VALR Enhances Global Fiat On-Ramp with OpenPayd VALR has partnered with OpenPayd to integrate multi-currency fiat capabilities, enabling users to fund and withdraw in EUR, GBP, and USD. This expansion provides dedicated virtual IBANs for SEPA, Faster Payments, and SWIFT, facilitating efficient global settlement with partners like Circle. The integration consolidates fiat operations, reducing complexity and enhancing reliability for VALR's expanding user base. This move aims to create a more inclusive financial ecosystem by simplifying cross-border transactions.
Apertum Coin ($APTM) Listed on Top Global Exchange WEEX Apertum Coin ($APTM), the native cryptocurrency of the Apertum Layer-1 blockchain, has officially listed on WEEX, a leading global crypto exchange. This strategic listing, announced on November 24th, 2025, aims to broaden access to Apertum's decentralized ecosystem. Apertum Blockchain, launched in early 2025, utilizes Avalanche's subnet technology, offering scalability, security, and EVM compatibility for Web3 applications. Key features include DAO governance and deflationary tokenomics. $APTM is also available on MEXC, BingX, and other exchanges.
DOGE Department Ceases Operations Amidst Crypto Ties and Musk's Departure The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a Trump administration initiative, has reportedly ceased operations eight months ahead of schedule. This premature shutdown coincides with proposed rule changes that could simplify the closure of federal units. The department garnered attention due to its acronym, DOGE, matching the popular Dogecoin. Elon Musk's previous promotion of Dogecoin and a brief crypto surge following the appearance of the Dogecoin logo on the department's website fueled public assumptions. Controversies included lawsuits alleging Musk gained unauthorized access to federal payment systems. Musk's eventual departure from DOGE and a public spat with Trump further complicated the situation. This episode highlights the unpredictable intersections of digital assets and traditional political structures.
JPMorgan Chase Cuts Ties With Strike CEO, Reigniting Crypto Debanking Fears Banking giant JPMorgan Chase has terminated the personal bank accounts of Strike CEO Jack Mallers. Mallers revealed the closure on social media, stating the bank provided no specific reasons beyond vague mentions of "concerning activity" and regulatory compliance. This incident has revived concerns about "Operation Chokepoint 2.0," an alleged coordinated effort to pressure financial institutions into denying services to crypto companies and executives. Industry leaders warn that such actions could stifle innovation and push crypto development outside the U.S.
Bitcoin Faces Longest Losing Streak Since June 2024, Cautious Rebound Amid Fed Shifts Bitcoin is on track for its worst quarterly performance since 2018 with four consecutive weekly losses. However, a recent rebound, fueled by repriced Federal Reserve policy expectations, offers a glimmer of hope. On-chain metrics show resilient underlying demand, with a surge in spot bid-ask delta indicating dip-buying activity. Bitcoin has recovered approximately 6% from its recent low. This aligns with a jump in the odds of a December rate cut to nearly 70%. Despite the cautious optimism, analysts warn of a potential "bull trap" and significant market headwinds, including treasury and ETF underperformance and fears of "sticky inflation." Traders are positioning for downside risk, with a build-up of puts in the $80,000-$85,000 range for December 2025 expiry. Upcoming Federal Reserve decisions on quantitative tightening and interest rates will be pivotal for Bitcoin's trajectory. Experts forecast a potential dip into the mid-$70,000s before a year-end recovery to around $90,000, with a target of $100,000 by Q1 2026.
VanEck CEO Raises Quantum Security Concerns for Bitcoin, Notes Zcash Interest Jan van Eck, CEO of VanEck, has voiced concerns regarding Bitcoin's long-term cryptographic security against quantum computing. Despite this, VanEck views Bitcoin as a current viable investment but is closely monitoring technological advancements. Amid these discussions, privacy-focused tokens like Zcash (ZEC) have seen significant market interest. Meanwhile, van Eck also discussed Bitcoin's market cycles, advising dollar-cost averaging during bear markets.
Bitcoin Market Shows Increased Risk Aversion as Options Skew Widens Matrixport analysis indicates growing risk aversion among Bitcoin investors, highlighted by a widening negative skew in options implied volatility. Short-term skew has shifted significantly from -3.5% to -10.6%, signaling increased hedging activity. Longer-term skew also deteriorated from -0.2% to -1.9%, suggesting pessimism about medium-term risks. Current implied volatility stands at approximately 58%. This indicates market participants are preparing for sustained volatility rather than isolated events.
South Korean Exchanges Face Sanctions for AML Failures South Korean financial authorities are preparing to impose significant sanctions on major cryptocurrency exchanges, including Korbit, Gopax, Bithumb, and Coinone, for failing to meet anti-money laundering (AML) obligations. This follows penalties imposed on Upbit's operator, Dunamu, which previously received a $25 million fine and a three-month suspension for similar deficiencies. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) will proceed with enforcement actions based on the timeline of on-site inspections completed last year. While most cases are progressing, Bithumb's review may see a slight delay. The FIU emphasizes its commitment to enforcing AML regulations and ensuring the integrity of the financial system, signaling a trend towards stricter oversight in the digital asset industry globally.
Barclays: Powell Likely to Drive Fed Rate Cut, Impacting Crypto Barclays research suggests Fed Chair Jerome Powell will likely advocate for a rate cut next month, despite a divided FOMC. This move, if enacted, could lead to increased liquidity in financial markets, potentially creating a bullish environment for cryptocurrencies as investors seek higher returns. Market participants are closely monitoring the Fed's decision and Powell's statements for signals on future monetary policy and its impact on the crypto economy.
NYDIG: Bitcoin Demand Reverses, Long-Term Trajectory Intact Recent market downturns are linked to a reversal in key demand drivers, including ETF inflows and Digital Asset Treasury (DAT) demand. NYDIG's head of research, Greg Cipolaro, notes a shift from inflows to capital flight, though he emphasizes Bitcoin's long-term fundamental trajectory remains strong. Bitcoin dominance is rising during drawdowns as capital consolidates into the leading digital asset. Stablecoin supply has also dipped, signaling liquidity withdrawal. Despite these cyclical shifts, NYDIG believes the "secular story for Bitcoin remains intact" due to growing institutional adoption and its role as a monetary asset.