‍Pharos Network Launches AtlanticOcean Testnet for Global RWA Finance Pharos Network has officially launched its AtlanticOcean Testnet, a significant upgrade designed to facilitate global real-world asset (RWA) flows. This testnet expands the network's infrastructure, enabling institutions and builders to rigorously test RWA transactions across borders in preparation for the mainnet launch. Key enhancements include a 1 billion token supply PoS model, modular architecture, and hybrid parallel execution. Co-founder Wish Wu stated, "AtlanticOcean builds on that success. From here, Pharos goes global." The mainnet launch is planned for Q1 2026.
‍Neon Labs Appoints Ivan Bjelajac as New CEO to Lead Ethereum-Solana Scaling Neon Labs has appointed Ivan Bjelajac, a seasoned Web3 leader with 20 years of experience, as its new Chief Executive Officer. Bjelajac, previously VP of Strategy at Tenderly and involved in Polygon Edge development, will drive technical excellence, Solana research, and commercial focus. Bjelajac stated, "The Neon ecosystem is not just a link between Ethereum and Solana; it’s the missing execution layer for crypto’s next wave of builders." The company aims to scale developer adoption, unlock new use cases for Ethereum assets on Solana, and serve as infrastructure for institutional entry into the Solana ecosystem.
‍QANplatform Joins Blockchain for Europe, Enhancing Quantum-Resistant Security QANplatform, a quantum-resistant Web3 application development platform, has become a member of Blockchain for Europe. This move bolsters the association's efforts to create a secure and future-proof blockchain ecosystem across the EU. Roeland Van der Stappen, Chair of Blockchain for Europe, highlighted QANplatform's "invaluable expertise in post-quantum security" to foster a quantum-safe environment. Johann Polecsak, Co-Founder and CTO of QANplatform, noted the opportunity to build a robust, quantum-safe ecosystem using their adaptable technology. This collaboration strengthens policy discussions and innovation for blockchain within the European Union.
‍Coinbase Acquires Echo for $375M, Hinting at ICO Revival Coinbase has acquired Echo, a platform for community-driven capital raising, for $375 million. Echo has facilitated over $51 million in funding for early-stage projects, including Ethena. This acquisition suggests a potential resurgence of ICO-like models, offering more structured and transparent public fundraising options for startups. Coinbase aims to integrate Echo's tools to enable direct on-chain community participation in investments.
‍BitMEX Cuts Spot Trading Fees by 50% and Introduces Maker Rebates BitMEX has announced a significant overhaul of its Spot trading fee structure, featuring a 50% reduction in trading fees and introducing maker rebates of up to 0.015%. This move aims to reward active traders and enhance platform competitiveness. "This new fee structure is a fundamental shift to reward every trader on our platform," stated CEO Stephan Lutz. BitMEX also highlighted its strong security record and regular publication of Proof of Reserves data.
‍UK Embraces Digital Assets with US-Aligned Stablecoin Rules The UK is set to become a global digital asset leader, aligning stablecoin regulation with US policy. CryptoUK welcomes the Bank of England's November consultation on stablecoin oversight, aiming for regulations by late 2026. Recent moves include the FCA lifting its ban on crypto ETNs, BlackRock launching a Bitcoin ETP, and FCA authorization for fund tokenization via blockchain. These steps signal a proactive, innovation-friendly regulatory environment attracting crypto capital.
‍Superform Upgrades Web App for Simplified DeFi Yield Access Superform, a user-owned neobank, has enhanced its Web App to streamline DeFi yield generation. The platform now offers a one-click experience for earning onchain, consolidating yield discovery, deposits, and performance tracking. Key features include single-click funding, gas fees payable in stablecoins, transparent APY displays, and unified cross-chain portfolio views. Superform's SuperVaults automate yield optimization across numerous protocols, with the SuperUSDC vault currently offering over 9% APY. The platform aims to make onchain earning as effortless as traditional banking while preserving DeFi's transparency and self-custody principles.
‍Bitcoin's $104K Dip: A Healthy Market Reset Bitcoin recently experienced a notable four-day price drop, falling from $115,000 to $104,000. Onchain data suggests this was a "defensive rotation" rather than a market crash, serving as a healthy reset that reduced excess leverage. Open interest fell by approximately 30%, making the market "far less vulnerable to another liquidation cascade." Industry leaders like Samson Mow remain bullish, while Glassnode notes long-term holders are selling to institutional investors and ETFs. Despite some ETF outflows due to geopolitical concerns, the correction appears to indicate a more stable market foundation.
‍Fuse Network Launches First Visa Card for DeFi Yield Spending Fuse Network, in partnership with Solid and Bridge, has unveiled the Solid Card, the first Visa card built directly on the Fuse Network. This innovation allows users to instantly spend yield-bearing balances from their crypto accounts anywhere Visa is accepted. Mark Smargon, CEO of Fuse Network, stated that the Solid Card transforms yield-generating crypto accounts into spendable cash directly from the Fuse blockchain, leveraging its fast and low-cost infrastructure. The card enables users to deposit funds into audited DeFi yield strategies, allowing balances to grow passively. Spending is frictionless, with no manual swaps, lockups, or conversion fees. Bridge, a payments platform, facilitates global money movement using stablecoins, enabling Solid to launch card programs across the US, Latin America, and Africa, with Europe and Asia to follow. Pre-orders for the Virtual Solid Card are open via the Solid app.
‍Bybit Pay and Idram Partner to Expand Crypto Payments in Armenia Bybit Pay, the payment solution from the world’s second-largest crypto exchange, has partnered with Idram, Armenia's leading digital payment provider. This collaboration will allow Bybit Pay users to make QR code payments at over 25,000 points of sale across Armenia. Idram holds over 90% of the QR payment market share in Armenia. The partnership aims to integrate crypto payments into daily life, benefiting both local and international users traveling to Armenia. “This partnership demonstrates Idram’s commitment to innovation and strengthening global connections,” stated Arsene Kdenian, CEO of Idram. Sophie Chen, Head of Marketing at Bybit, added, “Bybit Pay’s expansion to Armenia powered by Idram’s network is another step in building our global reach.”