20 billion for a 3% equity stake. This move could elevate Tether's valuation to $500 billion, highlighting the growing interest in stablecoins and their potential impact on the cryptocurrency market. Such investments not only bolster Tether's financial standing but also signal confidence from major players in the future of digital currencies.

Cango has successfully mined 141 Bitcoin this week, bringing its total holdings to an impressive 5,708 BTC as of September 26. This achievement is a significant step in their 2025 strategy, showcasing their commitment to expanding their cryptocurrency portfolio. The rise in Bitcoin holdings not only reflects Cango's operational success but also highlights the growing importance of cryptocurrency in the financial landscape.

The UK is embarking on an exciting new chapter in banking and digital payments with the launch of a two-year pilot program for a digital pound. UK Finance, representing over 300 financial institutions, is spearheading this initiative alongside six major banks, including Barclays and HSBC. This pilot aims to test tokenized deposits in pounds, which could revolutionize how we think about money and transactions. It's a significant step towards modernizing the financial landscape and could enhance the efficiency and security of payments in the UK.

SWIFT has launched an exciting blockchain test run with major global banks like BNY Mellon and BNP Paribas, aiming to migrate its core messaging system to ConsenSys' Ethereum layer-2, Linea. This initiative is significant as it showcases the growing adoption of blockchain technology in traditional banking, potentially enhancing transaction efficiency and security. As financial institutions explore innovative solutions, this collaboration could pave the way for a more interconnected and modern banking system.

Bitcoin and several major altcoins are attempting to initiate a recovery, but analysts suggest they may face considerable selling pressure as prices rise. This situation is crucial for investors to monitor, as it could indicate the market's overall health and potential future trends.