SoftBank and ARK Invest in discussions to join Tether’s multibillion-dollar funding round

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.

Vanguard, a major player in asset management, is set to allow its brokerage clients to invest in crypto ETFs, marking a significant shift towards institutional acceptance of cryptocurrencies. This move is noteworthy as it reflects a growing trend among traditional financial institutions to embrace digital assets, potentially opening the door for more widespread adoption and innovation in the financial 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.

Plasma's XPL token has made headlines by reaching a remarkable $2.5 billion market cap, largely fueled by its recent partnership with Tether. This surge highlights the growing interest in stablecoin infrastructure among traders, indicating a shift in market dynamics. As stablecoins become more integral to the cryptocurrency ecosystem, Plasma's success could pave the way for further innovations and partnerships in the space.

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.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is currently without a permanent chair, but several pro-crypto candidates are being considered for the position. This is significant as the leadership of the CFTC can greatly influence the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies, impacting both the market and innovation in the sector.

Vanguard is finally considering allowing its customers to trade crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs), a significant shift for the firm known for its cautious stance on digital assets. This change comes after competitors have successfully embraced crypto ETFs, indicating a growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies in traditional finance. As a $10 trillion asset manager, Vanguard's move could open the door for more investors to access the crypto market, potentially reshaping the landscape of investment options available to the public.

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.

Michael Saylor, the CEO of a major corporate Bitcoin holder, recently discussed his views on the cryptocurrency's future during an appearance on CNBC. Despite Bitcoin's recent decline of nearly 5.5%, Saylor remains optimistic, suggesting that it will 'move up smartly again.' This perspective is significant as it reflects the ongoing volatility in the crypto market and the varying opinions among industry leaders about Bitcoin's potential recovery.

Vanguard is considering offering crypto ETF access to its US brokerage clients, which could significantly boost the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies. This move is important as it represents a shift in traditional finance's approach to digital assets, potentially paving the way for more investors to engage with the crypto market.

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.